The True Meaning of Life Essays - Philosophy, Semantics, Free Essays

The True Meaning of Life Essays - Philosophy, Semantics, Free Essays The True Meaning of Life Hiral Patel November 19, 2014 PHI 100 ONLN3 Professor Donald Knudsen Over the course of years, philosophers have argued about the true meaning of life. Socrates and Plato believe that the meaning of life is knowledge. On the other hand, Epicurus believes that the true meaning of life is pleasure. Even we as humans have different views and beliefs on the meaning of life. Some people find that the American Dream is the true meaning of life. Others agree with Socrates and Plato and believe that education and knowledge are the keys. Some people just define their meanings by they culture. They use their traditions and family beliefs to shape the meaning of their lives. Sometimes, what people do throughout the day helps shape their life. Buying a house, relocating for better jobs, choosing to and not to conceive, all play parts in giving meaning to life. But what is the true meaning of human life? The true meaning of human life is based on culture and daily activities. The meaning of life refers to the importance and the purpose of life. Keeping these two prominent words in mind, life is the actual state of being alive. The meaning of life can be related to religion and culture. Growing up in societies where families are given more importance teaches the future generations that family is the meaning of life. In other cultures, independence is given more importance and the future generations grow up to believe that independence and freedom are the meanings to their life. In India, for example, family and traditions is given more importance than anything else. I have grown up to believe that my family and my culture come before anything else. They come before my friends and before my work. If I lose what defines me as a human being, then I will lose my true meaning of life. I have grown up to believe that my culture plays a main role and decides what my life is. I am merely a puppet who has to follow my cultural beliefs and focus my life on that o nly. Yes, I can get educated, get a job, teach and do whatever I want. But, I still have to give my family and traditions respect and importance. Similarly, all cultures carry their own beliefs that play roles in defining the lives of many individuals. The true meaning of life does not lie behind books increasing our knowledge. It does not lie behind holy books praying and meditating all day. In fact, the true meaning of life is human experiences. People engage in different activities throughout our life. Some people volunteer to help the needy, some play sports, others read and write. There are also few who just want to build their own family. These activities and decisions are what determine the definition of life for people. The true meaning of life is like a mirror, staring right back at people. It surrounds them as they go to work, as they study, as they go about doing their chores. If the mirror breaks, they are breaking their life. Their life has no meaning and is not filled with hope or dreams. All in all, their life is meaningless. Therefore, their life is their mirror. Although there is no transcendent meaning of life, people do believe that their daily life shapes the true meaning of their life. The true meaning of life is self-defined. People themselves define and give meaning to their life rather than philosophers or philosophy. Philosophers and philosophy just help people find their true meaning of life by opening them to different concepts and different forms of thinking. Some people's lives are shaped around their families and their cultures. Their families and cultures come before anything else. This is what they grow up to think and therefore this is what their meanings of life are. On the other hand, more independent and freethinking people do in their daily routines is what shapes their life. Some give importance to their work and are workaholics while others are more into their household duties. There is not just one meaning to life. The meaning of life is based on self-determination

Poekilopleuron - Facts and Figures

Poekilopleuron - Facts and Figures Name: Poekilopleuron (Greek for varied ribs); pronounced POY-kill-oh-PLOOR-on Habitat: Woodlands of western Europe Historical Period: Middle Jurassic (170-165 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 23 feet long and one ton Diet: Meat Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; bipedal posture; relatively long arms About Poekilopleuron Poekilopleuron had the misfortune to be discovered in the early 19th century, at a time when virtually every large theropod was being assigned as a species of Megalosaurus (the first dinosaur ever to be named). An amazing number of famous paleontologists were involved, in one way or another, with this dinosaur: the type species, Poekilopleuron bucklandii, was named after William Buckland; in 1869, Edward Drinker Cope reassigned a now-defunct genus (Laelaps) as Poekilopleuron gallicum; Richard Owen was responsible for Poekilopleuron pusillus, which Cope later changed to Poekilopleuron minor; and later still, Harry Seeley reassigned one of these species to an entirely different genus, Aristosuchus. Amidst this frenzy of Poekilopleuron activity, at least one species of this middle Jurassic dinosaur was assigned to Megalosaurus, though most paleontologists continued to refer to Poekilopleuron by its original genus name. Adding to the confusion, the original skeleton of Poekilopleuron (Greek for varied ribs)which stood out for its complete set of gastralia, or ribs, a rarely preserved feature of dinosaur fossilswas destroyed in France during World War II, so paleontologists have since had to make do with plaster replicas (a similar situation prevails with the much bigger meat-eating dinosaur Spinosaurus, whose type fossil was destroyed in Germany). Long story short: Poekilopleuron may or may not have been the same dinosaur as Megalosaurus, and if it wasnt, it was a very close relative!

