On Education and Human Nature Essay Example for Free

On Education and Human Nature Essay This paper is a brief discussion of the relationship between education and human nature as seen in two varying viewpoints – that of Callicles (in Plato’s Gorgias) and Protagoras. The author is of the belief that education, albeit necessary in the survival of man in the long run, is a construct that contradicts the nature of man insofar as it restricts certain aspects of an individual. Such an assertion is partly leaning towards Callicles’ view of man as a creature whose appetites, so to speak, have to be met by virtue of a natural law. This position, along with Protagoras’ view of the nature of education that it is essential in the cultivation of civic virtue – is key to the author’s argument that education is restricting. Callicles and Protagoras are similar in the sense that both are Sophists, with the slight distinction that the former is a student of Gorgias. Protagoras (outside of Plato’s dialogs) is known for his assertion that man is the measure of all things, and with that in mind it can be said that Callicles likewise adheres to that position, but with reservations – i. e. , the â€Å"better† man (discussions on definition aside) seems to be the measure of all things, not all men as they are. Aside from that, however, there is nothing more that links the two characters in Plato’s dialogs together. In fact, the views of the two thinkers with regard to the issue central to the discussion in this paper differ greatly. To begin, Callicles admonishes Socrates in their dialog for remaining to be a â€Å"student† of philosophy even as an adult. For Callicles, philosophy is not meant to be studied extensively nor lengthily; it is supposed to be indulged in by the youth, and only in moderation. He maintains that studying philosophy insofar as it is required by one’s education is acceptable; however, to still be engaged in philosophizing when one is already past the age of schooling is short of appalling since it causes one to deviate from leading a practical life. But what is this practical life that Callicles is in favor of? The answer to this question is implicit in the discourse that followed his expression of dislike towards Socrates’ way of life. Callicles purports that there is a natural justice in existence in the world that is being resisted, or even disregarded, by conventional justice. His notion of what is â€Å"just by nature† revolves around the idea that the â€Å"superior† amongst men is supposed to be a kind of usurper of property (if seen in a negative way) who – by virtue of his superiority – has the right to rule over the inferior of his kinsmen, and is entitled to a greater share in everything compared to lesser men. Such a concept, as seen in his exchange with Socrates, is completely in opposition to what is being forwarded in their society at the time – the idea that all men are essentially equal, and that what is just is for everyone to receive an equal share. This is the conventional justice Callicles is referring to. Socrates, in turn, and with his method of â€Å"acquiring knowledge† (Socratic method), manages to use his opponent’s argument against him. He began his argument with questions that asked for a clarification of definition – what is superior? Better? – and ended with the statement that with Callicles’ own words he managed to show that since many is superior to one, then rules of the many are superior; hence, these rules are rules of the better; hence, the rules of these â€Å"better† people are admirable by nature since they are superior; thus, natural justice is not at all in contradiction with conventional justice. As mentioned earlier, within the aforementioned exchange regarding natural and conventional justice lies Callicles’ perception of the practical life, or the kind of life an individual ought to lead. As with countless other thinkers, his argument is deeply rooted with the idea of happiness as the end to which man should direct his actions. What distinguishes him from Protagoras, though, is his assertion that happiness – and his concept of natural justice can be attained only by the man who will succumb to his appetites, or in his own words: â€Å"the man who’ll live correctly ought to allow his own appetites to get as large as possible and not restrain them†. As for what he termed as â€Å"contracts of men† – which are to be assumed as the laws that maintain order in the society – Callicles is of the opinion that since these go against the grain with which man is made, they are to be considered â€Å"worthless nonsense†. For his part, Socrates of course attempted to dissuade Callicles by means of his conventional method of discourse and by introducing the analogy of the two men with jars, to no avail. Protagoras’ main point in the discourse relevant to this paper is that virtue is teachable. In support of his assertion, he recalled the account of the creation of man in Greek mythology to Socrates. He