5 Ways of St. Thomas

First Way:Â  The Argument From Motion St. Thomas Aquinas, studying the works of the Greek philsopher Aristotle, concluded from common observation that an object that is in motion (e. g. the planets, a rolling stone) is put in motion by some other object or force. From this, Aquinas believes that ultimately there must have been an UNMOVED MOVER (GOD) who first put things in motion. Follow the agrument this way: 1) Nothing can move itself. 2) If every object in motion had a mover, then the first object in motion needed a mover. 3) This first mover is the Unmoved Mover, called God. Second Way:Â  Causation Of ExistenceThis Way deals with the issue of existence. Aquinas concluded that common sense observation tells us that no object creates itself. In other words, some previous object had to create it. Aquinas believed that ultimately there must have been an UNCAUSED FIRST CAUSE (GOD) who began the chain of existence for all things. Follow the agrument this way: 1) There exists things t hat are caused (created) by other things. 2) Nothing can be the cause of itself (nothing can create itself. ) 3) There can not be an endless string of objects causing other objects to exist. 4) Therefore, ther must be an uncaused first cause called God.Third Way:Â  Contingent and Neccessary Objects This Way defines two types of objects in the universe: contingent beings and necessary beings. A contingent being is an object that can not exist without a necessary being causing its existence. Aquinas believed that the existence of contingent beings would ultimately neccesitate a being which must exist for all of the contingent beings to exist. This being, called a necessary being, is what we call God. Follow the argument this way: 1) Contingent beings are caused. 2) Not every being can be contingent. 3) There must exist a being which is necessary to cause contingent beings. ) This necessary being is God. Fourth Way:Â  The Agrument From Degrees And Perfection St. Thomas formulated thi s Way from a very interesting observation about the qualities of things. For example one may say that of two marble scultures one is more beautiful than the other. So for these two objects, one has a greater degree of beauty than the next. This is referred to as degrees or gradation of a quality. From this fact Aquinas concluded that for any given quality (e. g. goodness, beauty, knowledge) there must be an perfect standard by which all such qualities are measured. These perfections are contained in God.Fifth Way:Â  The Agrument From Intelligent Design The final Way that St. Thomas Aquinas speaks of has to do with the observable universe and the order of nature. Aquinas states that common sense tells us that the universe works in such a way, that one can conclude that is was designed by an intelligent designer, God. In other words, all physical laws and the order of nature and life were designed and ordered by God, the intellgent designer. A more complete explanation of St. Thomas' Fifth Way about God as Intelligent Designer can be seen on my web page dedicated to Paley's Teleological Argument.

Autobiography of a Coin

I was born in mines. My body is made of various metals. Thus I have no fixed race. I am a hybrid. I remember the day when I was put into a furnace. The whole of my body was burning red hot. Finally, I remember vaguely to have melted. I was put into mcould and given a new shape. When I regained consciousness, I found that I had completely changed. My body was shining brightly. When I had put on my new shape, beautiful designs were put upon both sides of me. I began to smile with joy. After the pains of fires, I had become a personage with some status. I remained at the mint for a few days with a number of brothers and sisters.We were lending a happy life full of golden dreams about our future lives and careers. It was a red letter day in the history of my life, when I was put into a huge bag along with all my brothers and sisters and placed in a bus. We knew we would see the light of the day. Our grand careers were going to commence. We were on the threshold on a new life. Of course, for some time it was suffocating. But we did not mind. We knew our troubles were short lived and would come to an end very soon. We therefore suffered patiently ‘the mild yoke of God’. We were taken down at a majestic building.My friends told me we had reached ‘The State Bank’. I heaved a sigh of relief but my troubles were yet not over. I was closed in a safe. It was rigorous imprisonment. It was rumored that armed constabulary guarded the doors of our prison. We were sad at heart. We had run from frying pan to the fire. All our hopes were on the point of being shuttered. We prayed to god and one day he did listen to our prayers. A gentleman came to my rescue. He took me and some of my brother home and put me in a chest. The next day he gave me to his child, who was very pleased to see my glittering appearance.I was also glad to have obtained this young friend. I had thought that I shall get an oopportunity of enjoying the company of my friend for a long t ime. But alas! He went straight to a sweet-seller and threw me at his shop. The sweet-seller knocked my head against the ground. I had learnt the lesson that life is not a bed of roses. It is really full of dangers, difficulties and disappointments. To cut a long story short, I have been leading a free, vagrant life. I have been with old and young, rich and poor, men, women and children. I have been with doctors and cobblers, cycle-merchants and lawyers, sstudents and company managers.It is impossible to recount all the adventures. I have had all the ups and downs. Now I am old and weak. Time was, when I was young, fresh, energetic and fiery. Now I am mere ashes. I am worn-out and weather-beaten and my heart is as grey as my head. I only console myself with the thought that I have always received love and affection in my life. Everybody has taken great care of me and kept me as best he could. For this all generosity, I thank everybody with all my heart. I have no ambition. I am only waiting for the day, when I shall go back into the lap of my creator (the in charge of mint).

