montaigne and descartes on doubting Essay -- essays research papers

Montaigne and Descartes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Montaigne and Descartes both made use of a philosophical method that focused on the use of doubt to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them. However, they doubted different things. Descartes doubted all his previous knowledge from his senses, while Montaigne doubted that there were any absolute certainties in knowledge. Although they both began their philosophical processes by doubting, Montaigne doubting a constant static self, and Descartes doubted that anything existed at all, Descartes was able to move past that doubt to find one indubitably certainty, â€Å"I think, therefore I am†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How often do we question what is real or true? Descartes believed that doubting everything that he knew to be truthful knowledge was the only way to find out what was actually true and real. He turned doubting into a key principle for his methods of philosophy. Descartes would ask what we really knew beyond the shadow of a doubt. To do this he resolves to search within himself (Descartes 9). First though, since he decided to doubt everything, he had to put aside all of the knowledge that he supposedly knew, to search out the truth (Descartes 13). He did this blindly, not knowing whether the truth is the knowledge that he already knew and was forcing himself to put aside, or that the truth is some knowledge he did not know that would replace his previous forms of knowledge. Descartes decided that he did not need to prove that all of his knowledge was false, but only that all of his knowledge was not certain. He did not, however, spend time examining every one of hi s bits of knowledge. Instead after setting all of his previous knowledge aside he tried to find one thing outside of his knowledge that was certain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not only did Descartes set aside all of his previous knowledge, but he also set aside all knowledge he had gained, and that he continued to gain from his five senses. He would not believe what his eyes saw, or what his hand felt, because he could not yet determine his senses as giving him knowledge that could be turned into certainties. He did not have any reason to believe that he could rely on his senses. Descartes doubting of his senses also caused him to reject any knowledge that he had gained through life experience. Most of the knowl... ...se which†¦belong exclusively to the mind†¦things are sensed through understanding, understood through senses (Montaigne 414)†. It is also important to realize that our mind doubts things because it knows its own limits. Thus since we know nothing to be certain it is important to use softening phrases such as â€Å"perhaps, somewhat, some, they say, I think, and so on (356)†. Montaigne was constantly amazed at how much knowledge we claimed to be sure of.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout Montaigne’s and Descartes written work they used doubt as a method to attaining knowledge about the world and about themselves. Descartes believed that preconceived knowledge gained through learning and the senses must be set aside in order to discover certainties. Montaigne believed that there were no certainties because our knowledge was attained through our senses, and thus everyone’s knowledge would be different, because everyone senses things differently. Either way both men turned into themselves to find the knowledge they described in their philosophies. They both left us with one important bit of knowledge to carry with us throughout our lives, accept nothing, and question everything.

Carmen Marinache Essay

Assuming complex businesses in which company is part of: – organising logistics operations ( railway transportation from station of departure to station of destination, reception of wagons at final station of destination, unloading the cargo from wagons and loading it into trucks / handling, delivery up to the client’s terminal); – organising special transports such as munitions transportation in transit via Romania; – organising cargo exports from Romania with guard protection on route; – organising oversized transportation, export from Romania to different countries, which implies: obtaining loading drawing from an authorised company, obtaining approval for transportation from the railways and infrastructure, issuing CIM railway bills, coordinating the transport with foreign railways on traffic and obtaining all necessary traffic permission by keeping in touch with all our external partners, solving problems that might occur while transportation is performed; – organising exports from Romania to different countries from exCIS in special SZD wagons (wagons from CIS countries), obtaining all traffic permissions, keeping in contact with clients and partners for a prompt solving of all difficult situations; – organising transportation of wagons on their own wheels as well as of locomotives; – participating to organisation of multimodal traffic – Ex: cargo coming by vessel, unloading directly or indirectly to wagons and customs clearance through a sister company specialised in port in such ki nd of operations), railway transportation up to one station in Europe, unloading of cargo and delivery by trucks to consignee, etc. ? Keeping in contact with Accounting and Financial Dept. in order to mutually solve problems related to the financial part of the business; ? Based on the information received from the Controlling Dept. , analysing and proposing to the Executive Manager personal evaluation for personnel; ? Monthly analysing the activity of the Railway Dept. calculating estimated operational profit, calculating the total tonnage, presenting the situations to Executive Director; ? Contacting and visiting potential clients; ? Taking part to set up of transport and freight forwarding contracts with Romanian and foreign clients/partners ; ? Representing the company within international exhibitions and fairs, in Romania and abroad, to Express Interfracht Holding own stand, and within conferences having as topic the improvement of railway transportation; ? Issuing the documentation of company presentation and representing the company within different tenders opened by big production companies in Romania, in o rder to choose logistic supplier.