The Impact of Mediation in Business Decisions Research Proposal

The Impact of Mediation in Business Decisions - Research Proposal Example Disputes may arise among employees, or labor union disputes against the company due to issues such as retrenchment, promotions, rewards, pay rise among a host of other problems. In these cases, conflict resolution is sought to settle the problems. There are several channels followed by different companies in making compromises in decision making including litigation, negotiation, mediation and arbitration. It is clear that more and more businesses are finding litigation a less popular option, and are seeking to adopt other channels. While mediation is quite efficient in making sound business decisions, few businesses make the decision to take it. It is thus imperative that considerable wealth of information needs to be generated on mediation, based on case studies. This will involve studying the mediation decision in terms of evidential reasoning, risk analysis, knowledge of what the decision entails and finally the impact of the decision on the business. Did mediation solve the prob lem or deadlock in decision making to the company’s satisfaction? This research will analyze mediation in all these areas with a bid to conclude on whether the decision to undertake it is satisfying in comparison to other methods. Thus, this research is particularly synchronous with Manchester Business School’s focus on addressing the issues affecting business leaders across the world. Under MBS, this research falls in the division for Decision analysis, support and risk management. Specifically, it will harmoniously integrate within the Decision and Cognitive Sciences Research Centre (DCS), where the decision to undertake mediation by businesses will be studied in terms of evidential reasoning, risk analysis, and impacts. LITERATURE REVIEW Business disputes are usually settled through several ways which can be broadly categorized into two; litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Litigation involves visiting law courts to have the dispute settled by a judge whil e alternative methods include negotiation, arbitration, mediation and arbitration. There is compelling evidence that the decision to take alternative dispute resolution methods over litigation is a wise one especially in terms of two very important things; time and cost savings (Paul 1). Other benefits include the fact that both parties conscript the services of neutral expertise (National Arbitration Forum 4). Alternative dispute resolutions also bring about flexibility which is absent in litigation. This is through innovation and ingenuity in the processes involved in a fashion that a court may not undertake (5). Amicability, confidentiality and party representation are also other benefits over litigation (6). One of the main setbacks to these methods of resolution is the compromise involved, which may be counteractive. The other disadvantage is that the lack of public scrutiny (Spangler, 2003). To disambiguate among the various strategies used in alternative dispute resolution is important since several business leaders are largely ignorant on the different concepts. First, mediation differs from arbitration in terms of the fact that arbitration is an adjudicative process that involves hiring an adjudicator to hear out the dispute and make a decision that is usually enforceable in court. In mediation however, the mediator does not make a decision for the parties, while another difference is that mediation is a voluntary process with nonbinding agreements (Shakman et al, 2001). Among the methods involved in alternative dispute resolution, it has been found that most businesses decide to use arbitration and negotiation over mediation, despite of much

Is Hamlet insane or merely pretending insanity Why Essay

Is Hamlet insane or merely pretending insanity Why - Essay Example The ambience is eerie and unnerving. The appearance of the ghost makes it even more mysterious and intense. In such a context it is difficult to maintain composure and remain sane and more so for a prince. A question about Hamlet’s insanity may be put in the mind of the audience due to the appearance of the ghost and Hamlet’s speaking to it. But it is offset by the earlier appearance of the same ghost in Elsinore, after the stroke of twelve, in front of Horatio, Bernardo and Marcellus and vanishing by the sound of the morning cock. Thus Hamlet is not uniquely mad to have witnessed the visitations of the ghost of his father. However as the play progresses, we come to know clearly that Hamlet is not mad. He has planned to feign madness in order to convince his enemy that he is unaware of the truth about his father’s foul murder by his uncle. In the beginning Hamlet is distressed and says: â€Å"O God! O God! How weary, stale and unprofitable seem to me all the use s of the worlds.† He seems to be undergoing tremendous depression. In Elizabethan age, hallucinations were often associated with acute depression. Thus, in the beginning, it might seem that out protagonist is going through a period of deep depression of un-proportionate amount and this justifies the visions of the ghost. This type of thought was prevalent in the Elizabethan era. The unexpected death of his father and the almost instant re-marriage of his mother to his uncle were causes good enough to cause mental and emotional instability and unhinge his mind. Instead we see that despite his deep grief, he immediately transforms into his own, normal, commanding self when the players enter: â€Å"You are welcome, masters; welcome, all. I am glad to see thee well.† Hamlet in fact can be viewed to possess an extremely logical and cunning mind. He himself is not sure about the truthfulness of the ghost’s pronouncements. To ensure that it is not a trap laid by an evil spirit, he plans to write a play about the truth that he believes about his father’s death and plans to play it in front of the King and the Queen. He also warns his close friend Horatio and asks him not to be alarmed at his â€Å"antic disposition†. He sets the trap and during the play he sets his eyes on his uncle to follow his reactions as the play unfolds. He hurriedly leaves. Hamlet is convinced and starts planning his next steps. Hamlet plays the role of his contrived madness very convincingly. Ophelia thinks that he has been â€Å"loosed out of hell. To speak of horrors he comes before me.† Polonius is also convinced that Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia: â€Å"He knew me not at first; he said I was a fishmonger; he is far gone, far gone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Hamlet is so clever that he even convinces his mother Queen Gertrude: â€Å"Alas how is’t with you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The queen’s suspicion is even more aggravated when Hamlet again experienc es his father’s visitations in front of his mother. He also speaks to it and this convinces the queen that his son is â€Å"mad as the sea and wind†. In fact Hamlet’s manifestations of madness changes according to the persons he is which. He feigns madness in front of Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. But in front of Horatio, Bernardo, Francisco and the Actors in the play, he acts normally. However Polonius says that: â€Å"actions although strange, do not appear to stem from madness. Polonius

