Does Descartes Provide A Convincing Argument?

Does Descartes Provide A Convincing Argument? Dualism is the philosophical belief that mind and matter are fundamentally distinct substances. William G. Lycan states that according to Cartesian dualism, minds are purely spiritual and radically non-spatial, having neither size nor location (Lycan, 47) and indeed, Descartes reached his conclusion by arguing that the mind and body are completely different in nature, making it possible for one to exist without the other. Whilst Descartes attempted to argue in favour of substance dualism, it can be said that his argument was ultimately weak, with substance monism being a far stronger viewpoint in the distinction between the mental and the physical. In this essay, I will attempt to argue that Descartes does not provide a convincing argument for the claim that mind and matter are distinct substances and instead, I will argue in favour of materialism through the particular exploration of functionalism. In order to understand dualism, we must first come to terms with Leibnizs Law due to the fact that most dualist arguments rely on this principle. The law states that if A=B, then any property of A is also a property of B (Guttenplan, 431). The first argument for dualism which I will discuss is the doubt argument, which compares the difference between an idea of ones own existence and an idea of ones bodys existence. The argument can be put forward as thus: Because of the nature of my being, my existence cannot be doubted. Because of the nature of my body, its existence can be doubted. Therefore, my mind which is the thinking thing that I am is not identical with my body. (Kim, 36) So in other words, whilst I can be convinced that I exist, it is not possible for me to know that my body exists with the exact same certainty. However, a response to this could be a comparison with another argument of similar structure but with a false conclusion, for example; Mary-Jane believes that Spiderman is a hero but Mary-Jane does not believe that Peter Parker is a hero. Therefore, Spiderman and Peter Parker must be fundamentally distinct. From this argument, we can see that the doubt argument is invalid. A second argument for dualism is the divisibility argument which may be reconstructed as follows: The self or soul lacks any parts into which it is divisible. The body, being spatially extended, is divisible and so composed of parts. Hence, the self and the body are distinct substances and the self is, unlike the body unextended. (Lowe, 8) The basic idea behind this argument is that the body is divisible because it is extended and thus can be separated into any number of parts. But Descartes argues that the mind is not divisible because each part of the mind, despite having different processes, has the same force behind it. Therefore, the mind cannot be seen as an extended entity because unlike extended entities, it cannot be divided into parts. So the same conclusion is reached; mind and body are ultimately distinct. However, the divisibility argument, despite being simple, has the same problem as the argument from doubt. We cant be totally sure that both premises are true. But Descartes was sure you couldnt divide the mind, especially someones thoughts and beliefs. However, it possible to argue that the mind can in fact be divided, if we consider the mind equal to the brain. Descartes may be right in stating that thoughts, beliefs, memories etc. cannot be divided but the substance that they are a state of, the physic al brain, can be separated such as in the case of brain surgery. People with personality disorders or split brains may have a divided mind. The first premise in this argument can only be true if we see the mind as a substance distinct from the brain. Thus, the divisibility argument is ultimately a weak argument in support of dualism. The final argument I will discuss is the argument from disembodied existence. Following the previous arguments, Descartes goes even further yet, stating that the mind is not only separate from the body, but that it can exist without it. The argument can be put as follows: If two things can exist apart from one another i.e. mind and body, they must be distinct. If I can imagine these things existing separately, God must be able to bring it about. If God can bring it about that these things exist separately, they must be distinct. Therefore, it is possible for the mind to exist without the body. In Meditation VI, Descartes expresses that he knows that all the things that he conceives clearly and distinctly can be produced by God precisely as he conceives them (Descartes, 28). Basically, the point that is being made is that if two things can exist separately, then they may be considered distinct. Descartes appeals to God to strengthen his argument, stating that if God can allow two things to exist separately, they must be distinct. But the problem lies in the fact that just because it is possible to perceive the mind and body as distinct, are they really distinct? Kim uses the example of the bronze bust of Beethoven. The bust could exist without being the bust of Beethoven, for example it could easily be the bust of say Brahms. However, if the bust is melted down, could it exist without being a material thing? The answer is no, as being material is a part of its essential nature and it cannot exist without being considered a material thing (Kim, 40). Thus, whilst its conceiva ble that I exist without a body, is it really possible? That is the problematic question