BonJours Basic Antifoundationalist Argument :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers

BonJour's 'Basic Antifoundationalist Argument' ABSTRACT: BonJour argues that there can be no basic empirical beliefs. But premises three and four jointly entail ‘BonJour’s Rule’ — one’s belief that p is justified only if one justifiably believes the premises of an argument that makes p highly likely — which, given human psychology, entails global skepticism. His responses to the charge of skepticism, restricting premise three to basic beliefs and noting that the Rule does not require ‘explicit’ belief, fail. Moreover, the Rule does not express an epistemic duty. Finally, his argument against this fails since it is false that if an experiential state has representational content, then it is in need of justification. I venture the diagnosis that BonJour mistook the representational content of a cognitive state for the assertive functional role of a belief. Foundationalism may well be false, but not for BonJour’s reasons. Laurence BonJour observes that critics of foundationalism tend to argue against it by objecting to "relatively idiosyncratic" versions of it, a strategy which has "proven in the main to be superficial and ultimately ineffective" since answers immune to the objections emerge quickly. (1) BonJour aims to rectify this deficiency. Specifically, he argues that the very soul of foundationalism, "the concept of a basic empirical belief," is incoherent. (2) This is a bold strategy from which we can learn even if, in the end, as I shall argue, it fails. But, first, what is foundationalism? A person's belief is ‘nonbasic’ just in case it is justified in virtue of its relation to other justified beliefs; it is ‘basic’ just in case it is justified but not in virtue of its relation to other justified beliefs. Foundationalism is the view that if one has a nonbasic belief, then — in the final analysis — it is justified in virtue of its relation to a basic belief. Basic beliefs comprise the foundation of a person's network of justified beliefs. Now to BonJour's argument. 1. The Argument Stated BonJour summarizes it like this: 1. Suppose, for reductio, that there are basic empirical beliefs. 2. A belief is justified only if there is a reason why it is likely to be true. 3. A belief is justified for a person only if he is in cognitive possession of such a reason. 4. A person is in cognitive possession of such a reason only if he believes with justification the premises from which it follows that the belief is likely to be true.

Learning in the Social environment

Introduction The first social environment is our home, where our family dwells. This kind of environment forms our initial learning, behaviors and our characteristics which give us ideas of who we are and how we are going to act and respond on future circumstances. What we usually see in our everyday living contribute much to our totality as human beings. According to Dr. Bilal Iqbal Avan on his researched that â€Å"during the first three years of life, development of neuronal connections within the brains is condition by the child’s perception of environmental stimuli conveyed by all modalities of sensation. This process affects learning ability, behavior and health in childhood, adolescence and maturity.† (See B. I. Avan, â€Å"The Social Environment during Early Childhood Development in Sindh†. Department of community health Science: School of nursing, the Aga Khan University). *Social Environment Affects Learning* In a study entitled â€Å"Observational Learning† stated that â€Å"observational learning happens when an observer’s behavior changes after viewing the behavior of a model. An observer’s behavior can be affected by the positive or negative consequence, which is called vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment, of a model’s behavior. It stated that the observer will imitate the model’s behavior if the model possesses characteristics that the observer finds attractive or desirable. The observer will react to the way the model is treated and mimic model’s behavior. A distinction exists between an observer’s â€Å"acquiring† a behavior and â€Å"performing† a behavior. Through observation, the observer can acquire the behavior without performing it† (See â€Å"Observational Learning†. Funderstanding). Erin C. Barrett, November 23, 2003, stated that according to Armrod that â€Å"learning is a  means through which we acquire not only skills and knowledge but values, attitudes, and emotional reactions†¦ Barrett continued that the â€Å"behavioral learning theory focuses on the learning of tangible, observable behaviors or responses. Through a continual process of stimulating a desired response and reinforcing that desired response, the learner eventually changes their behavior to match the desired response. She continued that â€Å"learning happens in the most basic way and it is something that we can see. As long as the desired behavior is happening, then learning has occurred† (See E. C. Barrett, November 23, 2003. â€Å"The Study of Learning: A Thought paper†. Principles of instruction and learning). *Effects of modeling on behavior* According from the notes on Ormond’s Human learning, it discussed that â€Å"modeling teaches new behaviors. It influences the frequency of previously learned behaviors. It may also encourage previously forbidden behaviors. In short, modeling increases the frequency of similar behaviors (See J. E. Ormrod (1999). â€Å"Social Learning Theory† (3rd Ed). Notes on Ormond’s human learning). *Opinion and Recommendation* We have learned that children are just like a â€Å"tabula rasa† or a clean slate which means that their learning is up to the things they have seen around them. They are great imitators and really followed what are the older people doing. As adults, we should be careful with our actions especially if we are surrounded with children. We must be responsible enough with our actions and responses in every circumstance that we face because it will bring great effect and impact to the young ones’ lives. We are shaping their characters and behaviors through the actions they have seen in us. References Avan, B. I. â€Å"The Social Environment during Early Childhood Development in Sindh†. Ormrod, J. E. (1999). â€Å"Social Learning Theory† (3rd Ed). Notes on Ormond’s human E. C. Barrett, November 23, 2003. â€Å"The Study of Learning: A Thought paper†. Principles

Communication Is The Most Fundamental Element. Cross...

Over the past decades the business world has become more globally interdependent due to the globalization and technology, one of the main business challenges that an organization faces today is cross cultural communication. With increasing numbers of business opportunities across national borders, many organizations tend to expand their business operations abroad. Consequently, there have been significant business competitions. In order to win in this competitive business world, communication is the most fundamental element. Cross cultural communication is defined that it is part of the intercultural communication and has to compare how people communicate across cultures (Browaeys and Price, 2008). Furthermore, according to Huang (2010,†¦show more content†¦Similarly, Lebron (2003) agreed with Hofstede’s statement but assumed that significant cultural differences lead to miscommunication which may bring conflict and aggravate crash. Additionally, she has indicated th at intercultural communication will be demonstrated by sharing ideas, attitudes, and behaviour and they are divided into four categories such as time and space, fate and personal responsibility, face and face-saving and nonverbal communication. Moreover, most research on cross cultural communication focuses on the importance of cross cultural communication in business environments and negotiations. For instance, some experts have claimed that cross cultural communication has become one of the important parts of international business that cannot be avoided (Zhu and Zhu, 2006; Huang, 2010; Salacuse, 1999). Furthermore, they have assumed that when two negotiating parties from different cultural backgrounds tries to communicate, potential disagreements and misunderstandings arise which may make difficult to negotiate and break up a business partnership. Similarly, Zhang and Zhou (2008) also has claimed that understanding the different cultural issues which existing among different nati ons and focus on cultural diversities in every facet of business is vital for negotiators in operating international business negotiation. InShow MoreRelatedConflict Resolution And Prevention Resolution999 Words   |  4 Pagesthere has been a consistent increasing concern in the cultural aspect of conflict resolution and prevention. This might be as a result of the increased number of intense ethnic/cultural conflicts that exist in the world. Balkans and Rwanda are the most cited examples of the violent intra-country conflicts that are as a result of cultural dimensions. However, one should not forget that even the state to state disputes include numerous cultural elements as evident in the Indian-Pakistan war. 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