Knowledge and Plato Essay

Plato is one of the most important founding figures in Western philosophy and has had an impact on nearly every philosopher from all time periods. Alongside his mentor Socrates and his student Aristotle, Plato created some of the most significant works in philosophy; ultimately building the framework for western philosophic education. The dialogues of his works are wide ranging, from focuses on life and reality beyond what we see and hear, and subjects as practical rules, laws, education and punishment. Historians believe that Plato was born between 427 and 429 BC in Athens, Greece. Born in to an aristocratic family, Plato was involved in politics from an early age; however, he did not stay on the traditional political path for long. In Plato’s work The Republic, his ideas were to transform and improve political life, as he knew there was no escaping it. As the result of an early failure, Plato came to the conclusion that political action would not stop violence and greed, which is what changed his philosophic approach. It is believed that Plato met his mentor, Socrates, in his youth and his education under Socrates shaped his ideas about the world. Socrates played a role in almost all of Plato’s works and was a robust influence in Plato’s life and ideas. Plato was a believer in the importance of ethics and true self-introspection. In many of his writings, he references the importance of self-reflection; â€Å"First and best victory is to conquer self, to be conquered by self is, of all things, the most shameful and objectionable. †1 Plato was also passionate about music and its importance in education. He stated, â€Å"I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning. † 2 Many of Plato’s later works were profoundly influenced by the idea of the soul and the concept of dualism, meaning the separation of the mind and the body. 3 He believed that the real reality is not what we see or what we hear but is something that subsists in a higher realm beyond our day to day life. Many of his ideas on the soul influence a multitude of religions today as he believed that a human’s soul is immortal and that the soul is separate from our physical being. In 387 BC Plato founded what is credited as the first European university, The Academy, in Athens, Greece. The Academy focused on subjects such as astronomy, biology, mathematics, political theory, and philosophy. While at the Academy, Plato wrote many of his most significant works, including The Republic. 4 Plato spent his time at The Academy encouraging students to learn through discussion in order to become freethinkers. Plato even felt that his works and dialogues should be used more as supplementary aids and that no one should rely solely on what they read in a book or dialogue. Plato’s dialogues are used to this day to aid in the teaching of subjects ranging from philosophy to math. Plato’s out of the box thinking will continue to be thought provoking and influential for thousands of years to come. Many of his idealisms are still taking place in teachings and the living of every day life. His diverse subjects and desire for equality will continue to bring positive motivation to those study his works. Bibliography Cooper, John M. , and D. S. Hutchinson. Complete works. Indianapolis, Ind. : Hackett Pub. , 1997. Hunt, Lynn , Thomas Martin, Barbara Rosenwein, and Bonnie Smith. â€Å"From the Classical to the Hellenistic World. † In The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 114-115. Richard, Kraut. â€Å"Plato (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). † Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/plato/#PlaCenDoc (accessed September 23, 2013).