that ultimately weakens Descartes argument. As I have shown Descartes argument for dualism to be weak, I will now highlight the ways in which materialism and in particular, functionalism refutes the claim that mind and matter are distinct substances, and fundamentally proves to be the stronger argument. One of the main questions that come from dualism is how the causal interaction of two distinct substances is possible. Materialism states that the universe contains only physical matter rather than distinctions, as in Descartes case. Whilst there are many strands of the materialist theory, functionalism appears to be the strongest. Functionalism is a theory which concerns itself with the idea that mental states are comprised exclusively by their functional roles. It explains how having a non-human brain can still result in mental states and also manages to explain how mental states can come from matter in the first place, without being completely perplexing. One of the strongest arguments in favour of functionalism is the argum ent involving the idea that mental states (such as pain) can be multiply realised because they involve functions. Fodor and Putnam argued that the importance of the state of pain does not lie on the c-fibres firing but what they are doing and what their contribution is to the operation. The point is that the role of the c-fibres could have been performed by anything suitable, as long as it was indeed performed (Lycan, 52). Clark puts the functionalist claim in an interesting way: the mind is to the body/brain as the program is to the physical machine. (Clark, 169) This idea can be seen as a direct response to the dualist view that mind and matter are distinct as the software is the product of material processes rather than being material in itself and any change in the software will cause changes in the computers physical components. Furthermore, it is impossible for the software to function without the hardware and vice versa, indicating that there is no real distinction between th e mental and physical. Ultimately, as I have argued in this essay, I believe Descartes dualist theory to be wholly unconvincing. This is primarily due to the weakness of the three arguments highlighted but also, the lack of strengths that appear in the theory. Descartes is convinced that mind and body are distinct but substance dualism doesnt seem to give an explanation as to why exactly mind and body are distinct and what the purpose of this distinction in. On the contrary, functionalism, a strand of materialism is a far more convincing theory in the discussion of mind and matter. By stating that there is no distinction between the two and that in fact, a mental state is concerned more with its function and its role in the wider system, an analogy can be made between the mind and a computer programme. This analogy is possible to conceive and essentially makes sense. So overall, substance dualism proves to be a far weaker argument in comparison to functionalism.

Rhythmic Procedures and Rudimental Drumming :: essays papers

Rhythmic Procedures and Rudimental Drumming In history, drumming and the use of percussive instruments have had a significant role in people’s lives. Not only do the people who play these instruments enjoy them, but it is said that "there is as much pleasure participating in, as listening to and admiring an expert drummer’s improvisations". The use of drums has been recognized as being able to put people into spiritual trances throughout history. The drum is a musical instrument with great power and presence that gives the "pulse" or backbone to the music it is incorporated with. There are three rudimental rhythmic procedures that have been known in drumming for the use of communication, entertainment and both communication and entertainment together. These are; (1) the use of a drum as a speech surrogate or a "talking drum". These methods of playing were used for communicative purposes and often codes were used to be played over long distances for the sending and receiving of messages. (2) The use of both iconic and symbolic dimensions of communication within music and dance. Throughout many festivals in Africa, depending on the event being celebrated, drumbeats are used to dictate the type of dance to be done by the listeners. For example, at the time of a birth of twins there is a different dance done than at a birth of a single child and the beat of the drum instructs the listeners to do the appropriate dance. (3) This rhythmic procedure is most commonly used today and is the pure musical play of rhythms in dance. There are no communicative obligations within this type of music, which allows for free-form dance and unlimited use of improvisational strategies by the musician. The third rhythmic procedure will be most emphasized throughout this report for a few reasons. One reason is that it is not possible to make generalizations about drumming as a whole, used as communication devices because every society in early Africa had it’s unique fingerprints on sounds of the rhythmic beats they have played. Another reason for the emphasis on this rhythmic procedure and not the first two is the accessibility of rhythmical facts pertaining to each. Unfortunately, much of the known facts about rudimental African rhythmic procedures is stored within the minds of the tribal musicians themselves. One phrase I learned from researching this topic is that "the life and energy of the drummer lives half within the drummer’s soul, and half within the drum he plays".