Ethics, politics and bio-pedagogy in physical education teacher education: easing the tension between the self and the group Essay

Art is a skill that has aesthetic results. There are different types of art like music and paintings that are similar in composition in a way since they convey certain messages and demonstrates creativity. Therefore, there are general standards that artists agree to that constitutes art that assists in distinguishing suitable art from unsuitable one. Evaluation of a particular artwork depends on a number of qualities that the art may exhibit. However, there is controversy when it comes determining whether a particular artwork has artistic merits. Whereas ethics is acceptable standards, people live by. More often than not, we disagree with ethical theories though we can all identify an unethical deed when we see one. Tower (2011) says that the values that distinguish noble art from awful art are as a result of reasons hence easy to reach an agreement about whereas evaluating a particular artwork depends solely on the individual’s emotion feelings which normally differ hence is bound to bring about conflict . In the case of ethics, however, the alternative is true since theories result from peoples’ feelings about specific ethical standards hence bound to bring conflict as everyone will interpret the situation differently but we all recognize an action that is unethical when we see one because there are undoubtable reasons to explain their relevance to the society (Coast, 2009). Art is open to debate, based on the fact we are all unique (Coast, 2009). What your neighbor prefers and likes might not be what appeals to you and that is the reason for the rise in different opinions when it comes to judging a particular artwork. The work is exposed to critics from anyone, and its judgment depends on the individual’s taste and preference that are uncontrollable. As much as people may accept the artwork the fact remains that not everyone would be on board with that decision. This is because the work may meet most of the general art standards such communicating the intended message appropriately but may fail to impress others maybe be due to visual impression in case it is a painting (Coast, 2009). Camacho & Fernandez (2006) agrees that reaching a consensus on issues that distinguishing noble art from bad awful art is less complicated since they consider a number of factors all directed to the importance of art in the society however deciding whether a particular art portrays artistic merits may result to dispute since there is difference in the interpretation of those standards when evaluating an individual’s work. For instance, artists agree that good art ought to exhibit a high level of the creativity, capture imagination as well as convey the message clearly and appropriately. However, people differed with the judgment of the film, Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street directed by Bob Clark, because they were not able to come to an agreement concerning whether the message was clear for the audience intended and the degree of creativity. The standards dictate that a good art should be timeless, but people could not come to an agreement whether this film would stil l be relevant in the future since the society is dynamic. This is a clear indication that the application of these principles is not clear hence results to disputes. However in the case of ethics, the converse is true. Interpretations of ethical theories depends on individual’s perspective hence may result in disagreement due to different opinions but an unethical act is easy to spot. Indeed, we may agree to general standards in the in the arts but disagree as to whether a particular work has artistic merits. However, when it comes to ethics may disagree with ethical theories but know an unethical action when we see one. This is because, general art standards are facts and determining the value of a particular artwork requires application of these general standards that depends on Individual’s taste and preferences hence brought about by the unique nature of humans is bound to create controversy just as in the case of ethics, ethical standards are facts based on the acceptable moral behavior and ethical theories are notions that can be interpreted differently hence results to controversy. Moreover, the values that distinguish good art, and bad art are subjected to reason while evaluation of a particular art is subjected to emotions that are the opposite when it comes to ethics. References Camacho, A. S., & Fernandez Balboa, J. (2006). Ethics, politics and bio-pedagogy in physical education teacher education: easing the tension between the self and the group. Sport Education and Society. doi: 10.1080/13573320500255023 Coats, A. J. (2009). Ethical Authorship and Publishing. International Journal of Cardiology. Doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.048 Tower C.N. (2011). An Evaluation of compositions for wind band according to specific criteria of serious artistic merits: A second update. Source document

Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx - Essay Example Karl Marx was a political scientist and economist from Germany who lived in the years 1818 to 1883. He analyzed capitalism in a revolutionary and pessimistic viewpoint. Marx concept was that the capitalist set the means of production while the laborer created the value of the products. Marx argued that capitalist’s profits are as a result of labor exploitation. It implies that, workers are paid low salaries compared to the value they create on the products to create profits. He, therefore, disliked the organizations that were deemed as profit- oriented (Landauer 356).  Marx argued that labor exploitation is the struggle and future downfall of the capitalism practices. To Marx, the tension between the workers and capitalists will intensify over time as the business grows (Landauer 356). The growth of the tension is due to large outfits’ inherent efficiency and their ability to go through the ever-ending system crisis. Marx argument was that the world is moving to a sys tem of two classes. The classes are few capitalists that are wealthy and a mass of underprivileged, unpaid workers. He, therefore, predicted capitalism fall and society movement towards communism. Marx described communism to be a scenario in which the workers will own the production means. They will therefore not exploit their labor in return for profit. His thinking affected several societies, including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the 20th century.  Application of Marx theory in real life situation has led to two main deficiencies.

