Meditations Essay Example for Free

Meditations Essay Rene Descartes’ Meditations paved way to the enquiry of the epistemological nature of knowledge – a paradigm shift from an ontological priority to an epistemological priority of philosophizing. In this regard, Descartes believed that the fundamental source of knowledge is reason. As such, knowing material objects can only come upon an entity which is not external to us – that is the mind. The certainty of our understanding then rests on the clarity and distinctness of ideas constituting formal reality and not upon the immediate perception of an object. With this, he attempted to prove the existence of the Cogito, of God and dualism of the mind and the body, the methodic doubt as his primary grounding to prove the truthfulness of his claims. Let us now then analyze the seemingly problematic suppositions Descartes posits. One is dualism of the mind and body. It is because it is hard to conceive how two different things interact with each other. One indicator of such is when the mind chooses to do a specific action and the body seems to willingly do the action the mind chose. Another is when we perceive objects in the external world, our mind grasp and process the forming of these images based on our sense perception. Nevertheless, the primary question one can posit on the whole philosophy of Descartes is the appropriateness of granting existence to the conceptual entities in the mind. Existence, for Descartes, is proven through the recognition of the mind based on intuitions which manifest clarity and distinctness (or inner awareness where the mind and body are inseparable yet different from each other). By clarity, he claimed that it is the presence of an idea/object, and by distinctness, it is the relationship of clear ideas/objects and how its relationship distinguishes what belongs to an idea/object. Furthermore, he also claimed that substances are the building blocks of reality, categorized into two: the mind and the body. As such, he further maintained that these substances have primary attributes: the mind which is thought and the body, the extension. Ideas, for Descartes, are the modes of thought that link the mind and the world because they have formal and objective reality. By the former, he meant the kind of reality things have in this world and by the latter, the reality of objects represented by ideas. Hence, an idea can have formal reality because it is the mode of thought itself and it can also have an objective reality because it represents something outside of itself. In his work, one can deduce that he is certain only in his existence. As such, making him a thinking substance. He asserted that he comes to know this fact through clear and distinct perception, and logically it would follow that all his other clear and distinct perceptions are true in reference to formal and objective reality. In order to confirm the truthfulness of these clear and distinct perceptions, he proved the existence of a benign God which relies on the Mediator’s cognition of clear and distinct ideas. Even if we exempt the possibility of granting existence to fictitious entities for we may have clear and distinct perception of them, the possibility of granting existence to other conceptual entities in our mind is still questionable. First, I believe that we can only have clear and distinct perception of the conceptual entities through our senses – that is they exist in the physical realm. By that, I mean that we can have conception and understanding (on the context on how can we know them) primarily because they have manifestations in the physical world as also with regards to certain logical principles. For example, my understanding or even my idea of a tree originates from my perception of that tree in reality. Second, even if I can have clear and distinct perception of a God, it does not mean that a god/God indeed exist which cause my idea of God as what Descartes claimed. Arguably, there may be some other entity or there may be the possibility this world is just made up of matter and energy. Hence, there is no higher being which exists. It can be deduced then the appropriateness of granting existence to conceptual entities in the mind only comes if we could know their truth in the physical realm. As such, Descartes claimed of the mind being non-erroneous in granting existence to things/objects in this world is held in question.