The Flight English short story

The Flight â€Å"This is gonna be so cool† Ryan said, staring at the 12inch model aircraft his twin sister, Beth got him for his Christmas. â€Å"Come on Ryan, you've never stopped staring at that since I got you it and you still haven't even said thank you† Beth said. â€Å"Oh yeah,† he grinned â€Å"thanks.† Ryan was 17, well built and his jet-black hair was nearly always spiked up with gel. Beth was 17 and looked exactly like Ryan apart from the obvious fact that he was a boy, probably what you would expect if you had a twin. â€Å"When's Jack coming?† Beth asked. Jack Forrest was Ryan and Beth's best friend from school and they had been friends ever since they had started school. â€Å"He said he'd b here at 10pm, Ryan said, looking at his watch. â€Å"its ten-to ten now sp we better put these suitcases in the car, that way we can head to the airport as soon as Jack comes.† They wheeled the cases out the door and put them into the boot of the car. â€Å"I still can't believe we won those tickets to Canada on the new 5 star luxury plane.† Ryan said as he lifted his suitcase and positioned it on top of Beth's massive holdall, â€Å"it's always been a dream on mine to fly in one of those planes, and it even has a restaurant!† Just as Ryan said that, Jacks taxi pulled up and he got out of the back with a giant suitcase and a rucksack. â€Å"Hey Ryan,† he grinned, â€Å"Hey Beth!† â€Å"The flight's gonna leave with out us if we don't get to the airport by eleven so we better get a move on, its already five past ten,† Beth said, pointing to the car. They all piled into the car and Ryan pulled out of the driveway. It took about half an hour to get to the airport and about an hour to go through the check-in and passport control, so when they got to the welcome lounge they all headed straight to the gate. â€Å"Here we go† Beth smiled as they reached gate 22, â€Å"Our plane's gonna be boarding in a minute so I'm gonna quickly get a pack of smarties from that vending machine.† Just as a packet of smarties dropped out of the vending machine, a woman's voice came up on the tannoy, â€Å"Flight 2780 is now boarding from gate 22† They all went up the steps and boarded the huge plane. It had four floors, a bar, restaurant, widescreen TV and loads more extras. â€Å"Whoa,† Ryan gasped as he took his first step into the newly built luxury jet, â€Å"This is amazing!† There was fancy lighting, a bar in the middle of the 1st floor, a huge red carpet stretching the whole length of the plane, and recliner seats. â€Å"This is nothing I ever imagined,† Jack joined in with the dazed expressions on both Ryan and Beth's faces. They all found their seats and buckled up their seatbelts. * Once the plane levelled off in the air all of the seatbelt signs went of. â€Å"I'm gonna go and get a coke from the bar,† Ryan said, â€Å"you two coming?† â€Å"Ok,† Beth and Jack said in unison and they all headed towards the bar. Just as they were about to sit down a guy came barging through and knocked Jack over. He was middle-aged and was bald. He was the type of guy that you didn't want to mess with. â€Å"Watch it!† Jack shouted back at him but he didn't even turn around to look at him again, he just kept walking purposefully. Jack was about to shout back at him â€Å"Are you gonna say sorry or what?† but he changed his mind when he saw a vague outline of something bulging from his trousers – a gun – â€Å"Oh my God† Jack said, â€Å"Ryan, Beth, that guys got a gun†. They looked round and saw it too. â€Å"We'll have to do something† Ryan decided. â€Å"What if he hijacks the plane?† The three kids all came to a decision to follow him. If they stopped and told a stewardess about the gun, it would cause panic and they would lose him. They walked quickly and followed the mysterious man. The three kids all went to karate and judo classes when they were about 10 so they all knew how to defend themselves. The guy led them down to the basement of the aircraft, three floors down from were their seats were. He opened a hatch, which was concealed by a bin and stepped down some stairs into the very bottom of the aircraft. Here there were all sorts of controls like lighting, radiators, fridge temperatures, fuel, and all sorts of controls for everything. Ryan, Jack and Beth all sneaked down the ladder and hid behind a huge metal board. The man went of to the other side of the room and looked closely at a set of labelled toggles and controls. He flicked a switch and suddenly the lights went out. â€Å"Whets happening† Beth whispered, with a touch of panic in her voice. â€Å"I haven't a clue but it's definitely something serious if he's turning the lights out, it could be the fuel next.† â€Å"What if he's going too hijack the plane?† Beth asked. â€Å"We cant take that risk, we all know how to take him down and its one against three so I bet we will be better off than him when its over† Jack said. They sneaked behind another metal divider but Beth tripped up and fell over, giving the man a warning and he reached for his gun. Before he could reach it, Jack and Ryan lunged forwards and kicked him to the ground. Beth had twisted her ankle from the fall but still managed to haul herself up and grab the man's gun. â€Å"What are you doing here?† Beth asked, pointing the man's own gun at him. â€Å"Do you seriously think I'm gonna tell you?† The man replied, unable to get away from Jack and Ryan's powerful hold. She was about to boot him, but she heard the sound of another man in the doorway and looked around to see him standing with a gun pointing towards them. â€Å"Let him up† he ordered, still pointing the nozzle of the gun at them. Ryan and Jack released their grip on him and he stood up. They both looked around but they realized that Beth was missing. Just as the man got up she launched herself at the guy in the doorway. He was caught by surprise and he crashed to the ground, sending his gun sliding across the floor. â€Å"Don't move† She said to the other man who was about to make a gab for it. Ryan and Jack ran forwards and grabbed it before he got the chance. â€Å"I'll go up and tell someone† Jack said, â€Å"You two keep them on the ground. It wasn't long before the whole crew were in the basement, including the captain. It turned out that the captain was an old enemy of the two hijackers and they were going to crash the plane and parachute out before it hit the ground. â€Å"Well done† the captain said as he shook Ryan, Beth and Jack's hands. â€Å"You should have seen the faced of everyone when the lights went out,† one of the crew members said, â€Å"Some people said they were going to die!† * Ryan, Beth and Jack all wore their bravery medals and the flight was still showing on the news. â€Å"This has been the best holiday ever† Beth grinned, â€Å"The snow here in Canada is great!† The all got on a taxi to take them to the airport. â€Å"To the airport please† Ryan said to the taxi driver. â€Å"Ok he said and turned around to give them an evil grin. It was the man who had tried to crash the plane . . .

