When Should We Discard Explanations free essay sample

When Should we Discard Explanations that are Intuitively Appealing? Intuition, knowing or considering something to be likely from an instinctive feeling and not from conscious reasoning, is a difficult concept to deal with. Intuition can be often be true, but also lead us down a path of poor judgement. The difficulty with intuition is knowing when to accept it or when to reject it. Complicating this dilemma is dealing with explanations that are intuitively appealing. The more we want an explaination to be true, the more difficult it becomes to reject the explanation. Thus, when should we discard explanations that are intuitively appealing? In short, explanations that are intuitively appealing should be discarded when, after sufficient analysis and applying reason to the argument, the explanation is proven false. In the realm of religion there are several examples of intuitively appealing explanations. One of the most appealing of which is Christianitys belief that there is the existence of an eternal after life. We will write a custom essay sample on When Should We Discard Explanations or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Evidence of its existence is primarily based in the beliefs of individuals. These beliefs are primarily based on religious writings and teachings. In that most of these writings are based on individual accounts of events which occurred over 2000 years ago, we are unable to substantiate these writings and teachings with any evidence. That said, there is an equal void in the existence of empirical evidence to prove the religious writings and teachings which support the existence of an eternal after life to be false. So, even though there is no proof of the existence of an eternal after life, conversely, there is no basis for discarding this explanation because there is no definite way to prove that this is not true. Therefore, given the possibility that either point of view may be true, the explanation should not be discarded. When we consider the statement â€Å"Thomas Jefferson was a good and moral individual,† given he was one of the founding fathers of our country, it would generally be considered a very appealing position. However, when we analyze totality of Jefferson’s life, we find areas where compelling arguments could be made that he was not such a moral individual. Primarily these arguments revolve around the subject of slavery. Thomas Jefferson wrote â€Å"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal,† yet he himself owned slaves. To compound this contradiction, Jefferson knew the practice of slavery was not a moral act. Gore Vidal, a famous author, quotes Jefferson as saying, â€Å"I fear for this nation, if God is just† (Vidal). In this quote Vidal explains that Jefferson is referring to the act of slavery and God’s view of it. Given these facts, there are those that claim Jefferson was an immoral individual. However, it is my position that it is wrong to judge the acts of historical figures by today’s standards, rather we should judge those individuals by the values and norms of that individual’s time. For clarity, future generations could look back at our actions and consider us immoral for testing medical products on animals. Additionally, I believe that it is only when you have established that an individual must be either all good or all bad that you may then have a definitive argument that Jefferson was an immoral individual. But most people are a mixture of bad and good and we must look at the totality of their accomplishments and deeds to determine if they are moral. Based on this, the idea that Jefferson was a good and moral individual should not be rejected. The idea that the cure for cancer is eminent is an intuitively appealing idea. To begin our analysis of this statement, we must first define the meaning of eminent as it relates to the cure for cancer. In that cancer has afflicted humans throughout recorded history and dates back to approximately to 1600 B. C. , the definition of eminent as it relates to finding a cure could be stated as a period exceeding fifty to a hundred years. However, using such a timeframe would render our statement unappealing. So, to make the statement that the cure for cancer is eminent intuitively appealing, we will define eminent as within five years. To test this concept we need to turn to the opinions of oncologists and other cancer specialists who are involved in the quest to conquer cancer. Dr. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer for the American Medical Society feels, â€Å"the idea in calling for a cure does scare me a little bit because I don’t think that’s realistic in some cancers† (Landau). Dr. Leonard Saltz, a notable colon cancer expert at Memorial Sloan-Kettering stated of cancer, â€Å"It’s a much more complicated problem than anyone ever appreciated. It will, unfortunately, be with us for a long time† (Landau). These two respected doctors echo the opinion of most other experts. These experts believe the emphasis now is more on managing the cancer than curing it, much like we manage diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, the very fact cancer encompasses over 200 diseases and we have yet to cure a single one is daunting evidence that the cure for cancer is not imminent and we must therefore discard the notion. The concept of the â€Å"hot hand† in basketball is intuitively appealing to the everyday basketball fan. The idea is that a team should keep giving the ball to a certain player that is consistently making his shots and therefore increasing that team’s chance of winning. However, to test this phenomena, a study was conducted in 1985 by Thomas Gilovich of Cornell University, and Robert Vallone and Amos Tversky of Stanford University. To test if the concept described by the hot hand is valid, Gilovich et al. analyzed the shooting of a professional level basketball team over the course of an entire season. They determined that, â€Å"for each individual player, the proportion of shots hit was unrelated to how many previous shots in a row he had either hit or missed† (Burns). Additionally, their study showed that the number or duration of runs of misses or hits for each player was not different from the expected given the players overall shooting percentage. This was true for field goals as well as free throws. It is primarily for these reasons that they determined the hot hand phenomenon to be a fallacy. Regardless, to most basketball fans, as well as numerous sports experts, the â€Å"hot hand† remains an intuitively appealing explanation and it has yet to be rejected. Gilovich suggests that this belief still remains because of, â€Å"memory biases (streaks are more memorable) and misperception of chance, such as belief that small as well as large sequences are representative of their generating process† (Burns). So, based on this extensive study involving mathematical analysis, and regardless of the majority opinion, the intuitively appealing phenomena known as the â€Å"hot hand† should be discarded. In conclusion, after considering all the arguments towards an intuitively appealing explanation, the explanation should discarded when the concept does not hold up to scrutiny. In the examples presented, it is clear that while intuitively appealing explanations can be be initially seen as viable, only after you subject them to analysis and apply reason, can you make a determination of their viability.

