Locke on Language Essay Example for Free

Locke on Language Essay John Locke (1632-1704) is a great influential British philosopher, reputed by many as the first of the great English empiricists. He offered a comprehensive philosophy of language as well, which was the first of its kind in modern philosophy. In line with Descartes, he pushed reason to the forefront as a tool of philosophical enquiry and opposed authoritarianism and blind acceptance of dictates of religion or superstitions. Lockes masterpiece, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, concerns itself with determining the limits of human understanding and the legitimacy of knowledge claims. Specifically, Book III of the work investigates into language and its importance in the process of knowledge and epistemological enquiries. Let me brief the main aspects of his approach to language and the context from which it evolves out. Body of the Essay (Lockean Enquiry into Language) In the four Books of the Essay, Locke considers the sources and nature of human knowledge and as a part of it he takes up a study of language. (An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Locke, 1. 1. 7. , p. 47). Against Descartes, he claimed, that mind has no innate ideas (primary notions or inborn ideas). Human mind is a tabula rasa (clear slate) and experiences write on it. In holding this view he subscribes to the axiom of empiricism that ‘there is nothing in the intellect that was not previously in the senses’. Ideas are but materials, out of which, knowledge is constructed. Neither speculative or innate moral principles, nor ideas, such as God, identity, etc. , are there in the mind of the new-born. ‘Children and the idiots prove it’, Locke says. His theory of substratum and substance, and the distinction he makes between primary and secondary qualities are all someway connected to his theory of language. The distinction between real essences and nominal essences, which he makes, stems from his theories of substance and qualities. It seems Locke holds some version of the representational theory of perception, though some scholars dispute it. Locke is not at all skeptic about substances as did Hume. Since Berkeley, Locke’s theory of the substratum or substance has been attacked as incoherent. Since we have no such experience of such an entity there is no way to derive such an idea from experience, his critics argue. (cf. I. IV. 18. p 95) The real essence of a material thing is its atomic constitution. The atomic constitution is the causal basis of all the observable properties of the thing. If the real essences were known all the observable properties could be deduced from it. These real essences are quite unknown to us according to Locke. Ayer interprets: ‘substance in general’ means whatever it is that supports qualities, while the real essence means ‘the particular atomic constitution lying behind observable qualities. Ayer treats the unknown substratum as the same as real essence. This interpretation eliminates the need to explain particulars without properties. But it is to be accepted that such reductionism lacks textual support from Locke and it conflicts some of Locke’s own positions according to some critics. A theory of meaning (semantic theory) is central to any philosophical account of language Locke also develops one when he claims that our words (general terms) refer to our (abstract) ideas. Abstract ideas and classification are of central importance to Locke’s discussion of language. Words that stand for ideas can be distinguished as ideas of substances, simple modes, mixed modes, relations etc. Not all words are ideas, for example, particles that relate. In his analysis of language, Locke gives more attention to nouns than to verbs (II. 7. 1. p 471). Though Locke’s main semantic theory claimed that â€Å"Words in their primary or immediate signification signify nothing but the ideas in the mind of him that uses them†, it was vehemently criticized as a classic blunder in semantic theory. For J. S. Mill, Locke seems not distinguishing the meaning of the word from its reference. But as Norman Kretzmann rightly points out Locke distinguishes between meaning and reference (Tipton, 1977, pp. 123-140). In Locke’s discussion on substances, he says, physical substances are atoms and things made up of atoms. But we have no experience of the atomic structure of horses and tables. Horses and tables are known through secondary qualities such as color, taste, smell etc and primary qualities such as shape and extension. Hence he held that real essence cannot give meaning of names. Ordinary people are the chief makers of language, he believed. Conclusion Locke brought in a tradition in language theory that influenced James Campbell and I. A. Richards, rhetoricians like Edward P. J. Corbett, Condillac, Saussure and structuralists like Claude Levi-Strauss. Linguistic philosophy (logical positivism, logical atomism and so on) in 20th century had something to respond to Locke if not to receive from him. However, I wouldn’t reckon Locke as a linguist than an empiricist. References Locke, John (1995) An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Aemherst, New York: Prometheus Books. Kretzmann, Norman (1977) â€Å"The Main Thesis of Locke’s Semantic Theory†. in Locke on Human Understanding,(ed) I. C. Tipton. pp. 123-140.