American Exceptionalism essays

American Exceptionalism essays Is America better than all of the other countries in this world because we offer more opportunity and hope for humanity? Are our constitutional ideals that are focused on personal and economic freedom giving us a top seat to other cultures and nations that share this earth with us? A lot of Americas would like to think so. We live in a country that is arguably one of the freest nations, not only personally, but also politically. We are governed by public and private interests, which are based on our very own constitution that is set up to give everyone an opportunity to succeed in our growing culture. American exceptionalism is partially a reflection of our nations long history, but Americans can tend to be ethnocentric and judge other cultures by the standards of their own. When a lot of people think of America, they think about a country that is made up of a mixing bowl of races and ethnicities. They think of a culture that is founded on constitutional rights and god given freedoms that everyone has. Some people may even take America a step further and think of it as a culture that may be superior to others because of its past history of opportunity and freedom for whoever may be in search of it; but is this true? Many people may argue that the United States is better than almost any country because of our freedoms, but others may argue that the U.S. is an egotistical superpower that strong-arms, and abuses its influence on other countries. Undoubtedly, America offers many opportunities and even a lot of hope for people searching for a new life, but freedoms such as these often come with a price. The U.S. has high taxes, low minimum wages, and even may flaws in the political system that is supposed to keep us running. Many Americans can get caught up in all the wealth and prosperity that they are making for themselves in the United States. Many think that other cultures just don ...