recounted that all creatures of the earth are made by the gods out of fire and earth, and that prior to giving them life Epimetheus and Prometheus were tasked to facilitate the distribution of abilities to them. Epimetheus volunteered to do it himself, with Prometheus inspecting the result. Epimetheus balanced the distribution with regard to â€Å"nonreasoning animals†. As for the human race, they were left bare, in the broadest definition of the word. Prometheus saw the problem and solved it by stealing from Hephaestus and Athena wisdom in the practical arts and fire and gave them to man, which proved fatal for him in the end. It is important to note that wisdom in the practical arts is wisdom intended for survival. It did not include political wisdom – needed to be able to establish and maintain the order of a city as this is kept by Zeus. The result was catastrophic, as evidenced by the fact that later on Zeus sent Hermes to distribute justice and shame to all men for fear that the human race will be wiped out because of man’s inability to coexist in cities they founded to protect themselves from wild beasts that placed them in danger of annihilation. Political or civic virtue then – products of justice and temperance – became a divine law of which every man is knowledgeable, unlike other virtues that stem from other arts (such as architectural excellence). This myth was used by Protagoras to show that inherent in all men are the seeds of civic virtue that only need to be coaxed out with the aid of education and constant admonition from one’s elders (particularly parents). And since this is the case, all men are capable to be taught virtue, because all men are in possession of it. Protagoras made a second, this time stronger point to support his statement that virtue is teachable. He began his argument by saying that the difference between evils caused by natural processes and those resulting from the lack or absence of civic virtue is that the former elicits pity for the person in possession of such an evil. Contrary to that, when society is confronted with a person exhibiting the opposite of virtue – injustice, impiety, etc. – it is not pity that’s felt but anger. Protagoras maintains that this reaction is due to the fact that civic virtue is regarded as something that can be acquired through training, practice, and teaching. He pushes his position further by saying that reasonable punishment – administered to a person who has committed an act that goes against civic virtue – is undertaken as a deterrence, the implication of which is that virtue is and can be learned. To further support his claim, Protagoras went into a brief discussion of how virtue is taught to all men all their lives. As little children, he said, men are taught not only by their parents about civic virtue but also through the education they receive. From the literature they study to the songs they play, teachers are keen on inserting messages meant to teach them what is good and just. For Protagoras, it seems, education is not merely comprised of letters and literature. Music is likewise necessary, as well as sports. Music, as he said, makes people â€Å"gentler† – they become more â€Å"rhythmical and harmonious† with regard to their actions. And this is important because for him, â€Å"all of human life requires a high degree of rhythm and harmony†. As for sports, Protagoras mentions that parents â€Å"send their children to an athletic trainer so that they may have sound bodies in the service of their now fit minds†. Even after one’s formal schooling is over, education on the virtues does not stop. As Protagoras said: â€Å"When [the students] quit school, the city in turn compels them to learn the laws and to model their lives on them. They are not to act as they please. † He ended his side of the discussion with a rhetorical question of how anyone can wonder about virtue being teachable when it is given so much care and attention in man’s public and private life. It is crucial to analyze the discourse both thinkers had with Socrates, albeit briefly, to be able to shed light on the position of this paper that education is necessary but constricting. With regard to the nature of man, it is clear that there is a clear dividing line between the idea of Callicles and that of Protagoras. For the latter, what is good for man is that which is good for the society. In other words, there is no contradiction between natural and conventional justice relative to the nature of man and how he ought to live. For the former, man is essentially a being meant to be governed by his appetites, or desires. The conflict lies in the fact that conventional justice dictates that there be a certain level of order maintained in a society, order which will only come about through the citizens’ willingness to subject themselves to laws that promote equality and peaceful co-existence. For Callicles, such laws are human constructs, designed to restrain his idea of a superior man, and