Free Essays on Structural Criminology

John Hagan was born on February 15, 1946. He is currently married and living in Canada where he is a professor, in the Department of Sociology, at the University of Toronto. Hagan was a "draft dodger" during the 1960’s. He fled to Canada from the United States, because he feared that he would be drafted into the Vietnam war. Hagan wanted to continue his education and therefore did not want to go to war. He received his B.A., in Sociology, at the University of Illinois in 1968. He received his M.A. and Ph.D., in Sociology, from the University of Alberta in 1971 and 1974. Hagan has had numerous teaching appointments. Among them are Professor of Sociology and Law at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, from 1994-1996 and Professor in the Department of Sociology, at the University of Wisconsin, from 1980-1982. Hagan has written numerous books and journal articles. Among them are The Disreputable Pleasures , Crime and Disrepute, Criminological Controversies, Mean Streets. Among Hagan’s many journal articles are The Class Structure of gender and Delinquency: Toward a Power-Control Theory of Common Delinquent Behavior, Gender, delinquency, and the Great Depression: a test of power-control theory, Class in the Household: A Power-control Theory of Gender and Delinquency, Feminist scholarship, relational and instrumental control, and a power-control theory of gender and delinquency, The structuration of gender and deviance: a power-control theory of vulnerability to crime and the search for deviant role exits, and Risk Preferences and Patriarchy: Extending Power-Control Theory. Structural Criminology John Hagan, in his book Structural Criminology, attempts to "use a structural methodology to develop theoretical perspectives on crime and delinquency". He proposes the study of social structure in terms of power relations between individuals or groups. Inherent to this structural approach to criminology, is the study of vertical,... Free Essays on Structural Criminology Free Essays on Structural Criminology John Hagan was born on February 15, 1946. He is currently married and living in Canada where he is a professor, in the Department of Sociology, at the University of Toronto. Hagan was a "draft dodger" during the 1960’s. He fled to Canada from the United States, because he feared that he would be drafted into the Vietnam war. Hagan wanted to continue his education and therefore did not want to go to war. He received his B.A., in Sociology, at the University of Illinois in 1968. He received his M.A. and Ph.D., in Sociology, from the University of Alberta in 1971 and 1974. Hagan has had numerous teaching appointments. Among them are Professor of Sociology and Law at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, from 1994-1996 and Professor in the Department of Sociology, at the University of Wisconsin, from 1980-1982. Hagan has written numerous books and journal articles. Among them are The Disreputable Pleasures , Crime and Disrepute, Criminological Controversies, Mean Streets. Among Hagan’s many journal articles are The Class Structure of gender and Delinquency: Toward a Power-Control Theory of Common Delinquent Behavior, Gender, delinquency, and the Great Depression: a test of power-control theory, Class in the Household: A Power-control Theory of Gender and Delinquency, Feminist scholarship, relational and instrumental control, and a power-control theory of gender and delinquency, The structuration of gender and deviance: a power-control theory of vulnerability to crime and the search for deviant role exits, and Risk Preferences and Patriarchy: Extending Power-Control Theory. Structural Criminology John Hagan, in his book Structural Criminology, attempts to "use a structural methodology to develop theoretical perspectives on crime and delinquency". He proposes the study of social structure in terms of power relations between individuals or groups. Inherent to this structural approach to criminology, is the study of vertical,...

