Abstract This paper compares views on nonreductive materialism and substancedualism and looks at problems the philosophical theory of nonreductive materialism encounters with relation to causation. It also examines concepts of neurophysiological processes in the brain.
From the Paper "This essay will explain the philosophical theory known as nonreductive materialism. It will then identify the problems that this theory encounters with respect to causation and then given its ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the theories of dualism as espoused by philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, Descartes, and Kant, and explains how the various branches of dualism differ. The paper begins with a description of substancedualism, explains how it differs from monisms, pluralisms, and a dialectic, and then explains metaphysical dualism and epistemological dualism.
From the Paper "Dualism is a view that implies that there are two separate and distinct substances that make up a human being: mind and body. In religious terms, the mind is often equated with the soul - with Plato and Aristotle, for instance, where the Greek term nous is used to describe the part of the individual that survives death."
This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse habits in adolescence. These factors are embodied by the disease theory and the psychosocial theory of addiction, which are both explained in the essay.
Abstract This article looks at the subject of performance enhancing substances. The writer examines the effects and risks of using such substances. The writer discusses appropriate alternatives to these drugs, such as proper nutrition, hydration and vitamins. The writer also provides the option of working with a trainer in order to increase muscle mass, strength and stamina. In this paper, the writer looks at the wide use of such performance enhancing substances in sports and among athletes.
From the Paper "Trout and Kazlauskas have noted that Sport plays a major role in the lives of many people, both for active participation and as entertainment. Sport is now a huge nationally and internationally based industry. The desire to win has led some athletes to resort to the use of performance enhancing drugs. With huge financial rewards now available in some sports, the pressure to excel has grown. Some have argued that drug use should be given free rein ... "
Abstract This paper explains that nurses facing substance abuse are impaired to the extent that they should be prohibited from further practice and contact with patients until they have sought treatment for their problem. The author points out that his policy ensures that patients are placed in the best possible situation for their own well-being. The paper relates that, although substance abuse is strongly prohibited amongst practicing nurses, it is an inevitable consequence of the stress that many professionals must endure.
From the Paper "In today's healthcare practices, there are tremendous pressures from a variety of sources that facilitate stress and anxiety amongst practicing nurses. This stress and anxiety from the work environment, coupled with potential problems in the home, may cause nurses to depend upon alternative means of coping with these stressors, including substance abuse. Although substance abuse is strongly prohibited amongst practicing nurses, it is an inevitable consequence of the stress that many professionals must endure. When substance abuse is suspected or identified, it is only appropriate to prohibit these individuals from continuing their practice because it will greatly impair their judgment any may cause detrimental problems for patient health and treatment. The following discussion will identify the primary reasons that support this argument, thereby discontinuing the practice of nurses that are impaired by substance abuse, regardless of the extent of their condition."
Abstract The paper evaluates a research article that was developed to understand the role of external intervention in the substance abuse of physicians in different specialties. The paper explains that for many physicians, job stress becomes too great to bear and therefore there is a greater likelihood of substance abuse, requiring support and intervention from external sources.
From the Paper "Today's medical experts often possess many serious issues of their own doing, which may interfere with their ability to practice medicine in an acceptable manner if these issues are ignored for any length of time. For physicians, the intense pressures of this highly stressful and demanding career often affect the ability to act professionally and to share knowledge with others in the field, which may ultimately compromise their patient's care and well being. Therefore, in some cases, when a substance abuse problem is detected in a practicing physician, it is necessary for them to seek professional support in order to better manage their problems through outside intervention, as well as to limit the interaction performed with patients in the process."
Abstract This paper discusses the implications of nurses who abuse drugs and alcohol, especially while on duty. First, the paper takes a historic look at this issue, citing past literature on this subject. Next, the causes of substance abuse among nurses is considered. Implications of substance abuse are explored, such as low-performance, financial risks and ethical, legal and security issues. The paper concludes with recommendations for modes of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
Outline:
Introduction: the Problem
Causative Factors
Relevance and Implications
Discussion
Recommendations and Conclusion
From the Paper "The importance and the seriousness of the issue of nurses and substance abuse were underlined by Sharon Rossi, a speaker at the American Association of Critical-Care convention in Orlando in 2004. Her subject was "Chemically Impaired Nurses" and she emphasized that various incidents relating to nurses and substance abuse made it "...imperative that administrators, managers and fellow nurses increase their knowledge about the problems that substance abuse in health care can cause and how to identify common signs seen in nurses who abuse drugs and/or alcohol." (AACN: Substance Abuse Among Nurses--It's Everybody's Problem) She referred in particular to an incident where a nurse had been found dead on duty due to a drug overdose. "
Abstract This paper explains why people seek such counseling, typical problems a counselor can encounter, and the root of nearly all substance abuse problems - the desire to escape, and what can be done to combat the patient's need to escape.
Abstract This paper addresses the sociological perspectives of the conflict theory, functionalist analysis and symbolic interactionalism with regard to substance abuse and domestic violence. The author describes the topic as a social problem that affects the quality of life. The paper suggests possible ways to remediate the problem.
Abstract The paper explains the concept of dualism, which holds that every human being is divided into two parts in which the mind and the body are considered as different from each other. The paper discusses how the body belongs to the physical element while the mind belongs to the intellectual element. The paper points out that any material substance is defined as physical; materialism includes all things that exist. The paper looks at Rene Descartes' theory of dualism and examines the arguments of Paul Churchland against dualism. The paper demonstrates how the arguments of Churchland regarding dualism are quite doubtful and very unclear.