The Need for Employee Counseling Essays -- Business Management Studies

The Need for Employee Counseling Employees are the most valuable asset the company has. Without employees the company is just bricks and walls and pieces of iron and steel. Employees are the ones that bring the place alive, they cause the activity and they are responsible for output. Though today all of us have been influenced by the age of information technology and automation, there is no company that can claim that it can make it on its own without employees. In fact today more than ever it is necessary for organizations to realize that an employee is very valuable and losing an employee is a resource lost. Having said as much, we see that in actual practice dealing with employees at times is the worst nightmare of any manager. Employee Relations is gaining momentum as time goes by but there is no one scientific formula that takes care of all. This is because each organization is different as is each employee. The problems that arise can generically be attributed to the following reasons:  ¤ Poor employee relations  ¤ Absence of employee counseling  ¤ Poor or no employee coaching The focus of this report is on these three functional areas and each will be discussed separately. Employee Relations The Importance of Employee Relations Working with employees requires an understanding of what actually makes the employee function. Satisfying monetary needs does not have a long lasting impact. Employees need to be kept informed and must be provided with an opportunity to raise suggestions and voice their complains. Otherwise employees are bound to feel dissatisfied and alienated. The Employee Relations (ER) department basically takes care of the company's communication program, its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and its employee recognition program. Effective employee management is the key to having favorable employee relations, which in turn is necessary for retaining talented and productive employees. Common deficiencies and hindrances in the way of effective employee relations For most part, managers say that they hate managing people and it’s the most difficult part of their job. This is because; a) they have not received formal training on how to manage people b) they get little or no support from employee relations and human resource people. Most managers look at Human Resource (HR) and ER for help. However HR in most organizations is th... ... employees otherwise it will be difficult to grow. Difficult people are necessary as they help us remain on our toes and bring to the work environment the dynamism that is necessary. Bibliography Peterson, Bert "Role of Employee Relations Today." www.cableone.net, pp.1-5. Peterson, Bert "Fear- A Management Style." www.cableone.net, pp.1-4. Peyser, Randy "The Necessity of Difficult People." Exploration Hall, www.balancinglife.com, pp.1-2. Cairnes, Margot "Building self-confidence should be strategic priority." www.hr-info.com, pp.1-2. "Employee Assistance Program; Counselling Service." www.benefits.org, pp.1-3. "Counseling Service." www.balancinglife.com, pp.1-2. "The Layperson's Guide to Counselor Ethics: What You Should Know About the Ethical Practice of Professional Counselors." www.counseling.org, pp.1-2. "7 Ways To Beat The Blues." www.hurstplace.com, pp.1 Atkinson, William "Wellness, Employee Assistance Programs: Investments, Not Costs." www.findarticles.com, pp.1-6 Farr, John "Problem Employees: How do managers decide how and when to deal with poor employee performance?" www.findarticles.com, pp.1-7 "The Future of Electronic Counselling." www.bac.co.uk, pp.1-2

