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2023 Central Washington University Commencement
Get PDFA commencement program from graduation ceremonies at Central Washington University.https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cwu_commencement_programs/1058/thumbnail.jp
Geochemical Analysis of Surface and Ground Waters Around Cle Elum, WA; Implications for the Proposed Exempt Well Moratorium
Get PDFThe Yakima River drainage is one of the most heavily irrigated regions in the state, and water use has been much contested and litigated. Due to this water demand and the increase in drilling of domestic wells, a moratorium on exempt well drilling was proposed in 2007. In this study geochemical data is used to evaluate the surface-groundwater interaction in the area around Cle Elum, WA. The hydrogeology of this area is poorly understood due to the complex stratigraphy where the valley floor meets the bedrock of the Cascade Range. It is important to understand the relationship between groundwater and surface water because more than the available surface water in the Yakima drainage is appropriated and many water rights holders depend on this water for their livelihood. This study began as a class project for an Environmental Geochemistry class at Central Washington University. Students collected samples from over 30 domestic wells and nearby surface water sources in the Cle Elum/Roslyn area. Trace element and major ion data are presented for these samples and are used along with geochemical analysis to draw conclusions regarding the different sub-surface water bearing units as well as the relationship between the surface and ground waters. This report concludes that exempt wells need monitoring and suggests the current policy of over-appropriation be reviewed
Epistemic Justification and the Possibility of Computer Proof
Get PDFSome mathematical theorems can be proven only with the help of computer programs. Does this reliance on computers introduce empirics into math, and thereby change the nature of proof? I argue no. We must distinguish between the warrant the proof gives for its conclusion, and our knowledge of that warrant. A proof is a priori if and only if the conclusion follows deductively from the premises without empirical justification. I start by defending this definition, and proceed to demonstrate that computer-generated proofs meet its criterion
The Four-Color Theorem Solved, Again: Extending the Extended Mind to the Philosophy of Mathematics
Get PDFIn 1977 when Appel, Haken and Koch used a computer to mathematically solve the century old four-color-problem philosopher Thomas Tymoczko thought that the epistemic justification in mathematics had been changed. Essentially, Tymoczko, and others, argue we can now have mathematical epistemic justification through a posteriori means. This has obvious implication in philosophy of mathematics and epistemology because this would be the first case where mathematics isn’t justified through a priori means of investigation. However, I ultimately disagree with Tymoczko. I argue that computer-aided-proofs still warrant an a priori means of justification. In order to show this, I refer to advances in philosophy of mind, mainly, the extended mind thesis. ). I will argue that our mind has evolved to enter into symbiotic relationships with non-organic entities in order to offload certain internal capacities. I believe that this is what constitutes humans amazing gift of rationality and intelligence. Thus, when we use a computer-aided-proof to solve unsurveyable proofs, we are really extending our minds into these cognitive tools and extending our method of proof checking to be more efficient and quicker. Thus, the a priori is saved because the computer is just a part of the causal cognitive loop that constitutes our mind
Identity: Philosophy or Science?
Get PDFRecently there has been renewed interest in psycho-neural identity theory. This is in large part due to Heuristic Identity Theory, which brings some new insights into the relation between psychology and neuroscience. Perhaps even more significant is its concept of hypothetical identity that is positioned by McCauley & Bechtel to eclipse classical theories on psycho-neural identities in virtue of its relevance to scientific practice, specifically inter-level contexts. McCauley & Bechtel claim that in addition to providing an accurate representation of the practices of science Heuristic Identity Theory also answers some philosophical objections directed at classical identity theory. The correlation objection states there is no conceivable observation that could confirm/refute an identity but not the associated correlation. In this paper, I compare the classical psycho-neural identity theories of J.C.C. Smart and U.T. Place to Heuristic Identity Theory through their relation to the correlation objection. I aim to clarify the distinction between the two kinds of identity theory, one being philosophical while the other a method of science. Through this I will show that the correlation objection is not directed at Heuristic Identity Theory and therefore McCauley & Bechtel do not appropriately answer the objection
Hume and the Cause of Inductive Inferences
Get PDFI present Hume’s problem of induction and a puzzle that initially arises from the conclusion to the problem. In order to solve the puzzle I will present two ways we can understand Hume’s conclusion. I argue that the second interpretation provides an especially charitable account of what Hume intends to prove with the problem. On this interpretation, Hume is concerned with the cause of an inductive inference. I present three arguments in favor of this reading and conclude by summarizing Hume’s negative conclusion about induction
Time without Change: A Challenge to Sydney Shoemaker’s Argument
Get PDFIn philosophy of time, the view that change involves time is widely accepted and beyond doubt. Its counterpart, namely that time involves change has also been supported by many philosophers since Aristotle, but Sidney Shoemaker tried to undermine this view. In this paper I am going to set out what Shoemaker’s argument is, and I will put forth reasons why it does not accomplish its goal. The point will focus in the logical impossibility to conceive the scenario that Shoemaker propounds, due to a double interpretation he does concerning temporary dependent properties, since he explicitly sets aside these properties because they probably cannot be regarded as genuine change, but I will try to show that he actually does consider them as genuine implicitly to develop his argument. The contradiction leaves us in good position to conclude that given Shoemaker’s scenario, time without change remains logically impossible
The Self-Alienation of Nature: An Anti-Teleological Environmental Ethic
Get PDFUnderstanding Nature itself is an essential component of developing an environmental ethic. However, many of the ‘positive ethics’ (i.e. ethics based on aesthetics, biophila, teleology) lack the critical observation that Nature does not act kindly or attempt to preserve an organism’s life and well being, but rather, statistically, operates by continually ending life. This paper develops from this notion that biological concepts such as symbiogenesis and biotic potentials point towards an environmental ethic founded upon aligning with Nature’s process of turning against itself. This paper claims that humans, being within Nature ontologically yet separated experientially, are alienated from the ideal Nature they must respond to. However, this ideal Nature experiences internal alienation as well; to the extent that many nonhuman animals also partake in the same objectification of life to produce self-protecting technology, one can claim Nature violates itself. And the only foundation for an environmental ethic is to mirror the process of Nature in understanding to what aim such self-destruction is aspiring. The answer: biological flux
Seams Brash
Get PDFSeams Brash was created to permit student exploration of new sewing techniques such as pleating and beading in addition to working with a variety of body types. Inspiration was drawn from many current and historical designer collections. The goal of the line was to create functional gowns with elements of surprise and a touch of couture with the hand pleating and beading. Each dress represents a different individual with unique lines, fabric choices, silhouettes, and proportions.Faculty Sponsor: Andrea Eklund, M