Outline:
Concept of Dualism Concept of Materialism
Rene Descartes' Theory of Dualism Paul Churchland's Argument Against Dualism
From the Paper "During the 17th century Rene Descartes was the famous dualists philosopher because of his belief that there are two substances that exists in the universe. His particular philosophy is referred to as substance dualism because he believed that the universe consisted of two different kinds of substances that he termed res extensa (extended things, physical things) and res cogitans (thinking things) (Cofer, 2002). He believed that every action of the body, the mind only responds on the body's actions. The set of thinking things does not exist in space and time as we know it, but are separate, irreducible and exist after the body is completely gone (Cofer, 2002)."
Abstract This paper defines monotheism as the general religious belief in one God, which is prevalent with most religions including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This paper also delves into the philosophy of dualism which states that the universe is comprised of two specific substances. This paper presented as a comparative analysis details and examines the differences between the two philosophies. This paper clearly shows that monotheism does in fact possess some of the characteristics of the dualist philosophy yet dualism does not have even one characteristic similar to that of monotheism. The writer contends and proves in this paper that dualism decidedly emerged from the basic principles of monotheism.
From the Paper "The idea of an infinite and united God is consistent with the argument presented in the preceding paragraph. Time does not play a significant role in determining God's efficacy to its believers. Furthermore, mind and matter merge to create a united entity, a characteristic achieved only by God. And because God transcends all the worldly ideas and concepts that humanity has created, God is then considered simple, mainly because it is not spiritual or material, it simply exists as it is. This fact alone explains God's simplicity, though to explain its existence and knowability is actually a complex contemplation to engage in. Lastly, because God is infinite, united, and simple, he is thus divine: an entity that exists for different causes not known by humanity."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth academic examination of the philosophy of dualism. It defines dualism and describes the important arguments in support of it through the concepts of Descartes, Chalmer and Jackson. The paper debates the existence of qualia. The author presents a decisive argument against dualism and in support of physicalism.
Table of Contents:
What is Dualism?
A Cartesian Argument for Dualism Jackson's Knowledge Argument for Dualism Chalmers? Zombie Argument for Dualism Arguing against Dualism: Why it is a False Theory of the Mind
References
From the Paper "Dualism is a philosophical theory about the fundamental nature of reality. Perhaps the most important and best known proponent of the view was Descartes who described it as follows: ?Thought and extension can be regarded as constituting the natures of intelligent substance and corporal substance; they must then be considered as nothing else but thinking substance itself and extended substance itself that is, as mind and body.? [CSM I p. 215]. Influenced by Descartes characterization, contemporary philosophers take Dualism to be the conjunction of the following two theses:
(1) There are mental properties and there are physical properties.
(2) Neither kind of property can be reduced to the other. "
Abstract This paper concerns the philosophy of the mind and attempts to answer the question of whether dualism provides an acceptable account of the mind. In doing so, the fundamental arguments and problems associated with dualism are discussed and analyzed. This paper assesses the plausibility of a number of different forms of dualism such as Descarte's cartesian dualism, property dualism and epiphenomenalism.
From the Paper "For centuries, philosophers have debated the ontological problem of the mind. Through introspection, we know that we, and believe others possess a conscious intelligence that has the ability to register emotions, interpret sensations and perform reason. But where do such abilities originate? In what medium do they take place and how is it that our mental phenomena such as desires and beliefs seem to be able to causally act on the physical world? Dualism is just one of many theories that have sought to find answers to such intriguing questions. Unlike materialist theories that optimistically asserts that all mental phenomena can eventually be explained through physics and neurological science, dualists argue that mental phenomena is so far removed from anything physical that it requires the existence of a non-physical entity or property. Since, as yet science is unable to fully explain all mental phenomena such as consciousness, perhaps dualism is a plausible alternative. Is any form of dualism plausible?"
Abstract The paper discusses Rene Descartes' belief about the dualism of mind and body in which Descartes states that the mind and body can exist and function independently from each other.. The writer of the paper first looks at Descartes' four categories of explanations for his body-mind dualism arguments and then explains why he believes that, regardless of the multitude of forces brought in favor of the body - mind dualism, one cannot correctly state that body and mind can function on their own.
Outline:
Abstract
Dualism of Mind and Body
Support of Mind - Body Dualism Personal Belief
Conclusions
From the Paper "Rene Descartes is regarded as one of the greatest minds humanity has ever mastered. Born in France, he became specialized in several subjects, such as theology, philosophy, literature, mathematics, law or medicine. A firm sustainer of the sciences, Descartes believed that everything surrounding him could be explained as a combination of mathematics and another subject. "Descartes, who was convinced that science and mathematics could be used to explain everything in nature, was the first to describe the physical universe in terms of matter and motion, seeing the universe a as giant mathematically designed engine." "
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of dualism, which is any philosophical system that attempts to explain 'everything' in terms of two distinct principles. The paper discusses how dualism relates to religion today in the United States, according to William DuBay. The paper then discusses the psychological theories of dualism, in terms of the mind and the body and also discusses dualism in terms of human behavior.
From the Paper "Dualism, which allowed Descartes to distinguish mechanical behavior from behavior generated by free will, thus resolving the conflict between the materialist interests and religious concerns of his era, continues to underpin scientific accounts of human action (Chiesa). Although psychology generally subscribes to the idea that individuals comprise behavior and something else, and dissects the individual along the lines of intention, beliefs, and perception, radical behaviorism dispensed with dualism, and starts "from a different view of persons in that it does not separate them into behavior and some other internal system" (Chiesa). Thus the individual is the sum of what they do, and are defined in terms of their behavior, with no other entity. Because radical behaviorism does not assume that behavior counts as evidence of something else, the individual is a unity rather than a duality, "an interactive part of its environment rather than a contained and separate entity" (Chiesa). Therefore, the individual operates in rather on an environment, and because a person is what he does, behavior takes primary place (Chiesa)."
