Monday, August 24, 2020

Conservative Judaism Views on Euthanasia Essays

Traditionalist Judaism Views on Euthanasia Essays Traditionalist Judaism Views on Euthanasia Paper Traditionalist Judaism Views on Euthanasia Paper Like the pattern among Protestants, Jewish clinical morals have gotten partitioned, mostly on denominational lines, over willful extermination and end of life treatment since the 1970s. For the most part, Jewish scholars contradict intentional killing, frequently enthusiastically, however there is some sponsorship for willful aloof killing in constrained conditions. In like manner, inside the Conservative Judaism development, there has been expanding support for aloof killing (PAD). Human life is valuable and its safeguarding overshadows each other thought. This incorporates the commitment to visit the wiped out and the consent to abuse the Sabbath to help an individual harrowed with a hazardous disease. It additionally incorporates the commitment of restraint from doing whatever may rush the demise of a wiped out individual, regardless of how genuine the ailment (Maimonides, Hil. Aveil 4:5). Henceforth, willful extermination is prohibited under any conditions (accentuation included). In any case, if demise is sure, and the patient endures enormously, it is reasonable to stop from delaying passing by counterfeit methods. There is a differentiation among willful extermination and the retention and pulling back of life-continuing treatment. Last is (progressively) adequate, though the previous is carefully taboo. In spite of the fact that the Jewish custom requests the interest and augmentation of life, the certain intelligence â€Å"there is an opportunity to die† of Ecclesiastes 3:2a must be regarded: â€Å"we are not to remain in the break to avert demise in its time† (Reisner 2000, p. 252). The goal of clinical consideration is to represent the patient’s advantage. Therefore the torment of the patient can forestall specialists to choose to proceed with forceful treatment whenever there is no sensible possibility of recuperation from a terminal sickness.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Insider threat and Physical vulnerability Research Paper

Insider danger and Physical weakness - Research Paper Example Physical security of the database The developing mechanical progressions are representing a danger to the new prerequisites of the iTrust database. Distributed storage, a technique for information stockpiling that permits clients to share data online is one of the premise on which the iTrust database is inclined to assailants. Distributed computing can be abused to assault the database through exploitative exercises. Distributed computing at the database, much the same as in different frameworks, manage security and have a fairly simple enrollment framework. In spite of the fact that the simple enrollment framework gets outfitted to make the product easy to understand, lawbreakers generally utilize trend setting innovations to get to the product. This represents the most elevated danger to organizations and shoppers that utilization the framework (Shaw et al, 2013). There have been instances of utilization of Botnets to assault an open cloud system and spread infections. The Zeus Bot net has on a few events assaulted the Amazon cloud. The Zeus Botnet assaulted Amazon’s EC2 distributed computing administration figuring out how to introduce an infection. The Botnet further assumed responsibility for a cloud stage. The malware stayed covered up for quite a while moving a large number of dollars (Shaw et al, 2013).Two ways have been proposed to manage such malware. The security danger presented by the malware can be tended to through actualizing cloud examination. The danger can likewise be tended to through utilizing more staff to screen the database. Another danger that accompanies distributed computing is the trouble with which customers get the chance to comprehend the security suggestions related with use of programming like itrust database. While most shoppers would incline toward a moderately simple arrangement of use programming interfaces, this appears to discourage endeavors to shield the database from any dangers. Guaranteeing that the database get s enough defended may call for complex application programming interfaces. Such interfaces can distinguish any unpermitted interruption into the framework and quickly counter-assault the endeavor (Shaw et al, 2013) The issue of record administration and traffic commandeering stays an authentic danger to a large portion of the iTrust clients. Traffic commandeering has a wide range. It might include spamming or utilization of taken client qualifications. Considering the affectability of the information put away in the iTrust database, programmers can from numerous points of view put to hazard the lives of the clients. This should be possible by simply increasing a straightforward passage. In a circumstance where the assault happens on the critical consideration, the aggressor can figure out how to catch up on exchanges, alter information put away on the database just as take users’ individual data .To check this, preventive estimates must be taken. Such preventive measures may incorporate affecting secret key arrangements, utilization of following programming and giving web use instruction to all workers (Researchomatic, 2012). The insider danger Insider danger can be characterized as any danger that originates from individuals inside the association and who have the organization’s inside data with respect to how the association stores its data. The insider danger looked at the iTrust database is very testing. An absence of partition of obligations appears to represent the best insider danger right now. Division of obligations guarantees that an insider with an excessive amount of intensity or authority can't assault the database utilizing the force or authority that they have (SafeNet, 2013). Case of an episode of an insider danger is the point at which a head of office

Friday, July 24, 2020

Empirically Supported Treatments for Psych Disorders

Empirically Supported Treatments for Psych Disorders BPD Treatment Print Empirically Supported Treatments for Psychological Disorders By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 02, 2018 Tetra Images / Getty Images More in BPD Treatment Diagnosis Living With BPD Related Conditions Empirically supported treatments, otherwise known as evidence-based treatments or evidence-based practices, are treatments and therapies that have research-based medical and scientific evidence showing that they work. How do doctors know that empirically supported treatments work? Thats where the research comes in. Empirically supported treatments have been tested in scientifically designed randomized controlled trials. If youre not sure what a randomized controlled trial is, youre not alone. The following explanation can help. What Is a Randomized Clinical Trial? First, its important to understand that randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for testing new treatments. Every new treatment submitted for FDA approval must be supported by results from randomized controlled trials  demonstrating that its both safe and effective. For instance, when your doctor prescribes a medication for you here in the United States, its an empirically supported treatment that the FDA has approved. The words randomized, control, and trial have specific meanings in terms of testing new medical treatments: Randomized means the participants in the study have been assigned in no particular way to the groups that will be studied. This is done so that the results of the study wont be skewed by the participants or study investigators knowledge of how they were chosen. Controlled means that one of the groups studied does not receive the new (active) treatment being tested. Instead, they receive a placebo or dummy that looks like the tested medication but doesnt contain its active ingredient. The placebo may be a sugar pill or another medication. This study design allows the researchers to reasonably expect that the health effects they observe in the active group that they dont observe in the control group resulted from the use of the new treatment. Trial simply means that the treatment is on trial during the randomized controlled trial. If the study results are positive for the treatments safety and effectiveness, and the results lead to approval of it by the FDA, its an empirically supported treatment. Empirically Supported Treatments for BPD There are currently three treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD) that are considered empirically supported: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Schema-Focused Therapy, and Transference-Focused Therapy. Where to Get Additional Information About Empirically Supported Treatments The Society of Clinical Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association, maintains a list of psychotherapy treatments that are considered empirically supported. The Society also supports an ongoing discussion within the field of psychology about how  best  to define and promote the use of empirically supported treatments. The United States Substance and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), another list of empirically supported treatments. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs

Friday, May 22, 2020

Chris McCandless Search For Truth in Into the Wild by Jon...