Essay on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence — also called domestic abuse, battering or intimate partner violence — occurs between people in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse. Men are sometimes abused by partners, but domestic violence is most often directed toward women. Domestic violence can happen in heterosexual or same sex relationships. It might not be easy to identify domestic violence at first. While some relationships are clearly abusive from the outset, abuse often starts subtly and gets worse over time.You might be experiencing domestic violence if you're in a relationship with someone who: †¢Calls you names, insults you or puts you down †¢Prevents you from going to work or school †¢Stops you from seeing family members or friends †¢Tries to control how you spend money, where you go, what medicines you take or what you wear †¢Acts jealous or possessive or constantl y accuses you of being unfaithful †¢Gets angry when drinking alcohol or using drugs †¢Threatens you with violence or a weapon Hits, kicks, shoves, slaps, chokes or otherwise hurts you, your children or your pets †¢Forces you to have sex or engage in sexual acts against your will †¢Blames you for his or her violent behavior or tells you that you deserve it †¢Portrays the violence as mutual and consensual The longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the greater the toll on your self-esteem. You might become depressed and anxious. You might begin to doubt your ability to take care of yourself or wonder if the abuse is your fault. You might feel helpless or paralyzed. If you're an older woman who has health problems, you might feel dependent upon an abusive partner.If you're in a same sex relationship, you might be less likely to seek help after an assault if you don't want to disclose your sexual orientation. If you've been sexually assaulted by another woma n, you might also fear that you won't be believed. Still, the only way to break the cycle of domestic violence is to take action — and the sooner the better. Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation. 1] Domestic violence, so defined, has many forms, including physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering;intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e. g. , neglect); and economic deprivation. [1][2] Alcohol consumption[3] and mental illness[4] can be co-morbid with abuse, and present additional challenges in eliminating domestic violence. Awareness, perception, definition and documentation of domesti c violence differs widely from country to country, and from era to era.Did you know over two women per week are killed by current or ex-partners, and that one in four women in the UK will experience domestic violence in their lifetime? In Women's Aid's view domestic violence is physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. At least 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime and between 1 in 8 and 1 in 10 women experience it annually

Child care level 2 unit 1 assingment Essay

?D1: Describe the purpose of ONE setting that is statutory provision for each age range . Nursery school is for children aged 3-5. The purpose of this setting is to the children learn how to socialise, learn different shapes, different colours, objects letter and numbers. Primary school is for children 5+. Primary school will prepare an education for children in future life. In Primary School children will get the understanding about the world, they will learn how to work with different people and help children from begging antisocial. The curriculum in Primary School is children have to learn the main subjects like: English, Maths, Science etc. The purpose of having Primary School is to give the same opportunities and right to every child, and settings from government are free, so parents will not have to pay for the children education. D2: Describe the purpose of ONE setting is a different type of provision for each age range. A purpose of having a provide child-minders is provide that they can come and take care of children at home when child’s parents are working full time from morning to evening and don’t have time to take care of the children all the time take them to school or be for them at home. Child-minders are not statutory setting so parents who want a child-minder will have to pay for their service. Child-minders will run as a company or business and they not receive any financial help from the government, so they taking money from the parents who hire one of the child-minders. Child-minder is for different age range. D3: Describe the work of a professional or an agency working with children. A professional person who works with children is a speech therapist. Speech therapist is for children in all age range. Speech therapist is there for children who have difficulty, producing words, and using speech, a difficulty of understanding and using language. The role of speech therapist is to help a child how to producing words, and how to producing sounds and syllables so that the listeners can understand what the child is saying. D4: Describe how to keep information about children and they families confidential. Confidential information about children and they families should be kept private and safe so no not permitted people should be able to have a use to those files. The files should be kept in a system with password and the password should only know the manager of the setting and the head teacher, the information