Social interactionism: an introduction, an interpretation, an integration Essay

A theory is a coherent group of general propositions that are tested, regarded as correct and can be used as principles (Thomas, 2012: p243). Through the study of sociology and other disciplines, different theories have been developed. These theories are developed with an aim of explaining different facts and events experienced by human beings. Some of the proved theories include interactions theory, labeling theory, structural functionalism theory, moral panic theory, conflict theory among others. Interactionism theory refers to the ways people approach questions relating to social cognition (Partington, 2009:p.91). It provides the basis of how one person understands the other. It focuses on environmental contexts and body behaviors rather than mental processes. It brings an argument against two different contemporary approaches that are the simulation theory and theory (TT). Social interactionism theory explains language development emphasizing on the role of social interaction between linguistically knowledgeable adults and a developing child (Leeman, 2008:p.37). It is largely based on socio-cultural theories invented by soviet psychologist. There are other theories closely linked with interactionism theory. Such theories include Labeling theory, Moral panic theory, structural functionalism theory, conflict theory among others. This paper critically explores and analyses interactionist theories of crime and deviance. It gives a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the theories. Labeling theory, moral panics, structural functioning and conflict theories are also analyzed. The whole report introduces different theories, how they are developed, merits and demerits, and how they are related to human living. Interactionism theory                Interactionists study the impacts that theories such as labeling have on people (Yang, 2007:p.1525). They are critical theories of right wing such as the right realism, new right, and functionalism. They claim that social control agents, such as police, are fair, unbiased and just. Though the study conducted by Cicourel shows how these agents like police hold typifications leading to prophecy of self fulfilling. Interactionism theory opposes theories of social structure held by theories of Right Wing. It has a belief that it gets free will instead of having a passive reaction to the society. It is believed that people stops interpreting a situation even before choosing which action to take. Sociologically, interactionism being a theoretical perspective derives social processes like cooperation, conflict, and identity formation from human interaction (Nisbett, 2012:p.109). It gives a study of how people act within the society. For the last half of the 21st century, interactionism theory has become the most sociological perspective dominant in the world. Its development has been facilitated by an advocate of subjectivity of social reality and pragmatism, George Herbert Mead. Later, Herbert Blumer reviewed Mead’s work and invented symbolic interactionism theory. Interactionism has been subdivided into phenomenology, social action, ethnomethodology, symbolic interactionism, and social constructionism (Manzon, 2007:p3). Interactions                Interactionism is micro-sociological in nature. It has a belief that any meaning is obtained through individual interactions. Social interaction refers to a face-to-face process comprising of reactions, actions, and mutual adaptation existing between individuals (Gallagher, 2010:p.441). The aim of social interaction is to facilitate communication between different people. Control is an important tool in the interaction process. During interaction, one must try to control the behavior of other people. This is important as it facilitates acquiring of information one is seeking and controls one’s own image. â€Å"Presentation of self† and â€Å"social role† is the most important concept in the field of interactionism. Interactionists are interested in understanding individuals and their actions within the society (Farral, 2012: p.392). They do not agree with class as an issue they reject the notion of generalizing that people from one social class thinks the same. They have a belief that every person has different values, attitudes, culture and beliefs. They reject structuralism methods preferred by structuralisms on statistical data. These rejected methods include; structured interviews, experiments, questionnaires, secondary sources and non-participant observation (Preacher, 2007:p.188). They criticize that; statistical data is ‘invalid’. They say that statistical data do not provide people with true societal picture on the topic under research. Secondly, they criticize that the research is not objective as it is biased. They argue that the research is biased because of the hypothesis of a pre-set conclusion (Rosenhan, 2009: p.213). They advocate for several methods to contrast structuralism methods such as, unstructured interviews, overt participant observation, and covert participant observation. They also give a historical analysis, personal and public documents through content analysis. Interactionists criticize that data provided are not reliable. This is because sociological research and information cannot be contrasted or compared. Despite their criticisms, interactionism methods are not flexible. Lack of hypotheses shows that a sociologist is not required giving an attempt of proving a theory or dogma; instead they work on what they discover. This results to unreliable information as the sociologist is not allowed to have any assumption concerning the society. Research has also shown that interactions such as socialization