Nelson on Descartess Theory of Perception and Judgment Essay -- Desca

Nelson on Descartes?s Theory of Perception and Judgment ABSTRACT: One tension in Descartes?s account of human error stems from the idea that we may be faulted for our acts of will, despite the fact that God is our omnipotent and omniscient creator. In the present essay, I describe a second tension in Descartes?s account of human error. After describing the tension, I consider Alan Nelson?s characterization of the means by which Descartes?s intended to relieve it. Although Nelson's interpretation is almost correct, I think that it obscures some of the interesting details of Descartes?s theory of perception and judgment. These details are revealed by the taxonomy of sensory responses that Descartes articulates in the Sixth Set of Replies to the Meditations. I. In the Fourth Meditation, Descartes is confronted with the problem of reconciling his conclusion that God exists and is no deceiver with apparent instances of human error. Described generally, Descartes attempts to square his assertions regarding God, with the fact that humans are subject to error, by claiming that any error made by a human being originates in a free act of will for which God should not be attributed fault. There is, of course, enormous tension between Descartes?s claim that human beings may be faulted for their acts of will, and his claim that God is our omnipotent and omniscient creator. In what respect is it appropriate to regard us as culpable for our acts, assuming that God is antecedently the author of these acts through his creation of the Universe? This is a difficult question to answer. However, even if we set this question aside (as I will), we find that considerable tension remains in Descartes?s account of the etiology of perceptual error. .. ...escartes, Volume II, pp. 295. 21 The same sort of confusion is also described in the last sentence of both principle 70 and 71, in Book One of the Principles. 22 In fact, the categories of the objects of confusion mentioned in principle 46 (perceptions and judgments) are precisely the constituents of the second and third categories of sensory response described in the Sixth Set of Replies. 23 The Philosophical Writings of Descartes, Volume I, pp. 208. References Descartes, Renï ¿ ½: 1985, The Philosophical Writings of Descartes (Vol. 1,2, and 3), Cambridge University Press, New York. Hare, R.M.: 1952, The Language of Morals, Clarendon Press, Oxford. Locke, John: 1975, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Clarendon Press, Oxford. Nelson, Alan: 1997, ?Descartes?s Ontology of Thought?, Topoi 16, 163-178. DESCARTES?S THEORY OF PERCEPTION AND JUDGMENT 11

An Insight into Addressing Behavioural Problems

Typically, in the field of behavioral studies, the objective of intervention has been to diminish a challenging behavior (i. e. aggression, property destruction, self-injury). Nonetheless, as research and practice in behavior analysis have matured to address the point of behavioural functions, there has been an analogous shift in the selection of target behaviors and interventions (Horner and Carr, 1997).Within the last few years, investigators and practitioners applying competent supportive technologies within characteristic school and community settings have been established to identify and to teach socially covetous alternative behaviors such as communication, social skills, and choice-making (Koegel, Koegel, Harrower, and Carter, 1999). Accordingly, practitioners have increasingly identified significant outcomes of behavioural interventions to be not only declines in problem behavior but also rise in one or more substitute behaviors.Therefore the measurement of multiple outcomes for a person with problem behaviors has started to reflect a more complex evaluation model (Carr, Levin, et al, 1999). In effect, I think that the role of the nurse is to help in drafting more proactive approaches in resolving problem behaviour. One possibility for the nurse is to consider the significance of a team based approach to this issue. The team must also be multidisciplinary, one which probably call for the involvement of a behavior specialist with expertise in the practical approach to behavior as a member of the team employed in addressing behavioral issues.Intervention plans based on the practical behavior evaluation of target behaviors have a higher probability of positively influencing the individual’s behavior over the long term (Lalli, Browder, Mace, and Brown, 1993). The involvement of a cooperative team early in the procedure of assessing behavior and designing interventions will surely aid in enhanced intervention fidelity and promoted positive changes in patients’ behaviour (Hieneman and Dunlap, 1999).The nurse should also be involved across the phases of evaluation, intervention establishment, and succeeding program monitoring. Nurses may also be involved in formulating interventions that could be realistically executed (Lentz et al, 1996). I also think that the nurse must take on proactive approaches and techniques seek to decrease the possibility that undesirable behavior will be derived by analysing environmental contexts and the patients’ behavioural repertoires (O’Brien and Repp, 1990).The proactive factors of interventions must stress reliable communication, access to typical environments, and examination of demands. Generalisation of communication skills and alternative behaviors may be fortified during interactions with typical peers during participation in regular activities. Interactions and participation not only allow for opportunities to generalise prosocial behaviors but likewise serve as a encour aging incentive. In all these activities, nurses like myself may take on a critical role.We must not be limited to providing physical care, but also take in careful consideration the other factors that may influence problematic behaviour, and take an active stance in trying to help the individual develop. In taking on a holistic stance, I can make a real difference. References Carr, E. G. , Levin, L. , McConnachie, G. , Carlson, J. I. , Kemp, D. C. , Smith, C. G. , et al. (1999). Comprehensive multisituational intervention for problem behavior in the community: Long-term maintenance and social validation.Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 1, 5-25. Hieneman, M. , & Dunlap, G. (1999). Issues and challenges in implementing community-based behavioral support for two boys with severe behavioral difficulties. In J. Scotti & L. Meyer (Eds. ), Behavioral intervention: Principles, models, and practices (pp. 363-384). Baltimore: Brookes Horner, R. H. , & Carr, E. G. (1997). Behavior support for students with severe disabilities: Functional assessment and comprehensive intervention. The Journal of Special Education, 31, 84-104.