can be also be kept in a folders in a locked cupboard where the access should have also the manager and the head teacher. As a practitioner I cannot talk about children and a staff outside the setting, I will be also ask to live the staff room or any meeting if there is confidential information the staff will discuss. I am only a practitioner and I’m not part of the staff so I’ll not be allowed to be part of some meetings. D5: Explain how to prepare to work in a placement with children. To work in a placement with children you need to attend on time, attend on every day of your placement days, be polite to parents and children and to staff you’re working with, listen, take notes and learn about the setting, bring your own note book, and show enthusiasm to learn. Remember about your clothing to wear when attendance the setting, easy to wash clothing as you will be play with children with paint and other resources that can make your clothes dirty look also what the staff is wearing and just wear the similar clothes do not wear any large branded t-shirts with messages or slogans or short skirts or dresses as you will be getting down to play with children and bending over, try to look smart but comfortable, sometimes the setting would give you an uniform to wear, do not wear high heels to the setting as you can hurt a child , standing on the fingers or toes, and you will wear that shoes all day so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes to the setting you can also check if you can wear a trainers , do not wear a party make up as you will not be taken seriously and the natural look make you look more grown up, don’t wear a long jewellery as child can accidently pull and rip or with too much rings on your hand you can scratch a chil d with it. Remember also about your personal hygiene keep your clothes clean and fresh every day that will help to prevent any infection spreading over the children, your hands, nails , skin and hair should be kept clean as well so you will not spread any bacterial to children and staff, long hair should be tying it back , as it comfortable and also prevent you from getting lice or spreading them out over the setting and also make you look tidy. D6: Give TWO different ways in which you can show that you understand the importance of valuing each child as an individual. All children should be treated the same you need to think about each child as an individual and treat them with the same value when you treat one child differently, this is not allowed and it’s called Favouritism, when working with children this is showing discrimination in a setting which is not allowed, other children will feel sad and pushed away that also make children to have a low self-esteem and confidence. To treat children equally you may sometimes provide different activities or adapt resources. Make activities to meet individual children’s needs, listen to children and give them attention when they need it. For children from different countries you can ask them to prepare something from the countries like Christmas cards or any type of card and after all show it to the class . Every child is different so you will meet their needs differently. Observe the children and make the activities from the child interests and stage of development. D7: Show an understanding of diversity and inclusive practice.

Obama and Romney on Immigration essay

Obama and Romney on Immigration essay Obama and Romney on Immigration essay Obama and Romney on Immigration essayIt is not a secret that immigration has been an important controversial issue in the recent presidential campaign. After watching Obama and Romney Debate Each Other’s Immigration Policy (2012 Presidential Debate 2), I can express my personal views regarding this issue. As a supporter of one side of this issue, namely President Obama’s views on immigration, I believe that it is necessary to fix immigration policy in order to make it more flexible.I can identify the points made by the presidential candidate that most closely represents my perspective in the issue. I completely agree with President Obama that it is necessary to support a comprehensive immigration reform that will represent a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Romney does not support this idea. In addition, I agree with President Obama that this policy should be changed. It is very important to stop the national policy of self-deportation which makes the live s of people miserable. Arizona’s immigration law cannot be regarded as the best model for the nation because it fails to address the needs of American citizens. I believe that this would require change of current policy. It would be better to send back illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity and recent arrivals rather than honest immigrants and their families who have settled in the United States and contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy.The USA is a nation of immigrants and it is necessary to support immigrants in order to promote democracy and protection of human rights. Immigration policy should be changed. I believe that Obama’s Dream Act could be effective at it ensures the protection of the rights of young illegal immigrants who came to the USA as children. They should be given a pathway to citizenship and enjoy equal rights with other American citizens if they want to attend university or to join the military (Theodoulou Kofinis, 2013). In gener al, President Obama better represents my views on immigration.