Christopher McCandless cant be described with a certain term or definition because there is not one particular fixation that can be made about him. He escaped from a world he personally didnt understand. Why people couldnt treat each other righteously, why they lived the way they did. Unhappy and stuck in a mundane system always following the rules. Chris didnt like rules. Rules were a restraint that held him down from being who he was meant to be. He wanted to exist in a world where he was intended to live, where he fit in. And in doing just that, he didnt just leave his old life behind but began a new one. Alexander Supertramp, master of his own destiny.(p.) Alex was nothing but a human being, a little impulsive yes, but with a†¦show more content†¦It is impossible to fully apprehend what was going through Chris’s mind and how it worked. But we can grasp that his resentment towards his father was deep. He was predetermined to become someone so different from his fat her because Chris didn’t care for or look up to the kind of person he was. Although he respected how he came up from nothing and made something of himself. Similar to others, Chris had morals. Though from time to time they were contradicted, like humans weve all had faults in impulsive judgments. Calling him a hypocrite is amiss because no matter how intent a human is over their personal morals, there are times when they lapse and drift away. When Chris left his final note â€Å"S.O.S. I NEED YOUR HELP. I AM INJURED, NEAR DEATH, AND TOO WEAK TO HIKE OUT OF HERE. I AM ALONE, THIS IS NO JOKE. IN THE NAME OF GOD, PLEASE REMAIN TO SAVE ME†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (p.12), he came to the realization that he wasn’t ready to leave this world just yet. He had been overconfident going into a journey he thought he could come out of alive. Bringing only but a 10-pound bag of rice was an impulsive foolish mistake that was a huge factor in the end of Christopher McCandless. Readers can argue and say that he had a death wish or that the idea was planted in the back of his head but that’s not the case. Being brash is human nature, some not as much a s others, but Chris was very sure of him and never thought anything less. This story just happened to have a differentShow MoreRelatedChris McCandless Search For Truth in Into The Wild, by Jon Krakauer1205 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Karkauer novel, Into the Wild tells a true life story about a young man by the name of Christopher McCandless, who creates a new life for himself by leaving civilization to live in the wilderness. The story exhibits how Christopher develops and matures throughout the story by prevailing harsh predicaments and learning valuable lessons on the way. Christopher’s character evolves by comprehending several new lessons such as finding true pleasure, disregarding other people’s judgments, asRead MoreInto the Wild by Chris McCandless710 Words   |  3 Pagesone’s self. In Jon Krakauer’s, Into The Wild, Chris McCandless conveys this idealism through his life’s journey as he bravely defies all limitations. Chris McCandless isolates himself from society in his Alaskan Odyssey as a way to defy accepted expectations and to begin discovering the meanings of life without any corrupted influences. Chris McCandless â€Å"had been raised in the comfortable upper-middle-class environs of Annandale, Virginia† (Krakauer 19) so growing up, McCandless lived a considerablyRead MoreInto The Wild Argument Essay1034 Words   |  5 PagesInto the Wild argument essay Into the Wild written by Jon Krakauer illustrates the life and death of Christopher McCandless, and his search for the true meaning in life. McCandless’ family was well-off and he graduated from Emory University with honors. Everything in McCandless’ life came easy, and because of this he wished to find what it meant to work for something. Through his perilous journey across the United States, McCandless found a way to inspire others everywhere he went. His independentRead MoreThe Short and Unique Life of Chris McCandless618 Words   |  2 PagesYoung people think and act differently at times due to different circumstances. Jon Krakauer has written a book about a young, stubborn, unique, idealist named Christopher John McCandless who was also known as Alexander Supertramp in Into The Wild . Chris was in a pursuit of a meaning life. Krakauer never wanted to prove to readers that Chris did the right thing but he just wanted to let them know how unique Chris McCandless wa s and how and why he chose to live that way and how he died unexpectedly.Read MoreAnalysis Of Chris Mccandless s Odyssey Into The Wild1103 Words   |  5 Pagesquotations with page number or e-book location cited in parentheses after the quotation. Jon Krakauer’s odyssey Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless through his last year of his life traversing the North American frontier. As a biography based on McCandless’ journals and interviews, much of the details of Chris’ journeys are speculated. Yet, Krakauer succeeds in developing the enigma of Christopher McCandless, or as he would be immortalized in the bus on the Stampede Trail, Alexander SupertrampRead MoreInto The Wild By Jon Krakauer1856 Words   |  8 PagesInto the Wild by Jon Krakauer 1. Who was the most compelling character? Why? What conflicts did this character face? How did the author develop this character? Include one or two supporting quotations with page number or e-book location cited in parentheses after the quotation. Jon Krakauer’s odyssey Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless through his last year of his life traversing the North American frontier. As a biography based on McCandless’ journals and interviews, much of the detailsRead MoreThe Search For Truth in Into the Wild by John Krakauer1983 Words   |  8 Pages Who is Christopher McCandless? McCandless was born February 12, 1968 in El Segundi, California. Later on, due to Walt McCandless, Christophers father, success as an aerospace engineer [Christopher] was raised in the comfortable upper middle class environs of Annandale, Virginia(Krakauer 14). Similarly to many people today, Walt McCandless made injurious decisions; during the birth of Christopher and his sister, Carine, Walt was still married. In turn, this leaves them to be bastardRead MoreAnalysis Of Into The Wild 1314 Words   |  6 Pages Into The Wild. Nature is truth at its purest form of life: cruel, ruthless and impartial. Dubious about the utopian society we live in, Mccandless vies to find the world’s underlying truth in his Odyssey. Some of us want to be as courageous as Mccandless and leave behind everything for the sole purpose of finding the truth, but can not bring ourselves to do so because of our attachment to material things. Mccandless wants to understand human nature and nature itself, to do that, he rids himselfRead MoreIntrospection in How to Tell a True War Story, and Into the Wild1494 Words   |  6 Pagestext, â€Å"How to Tell a True War Story† Tim O’Brien expresses his thoughts about the true war story and how the war story is changed according to the person who tells it. Jon Krakauer illustrates Chris McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness and reasons for McCandless’s gruesome death in an isolated place, in his book â€Å"Into the Wild.† O’Brien rel ates introspection and a soldier’s war story by saying that the war story portrays the feelings of a soldier. A soldier’s war story is not the exact warRead MoreInto The Wild By Jon Krakauer3297 Words   |  14 PagesInto the Wild – RRS Title: Into the Wild Author: Jon Krakauer Publication Date: 1996 Nationality: American Author’s Birth/Death Date: April 12, 1954 – present Distinguishing Traits of Author: Jon Krakauer is an American writer known for his writings about the great outdoors. After being introduced to mountaineering as a child, Krakauer devoted much of his life to mountain climbing, leading up to his 1996 expedition to Mt. Everest. In his Into Thin Air, Krakauer recounts the dangerous journey