affects and alters human behavior (Pr eacher,2008:p.879). This theory links us to other theories such as Neo-Marxism and pluralism. Pluralism                It is a theory with an idea that public gets what they want. It has a notion that people’s lives offer choices such as representative democracy. Consumer choice is an idea that means each has the ability as a consumer to change any life aspect if he/she wishes to do so (Gala, 2008: p.273). According to pluralism theory, reflection of the values, norms, and beliefs of the majority exists. Interactionism theory exists in different forms that are social and symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism                It emphasizes on the micro-processes by which people construct identities, meanings, and joint acts (Anderson, 2009:p.373). It accentuates how interaction, symbols, and human agency serve as the cornerstone of people’s social life. This theory is a sociological perspective with many influential areas of the discipline. It is mostly significant in social psychology and micro sociology. It is a product of two key theorists, Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead. Basic approach and premises                Symbolic interactionism has been used as a label in a distinctive relative approach to the study of human conduct and human life. It has made reality be seen as a social interaction developed with others. Symbolic Interactionists believe that physical reality exists through an individual’s social definitions (Aram, 2009:p.98). The theory has proved that people do not respond directly to the reality but rather to the understanding of social reality. Human beings therefore, exist in three a social reality, physical reality, and a unique reality (Becker, 2009:p.29). Physical reality comprises of natural facts and material necessities. Unique reality shows a person’s ability to view things in a new way, do something unique, or make a unique discovery. Lastly, social reality shows that a person has a socialized world conception such as economic structure and gender role. The theory has proved that both the society and individuals are two inseparable items. They are created through social interaction, and none can be understood in the absence of the other (Ritzer, 2010p.896). Central ideas behind symbolic interactionism                A person has to be understood as a social being. Constant search in the social interaction contributes to how human beings behave. Symbolic interactionism does not focus on the personality of a person or how society causes human behavior. Its focus is based on the activities taking place between actors (Charon, 2009: p.210). Individuals and society are both created through interaction. Social interaction serves as the central point of what a person does. A person has to be understood as a thinking being. Action of a human being is both an interaction among the individual and within the individual. Human ideas, attitudes or values are not as important as the constant active thinking process undergoing in a human being. The theory states that if a person wants to understand something, he or she must focus on thinking. A person does not sense his or her environment directly, but define his or her current situation. Even though the environment exists, what is important is how a person defines it. The definition does not happen randomly, but it is as a result of ongoing thinking and social interaction (Manzon, 2012: p.637). Human action is caused by the results of what is occurring in today’s life. It results from the present thinking, social interaction, definition, and present definition (Ferback, 2011: p.677). These present activities lead to actions and not the past experience. Experience enters primarily to the present actions as we think about it and use it to define the present situation. Human beings are known to be active as far as their environment is concerned. In symbolic interaction, a human being is not described using words such as conditioning, controlled, responding, formed, and imprisoned. Social-scientific perspectives describe human beings as active in what they do, but not passive to their surroundings (Athens, 2013: p.408). Central interactions principles Human agency                It is a principle that puts more emphasis on willful, active, goal seeking character of human actors (cousins, 2008:p.151). The emphasis of this principle focuses on the attention of those events, actions and social life moments. These agentic actions of a human agency are known to be palpable. Interactive determination                It is a principle that specifies understanding focal analysis of the objects (Partington, 2009: p.366). It specifies the analysis whether they are identities, self-concepts, practices, roles, or even social movement. This means that the society, individual, self, or others exist only when related to each other thus they are fully understood through their interaction. Symbolization                It highlights the processes by which conditions and events, people, artifacts and other environmental characteristics with certain meanings become objects of orientation. A person’s behavior is contingent partly on the meaning and symbolization of the object of orientation (Preacher, 2010:p.407). Emergence                Its focus is on the attention of the non habituated and procession side of life. It focuses not only the texture and organization of social life, but also the associated feelings and meaning (Rouger, 2009: p.261). It emphasizes on the possibility of new forms of system meaning and social life together with the existing transformations. Criticisms                Symbolic interactionism has always been criticized because of being over impressionistic