Strategic Management (n) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Management (n) - Essay Example al 2004). This dominant position was captured by Japanese manufacturers, in the later years of the 19th century, by providing more efficient and low cost cars using the ‘lean’ production systems. Over the years the car manufacturing has evolved a lot, with companies trying all means (including mergers and acquisitions) to reduce manufacturing costs and increasing efficiencies. The production bases of most manufacturers are shifting from developed economies to low cost Asian economies which are also providing them with huge customer base on account of their high economic growth. The 2009 financial crisis has further reduced demand in US and Europe. To save the industry, governments doled out huge packages and today they hold stakes in these firms. For example, US government holds 8% stake in Chrysler (sub5zero.com, 2010). This industry is greatly impacted by the government regulations. For example, there have been a number of emission norms set by the US government to address the environment concerns. Similarly the European countries have also been passing emission norms (Euro 1, 2 and so on) which the car manufacturers have to comply with. The emerging markets have also started passing such regulations. Besides these emission norms, governments also pass mileage per gallon laws and passenger safety laws. Car industry is highly sensitive to the economic scenario of a country or an individual. A car is seen more as a status symbol than as a requirement. Hence the consumers are likely to postpone their buying decision in case of financial crisis. A study by Frost & Sullivan (2010) shows that â€Å"in general recessions in this industry last for two to three years†. As per data trends (appendix fig. 1), the low demand resulting from the 2009 crisis will also follow similar trend. The study also shows that demand in key global markets has gone down by 14% on account of the crisis (appendix fig.4). The industry