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Pyc4811 - 1214 Words

COMMUNITY AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY PYC4811 UNIQUE NO: 536712 ASSIGNMENT 2 STUDENT NO: 48932930 Contents Cover page page 1 Contents page page 2 Introduction page 3 Principles of community psychology page 3/4 The Community page 4 The Problem page 5 Design of the programme page 6 Conclusion†¦show more content†¦1.4 Sharing power Sharing power is essential, the programme of prevention cannot be an us vs them mentality. 1.5 Sense of community Community psychologists sometimes strive to foster a sense of community in a group. Members participate in communities in part because their needs are met by connecting with other members. Members are also attracted to communities in which they feel influential, share commonly held ideals that can be pursued through involvement in the community and experience a sense of belonging (McMillan Chavis, 1986). 1.6 Level of analysis Intervention may concern itself with more than one level analysis as individuals exist in Microsystems. One person or a group can influence another. 1.7 Radiating effects This can go both ways either positive or negative. Change in social setting may have a direct or indirect result that was unintended. 2. The Community The community in which I live in and where the intervention will take place in located in Newlands East, Durban. There are 3 high schools in the area and 4 primary schools, there is one sports grounds in the area and a shopping centre where basics can be bought. There are single dwellings or houses in the newly developed area but majority of the residents live in flats and duplexes. Privacy is rare and this is a close knit community. There ade no recreational facilities except the sports ground. 3. The ProblemShow MoreRelatedPyc4811 Assignment 11430 Words   |  6 PagesPYC4811 Assignment 1- 657794 Student Number- 55560296 Community Psychology and Public Health’s Approaches to Social Problems Introduction Community Psychology and Public Health models both cover the same ground but with key differences in the explanation of causes and influences on mental illness. Community psychology has a primary focus on understanding, and working with, people in their wider social context. Public Health on the other hand is concerned with preventing disease andRead MoreCritically Compare and Contrast Community Psychology and Public Health Approaches to Social Problems851 Words   |  4 Pagesletter 102/0/2013for Pyc4811 (2013). The three most important reform movements were the â€Å"moral treatment† (early 1800’s), the â€Å"mental hygiene† (early 1900’s) and â€Å"deinstitutionalisation† (1960’s) (Tutorial letter 102/0/2013for Pyc4811). Each of these movements was intended to view and treat mental illness as a social problem rather than an individual problem. It was also a move towards ‘prevention rather than cure’ concerning mental illness. (Tutorial letter 102/0/2013for Pyc4811) According to TutorialRead MoreComparison with Community Psychology and Public Health1055 Words   |  5 Pages Gilbert, L. (1995). Sociology and the ‘New Public Health’ in South Africa. New Perspectives in Community Psychology. Reader for PYC4811. (2012), 74-83. 2. Seedat, M., Cloete, N., Shochet, I. (1988). Community Psychology: panic or panacea. New Perspectives in Community Psychology. Reader for PYC4811. (2012), 218-233. 3. Tutorial Letter 102, PYC4811 (2012). Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria. 4. Website one: The free dictionary. The American HeritageRead MoreComparison with Community Psychology and Public Health1049 Words   |  5 Pages 1. Gilbert, L. (1995). Sociology and the ‘New Public Health’ in South Africa. New Perspectives in Community Psychology. Reader for PYC4811. (2012), 74-83. 2. Seedat, M., Cloete, N., Shochet, I. (1988). Community Psychology: panic or panacea. New Perspectives in Community Psychology. Reader for PYC4811. (2012), 218-233. 3. Tutorial Letter 102, PYC4811 (2012). Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria. 4. Website one: The free dictionary. The American HeritageRead MoreA Comparison of Community Psychology and Public Health1179 Words   |  5 Pagesapproaches have several shortcomings there is much being done in order to further advance the fields of study and I look forward to learning more about the field. REFERENCES 1. Tutorial letter 101, PYC4811 (2011). Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria. 2. Tutorial letter 102, PYC4811 (2011). Department of Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria. 3. Gilbert, L. (1995). Sociology and the ‘New Public Health’ in South Africa. South African Journal of Sociology, 264 (4):Read MoreCommunity Psychology1488 Words   |  6 Pages4. Novick, L., Morrow, C. (n.d.). Retrieved April, 17, 2014, Defining Public Health: Historical and Contemporary Developments (p. 1). Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 5. Tutorial letter 102, PYC4811 (2014). Department of Psychology (p. 5), University of South Africa, Pretoria. 6. Tutorial letter 102, PYC4811 (2014). Department of Psychology (p. 11), University of South Africa, Pretoria. Read MoreHmpyc80 Research Methodology3369 Words   |  14 Pages(PYC4802)(PSY481U) Plus five papers from one of the following streams (depending on the area of specialisation): Psychological Counselling (99422-COU) Community and Health Psychology (99422-CHP) Applied Psychology for Professional Context (99422-APP) PYC4811 (PSY461Q): Community and Health Psychology PYC4808 (PSY474V): Ecosystemic Psychology PYC4809 (PSY4999): Therapeutic Psychology PYC4804 (PSY473U): Personology PYC4808 (PSY474V): Ecosystemic Psychology PYC4803 (PSY482V): Social Psychology PYC4805 (PSY484X):

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Power of a Little Girl’s Photo Free Essays