in their methods of research. They have also been criticized for their theories being unsystematic. Critics argue that symbolic interactionism is not a single theory (Anderson, 2009: p.489). However, it operates as a framework of many theories. Some prominent theorists criticize the theory due to lack of testability which creates a problem when using the theory. These problems made the interactionism theory camp are relegated to a minority position in the field of sociologists. Frame work and theories                Some of its critiques are based on the fact that it is assumed to be a theory, but it does not have a good basis of a theory. Its framework is too general and broad that creates a problem when theorists are seeking a theory. According to Stryker (2003: p.123), symbolic interaction is not a theory but rather a theoretical framework. Social structure                It is a theory that is always connected and related to social structure. The study suggests that it is used in constructing social reality of people (Ritzer, 2010:p.837). There exist many factors and aspects that surround symbolic interactionism theory. These aspects include critical issues of sociology and methodological criticisms. Strengths of interactionism’ theory                Interactionist theory is mostly based on the work of George Herbert an American psychologist and a philosopher. It takes an assumption that people learn how to react and act to different circumstances concerning their societal interactions. It attributes cooperation, conflict and identity beliefs of how people perceive others around them. It is attributed to the following strengths/ advantages. For teachers                It suggests that learners within similar cultural settings view many ideas in the same way. Teachers apply this similarity as a benefit when planning for a lesson. Through the use of different ways of giving instruction instead of books, teachers are able to incorporate culture and society in the classrooms (Denzin, 2012:p.121). It helps students to retain the content as the materials used by the students are more appealing due to their similarities. Modeling                The theory indicates that learning happens with more ease if learners are subjected to constant demonstration of the content they are to learn (Kinney, 2010: p.896). These demonstrations are conflict resolution, speech and perceptions. It suggests that a learner in a class of foreign language has an advantage of learning materials if there is a consistent repetition of the language. Generational consistency                Learning through association takes place on cultural generations where younger members emulate their elders. This is a benefit of interactionism theory. It helps in maintaining dialects, cultural traditions and ways of life (Preacher, 2010:p.916). Using this theory, children are able to learn how to speak from their parents and grandparents. Ability to change                The theory bases the ability of people to learn from their surrounding and culture. The advantage behind this idea is that all people are responsible of their own abilities. The theory states that people acquire knowledge through observation (Newburn, 2010:p.310). It suggests that everyone who wishes to become intelligent, he or she should move to areas with more people who are academically minded and interact with them. Weakness of interactionism theory                This theory is based on the principles and assumptions of symbolic interactionism. These assumptions include the meaning obtained when people interact with others. People responds to things and to other people according to the meanings attached to them (Denzin, 2012: p.369). The problem of this theory is that it is unable to explain where people obtain the meaning of these symbols. Another weakness is that the theory emphasizes more on symbols that may be interpreted wrongly or differently. Labeling theory                It is a theory indicating how individual’s behavior and self-identity may be influenced or determined by the terms used to classify or describe them (Reeves, 2009: p.631). It is a theory associated with concepts of stereotyping and self-fulfilling prophecy. It emphasizes that deviance is not inherent to an act. Its focus is based on the way people label others from their standards of cultural norms. Some developments concerning the theory have been made since 1970s. Terms applied in this theory are related to disability, deviance or diagnosis of mental disorder has been rejected. This theory is closely related to symbolic-interaction and social-construction analysis. Mostly, this theory concerns itself, not with roles that are normal and defines people’s lives, but with special roles provided by the society for stigmatic roles, deviant roles, or social stigma (Bernburg, 2010:p.68). Social roles refer to set expectations people have about a certain behavior. They are necessary for the functioning of any organization or a society. Researchers found that roles that are deviant affect how people perceive the ones assigned those roles. They also have an impact of on how the deviant actor sees himself and how he is related to the society. Moral panics                This refers to an intense feeling that is expressed in a population concerning an issue appearing to threaten the normal social order (Critcher, 2009: p.17). Study shows that it occurs when episode, person, condition or group of people is defined as a threat to interests and societal values. In reality, they are the controversies involving social tension and arguments where disagreement becomes difficult as its center matter is a taboo. Moral panics are associated with several distinct characteristics. The first is a concern which