Final assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final assessment - Essay Example All knowledge is based on perception. All categories of knowledge are processed knowledge whether conceptual, perceptual or sensory. Knowledge acquired without means of cognition is unprocessed knowledge. All concepts are formed by measurement omission process. This is according to the philosopher Rand in her Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology. Concepts are basically integration of units possessing the same distinguishing characteristics with certain measurements omitted. This is because measurements are an essential part of a process. Animals can be integrated into concepts such as living things. Ethics While in search for a good life, we have to distinguish between what is right or wrong and various rules of morality. Ethics is what enables us to achieve this. It defines the code of values that guide our choices and actions. The choices define the purpose and course of our life. Existence and non-existence pertains to living things only. The existence of inanimate matter is u nconditional while that of life is conditional because it depends on a certain course of action. Only living things face the issue of life and death. A person is free to think or else evade the effort in any issue of life or at any hour. Man’s mind is only the tool of survival because life is given to him and but survival is not. The body is given to him, but its sustenance is not, he is given the mind but not its content. He has to purpose his actions and know the nature before taking any action for him to remain alive. To implement his choice rational ethics guide him on the principle actions to take. If he decides not to live, nature obviously takes its course. He has to adhere to a moral code. According to the Philosophers Douglas Rasmussen and Douglas Den, every man must work for his rational self- interest for achievement of his own happiness as the highest moral purpose of his life. Reality Rand’s philosophy targets three axioms namely existence, consciousness a nd identity. Through reality, we develop a sense of belief. For instance, existence, consciousness, and identity are bases of knowledge and inescapable. Existence is the base of all forms of knowledge. Existence is identity of a specific nature made of certain attributes. Anything with no attributes does not exist. Mind never creates reality but it is a mean of discovering reality. Entities act in a manner caused by the nature of them. Primary observation of causal connections among entities serves as the basis of further knowledge. Freedom Freedom is an ingredient of a good life and very important thing on earth. A German philosopher Immanuel Kant supports this and argues that freedom is a prerequisite for moral responsibility. Many countries as well as individuals have fought for it. The possibility of moral judgments presupposes it. It serves an indispensable practical function. For a reason to act, the freedom has to be assumed. We have to think of our actions as the result of a n uncaused cause for us to accomplish ends and get to know the world better. We must think ourselves as being free. How we choose to act makes the difference in how we act. In making decisions on what to do, the mechanism that works in our nervous system makes no difference to us at all. For instance, if you decide to buy a house, you have to consider options, reflect on your needs and make decisions basing yourself on application of general principles. Deliberative,