Aristotle's four causes: material, formal, efficient and final causes basically are the different ways the question "why" is answered.
Aristotle's four causes theory maintains that all the causes can be grouped into several divisions. These divisions are based on the ways in which the question "why" is answered. The account of causes are based on the fundamental principles or general laws wherein the whole is simply the sum of its parts.
According to Aristotle, the major kinds of causes fall under four divisions:
Material cause
Formal cause
Efficient cause
Final cause
First Cause - Material Cause
This is the first cause. Material cause pertains to the physical cause of an object. The Material Cause therefore occurs because of the parts, constituents or materials. The explanation of causes is derived from its parts such as factors, elements, constituents, ingredients, forming the whole.
Aristotle cites bronze and silver as examples of material cause. These elements are the causes of a statue. Therefore, one needs bronze in order to produce a bronze statue. The bronze is subject of change because it undergoes changes in order to result in a statue. The changes the bronze undergo include being melted and put in a wax cast to be shaped into the desired form of a statue.
Second Cause - Formal Cause
The second cause according to Aristotle is the formal cause. This cause pertains to the essence or "pattern" of something. The Formal Cause simply points out to what a thing is. It identifies the thing.
For instance, the formal cause of a statue is what it is. In order for a thing to be labeled as a statue it must have the following characteristics: a head, small size, shaped into a person or goddess. These characteristics explain the production of the statue which are referred to as the formal cause.
Third Cause - Efficient Cause
The third type of causation is the Efficient Cause. Efficient cause explains something at the point at which change occurs. Aristotle said that “Efficient cause is “the primary source of change.”
The Efficient Cause is that from which the change was introduced. It includes all factors of change whether nonliving or living. For instance, in the making of a bronze statue, the efficient cause of the statue is the sculptor.
This is because the sculptor introduces the changes to the bronze in order to turn it into a statue. But there is an in-depth explanation to the efficient cause or the principle that produces the statue.
Aristotle believes that the bronze statue is not just a handiwork of a sculptor but more importantly the real efficient cause is the art of bronze-casting the statue. The artisan merely shows his knowledge in creating a statue. The knowledge then, not the artisan, is the real efficient cause.
Fourth Cause - Final Cause
This cause explains the cause of something based on the reason why it is made. According to Aristotle, final cause is “the end (telos), that for the sake of which a thing is done.”
The final cause or telos is the cause why a thing exists. It is the conceived end the thing must serve. For instance, in the bronze statue example, the final cause of a statue is for portrayal of a goddess or for decorative purposes.
The different stages to make a bronze statue are done to attain a desired end which is, in this instance, the creation of a statue. Each step of the artistic production leads to the final cause or the reason to which the steps are done which is the bronze statue.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
What is Cartesian Dualism
*Rene Descartes forwarded the idea that the mind and body are separate and distinct. The mind is capable of thinking while the body is not.
The concept of dualism is not new in psychology. It is an accepted concept in ancient Greece. Its relevance goes beyond ancient Greece as this concept was in the Bible, thousands of years before Greece came to exist. The ancient scriptures in the first book Genesis say that mankind was created in God’s image and Adam was breathed with the spirit before he became alive.
Biblical Basis of Dualism
From this line in Genesis, one can conclude that Adam was not totally made of a physical body but more importantly, a spirit breathed by God to him. That without this spirit, Adam would not be alive. This is the basic premise held by religious believers behind their belief that the body merely housed the spirit.
Plato and Aristotle had touched on the mind-body link. They pointed out that the human mind or soul could not be part of the physical body. But it was Rene Descartes that discussed this concept in detail. In his arguments and explanations, he called this mind-body link dualism.
Descartes’ famous saying summed up the dualism concept “cogito ergo sum,” “I reflect therefore I am.” Descartes believed that the immaterial mind and the material body are two completely different things. They are not one. That is why they function differently. They can only interact with each other but not be one.
Mind and Body as Distinct and Separate
Rene Descartes argued that the mind and body are distinct and separate. This is the first point of Cartesian Dualism. According to Cartesian thought, man looks upon his world as a direct reflection of him, his values, beliefs, experiences, conditions and development. Being a rationalist, Descartes believes that clarity of perceptions of intellect is the best way to gain knowledge. The information derived from the senses merely helps us to live in a practical manner.
In Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes explored his beliefs by starting with doubting or questioning his own beliefs so he could arrive at what he thought is certain. In this experiment, he pointed out the fact that he could doubt if he had a body by convincing himself and thinking that he could either be dreaming of it or it is an illusion created by evil, but he could never question the reality of his mind.
