Philosophical Foundations: Hellenistic Thought and Cartesian Principles
Hellenism: 323 BC – 31 BC
Cynicism
- School founded in Athens
- Accept life according to nature (“like a dog”)
- Despise conventionalisms
- Advocate autarky (self-sufficiency, rejection of material possessions)
Diogenes of Sinope
- Lived in a barrel (cask)
- Performed indecent acts
- Appeared unkempt
- Was exiled
- Lived in poverty
Epicureanism
Epicureanism was a practical philosophy, aiming to heal human suffering. Its primary guidance was to get rid of worries. Epicurus sought to eliminate religious myths and superstitions,
Read MoreKant’s Philosophical Legacy: Reason, Knowledge, and Global Peace
Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason: Synthesizing Knowledge
Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason aims to resolve the long-standing conflict between rationalism and empiricism, demonstrating that all knowledge is a synthesis of both. His theory of transcendental idealism posits that knowledge is not merely about what we experience, but also about the mind’s active role in structuring that experience.
Synthetic Judgments A Priori
Kant argues that scientific and metaphysical methods rely on synthetic judgments
Read MoreAncient Greek Political Thought: Sophists and Plato’s Vision
The Sophists: Education and Political Thought
The Sophists are recognized as the originators of a conscious conception of education. Their educational philosophy had a clear orientation towards the use of critical thinking and personal skills for practical purposes, though this did not exhaust their broader view of education.
From an early age, children in Athens listened to the exploits of gods and heroes from the lips of a slave mother or nanny. This informal instruction was primarily moral in nature,
Read MoreFinancial Derivatives: Futures, Options & Credit Essentials
Concept of Financial Derivatives
Financial derivatives are sophisticated financial products derived from other underlying assets. They serve as hedging instruments to manage or profit from variations in the price of an asset, which in turn depends on other financial variables over time.
Understanding Derivative Markets
Futures markets are term markets for financial assets where the sale price of an asset is contracted in advance for delivery at an agreed future time.
Financial options markets involve
Read MoreBoost Your English: Core Skills Development
Contextual Vocabulary Practice
Use each sentence to help you understand the meaning of each underlined word or phrase.
- Take a piece of fruit to munch on during your commute. (eat)
- If you like to eat meat, trim all visible fat. (cut off)
- Use “lite” dairy products which are low-fat and better for your health. (not fatty)
- Cut down on portion size so you don’t eat too much unhealthy food. (Eat smaller portions)
“There Is” or “There Are” Exercises
Complete each sentence or question with a form of there is or
Read MoreSocial Psychology Essentials: Group Dynamics & Influence
Why Milgram Experiment Results Were Unpredictable
The results of the Milgram experiment were difficult to predict due to a fundamental attribution error. Researchers and participants alike underestimated the powerful influence of the situation and overestimated the role of individual personality traits in determining behavior.
Conformity vs. Obedience: Key Differences
While both conformity and obedience involve yielding to social pressure, they differ in several key aspects:
- Conformity: The pressure
Capitalism & Market Principles: Essential Economic Concepts
Core Principles of Capitalism
Voluntary exchange is a second characteristic of capitalism, defined as the voluntary act of buyers and sellers freely and willingly engaging in market transactions.
Another major feature of capitalism is private property rights, which allow people to own and control their possessions as they wish. Private property gives people the incentive to work, save, and invest.
The Profit Motive
The profit motive is the incentive to improve one’s material well-being.
Profit Defined
Profit:
Read MoreKey Concepts of Transformative Eras: Science, Enlightenment, Industry
The Scientific Revolution
Geocentric Theory
An Earth-centered view of the universe.
Heliocentric Theory
The theory that the Sun is at the center of the universe.
Galileo Galilei
A scientist who was forced by the Catholic Church to retract scientific ideas that conflicted with the Church’s doctrine.
Scientific Method
A logical procedure for gathering and testing ideas.
Isaac Newton
A scientist renowned for discovering the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Nicolaus Copernicus
Devised a model of the universe
Read MoreUnderstanding Core Concepts & Crafting Professional Emails
Philosophical & Political Concepts: Key Definitions
Delve into foundational ideas that have shaped ethical and political thought throughout history. Each concept offers a unique perspective on human behavior, societal structures, and the pursuit of a just life.
Moral Conscience: Guiding Ethical Behavior
The inherent moral sense that directs our actions toward what is right and enables us to judge deeds as good or bad.
Morality: Defining Good and Evil
The established set of judgments concerning what
Read MoreAchieving Excellence: Quality Control & TQM Strategies
Quality Control: A Survival Factor
Quality is a crucial survival factor in a globalized world.
Stages of Quality Evolution
- Screening: Controlling final products (departmental control).
- Statistical Monitoring: Ensuring product specifications are met.
- Quality Assurance: Implementing documentation systems like ISO 9000.
- Total Quality Management (TQM): Fostering a culture of continuous improvement through attitude and behavior.
The Deming Cycle: Plan-Do-Check-Act
The core principle: Plan, Do, Check, Act.