Most Common Plastics

Below are five of the most common plastics used for different applications along with their properties, uses and trade names. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Polyethylene Terephthalate—PET or PETE—is a durable thermoplastic that shows tough resistance to chemicals, high energy radiation, moisture, weather, wear, and abrasion. This clear or pigmented plastic is available with trade names such as: Ertalyte TX, Sustadur PET, TECADUR PET, Rynite, Unitep PET, Impet, Nuplas, Zellamid ZL 1400, Ensitep, Petlon, and Centrolyte. PET is a general purpose plastic that is made by polycondensation of PTA with ethylene glycol (EG). PET is commonly used for making soft drink and water bottles, salad trays, salad dressing containers, peanut butter containers, medicine jars, biscuit trays, rope, bean bags, and combs. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a semi flexible to hard plastic that can be easily processed by catalytic polymerization of ethylene in slurry, solution, or gas phase reactors. It is resistant to chemicals, moisture, and any sort of impact but cannot stand temperatures exceeding 160 degrees C. HDPE is naturally in the opaque state but can be colored to any requirement. HDPE products can be safely used for storing food and drinks and so it is used for shopping bags, freezer bags, milk bottles, ice cream containers, and juice bottles. It is also used for shampoo and conditioner bottles, soap bottles, detergents, bleaches, and agricultural pipes. HDPE is available under trade names of HiTec, Playboard, King Colorboard, Paxon, Densetec, King PlastiBal, Polystone, and Plexar.   Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is present in both rigid and flexible forms as unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride PVC-U and Plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride PCV-P. PVC can be obtained from ethylene and salt by vinyl chloride polymerization. PVC is resistant to fires because of its high chlorine content and is also resistant to oils and chemicals except aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones and cyclic ethers. PVC is durable and can withstand aggressive environmental factors. PVC-U is used for plumbing pipes and fittings, wall cladding, roof sheeting, cosmetic containers, bottles, window frames, and door frames. PVC-P is commonly used for cable sheathing, blood bags, blood tubing, watch straps, garden hoses, and shoe soles. PVC is commonly available under trade names of Apex, Geon, Vekaplan, Vinika, Vistel, and Vythene. Polypropylene (PP) Polypropylene (PP) is a strong yet flexible plastic that can withstand high temperatures up to 200 degrees C. PP is manufactured from propylene gas in presence of a catalyst such as titanium chloride. Being a lightweight material, PP has high tensile strength and is highly resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and moisture. Polypropylene is used to make dip bottles and ice cream tubs, margarine tubs, potato chip bags, straws, microwave meal trays, kettles, garden furniture, lunch boxes, prescription bottles, and blue packing tape. It is available under trade names such as Valtec, Valmax, Vebel, Verplen, Vylene, Oleplate and Pro-Fax. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is soft and flexible as compared to HDPE. Low Density Polyethylene shows good chemical resistance and excellent electrical properties. At low temperatures, it shows high impact strength. LDPE is compatible with most foods and household chemicals and acts as a poor oxygen barrier. Because it has very high elongation as a result of its molecular structure, LDPE is used in stretch wraps. This translucent plastic is mainly used for plastic food wrap, garbage bags, sandwich bags, squeeze bottles, black irrigation tubes, garbage bins, and plastic grocery bags. Low density polyethylene is made from the polymerization of ethylene in an autoclave or tubular reactors at very high pressures. LDPE is available in the market under the following trade names: Venelene, Vickylen, Dowlex, and Flexomer.