A Consideration of Necessity in the Work of David Hume Essay

A Consideration of Necessity in the Work of David Hume - Essay Example In his Treatise of Human Nature, David Hume delineates his theory of human morality. The form of argument Hume takes is the concept that human morality is not based on coherent thought and logical reason, but is instead the upshot of humanity's passionate fervor. Since this fervor cannot present itself as the creation of logical reason, it would be consequently be the ultimate in the lack of logical thinking to adjudicate any moral deed as being the result of either rational or irrational thought. Hume delivers a succession of explanations that serve to reveal why humanity should express scepticism toward any conclusion based upon reasoning that is arrived at through familiarities based on sensory perception.Hume concludes that even in the face of complexities that are presented by virtue of the illogic inherent in sensory perception, humans still maintain a forcible belief in illogical conclusions due to psychology.This presents the paradoxical notion that strong belief is often gro unded in contradictions.Hume's argument posits that it is even within the realm of possibility that the most grounded and confident reasonable conclusions are, in fact, merely probable and that the degrees of probability are subject to intense scrutiny with each additional analysis. Mistakes made on the basis of supposedly rational certainty are legion due to the inescapable imperfectability of human judgment. The ironic paradox of human judgment resides in the fact that each further analysis of the previous judgment decreases the probability of correctness in the original judgment. This has particularly chilling aspects when considered against the potential for reductions of probability in those elements that humans invest the utmost confidence in regarding the infallibility of correctness, such as laws of mathematics and science. Hume emphasises that there are three stipulations required to confirm merely through observation. The first he termed the aspect of constant conjunction, in which the cause and the effect are required to be both spatially and constantly extant. The second stipulates that the cause must have come before the effect itself. And finally, there must be a connection of necessity; that is it must be possible to ascertain why the cause produces the effect. Hume's appraisal of causation necessarily dictates that it can only be inferred and not examined and his conclusions indicate that it is impossible to achieve an impression of a necessary connection; rather, one must experience constant conjunction and temporal priority: "Experience only teaches us how one event constantly follows another, without instructing us in the secret connection which binds them together" (Hume, 1870, p. 347). Ultimately, Hume asserts that there are significant limitations to reason. Hume maintains that humans remain convinced that any object that is observed exists independently. Once this belief is subject to analysis, however, it is determined to be without basis and that paradox provides a basis for conflict in the process of reasonable determination. All perceptions are dependent upon human observation and even the slightest modification in the senses can distort that perception. Since this is one of the few absolute truths that exists, it is not logical to assume that perception can be something existing independently of us, nor can it possibly exist when there is nobody there to perceive it. Despite this Hume asserts that people will almost never surrender their natural belief in the existence of an external world that is separate from their perceptions. The

The Relationship between the BBC and Public Broadcasting Corporation Essay

The Relationship between the BBC and Public Broadcasting Corporation and the Commercial Sectors - Essay Example First, before going into BBC’s relationship as a public broadcasting corporation with the commercial sectors, it is helpful to identify first what is meant by public service broadcasting. The Communications Act 2003 (CA 2003) sets a duty on the Office of Communications (Ofcom) to obtain accessibility of a broad range of both â€Å"television and radio services† all over the United Kingdom that is of high quality and considered to draw diverse â€Å"tastes and interests† (Communications Act 2003 s. 264); and to keep an adequate number of providers for various â€Å"television and radio services† (Ridgway 48). While the Communications Act has not defined what comprises â€Å"public service programming†, the Office of Communications (â€Å"Ofcom†) characterized this kind of programming by setting forth â€Å"its  purposes  and  characteristics.†Ã‚   Ridgway in his article â€Å"All change for public service broadcasting in the UK?à ¢â‚¬  enumerates the following purposes and characteristics of public service broadcasting: Purposes: †¢Ã‚  Informing our understanding of the world  --to inform ourselves and others, and to increase our understanding of the world through news, information and analysis of current events and ideas.Stimulating knowledge and learning --to stimulate our interest in and knowledge of arts, science, history and other topics, through content that is accessible and can encourage informal learning. †¢Ã‚  Reflecting UK cultural identity  --to reflect and strengthen our cultural identity through original programming in the United Kingdom, at both national and regional levels, on occasion bringing audiences together for shared experiences. †¢Ã‚  Representing diversity and alternative viewpoints  --to make us aware of different cultures and alternative viewpoints through programmes that reflect the lives of other people and other communities, both within the United Kingdom a nd elsewhere. Characteristics: †¢Ã‚  High quality  --well funded and well produced. †¢Ã‚  Original  --new UK content rather than repeats or acquisitions. †¢Ã‚  Innovative  --breaking new ideas or reinventing exciting approaches, rather than copying old ones. †¢Ã‚  Challenging  --making viewers think. †¢Ã‚  Engaging  --remaining accessible and attractive to viewers. †¢Ã‚  Widely available  --if content is publicly funded, a large majority of citizens need the chance to watch it. (48) McGonagle on the other hand, defines public service broadcasting (PSB) as those broadcasted TV programs which are for the benefit of the public instead of solely for commercial ends (235). These programs consist of â€Å"local news coverage, arts programs, religious broadcasts, and augmented broadcasts featuring (for example) subtitling, visual signing and audio description† (McGonagle 235). It may also include â€Å"original drama, documentaries and chil dren's programming† (Ridgway 49). A particular quota on â€Å"public service broadcasts† is also required in their â€Å"license to broadcast,† in accordance with Ofcom’s regulations (Ridgway 49). The objectives on the other hand for the so-called â€Å"plural public service broadcast provision† are the following: â€Å"Sources of high quality impartial news at local, regional as well as national level, including the nations as well as the United Kingdom as a whole;† high level â€Å"original British content†; a broad range of both â€Å"voices and talent from across the whole United Kingdom,† to guarantee â€Å"continuation and development of creative talent clusters in the regions and nations,† currently assured â€Å"through regional production quotas on some public service broadcasters†; â€Å"guaranteed levels of investment in independent production† in order to ensure the supply of â€Å"the best crea tive ideas and the healthy development of this