...philosophers such as Alvin Plantinga and Descartes, defines God as “a being that which nothing greater can be conceived”. In my opinion the argument does not only fail to go beyond this definition, but we cannot be sure than it defines God correctly either. Firstly we cannot argue that the argument goes beyond the definition of God because as Kant points out the argument has a major flaw, the ontological argument is based on an assumption that to exist is a property of perfection. He uses the analogy of money saying that 100___ that existed in reality were no different in value to 100___ that existed hypothetically as both, in theory were worth the same and therefore equal. Bertrand Russell makes a similar point, he claims that the ontological argument uses the word ‘exists’ incorrectly and that existence is not a property of things, but of the idea of those things. Russell uses the example of dragons, saying that if someone says a dragon does not exist what they mean is of all the things that exist the word dragon refers to none of them, however this fact is not part of the definition itself and changes nothing about the description of the features of a dragon, therefore existence is an extension of an intention and not a definition. Alvin Plantinga attempts to redeem the ontological argument with his possible world’s theory, planting argues that if it is coherent to believe that in a possible world a maximally great being could exist then in order for him to have maximal greatness he...
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...earlier stage should be aborted. It results that the existence of one person should counted as overpopulation, and it is good for human to extinct. In the introduction, Benatar first claims that his argument can be applied to all sentient beings, but his focus will be on humans. In the part subtitled “Who is so lucky”, Freud's claim that there is no good or best for the non-existent people elicits the 'non-identity' problem, which will later be solved. By speaking about the 'never-existent' which refers to nothing, Benatar is using this expression as a convenient term to mean those possible but non-actual beings. In Chapter 2, Benatar firstly claims that the expression 'a life worth living' should be specified as either 'a life worth starting' or 'a life worth continuing'. Then he tries to explain why coming into existence is always a harm by the asymmetry of pleasure and pain: (1) the presence of pain is bad, (2) the presence of pleasure is good, (3) the absence of pain is good, (4) the absence of pleasure is not bad unless it implies a deprivation. The first two points are evident, but (3) and (4) are controversial. The 'non-identity' problem can be raised against (3), since (3) can be interpreted as the absence of pain is good for the nonexistent being. Benatar replies that (3) claims that “this absence is good when judged in terms of the interests of the person who would otherwise have existed” (2006: 31). However, this reply is still problematic since it implies a...
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...God—proofs that were dependent on reason and observation, not the revealed word of God. 1. Aquinas recognized that for motion to take place, there had to be something that interacts with it to cause it to move. This, in turn must be an infinite being outside of creation and hence is God. 2. Every effect must have a cause, if you eliminate the cause you eliminate the effect. It only posits that a God exists who is the cause of all things and who is the effect of nothing. 3. Aquinas argued that from observation, the things around him had the possibility of being (or existing) or not being. Yet, if that first being exists, he must necessarily not have the possibility of not being. In other words, as non-existence cannot bring about existence, the first being necessarily has to have always existed. And this entity that necessarily exists and cannot not-exist, is God. 4. Note that this is not the suggestion that we get the idea of goodness or hotness from God, but simply that there must always be something that is more good or more hot than that which we are viewing and since there is a gradation, there must always be a top to the gradation that can never be surpassed. Such a top or asymptote, by definition, requires an infinite being, hence it must be God. 5. Fifthly, Aquinas points out that there are entities in creation that have no consciousness at all, yet still act in a regular fashion and in such a way that it is beneficial to their continued existence. Trees, for example...
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...horses did not exist, there would be no such thing as the form horse. Is this correct? * I believe Aristotle was incorrect by saying there could be no form of a horse if there were no actual physical particular horse with which to base the form on. I justify this based on my understanding of the notion of a form, namely – the form of the object is purely human convention that assigns words to concepts and then judges wheter particular objects conform to our definition. We could conceive if something that we would call a horse even if there was never an object that we could find which conformed to our conception. 4. Can there be essence without existence? * Everything has two principles that explain its being, essence and existence. In all beings except for God, these principles are both required in order for the actually existing individual thing to be. Each is distinct from the other, yet this distinction is a real, not merely logical. 5. What are the two kinds of substance * For Aristotle two kinds of substance is from and essence. The kind of essence or form that Aristotle counts as primary substance is one that is not in any way universal; a form that is as individual as the compound whose form it is. The “individual forms” solution is not to be found in Aristotle, and is unavailable to him. On their view, the primary substance of the Metaphysics is species form - something that is common to different members of the same species, but is still, in some...
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...expected and required. * These policies should include conflict of interest and code of ethics section. * Procedures should be updated every year * It is important that employees are taught and trained in the policies so that they learned of their existence and they get a sense of what is expected of them. * It is also important to exercise segregation of duties in the workplace. This means require different parties to perform key parts of the transaction. Specifically, separate the authorization, custody, record keeping and reconciliation duties. In the case, not only is Jessica in charge of the custody and record keeping duty, but there also seems that there isn’t any supervising bank reconciliation activity being performed. There are different controls that this entity could have used to avoid segregation of duties problems experienced that led to the burglary of funds by Jessica. Some of these are: * Implement a bank lockbox system that receives the entity payments. These system would have avoided Jessica or any employee to have to deal with cash by just getting bank notifications of the daily deposits for recording. * If a lockbox system is unavailable/undesirable, two entity’s employees should receive payments, list the payments and generate deposits. * This control could be circumvented by collusion of employees. * Additionally, periodic reconciliations of cash receipts for entities books should be performed...