states that awareness must be made indicating that the group’s behavior has negative effects to the society. Hostility This indicates that the hostility of the group in question increases resulting to a clear division. Consensus Though the concern in moral panics does not have to be widespread, a nationwide acceptance of the group in question is required as it gives a real threat to society. Volatility                They are highly volatile indicating that their chances of disappearing are very high. This is due to a wane in the news report or public interests changing to a different topic. Structural-functionalism theory                It refers to a framework used in constructing a theory that perceives society being a complex system combining work together to promote stability and solidarity (Danaldson, 2009: p.1). It is an approach that views society in a macro-level orientation. This gives a broad focus relating to social structures that shape the whole society believing that it evolved like organisms. It is an approach that examines both social functions and social structure. It addresses the role of society’s constituent elements as a whole which include customs, norms, traditions, and institutions. The theory was intended to give a description of a level in the social science methodological development, but not a specified school of thought. Its approach is a macro sociological analysis which focuses broadly on social structures shaping the whole society. Conflict theory                It is a sociological perspective that emphasizes on political, social, or material inequality of a given social group (Dutton, 2010: p.680).They draw attention relating to power differentials such as class conflict, and it is used to give a general contrast concerning dominant historical ideologies. It analyzes the society at the macro-level like structural functionalism. It is a set out theory for highlighting inherent ideological aspects that are inherent in traditional thought. Conclusively, different theories have given different causes of artifacts and events. Among the discussed theories in the essay, interactionism theory appears to be the most wide and broad form of theory. These theories have been viewed by different sociologists where some are recommended, and others criticized. Interactionism is the most criticized the theory as a result of its weaknesses in providing reliable information. This theory has also been attributed to some advantages that are beneficial to both the teacher and learners. Sustaining cultural norms and traditions has also been facilitated by development of theories. Theories should be made clear and precise to avoid creating confusions to the members of the society. References Thomas, M. (2011).The autonomy myth: a theory of dependency. New York: New Press. Partington, R. (2009). An introduction to interactionsm theory.Cullompton, Devon, UK: WillanPub. Leeman, K. (2010). Theory of knowledge. Boulder: Westview Press. Ritzer, G., & Nibset, J. (2010).Modern sociological theory (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Manson, R. (2009). Social theory: continuity and confrontation : a reader. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press. Gallagher, J. (2009). Social interactionism: an introduction, an interpretation, an integration. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. Farrall, M. L. (2012). Reading Assessment Linking Language, Literacy, and Cognition..Chichester: Wiley. Preacher, C. (2013). The social interactinism impacts of socialization on human beings, Surrey, England: Ashgate. Anderson, N. (2009). Blue-ribbon papers behind the professional mask : the autobiographies of leading symbolic interactionists. Bingley, U.K.: Emerald. Aram, E. (2009). Adaptation and innovation theory, design and role-taking in group relations conferences and their applications.. London: Karnac Ritzer, G., & Publications, i. (2009).Encyclopedia of social theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Athens, L., &Denzin, N. K. (2013).Radical Interactionism on the Rise. Bradford: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Reynolds, L. T., & Kinney, N. J. (2010).Handbook of symbolic interactionism. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. Reeves, E. (2009).introduction to labeling theory. Los Angeles: Sage. Critcher, W. F. (2009). Moral panics and the copyright wars. New York: Oxford University Press. Danaldson, D. (2009). Structural functionalism theory. . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Dutton, D. (2010). Reading Assessment conflict theory, causes, and impacts..Chichester: Wiley. Source document

Family Presence Article Critique

Family Presence Article Critique Inez Robbins Liberty University November 26, 2012 Abstract Family presence at the bedside during resuscitation is starting to become standard protocol in many emergency departments but research is limited in this area. The objective of the article reviewed is to explore the nurse’s perception of the benefit and/or harm to the family in a facility that has well established family presence protocols. The nurses’ perceptions of the effects on the family provide a positive influence on both the family members and the interdisciplinary team that is caring for the patient.The study confirmed long-term participation yields positive effects on the perception of family presence at the bedside during resuscitation in the emergency department. The nursing perception offers insight on the care and compassion towards the family in their critical time of need. Future nursing implications, future nursing research, and ethical implications are discussed , as there is a further need for education and research in these areas of professional nursing development. Key words: