Critical commentary about Ludwig Wittgenstein's view of 'hinge Essay

Critical commentary about Ludwig Wittgenstein's view of 'hinge propositions - Essay Example When what is considered known turns out to be false, it is a shattering experience that can change the perception of life and the worldview of those who are then enlightened by new truths. The idea of what is known is absolute is an important premise upon which entire belief systems are built. Wittgenstein, when he wrote about the theory of hinge propositions that ended up on a consolidated volume called On Certainty, he was searching for a way to eliminate scepticism from the general belief systems that exist within philosophy. Although the theory of hinge propositions appears to have a solution for the subject of scepticism, the idea that there can be ‘knowns’ has been historically refuted, changing the world view and the position of human beings through profound changes which prove that absolutes are not always absolutely true and are dependent upon cultural belief systems. There are many problems with the exploration that Wittgenstein has made on the concept of hinge propositions. In his search for an answer for scepticism, he made copious notes on the topic which is what have been put together in order to create the volume of work that is known as On Certainty. Moyal-Sharrock criticizes it as not being a work because it was never composed into a true book or volume, but rather it is a group of notes that are not well organized and they were never polished. Still, they have a thematic continuity that allows for an overall impression of the thoughts that Wittgenstein was having about certainty without the benefit of cohesion created by placing them together to form theoretical foundations.1 Prichard goes on to discuss how Wittgenstein is not trying to highlight something that is not accessible but is trying to shed light on what is familiar, creating a discourse on the nature of language and the way it is not only an activity, but a form of life. Language only has value as it is in use.2 How humans express their lives and what they know is centr al to creating socialization and culture, giving meaning and frameworks within which a certainty of knowing develops and creates a foundation for other theories and belief systems. Theory of Hinge Propositions The last year and a half of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s life produced a series of writing on philosophy that proposed great number ideas about the concept of what is known. As an example, Wittgenstein established that he knows that he has one hand and that he also has another. He established that â€Å"the earth existed a long time before my birth† as an assertion that this was another concept that was known (OC Preface). His purpose in bringing forward the ideas that seem so simple as truths was to create an awareness that there are always ideas that are a given and are the basis upon which theory is built. He states â€Å"That is to say, it belongs to the logic of our scientific investigations that certain things are in deed not in doubt† (OC  §342). He uses the idea of the hinge as a way to define what he means. He states â€Å"If I want the door to turn, the hinges must stay put† (OC  §343). In order to create inquiry, there are stabilities in belief that are maintained to make those theories work. There are absolutes that create a sense of stability upon which the world operates, those beliefs creating a solid platform from which to situate all other belief systems, some of which must then take leaps based

Corporal Punishment in School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corporal Punishment in School - Essay Example Though not taking proper actions to restrict offensive behavior of certain students could lead to serious consequences in a classroom yet inflicting serious injuries on the students by using aggressive techniques like caning could also lead to much more devastating consequences. Facts and discussion presented in this essay are basically meant to illuminate the reality of the claim that â€Å"corporal punishment could be seriously bad for the mental and moral wellbeing of the students which is why it should not be allowed to be introduced in the schools as a way of coping mechanism.† It is a fact that presently there are many national and international campaigns in action against corporal punishment and this is because the disadvantages offered by this form of punishment outweigh the few rewards guaranteed by it. There are many valid reasons for outlawing corporal punishment in the schools. Though people favoring corporal punishment suggest that not using such a practical form of punishment reinforces bad behavior, others opinion that by hitting the students in any way and inflicting bodily harm, no good can come out in context of behavioral, emotional, and moral development. There exists no sound connection between student achievement and corporal punishment which is why it should not be allowed to be used in any school. There exist many other ways save this form of punishment to correct any bad action displayed by any student which include good therapy session conducted by the teachers themselves or polishing the communication policy. When the teachers take care to talk sense into their students out of the teaching hours, the students realize that they are valued by their teachers and feel more secure to confide in them. Instead of communicating, such inexperienced teachers rely on corporal punishment to restrict bad behavior which in turn hardens the students most of the times and they develop immunity to any form of corrective strategy used by the tea chers. The chance for them of developing low self-esteems also heightens which could lead them to depression and anxiety problems, hence exacerbating the already bad situation. Also in response to corporal punishment, the students might begin to think that every situation could be resolved with physical violence (Lyon). There exists huge amount of scientific evidence suggesting that when a student is reprimanded seriously in front of the entire class by either caning or slapping, serious mental remodeling takes place in that student which is most often for the worse. It is claimed by Dr. Newell that â€Å"all people have the right to protection of their physical integrity, and children are people too† (cited in Schamotta). This suggests that children have a right to their physical integrity and this right can be seriously violated by corporal punishment. Critics, parents, and educationists who favor corporal punishment suggest that this method is capable of effectively restra ining bad behavior before it envelops the entire classroom. It also stimulates the students to grow up into responsible and fearful citizens in addition to decreasing the level of crime in the schools. However, attention should be paid to the fact that corporal punishment has been banned in so many parts of the world and most of the states in America due to a valid reason. If it really were capable of offering so many benefits,