What Is The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search, and Why Do It

What Is The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search, and Why Do It SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips What is the Duke TIP, and what is the 7th Grade Talent Search? In this article, I'll be writing about the Duke Talent Identification Program, also known as Duke TIP, also known as the Duke TIP Program. The Duke TIP is a conglomeration of multiple subprograms, one of which is the 7th Grade Talent Search. While you can find all the information about it on Duke's own website, as I did, the information is spread out and a little tricky to track down (hence the confused panda at the top of this article). For your convenience, I've compiled everything here into one magnificent blog post/guide. I recommend reading it all the way through, but if you only want to read one particular section, you can pick and choose from the Table of Contents. A disclaimer: I've done a lot of linking in this article to the Duke TIP website, and while all links and information were correct (to the best of my knowledge) at the time of this article's publication, things may have changed since then. Now that that's out of the way, let's dive into the Duke TIP and the 7th Grade Talent Search! feature image credit: panda-303949_640, used under CC0 (Public Domain)/Resized from original. Table of Contents What Is The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? What Do Kids Do During TIP? Why Should I Participate in Duke TIP? How To Apply Logistics: Cost Tips Actions To Take What Is The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? And What Do Kids Do During It? Since there is so much to say about the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search, I’ve broken it down into who, what, where, and when (the why and the how get their own separate sections). What Is the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? The 7th Grade Talent Search... Identifies gifted 7th grade students through test scores (there's more information about this in the How Do I Apply? section of this guide). Registers these students to take the SAT or ACT during their 7th grade school year. Provides students with information on how to interpret these test scores and resources to help them and their families better plan out their futures. These resources include advice and guidance regarding your education plan, special Duke TIP publications like The Talent Search Experience and eInsights, online resources like The Digest of Gifted Research, and access to Duke TIP’s year-round Independent Learning courses. More specifics can be found on the Duke TIP website. Uses the students' scores on the SAT or ACT to qualify students for various other Duke TIP components like summer programs or eStudies courses. Who's Eligible for the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? If you live in the US, are in seventh grade (or are an eighth grader who skipped seventh grade), and meet the test score requirements (more on that here), you can enroll in Duke’s 7th Grade Talent Search. Simple as that. Homeschooled? Not to worry. The 7th Grade Talent Search is completely open to home-, public-, private-, parochial-, and other-schooled students. If you don’t fit under these guidelines, don’t sweat it- there are other Duke TIP subprograms that might be right for you, like 8th-10th Grade Option. Great! So Where Does the 7th Grade Talent Search Take Place? Unless you are reporting your SAT or ACT score separately and need to use paper application (more on that here), all parts of the application happen online, and all resources are distributed online. In fact, with the exception of taking the SAT or ACT, which will require you to go in person to a testing center, all you need for Duke TIP is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. The only times when Duke TIP has in-person interactions are if you are invited to and choose to attend the Recognition Ceremonies at the end of the year. When Does This All Happen? The 7th Grade Talent Search takes place during the 7th grade school year. For most students (all US students), enrollment begins in August, with the rest of the Talent Search (SAT or ACT testing, information about your scores, resources for gifted students, and the recognition ceremonies for high-scoring students) spread out over the rest of the 7th grade school year. If you’re not in the US, you can either take part through the 8th-10th Grade Option or by submitting a request for the program you want to take part in and submitting a portfolio with transcripts, extracurricular resumes, test scores, IQ Scores, and any other materials requested. Return to Table of Contents Why Should You Apply For