John F. Kennedy and PT-109 in WWII

John F. Kennedy and PT-109 in WWII PT-109 was an 80-ft. patrol torpedo boat used by the US Navy during World War II. Commanded by Lt. John F. Kennedy, it was sunk by the destroyer Amagiri on August 2, 1943.   After the loss of PT-109, Kennedy went to great lengths to have his crew rescued. Nation: United StatesType: Patrol Torpedo BoatShipyard: Elco - Bayonne, NJLaid Down: March 4, 1942Launched: June 20, 1942Fate: Sunk August 2, 1943 Specifications Displacement: 56 tonsLength: 80 ft.Beam: 20 ft. 8 in.Draft: 3 ft. 6 in.Speed: 41 knotsComplement: 12-14 men Armament 4 x 21 torpedo tubes ( 4 x Mark VIII torpedoes)4 x .50 cal. machines guns1 x 20 mm cannon1 x 37 mm cannon Design Construction PT-109 was laid down on March 4, 1942, in Bayonne, NJ. Built by the Electric Launch Company (Elco), the boat was the seventh vessel in the 80-ft. PT-103-class. Launched on June 20, it was delivered to the US Navy the following month and fitted out at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Possessing a wooden hull constructed of two layers of mahogany planking, PT-109 could achieve speeds of 41 knots and was powered by three 1,500 hp Packard engines. Driven by three propellers, PT-109 mounted a series of mufflers on the transom to reduce engine noise and allow the crew to detect enemy aircraft. Typically manned by a crew of 12 to 14, PT-109s main armament consisted of four 21-inch torpedo tubes which utilized Mark VIII torpedoes. Fitted two to a side, these were swung outboard before firing. In addition, PT boats of this class possessed a 20 mm Oerlikon cannon aft for use against enemy aircraft as well as two swivel mounts with twin .50-cal. machine guns near the cockpit. Completing the vessels armament were two Mark VI depth charges which were placed forward of the torpedo tubes. After work was complete in Brooklyn, PT-109 was dispatched to Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) Squadron 5 in Panama. Operational History Arriving in September 1942, PT-109s service in Panama proved brief as it was ordered to join MTB 2 in the Solomon Islands a month later. Embarked aboard a cargo ship, it arrived at Tulagi Harbor in late November. Joining Commander Allen P. Calverts MTB Flotilla 1, PT-109 began operating from the base at Sesapi and conducted missions intended to intercept the ships of the Tokyo Express, which were delivering Japanese reinforcements during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Commanded by Lieutenant Rollins E. Westholm, PT-109 first saw combat on the night of December 7-8. Attacking a group of eight Japanese destroyers, PT-109 and seven other PT boats succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw. Over the next several weeks, PT-109 took part in similar operations in the region as well as conducted attacks against Japanese shore targets. During such an attack on January 15, the boat came under fire from enemy shore batteries and was holed three times. On the night of February 1-2, PT-109 took part in a large engagement involving 20 Japanese destroyers as the enemy worked to evacuate forces from Guadalcanal. With the victory on Guadalcanal, Allied forces began the invasion of the Russell Islands in late February. During these operations, PT-109 aided in escorting transports and provided security offshore. Amid the fighting in early 1943, Westholm became the flotilla operations officer and left Ensign Bryant L. Larson in command of PT-109. Larsons tenure was brief and he left the boat on April 20. Four days later, Lieutenant (junior grade) John F. Kennedy was assigned to command PT-109. The son of prominent politician and businessman Joseph P. Kennedy, he arrived from MTB 14 in Panama. Under Kennedy Through the next two months, PT-109 conducted operations in the Russell Islands in support of the men ashore. On June 16, the