Operations Design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Operations Design - Assignment Example The assignment "Operations Design" talks about the operational efficiency, one of the most important factors in order to gain competitive advantage. It is involved in various strategic issues like the deciding the location and size of manufacturing plants, determining the structure of telecommunication and service networks and developing the supply chains. Various tactical issues where operation management is involved are layout and structure of the plant, methods of project management and selection as well as replacement of equipment. Apart from strategic and tactical issues there are various operational issues like scheduling and controlling of production, inventory management, controlling quality, materials and traffic controlling and maintenance of equipmentÃ'Ž There is the extensive practice of operations management in the airline and the automobile industry. In both the industry long term success depend on proper size, layout, structure of manufacturing plants, efficient and c ost-effective supply chains, proper quality and inventory control, assembly system and equipment maintenance. Most of the recent problems in this two industry are associated with these above-mentioned issues. To address these issues various programs like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), TQM (Total Quality Management), BPR (Business Process Re-engineering) etc. are developed and implemented. Success in the automobile industry hugely depends on how the organization manages the entire operation.

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

International Relations - Essay Example ate activity (the use of the sea, outer space and Antarctica, international telecommunications, postal services, the carriage of goods and passengers by air and the transfer of money) and is a primary tool for the conduct of international trade. (The nature of international law) The basis of international law is the concern of the rights and duties of the states. In the system of values underlying international law is the principle of legal equals but not legal superiority. As the world of today grows interdependent more and more, every state is interested to abide by international law which ensures a stable environment for the international relations development. International law is believed to be based on reciprocity principle. The concept of reciprocity is fundamental to bilateralism. It means that equal social partners establish bilateral relationships that are not unidirectional but involve at least some element of quid pro quo. This concept of reciprocity may be responsible for a great deal of inter-state co-operation or exchange, outside or in addition to any international legal obligations. It is a principle of international law: in the context of general customary international law any state claiming a right under that law has to accord all other states has same right. (Byers) Norms of reciprocity emerged as meta-rules for the system in the absence of a recognized rule of law. We may talk of reciprocity in the case when parties’ incentives are aligned perfectly. (Parisis & Ghei, 2002) The vast body of literature proves that individuals are motivated by concerns of fairness and reciprocity. There’s no need for external enforcement mechanisms, such as a legal system, or a threat of coercion. Numerous authors (Axelrod R., Berg J.,) prove that cooperation is not based only on the model of self-interest and that reciprocity is an essential element of human behavior. The principle of reciprocity remains essential in international law, due to the

The advent of internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The advent of internet - Essay Example MD of the company told 'A' since she has done a module in IT Law, she can write an essay on legal issues related to practice or policies in the company. This will give 'A' working knowledge of the company and in case she detects any problems, then this can be raised with legal specialist. This company has a full order book designing and maintaining websites for small local businesses. But most work is put on its own website- StudentBar.com. The product aims to integrate successful product genres into an engaging virtual environment. Here online, past and present students can meet, reminisce and swap files, share music, mails, graphic files and chat. But when you look this site, you can notice quickly that there is active sharing of MP3 and adult files, and gossiping about their old lecturers and colleagues. There were also complaints from lecturers regarding these comments, asking for immediate removal of material and archve.There is also an issue of old assignment solutions being circulated to present students. The student Bar has a plethora of links to other sites including deep links well inside other sites providing up to date news, games, information, hacking resources, music, gossip, and academic cheat resources sites. Another main problem -Mr.' X 'one of the core development team member resigned over an argument over promotion. It was also found that he was selling the details of the subscribers to the site on to other agencies without the knowledge of the WWW. Now they are thinking of doing it themselves. Mr.'X' was taken, despite being renowned by his disposition to hacking, as he has worked previously in a similar site in the past. So he was considered for his expertise and he brought useful source code for the new project. There are also concerns that the recent viral attack on the site may have originated from this disgruntled employee, who is threatening to launch an identically themed site using no doubt the code he developed at WWW. The MD is aware there was no mention of intellectual property rights in the cursory job contract used for this employee. (MD notes in passing that he would welcome any idea of contract for his staff.) Some subscribers have complained that they have been approac hed by other organizations that appear to have information about them, which must have originated from the StudentBar.'X' who resigned over a payment and promotion row, is also demanding to see any file about him in the possession of WWW which give reasons why he was being, in his view, blocked from promotion. There