Cwts Narrative Report

NARRATIVE REPORT (Disaster Emergency Response Training with Water Safety and Survival Skills) Last October 4 and 5, 2012 students of STI College Caloocan that has NSTP or CWTS course attended and conducted training for Disaster Emergency Response Training with Water Safety and Survival Skills. Our batch was October 5, 2012 that was held at Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center. The training and topics covered are regarding Obstacle Training, Rappelling, Bandaging, CPR, First Aid Training, Proper Wearing of Life Vest/Jacket, and the Water Survival Techniques.All students venue before going to Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center was in STI College Caloocan. At exactly 5:00am, but since other students are not responsible they came late. That’s why instead of 6:00am departure, it became 6:30am already or almost 7:00am. Luckily, we did not encounter traffic that’s why we arrive at Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center at exactly 8:00am. And then when we arrive at the training center, all students are instructed to change their clothes in much comfortable manner. The instructors gave as only 30mins to prepare and then after that we need to go to the training area immediately.So, when all of us are already settled, we immediately go to the training area. Before the training started our head in-charge, Ms. Falculan conducted a speech and she welcomes all the students in Boso-Boso Training ground. And after the program, one of the Instructors from Rescue 177 together with their Director had the orientation regarding the Rappelling Course; they teach us how to use the Rappelling equipments and how to apply it when we are doing the task already. After the orientation, we immediately proceed to the Obstacle Training ground, separately with the boys.All girls had the Obstacle Training first, while the boys are already having their Practicum regarding First Aid Training. I enjoyed the obstacle course, because I experienced run ning, balancing, jumping, crawling and climbing elements with the aim of testing my speed and endurance. Then after we accomplished the obstacle course, we proceed to the Rappelling area. And I am very thankful because I’ve done the task correctly and safely. Meanwhile, after the obstacle course and rappelling we had our lunch break already. All of us are in a hurry because after our break we are the one to have the Practicum for First Aid Course.

Service / Product of in-home daycare - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 547 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/10/10 Did you like this example? Attending a high-quality program prepares a kid for kindergarten and beyond. Providing a center where children can be accommodated is thus a noble idea. This plan presents an idea of coming up with an in-home daycare program that will befit toddlers. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Service / Product of in-home daycare" essay for you Create order Toddlers possess the best ability to retain a new language if taught using the right means. As children grow, their capability of maintaining a new language increase but after 13 years, they cannot learn a new language (Genius, 2011). Contrary to popular belief, learning a second language does not interfere with the learning of the first language. In fact, it gives the toddler the advantage of learning two languages at simultaneously. This program will offer French as a second language. Teaching a toddler, a second language gives them the ability to execute tasks that require executive functioning. The teaching of French in particular as a second language gives the toddler the advantage of learning English faster as the English language has borrowed extensively from French. Additionally, they will be exposed to the culture of the French through the language. Apparently, language and culture are inseparable as the culture of people is infused in their language. Psychologists propose that toddlers should be kept safe, and closer to their home so that they can relate well as they learn. With this program, the toddlers will be exposed to a safe environmental learning condition in regards to personal and external safety. They will be taken care of as they are channeled towards the educational experience. Additionally, the center will be close to their homes, and this will offer a psychological comfort to enable them to learn well. It is recommended that toddlers be exposed to outdoor activities to enable them to develop both physically and mentally. This center will have outdoor activities for the toddlers and will be taken for trips to the park occasionally. They will also be exposed to a trustworthy educator who will attend to their physical and psychological needs (Genius, 2011). They will also be taught on core virtues such as obedience, trustworthiness, honesty, and kindness. Toddler centers are supposed to be located in safe environments where the parents can access them with ease. The center stands outs from the others due to its proximity. It is situated in a safe and secure place in 248 129th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005 close to parks and library. This will ensure that the toddlers get are provided with enough resources from the library to help them adapt accordingly (Greenman, Stonehouse Schweikert, 2010). This is a location which is indeed close to the highway, and the toddlers will not have to walk for a couple of long distances before reaching the center. This is advantageous to the working parents as they can check on their children at any time. Since the center is supposed to be close to Microsoft Offices, the parents who work there will have easy access to their children. For the success of the toddlers, communication between the parents and staff members is important. That is why an apt child care program is necessary (Greenman, Stonehouse Schweikert, 2010). The staff members will show their commitment toward working with young children. They must resolve to behave professionally when at work to ensure that children have the best time in school.