Pragmatism American Philosophy

Pragmatism American Philosophy Bree Dela Rosa   William James presents pragmatism as a concept that can be applied when settling two claims that provide contrasting views. Science, religion, and morality each present diverse view on different issues, and James suggests that pragmatism can be used to settle these views. For James, the concept is significant as it offers people with a form of overcoming dilemma when faced with different perspectives from science, morality, and religion and other fields. Indeed, through the application of pragmatism, one realizes that the three areas that present divergent views are not in any competition. Further, for James, pragmatism is a method of settling metaphysical disputes that might otherwise be interminable (James, 94) he believes that the truth has no correspondence with knowledge and we should come to an agreement and act on the truth to make it true. An analysis of the lecture reveals the pragmatic method which is advanced by James, but at the same time raises objections which can be ad dressed by Jamess arguments. James begins his analysis by presenting the pragmatic method and how it can help in solving metaphysical disputes. In this instance, James gives the example of the arguments surrounding the question of whether the world is one or many. Indeed, religious and scientific arguments have been advanced to explain whether the earth is one or many. James argues that there is no practical difference in the viewpoints hence the notions are unending (James, 94) meaning that the application of the concept pragmatic method in such a case is to deduce the respective consequences of each argument, for example from science and religion. If pragmatism demonstrates that there is no practical difference between the arguments, then they are principally the same (James, 94).   This example brings out Jamess primary thesis that the pragmatic method can be used to resolve the disputes that arise from different schools of thought. If both parties in the argument do not present a considerable differen ce that would make their argument correct since the disagreement is idle (James, 94), therefore, the distinction makes no sense or has no meaning. For example, in the argument in the number of worlds, science may make a claim that there are some worlds while religion maintains that there is the only one which implies that there is no practical difference in both arguments. James and other scholars advanced the pragmatist theory of truth. In his lecture, James argues that truth is the property of our beliefs. These ideas, which themselves are but parts of our experience become true just in so far as they help us get into satisfactory relations with other parts our experience (James, 100). In this instance, James argues that one must be satisfied with the experiences that they have with the belief so that they can deem it to be true. For example, James gives a case of a squirrel and a man going around a tree with the latter apparently hiding from the man. However, he reminds his friends that it depends on what they mean by going around to get which party is right. The example that he gives to present this theory is how geologists, biologists, and philologists presented their ideas based on events. However, I contemplate that some of the claims that James makes about truth can be criticized. For example, I disagree with James that truth can only happen when the consequences are good as well as work in each way. Additionally, James argues that truth only happens to ideas that are based on previous events. For instance, if a new medication is given during a clinical trial and it works, Jamess pragmatism would not be applicable since it is not based on any past event. Nevertheless, James can address this criticism by referring to his views presented in the lecture. Notably, the theory of truth can provide him with a foundation for arguing against such an argument (James, 100). James can argue that his view of reality is based on an analysis of previous events and observations by other philosophers hence my argument does not hold like in the case of biologists and geologists (James, 100). Moreover, James argues that the claims must be based on events while my claim is not necessarily based on any. For example, the concept that I would come up with can be criticized by James as something that is not based on any past or new events hence cannot be true (James, 100). His argument builds on the occurrence of past events while my concept does not. The idea that I came up with does not fulfill any aspects of the theory of truth presented by James. Hence it could be wrong. Conclusively, William Jamess pragmatism is a concept that can be used to resolve different viewpoints. With the fields of science, religion, and morality presenting divergent views on various aspects with each proponent arguing that theirs is true, pragmatism can help in resolving such disputes. Indeed, James provides an analysis of various examples such as the number of worlds and the squirrel and man to demonstrate his pragmatist method and the theory of truth. In general, it is up to an individual to decide on whether they agree or disagree with Jamess pragmatism.

