The Moral Knowledge Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Essay

Moral knowledge, a tricky subject to grapple with because morals are subjective to everyone. We can’t say whether one is right or wrong, as the truth behind that knowledge is not determined. Since we can’t surely know what we say is right or wrong, is it ok to experiment with ideas that might not be determined to be right at that time? History has proven that the concepts of right and wrong are able to change over time. David Hume has much to say about the development of moral knowledge as he creates his argument in the midst of all his other beliefs. This idea of moral knowledge also plays out in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. An unfortunate story of an ambitious man’s dream to create life, little did he know he would fear his own creature. The creature’s short lived life showed us the nature of moral knowledge in Hume’s model and shows us how it turned a pure existence into a monster. I argue that Mary Shelley expresses the necessity of exper imentation in the development of moral knowledge in Frankenstein, as the creature’s unfortunate transformation to a monster developed through a series of human encounters such as the creature s encounter with the De Lacy family. Ultimately the creature’s development critics Hume’s stagnant view of moral knowledge simply being a product one’s feeling of external approval or disapproval, which leads one to be prejudice. Hume builds his thoughts on the accusation of moral knowledge in his text A Treatise of Human Nature. He bases hisShow MoreRelatedThe Consequences Of Technology On Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Essay1703 Words   |  7 PagesThe Consequences of Technology Revealed in Shelley s Frankenstein In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, written in the late nineteenth century, the author proposes that knowledge and technology can be dangerous to individuals and all of humanity. Frankenstein was one of the first cautionary tales about scientific research. Shelley s novel offers profound insight of the consequences of morally insensitive scientific and technological research. Learn from me. . . at least by my exampleRead MoreKnowledge, The Sculptor Of Character : Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1060 Words   |  5 PagesDavid Ibarra Mr. Carroll Brit Lit - Period 7 March 31, 2015 Knowledge, The Sculptor of Character: Frankenstein Socrates once said, To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge. This quote holds much truth as a truly knowledgeable and wise person would recognize that there is always more to learn and no one will always know everything. Thus, this idea states that new knowledge will constantly enter and shape one’s character. Similarly, the idea of being awareRead MoreFrankenstein: Technology1728 Words   |  7 PagesFrankenstein: Technology In Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, written in the late nineteenth century by Mary Shelley, Shelley proposes that knowledge and its effects can be dangerous to individuals and all of humanity. Frankenstein was one of our first and still is one of our best cautionary tales about scientific research.. Shelleys novel is a metaphor of the problems technology is causing today. Learn from me. . . at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledgeRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Frankenstein And His Creature1158 Words   |  5 PagesAlejandra Guevara Ms. Garcia AP English Lit 3 12/14/16 The Tragedy of Frankenstein and his Creature Ever since its inception in 1818, Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ has fueled the imaginations of thousands of readers through its portrayal of conflicted scientist Victor Frankenstein, and his neglected creation — referred to as the Creature in its first appearances, and later called the Monster. Though rich in storytelling, perhaps ‘Frankenstein’s most enduring quality is its wide array of themesRead MoreForbidden Or Unethical? Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1553 Words   |  7 PagesUnethical? Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein may be a warning and caution to some that delving into forbidden subjects could potentially be catastrophic. Victor Frankenstein created a horrible creation and explored the unknown where no man should go and it affected his life until the end. Exploring a subject that presents itself as unethical just as Victor did, ends with dissatisfaction, obsession, and a feeling of regret that lingers forever. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley that will alwaysRead More Morality and Responsibility - Moral Development in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1627 Words   |  7 PagesMoral Development in Shelleys Frankenstein   Ã‚   Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is a commentary on the natural disposition of man. By personifying her vision of a natural everyman character in the form of Victor Frankensteins creation, The Creature, Shelley explores the natural state as well as the moral development of man, and develops conclusions regarding both. But before Shelley could create her commentary on mans natural dispositions, she was in need of a character to represent her naturalRead MoreComparison Between Frankenstein And Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1644 Words   |  7 Pagesthe adjustment of characters and their traits. This difference can be seen when comparing the creature in Mary Shelley’s original novel Frankenstein to multiple newer representations. The creature is portrayed differently in almost all illustrations; unfortunately, all modern representations of the creature tend to be wrong. The creature’s physical characteristics, intellectual abilities, morals, and actions are all drasticall y different when comparing modern representations to Shelley’s actual portrayalRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1040 Words   |  5 Pages In 1818, a book titled Frankenstein was published anonymously, mysteriously dedicated to William Godwin, a prominent journalist and political philosopher of his time. The immediate reviews of the novel were mixed, most edging towards critical, although no one knew who the book was written by. However, while Frankenstein failed to gain popularity immediately, no one had any idea the lasting impact this novel would have on the world. Despite the lukewarm reception at its debut, it soon proved to beRead MoreBacteria On The Brain By Emily Eakin940 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Bacteria on the Brain† By Emily Eakin, she writes about the ethics surrounding a doctor who attempts to save the lives of patients with brain tumors by using his own alternative methods. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the author writes about Victor and his creature’s attempts to expand science, and answer moral questions concerning life and death. Regarding the substance of the article, Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Muizelaar and his controversial treatment of three patients suffering from terminal brainRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1376 Words   |  6 PagesFrankenstein could be compared to everyday life for the average human because we tend to have to live up to a standard of â€Å"Normal† so those that don’t understand us won’t have to fear us. The story of Frankenstein could have a deeper meaning that most readers have neglected to catch over the years. Maybe the story of Frankenstein was loosely based on the emotions of Mary Shelley from similar situations she was forced to experience throughout her lifetime. One of her most famous quotes show evidence

Freedom and Determinism Essay - 2348 Words

Freedom is a human value that has inspired many poets, politicians, spiritual leaders, and philosophers for centuries. Poets have rhapsodized about freedom for centuries. Politicians present the utopian view that a perfect society would be one where we all live in freedom, and spiritual leaders teach that life is a spiritual journey leading the soul to unite with God, thus achieving ultimate freedom and happiness. In addition, we have the philosophers who perceive freedom as an inseparable part of our nature, and spend their lives questioning the concept of freedom and attempting to understand it (Transformative Dialogue, n.d.). Freedom, or the concept of free will seems to be an elusive theory, yet many of us believe in it implicitly.†¦show more content†¦A determinist believes that even though an individual makes voluntary, conscious decisions, those decisions are influenced by a multitude of determinants. These determinants may include genes, upbringing, culture, current situations, and past experiences, among others. Modern determinists believe determinism promotes tolerance in how we view ourselves and others. Instead of focusing on our own or others’ mistakes, we believe that each individual is doing their best given their particular combination of determinants. Those who believe in free will seek to blame individuals for not making the right decisions or choosing the right thing. Determinists argue that if free will truly existed, all of us would possess health and achieve wealth and happiness. Since none of us have this much control over our lives, we become disillusioned and give up trying, leading to defensive and self-defeating behavior (Gill, 2005). However, the belief in free will or freedom is hard to give up because it is seen as the agent of change. Ancient Greeks based their understanding of freedom by distinguishing between intentional and unintentional action. Socrates’ understanding of human action reflectedShow MoreRelatedFreedom-Determinism Debate1726 Words   |à ‚  7 PagesThe controversy between freewill and determinism has been argued about for years. Freewill is defined as the belief that our behaviour is under our own control and do not act in response to any internal or external factors. Freewill has been found to have four different conditions and to have freewill at least two conditions must be obtained, these are; people have a choice on their actions, have not been coerced by anything or anyone, have full voluntary and deliberate control of what they do. OneRead MoreNot Freedom And Determinism Can Coexist1425 