The picture from Sudan, which won Kevin Carter a Pulitzer Prize in 1994, is memorable because it shows the seriousness of the situation in Sudan during that time; reflects the role of photographers in conveying the unknown circumstances to us; and   tells the impact of covering such events on photographers as manifested by Carter’s suicide. The winning picture depicts a pitiful, starving little Sudanese girl with her head bowed to the earth; obviously very weak and dying. Behind her back is a vulture which seems to be waiting for her to die so it could have something to eat. We will write a custom essay sample on The Power of a Little Girl’s Photo or any similar topic only for you Order Now The story behind the picture is related by Mac Leod Scott in his article, The Life and Death of Kevin Carter. Mac Leod wrote how Carter was able to shot the photograph. Carter went to Sudan to photograph the rebel movement in the country. When he reached the country, he started taking pictures of famine victims. He saw lots of people who are starving. They were so thin and terribly malnourished. In his attempt to find another view, he went to an open bush. While in the bush, he heard a soft whimpering sound and found a little girl trying to walk her way to the feeding center. He came nearer to photograph her. As he tried to shoot, a vulture landed just behind the girl. He captured the scene. Carter later confessed that he waited for another 20 minutes expecting the vulture to spread its wings but it did not. After taking all the shots that he needed, he chased the vulture away. He saw the helpless little girl attempting to walk toward the feeding center. Carter remained in his position under the tree. He smoked and cried. He became depressed afterwards. To stress why the Pulitzer-prized picture is memorable, four supporting claims are written below. Firstly, the picture itself shocked the world. According to Scott’s words, the photograph â€Å"made the world weep†. The emotional impact of the photograph is hard to forget.   In the picture, the vulture is just waiting for the girl to die so it could eat her. Imagine a big bird is preying on the flesh of a child for its food. Many find it gruesome as they don’t usually such kind of pictures and news in the headlines. The photo got many reactions from different people around the world. When someone sees it, there is something in the emotion that makes one feel more than pity for the little girl. Further, Scott reported how the picture was seen by millions of people.   The New York Times was looking for pictures about Sudan back then when Carter sold the photograph to the famous newspaper in March 26, 1993. The NY Times published the picture and many readers were overwhelmed by it. Many papers also published the picture and were stared by millions of people around the globe. The media picked up on the story and the picture. Those who saw the picture pity the Sudanese girl and wondered what have become of her. Hundreds of readers called the NY Times office to inquire what happened to the girl. The NY Times said it did not know if she reaches the feeding center. The paper said that no one knows the fate of the poor little girl. Likewise, the readers also wanted to find out if Carter was able to help her in her struggle. Secondly, the picture reveals the real condition of Sudan during that time. The world came to know Sudan because of the picture. Sudan is a large country in North Africa. Until now, the political unrest in the country continues and the civil war is killing many people. On top of that, famine has been ravaging the land regularly. Based on an article by Bruce Nelan, published in Time Magazine on July 27, 1998, the country experiences famine every three or four years. Both the civil war and the famine resulted to the death of hundreds of thousands of Sudanese. The year 1994 marked the most devastating famine – the year when the picture was taken. Nelan added that hunger is always a threat in the country of roughly 40 million people. In 1989 alone, 250,000 died. In a related article, written by another Time reporter, Maryann London in 2001, about 1.5 million of people have already died either in the civil war or in famine. Sadly, the famine affects everyone most especially the children who are the most vulnerable segment of the population. Nelan further wrote that, usually, the only way to get to a feeding center is by walking which usually takes days or weeks to reach these centers run by international relief agencies. Mostly die along the way as what might have happened to the girl in the picture. According to Bill Keller, in his article in the Time Magazine published on July 29, 1994, the girl collapsed as she was on her way to the feeding center. Thirdly, the photographer who took the picture committed suicide by carbon poisoning three months after receiving his prize. Carter is from Johannesburg, South Africa. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography that year together with Paul Watson who took a picture from Somalia (Gordon, 1994). But, as Keller reported, the people blamed him for not helping the dying little girl. Carter’s action was criticized. Many suggested that he should have decided to help the little girl by giving her something to eat or by carrying her to the feeding center. He has the chance to help one starving little girl but he walked away after taking her picture. Moreover, as Scott said, Carter was haunted by what he had seen during his career- the violence, famine, dying people and war. Maybe he could not take it any more. Presently, there is a documentary film that seeks to explain Carter’s suicide, entitled as The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club by Dan Krauss. On a personal note, I do not want to judge Carter as many have already blamed him in the past. However, I am one with others in saying that he should have somehow helped the dying girl by offering food or water. I do not know what was in his mind then. Blaming is the readers’ reaction on Carter which I think had much effect on him and his decision to end his life. Lastly, the picture highlights the role of photographers in showing the unknown to us. Before Carter took the picture, many people were not aware of the gravity of the situation in Sudan. Most people in the West are not even familiar with the country. Through the picture, the world suddenly realized that there is so much happening in many countries that we are not aware of. It is the photographers who connect us to the unfamiliar sufferings around the globe. They give us pictures which tell stories. As Susan Sontag wrote, â€Å"to collect photographs is to collect the world† and photographs provide evidences. More so, Nathan Thornburgh of Time Magazine penned that photography has the power to trap moment in time and he ascribed photojournalism as the perfect medium for showing stories. I say, without photographers, there would be no pictures to behold. Nevertheless, capturing the scenes of a war-torn area or other violence-related activities is tough. From here, one can infer that covering such violence and heart-wrenching events have impact on the photographers as evidenced by Carter’s suicide. The drama and the difficulty of recording such delicate situations may have its negative influence on the photographers. It can be noted that Carter sunk into depression before he committed suicide. The violence, famine, and dying children- Carter remembered while he lived- and made him more depressed. He maybe was too sad. He might have remembered the dying little Sudanese girl from time to time. In conclusion, I guess the picture is powerful enough that’s why it is too memorable. My reasons are all cited above. Pictures show us reality. And the photographers who took them for us deserved to be affirmed as they serve as our link to many realities around the world. As what the picture of the dying Sudanese girl tells us, we can say that photographers are very important as they show us the different situations in the world. Without them, there will be no pictures which will show us how blessed we are because we have more than enough food to eat and how other people in the world are suffering because of famine. Without the pictures and the photographers, we will never know what is really happening. We will remain ignorant of the people who need our help – even just for a piece of food. Works Cited Gordon, Jim.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Judges have a difference of opinion†¦.†Ã‚  News Photographer  49.n5  (May 1994):  4(1).  General OneFile.  Gale.  Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.  21 Apr. 2008 http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF. Keller, Bill.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Kevin Carter, a Pulitzer winner for Sudan photo, is dead at 33.† The New York Times  143  (July 29, 1994):  C16(N) pB8(L).  Expanded Academic ASAP.  Gale.  Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.  21 Apr. 2008  http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/itx/start.do?prodId=EAIM. London, Maryann B. â€Å"Baroness who Frees Slaves†. 19 March 2001. Time Magazine. 30 April 2008 http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/africa/03/29/sudan.famine/index.html. Mac Leod, Scott.  . â€Å"Lightning from the lens Powerful photos foment change, experts believe; [Final Edition]†Journal – Gazette. Ft. Wayne, Ind ( Aug 18, 2006) pg. 9.A. Proquest. Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.  21 Apr. 2008 http://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/pqdweb?did=1097163221sid=3Fmt=3clientId=1364RQT=309VName=PQD. Mac Leod, Scott.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The life and death of Kevin Carter.†Ã‚  Time  144.n11  (Sept 12, 1994):  70(4).  General OneFile.  Gale.  Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.  21 Apr. 2008 http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF. Nelan, Bruce. â€Å"Sudan†. 27 July 1998. Time Magazine. 30 April 2008. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,103088,00.html. Sontag, Susan. On Photography. New York: Farrar, Anchor Books, 1990. Thornburgh, Nathan. â€Å"The Best Photos of the Year†. 18 December 2006. Time Magazine. 30 April 2008 http://www.time.com/time/yip/2006/ How to cite The Power of a Little Girl’s Photo, Essay examples

Monday, April 27, 2020

The Impact of Stability Balls on Student Learning Essays - Learning

The Impact of Stability Balls on Student Learning Introduction When was the last time you used an exercise or stability ball? It was probably in some exercise class or while you were doing exercises at home. For Miss Stephens' second grade class at Northside Elementary School in Palmyra, stability balls are used every day as the students' chairs. When I walked into the field on the first day, I noticed that at every desk sat these little stability balls the perfect size for second graders, instead of normal chairs. When the students came in, they were bouncing away on these stability ball chairs. Now, I have seen classes use stability balls before, but I had never seen them used in a class that I was actually observing. I was so excited that this opportunity presented itself to me for my teacher research project. Since this was the only the second day of school, one of the first things that Miss Stephens did at the beginning of the day was to set the rules and guidelines for the stability ball chairs. She used the acronym STAY to explain the rules for the chairs. S stands for sit calmly on your ball. T stands for treat your ball with respect. A stands for always keep your feet on the floor. Y stands for your ball is a privilege! Miss Stephens made sure that all the students knew how to sit on the ball chairs and how to take care of them. One rule that she also emphasized was no basketball bouncing. She emphasized this rule so that the students would not bounce uncontrollably. She also told the students that if they misused the chairs, they would lose the privilege of using them and have to use a regular chair. That first day was a little hectic, but since then the students have gotten used to the stability ball chairs. This teacher research project focuses on how stability balls impact students academically and behaviorally. I want to know whether or not using stability ball chairs will improve students' academics and behavior and whether or not students believe the ball chairs are beneficial. I will collect data on this in a couple different ways. The first one is just student observations of student behavior with and without therapy balls. The second way I will collect data is by interviewing the students as well as the teacher about their views on the impacts of stability ball chairs. In other words, my research project sets out to answer the following question: How do stability ball chairs impact my student's learning? This is an important topic to study because of the potential benefits to the students. Increased academic performance and better behavior make children more successful in school. If using these stability balls instead of regular chairs is beneficial to my class, imagine how beneficial they would be in all schools. Student performance and behavior could skyrocket. This topic is also important to study because it lets the students have a voice in their education. Through this study they have the opportunity to tell me what they think about the stability ball chairs and whether or not they think that they are beneficial to their own learning. Lastly, it is important for teachers. Finding ways to help the students reach their full potential helps improve teachers' rational. It helps teachers to know that they have positively impacted a student by using strategies to make his learning experience more successful. There are many things that I hope to learn as a result of this research study. The first thing I would like to know is whether or not stability balls actually improve students' academics and behavior. I also want to know the students' and teacher's opinions about how the stability ball chairs impact the classroom. By doing this study, I hope to learn how to take students' opinions into account when implementing strategies that I think will be beneficial. Lastly, I hope to learn the best ways to design and implement a research project in a classroom for when I have my own class. Literature Review There is much in the literature regarding stability ball chairs in the classroom. According to Burgoyne and Ketcham