Premature Specialization in Medicine

A medical doctor in today†s world is educated and trained in a traditional manner that seeks to insure the well being of his or her patients. Practicing medicine requires a strong science background and rigorous training; it is in the interest of clients and medical boards across the world to assure this. Thus, education in the science field is extremely important, even at the undergraduate level. Being a doctor is not just a job, nor is it solely a career. The medical profession is saturated with risk, for both the patient as well as the doctor. Doctors need early specialization in their education in order to acquire the skills necessary to handle delicate situations that occur on a daily basis. Malpractice must come to an end. The education that a doctor receives is a tool that he or she will use his or her whole life, (unlike a person who majored in something contrary to what their field of work is). A doctor†s experience is a vital instrument. Medical skill is a demand for certain practicing procedures and should be taken seriously. Knowing the legal system requires a doctor to have a good amount of experience can ease the concerns of family and loved ones, and also gives confidence to a doctor that he or she can do his or her work correctly. In order for doctors to get the best experience and education needed, training must take place early on in education. An abundance of science courses in college is a good start to prepare for medical school. Even though medical schools might cover the material that is offered in undergraduate biology and chemistry courses, repeat exposure to the material can only be beneficial to the student. The more experience that a student has in science and related subjects ultimately helps the future doctor in the long run. To ensure the level of maturity of a doctor, it is necessary to educate them on a broad level. According to Thomas, English, History, the literature of at least two foreign languages, and philosophy should come near the top of the list, just below Classics, as basic requirements, and applicants for medical school should be told that their grades in these courses will more than anything. (Thomas 115) Educating premed students in these courses is important, but science is the most significant part in an undergraduate program. It requires thought and practice as well as research, which are all fundamental keys to being a doctor. If a MD were certified with the least amount of experience allowed in the science field as possible, malpractice could be expected. On the other hand knowing two foreign languages is not vital to ones life. In fact, if a patient speaks another language translators can be brought in to fit certain needs. Doctors that focus on science and health are achieving what the profession requires. Understanding science to its full capacity ought to be the goal for premeds and medical students. To ensure the well fare of a patient, over achievement of science courses is necessary. Looking at the medical educational setup that is present in today†s Universities, premed students work hard at science and put forth the effort to make these classes their number one priority. According to Thomas, † If there are any courses in the humanities that can be taken without risk to class standing they will line up for these, but they will not get in to anything tough except for science.† (Thomas 114) Comprehending science can be hard and exhilarating, students should space out these courses while maintaining a level of understanding of other fields, but it is serious to make focus on science. Any student in the undergraduate level maintaining a good grade point average while taking 300, and 400 level science classes is bound for success. The risk factor for a doctor practicing medicine that has thoroughly been educated and has completed all necessary science classes, whether it be premature specialization or courses in medical school, will ultimately be a safe doctor and will create a more secure atmosphere in the field.

The Development Of Gothic Architecture - 1445 Words

The Development of Gothic Architecture in England The perceived English gothic periods were slightly different from those of France. The Early English gothic (approximately from 1175 to 1265) corresponded to the High gothic period in France. By 1300 the gothic style had become fully assimilated into Britain. â€Å"The next phase of development is known as ‘Decorated’† (Pragnell 2007 pg. 48) where there was much more ornamentation. The Decorative English period (1250 to 1370) used vaulting with elaborate extra ribs called tiercerons and liernes and window tracery that worked in tre-foil and quatre-foil (three-leaf and four-leaf) and flowing curved and intersecting shapes. The final English period was the Perpendicular (1330 - 1540) and this was distinctly English with panel tracery and conical fan-shaped vaults. Byland Abbey (which is 20 miles from York) is sometimes quoted as the first truly gothic English building but it was destroyed in the reformation (monasteries and abbeys were destroyed but cathedrals were preserved to become Anglican) . Byland was consecrated in 1195 and at the time it was the longest church in England. It is still an impressive ruin with a large wheel window. Up to around 1100 York Minster was a Norman building. It gradually transitioned to the gothic style from around 1170 (Early English period) to 1465 (Perpendicular period) and so contains elements of all of the English gothic styles. The Elements of Gothic Architecture There are a number ofShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of Gothic Architecture1515 Words   |  7 PagesThe Development of Gothic Architecture To describe the development of Gothic Architecture, you must first know what the Gothic Period is. The Gothic Period is described as the time between Romanesque and Renaissance periods. 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