Rationalism and Empiricism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Rationalism and Empiricism - Essay Example Empiricism after Hume’s philosophy, however, requires an a posteriori knowledge apart from analytical endeavor for such theory posits that matters of fact in the world may only be ascertained by perceiving through the senses. In the light of an empirical attempt for one to obtain certainty with truths that may be contingent, Hume necessitates engagement with observations wherein an observer becomes capable of designating philosophical connections with contiguity and identity of objects [2]. _____________________ 1. â€Å"Rationalism – Rene Descartes.† 2012. Web. http://science.jrank.org/pages/10983/Rationalism-Ren-Descartes.html. 2. Harrison-Barbet, Anthony. â€Å"Philosophical Connections: Hume (1711-76).† 2011. Web. http://www.philosophos.com/philosophical_connections/profile_068.html. A rationalist like Descartes proposes that the knowledge we may acquire is derived from the ideas that are intrinsic by nature. As such, the mathematical knowledge that th e sum of all three angles in any triangle is always equal to 180 degrees is an innate conception that is part of a universal set of absolute truths the discovery of which is made by reasoning. It is believed under the argument of Descartes that since genuine knowledge is inborn, God has created the natural laws for this knowledge to constitute our mental faculties inherently. The rationalist thereby goes on to state – â€Å"there is no single one we cannot understand if our mind proceeds to consider it† for the things conceived already exist as they are and are brought to cognition only to reveal their proofs yet to be unfolded in the absence of regard for senses [3]. On the contrary, nevertheless, an empiricist like Hume maintains that beliefs regarding matters of fact, hence, determine genuine progress for explicating that no self-evident relation exists when ideas bear apparent distinctions and separability within their number. For Hume, we possess no knowledge of s uch factual matters since connections in beliefs presupposed by cause and effect can only be yielded at after experiencing cases with similar characteristics that not even inferential validity of previous encounters would do alone to make adequate explications of these same beliefs [4]. What –ism seems to be stronger   in your mind and why? What are the arguments for and against Rationalism and Empiricism? Descartes is suspicious of the senses because for him, in order to fathom a significant truth, one must doubt all perceived knowledge. Since preconceptions are normally acquired by _________________ 3. â€Å"Descartes – The Rationalist.† 2012. Web. http://www.creatorix.com.au/philosophy/11/11f09.html. 4. Kemerling, Garth. â€Å"Hume: Empiricist Naturalism.† 12 Nov 2011. Web. http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/a5.htm#a-pr. the senses then these senses should be subject to scepticism as well. Once the intellect has been purged of its old content with the attached senses by the method of doubt, only then can scepticism be defeated on its own ground in the process of rebuilding knowledge upon pure cognition that enables a rational person to yield to clarity and distinction of ideas. On the other hand, Hume suspects reasoning on the

Addiction and Native Americans Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Addiction and Native Americans - Research Paper Example Reports by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2001 to 2005 indicate that 11.7% of Native American and Alaska Natives are alcohol-related; in the general population, only about 3.3% is credited to alcohol deaths (Associated Press, 2008). Deaths among Native Americans were mostly due to traffic accidents, alcoholic liver disease, homicide, suicide, injuries, and falls. Alcohol-abuse is also a risk factor in some of the common illnesses found among Native Americans and Alaska Natives like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and colon cancer (Associated Press, 2008). A great percentage (66%) of alcohol-abusers among the native population was below 50 years of age. Drug use and abuse is also increasing in the Native American population with methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine use rapidly increasing in the past several years. The Public Broadcasting Service (as cited by Tarzana Treatment Centers, 2009) revealed that Native Americans are five times more likely (as compared to whites) to die from alcohol-related causes with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis being among the top six leading causes of death among Native Americans. These diseases do not even belong to the top 10 causes of deaths among the whites (Tarzana Treatment Centers, 2009). This study released by the Associated Press points out the importance of culturally appropriate interventions for alcoholism and alcohol-related health problems among the Native American population. These statistical figures paint a grim picture on alcohol and drug use and abuse and the related problems that come with such abuse. They also present challenges for the health care professionals and government officials in addressing this problem. Alcohol and drug abuse among the Native Americans has to be understood and studied in their historical context. Their history has been riddled with violence, poverty, discrimination, and abuse from the dominant White population in America. As a result,