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...TRANSCENDENTAL PROPERTIES OF BEING By: MBAKWE NICHOLAS CHUKWUNWEIKE Introduction Metaphysics is not just a science in Aristotle’s conception of it, but one that distinguishes itself from all the particular sciences by firstly raising the question of the first and most universal causes and secondly by taking as its subject of consideration ‘being’ simply as ‘being’ in its most universal and in its most concrete sense as present in experience. Implicitly, being must be taken as analogous from the very beginning of the investigation, not in the sense that it would diffuse the unity of this science into a mere difference of differences, but in the sense that it would raise this science to a higher kind of unity according to an order of different degrees of being as they relate to a primary analogate as the one to which all relate more or less distantly. To delve more deeply into this analogous subject of consideration one must further distinguish transcendental properties that follow being in its analogous and transcendental sense. In the end, when the question of a first, universal cause of being as being, or of a summit of being that would be totally transcendent, is finally raised, all of this a priori conception of being as analogous according to different degrees with its corresponding degrees of oneness, activity, truth and goodness must be brought into play in relation to things as they come under sense experience as moved, caused, contingent and exhibiting different degrees...
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...having a hidden meaning, and as I have quickly learned, philosophy is a very mystifying subject and is open to a wide variety of interpretation. Due to this obscurity, each person will have a different view on philosophy and will likely have changing opinions and views as they continue on their path. Heidegger describes this path as one of responding to life. More specifically, “responding to the voice of Logos which he defines as the Being of all beings, One, One which is all, Life.” As previously stated, this is a very cryptic definition that takes much deeper thought than simply reading off the page. Despite being cryptic, this vague definition gives a strong guideline to the basic idea of philosophy while still giving the reader an opportunity to interpret the definition in their own way. This definition shines light on both the basic idea of philosophy while also showing that everyone will interpret philosophy in their own way. By saying that philosophy is the One which is all, it shows that each individual person makes up a greater being which is Life. Each individual person provides their own interpretation based on their own lifestyle and past. Therefore, philosophy is the sum of all lives that can only be defined with the sum of everybody’s views and opinions. With this is mind, philosophy will be ever changing as people grow older and more people are brought into the world. What is most important about this definition is that it is timeless. This definition can...
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...Transcendental Attributes of Being A research paper submitted to [Professor Name] In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For The course [Course Name] [Seminary Name] By [Student Name] Place Date Introduction While Plato had also covered the notions surrounding the properties of being, Aristotle was the first to bring the term transcendental to the context of the attributes of being. Plato offered valuable insight regarding the four transcendental attributes of being. [1] Aristotle shaped the transcendentals in a specific manner and refined his own perspective. Later philosophers also expanded the discussion surrounding the transcendental attributes of being. These transcendentals become significant in the context of theology because they possess a link with Christian theology and unfold in the form of what man desires. For explicating the four transcendental attributes of being, it becomes significant to first explore the definition of an attribute. An attribute falls under the category of that aspect which does not exist in the form of the embodiment but originates from the same. As regards ‘being’, it can only give rise to what is also being and thus, a ‘being’ cannot spawn attributes or properties while discussing these terminologies in a firm manner. Nevertheless, while approaching the subject in a broader manner, an attribute can be defined for a specific perspective on being as long as it applies to each instance of being and overall entities that fall...
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...Nontraditional sources of funding, I think would be to commercial venture. Organizations could sell it services to people who can pay for them. Bequest program - having people leave money to the organization in their will. Affinity marketing- a store could its customers that they will put a certain portion of their profit towards the organization. Phoenix Homeless Agency needs funds to continue providing counseling to qualifying recipients, so they would need to come up with the best possible way to fund their efforts. They could try several fund raising strategies to do that such as Client donations, special events, and annual campaign. I think these would do best because you would think that with the economy being the way it is that donations would not come in but that is just not true. If you make it known would your cause is for and appeal to passionate people that want the same thing they will donate. Special events are another fundraising idea I think would work, especially raffles. The organization could have another organization donation something that people would want such as a gift cards, or maybe tickets to something, I say small things like this because they could have many company’s donate this and that way there are more prizes at the end which when you think about it more people will play. Annual campaign I think would be a good idea because the organization is not new so you would think that have had donors in the past that they could contact to make...
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...corporations, grants and foundations. In addition there is also the memorial and tribute program, according to the Star of Hope this program gives people the opportunity to remember special individuals with a memorial or tribute gift. The wills and estate program, which allows a person, to plan a tax deductible gift to a ministry service or other charitable programs, and finally there is the stock donation program, which allows a person to transfer their donated stock directly to the organization for the full value. Technology has paved the way for online giving for individuals making cash donations. There is a continuous online fundraising campaign that to date has reached 41% of its goal for the year. The funding sources that are being used have evolved from 1906 to today, but have proved to be reliable and has contribute to the organizations growth over the last 108 years of existence. According to the Star of Hopes statements of financial position form December 31, 2013,...