Thursday, March 19, 2020

A Critical Investigation of Work

A Critical Investigation of Work Overview The many roles and functions that people bears in life impose tough demands that require adequate time allotment, energy, and commitment for successful completion. Specifically, the demands placed on people by work-related roles have not only dramatically changed in modern times, but continues to exert immeasurable pressure on employees to perform for purposes of securing their careers on a long-term basis.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A Critical Investigation of Work-Life Conflict on Employee Performance Organizational Productive Capacities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Higgins (n.d.), the demands of the modern economic environment are so much interlinked with employees’ professional and personal lives to a point where it becomes almost impossible to draw a clear line between the two, hence leading to work-life conflict. The above situation is thought to enhance stress levels and health complications among employees, lowering their productive capacities and enhancing turnover and absenteeism. These undesirable outcomes are also thought to impact an organization’s profitability capacities. It is against this backdrop that this particular project aims to investigate the influence of work-life conflict on employee performance and organizational productive capacities. Variable Description According to Cohen et al (2007), â€Å"†¦an independent variable is an input variable, that which causes, in part or total, a particular outcome†¦A dependent variable, on the other hand, is the outcome variable, that which is caused, in total or in part, by the input† (p. 504). Based on this definition, work-life conflict is the independent variable, while dependent variables include employee performance and organizational productive capacities. As such, the present project aims to test the relationship between work-life conflict and two dependent variab les – employee performance and organizational productivity. According to Sekaran (2006), one dependent variable may be used to test the strength of another dependent variable or to map out the chain of interrelationships in cases where the researcher is faced with multiple dependent variables Variable Testing Since this project utilizes a quantitative research design, the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variables will be tested through manipulating the independent variable. Here, comparisons will be made on organizations which have put in place comprehensive work-life balance programs and other organizations that do not implement such programs, hence leading to work-life conflict. When the independent variable is manipulated by comparing the two sets of organizations, the measured outcomes in terms of underlying issues affecting employee performance and organizational productivity will become clear. This type of procedure best suits descriptive studies where the subjects are only measured once (Cohen et al, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Alternatively, the independent variable can be manipulated by first evaluating the status of employee performance and organizational productivity in an organization that does not implement work-life balance programs. Afterwards, the researcher may attempt to introduce some work-life balance initiatives in an attempt to manipulate the independent variable, which is work-life conflict. A relationship will be confirmed if the dependent variables of employee performance and organizational commitment start to alter, either negatively or positively. According to Sekaran (2006), this procedure usually takes a lot of time, and is therefore preferred when the researcher is interested in longitudinal analysis. Project Hypotheses H1: There exists a positive correlation between emplo yee stress and burnout levels arising from work-related responsibilities and the organization’s ability to remain competitive in a changing and dynamic economic environment H2: Work-life balance programs are positively correlated to enhanced employee productivity, commitment, and image of the organization Literature Review Employees, in spite of their gender, have responsibilities, requirements, and personal lives outside of the workday. However, the volatile and dynamic economic environment coupled with shifting work demands have taken a toll on employees by necessitating them to become more involved in their paid employment than was previously the case (Nadeem Abbas, 2009). The long working hours and high work demands that are characteristic of today’s labor market have not only enhanced work-related stress and burnout levels on the part of employees, but have also made it tremendously difficult for employees to maintain adequate balance between their work responsib ilities and family-related commitments, resulting in work-life conflict. Higgins et al (n.d.) defines work-life conflict â€Å"†¦as a form of inter-role conflict in which work and family demands are mutually incompatible so that meeting demands in one domain makes it difficult to meet demands in the other† (p. 9).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A Critical Investigation of Work-Life Conflict on Employee Performance Organizational Productive Capacities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This result in tensions and stress due incompatible expectations, with available evidence pointing to the fact that employees suffer from a myriad of negative psychological, mental, and physical problems due to this form of role conflict and interference. Of particular relevance to this particular project is that work-life conflict occasions a multiplicity of undesirable outcomes which affects employees differently dependin g on the coping strategies that have been put in place. Equally, work-life conflict affects the productive capacities of an organization. According to Kreiner et al (2009), the development of concern about the need to develop policies and frameworks aimed to curtail work-life conflict arises from a recognition that the requirements and needs of non-work responsibilities and commitments have enormously grown in proportion to the needs and demands of non-work roles. Employees and organizations stand to gain immensely if efforts are purposely channeled to eliminate work-life conflict. A major study conducted in 2009 by Corporate Executive Board (CEB) revealed that absence of work-life conflict in work environments make employees to feel more rested, motivated, and energized while discharging their roles, both at work and home (Kisilevitz Bedington, 2009), not mentioning the fact that such an environment is known to enhance employee productivity, proficiency, fulfillment, and commitmen t to the ideals and objectives of the organization. At the organizational level, consecutive studies has linked the absence of work-life conflict to reduced employee absenteeism and turnover, enhanced organization’s image, employee loyalty, and a host of other outcomes that enhances the organization’s opportunities to regain and retain competitive advantage. More importantly, work-life conflict has negative health implications to employees and a costly financial dimension to organizations (Joshi et al, 2002). There is, therefore, a strong case to oblige organizations to come up with proper strategies and frameworks that will curtail or completely eliminate work-life conflict among their workforce. Reference List Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K.R.B. (2007). Research Methods in Education, 6th Ed. New York, NY: Routledge.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Higgins, C., Duxbury, L., Lyons, S. (n.d.). Reducing work-life conflict: What works? What doesn’t? Web. Joshi, S., Leichne, J., Melanson, K., Pruna, C., Sager, N., Story, C. J., Williams, K. (2002). Work-life balance: A case of social responsibility or corporate advantage. Web. Kisilevitz, M., Bedington, T. (2009). Managing work-life balance programs in a down economy. Benefits Compensation Digest, Vol. 46, Issue 12, p. 30-34. Kreiner, G. E., Hollensbe, E.C., Sheep, M.L. (2009). Balancing boarders and bridges: Negotiating the work-home interface via boundary work tactics. Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 52, Issue 4, p. 704-730. Retrieved from Business Source Premier Database. Nadeem, M.S., Abbas, Q. (2009). The impact of work-life conflict on job satisfaction of employees in Pakistan. International Journal of Business Management, Vol. 4, No. 5. Web. Sekaran, U. (2006). Research methods for business: A skill building approach, 4th Ed. Wiley-India.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