boat, along with several others, moved to an advanced base on Rendova Island. This new base became a target of enemy aircraft and  on August 1, 18 bombers struck. The raid sunk two PT boats and disrupted operations. Despite the attack, a force of fifteen PT boats was assembled in response to intelligence that five Japanese destroyers would be conducting a run from Bougainville to Vila, Kolombangara Island that night. Prior to departing, Kennedy ordered a 37 mm gun field mounted on the boat. Deploying in four sections, PT-159 was the first to make contact with the enemy and attacked in concert with PT-157. Expending their torpedoes, the two boats withdrew. Elsewhere, Kennedy patrolled without incident until spotting firing along the south shore of Kolombangara. Rendezvousing with PT-162 and PT-169, he soon received orders to maintain their normal patrol. Due east of Ghizo Island, PT-109 turned south and led the three-boat formation. Moving through the Blackett Straits, the three PT boats were spotted by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri. Turning to intercept, Lieutenant Commander Kohei Hanami bore down on the American boats at high speed. Spotting the Japanese destroyer at about 200-300 yards, Kennedy attempted to turn to starboard preparatory to firing torpedoes. Too slow, PT-109 was rammed and cut in half by Amagiri. Though the destroyer suffered minor damage, it safely returned to Rabaul, New Britain the following morning while the surviving PT boats fled the scene. Thrown into the water, two of PT-109s crew were killed in the collision. As the forward half of the boat remained afloat, the survivors clung to it until daylight. Rescue Aware that the forward section would soon sink, Kennedy had a float fashioned using a timber from the 37 mm gun mount. Placing badly burned Machinists Mate 1/c Patrick MacMahon and two non-swimmers aboard the float, the survivors succeeded in evading Japanese patrols and landed on uninhabited Plum Pudding Island. Over the next two nights, Kennedy and Ensign George Ross unsuccessfully attempted to signal patrolling PT boats with a salvaged battle lantern. With their provisions exhausted, Kennedy moved the survivors to nearby Olasana Island which possessed coconuts and water. Seeking additional food, Kennedy and Ross swam to Cross Island where they found some food and a small canoe. Using the canoe, Kennedy came into contact with two local islanders but was unable to get their attention. These proved to be Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, who had been dispatched by Sub Lieutenant Arthur Reginald Evans, an Australian coastwatcher on Kolombangara, who had seen PT-109 explode after the collision with Amagiri. On the night of August 5, Kennedy took the canoe into the Ferguson Passage to try to contact a passing PT boat. Unsuccessful, he returned to find Gasa and Kumana meeting with the survivors. After convincing the two men that they were friendly, Kennedy gave them two messages, one written on a coconut husk, to take to the coastwatchers at Wana Wana. The next day, eight islanders returned with instructions to take Kennedy to Wana Wana. After leaving supplies for the survivors, they transported Kennedy to Wana Wana where he made contact with PT-157 in the Ferguson Passage. Returning to Olasana that evening, Kennedys crew was ferried to the PT boat and transported to Rendova. For his efforts to rescue his men, Kennedy was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. With Kennedys political ascent after the war, the story of PT-109 became well known and was the subject of a feature film in 1963. When asked how he became a war hero, Kennedy replied, It was involuntary. They sank my boat. The wreck of PT-109 was discovered in May 2002 by noted underwater archaeologist and oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard.