This served as the first basis for his theory that mind and body are totally different. The mind is conscious and self-aware unlike the brain, which is the seat of intelligence. The brain is part of the physical body but the mind or the spirit is not. The mind interacts with the physical body through the brain, more specifically, through the pineal gland in the middle of the two hemispheres of the brain.
In Meditation VI Descartes stated: “I have a clear and distinct idea of myself as a thinking, non-extended thing, and a clear and distinct idea of body as an extended and non-thinking thing. Whatever I can conceive clearly and distinctly, God can so create.”
The body could be divided up by removing a leg or arm, but the mind or soul is indivisible. The mind is not only indivisible but also invisible and immortal. The body is the exact opposite being visible, mortal and divisible. The mind in Descartes explanation is a “thinking thing” (lat. res cogitans) and immaterial. This “thing” is capable of doubting, believing, hoping and thinking on its own.
The concept of dualism is not new in psychology. It is an accepted concept in ancient Greece. Its relevance goes beyond ancient Greece as this concept was in the Bible, thousands of years before Greece came to exist. The ancient scriptures in the first book Genesis say that mankind was created in God’s image and Adam was breathed with the spirit before he became alive.
Biblical Basis of Dualism
From this line in Genesis, one can conclude that Adam was not totally made of a physical body but more importantly, a spirit breathed by God to him. That without this spirit, Adam would not be alive. This is the basic premise held by religious believers behind their belief that the body merely housed the spirit.
Plato and Aristotle had touched on the mind-body link. They pointed out that the human mind or soul could not be part of the physical body. But it was Rene Descartes that discussed this concept in detail. In his arguments and explanations, he called this mind-body link dualism.
Descartes’ famous saying summed up the dualism concept “cogito ergo sum,” “I reflect therefore I am.” Descartes believed that the immaterial mind and the material body are two completely different things. They are not one. That is why they function differently. They can only interact with each other but not be one.
Mind and Body as Distinct and Separate
Rene Descartes argued that the mind and body are distinct and separate. This is the first point of Cartesian Dualism. According to Cartesian thought, man looks upon his world as a direct reflection of him, his values, beliefs, experiences, conditions and development. Being a rationalist, Descartes believes that clarity of perceptions of intellect is the best way to gain knowledge. The information derived from the senses merely helps us to live in a practical manner.
In Meditations on First Philosophy, Descartes explored his beliefs by starting with doubting or questioning his own beliefs so he could arrive at what he thought is certain. In this experiment, he pointed out the fact that he could doubt if he had a body by convincing himself and thinking that he could either be dreaming of it or it is an illusion created by evil, but he could never question the reality of his mind.
This served as the first basis for his theory that mind and body are totally different. The mind is conscious and self-aware unlike the brain, which is the seat of intelligence. The brain is part of the physical body but the mind or the spirit is not. The mind interacts with the physical body through the brain, more specifically, through the pineal gland in the middle of the two hemispheres of the brain.
In Meditation VI Descartes stated: “I have a clear and distinct idea of myself as a thinking, non-extended thing, and a clear and distinct idea of body as an extended and non-thinking thing. Whatever I can conceive clearly and distinctly, God can so create.”
The body could be divided up by removing a leg or arm, but the mind or soul is indivisible. The mind is not only indivisible but also invisible and immortal. The body is the exact opposite being visible, mortal and divisible. The mind in Descartes explanation is a “thinking thing” (lat. res cogitans) and immaterial. This “thing” is capable of doubting, believing, hoping and thinking on its own.
Life and Works of Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky
Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky is one of the most widely-known composers. His works are still being played to this day.
Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky was born and raised at Oranienbaum on the Gulf of Finland on 5 June 1882 (O.S.) or 17 June (N.S.). His father wanted him to pursue law so he enrolled in the course. The strong attraction to music though took him back to his roots. He composed piano pieces. His musical abilities were further honed through the able guidance of Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the famed Russian Five.
Stravinsky befriended Rimsky-Korsakov's son. He spent a lot of his time composing on his own. At that time he was taking private lessons in harmony and planned to enroll in the Russian Conservatory. Fate decided to step in when he met Rimsky-Korsakov, the head of the Conservatory.
Never the one to withhold help to a true artist and seeing the promise the young man showed, Rimsky-Korsakov volunteered to teach Stravinsky himself. Stravinsky, of course, jumped at the rare opportunity.