How to Spot the Pegasus Constellation

How to Spot the Pegasus Constellation Stargazers looking for an easy-to-spot star pattern cant go wrong with the constellation Pegasus, the Winged Horse. Although Pegasus doesnt exactly look like a horse- more like a box with legs attached- its shape is so easily recognizable that its hard to miss. Finding Pegasus Pegasus is best spotted on dark nights beginning in late September and early October. Its not far from W-shaped Cassiopeia and lies just above Aquarius. Cygnus the Swan is not too far away, either. Look for a group of stars in the shape of a box, with several lines of stars extending out from the corners. One of those lines marks the Andromeda constellation.   Pegasus is one of three northern hemisphere autumn constellations that are easy to spot. It contains the globular cluster M14. Carolyn Collins Petersen Stargazers looking for the Andromeda Galaxy can use Pegasus as a guide. Some like to think of it as a baseball diamond, with the bright star Alpheratz as the first base mound. A batter hits a ball, runs to first base, but instead of going to second base, runs up the first base foul line until they run into the star Mirach (in Andromeda). They turn right to run into the stands, and before long, they run right into the Andromeda Galaxy.   The Story of Pegasus Pegasus the Winged Horse has a long history with stargazers. The name we use today comes from ancient Greek myths about a flying steed with mystical powers. Before the Greeks were telling tales of Pegasus, ancient Babylonian mystics called the star pattern IKU, meaning field. The ancient Chinese, meanwhile, saw the constellation as a giant black tortoise, while indigenous people of Guyana saw it as a barbecue. The Stars of Pegasus Twelve bright stars make up the outline of Pegasus, plus numerous others in the official IAU chart of the constellation. The brightest star in Pegasus is called Enif, or ÃŽ µ Pegasi. There are brighter stars than this one, such as Markab (alpha Pegasi), and of course Alpheratz. The stars that make up the Great Square of Pegasus form an unofficial pattern called an asterism. The Great Square is one of several such patterns that amateur astronomers use as they find their way around the night sky. The official IAU chart of the constellation Pegasus shows its brighter stars plus numerous others. It also shows a few deepsky objects, such as M15 and the Andromeda Galaxy. IAU/Sky Telescope   Enif, which can be seen as the muzzle of the horse, is an orange supergiant that lies nearly 700 light-years from us. It is a variable star, which means that it varies its brightness over time, mostly in an irregular pattern. Interestingly, some of the stars in Pegasus have planetary systems (called exoplanets) orbiting them. The famous 51 Pegasi (which lies on a line in the box) is a Sun-like star that was found to have planets, including a hot Jupiter.   Deep Sky Objects in Pegasus Constellation Although Pegasus is one of the largest constellations, it doesnt have a lot of easily-spotted deep-sky objects. The best object to spot is the globular cluster M15. M15 is a spherically shaped collection of stars bound together by mutual gravitational attraction. It lies just off the horses muzzle and contains stars that are at least 12 billion years old. M15 is about 33,000 light-years away from Earth and contains more than 100,000 stars. Its almost possible to see M15 with the naked eye, but only under very dark conditions. How to find the globular cluster M15. Carolyn Collins Petersen The best way to view M15 is through binoculars or a good backyard telescope.  It will look like a fuzzy smudge, but a good telescope or an image will reveal much more detail. An amateur view of M15 through a backyard-type telescope. Hunter Wilson/Wikimedia Commons The stars in M15 are so tightly packed together that even the Hubble Space Telescope, with its eye for detail, cannot make out individual stars at the core of the cluster. Currently, scientists use radio telescopes to find X-ray sources in the cluster. At least one of the sources is a so-called X-ray binary: a pair of objects that are giving off X-rays.   A Hubble Space Telscope view of the central region of globular cluster M15, which is so densely packed with stars that HST has trouble spying out individual ones. NASA/ESA/STScI Far beyond the limits of backyard telescopes, astronomers are also studying galaxy clusters in the direction of the Pegasus constellation, as well as the gravitationally-lensed object called the Einstein Cross. The Einstein Cross is an illusion formed by the gravitational influence of light from a distant quasar that passes by a galaxy cluster. The effect bends the light and ultimately causes four images of the quasar to appear. The name Einstein Cross comes from the cross-like shape of the images and the famous physicist Albert Einstein. He predicted that gravity affects space-time and that gravity could bend the path of light that passes near a massive object (or collection of objects).  That phenomenon is called a gravitational lens.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Information Systems Management & Quality Coursework

Information Systems Management & Quality - Coursework Example A good example would be the purchase of a computer system for Bexley Hospital worth  £12 billion. Did they not prepare a Needs Analysis based on survey and statistics so that the knowledge of â€Å"usefulness† or â€Å"functionality† of the computer system could be a solid basis for disapproving the budget for such a computer system? The government must have haphazardly allocated and implemented a  £ 12 billion budget only to realize that out of 9,000 organizations, only 160 would use the system. According to Michael Savage, that functionality was discovered only after the implementation process. What might be the reason why it seems that government does not have quality control over IT governance? This case study concerning Bexley Hospital was chosen because it clearly represents a situation wherein no pre-planning or poor planning was done using a comprehensive model that can screen a decision whether or not to approve and fund a project. According to David Camero n, the IT system ideas were sold to NHS Professionals and swallowed as a whole and â€Å"As Is† after IT Consultants gave recommendations to government. That Computer Weekly article, News Clipping. 2, revealed no checking and control functions. Cameron cited inefficiency as a result of a preference for centralized and large computer systems that tend to be more costly and riskier. 3. Clarifications about the problem showed that centralized data that should have been accessible in local areas turned out to be 3 to 4 years delayed. See News Clipping.... This can be read in the Kable’s Government Computing article. See News Clipping # 3. In another article, clarifications about the problem showed that centralized data that should have been accessible in local areas turned out to be 3 to 4 years delayed. See News Clipping # 4. And the more detailed explanations for such a scenario are found in News Clipping # 5. It says, â€Å"†¦the centralized system has often been seen as a failure owing to continued installation setbacks, rising costs and data management problems.† In determining the needs of government for IT resources, for example, the ISMQ should have utilized a model that can filter the basis of decisions based on real needs instead of artificial or imaginary needs. A sample self-made model would be as follows: + + + It should be recalled that Information System projects are not the only projects in need of allocation of resources. Whatever will be the evaluation of alternative IS projects would have to compe te for funding prioritization in the government’s portfolio of many projects in various aspects of governance. Such a model would have identified the limited beneficiaries who would not represent the common good of 9,000 organizations. There should have been a survey if most of them need the computer system under certain conditions, e.g. on the condition that the system provides updated information. It turned out that only 160 out of 9,000 found a need for the expensive computer system which had to be replaced. Potential delays and more accurate timetables can be communicated to administrators of the system in order to set the right expectations insofar as performance and efficiency are concerned. The timely

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Comparison of Oil and Alternative Energy Sources Research Paper