In this study I will be comparing the 2 poems, To Autumn and Ozymandias

In this study I will be comparing the 2 poems, To Autumn and Ozymandias. I have chosen these two poems because out of the four that we have looked at, I have found these to be the most interesting. In this study I will be comparing the 2 poems, To Autumn and Ozymandias. I have chosen these two poems because out of the four that we have looked at, I have found these to be the most interesting. Ozymandias revolves more around time than nature, whereas To Autumn revolves around nature more than time. Ozymandias is on the surface a nice little tale of a big bad man who made a statue that has been destroyed. However if you probe at it, you realise that it is actually all about time and nature destroying everything. I shall go into this further later. To Autumn would, at first glance, seem to be simply about Autumn and how it is the "close-bosom friend of the maturing sun" but if you look in detail at the words used you can see that there is an underlying tone that is far more grim. Both poems have both rhyme and rhythm. In Ozymandias, there are 10 syllables per line, except one, where there are 11. In To Autumn, there are also, about 10 syllables per line. As a result the rhythm in both is pretty constant. As well as rhythm, they have rhyme. In Ozymandias, the rhyme is the end of lines 1 & 3 & 5, 2 & 4, 6 & 8, 7 & 10, 9 & 11 & 13, and 12 & 14. In To Autumn the end of all lines in each stanza do rhyme with at least one other, in this way: 1st & 3rd, 2nd & 4th, 5th & 9th & 10th, 6th & 8th, 7th & 11th. This pattern is repeated in each stanza. Ozymandias is simply a big single stanza; To Autumn however is a poem with 3 stanzas. But these do not really seem to flow together. They rather seem to be almo... ...zymandias talks more about the strength of time, whereas To Autumn talks about how Nature, and in particular, Autumn are forces that provide much in the world. If you are someone who doesn't class a poem as a poem unless it has rhyme, rhythm, poetic language, sound patterns etc, then you are far more likely to prefer To Autumn, because it is much more the poet's poem than Ozymandias. I personally prefer Ozymandias, because it has great power. Although it doesn't have much in the ways of standard poetic tools, it does have rhyme and rhythm, as well as a deep and strong message. Self-Criticism - Not enough actual comparison, too much just talking about the poem. - Used the words 'think' and 'believe' to often Is that even a word? - It doesn't read well, it jaws, I have obviously just looked at what to write and written about it just like that.