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...Case Study #1: Can Research Rescue the Red Cross? Business Research & Applications Summary The American Red Cross (Red Cross) had been a reputable non-profit organization and its function is to provide help to victims as well as those involved in rescue and relief efforts. There is a national chapter and there are local independent chapters as well that respond to smaller tragic events that upset people’s lives. The Red Cross operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; their goal is to be there when crisis strikes. They do not receive financial support from the government; they rely on contributions from U.S. citizens to fund its efforts. For many years, it had a policy of fund raising through advertising during high profile period surrounding a disaster. Its wed-site states “One of the best ways to help disaster victims, people in need where you live, and people around the world right now is through a financial donations”. Donors are asked to contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund, their local Red Cross chapters, or the International Response Fund. The work that they do has prompted millions in donations each year. However, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attracts, their practices came under fire and scrutiny by the media and their long standing reputation was in jeopardy. When disaster stuck, it was their normal practice to estimate the total monetary goal and advertise and collect donations to reach it. Moreover...
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...religious thinking. It is important to point out that Heidegger’s philosophy is extremely complex and he never completed his second half of his endeavour, hence a brief explication will not do his thinking justice but a complete explanation is outside the scope of this essay. Therefore, in this essay I will primarily focus on Heidegger’s five key concepts; i) the transience of reality, ii) human existence, iii) Being-in-the world, iv) objects and things and v) metaphysics and Being. The transience of reality This ‘transience of reality’ according to Heidegger reflects the idea that everything is “temporary and changeable” (RST3708 Study Guide 2008:59). Whereas modern subjectivism refers to the “attitude in terms of which the whole of reality is traced back to the subject” (RST3708 Study Guide 2008:58), Heidegger contends that reality exists before the subject can be identified, as written in the Study Guide (RST3708 Study Guide 2008:58), “reality as a mystery has already happened”. Heidegger claims that only once a comprehensive examination is made into Being, will there be space for a new revelation, a “postsubjectivist experience – of reality”...
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...Hsm260 Collaborative Funding July 25, 2013 Bonnie Gusman The Phoenix Homeless Agency (PHA) is in the need of increased funding to further future funding toward job counseling for qualified clients. Regularly agencies get traditional contracts and grants; but the economy has increased the need and requires them to find other sources. The Executive Director and Board of Directors have begun their search by using the internet, other agencies, and community networking. They have agreed on, that there are three options that will yield revenue while keeping costs under control. This will result in money left over for their program; appealing to local government officials, contacting local businesses for donations, and holding a strong public donation campaign. Contacting local government officials the agency may access information about funding that is available to community agencies that are not related to federal or state traditional grants and contracts. These may include United Way, connections to people who might donate, grants from large out-of the area businesses and foundations, or city donations to help unemployment. They may also receive (employ, volunteer, students) grant writers who will be willing to help organization understand, locating, and the writing process, that achieve better results. Local businesses are often feeling the same negative...
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...of them individually and as a whole. All tasks, or projects, must be clear so that the members know exactly what goals to work towards and that will also improve staff performance and in turn the organization as a whole. Staff: Does the staff members show good partnership skills (being able to work on a team)? It is crucial for all staff members to be able to work with one another. This not only helps the staff to work together as a whole toward common goals, but it also allows the organization to operate more smoothly. If staff members cannot work together, then they cannot communicate efficiently and effectively and not only does the work environment suffer but the organization also suffers as a whole. Donors/Fundraisers: Are the donors aware and informed of all of the different ways that their contributions, or money, is helping the organization? Donors like it when the results of their donations are visible. Donors also like to see that they are helping the organization that they donate to. Donors should know, and like to know, what changes, improvements, or any other positive results have been made or completed because of their donations. They like to see how their money is being spent as well. Showing donors how much they have helped and made a difference will also make them want to continue to donate and contribute to the organization. Clients/Customers: Do the customers and clients know their rights as well as responsibilities as customers and clients...
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...NFPO’s Dr. Contributions Pledged $25,000.00 Cr. Unrestricted Donations $25,000.00 To record the pledge received Dr. Contributions Receivable $23,750.00 Cr. Unrestricted Donations $23,750.00 To record the pledge received Dr. Cash Account $24,000.00 Cr. Unrestricted Donations $24,000.00 To record the pledges received Dr. Investment Expense Account $15,000.00 Cr. Temporarily Restricted Donations $15,000.00 To record the donation received Dr. Cash Account $17,000.00 Cr. Temporarily Restricted Donations $17,000.00 To record the donation received as sales of shares Dr. Music Expenses $15,000.00 Cr. Temporarily Restricted Donations $15,000.00 To record the donation used to buy musical instruments Dr. Sales Account $5,000.00 Cr. Service sales $5,000.00 ...
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