Family presence, resuscitation, nurse, perception.Family Presence Article Critique Review of Article A review of the Elinar Lowry, PhD, RN’s article â€Å"It’s Just What We Do†: A Qualitative Study of Emergency Nurses Working with Well-Established Family Presence Protocol published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing volume 38, number four in July of 2012 aims to describe the benefits and harm to patients family members who were present during patient resuscitation based on the perceptions of nurses whom work within a facility with an established family presence protocol.The article describes a study performed in which fourteen emergency room nurses’ perception of their experiences with family presence during resuscitation is documented. The facility in which all fourteen nurses were employed had a family presence protocol since 1992 (Low ry, 2012). There were pointed open-ended questions asked. These questions were meant to allow the nurses to elaborate on experiences that were both positive and negative. The results of the study found that nurses perceived there were benefits experienced by the family in several ways (Lowry, 2012).Some of these were: family was able to see the evolution of events or the patient’s progress during the resuscitation. The family was also able to confirm the effort used to save their loved one. Lastly, nurses confirmed that they felt the families appreciated that everything possible was done to save their family member. There was no perception of harm done to the family through observation of resuscitative measures (Lowry, 2012). Future Nursing Practice Implications of this study for future nursing practice suggest that long-term participation is directly related to acceptance of family presence by nursing.This information is encouraging for nurses whom wish to write and establis h family presence protocols within their facilities (Lowry, 2012). Care should be taken to identify and educate on tolerance of family member behaviors. Family presence protocols should also include limitations for the number of family members allowed at the bedside during resuscitative measures so that the staff members feel secure and comfortable with family presence practices (Lowry, 2012).Future Nursing Research Implications for future nursing research related to family presence should include family members who take part in family presence. All staff members should be surveyed to conclude the overall cultural belief on family presence (Lowry, 2012). Other potential topics for studies include: the right time to request the family’s presence, how to integrate new hire nurses into a potentially unfamiliar family presence protocol or practice (Lowry, 2012). Ethical IssuesAll of the nurses interviewed during this study held that family presence during resuscitation was the et hically right thing. Some of the nurses reported feelings of personal anguish at the family members grieving their loved ones. They also describe compassionate care to those family members (Lowry, 2012). References Lowry, E. (2012). â€Å"It’s just what we do†: A qualitative study of emergency nurses working with well-established family presence protocol. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 38(4). 329-334. doi:10. 106/j. jen. 2010. 12. 016

IT Solutions Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

IT Solutions - Research Paper Example The engineers of the contractor firm generate hard copies of inspection requests to the consultant firm mentioning the time of inspection. The firms are working on a very large construction project, so everyday, hundreds of inspection requests are generated. The consultant firm’s manager assigns individual consultants to specific inspection requests. Lately, the consultants have been missing out the inspection requests, and because of the consequential delays of work, the contractor is incurring undue costs. Upon asking, the consultant’s representative said that they have not been receiving the inspection requests timely. It remains unresolved whether the contractor’s engineers are not generating the inspection requests on time, or the consultants are rationalizing for their laziness. Causes of the Problem The cause of this problem between the contractor firm and the consultant firm is the fact that inspection requests are generate in hard copies. It not only inc urs the contractor firm a lot of cost to generate so many inspection requests on daily basis, but is also a huge waste to manage for the consultant firm once the requests have been received. ... Effects of the Problem The effects of the current practice are substantially bad both for the contractor firm and the consultant firm. On one hand, the contractor firm is bearing a lot of direct and indirect cost of generating the inspection requests. On the other hand, the consultant firm has a huge waste to manage on daily basis. The consultant firm is also not getting the inspection requests in time, as a result of which, a blame-game has started between the consultant firm and the contractor firm, which is very bad for the relations between both the parties. In conventional practice, the contractor firms tend to maintain very good relations with the consultant firms so that the latter approves the requests of the former on time, and accordingly, the contractor firm gets paid by the client on time. As a result of this situation, both firms are losing credibility in the client’s eye, and are also ruining their relationship. Solution 1 There are several possible solutions for this problem, the most important and cost-effective amongst which is changing the inspection requests from the hard copy form to the soft copy form. The inspection requests can be generated via email. Advantages A potential advantage of changing the form of inspection requests is that there is a record for every request that has been generated. While the hard copy might get replaced or go missing any time, the soft copy can always be retrieved from the previously sent emails’ list at a later point in time. Presence of the record of every inspection request, the time and date at which it was generated, and its content make it easy for everybody to locate the source of problem. Inspection requests generated via email are delivered

