DESCARTES' LIFE and WORKS

Descartes' Life and Works
First published Mon Apr 9, 2001; substantive revision Tue Feb 27, 2007
Descartes has been heralded as the first modern philosopher. He is famous for having made an important connection between geometry and algebra, which allowed for the solving of geometrical problems by way of algebraic equations. He is also famous for having promoted a new conception of matter, which allowed for the accounting of physical phenomena by way of mechanical explanations. However, he is most famous for having written a relatively short work, Meditationes de Prima Philosophia (Meditations On First Philosophy), published in 1641, in which he provides a philosophical groundwork for the possibility of the sciences.

AUGUST COMTE

Auguste Comte(1798-1857)

Comte, a French philosopher, was the founder of Positivism. Positivism is a philosophical system of thought maintaining that the goal of knowledge is simply to describe the phenomena experienced, not to question whether it exists or not. Comte sought to apply the methods of observation and experimentation, as was beginning to be used in the hard sciences, to a field that we now know as sociology. He believed that the solution of persistent social problems might be had by the application of certain hierarchical rules; he believed in the progress of mankind toward a superior state of civilization by means of the science of sociology, itself. (Marx and Hitler had similar notions.) In his later years Comte became involved in mysticism, to the point where Positivism became, in spite of its earlier claims to its scientific approach, more of a religion, than anything else.
Comte's cardinal position was this: "The greatest problem, then, is to raise social feeling by artificial effort to the position which in the natural condition is held by selfish feeling." To which Sir James Fitzjames Stephen responded, "To me this is like saying, the great object of mechanics is to alter the laws of gravitation." [See Liberty, Equality, Fraternity (1873) (University of Chicago Press, 1991) at p. 126.]
What underlies any government plan to "improve" the social condition is the philosophy of positivism. It aims to crush individuals in the pursuit of the impossible task of changing human nature. As John Stuart Mill was to write:

Aristotle biography

World of Mathematics on Aristotle
As a formidable student, researcher, teacher, and philosopher in virtually all scientific disciplines, Aristotle had a profound impact on the way science and mathematics is practiced and investigated today. His analytical method, now known as Aristotelian logic, is the backbone of not only mathematics, but of all the natural sciences.
Aristotle was born in 384 B.C. in Stagirus, Greece. His father Nicomachus, a doctor, was appointed as the King of Macedonia's personal physician while Aristotle was a child. Nicomachus passed away around 374 B.C., leaving Aristotle to be raised and educated by a guardian, Proxenus of Atarneus.

At age 17, Aristotle moved to Athens where he enrolled in Plato's Academy. Here he excelled in the study of rhetoric and dialectic, which he also taught when he became an instructor there at the end of his studies. Aristotle would spend twenty years at the Academy before leaving for the city of Assos. The exact reason for Aristotle's departure is unknown, but it was speculated that political tensions between Athens and neighboring Macedonia may have sparked the move. Plato had also just died, and Aristotle was known to have conflicting views with his successor at the Academy, Speusippus (Plato's nephew).
While in Assos, Aristotle continued his philosophical and scientific pursuits in the company of other philosophers, studying anatomy, zoology, and the biological sciences. Aristotle also met and married his wife, Pythias, the niece of Assos' ruler, Hermias. Hermias gave him a daughter, but passed away several years later at an early age. Aristotle stayed in Assos until Persia attacked the city, when he then left for the neighboring island of Lesbos. After a year-long stay on Lesbos, he moved to Macedonia in 343 B.C., where he was well-received by King Philip, the son of King Amyntas who had employed Aristotle's father as royal physician many years before. Three years later, after Aristotle was passed over to succeed Speusippus as director of the Academy, he returned to his birthplace, Stagirus, to continue his studies. While in Stagirus, Aristotle had a relationship with Herpyllis, who gave him his second child, a son named Nicomachus.

ANNELIDS

Annelids: Worms and Leeches
Annelids have bodies that are divided into segments. Annelids have very well-developed internal organs.
Some may have long bristles. Others have shorter bristles and seem smooth, like the earthworm shown here.
There are about 9,000 species of Annelids known today, including worms and leeches.

PROTOZOA

Protozoa
Protozoa are simple, single-celled animals. Most protozoa are microscopic in size.
There are several types of protozoa. The amoebas are clear, shapeless cells. Flagellates have a body shape looking like a hair.

New7Wonders: Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru

New7Wonders: Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru

AZUL WATERFALL

Azul, Waterfall
MEXICO
The Cataratas de Agua Azul ("Waterfalls of Blue Water") consists of many cataracts following one after another. The water flow descends in two streams, with small islands in the middle. The water has a high mineral content. Where it falls on rocks or fallen trees it encases them in a thick shell-like coating of limestone.

The new 7wonders of the world

Do you want to know the new 7 wonders of the world?

Our lesson for today is all about the 7 wonders of the world. We are going to tour around the world and I am your guide. Watch out for the next epesode.

cone shells

Blogger: REYNELDA's LESSON - Create Post

Blogger: REYNELDA's LESSON - Create Post

Blogger: REYNELDA's LESSON - Create Post

a unique lesson from reynelda

have a great day!!! watch out men!!!you needme now.