Post by nolanharris on May 13, 2015 20:41:27 GMT
TWO ESSAY QUESTIONS REQUIRED:
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
Understanding physics and the general rules of the universe is so important in doing philosophy because the information it gives provides some of the best explanations for life, such as how and why life exists. By understanding physics and how the universe operates, philosophers can affirm or refute some of the most popular theories about human existence. For example, famed philosopher Heroclytis used physics and the general rules of the universe to challenge the notion of change. According to the documentary History Of Western Philosophy Part ⅓, Heroclytis was convinced that fire was the basic substance from which the universe was derived, believing that fire lived the death of earth, air lived the death of fire, water lived the death of air and earth lived the death of water. As a result of this belief, he discovered the paradox of change and concluded that it was nothing more than an illusion. Like many other philosophers, including the one in the book Is the Universe Really Made Out of Rubber Bands?, Heroclytis looked to the general rules of the universe and physics because it offered the most accurate, precise answers.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it. Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 150 words. Place your answers on your website and also on the class forum.
Eliminative materialism is the belief that all things can be explained logically from academic disciplines. The belief is essentially this: if one disciple cannot provide the answer, then another one can. By eliminating many myths and folktales, this type of thinking has played a pivotal role in the advancement of many civilizations. For instance, as the short film Eliminative Materialism: The Death of Thor, PART TWO points out, because of this way of thinking, most people know that bacteria is the likely cause of diseases, not angry spirits--which, as one can imagine, has saved an innumerable amount of lives. Likewise, most people are aware that it is the central nervous system, not ghosts or other invisible entities, that is likely the culprit of pulled muscles. Today, despite the academic evidence that supports the contrary, many people still believe certain myths and folktales to be true. For example, some people believe that comets, or shooting stars, are missiles God uses to shoot at devil; that mental disorders such Multiple Personality Disorder are really demon possession; and that the earth is square.
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
Understanding physics and the general rules of the universe is so important in doing philosophy because the information it gives provides some of the best explanations for life, such as how and why life exists. By understanding physics and how the universe operates, philosophers can affirm or refute some of the most popular theories about human existence. For example, famed philosopher Heroclytis used physics and the general rules of the universe to challenge the notion of change. According to the documentary History Of Western Philosophy Part ⅓, Heroclytis was convinced that fire was the basic substance from which the universe was derived, believing that fire lived the death of earth, air lived the death of fire, water lived the death of air and earth lived the death of water. As a result of this belief, he discovered the paradox of change and concluded that it was nothing more than an illusion. Like many other philosophers, including the one in the book Is the Universe Really Made Out of Rubber Bands?, Heroclytis looked to the general rules of the universe and physics because it offered the most accurate, precise answers.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it. Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 150 words. Place your answers on your website and also on the class forum.
Eliminative materialism is the belief that all things can be explained logically from academic disciplines. The belief is essentially this: if one disciple cannot provide the answer, then another one can. By eliminating many myths and folktales, this type of thinking has played a pivotal role in the advancement of many civilizations. For instance, as the short film Eliminative Materialism: The Death of Thor, PART TWO points out, because of this way of thinking, most people know that bacteria is the likely cause of diseases, not angry spirits--which, as one can imagine, has saved an innumerable amount of lives. Likewise, most people are aware that it is the central nervous system, not ghosts or other invisible entities, that is likely the culprit of pulled muscles. Today, despite the academic evidence that supports the contrary, many people still believe certain myths and folktales to be true. For example, some people believe that comets, or shooting stars, are missiles God uses to shoot at devil; that mental disorders such Multiple Personality Disorder are really demon possession; and that the earth is square.