At the conservatory, Rimsky-Korsakov required his students to perform their works. Stravinsky chose his composition called Fireworks. His music caught the attention and impressed Sergei Diaghilev. He believed Stravinsky would be the ideal person to compose ballet music for his Russian Ballet. Diaghilev commissioned his three famous works The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring.
When war broke out, Igor Stravinsky and his family left for Switzerland. When the war ended, he realized he was too far from the important music centers in Europe. In 1920, he moved to France.
The French Composer in France
Diaghilev passed away on 19 August 1929 leading to the disbandment of the Russian Ballet. Stravinsky felt disassociated to his native land due to this. He had not step foot in Russia for the past fifteen years since he left in 1914. He managed to become one of the leading musical figures in France though. Besides, Diaghilev's troupe was based in Paris, and most of Stravinsky's works had their premières in Paris.
Despite his popularity in France, he felt unappreciated. He was commissioned to compose only one work called Persephone which was to be presented in France under Ida Rubinstein and her company. The Americans and the Germans showed more interest in his works than French. He received positive reviews on his compositions from the former countries compared to France.
Success in Europe
Stravinsky played the solo part of his composition Capriccio on its first performance at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, on 6 December 1929. It received much acclaim. The demand for his services grew quickly. The next five years saw Stravinsky performing in a number of Europe's key cities.
It was during this time of his where his works met much success and acclaim that he was commissioned by his dear friend Koussevitzky, who became the permanent conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to compose a symphonic work to mark their fiftieth concert season in 1930. He composed the Symphony of Psalms.
Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky was born and raised at Oranienbaum on the Gulf of Finland on 5 June 1882 (O.S.) or 17 June (N.S.). His father wanted him to pursue law so he enrolled in the course. The strong attraction to music though took him back to his roots. He composed piano pieces. His musical abilities were further honed through the able guidance of Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the famed Russian Five.
Stravinsky befriended Rimsky-Korsakov's son. He spent a lot of his time composing on his own. At that time he was taking private lessons in harmony and planned to enroll in the Russian Conservatory. Fate decided to step in when he met Rimsky-Korsakov, the head of the Conservatory.
Never the one to withhold help to a true artist and seeing the promise the young man showed, Rimsky-Korsakov volunteered to teach Stravinsky himself. Stravinsky, of course, jumped at the rare opportunity.
At the conservatory, Rimsky-Korsakov required his students to perform their works. Stravinsky chose his composition called Fireworks. His music caught the attention and impressed Sergei Diaghilev. He believed Stravinsky would be the ideal person to compose ballet music for his Russian Ballet. Diaghilev commissioned his three famous works The Firebird, Petrushka, The Rite of Spring.
When war broke out, Igor Stravinsky and his family left for Switzerland. When the war ended, he realized he was too far from the important music centers in Europe. In 1920, he moved to France.
The French Composer in France
Diaghilev passed away on 19 August 1929 leading to the disbandment of the Russian Ballet. Stravinsky felt disassociated to his native land due to this. He had not step foot in Russia for the past fifteen years since he left in 1914. He managed to become one of the leading musical figures in France though. Besides, Diaghilev's troupe was based in Paris, and most of Stravinsky's works had their premières in Paris.
Despite his popularity in France, he felt unappreciated. He was commissioned to compose only one work called Persephone which was to be presented in France under Ida Rubinstein and her company. The Americans and the Germans showed more interest in his works than French. He received positive reviews on his compositions from the former countries compared to France.
Success in Europe
Stravinsky played the solo part of his composition Capriccio on its first performance at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, on 6 December 1929. It received much acclaim. The demand for his services grew quickly. The next five years saw Stravinsky performing in a number of Europe's key cities.
It was during this time of his where his works met much success and acclaim that he was commissioned by his dear friend Koussevitzky, who became the permanent conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to compose a symphonic work to mark their fiftieth concert season in 1930. He composed the Symphony of Psalms.
Little Rock Arkansas Travel
Little Rock is the capital city of the state of Arkansas. It is situated in the banks of Arkansas River. It has a thriving population of around 200,000. Little Rock Arkansas is the commercial, tourist and government center of the state.
Tourist Attractions
These are the attractions in Little Rock which you should not miss:
1. William J. Clinton Presidential Library – this library was opened to the public in 2004. It is used for research and policy. It also commemorates the eight years President Clinton served in the While House.
2. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- performances by famous actors and actresses are provided in the theatre.
Le Petite Roche – this French words literally mean "Little Rock." It is situated in the Riverfront Park.
3. River Market District – the market opens from May through October at 7am. Some restaurants and specialty shops are open for breakfast. You can have a breakfast to go as you sit near the Arkansas River.