Human Reource management for Samsung Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Reource management for Samsung - Essay Example The organizational structure also determines the approaches used in decision-making. This paper will present a report on the strategies that Samsung can adopt to register high performance and ensure a favorable working environment. Motivation and Reward This section will present an analysis of the motivation and reward procedure used by Samsung. In a bid to motivate its workers, Samsung has a very modern strategy, which offers the workers with a diverse range of possibilities. For starters, the managers in Samsung have made sure that the working hour-schedule suits the employees in conformity to their preferences, a factor that ensures that people are enthusiastic of each day’s work. Employees have a clear ascending path in the company, with the option to remain at the level of an individual contributor or become a manager (Pattanayak, 2005). It gives the employee awareness that if he does a good job, he will very likely ascend in the hierarchy, and receive a bigger salary and extra benefits. It is a strong motivational factor as the employee receives an adequate challenge, and the outcomes of staying with the company. Samsung has adopted a â€Å"pick your package† style of benefits for the employees. ... Moreover, Samsung is working on improving their workplace to offer a free catering, Starbucks gym, and social club on-site. Some optional benefits include social events, holidays, activities within the company, and many more, to maintain a good relationship between the company and the staff. This human resource strategy has shown its viability as evidenced by its adoption by companies such as Google and Kaspersky labs. The feedback collected from the employees indicates a feeling of satisfaction and a will to progress within the company (Pattanayak, 2005). Evidently, Samsung has achieved its goal in terms of motivation and reward. Samsung has also considered establishing goal incentives. This is an additional performance-based pay system to reward employees for improvement in their work efficiency. This system makes use part of the extra profit generated because of the effective performance of the management, human resource, facilities, and technology of our company (Lindholm, Yarris h, &Zaballero, 2012). When a business unit achieves good business performance, it allocates part of the extra profit to executives and employees. Under this system, part of an employee’s salary is determined based on the collective performance of the group. This is a variable reward system, under which executives and employees receive part of the profit in cases where a high performance that exceeds the goal is registered. Organizational Change and Culture This section describes Samsung's organizational change and culture, with admiration to RensisLikert’s participative decision-making theory. According to this theory, employers should seek to allow

LRH (Trade Show Event) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

LRH (Trade Show Event) - Essay Example My experience is of paramount importance in steering the success of this event. My aim is to come up with a simple relatively cheap but professionally organized event. This will be a week of familiarizing my self with the company's products. With the help of pat who is very knowledgeable about the products and has been in several trade shows with the company. He has also been handling sales staff. Together we shall come up with with a new revised marketing plan, develop new signs and banners with more attention catching messages and a team of well co-coordinated sales staff. Having familiarized myself with the company's products the next step will be registering as exhibitors with the relevant authorities, this will ensure that we get booth for events day. We shall pay for a more spacious both, a provision that is there on the marketing manager's budget, which will give room for increased displays and presentations. We shall then visit the meteorological department for the weather update so that we can know the kind of clothing our sales team will wear. In this week I will hold the meeting with terry, a brilliant administrative assistant in the marketing department. Having been severally involved in preparation of the events I will seek his knowledge and discuss the duties which will be issuing the take aways and updating presentations. In collaboration with pat, a settl... f trainer, we shall identify a group of six well placed persons to form the marketing team, pat will train the for a period of two weeks as to adequately prepare the for the event. He will train them on good communication skills interacting well with viewers and handling their complaints proffesionary. 2nd week to the event I will embark on the travel arrangement procedures to make sure that my products are delivered to the events city on time, the products will be twenty cartons of books, posters, computers and signs. Due to the short distance to the other city I will use road as my mode of transport. For furniture and equipments I will arrange on how to rent them from the events city. The furniture's will include two tables and for chairs. 4th day to the event Together with the pat and terry we shall travel to that city for both selection. The exhibitors will assign as the space and later issue us with a guide, which contains full information on the show preparation requirements. 2nd day to the event At this day I will confirm whether all products have been delivered at the venue of the show and assesses whether intact. Incase some will be missing I will organize for a rapid replacement to ensure that the sent is not lured. Events day We shall neatly prepare our booth making sure that it is attractive amongst the other booths. The sales team will be strategically located while one one of them will make sure that the stand is lively with the attractive staff who will play their roles as trained. Reference Manfred, M. (2005): Trade Show Management United Nations, commission of Interaction Trade Shows