Allowing for Inflation and Taxation

ALLOWING FOR INFLATION AND TAXATION Q1. Ethan Co is evaluating Project Z, which requires an initial investment of $45,000. Expected net cash flows are $16,000 per annum for two years at today's prices. However, these are expected to rise by 3.7% pa because of inflation. The firm's money cost of capital is 11%. Find the NPV by discounting money cash flows. (MCQ)Years Cash flows ($) Money cash flows ($)0 (45,000) (45,000)1 16,000 Ãâ€" 1.037 16,5922 16,000 Ãâ€" (1.037)2 17,206$(11,202)$(13,000)$16,079$(16,079)(2 marks) Q2. Philip Co.'s selling prices ; variable costs of construction are $200,000 ; $100,000 respectively and are in current price terms before allowing inflation of 3%/annum on selling price ; 4%/annum on variable cost. Fixed cost for the year is $70,000 before inflation of 2%/annum. Calculate the taxable cash flows for year 2 and fill in the table given below. (FIB)3714752222500$ (2 marks) Q3. A project has the following cash flows before allowing for inflation. The company's money discount rate is 13.5%. The general rate of inflation is expected to remain constant at 5%. Evaluate the NPV by using real cash flows and real discount rates (MCQ)Year Cash flow ($000)0 (600)1 2402 500$31,000$36,300$51,000$53,500(2 marks) Q4. GW Co. is expecting a net of tax receipt of $8,000 (in real terms) in one year's time. If GW Co. expects inflation to increase, what impact will this have on the present value of that receipt? (MCQ)ReduceNilCannot sayIncrease(2 marks) Q5. Which of the following about the inflation values included in the nominal cost of capital is correct?The expected general inflation suffered by the investorsThe previous general inflation suffered by the investorsIt is specific ; historic to the businessIt is expected ; specific to the business(2 marks) Q6. DC Co. has a 31st December year end ; pays corporation tax at a rate of 24%, 12 months after the end to which the cash flow relates. It can claim tax allowable depreciation at a rate of 25% reducing balance. It pays $3m for a machine on 31st December 20X1. DC Co.'s cost of capital is 10%.At cost of capital 10%, what is the present value on 31st December 20X1 of the benefit of the first portion of tax allowable depreciation? (MCQ)$750,000$163,620$180,000$148,680(2 marks) Q7. Ghost Co. needs to have $400,000 working capital immediately for the three-year project. The amount will stay constant in real terms. Inflation is running at 7% per annum, and Ghost Co.'s money cost of capital is 14%. What will be the net present value of working capital? Give answer to the nearest number. (FIB)3708407112000$ (2 marks) Q8. The investment is $200,000 ; the capital allowances will be calculated on the basis of 25% reducing balance basis. The tax rate is 27% which will be paid in arrears. Calculate the capital allowances for year three when the project life is four years? (MCQ)$13,500$10,125$7,594$22,781(2 marks) Q9. Joseph a project manager plans to invest $500,000 in a new project. His company pays a corporation tax of $28% per annum with tax liability settled in the year in which it arises. The tax allowable depreciation can be claimed on the cost of the investment on a straight line basis over the projects life of four years. What will be the balancing charge/allowance for the company? (MCQ) $125,000 (Balancing Charge)$360,000 (Balancing Allowance)$360,000 (Balancing Charge)$140,000 (Balancing Allowance)(2 marks) Q10.The following information relates to two machines:Machine 1 Machine 2Investment $100,000 $50,000Tax allowable depreciation 25% Reducing Balance 25% Reducing BalanceProject Life 2 years 2 yearsScrap value $50,000 $50,000Capital Allowance start Year 0 Year 1The corporation tax rate is 30%. State whether Balancing Allowance or Charge will arise for Machine 1 ; Machine 2. (MCQ)M1 Balancing Charge / M2 Balancing AllowanceM1 Balancing Allowance / M2 Balancing ChargeM1 ; M2 Balancing ChargeM1 ; M2 Balancing Allowance(2 marks) Q11. A project has the following projected cash inflows:Year 1 $50,000Year 2 $75,000Year 3 $105,000Working capital is required to be in place at the start of each year equal to 5% of the cash inflow for that year. Cost of capital is 8%. What is the present value of the working capital? (FIB)3714751905000$ (2 marks) Q12. A company's expected sales for the new venture to be 10,000 units per year. The selling price is expected to be $5 per unit in the first year, inflating by 4% per year over the three year life of the project. Working capital equal to 8% of annual sales is required and needs to be in place at the start of each year. Calculate the working capital increment needed in year 2? (MCQ)$(4,160)$(160)$4,480$0(2 marks) Q13. Tec Co. is planning to invest in a three-year project having following details: Revenue for year 1 $150,000, year 2 $175,000 & year 3 $120,000. 12% of sales will be required as working capital at the start of each year end. Calculate incremental working capital for year three? (FIB)3714752222500$ (2 marks) Q14. Working capital of each year is 3% of sales which will be required at the start of each year. The sales will inflate by 2% per year and the sales are as follows:Year 1 $300,000Year 2 $445,000Year 3 $267,700Calculate Present value using cost of capital of 4%. (MCQ)$(4,271)$5,023$7,281$(1,147)(2 marks) ALLOWING FOR INFLATION AND TAXATION (ANSWERS) Q1. DMoney cash flows ($) Discount rate (11%) Present value ($)(45,000) 1 (45,000)16,592 0.901 14,95017,206 0.812 13,971NPV (16,079) Q2. $31,000Costs Inflation Year 2 ($000)Sales Revenue 200 Ãâ€" (1.03)2 212Variable Cost 100 Ãâ€" (1.04)2 (108)Fixed Cost 70 Ãâ€" (1.02)2 (73)Taxable cash flows 31 Q3. CReal rate: [(1+ 13.5%) à · (1+ 5%)] – 1 = 8%Year Cash flow ($000) Discount factor 8% Present value ($000)0 (600) 1 (600)1 240 0.926 2222 500 0.857 429NPV 51 Q4. BHigh expectation of inflation will have following effects:Higher nominal discount rateHigh expected nominal cash flowExact cancellation of each other Q5. AThe inflation included in the nominal cost of capital is required by the investors to compensate them for the loss of general purchasing power their money will suffer in the future as a result of investing in the business. Q6. $163,620The asset is purchased on 31st December 20X1, so the first portion of tax allowable depreciation is accounted for on the date (as this the year-end). The amount of depreciation would be $3m Ãâ€" 25% = $750,000.Claiming this allowance will save ($750,000 Ãâ€" 24 %=) $180,000 tax when it is paid one year in arrears hence the $180,000 Ãâ€" 0.909 (DF 10%) = $163,620 Q7. $ – 138,472The working capital required will inflate year on year, then the inflated amount will be returned at the end of the project.Year Cash flow Increment (7%) Discount Factor (14%) Present Value0 (400,000) (400,000) 1 (400,000)1 428,000 (28,000) 0.877 (24,556)2 457,960 (29,960) 0.769 (23,039)3 0 457,960 0.675 309,123NPV -138,472 Q8. CYear Working Capital Allowance Tax Benefit1 (200,000 Ãâ€" 25%) 50,000 Ãâ€" 27% 13,5002 (150,000 Ãâ€" 25%) 37,500 Ãâ€" 27% 10,1253 (112,500 Ãâ€" 25%) 28,125 Ãâ€" 27% 7,5944 84,375 Ãâ€" 27% 22,781Balancing Allowance/Charge (Year 4)200,000 – (50,000+37,500+28,125) = 84,375 (Balancing allowance) Q9. B$500,000 à · 4 years = $125,000$125,000 Ãâ€" 28% (tax rate) = $35,000$35,000 Ãâ€" 4 years = $140,000$500,000 – $140,000 =$360,000 (Balance Allowance) Q10. BMachine 1Year 0 100,000 Ãâ€" 25% 25,000 Ãâ€" 30% 7,5001 75,000 Ãâ€" 25% 18,750 Ãâ€" 30% 5,6252 100.000 – (25,000+18,750) = 56,250 – 50,000 = 6,250 6,250 Ãâ€" 30% 1,875 (B.A)Machine 2Year 0 1 50,000 Ãâ€" 25% 12,500 Ãâ€" 30% 3,7502 50,000 – (12,500) = 37,50037,500 – 50,000 = (12,500) (12,500) Ãâ€" 30% (3,750) (B.C) Q11. $ -868Year Cash flow ($) Increment (5%) Discount factor (8%) Present value ($)0 2,500 (2,500) 1 (2,500)1 3,750 (1,250) 0.926 (1,158)2 5,250 (1,500) 0.842 (1,263)3 0 5,250 0.772 4,053-868 Q12. BYear Selling price inflation (4%) Working capital ($) (8%) Increment (5%)0 4,160 (4,160)1 $5.2 Ãâ€" 10,000 = 52,000 4,320 (160)2 $5.4 Ãâ€" 10,000 = 54,000 4.480 (160)3 $5.6 Ãâ€" 10,000 = 56,000 4,4800 Q13. $14,400Year 0 1 2 312% of Sales revenue $18,000 $21,000 $14,400Required WC at end 18,000 21,000 – 18,000 21,000 – 14,400 Incremental (18,000) (3,000) 6,600 14,400 Q14. DYear Inflated Sales ($) Working Capital ($) Incremental WC ($) Discount Factor (4%) Present value ($)0 9,180 (9,180) 1 (9,180)1 306,000 13,620 (4,440) 0.962 (4,271)2 454,000 8,190 5,430 0.925 5,0233 273,000 8,190 0.889 7,281NPV (1,147)