Transition Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Transition - Case Study Example It is often observed that disable students are more likely to drop out of their high schools than normal people among the general masses. Almost 36% of disable students usually leave their high schools before graduation and fail to experience the core values and principles of learning hence failing to obtain the knowledge normal people pertain to. This figure slightly varies in urban, suburban and rural areas and it is due to this that they fail to acquire the required coursework hence making them lag behind in the employment areas. 79% of normal students, i.e. students without disabilities are employed in reputable organizations soon after their graduation whereas a general trend that is observed in disable students is that they do not opt for employment after graduating and rather choose to stay home for at least four five years. The fact that they are not exposed to the work environment at the right time makes them less competent at the corporate level. Owing to the factors explai ned above, disable students and particularly those with multiple impairments and health issues feel themselves isolated from their social network and claim to suffer to a great deal due to this.

Tax Accounting Questions. Assignments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Tax Accounting Questions. Assignments - Essay Example For example, the collection of fees in advance will be recorded in GAAP when it earned while according to tax accounting it will be considered as rent taxable income automatically. Another example is the recording of depreciation of fixed assets. Under the GAAP it asset will depreciated using different methods such as straight-line while under the tax accounting only one method is allowed known as MACRS. Under both the depreciation methods, the effect is on the net income. The difference resulting from both the accounting methods may cause differed tax assets or liabilities which can be transferred from one accounting period to the other depending on the financial situation of the company. Another difference between GAAP and tax accounting is the recognition of other revenues or items. For example, the revenue earned from municipal bonds is recognized as interest earned in GAAP whereas such revenues are exempt from federal taxes accounting. The filing status depends on an individual’s marital status and his/her family situation. There are five possible filing statuses. These are married filing jointly, surviving spouse, head of household, single, and married filing separately. Although there are five filing statuses, only four rate schedules or tax tables are used because surviving spouse and married filing jointly usually use the same rate. The characteristics that distinguish each of the filing statuses are based on four factors which also determine how much tax rate is applied to each of them. These factors are maintenance of household, having any dependents, marital status, and citizenship. The characteristic of a surviving spouse is that he/she has to maintain a household, have dependents such as a daughter or a son, the marital status remains the same for atleast two years and is a citizen. The tax rate is that same as that of

Free market in the economical world and business Assignment

Free market in the economical world and business - Assignment Example Explain how the system works to allocate resources The allocation of resources depends on supply and demand of those resources in a free market economy. The buyers and sellers, or their agents undertake all the exchanges and transaction voluntarily (Friedman, 2003: 36). Both the seller and the buyer accept the transaction because both expect to gain from it. Consequently, the two may repeat the exchange conditions the next time (or refuse to transact) if their expectation was met (or disregarded) in their past transactions. Ultimately, the reason for engaging in the transaction is that both the parties expect to benefit from the exchange. This is the main reason that distinguishes the free market from the free trade of the mercantilist period, expounded by French essay-writer Montaigne. According to Montaigne, the mercantilists held that in any trade transaction, there must be a loser and a winner: the loser is the â€Å"exploited party† while the winner is the â€Å"exploite r†. The mercantilists’ belief is invalid because the eagerness and even willingness of both the sellers and the buyers mean that they expect to benefit. Translating the trade of free market in modern game-theory jargon, transactions are a win-win exchange. They result to a positive sum rather than the conventional â€Å"negative sum† or â€Å"zero sums† game. Two factors determine the availability and allocation of resources in a free market: the value of the resources according to each participant, and the bargaining skills of the participants. How the buyers value the resources comparative to the other resources they could buy largely determine the distribution and allocation of these resources in the market (Friedman, 2003: 82). The exchange terms, or prices, depend on the quantity (measure) of the particular resource in the given market set up. Ultimately, the allocation of the resources depends on their availability measure in the market in relation t o the evaluation of the buyers. In summary, resource allocation relies on their demand and supply. In the supply of a resource, an increase in its price reflects an increase in demand on the mind of the buyers resulting to more money bidding for it, thus the price of the resource shoots up. The reverse will occur if the price, and thus the demand, for the resource decrease. In contrast, the buyer’s evaluation is that the increase in supply of a resource brings the value of the resource down. The reverse occurs when the supply of the resource decreases. From the demand and supply effects on the allocation of resources, the free market incorporates a highly interactive and complex pattern of transactions. Arguments in favor of this system The manner in which the free market works to allocate resources has come under debate and criticisms by economists. Nevertheless, the free market has four distinct arguments that enforces it existence, and which are discussed accordingly. The first argument is the efficiency of allocating scarce resources in the economy. This argument relates to the neoclassical economic tradition of benefits for all the participants in the transaction. In a completely free market, supply of goods and services matches their demand. The participants maximizes their benefit in the exchanges, everybody is a