How the writing about skateboarding reflects the views of Essay

How the writing about skateboarding reflects the views of skateboarders - Essay Example Skateboarders have always viewed the sport this way. On the other hand, if you ask non-skateboarders about what they think of skateboarding the responses will vary. Society’s perception of skateboarding is always changing. The early writings about skateboarding show that society’s appreciation for the sport outweighed the public’s frustrations with skateboarders. By the late 1980’s when skateboarding showed resurgence, writings about skateboarding voiced frustrations with the skateboarding culture and even tried to deter people from skateboarding. Today there still exists some negative stereotypes from the past, but society is more careful when writing about skateboarding. To examine the changing perception of skateboarding, this essay examines writings about skateboarding in the late seventies, and late eighties (both eras had a resurgence of popularity to the sport) then the present date, to illustrate the changing views of the activity. Technological ad vances in the design of the skateboard in the 1970’s created an explosion of new skateboarders around the world. As a result, the skill level of skateboarders progressed quickly. Skateboarding was just beginning to become recognized as a sport in the late 1970’s. This resulted in skateboarding companies flourishing. Skateboards, skateboarding paraphernalia, and plenty of skateboarding magazines emerged. The skateboarding magazines eager to profit from this new sport would have to be careful with their treatment, as to make it appealing to young skateboarders, but also write cautiously about the problems associated with skateboarding. One considers that an article ‘There’s more than one shiny pebble on Brighton Beach’ (1977) discussed the planning stages of a skateboarding club. Still, they only briefly mention the problems associated with skateboarding, noting â€Å"there was a general discussion about the new sport – its popularity and its problems.† Although, one may find articles in skateboarding magazines that mention that skateboarding has its problems, it is very difficult to find any articles which go into detail about those problems. This article is selective in how it chooses the material to present the problems associated with skateboarding because during the late 70’s skateboarding was just beginning to gain popularity. The explosion of many new skateboarders meant lots of new skateboards and skateboard paraphernalia to be sold. Hence, skateboarding magazines would have been cautious in what they choose to portray. When this article refers to trouble making kids they say are inferring that the group prevents them from causing trouble. The articles notes It’s all worth it and very refreshing for those of us involved. Kids who are normally out in the streets aren’t – they come skateboarding with us instead. We get some of the young hoods with us but they never cause trouble. A ll they want to do is skateboard – and that’s why it’s so rewarding. (para. 6) When this article refers to kids who cause trouble being when there out on the streets, it does not go into to detail about those problems. The article illustrates how it is rewarding to see the group have a positive effect on the youth, as it keeps them out of trouble. Since skateboarding was only beginning to gain popularity during the late 1970’s, it is possible that the general public was not entirely frustrated with skateboarders yet. Teeter (1979) further expands the discussion on skateboarding, in a newspaper article from the Lethbridge Herald. This article is also only slightly suggestive of the public’s frustrations with skateboardin

Fast Food Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Essay Fast-Food Feast Case Study Whitney Reichert Grand Canyon University MGT 655 Fast-Food Feast Case Study 1/9/13 Visit at least two different fast-food restaurants that make hamburgers and observe the basic differences in the following processes: How are in store orders taken How are the hamburgers prepared How are special orders handled How are the burgers cooked How are the burgers assembled Is a microwave used How are other items such as fires and drinks handled The two fast-food restaurants that I visited were McDonalds and In-and Out. The main differences that I found between the two restaurants were freshness and customer service. When in comes to in store orders at McDonalds, you wait in line to place your order. It seems to be not as customer service driven. You give them your order, which seems to be informal, and not that personable. You pay and stand off to the side until they call your order. They announce your order is ready by saying your order out loud, for example number 2 with a diet coke, without your name attached. At McDonald’s the hamburgers are prepared from frozen possessed meat, they then they cook the meat on the grill. As far as special orders go you must tell the cashier exactly what you don’t want because the burgers come as they are. The cashier then inputs the data into the computer, which then in turn allows the kitchen to make the arrangements. The employees in the kitchen then prepare the burgers; they utilize somewhat of an assembly line to make sure the right ingredients get put on the right burger. With McDonalds you do not have full visibility of the kitchen staff preparing the food. While at McDonalds I did not see a Microwave used. When it comes to fries, McDonalds has their fries frozen in a large plastic bag they then cook them in oil. With drinks you serve your self. When I went into In and Out it was a little different of an experience, and seemed more personable. The orders here are taken similar to McDonalds, but they take your name and give you a number, you wait off to the side and they then call your name and number aloud. The hamburgers at In and Out are grilled using higher quality meat, without preservatives, and they utilize local beef distributors. When it comes to special orders, it seems every order at In and Out is a special order. They ask you exactly what you want, where’s McDonalds doesn’t ask you exactly what you want, they just assume and you must be the one who asks for changes. The cashier then inputs the data into the computer, which then in turn allows the kitchen to make the arrangements. The burgers are cooked on a grill just like McDonalds. When it comes to the assembly, In and Out also utilize somewhat of an assembly line to add ingredients. In and Out uses fresh ingredients, the kitchen is open and you can see the employees making the food right in front of you. As far as I saw, a microwave was not used. As for fries, they use fresh potatoes with out preservatives, instead of bagged fries. As far as drinks goes at In and Out you also serve yourself. This assignment was quite interesting, I would defiantly choose In and Out over McDonalds. They have fresh ingredients, you can have it your way, and the experience is more personable.