The River Market District was used to be an old warehouse district. It now provides several shops, restaurants, bars and others.
5. The Governor's Mansion – this is a colonial mansion at 1800 Center Street.
6. The Capitol Buildings – check out the two capitol buildings – Old Statehouse which is converted to a museum and the new Capitol Building. Tours are permitted here.
7. The Quapaw Quarter – you can see a number of interesting residences in this 9 square mile area. It has the Governor’s Mansion, MacArthur Park and the oldest parts of the city. Some homes date as far back as the Civil War (from 1880 to 1920).
8. The Museums – Quapaw Quarter has some amazing museums such as the Arkansas Arts Center and Decorative Arts Museum, Arkansas Museum of Science and History in the U.S. Arsenal Building in the Quapaw Quarter and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.
9. Heifer International Center Green Building – this structure makes use of eco-friendly practices.
10. Little Rock Zoo – the zoo houses all kinds of animals. It has a café where you can take your lunch.
11. IMAX Theater - The theater has a screen that is six story high complete with six-channel, 16,500 watt sound system.
12. Murry's Dinner Theater - Murry's provides a buffet and dinner theater. The shows are usually funny comedies.
13. The Old Mill – it is a replica of the mill used in "Gone With the Wind." You can watch sunrise or sunset here. Free admission for all.
Cultural venues found in the place include: Education Center, the Arkansas Arboretum, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Robinson Center Music Hall, The Riverfront Park and River Market District are important destinations in Little Rock Arkansas. The park is a recreational facility that provides a number of activities for all.
There are so many things to discover in Little Rock Arkansas. Being a major commercial district, a number of nationally known businesses have headquarters in the city. It also serves as a regional hub for health care and research in medicine.
Tourist Attractions
These are the attractions in Little Rock which you should not miss:
1. William J. Clinton Presidential Library – this library was opened to the public in 2004. It is used for research and policy. It also commemorates the eight years President Clinton served in the While House.
2. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- performances by famous actors and actresses are provided in the theatre.
Le Petite Roche – this French words literally mean "Little Rock." It is situated in the Riverfront Park.
3. River Market District – the market opens from May through October at 7am. Some restaurants and specialty shops are open for breakfast. You can have a breakfast to go as you sit near the Arkansas River.
The River Market District was used to be an old warehouse district. It now provides several shops, restaurants, bars and others.
5. The Governor's Mansion – this is a colonial mansion at 1800 Center Street.
6. The Capitol Buildings – check out the two capitol buildings – Old Statehouse which is converted to a museum and the new Capitol Building. Tours are permitted here.
7. The Quapaw Quarter – you can see a number of interesting residences in this 9 square mile area. It has the Governor’s Mansion, MacArthur Park and the oldest parts of the city. Some homes date as far back as the Civil War (from 1880 to 1920).
8. The Museums – Quapaw Quarter has some amazing museums such as the Arkansas Arts Center and Decorative Arts Museum, Arkansas Museum of Science and History in the U.S. Arsenal Building in the Quapaw Quarter and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.
9. Heifer International Center Green Building – this structure makes use of eco-friendly practices.
10. Little Rock Zoo – the zoo houses all kinds of animals. It has a café where you can take your lunch.
11. IMAX Theater - The theater has a screen that is six story high complete with six-channel, 16,500 watt sound system.
12. Murry's Dinner Theater - Murry's provides a buffet and dinner theater. The shows are usually funny comedies.
13. The Old Mill – it is a replica of the mill used in "Gone With the Wind." You can watch sunrise or sunset here. Free admission for all.
Cultural venues found in the place include: Education Center, the Arkansas Arboretum, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Robinson Center Music Hall, The Riverfront Park and River Market District are important destinations in Little Rock Arkansas. The park is a recreational facility that provides a number of activities for all.
There are so many things to discover in Little Rock Arkansas. Being a major commercial district, a number of nationally known businesses have headquarters in the city. It also serves as a regional hub for health care and research in medicine.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Things to Do in Arkansas
Things to Do in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas is known as the “Natural State” which is the state’s motto. It has six different regions: Central, Delta, Ozarks, Ouachitas, River Valley and the Timberlands.
True to its name, the Natural State does feature a number of natural resources at its best. State parks, wilderness and forests are all found in the state of Arkansas side by side the latest word in technology.
The Ozark Mountains are popular in the northwest part of the state. The south and east part are flat lands that used to be where agriculture is cultivated.