The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? So what do students get out of the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? One perk is the opportunity to take what Duke calls â€Å"above-level† tests (that is, you take the SAT or ACT before you're in high school) and compare your results with similarly gifted peers. Why is this helpful? It can give you information early on about areas you might want to to further develop and give you a preview of the test-taking process. For instance, let's say you score a 200 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, which is below par compared to your peers in the TIP. You'll know that you have to work on that skill, and as a result be able to better plan with your family for high school and the college admissions process. If you just took the SAT as a 7th grader without taking part in the Talent Search, you would not have the opportunity to know how you stack up against other students in your grade and age group; instead, you would end up being compared to much older students, which doesn't really tell you anything about where you should be now. Taking part in the 7th Grade Talent Search also opens up opportunities to enroll in and attend other Duke TIP subprograms, including (but not limited to) eStudies courses, Summer Studies programs, Scholar Weekends, and Field Studies. You'll get access to the advice and resources discussed above as well. Finally, there's the recognition of your prowess at the (aptly named) Recognition Ceremonies. At year-end ceremonies, Duke TIP recognizes the highest scorers on the SAT or ACT out of all the 7th Grade Talent Search participants. We have more information about these ceremonies in articles about the SAT and ACT score requirements to qualify, but for now, I'll just say that it is usually gratifying to get special recognition for your talent. It's not just about the medal (although you do get one at the Award Ceremonies)- it's knowing that other people value your hard work. No.1_blue_ribbon by Oldbeeg, used under CC BY-SA 3.0/Resized from original. Return to Table of Contents Devil's Advocate: When Should I NOT Apply to Duke TIP? IF...you don’t care about taking college entrance exams early, OR ...you don’t have any interest in taking part in TIP summer programs or resources later on down the line, ...THEN it might not be worth it for you to apply to the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search. Why? Most colleges don’t care about what you did in middle school, unless it was something truly spectacular like getting a paper published or starring in a Broadway show. Bottom line: if you’re going to use the resources and take advantage of the programs open to you through TIP, then absolutely do it. If not, save your money (and time). How Do I Apply To The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search? So after reading all this information, you’ve been inspired to apply to the 7th Grade Talent Search, and need instructions. Or maybe you already were inspired, but didn’t know how. Either way, I've done the research for you. Read on for instructions on how you can qualify for the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search, and how to apply. In order to enroll in the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search, you must meet a certain threshold on your scores on approved standardized tests. What are these tests, and what are the thresholds, you ask? There are two categories of tests that are accepted by Duke TIP, each with different standards you must meet to qualify for the 7th Grade Talent Search. Category 1: IQ Tests. To qualify for Duke TIP's 7th Grade Talent Search, you must have scored 125 or above on IQ test administered within the last two years. Some of the most commonly administered IQ tests accepted by Duke TIP include the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, the Cognitive Assessment System, or any of the Woodcock Johnson Tests. Category 2: Other standardized tests. To qualify for Duke TIP's 7th Grade Talent Search, you must have scored â€Å"at or above the 95th percentile on an accepted grade-level standardized test, aptitude test, mental-ability test, or state criterion-referenced test† [Quotation source: Eligibility | Duke TIP. Accessed 2018-12-08.] These are often state-administered tests, like the California Achievement Test, or any test that's part of the New York Statewide Testing Program. All of the specific tests that Duke TIP accepts as metrics for their 7th Grade Talent Search are listed on this site in a drop-down menu. If you can’t find a test you’ve taken in this list, you can always email Duke TIP (qualifying_test@tip.duke.edu) to see if a test that you’ve taken is accepted. After you've figured out if you qualify for the 7th Grade Talent