Comparison of Oil and Alternative Energy Sources - Research Paper Example This makes it an abundant resource that can sustain various energy requirements around the world. Also, when the appropriate technology is put in place in a given area, it is fairly easy for oil to be explored in perpetuity with little additional costs. Although oil machinery and infrastructure is expensive, when they are set up, they can extract crude oil at costs at as low as $2 per barrel. With a high market rate of between $30 and $100, the profit margins are always high for these petroleum companies and they recover their costs in a short time. It must also be pointed that there are two inherent weaknesses in the use of oil. First of all, oil is a non-renewable energy source. This means that once it is extracted from the earth, it cannot be replaced. As such, it is prone to exhaustion. This implies that there will be a time where oil will no more be available to people in the world. Nagle and Guinness (2011 p364) indicate that the International Agency has identified that peak oi will occur in the period between 2013 and 2037. In other words, within this timeframe, oil production will be at the highest levels. And due to declining levels of oil reserves around the world, oil production will begin to fall after this time. This means that the levels of oil will fall in the near future after oil reserves are used up. It is speculated that based on current production levels, known oil reserves will run out between 15 and 80 years (Nagle and Guinness, 2011 p364). Although these figures might be generated through pessimistic estimates, there is a genuine cause for alarm, because if production continues, it is a known fact that oil reserves are going to run out. This therefore presents a strong case for the identification and exploitation of alternative sources of energy. Also, oil leads to high carbon emissions which lead to global warming and climate change (May and Caron, 2009). This is because the oil taken from the earth directly, known as crude oil needs to be refined. In refining crude oil, it needs to be burnt at high temperatures in the process of fractional distillation. This leads to high degrees of emissions into the atmosphere. Also, the usage of oil in cars and other machines leads to combustion which causes the emission of high degrees of pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants get into the atmosphere and modify the character of the ozone layer. This leads to a situation where the ozone layer traps the reflection and release of heat from the earth into space. Due to this, the temperature in the world becomes high and this affects the balance in the natural environment. These two inherent weaknesses present compelling case for the introduction of a new and more efficient method of satisfying the energy needs. Research Framework This paper explores the research question: Are alternative energy sources the answer to ending human dependence on oil? In answering this research question, the writer will address the following objectives: 1. A critical analysis of alternative energy sources. 2. A comparison of the alternative energy sources to oil. 3. An evaluation of how appropriately the alternative energy sources could be used in lieu of oil. Alternative Energy Sources Turk and Bensel (2011 p252) identify a paradox relating to the dangers of using fossil fuels and oil. They state that: â€Å"Can the global society make the massive shift to using windmills, solar panels and other renewable

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Age of Reason Essay -- Enlightenment

An Age of Reason â€Å"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.† This brief quotation was spoken by the famous writer and philosopher Voltaire; I believe it vaguely points out that some people are full of absurd ideas, and for others to follow such nonsense is foolish. The quote is just a taste of Voltaire’s wisdom and knowledge of the world, during the Age of Reason. The Age of Reason or The Enlightenment is defined as a change in not just a way of thinking, but an establishment of values and rational actions. â€Å"Based on Immanuel Kant’s essay â€Å"What is Enlightenment?† it is the freedom to use one's own intelligence (Strathern 63). Enlightenment thinkers believed in the powers of humankind and saw themselves as part of a revolutionary development in history that would replace superstition and tired rituals and corrupt traditions with reason and productive energy. However, intelligence and freedom two words that express what I bel ieve to be the main ideas of the Enlightenment and such ideas were recognized through two significant people Voltaire and Jefferson. To begin, the first figure of the Enlightenment would be Francois Marie Arouet aka: Voltaire. He was born in Paris, and he was known as one of the greatest writers and philosophers for the French. However, the French during his time period did not wish it so, because Voltaire had a passion for philosophical rationalism and this passion was fueled after he was exiled from France and went to England. Previous the exile, he was also locked in the Bastille for insulting a French noble-man. Voltaire was a man of sharp wit and high valued opinions, because of this trait he often got into trouble. However, it was because of this trait and a p... ... was a complex movement, that is recognized in today’s world perspective as the source of our modern secular worldview; form our ideas of religious toleration, individual liberty and free speech to the practices of our representative government, and unregulated profitable development. Works Cited 1. Brians, Paul. The Enlightenment. Washington State University, 2000. Web. 2. Coates, Robert Eyler. Thomas Jefferson on Politics & Government. Jefferson Parish, LA: University of Virginia, 1995. Web. 3. Gray, John. Voltaire: The Great Philosophers. New York: Routledge, 1999. Print. 4. Strathern, Paul. Kant in 90 Minutes. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 1996. Print. 5. Staloff, Darren. Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson: The politics of the Enlightenment And The American Founding. New York: Hill and Wang. 2005. Print.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Socrates vs Thrasymachus

