Plato Essays - Ancient Greek Philosophers, Belief, Platonism

Plato The most comprehensive statement of Platos mature philosophical views appears in The Republic, an extended approach to the most fundamental principles for the conduct of human nature. Using the character Socrates as a fictional spokesman, Plato considers the nature and value of justice and the other virtues as they appear both in the structure of society as a whole, and in the personality of an individual human being. This naturally leads to discussions of human nature, the achievement of knowledge, the distinction between appearance and reality, the components of an effective education, and the foundations of morality. Plato formulates a conception of the complexity of psychological motivation, and of the structure of mental conflict, which leaves the simplicities of Socratic intellectualism far behind, and one which has reminded interpreters of Freudian theory (413 Routledge Encyclopaedia) Because The Republic addresses so many issues, it can be read in several different manners: as a treatise on political theory and practice, as a pedagogical handbook, or as a defence of ethical conduct. The Republic as a whole invites us to share in Platos vision of our place within the ultimate structure of reality Imagining likely origins in the prehistorical past, Plato argued that societies are invariably formed for a particular purpose. Individual human beings are not self-sufficient; no one individual working alone can acquire all of the genuine necessities of life. In order to resolve this difficulty, we gather together into communities for the mutual achievement of our common goals. This succeeds because we can work more efficiently if each of us specializes in the practice of a specific craft: I make all of the shoes; you grow all of the vegetables; she does all of the carpentry; etc. Thus, Plato held that separation of functions and specialization of labour are the keys to the establishment of a worthwhile society. The result of this original impulse is a society composed of many individuals, organized into distinct classes according to the value of their role in providing some component part for the common good. But the smooth operation of the whole society will command some additional services that become necessary only because of the creation of the social organization itself. The adjudication of disputes among members and the defence of the city against external attacks. Therefore, not only labourers are specialized but also the guardians and leaders of the state. Having developed a general description of the structure of an ideal society, Plato maintained that the proper functions performed by its disparate classes, working together for the common good, provide a ready account of the need to develop significant social qualities. Since the rulers are responsible for making decisions according to which the entire city will be governed, they must posses great reasoning skills, the capacity to comprehend reality, and the ability to make impartial judgments for the city. Soldiers, charged with the defence of the city against external and internal enemies, on the other hand, need the virtue of bravery. This entails, in accordance with other values, the willingness to carry out their orders in the face of danger without regard for personal risk. The remaining people of the city must follow the leaders instead of pursuing their private interests. They exhibit the subordination of personal desires to a higher purpose. When each of these classes perform its own role appropriately and does not try to carry the functions of any other class, Plato held, the entire city as a whole will operate smoothly. Exhibiting the harmony that is genuine justice. The most comprehensive statement of Platos mature philosophical views appears in The Republic, an extended approach to the most fundamental principles for the conduct of human nature. Using the character Socrates as a fictional spokesman, Plato considers the nature and value of justice and the other virtues as th ey appear both in the structure of society as a whole, and in the personality of an individual human being. This naturally leads to discussions of human nature, the achievement of knowledge, the distinction between appearance and reality, the components of an effective education, and the foundations of morality. Plato formulates a conception of the complexity of psychological motivation, and of the structure of mental conflict, which leaves the simplicities of Socratic intellectualism far

Issue Paper Essays - Bush Family, Livingston Family, Schuyler Family

Issue Paper Essays - Bush Family, Livingston Family, Schuyler Family Issue Paper Issue paper In the two thousand presidential elections there are two main candidates. The candidates are Al Gore and Governor George W Bush. Al Gore is the candidate running for the Democratic Party and Bush is running for the Republic party. Each candidate has great points on certain issues. The president whom won my vote though, was Governor Bush. Bush won my vote for many reasons. Some of his feelings for certain issues met in agreement with mine. His main mentor is his father. He is governor, so he definitely has the leadership skills needed to be president. His tax cut plan seems to be highly intelligent. He feels that it is important to cut taxes to lessen government spending and to keep economy growing. He pledges to cut one point three trillion dollars for everyone. The best part being is that George wants to cut taxes for people of every class. He has what seems to be a great social security plan, which is to not cut social security for senior citizens. Bush doesnt even want to think of touching set aside money for social security. He wants to give younger workers the option to invest some of their contributions. According to George, his first priority is education. He wants to assist education any which way he can to increase its efficiency. He feels that the government should give schools more stately freedom. Governo r Bush has a list of principles to better schools, some of which are: having measurable goals, regular testing, accountability, local control, and competition. He applied this principle to Texas where he is govenor and the results are incredible. Gore did not win my vote. He didnt win it for a few reasons. He is the vice- president; this is proof that he definitely has the experience. He wants to bring more government into peoples lives. He feels it is trully necessary. Als first priority is campaign-finance reform. He feels that it needs many adjustments, for there are so many flaws in the old laws that contain it. Al wants to reduce the cost of campaigns, restore the faith of the people, and eliminate the influence of special interests and more. He offers great ideas but this shouldnt be his first priority. For social security he feels the system should be kept the same and have Uncle Sam fund extra retirement plans for the working class. He has many propositions of how to save the social security fund. Some of his propositions are; to devote all social security surpluses to social security, oppose efforts to raise the retirement age, three: improving fairness to widows, to create retirement savings plus accounts, which are tax-free accounts that are maintained by private financial institutions, and more. This shows he wants more government involvement. For his tax plan it seems that he wants to pick only certain people to give assistance to and neglect the others. Some categories he has chosen to help out are; Working families caring for children and aging parents, for educational purposes, Family liabilities, retirements, low-income communities, and more. My vote is for Bush, and stands firm. I like Gores tax plan a little better, but Bushs whole outlook seems more beneficial to me. I dont like Clinton too much and I feel that if we do get Gore as president it is just like reelecting Clinton. Gore has some good ideas but his wanting for more government involvement made him lose my vote. Overall Bush has better plans and ideas in-which government assistance is not needed.

Edible bird's nest Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Edible bird's nest - Essay Example They are also available in supplements in form of capsules, chewable and liquid. There are various strains of probiotics but the most common are lactobacillus and bifid bacterium. Many of the health claims about probiotic yogurt still require more scientific research to be carried out in order to ascertain the claims. One of the major claim is that probiotic yogurt can change the makeup the gut bacteria for the better. A study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles in the USA discovered that probiotics can alter the brain function as well. As such, these findings could guide experts in creating dietary interventions that alter mood, anxiety, and stress as well as pain sensitivity. Scholars assert that symbiotic gut bacteria which are the complex ecosystem of micro organisms that are found in the human digestive system promote health benefits by boosting a person’s immunity and as such help with food digestion, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure (Heasman et al, 2001). Probiotic yogurt can be used at the work place to keep the workers energized especially for those who do manual work such as construction. It can also rejuvena te the emotional state of the people who are undergoing training or when seated in a seminar hall listening to lectures. This will keep people alert as it is said to boost concentration. Students should also be encouraged to take probiotic yogurt to enhance their understanding in class as well as improving their brain performance. Studies done on rodents seem to suggest that dietary changes to the gut bacteria altered the emotional behaviour and sensitivity to pain. However, there is little evidence to prove that bacteria eaten in food can alter brain function. In a study by the same university, a research was conducted that revealed that those who ate probiotic yogurt for a month showed improved brain function in both resting brain activity