The World's Hardest Game

I discovered this game and thought I should post it somewhere to share with the world.

This quote about sums it up.


"All human wisdom is summed up in two words - wait and hope”

-Alexandre Dumas Père

The Worlds Hardest Game

Source of quote:
http://thinkexist.com/quotation/all_human_wisdom_is_summed_up_in_two_words-wait/167941.html

The link to the game was provided by the website streaming the game,
AddictingGames.com

Philosophical Fire Emblem Character - Stefan

"My laguz blood gives me great power. I thought about using my power to gain revenge against the people who scorned me, but I decided against it."

-Stefan during the A-Level Support Conversation with Mordecai
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance


"It's the guiding hand of fate that has led me to you."

-Stefan in a base conversation with Ike
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance


"You can learn the dance of blades from me without knowing my history, can you not?"

-Stefan in a base conversation with Ike
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance


"Sheathe your blade. If that's all the skill you possess, you're not ready to challenge me."

-Stefan in a boss conversation with Homasa
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance


"My sword has been beaten... impressive. It is moments like this that make life worth living."

-Stefan when killed during a battle
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance






Site Sources:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/gamecube/file/920189/47709
http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/gamecube/file/920189/42716
http://fireemblem.wikia.com/wiki/Stefan
http://www.serenesforest.net/fe9/boss_convo2.html

Conformity

Conformity is a topic that can be very simple, very complicated, or anywhere in between. Conformity can come in many forms and have strong effects. One of the most common forms of conformity occurs when “an identity [is] wholly imposed upon us by other people” (Solomon 311). Giving in to peer pressure or just agreeing with peers can also be a form of conformity. The effects of conformity can be both positive and negative.

When a foreign behavior or belief is forced on to a person it often becomes a part of their identity. The most common example of this occurs when a parent or teacher tells someone what “good” behavior is. Parts of a person’s identity are often purely the result of a behavior imposed on them. While growing up, many children are told to keep their rooms clean. If they refuse, a punishment such as a “Time Out” may ensue. Eventually the child learns that it is important to keep their room clean. Because of the parents, the child adds the belief that their room must be clean to their identity. The end result is a change in the child’s identity because of a belief that was imposed on him or her by a parent.

Conformity can also occur when someone gives in to peer pressure or abandons their beliefs in order to accept what is “cool” at the time. The best example of peer pressure I can think of is illegal drug use. If a person who is vehemently opposed to illegal drug use is pressured into using the drugs, they may have lost part of their identity. Music can be a good example of something a person would accept in order to be cool, even if it goes against their beliefs. People who enjoy rock music may be opposed to some rap and hip hop songs because of the messages they convey. If some of their friends enjoy the music the person may set their judgements aside in order to fit in with their friends. Both examples are examples of conformity that come about as a result of the beliefs of others affecting someone who would otherwise disagree.

Conformity can have many different effects on people. Sometimes a person may later be grateful that they changed their beliefs. If someone is forced to accept that a clean room is important they will often look back and be glad they learned the lesson. They have come to enjoy the sight of a neat room. Also, a person’s taste in music often changes throughout their life. Even if they start with a negative bias, a person may gradually begin to enjoy the music. On the other hand, accepting the music could have negative consequences. The messages conveyed through the music may change the attitude of the listener. Illegal drug use is the same. Side effects of the drug could cause permanent damage. Conformity can be very powerful and must be treated as such.

Works Cited

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

FREE PUZZLES

NPR Sunday Puzzle:
Go to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4473090
or Click Here.
Below the title (Sunday Puzzle by Will Shortz) is a list of puzzles that aired on the radio. Click any of the bold titles (the first puzzle on the list is the most recent).
Scroll down until you see the title Next Week's Challenge.
Return to the list of puzzles and click on the puzzle that took place one week after the puzzle you just viewed. Scroll down to Last Week's Challenge to view the correct answer. If you chose to view the most recent puzzle you will have to wait until Sunday to get the answer.
The Sunday Puzzle is often challenging, but can be interesting.

Copyright 2009 NPR


New York Times Sudoku:
The New York Times provides 3 free Sudoku puzzles every day (1 each of Easy, Medium, and Difficult). The puzzles are available at:
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/crosswords/sudoku/easy.html?scp=1-
spot&sq=sudoku&st=cse or you can Click Here.

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

The Existence of God - Argument from Design

The argument from design is one side of an argument about how to explain why our world is so complex and how it came to be so. The argument from design is also known as the teleological argument. The core of the argument is that God must exist. “The basis of the argument is that since the universe is evidently designed, it must have a designer” (Solomon 638). The main opponents of this argument are people who support Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Both sides have significant merits, but it is difficult to say which argument is the truth.

I apologize for the illegible labels.
The labeling is much more clear if you click on the image.

The argument from design takes a strong side about why our universe is so complex. “It has even presented itself as a theory in science, that is, ‘creation science,’ as opposed to the generally accepted scientific accounts of Darwinian evolution” (Solomon 143). My interpretation of the argument from design is that the universe is too complex for it to have just come into existence. The functioning of a single living cell could be compared to how a business functions. They both have a main operator that regulates most or all of what goes on. They both have sturdy protection. They also have the capability of expansion. Each cell is operated by a nucleus, has a cell wall for protection, and given enough time, can split into two, thus increasing the total number of cells. A business is often operated by a president or CEO, is sometimes physically protected by security guards and often otherwise protected by a legal system, and given a certain level of success, can expand by opening a new branch of the company. The point of all this is that a business, which is often designed to do work most efficiently, has a lot in common with cells. Therefore it stands to reason that cells were also designed. The argument from design definitely makes a valid point.