The French Revolution Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The French Revolution - Research Proposal Example This is to ensure that there is a complete understanding of both the long term as well as the immediate causes of the Revolution which will be analysed together with the events that took place afterwards to come up with conclusive results. There is a large amount of literature that has been written concerning the French Revolution, which can be considered to be most insightful concerning the complex events that took place before and during the revolution (Furret, 3; Nygaard, 434). Most of the literature that will be used in this research will be secondary sources, since the said literature has the advantage of viewing the events of the French Revolution from the impartial perspective of those authors who have the facts about it as well as its aftermath in hand (Hanson, 7). The secondary sources that have been identified as the most suitable for use in this study include the

How does changing the ways in which we connect to others offer us new, Essay

How does changing the ways in which we connect to others offer us new, positive possibilities How does it affect us negatively - Essay Example There are plenty of ways to connect nowadays, though the old traditional one is coming face to face for a conversation – it enables the fullest effect and the most genuine emotions. However, it is often impossible because of the distance, lack of time or other factors. Nowadays, technologies offer the mankind a thousand options and opportunities – for work, shopping, entertainment and communication. One doesn’t need travel to another part of the country or even the world to see and talk to his/her relatives as it is now possible to call them on the phone, e-mail them or write on Facebook. Keeping in touch with friends is also much easier via social networking technologies, and prompt professional communications are guaranteed as cellphones, faxes and computers are always at your fingertips. In general, technology has been playing a significant role in our lives recently, and its importance continues to increase. Growing popularity of the World Wide Web make us mo re and more addicted to the new ways of communication and connecting to people. In fact, our entire social life beginning with childhood is now dominated by technological means of communication, which produces a complex and dubious effect on us. Technologies as new ways of connecting to people may either offer opportunities or impose difficulties on people, and this issue is considered in works of Sherry Turkle and Adam Gopnik. Adam Gopniks essay, â€Å"Bumping into Mr. Ravioli†, offers a look at the issue of overwhelming technologies, perpetual busyness caused by them and the state of suspension in communication between people. Turkle elaborates on related ideas in her book, â€Å"Alone Together† (the fragment of which was offered for reading), promoting the idea that technologies crowd our lives overwhelming us and making us tired of life they make possible. Thus, technological means of communication and connection to the outer world produce an ambiguous mixed effect on

Health Care Law (Obamacare) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health Care Law (Obamacare) - Essay Example This paper will critically evaluate the impact of the new health care law (Obamacare). It will recognize the advantages and disadvantages of the law and its significance in nursing practice. The new health care law influences the insurance market rules. It affects both the public and private health insurances. Individuals get private health insurance by buying directly or through the employer. The public health insurance consists of Medicare and Medicaid. The concept of grandfathering is utilized to imply that the existing insurance policies would not be affected by new market rules. The act removed lifetime caps in all plans; this is inclusive of the grandfathered plans for all important health benefits stated in the law. The annual limits for group coverage and individual plans purchased after March, 2010 are prohibited starting 2014 (Marcovici, 2013). The health reform act restricts the percentage of income that should be paid in respect to health insurance. In addition, it gives subsidies to help with the buying of the health insurance. Moreover, it gives cost-sharing help to restrict the out-of-pocket expenditures. The increased premium and choice help ensures that coverage is affordable and available to medium income Americans. The uninsured population of New York is expected to qualify in premium aid and constitute eighty seven percent (Gokhale, Erickson & Lawrence, 2011). The Obamacare gives Americans a chance to seek medical care early and have access to the physician consultation. This would ensure that the diseases are identified early enough and are cheap to treat. This will cut down the cost incurred in treatment diseases. When more people are insured then, the cost of health insurance premium is reduced because the risks and costs are spread in a large population. In regard to employment, the health reform will ensure that the workforce is healthy that will result to fewer hours lost in absence and hence more productivity.