Pros of British Imperialism in Africa Essay Example for Free

Pros of British Imperialism in Africa Essay The British colonized Africa from Egypt in the north to South Africa. Extension of a nation’s power through conquering overseas territory, know as imperialism had several motivations. Nationalism urged the nations of Europe to conquer land overseas. Having colonies was seen as a matter on national prestige, it was a symbol of the nation’s greatness. Lands in Africa, rich in raw materials and markets, were seen as economic opportunities for the European nations. Along with the rest of Europe Britain participated in the Scramble for Africa. The biggest urge to colonize was brought on by the economic benefits that the colonies would bring. Africa was seen as a major source of possible income, with its’ raw materials and markets for European manufactured goods. Around the 19th century, as the interest in slave trade declined other forms of trade became increasingly interesting, European powers continued to seek income. The Westerners had a keen interest in Africas natural resources such as animal hides, palm oil, peanuts, rubber, timber, and tin. The growing European presence led to increasing tensions in the region. British colonization of Africa began in 1874. British imperialism started with the annexing of the west costal states (which became the Gold Coast colony) and establishing a protectorate in Nigeria. Around 1914, the Scramble for Africa had ended; Britain was in charge of a huge part of the continent. Britain controlled Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, Bechuanaland, British East Africa, British Somalia, Egypt, Gambia, Gold Coast, Nigeria, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, Pemba, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Southern Rhodesia, Uganda, Union of South Africa, Walvis Bay, and Zanzibar. The size of the British reign over Africa was greater than that of any other nations. An aspiration of the British was to stretch a telegraph line from their northern colonies to their southernmost ones. Cecil Rhodes, a successful British businessman, can be credited for the vastness of the British control in Africa. One of his ambitions was to create a series of British colonies from Cape Town to Cairo, all connected by a railroad. In fact, Cecil Rhodes was partially responsible for sparking the Boer War which lasted from 1899 to 1902. Soon after, the British government made Rhodes to resign from his post as head of Cape Colony. Ultimately, his goal was to gain as much territory in Africa as possible for the British. Not only did imperialism provide the colonizing country with profit, the colonized lands and people also benefited from it. Western nations brought useful innovations and improvements to the people’s lives. Some of the technological advances were telegraphs, railroads, and telephones. More importantly, stable government systems, Western education, hospitals, were introduced to the colonized lands to improve the overall living standards. The British were able to bring these innovations to the continent of Africa and help the nations under their imperialistic rule. Imperialism is the extension of a nation’s power over other lands. A nation with colonies was viewed as superior to those without; it was able to sustain its’ place amongst the leading powers. Imperialism allowed a country to control faraway lands, rich in natural resources and local markets, and profit economically. Imperialism was beneficial not only to the imperialistic nation, but the colony as well.