The strength of the argument for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is about equal to that of the argument from design. My choice of interpretation of Darwin’s theory is “survival of the fittest,” better know as natural selection. The complexity of the cell can be explained by natural selection. If a cell mutates in a way that makes it stronger than other cells, it is more likely to survive and multiply. The stronger mutant cell eventually outnumbers the others and is considered a normal cell. At some point another mutation will occur and the process will repeat itself. Eventually, the remainder will be the complex, effective cells that exist today. The reasoning behind Darwin’s theory makes a very compelling argument.

The argument from design and Darwin’s theory of evolution both make good arguments. Either one could be true. In this day and age there is no way to know for sure.

Resources:

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

Plant cell structure svg. 6 June 2006. Mariana Ruiz. 30 Oct. 2009 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plant_cell_structure_svg.svg#
filehistory

The Real World - Plato's Theory of Forms

I find Plato’s theory of Forms very interesting. Plato believed there were two worlds. One was the world we live in and the other was a world of Forms (Solomon 66). Understanding conceptual truth is a large part of understanding Forms (Solomon 72). Forms are a complicated subject, but I will try to break it down.

Being able to understand the meaning behind Plato’s two worlds is an important part of understanding Forms. “The world in which we live [is] a world of constant change or a world of Becoming” (Solomon 66). The other world is considered the real world, but the world we live in is still somewhat real. Our world is just not as real as the other is (Solomon 67). “Our world is like a set of shadows of the real world” (Solomon 71). It is “a mere imitation of the bright originals” (Solomon 71). In order to fully grasp the world described above we must also understand the other world.

The “world of Forms [is] an unchanging world, the real world or the world of Being” (Solomon 66). This world never changes and will never end (Solomon 66). Plato believed that a person’s only chance to have a good life lied with the extent of their knowledge of pure Forms (Solomon 71). Our connection between the two worlds is another part of Plato’s metaphysics. The link between the two worlds “is the immortality and immateriality of the human soul” (Solomon 74). Our souls already know about the other world when we are born. That knowledge is known as innate. When we experience something, the connection allows us to “remember” it. We already know the truth about the other world; we just have to remember it (Solomon 74).

Knowing the definition of a Form is also very important. “The Forms are what different things of the same kind have in common and what makes them things of the same kind” (Solomon 71). Granny Smith apples and Golden Delicious apples both have the same Form therefore, according to Plato, your knowledge of its Form would allow you to recognize the apples. Plato’s beliefs state that we can recognize all apples, regardless of their appearance, simply because they are part of the Form apple. Because we know that apples are fruits, we can identify that the Form apple includes the Form fruit. Today we can “say that the meaning of the English word ‘[apple]’ already includes the concept of ‘being a [fruit]’. Accordingly, philosophers refer to this kind of truth as conceptual truth” (Solomon 72). This term did not exist in Plato’s time.

I am intrigued by Plato’s theory of Forms, but I am not sure I believe it. Though his theory seems somewhat plausible, I have trouble believing in something that does not have physical, legitimate proof. However, I do not reject his theory completely. I do think the logic behind conceptual truth, which ties into his theory, is real.

References:

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

“Apple-picking in California.” Los Angeles Times September 22, 2008. 16 Oct. 2009

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/apple-picking-
in-cal-2818/

Good vs. Evil - Ahura Mazda

I find Ahura Mazda to be very interesting. Ahura Mazda is the god worshipped by practitioners of Zoroastrianism. Out of everything Ahura Mazda created, the first two things created were twin spirits. Another important spirit was Asha, who was represented by fire.

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that worships Ahura Mazda. Zoroastrianism was started by Zarathustra, a Persian reformer. Zoroastrianism portrayed Ahura Mazda as the origin and creator of everything.

The twin spirits created by Ahura Mazda were opposites of one another. One of the spirits was named Spenta Mainyush. It represented everything that was good. Everything that followed this spirit was led to do good things. The other spirit, Angra Mainyush, led all that followed it to evil. Angra Mainyush is credited for the release of evil, such as death, destructiveness, and deceit. Zoroastrianism portrays the world as being represented by an army of good and an army of evil. The two armies are always at war. Everything in the world must choose a side based on its purpose. Only humans are given more choice because humans make their decisions consciously. Every natural thing must be either worshipped or rejected.

I feel that the battle between good and evil, which supposedly started with the twin spirits created by Ahura Mazda, is still continuing today. One of the largest natural wars we are in is global warming. People are using chemicals that pollute the Earth’s atmosphere. The pollution traps heat that is melting the icebergs. The repercussions are taking a heavy toll on the wildlife. Nature can’t resist this destruction so some people are trying to help. Many of the harmful chemicals are being replaced with safe chemicals that serve the same purpose. One of the most prominent examples is automobile fuel. The harmful gasoline emissions are being replaced with safer ethanol emissions. The ethanol used in automobiles is E85 ethanol fuel, which is comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. According to General Motors’ Biofuels article, “E85 ethanol fuel is a cleaner-burning, mostly renewable fuel source made from mostly U.S.-grown corn and biomaterial, such as switchgrass and willow.” Some automobiles are even running on electricity alone, which has no emissions.

Out of everything good that Ahura Mazda created, the spirit Asha was considered the best. Asha is represented by fire. Because of their devotion to Asha, “Zoroastrians were referred to as fire worshippers” (Solomon 59). Asha was also known as Righteousness.

Ahura Mazda was considered to be completely good. Ahura Mazda was immortal and, according to Zoroastrian teachings, the world is eternal. Life on earth is only one portion of the eternity.



References:

“Biofuels.” Fuel Solutions 2009 General Motors. 1 October 2009
http://www.gmaltfuel.com/fuel-

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

“A failure of leadership in the private sector.” forceChange March 5, 2008. 09 Oct. 2009 http://forcechange.com/2008/03/05/a-failure-of-leadership-in-the
-private-sector/