A Clockwork Orange, by Stanley Kubrick Essay -- Film Analysis

A Clockwork Orange is a Stanley Kubrick film from 1971. Kubrick directed the film and wrote the screen play based on the 1962 novel from author Anthony Burgess. A Clockwork Orange was originally rated, â€Å"X† and nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Screenplay, but lost in each category to William Friedkin's The French Connection (filmsite.org). The set design is by John Barry, costume design by Milena Canonero, music by Wendy Carlos and cinematography by John Alcott. A Clockwork Orange was awarded the New York Film Critics Awards for Best Film and Best Direction (FilmReference.com). Distributed by Warner Brothers, the estimated budget was $2,200,000 with a Gross of $26,589,355 in the USA alone (IMDb.com). Most notable of the cast are actors Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee and Michael Bates. According to film critic James Berardinelli, â€Å"A Clockwork Orange is not an easy motion picture to absorb or digest.† Oddly, the sex and violence are easier to take than the razor-sharp edge of Kubrick's satire and the corresponding awareness of its pinpoint accuracy when addressing the issue of the dehumanization of people† (Berardinelli). Roger Ebert thought the movie was overhyped compared to its worth. He felt that the movie was an artistic sin. â€Å"It is just plain talky and boring. You know there's something wrong with a movie when the last third feels like the last half† (Rogerebert.com). The audience reactions all seem to say the same thing: â€Å"Brilliant movie†, â€Å"a gem of an art piece†, â€Å"sensational†, â€Å"the number one film of all time on my charts†(IMDb Reviews), with many claiming that it has to be watched more than once to truly appreciate the film. The movie has earned a 91% "Certified Fresh" ra... ...D=/19720211/REVIEWS/202110301/1023>. "The Kubrick FAQ Part 2." Visual-memory.co.uk. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. . IMDb Reviews. IMDb.com. Web. 17 Mar. 2012. . Flame into Being: The Life and Work of D. H. Lawrence (Heinemann, London 1985) Anthony Burgess, p 205 Bugge, Christian. "The Kubrick Site: The ACO Controversy in the UK." Visual-memory.co.uk. Web. 04 Apr. 2012. . Kipp, Jeremiah. "A Clockwork Orange." Slant Magazine. Slant Magazine. Web. 24 Mar. 2012. . "A Clockwork Orange (1971)." A Clockwork Orange. Web. 08 Apr. 2012. . http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/A_Clockwork_Orange/383466?trkid=2361637

Alienation Essay

Metamorphosis is a change in physical form or structure. In The Metamorphosis, there is a literal change in the protagonist, Gregor Samsa’s, physical form from a man to an insect. This metamorphosis brings to light one of the major themes in the novel; the theme of alienation. Today’s society demands conformity to its norms and any individual who refuses to accept these faces alienation. Such is the fate of Gregor in the story. Before Gregor’s metamorphosis, he is alienated from his job, humanity, his family, and even his body. The metamorphosis, however, takes the alienation to a different plane. In the story, Gregor’s job precipitates his alienation from society, his family, and himself. Gregor’s initial alienation is from his physical body and as the story progresses we find that Gregor’s life as an insect is not much different from his life as a human. From the first few paragraphs we get the impression that Gregor’s metamorphosis has only transformed him from one body to a less convenient one. He does not seem frazzled by his transformation, but explores his new body and tries to work with it. He observes his â€Å"numerous legs, which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk† (Kafka, 494), he feels a â€Å"dull ache he had never experienced before† (495), and he discovers a place on his body that he cannot itch. Gregor does not seem to have any emotional change due to this transformation. This is evident when he wakes up after his transformation and is annoyed that he cannot go to sleep because he cannot turn onto his right side. He also thinks about how he can no longer attend work.