Search, you're all set to create your Duke TIP account and enroll. The "enroll now" link is only active from early August-early December of each year, but you can still create your account now and check back again in August to enroll. Exceptions If you participated in the 4th-6th Grade Talent Search and took the optional EXPLORE test, then you are automatically qualified (although you still have to enroll). Otherwise, even if you took part in the 4th-6th Grade Talent Search, you must re-qualify and enroll in the 7th Grade Talent Search. If you have already taken SAT/ACT, already paid and registered to take it, or missed the Talent Search deadline but are planning on registering for the SAT/ACT, you can still enroll for the 7th Grade Talent Search, but you must do so using the 2Step enrollment process and a paper application. For more information on the enrollment process for these cases, you can email 7talentsearch@tip.duke.edu, or read more here. Return to Table of Contents Logistics: Cost Now you know what the 7th Grade Talent Search is, why you should do it, and how to apply. What follows are a few more details that might be useful about the cost of the 7th Grade Talent Search. Quick disclaimer: all costs are at the time of this article’s writing, so be sure to check the 7th Grade Talent Search, SAT, and ACT websites before planning a budget around this information. The application fee for the 7th Grade Talent Search is $80. This fee includes the cost of registration for the SAT or the ACT, depending on which test you choose to take. Since the writing portion of the ACT is optional for talent search participants, however, if you want to take the SAT with the essay, you'll have to pay an additional $17; if you want to do the ACT with the essay (ACT Plus Writing), you'll have to pay an additional $16.50. Can I Get Financial Aid? Yes. If you qualify for free or reduced price lunches, and submit the proper documentation showing this, you can waive part of the application fee for the 7th Grade Talent Search. Qualified applicants who are able to present written verification (either the approval paperwork or fee grant form on school letterhead) of their free/reduced price lunch status will only have to pay an enrollment fee of $30, rather than $80. For more information about where to submit proof of free/reduced price lunch status, email 7talentsearch@tip.duke.edu or call Duke TIP's Financial Aid Office at (919) 668-9100. You can also get scholarships from foundations like Jack Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program. Return to Table of Contents Tips to Get Into the Duke TIP I'm sure you're shocked that I couldn't resist making a "tips for TIP" joke. Regardless, I've made up a list of helpful hints to boost your chances of getting into Duke TIP's 7th Grade Talent Search and other programs. If you haven’t done particularly well on school standardized tests within the last two years, take a look into some of the other test options. Maybe an IQ test would be a better way to identify your talent and potential. If you’re waffling between the 7th Grade Talent Search and waiting until later and doing 8th-10th Grade Option, absolutely do the Talent Search. Since Duke TIP subsidizes the cost of the test, the Talent Search ($80 flat rate) is more cost-effective than 8th-10th Grade Option ($35 fee + $47.50 for the SAT or $50.50 for the ACT). If you don't do well on the SAT or ACT when you take it through the Talent Search, you can always retest later. When you've started the 7th Grade Talent Search process, don’t forget to study for the SAT/ACT. Why? Because while Duke TIP is just using the SAT or ACT as a diagnostic, if you blow it off, it could prevent you from getting into a summer studies program that you totally deserve to attend (or at the very least cause you to have to retake the test in order to qualify). At the very minimum, you need to be familiar with the test structure and timing. How can you do this? Take a practice test to gauge where you are, then use this information to determine the amount you have to improve. Know how much time you have to study so you can plan your prep accordingly. For more advice along these lines, read our article on if you should take the SAT/ACT in 7th grade. Return to Table of Contents Actions To Take #1: Find out which of the accepted tests you’ve taken and what your scores were, including composites. Because you can only upload one score with your Talent Search application, you want to be sure you're choosing and uploading your best test score. #2: Once you get into the 7th Grade Talent Search Program, study for the SAT or ACT. #3: Make sure to keep an eye on the 7th Grade Talent Search key dates calendar for updates on information for this school year, including when enrollment