A. Places to Visit
1. Tiny Town – visit this is a miniature town with all things tiny. You can see a tiny girl fishing in a tiny river using a tiny fishing pole. This is a fun place to visit for the entire family.
2. Dinosaur World – another unique must see destination in the state of Arkansas is this park devoted to dinosaurs. You will see realistic giant dinosaurs. Let King Kong greet you at the entrance.
3. Wild Cave – it is a dimly lit cave that offers some adventurous fun. This cave is not for the faint of heart. You need to crawl, climb steep slopes, and maneuver some twists and turns. You need to be physically fit to do all these.
4. Alligator Farm and Merman – the farm breeds alligators. The older alligators can reach a height of 12 feet. You will get a chance to see them up close.
5. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- they provide performances such as plays and shows often. This is great fun for the whole family.
6. Wye Mountains – Take a hike to the top of the mountains for a refreshing exercise. Your efforts will be worth it as thousands of daffodils will greet your eyes when you reach the top. They hold an annual Daffodil Festival in March.
B. Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do while traveling in the state of Arkansas. For those who want some fun- shopping, fishing, biking, hiking and sailing are but some of the activities you can do.
For the adventurous soul ever-searching for thrills, these will suffice:
1. Sky Diving – this is a popular activity in Little Rock, Arkansas. If you are up to the challenge, you can take a leap from a plane to free fall to the ground. This is one exciting and thrilling experience you should try.
2. Hang Gliding – another activity for the thrill seekers. If you go to Mount Magazine, AR you can try to hang glide off the mountain then dart from 2,753 feet above the ground. The wind will help you stay up on the air for quite some time before you land.
3. Horseback Riding – this is one activity that is offered by most parks and recreational facilities. Arkansas is known for its horses. You can rent a horse of your choice. They provide you with riding instructions and lessons so your horseback riding experience will go smoothly.
4. Rock Climbing – you get to climb really steep rock walls. This is another activity for the thrill seekers.
The state of Arkansas offers varied, exciting, fun and adventure for each visitor. This is one travel opportunity you should not miss.
The state of Arkansas is known as the “Natural State” which is the state’s motto. It has six different regions: Central, Delta, Ozarks, Ouachitas, River Valley and the Timberlands.
True to its name, the Natural State does feature a number of natural resources at its best. State parks, wilderness and forests are all found in the state of Arkansas side by side the latest word in technology.
The Ozark Mountains are popular in the northwest part of the state. The south and east part are flat lands that used to be where agriculture is cultivated.
A. Places to Visit
1. Tiny Town – visit this is a miniature town with all things tiny. You can see a tiny girl fishing in a tiny river using a tiny fishing pole. This is a fun place to visit for the entire family.
2. Dinosaur World – another unique must see destination in the state of Arkansas is this park devoted to dinosaurs. You will see realistic giant dinosaurs. Let King Kong greet you at the entrance.
3. Wild Cave – it is a dimly lit cave that offers some adventurous fun. This cave is not for the faint of heart. You need to crawl, climb steep slopes, and maneuver some twists and turns. You need to be physically fit to do all these.
4. Alligator Farm and Merman – the farm breeds alligators. The older alligators can reach a height of 12 feet. You will get a chance to see them up close.
5. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre- they provide performances such as plays and shows often. This is great fun for the whole family.
6. Wye Mountains – Take a hike to the top of the mountains for a refreshing exercise. Your efforts will be worth it as thousands of daffodils will greet your eyes when you reach the top. They hold an annual Daffodil Festival in March.
B. Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do while traveling in the state of Arkansas. For those who want some fun- shopping, fishing, biking, hiking and sailing are but some of the activities you can do.
For the adventurous soul ever-searching for thrills, these will suffice:
1. Sky Diving – this is a popular activity in Little Rock, Arkansas. If you are up to the challenge, you can take a leap from a plane to free fall to the ground. This is one exciting and thrilling experience you should try.
2. Hang Gliding – another activity for the thrill seekers. If you go to Mount Magazine, AR you can try to hang glide off the mountain then dart from 2,753 feet above the ground. The wind will help you stay up on the air for quite some time before you land.
3. Horseback Riding – this is one activity that is offered by most parks and recreational facilities. Arkansas is known for its horses. You can rent a horse of your choice. They provide you with riding instructions and lessons so your horseback riding experience will go smoothly.
4. Rock Climbing – you get to climb really steep rock walls. This is another activity for the thrill seekers.
The state of Arkansas offers varied, exciting, fun and adventure for each visitor. This is one travel opportunity you should not miss.
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