Any argument relies upon some fundamental agreement about the issue being discussed. However great the divide in opinion may be, there must exist at least some similarity in the participants’ manner of viewing the issue if a solution is ever to be reached. Book One of Plato’s Republic features a disagreement between Socrates and Thrasymachus about the nature of justice. The disaccord between their views of the subject is extremely pronounced, but there are certain underlying agreements which guide the course of the debate.One way to evaluate the validity of the arguments involved is to examine whether the assumptions at the root of the argument are in accord with this common ground. By my reading of the dialogue, Socrates’ reply to the first part of Thrasymachus’ definition of justice rests safely upon this common ground, whereas his answer to Thrasymachus’ second definition moves away from this mutually acceptable base, and is injured as a result. In exploring this topic, I intend to examine briefly Thrasymachus’ two-part definition of justice.For each of these parts I will evaluate one Socratic response and discuss it from the perspective of the â€Å"craftsman analogy† – an analogy which is initially used by common consent, but which Socrates adapts until its original usage almost disappears. Thrasymachus’ first definition of justice is easy to state, but it is not so immediately clear how it is to be interpreted. Justice, he claims, is the advantage of the stronger. On its own, such a sentence could imply that what is beneficial to the stronger is just for and therefore, beneficial to the weaker, and Socrates accordingly asks whether this understanding is accurate.Thrasymachus promptly responds in the negative. The interpretation he proceeds to expound upon can be summed up by adapting slightly his original definition: justice is that which obtains the advantage of the stronger. To support this definition, he points to the example of ruling a city. Any ruling class will fashion the laws of the commonwealth with a view to its own benefit, he asserts. Since it is just to obey the law, those who behave justly will be acting for the advantage of the rulers (whom Thrasymachus interchangeably terms â€Å"the stronger†).Socrates makes his first objection at this moment, but I will treat this here only incidentally: merely insofar as it allows us to see why Thrasymachus introduces the craftsman analogy. Socrates objects that rulers are, as humans, bound to make mistakes – to confuse their disadvantage with their advantage on occasion. In this case just obedience to laws would work to the ruler’s disadvantage. Thrasymachus responds promptly, saying that a man who makes a mistake in ruling is not at that moment a ruler in the strict sense, and introduces the craftsman analogy to support this idea.Insofar as a man is a craftsman, he will not make any mistakes; mi stakes are rooted in ignorance, and so can only occur when a man’s knowledge of his craft is incomplete. The quandary which Socrates introduces is thus avoided by Thrasymachus’ qualification that errors are never made by rulers as rulers. Though the analogy works at first to Thrasymachus’ advantage, Socrates promptly turns it against him in a new objection. All arts, he asserts, are exercised with a view to the benefit of the subject rather than to the benefit of the artisan.The doctor employs his medical art for the betterment of the patient, the pilot navigates for the safety of the ship and the sailors, and so forth. Like Thrasymachus, he identifies ruling as an art, and claims that ruling also is exercised with a view to the subjects’ benefit. Throughout the argument, Thrasymachus passively assents to Socrates’ individual points. But as we shall see later, he rejects the conclusion drawn from these. From an objective viewpoint, one immediately questionable aspect of this argument is Socrates’ idea that ruling is an art in the same sense that medicine and navigation are arts.Despite its potential weakness however, Socrates’ use of the analogy is the one part of the argument which Thrasymachus cannot question without bringing Socrates’ first objection once again into dispute. Thus this definition of ruling forms some part of the common ground I have previously mentioned. Although an objection such as this may affect the objective validity of the argument, it is important to keep in mind the fact that Socrates is not attempting to create an incontestable definition of justice at this point.He is merely answering an invalid argument by demonstrating its weaknesses in terms which correspond to Thrasymachus’ perspective. Agitated by Socrates’ line of reasoning, Thrasymachus proceeds to blurt out a revised version of his original statement. Thrasymachus claims that injustice is freer and strong er than justice and that it results in a happier life. As in the former definition, he does not consider so much what justice is as what it does; he rates the subject in regards to its advantageousness or lack thereof. Essentially, this definition is an extreme extension of the previous one.Also, the example he uses for support – that of a tyrant made powerful and thus happy through injustice – hearkens back to his initial definition as ruling being the advantage of the stronger. It is clear that Thrasymachus has not been convinced by Socrates’ last argument, despite his apparent agreement with Socrates’ points. He is arguing in different terms, but in actual substance this new development is little more than a bare contradiction of Socrates’ previous argument. He still supposes that the unjust will have the advantage, and does no more than give new evidence to support this view.He essentially declares: â€Å"You say that the proper ruler will con sider the benefit of his subjects and thus act justly. I say that injustice leads to a happy life and that craftsmen do aim at their own advantage. † Whereas the weaknesses in Socrates’ previously discussed arguments are more or less excusable, there are several factors in his next argument which make it very controversial. In opening this argument, Socrates asks whether a just man will want to overreach and surpass other just men. The two debaters agree that a just man will deem it proper to surpass the unjust man, but that he will not want to surpass his fellow just man.The unjust man, on the other hand, will want to surpass and get the better of everyone. Now Socrates proceeds to use the craftsman analogy to illustrate his case. With this case Socrates attempts to prove that those who try to overreach their â€Å"like† are bad craftsmen. Returning to the specific example of the doctor, he observes that a medical man will not endeavor to outdo another physician , but will want to outdo the non-physician. One flaw seems to appear at this point in the argument. Socrates, it would seem, has left no place in this for simple ambition here.If the first half of this analogy is true, there is no room for an artist to advance and improve his craft in a just manner, because unless he is unjust, he will not have any ambition to surpass his fellow artists. However this can be answered by a glance back at Thrasymachus’ concept of the artisan â€Å"in the strict sense. † No one is an artisan insofar as he is in error, so the true artist will be unable to surpass another true artist: ideally, the artist, insofar as he is an artist, will already exercise his art faultlessly.Socrates completes this argument by saying that the one who tries to overreach the artist can not have true knowledge of the craft. In other words, true artists will be able to identify one another and to recognize the impossibility of surpassing each other. Since the one who wants to surpass everyone in a specific art must not be an artisan, he is ignorant of this art. Thus, Socrates claims, the unjust man is really ignorant and therefore weak and bad. There is a marked distinction between this use of the craftsman analogy and former uses. Previously the analogy was used in reference to the â€Å"craft† of ruling.This was legitimate in the context primarily because Thrasymachus agreed to this use. Now however, the subject of the analogy is not ruling, but justice. Thrasymachus never explicitly agrees to this switch, and thus when it is made, the analogy no longer rests safely upon the common ground. It is no longer an example accepted by both parties and so its sole justification would have to rest on an objective view of the argument. So we have another important question to examine. That is, can justice be rightly considered a craft? Even if it can in a vague sense, would it be properly analogous to other crafts like medicine or navigation ?There are reasons to support a negative answer to this query. For one thing, it could be argued that justice is more a manner of acting, rather than a craft in its own right. Whereas it is nonsensical to say that one can, for example, read a book medicinally, or in a navigating manner (except perhaps as a figure of speech), one can exercise a craft or perform any action either justly or unjustly. Justice is more easily considered a measure of how well an action is performed than the action itself. The most important thing to note here is that Socrates has moved away from the common ground which has previously supported the argument.Before, the question of whether Socrates’ examples are objectively valid was not so crucial from one viewpoint. As long as Socrates was trying to demonstrate the illogicalities within Thrasymachus’ position, there was much to gain from arguments based on Thrasymachus’ premises, whether the premises were true or not. For this last arg ument, however, Socrates does not base his argument on these guides, but preserves the form of the craftsman analogy while changing it substantially. Thus this particular argument suffers and is at least of questionable efficacy.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Chinese Room Scenario by John R. Searle Essay - 531 Words

Chinese Room Scenario by John R. Searle Through the use of his famous Chinese room scenario, John R. Searle tries to prove there is no way artificial intelligence can exist. This means that machines do not posses minds. The debate between those who are in favor of strong and weak artificial intelligence (AI) is directly related to the philosophy of mind. The claim of weak AI is that it is possible to run a program on a machine, which will behave as if it were a thinking thing. Believers of strong AI say that it is possible to create a program running on a machine which not only behaves as if it were thinking, but does actually think. Strong AI followers argue that an installation of a computer program is considered a mind as real†¦show more content†¦Searle remarks that this choice of program is not directly relevant to his argument, but is merely an example. He then suggests that instead of running the program on a machine, that it can be represented as a series of written instructions that he could follow. To make sure he is following the instructions, everything is expressed in Chinese, since Searle did not know the language. The complete situation has Searle in a room where Chinese symbols are passed through one slot of the room along with English instructions on how to read them. He then computes them and passes out the meanings through the second slot in the room. Searle’s actions resemble Schanks program. The input is the Chinese and instructions, and the output is the translated story. Since he is the installation of the computer program, it shows the reader how other installations, such as a program running on a machine, must lack the same understanding of Chinese and of the stories as he does. The Chinese room offers a good starting point for thinking about the claims of strong AI, but it does not completely prove they are false. It is not at all surprising that Searle running the program does not show understanding of Chinese since the program, in any of its installations, never seems to understand it in the first place. The program was only a simple story, which could give answers to certain questions, but also made no attempt to everShow MoreRelatedMinds, Brains, and Science by John R. Searle1815 Words   |  7 Pagesexplored by John R. Searle, in his book titled, Minds, Brains, and Science. The author is a renowned American philosopher, particularly in the philosophy of language and mind, and is currently teaching at the University of California, in Berkeley (â€Å"John R. Searle,† 2014). Searle earned his Ph.D. in philosophy at Oxford, and has made several contributions to his field on topics, such as consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the problem of free will (â€Å"John R. Searle,† 2014). His â€Å"Chinese Room† experimentRead MoreCan Computers Think? Essay1414 Words   |  6 Pages2004). 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