The End or Basis of Being Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The End or Basis of Being - Essay Example In this article, I support Rufus’ argument that thinking is not a preserve of the intellect. First, I give reasons as to how decisions are made by humans, second, I argue concerning the possibility of thinking becoming the thing thought, and lastly, I evaluate the merits of the two arguments as presented by Rufus. Richard Rufus rejected the premise that we think by the intellect given forms in the way matter is. This standing by Rufus is true in several ways. Firstly as Rufus (4) argues, man is every created thing, and man constitutes a lesser world: thus in his being, man shares with all created things as below: living with plants, existence with stones, sensitive with beasts, thinking with angels, and finally man shares some aspects with God. This implies that man is a complex creature that shares many aspects with other beings, but yet has some peculiar characteristics make him special; the intellect. Intellect is the part of man lacking in other beings, which presents the difference. As other beings have some degree of knowledge and instincts, so does man share some commonalities with other beings. For example, if a deer escapes an attack by a lion through instincts though it has not sighted the lion, man must use the same instincts to make some decisions in some cases. This follows that man does not only depend on thinking through intellect, but shares other common modes of thinking with other beings. ... Therefore, we do not think by the intellect alone, but use other senses to make decisions that are different and unique from decisions made of intellect. Thinking is a matter of literally becoming the thing thought. Rufus (2) argues that agents are dissimilar at the start; but in the end, after being acted upon, they are similar. This implies that the sensitive part refers to the faculty, and because sensing is being acted upon, it is passive. At the end, when the sensing has been acted upon, the sensitive will be similar to the active, which is namely the sensible. To understand this, first we have to introduce the idea of potency and actuality. A matchbox is fire in potency. This means that the match box can be acted upon to become fire itself. It has the potency to cause fire. Similarly, when the fire has been caused through the matchbox, it then becomes actuality. Likewise, the human soul is a spirit in potency. Rufus (4) in explaining the nature of man elaborates man shares some common things with God. God by himself is actuality devoid of any potency. He is the end; implying God cannot be caused to be any other than God himself. Cindering we share some common aspects with God; God cannot be in corporeal nature but is in spirit itself. The soul is related to the spirit and is the aspect that makes humans to have a common aspect with God, which is devoid of other animals or beings. The human soul is therefore in potency that though being the essence of humanity, it has not yet attained the spiritual status; which is the actuality of the soul, in sharing common aspect with God, whom by himself has no matter. This implies once humans are dead; the soul attains its actuality, and can be related to God, whom is devoid of matter. Rufus (4) in explaining

Architectural Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Architectural Design - Essay Example I visited the best seven-star hotel, and a series of 200 fabricated islands in the shape of the countries of the world, or climb the world’s tallest building that were captivating and had the best machines that could be used by man to satisfy one best lifestyle. Amidst all this modernity, as you head from a swim in the sea or a business meeting to designer boutiques, a round of golf or a top teppanyaki restaurant, the age-old souks still attract those who like to haggle. Yet only a few kilometers into the magnificent desert there are still camels roaming free that have been the ship of the desert. There is a vibrant and cosmopolitan air about Dubai, for instance the way the traditional abrasions boats carry a kaleidoscope of tourists side by side with sari-wrapped Indians and locals sporting spotless dish dash. Outside of Dubai life is more traditional and moves at a slightly slower pace.   As you explore the barren beauty of the mountains, or go about the UAE’s East coast beaches, you will find  people friendly and willing to chat, even when lacking a common language. A visit to Dubai made me discover the varying culture in the emirates and the rule that abide them all as one family and community. Visitors to Dubai may be in for a bit of a culture shock. As well as meeting residents from every corner of the earth, you will mingle with traditionally dressed Gulf Arabs in their dishdashas and Abayas. There is also the sound of the mosques at prayer time, Arabic chatter in coffee shops, the sweet smell of Arabian shisha (hubbly bubbly pipes), the beautiful intricate writing. It is all part of everyday Dubai culture. The Dubai people have been very kind since time in memorial. The culture is adorable and through observations, I noted some of the ideas that made me feel impressed Emirati life is very much geared around families, with marriage and children being the bedrock of society.  Hospitality plays a key role in Dubai culture, especially to strangers or newcomers, although older and more of the traditional Dubai citizens may be more reserved.  Do not be surprised if you are invited to join an Emirati family for refreshment, and when carpet or jewellery shopping in particular, your tea will arrive almost before you do.  It is polite to accept Dubai tradition like this graciously. This was one good experience that I had not heard or seen off. I found it difficult to cope with the situation as some of the activities had been prohibited such as drinking and smoking that made my life difficult. Islam is inextricably intertwined with the very fabric of UAE society. Muslims see the Qur’an literally as the word of God, and it issues very specific moral guidelines, dealing with all issues of daily living. For this reason, the book itself is strongly revered, and must be respectfully treated. Although the most open of Arab societies in its culture, the Muslim tradition in Dubai is no different as it is a way of livin g. Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, is marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. As an Islamic country, Dubai culture is no different and many restaurants and cafes close during daylight hours. Non-Muslims should not eat, drink or smoke in public, but do so only in private or at specially closed off hotel restaurants. I found it genuine that the Arabs in United Arabs Emirates found it easy to cope with the life and act as staunch Muslim religion. With abovementioned trends as