for the Talent Search goes live (judging from past years, it's usually around August 1, but I make no promises). #4: If after reading this article you're still not sure if the 7th Grade Talent Search is right for you, read more about it on the Duke TIP website. #5: Read our other articles on the SAT and ACT score requirements for the various Duke TIP programs. Return to Table of Contents What’s Next? Curious about other programs for the gifted? Make sure to read our early achiever guides about CTY at Johns Hopkins, Summer Institute for the Gifted, Stanford EPGY, and NUMATS. Want to participate in Duke TIP programs?Read up on theSAT and ACT requirements for the Summer Studies and eStudies programs, as well as for the Recognition Ceremonies. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

What Is a Cartilaginous Fish

What Is a Cartilaginous Fish Cartilaginous fish are fish that have a skeleton made of cartilage, rather than bone. All sharks, skates, and rays (e.g., the southern stingray) are cartilaginous fish. These fish all fall into the group of fish called the elasmobranchs. Characteristics of Cartilaginous Fish In addition to the difference in their skeletons, cartilaginous fish have gills that open to the ocean through slits, rather than the bony covering that is present in bony fish. Different shark species may have different numbers of gill slits. Cartilaginous fish may also breathe through spiracles, rather than gills. Spiracles are found on top of the heads of all rays and skates, and some sharks. These openings allow the fish to rest on the ocean bottom and draw oxygenated water in through the top of their head, allowing them to breathe without breathing in sand. A cartilaginous fishs skin is covered in placoid scales, or dermal denticles, tooth-like scales different from the flat scales (called ganoid, ctenoid or cycloid) found on bony fish. Classification of Cartilaginous Fish Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: Elasmobranchii Evolution of Cartilaginous Fish Where did cartilaginous fish come from, and when? According to fossil evidence (primarily based on shark teeth, which get preserved much more readily than any other part of a shark), the earliest sharks evolved about 400 million years ago. Modern sharks arrived starting around 35 million years ago, and megalodon, white sharks, and hammerheads came about 23 million years ago. Rays and skates have been around longer than us, but their fossil record dates back to about 150 million years ago, so they evolved well after the first sharks. Where Do Cartilaginous Fish Live? Cartilaginous fish live all around the world, in all kinds of water - from rays that inhabit shallow, sandy bottoms to sharks that live out in the deep, open ocean. What Do Cartilaginous Fish Eat? A cartilaginous fishs diet varies by species. Sharks are important apex predators and may eat fish and marine mammals such as seals and whales. Rays and skates, who primarily live on the ocean bottom, will eat other bottom-dwelling creatures, including marine invertebrates such as crabs, clams, oysters, and shrimp. Some huge cartilaginous fish, such as whale sharks, basking sharks, and manta rays, feed on tiny plankton. How Do Cartilaginous Fish Reproduce? All cartilaginous fish reproduce using internal fertilization. The male uses claspers to grasp the female, and then he releases sperm to fertilize the females oocytes. After that, reproduction can differ among sharks, skates, and rays. Sharks may lay eggs or give birth to live young, rays give birth to live young, and skates lay eggs that are deposited inside an egg case. In sharks and rays, the young may be nourished by a placenta, yolk sac, unfertilized egg capsules, or even by feeding on other young. Young skates are nourished by a yolk in the egg case. When cartilaginous fish are born, they look like miniature reproductions of adults. How Long Do Cartilaginous Fish Live? Some cartilaginous fish may live for up to 50-100 years. Examples of Cartilaginous Fish: Whale SharkBasking SharkGreat White SharkThresher SharksSkatesSouthern Stingray References: Canadian Shark Research Lab. 2007. Skates and Rays of Atlantic Canada: Reproduction. Canadian Shark Research Lab. Accessed September 12, 2011.Icthyology Department at FL Museum of Natural History. Shark Basics. Accessed September 27, 2011.Icthyology Department at FL Museum of Natural History. Â  Shark Biology Accessed September 27, 2011.Icthyology Department at FL Museum of Natural History. Â  Ray and Skate Biology Accessed September 27, 2011.Martin, R.A. Evolution of a Super Predator. ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. Accessed September 27, 2011.Murphy, D. 2005. More About Condricthyes: Sharks and Their Kin. Devonian Times. Accessed September 27, 2011.