Male Dominance In Hills Like White Elephants and The...

Both Ernest Hemingway’s Hills Like White Elephants and John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums portray oppressed female characters in the early 1900s. In Hemingway’s short, Jig is oppressed by her lover known only as â€Å"The American,† whereas, the main character in The Chrysanthemums, Elisa Allen, feels the weight of oppression from society (male dominated) as a whole. Although the driving force of the two women’s subjugation varies slightly, their emotional responses to such are what differentiate the two. Throughout Hills Like White Elephants, the American refers to his girlfriend only as Jig (which is a device used for measuring whiskey). This nickname implies that he sees her only as an object; a companion to his wolfish†¦show more content†¦It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in. (†¦) We’ll be fine afterward. Just like we were before† (pg 639). Although she does seem to struggle with the decision, it isn’t long until she relinquishes her objection, giving him authority over her morality and judgment. In The Chrysanthemum, Elisa Allen’s character is clearly the result of oppression in a male dominated community. Early on, Steinbeck makes it a point to establish her femininity (or lack there of) as the result of her marriage to, and life with, a common rancher and farmer: â€Å"Her figure looked blocked and heavy in her gardening costume, a man’s black hat pulled down over her eyes, clodhopper shoes, a figured print dress almost completely covered by a big corduroy apron with four big pockets to hold the snips, the trowel and scratcher, the seeds and the knife she worked with† (pg 1611). Elisa has obviously taken on a more masculine faà §ade due to her years spent on the farm. However, it seems apparent, both early on and later in the story that she has tried to maintain what femininity she has. She does not help with the ranch or the cultivation of the orchard, but rather tends to her own garden. Her reportedly stellar chrysanthemums represent her delicate side. By maintaining and ensuring a yearly exemplary flourish, Elisa sustains and nourishes her suppressed womanly essence. Although Steinbeck reveals that, â€Å"The