as such should not be observed. The author will go one step further and say that although there is no direct discussion on education in Callicles’ discourse with Socrates, it is clear that since education is a human construct, he sees it as but another shackle his superior man has to bear. Despite the fact that Protagoras is amenable to education – as it teaches civic virtue – there is a single line in the discourse that implies a completely different attitude. Protagoras told Socrates that when a man’s formal education is over, he is still forced to learn the laws and live by them, and that he is not to act as he pleases. This goes to show that despite the eagerness of his version of man to live a life of civic virtue, part of him still needs to be shackled by laws. It is these deductions – from both thinkers – that led the author to believe that inherent in every person is a part that yearns for unbridled freedom and power. Education is an institution that strives to inculcate in man the characteristics needed for him to be able to lead a peaceful life in a society – characteristics that lean towards suppressing one’s desires and call for a sort of balance between fulfilling one’s wants and respecting those of others. Despite the restrictive nature of education, the author believes that it is still a necessary burden people have to bear. Gone are the days when man kept to himself, when he foraged for food and did not maintain a life of permanence in any one place. With the evolution of man came the need for permanence, and with that co-existence with other men. It may be true that at the core of every man is a selfish desire for power – to have everything and more. But if all men were to be allowed to act according to their whims, the stories of old – where Zeus feared that the human race might be annihilated because of man’s inability to restrain his need for power – may come true after all. Survival today does not only entail meeting one’s basic needs. It is also about respecting other men, if one were to be anthropocentric about it. And this – along with other things that will aid the human race to persist for the next millennia can only be reinforced by education.

Cadbury Schweppes :: Business and Management Studies

Cadbury Schweppes Criterion 1F My chosen businesses are Cadbury Schweppes, which is a PLC COMPANY, and Formbend is my LTD company. I chose these two businesses because I love Cadburys chocolate and thought it would be interesting to study and it also has a very informative website. I chose Formbend Tube Manipulators because my Uncle is the Technical Director for the company and said that he would be able to give me all the information I need. I know that there are lots of different Cadbury sites across Britain but my main focus will be the Bournville site in Birmingham. See appendixes and . History of Cadbury John Cadbury founded Cadbury in 1824. See appendix He developed his name as a chocolate manufacturer in 1831 by creating Cadbury’s drinking chocolate. See appendix .John Cadbury’s first shop was on Bull Street in Birmingham. See appendix .Then in 1847 the business had expanded and needed bigger premises so they moved to Bridge Street, which had its own canal linking the factory to the Birmingham Navigation Canal and the main ports in Britain. John Cadbury retired in 1861 and handed the business on to his two eldest sons Richard and George. The business ran from that site for 32 years, but then expanded even more which found them moving to Bourneville. See appendix .George Cadbury spurred the idea of better living conditions in Britain, which resolved in the Bourneville homes, which now cover over 1,000 acres. Aims and Objectives Aims Cadbury’s objective is to keep up the high standards of chocolate and to continue to make a difference too many people involved in the Bourneville site. They also want to make a profit on sales and to beat other competitors such as Nestle. Cadbury’s also want to continue making good quality products so they survive and maximise sales. They also need to make sure that they are environmentally friendly and make sure that quality is kept at a very high standard. Objectives 1. To continue to lead in the area of community interest 2. To introduce new products successfully to customers 3. To continue to help fund education in a number of ways 4. To improve communication with customers to help improve the standards of chocolate 5. To have a higher quality of products than other competitors. 6. To sell a lot of the products that they have and imp[rove any that need to be improved. 7. To take part in more activities than they did last year to get a good public voice. For Cadbury to achieve these aims and objectives they must spend a lot

Relevance of Shakespeare Macbeth Themes Essay