Words   |  6 PagesCompatibilists and incompatibilists have always disagreed on one issue: whether or not freedom and determinism can coexist. The compatibilist believes that the events in one’s life can be predetermined while the individual can nevertheless have free will, while the incompatibilist believes that one must choose between free will or determinism as both cannot coexist. In this paper, I will argue that even though there may be some faults within the compatibilists ways of thinking, most of their argumentsRead MoreEssay on Freedom-Determinism debate1689 Words   |  7 PagesFreedom-Determinism Debate The controversy between freewill and determinism has been argued about for years. Freewill is defined as the belief that our behaviour is under our own control and do not act in response to any internal or external factors. Freewill has been found to have four different conditions and to have freewill at least two conditions must be obtained, these are; people have a choice on their actions, have not been coerced by anything or anyone, have full voluntary and deliberateRead MoreThe Reconciliation Between Freedom And Determinism1809 Words   |  8 PagesReconciliation Between Freedom and Determinism Determinism is the belief that all events are caused by something that happened before, and according to some philosophers, people have no real ability to make choices or control what happens. However, A.J Ayer discusses the compatibility between freedom and determinism. One of the main concepts that is argued, is the fact that one cannot be compatible with the other simply because if you are determinate, then you cannot be considered free. Freedom is only validRead MoreEssay on Freedom and Determinism in Richard Taylor’s Metaphysics861 Words   |  4 PagesFreedom and Determinism in Richard Taylor’s Metaphysics Metaphysics, as discussed by Richard Taylor, can be defined as the effort to think clearly. In order to contemplate a metaphysical issue, we require data (the common beliefs that people hold about that issue). A metaphysical problem occurs when such data do not agree. To resolve the problem, a theory must be established which removes the conflict by either (a) reconciling the conflicting data, or (b) proving one set of data to be falseRead MoreThe Different Ways Of Which Freedom Can Be Compatible With Determinism1334 Words   |  6 Pages FINAL EXAM 1-Discuss the different ways in which freedom can be compatible with determinism. Answer: According to (Consider Ethics text book on page 224), Freedom and determinism can be compatible with Simple Compatibilism, which according to David Hume, he claimed that ‘’all the puzzles and disputes about free will result from sloppy and confused use of language. Therefore, if we think carefully, and avoid verbal entanglements, thenRead MoreHarry Frankfurt s Arguments For The Compatibilism Of Determinism And Freedom Of Will1578 Words   |  7 Pagesfor the compatibilism of determinism and freedom of will, as presented in Freedom of Will and the Concept of Person and some problems that arise with his reasoning. I will claim that those problems do not come from any propositions central to Frankfurt s argument, but rather from his neglect of the issue of the relationship between freedom of will and moral responsibility. I will argue, that Frankfurt makes an invalid implicit assumption that the connection between freedom and responsibility is biconditionalRead MoreFreedom Versus Determinism Freud Versus Sartre Essay1254 Words   |  6 PagesFreedom versus Determinism In Class Essay The person portrayed in The Scream clearly is in distress, they looked extremely surprised and scared. This is because they have just realized that they have been living in-authentically, that is, they have set certain parameters to live by that has ultimately affected, and taken away , their freedom. This debate about whether or not we have freedom in the decisions that we make is one that Sartre and Freud both are strongly opinionated about. Freud, beingRead MoreThe Scientific Arguments Which Contain Freedom And Soft And Hard Determinism3111 Words   |  13 Pagesextraordinarily complicated machine.† (Wegner, 2002) To answer the question, it requires we define free will and determinism. This question can be approached from numerous directions: From Libet and Wegner’s scientific data as well as metaphysical results and Dennett’s arguments to those results. This essay will study the scientific arguments which contain freedom and soft/hard determinism. The first section of the essay I will provide definitions of the terms and give data presented by Libet and WegnerRead MoreThe True Freedom Of Free Will1180 Words   |  5 Pagesabout freedom is that logically it is something we can possess. Once we take away whatever it is that is holding us back, at our core there is freedom granted to everyone. Exploring the idea of what true freedom is and whether or not we have it we begin to see philosophical theories arise that gives us alternatives to these preconceptions. Freedom, specifically free will, is usually the one thing we believe we have. Even though there are obvious factors affecting us, our free will, or freedom, is

