Philosophy of Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Philosophy of Science - Essay Example This paper discusses the problem of induction and how it impacts current knowledge and approach to science. This discussion revolves primarily around works of David Hume and Karl Popper due to the former theorising on induction more than any other philosopher and the latter revealing inapplicability of induction for science and scientific method. Alan Musgrave (2004) in his critique of induction problem introduces Hume's argument as the basis for understanding the dilemma. Musgrave distinguishes Hume's three points, namely: (1) we reason, and must reason, inductively; (2) inductive reasoning is logically invalid and (3) to reason in a logically invalid way is irrational. Thus, the problem of induction is a problem confronted by scientists and philosophers concerned with science, but more specifically it is a problem for scientific method. Furthermore, it is a problem for the practice of science, for scientific endeavor, and it is a problem for the procedures of science. From the critical perspective, as science is or ought to be, it faces and must solve the problem of induction. David Hume created a philosophical system to explain his understanding of human nature. He provided a solid non-metaphysical explanation of the nature of human thought to use as a foundation to his philosophy. As an empiricist, Hume believed our knowledge is of the phenomenal world and is gained through experience. The following passage addresses not only his opinion regarding metaphysics, but his basic belief regarding the significance of ideas and impressions: All ideas, especially abstract ones, are naturally faint and obscure: the mind has but a slender hold of them: they are apt to be confounded with other resembling ideas; and when we have often employed any term, though without a distinct meaning, we are apt to imagine it as a determinate idea annexed to it. On the contrary, all impressions, that is, all sensations, either outward or inward, are strong and vivid; the limits between them are more exactly determined: nor is it easy to fall into any error or mistake with regard to them (Hume, 1985, p.49). Hume built a unique system of knowledge. Creating complex ideas by comparing or combining simple ideas is the province of understanding, which includes imagination as well as the intellect. Everything we believe comes from experience, either as a simple idea derived from direct experience or as a complex of related ideas abstracted from experience. Human understanding comes from applying the intellect and imagination to ideas in order to form beliefs about the phenomenal world. Hume claimed there are only three types of connection between ideas: resemblance, contiguity in time and space, and cause and effect (Hume, 1999, p.101). Therefore, beliefs are gained by applying the intellect and imagination to ideas to abstract what they have in common, including location

Doing business with Japanese Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Doing business with Japanese - Research Paper Example Both the political as well as the business perspective will be discussed in this part. Moving on to the trade perspective it is necessary to consider the FDI and the FII in Japan. In this section some of the discussion will be on the structures of taxes in Japan. A section of the project will discuss about the trade barriers within the country from the perspective of export and import. In order to start a business the most important thing is to analyze the market and therefore it is necessary to analyze the Japanese market. The culture of the country along with the business etiquette cannot be ignored. The last section will summarize the whole project. Introduction The country selected for the discussion in the project is Japan. The country represents a constitutional monarchy. The Emperor does not enjoy much power. The judicial system of the country is mainly based on the civil law existing in Europe since the latter half of 19th century. The country is a member of G8 and APEC. The country also participated in East Asia Summit. It shares good relationship with United States. The country is a permanent member of the G4 nations in the Security Council. However the country is engaged in several territorial disputes with countries like Russia, South Korea and China. The country emerged as one of the developed nations within the continent of Asia. The period of 1960s to 1980s is referred as the post war economic miracle. After the asset price bubble the growth level steadily decreased and the decade after 1990s is referred as the lost decade. In order to make successful entry into the Japanese market the potential entrants will have to cut out a clear budget control policies and a diversified growth strategy for at least for half a decade. There are three secrets in successful setting up of business in the country. The entrant needs to analyze the opportunities the services or the products the entrant will be offering in the market, a sustainable strategy that the entrant will be following and ensuring the returns on the spending made. It is possible to taste success by doing business in Japan unless the strategies are not based on false assumptions. Some brands achieved great success just by making little changes in brand identity and applying some marketing techniques. The consumers of the country likes detailing and so detailed printed materials are essential while setting up the business in the country. Therefore analysis of brand equity and setting up a corporate image is important to enter the Japanese market as well. It is of utmost necessity to analyze the strategies of the already existing competitors effectively. The process of sales and the revenue model should be in line with the Japanese culture and the market. Setting up a new business is not expensive either if the cost structure is effectively determined. The Euro and the companies of US can reap the benefits of the treaty between Japan and US. Successful entry into the market will also enhance the valuation of the company as investors will perceive that a company that can taste success in the market of Japan can do so everywhere. A risk of being dodged is associated while doing business in the country. The country achieved a good score in the indicators compiled by the World Bank for the year 2008. The estimates of the governance are usually distributed with zero mean .Therefore a high score signifies a more stable