Childhood, Politics, and Satire in The Child in Time Essay -- The Chil

Childhood, Politics, and Satire in The Child in Time    For most children there is a strong desire never to grow up. This ‘Peter Pan’ complex has a large impact on most children and therefore very many adults later in life. Many of the images in The Child in Time are related to this desire, and the title is possibly directly related to the concept.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kate is the first example of this eternal youth. She is not killed by any significant event - she does not succumb to a disease nor is she struck my an unfortunate accident - instead, during what would be a completely standard and banal trip to the supermarket she is abducted. There is not really a feeling that she has been lost for a reason; she disappears without notice or any provocation. Kate achieves this dream - the desire to be a child always, and it is as she, where others had not been so fortunate, had managed to wish hard enough to allow childhood to surrounded her so completely that she could not be touched by the exterior world. Kate becomes a child forever, as the title suggests, she exists as much, or more, as a ‘child in time’ as an actual person, living and growing. To Stephen she will always be the child she was when he last saw her, and her only growth can be achieved by superimposing on her personality a ste reotyped caricature of what a child her age would be - a child hoping for a walkie-talkie set for her birthday - without her own eccentricities, or personal characteristics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Stephen tries to recapture Kate, in the scene in the primary school, he too is overwhelmed by childhood. Without thinking he is drawn into a lesson and becomes a stereotyped student until he is able to break out of this strange reality and return to ... ...f Nuclear apocalypse without moving, except for another drink. He does seem actively very eager not to address his unhappiness at Kate’s abduction, even to the lengths that he takes up Arabic and Tennis. Both Tennis and Arabic, however, seem associated with youth - tennis as a game played whilst still young, and active - though Stephen finds he is not really active enough to play; and Arabic, which he views as to be learnt in a very scholastic manner - he calls his tutor be his surname, and does not speak to him about anything but the lesson at hand.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   McEwan portrays childhood as a very powerful and important force, and The Child In Time focuses on someone for whom this is especially potent. He seems to try to highlight different views of childhood, through time and between political theories, using The Child In Time as a reasonable successful satire.

Computer Virus and World Wide Web Essay

1. Workstation and desktop devices are prone to viruses, malware, and malicious software, especially if the user surfs the Internet and World Wide Web. Given that users connect to the Internet and World Wide Web, what security countermeasures can organizations implement to help mitigate the risk from viruses, malware, and malicious software? Organizations can restrict specific sites, key words like blogs, mirror sites and such. Organizations can also make sure specific ports are shut down; this can prevent back doors when accessing a site. There are a lot of web sites out there that do not need accessibility, especially for a work environment. 2. Your employees e-mail file attachments to each other and externally through the organization’s firewall and Internet connection. What security countermeasures can you implement to help mitigate the risk of rouge e-mail attachments and URL Web links? The basic step would be to not allow hyperlinks to automatically work when in an e-mail. Some times when a link is in a user can click and it will automatically launch it. Another step would be for the e-mail to have the user’s signature. This is usually verified through the user’s machine, for example in the military we have a Common Access Card. This card is a form of identification on multiple levels, in order for you to access your e-mail you need to log in with your CAC and enter your pin. When you send an –mail it has a signature on it based on the code in your CAC, this way the person receiving the e-mail knows it is from you. Another way of doing it is by having public keys and private keys, this way both users know it is from the individual. 3. Why is it recommended to do an antivirus signature file update before performing an antivirus scan on your computer?  From what the lab showed me and from my understanding it is because the scan will not scan encrypted files. The signature file would have been able to pick it up and it would work in tangent with the scan. 4. Once a malicious file is found on your computer, what are the default settings for USB/removable device scanning? What should organizations do regarding use of USB hard drives and slots on existing computers and devices? Some devices have serial numbers associated with them, and this string is optional. This is defaulted with thumb drives, USB hard drives and PDAs. Most scanning and tracking details would be of most use with the USB mass storage devices. Organizations should immediately remove the AUTO run feature! This is basic in the military, any one would be able to come in and throw a thumb drive and automatically run whatever it is on it making it a vulnerability. 5. If you find a suspect executable and wish to perform â€Å"dynamic analysis† what does that mean? Dynamic analysis is the testing and evaluation of a program by executing data in real-time. The objective is to find errors in a program while it is running, rather than by repeatedly examining the code offline 6. What is a malware and malicious code sandbox? This can be potentially dangerous but it is looked like as a sandbox. This is by running the virus, preferably in a machine with limited access to a network and something that isn’t much of a use and executing the virus in real time. This way you can debug the virus and see what is it doing so you can detected and prevent it. 7. What are typical indicators that your computer system is compromised? It is slow, everything you do takes a lot longer to perform. You are missing data, your peripherals are not responding or they are performing automatic actions. Your computer starts up during odd hours and it is used as a zombie computer. You have additional items on your browser, you have an entirely different browsers, items are opening up and there are a lot of pop ups. 8. Where does AVG Business Edition 2012 place viruses, Trojans, worms, and other malicious software when it finds them? According to the lab it is quarantined, it is isolated and then removed by the user’s request. I am assuming it is then directed to the AVG corporations for further analysis fir updates.