Taking the stage 400 years ago, when shakespeare was equipped with his magical wand and book of speels , he casted a miraculous charm upon the world leaving people everywhere spell bounded. From the wonderful pleasures of love to the dark enchanting delights of ambition, his expert flawless wizardry enabled his socerous charms to stun and stagger the world even to this day. There is virtually no one who doesn’t know this quote â€Å"Fair is foul and foul is fair† To know the bard, is to be a somebody. True fact. In particular there is a certain shakespeare play that strongly and rather brutally deals with those themes applicable and prevalent to today’s society. It’s a tale of loyalty, morality, guilt and conscience to lust, deception, betrayal, jealousy, ambition and greed. Add in the element of war and destiny and you’ve got Macbeth. Shakespeare has truly shaped, shifted and cultivated Macbeth to convey human emotions to his characters to the utmost extreme. He also demonstrated that its more satisfying to achieve goals than ill – gained means. Ambition and guilt, these themes are still relevant to today’s society. Eessntially the play Macbeth explores the temptation of absolute power and vaulting ambition. Iot’s relevant because Macbeth captures the many modern dilemmas and concerns today and the timeless nature of the human condition. Ambition was the driving force behind Macbeth. Normally, being ambitious is a good thing, it pushes people to not give up. Without ambition, people wouldn’t get very far, yet being overzealous with ambition also has it’s downfalls. â€Å"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent buy only vaulting ambition illustrates Macbeth’s ruthless obsession for power. There are two types of ambition Ambition Type 1 – naked and unchecked ambition – only benefiting themselves like Macbeth Ambition Type 2 – caring others above themselves like Banqou The play fiercely illustrates how being consumed by naked and unchecked ambition has its drastic consequences especially when it compromises your conscience or morality which is still applicable to today’s society. The world is full of ambition and people want to climb to the top. So being ambitious is like wielding a two-edged sword.

Plato vs. Aristotle Virtue - 1656 Words

Political Science 201 November 12, 2013 Anna Umstead Plato and Aristotle, arguably two of the most influential Greek philosophers, discussed their differing views on virtue extensively throughout many of their works. Although they agree that virtue is a desirable characteristic that will lead to happiness, the ultimate good, there exists between the two philosophies salient differences. While Plato believes only philosophers are capable of true, inherent virtue, Aristotle believes all men can be virtuous with practice and dedication. GREAT. WAY TO GET TO THE POINT. BE SURE TO MENTION WHETHER OR NOT YOURE ARGUING THAT VIRTUE IS INTRINSICALLY GOOD. HAVE IT SMACK ME IN THE FACE ITS SO OBVIOIUS. (LIKE THAT TYPO). Plato’s Republic†¦show more content†¦The virtue and love of truth necessary to become a philosopher is not inherent in all men and therefore very few have the potential to achieve the position of philosopher. This discussion of philosopher-kings was introduced when Plato refuted Glaucon’s definition of virt ue, that virtue is a necessary evil. Socrates created an imaginary city in which the idea of specialization was the key determinate of the individual’s roles in society. While the inhabitants of the city were producers, guardians, and philosophers, (GOOD, BUT WHAT DO THEY SIMBOLIZE?) Plato selected the only philosopher to serve as ruler of this city. As he referred to them as the â€Å"true ones† and â€Å"the lovers of the sight of the truth,† (The Republic, Book V, 475 d), Plato confirmed that only they truly and perfectly understand the Forms. This characteristic makes philosophers ideal leaders as their virtue is inherent in their soul when they are fulfilling their role as a leader. (AND THEYRE THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE) According to Plato, moral virtue is intrinsically good when in the soul of the Philosopher. Only a Philosopher has complete understanding of the forms and an appreciation for justice, and only in his perfect and inherently ordered soul can virtue be manifest in its purest form. For this reason, the Philosopher is appointed to be ruler of the city and leaderShow MoreRelated Aristotle vs. Plato Essay1408 Words   |  6 PagesAristotle vs. Plato Excellence is a function which renders excellent the thing of which it is a function is Plato’s definition of virtue. What does this definition really mean though? Plato and Aristotle both had their own unique arguments devoted to the topic at hand, and their own ways of describing what virtue really is. Defining virtue may seem to be an easy taste, but to truly understand the arguments behind the definition can prove to be very challenging.