Humboldt Squid Free Essays

Humboldt Squid Dosidicus gigas Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Order: Teuthida Suborder: Oegopsina Family: Ommastephidae Genus: Dosidicus Species: Dosidicus gigas Ecological Geographic range: Receives its name from its main location – the Humboldt Current This current is found in the East Pacific Ocean region The Humboldt squids are sometimes found along the coastal region of California, Oregon, Alaska and Washington Generally, found about 2,300 feet below surface Enter shallow waters to lay eggs Trophic level: Sharks, dolphins, whales, tuna swordfish, many types of rays as well as an abundance of crustaceans, mollusks, fish of all   sizes, and other cephalopods such as octopus can be found in the food web of the Humboldt The Humboldt is occupies a relatively high trophic level It feeds on krill and small species of fish Predators: Sperm whales, sharks, seals, swordfish, and marlin feed on Humboldt squids of all sizes, while gulls and large fish often capture juveniles Parasites include Chromidina elegans, a ciliate protozoan that lives inside the renal organs of the Humboldt Life Cycle: Average life span is 1 year; however, some can live up to 2 years Spend much of their short life in the ocean’s oxygen-minimum zone Come up at night to feed After 200 days, the squids reach sexual maturity They die shortly after mating Physiological Development Bilateral symmetry Arms and tentacles – 8 arms and 2 retractable tentacles Mantle – hollow structure and so internal organs are all exposed directly to the ocean water Funnel – water is pumped from out of the mantle to the funnel, which allows squids to move Fins – are used for both maintaining position and generating thrust Chromatophores – tiny elastic sacs of pigment. The Humboldt squid can turn their entire bodies from red to white to red again in less than one second Digestive system: Complete and ciliated Mouth, anus and complex stomach Use of a duck like beak to break up food A radula or ribbon horn found on the tongue directs the food down the esophagus Food is taken up by cells lining the digestive glands arising from the stomach and then passed into the blood Excretory System Undigested materials are compressed and packaged and discharged through the anus into the mantle cavity and carried away by ocean currents Excretory functions are carried out by a pair of nephridia (tubular structures that collect fluids from the coelom and exchange salts) Respiratory system: Contains three hearts to support the constantly moving lifestyle of the squid Hemocyanin is the copper-rich respiratory protein that transports oxygen throughout the body Circulatory system: complex, closed circulatory system (reason why they can move fast) contains two branchial hearts at the base of the gills which send unoxygenated blood through the gills A third ventricular heart then pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body (blood turns blue when oxygenated, colorless before) Nervous system: Highly developed and sensitive Brain consists of two fused nerve centers that are linked down the length of the body by two giant nerve axons The giant axons transmit nerve signals quickly Interesting fact – the squid’s nervous system is connected to structures called statocysts. These vesicles let the animal to orient itself to a gravitational field, allowing the squid to remain aware of its orientation and movement in a three-dimensional manner Reproductive strategies Highest fecundity of any cephalopod Reach sexually maturity after 200 days of life Timing and location of eggs is still guesswork for most scientists Sexual reproduction Semelparous reproduction (reproduce once in their lifetimes and die shortly after) Female Humboldt squids can have about 10 million eggs; however, the most to have been found has been between half a million and a million eggs After the eggs are laid, there is no further parental investment Kurth, J. We will write a custom essay sample on Humboldt Squid or any similar topic only for you Order Now and M. Garzio 2009. â€Å"Dosidicus gigas† (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 18, 2013 at http://animaldiversity. ummz. umich. edu/accounts/Dosidicus_gigas/ â€Å"Squid. † The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2012. Encyclopedia. com. 18 Mar. 2013http://www. encyclopedia. com. Humboldt or Jumbo Squid Fact Sheet – National Zoo| FONZ. † Smithsonian: National Zoological Park. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. â€Å"Humboldt Squid. † BioWeb. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. â€Å"A Humboldt Squid Dissection Guide for Educators. † The Gilly Lab. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. â€Å"Humboldt Squids: Systems. † Shorecrest Preparatory School. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. â€Å"Humboldt  Squid. † Squid-World. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. â€Å"Squid Sex and Babies. † Squid Sex and Babies. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. http://theseasproject. weebly. com/uploads/5/3/8/4/5384258/5500235_orig. png? 243 How to cite Humboldt Squid, Essay examples