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before discussing virtueRead MorePlato Vs Aristotle : Determining Good1668 Words   |  7 Pages Plato vs. Aristotle: Determining Good In this paper, I will present both Plato and Aristotle’s arguments for what their personal views are on determining good. Plato believed that knowing good was equal to doing good. He said that if a person knows the right thing that will automatically lead him to do the right thing. Aristotle on the other hand believed that knowing good was not enough to be good. He believed that one had to practice good if one is to be good. Plato was idealistic. He believedRead MoreEmpiricism Is The Theory That Experience1202 Words   |  5 Pagespolitics should be about making citizens more virtuous vs politics should be about the â€Å"basics† like security and property rights. Throughout this paper, I will be analyzing these two different outlooks on politics and presenting a case for both. Thomas Hobbes believed that the government should essentially limit itself to the protection of property and persons. Hobbes thought that power derived from the office, not from the people. Things like virtue, social equality, and welfare were not importantRead MorePlato And Aristotle s Political Situation2648 Words   |  11 Pages 1. Introduction Plato and Aristotle are two of the most influential figures in academic history, yet in spite of their intricate relationship, the pair had differing, albeit not always opposing, views on language which could be argued to be a result of the changing politics of the Ancient Greek era. In this essay I will firstly explore the political situation surrounding the time of both philosophers. Following this, I will expand upon these findings and consolidate them in regards to various languageRead MorePlato vs. Aristotle2421 Words   |  10 PagesBy Gerard Chretien Plato vs. Aristotle Numerous experts in modern time regard Plato as the first genuine political philosopher and Aristotle as the first political scientist. They were both great thinkers in regards to, in part with Socrates, being the foundation of the great western philosophers. Plato and Aristotle each had ideas in how to proceed with improving the society in which they were part of during their existence. It is necessary therefore to analyze their different theoreticalRead MorePlato and Confucius4610 Words   |  19 Pagesmany similarities between Confucius and Plato. Both taught through means of dialogue, and both expressed reticence to provide direct definitions. Both advocated contemplation and education as the means for moral attainment, and both sought to balance contemplation with service. Both sought to apply their moral theory to public office (though both failed). And while Plato espoused the ‘heavenly’ forms, Confucius espoused the ‘Decree of Heaven.’ Moreover, Plato advocated the life of the philosopher,Read MoreAristotle s Virtue Ethics And Aquino s Natural Law1639 Words   |  7 Pageswhat is good, but to do good. In this essay, we will explore the differences in argumentative work from Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics and Aquino’s Natural Law and the difficulty of applicability of the theory to contemporary issues and putting the theory into practice. Aristotle was born in Northern Greece in the year 384 BC. He moved to Athens when he was 17 years old to study in the Plato Academy for 20 years before founding his own school, the Lyceum. Throughout our lives we will forge a way to be, aRead MorePlato s Ideal State1919 Words   |  8 PagesCHAPTER III. Types of Plato in this part of our presentation, we take a look at another important part of the teachings of Plato s ideal state in particular and the political views of Plato, in general. Plato s ideal state - a speculative concept, which takes place in comparison with other types of which Plato also describes. First of all, we mean the four imperfect form of the state - timocracy, oligarchy, democracy and tyranny. Also in this context, it is advisable to consider utopian aristocraticRead MoreAn Ideal Hero: Greek vs. Roman Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pagescultural propaganda. Greek Heros= models of courage skill to men (what to be) women (what to look for- sense of security). a. Dominant Theme: warrior code of personal honor and glory b. Contrasting themes: Family principle, simple country life vs. war, admiration of enemies. 5. Literary works by Homer Blind poet Homer - represents the culmination of a long and vigorous tradition in which oral recitation—possibly to instrumental accompaniment—was a popular kind of entertainment. Read MorePolitical Theory: Comparing Locke, Rousseau and Plato Essay3770 Words   |  16 Pagesvery beginning of our freedom, but we are free to the extent that we are participants in the laws that we in turn obey. Freedom means acting in conformity to self-imposed law. †¢ A difference between two very different conceptions of liberty: Liberal vs. Republican †¢ Rousseau makes heroic and unreasonable assumptions about human nature. Why would we like to get together and engage in debate about political matters. †¢ Human nature and our capacity to engage in debate. Unless everyone is engaged in