The Customer Experience Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Customer Experience - Assignment Example These major banks are nationally operating banks with extensive branch and agency networks. Deregulation of the banking industry enabled them to compete more effectively with non bank financial institutions in many fields of financial services. Ethical product consumption trend: (add 20 words) Outline (add 20 words) 2. Background The co-operation bank and smile strategy in UK (their customer’s segmentation): The co-operation bank, whose roots date back to 1872, is a full service retail player in the UK commercial banking industry. The co-operation bank has 3 million customers accounts for comparison Barclay’s Bank is a major competitor with over 10 million current UK accounts. Smile is a part of Co?operative Bank, which was founded in 1872 as a part of the Co?operative Movement. The Co-operative Movement grows out of the revolution of industry to create a good means of distributing profits. In order to approach objectively to determine the success of any retail bank Cus tomer service strategies of that bank should be reviewed. A successful bank should be able to define and implement solutions to all the challenges at customer end. Here are the some essential positioning strategies presented to help you realize the needs of improving customer experience, leveraging cross-sell and up-sell opportunities and by promoting agent productivity and satisfaction in Banking Segment; Offering an inviting â€Å"Customer Door† By making more Effective use of customer data Handle calls more actively Use inbound marketing to reach the customers outside the branch Leverage demographic profile to establish customer intimacy Boost the productivity of your agents through interaction blending. The target country Australia segmentation: The main purpose of segmentation is to match the Bank’s offer to the customers’ needs. Precisely, customer segmentation is the process of defining who are your potential customers and group them regarding their requi rements, characteristics and/or behavior and their worth. Segmenting the Customers is a stepping key stone for a banks superior performance. The Australian banking industry indicates an oversupply of services as evidenced by reduced interest margins, falling interest revenue as well as moderate economies of scale amongst the major banks. Customer base segmentation is the established method for understanding customer requirements and needs as it enables an institution to reflect the homogenous groups within its customer community. Customer segmentation is an important part in the banking sector of Australia. In Australia various Segmentation factors such as customer-value, life stage, sophistication and geographic situation are all explored and the merits of each are analysed. The Research of private banking websites will show that they all speak of individual attention and tailored services. If some Australian private banks seek to better service their clients and to build their hig h reputed relationships, then there are two possible ways to be considered namely: genuinely tailored responsive service two-way client defined communication. For the cooperative bank the segmentation is being done on the basis of: Average annual gross income of the customers by age Rural and urban background of the customers Economical background of the customers Industrial setup of the customers Introduction of consumer behavior model: It is very simple to

Jean Tirole Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Jean Tirole - Essay Example Most of the economists frequently regard fiercely competitive markets as the public interest. When the producers in the said markets fight to earn a profit or gains, they are guided, as if by an invisible hand, in delivering high quality at the lowest cost possible. But most the industries are not competitive, and due to the lack of competition, there is the need for intervention the public’s interest. Competition policies and theories of regulation are aimed at providing useful scientific guidance in such interventions. Stigler George was awarded a Prize in Economic Sciences in 1982 â€Å"for his seminal studies in functioning of markets, industrial structures, and the causes and effects of public regulations†; however the study did not cater for the rapidly developing, revolutionary, industrial organization (IO) field. Jean Tirole is the best among the contributors to the analytical revolution; he has enhanced the understanding of the IO in general, and particularly the optimal policy interventions. The theoretical advancements, by Tirole, are in line with great public-policy interest, for example, in the 1980s and 1990s most of the countries pursued pro-competitive liberalization and regulatory reforms. The European Union (EU) came up with a single market; new issues sprung and could not be fruitfully analyzed with the existing theories, Stigler George, and others; the EU analysis required synchronization of the oligopoly theory contract theory, the principal-agent, with combination of industrial economics combined with public economics. Jean Tirole’s expertise covered all the above fields, hence was ideally positioned at making a lasting contribution (Tirole & Lerner, 2013). Tirole created a synchronized framework used in regulation and IO theory, based on a thorough analysis of information and strategic behavior economics. He consistently extracted his results from the fundamental

Case summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Case summary - Essay Example For instance, Paula can be unfamiliar with new bedding standard of the hotel. One more possible reason is that Paula finds it difficult to fit to this standard because it challenges her usual pace of work. Lisa does not consider these options at all; her evaluation of Paulas work seems to be too subjective. I believe that Lisa treats Paula differently from other housekeepers. According to her opinion, cleaning is physically hard and even younger employees â€Å"are challenged†. Despite Paulas high quality of work, Lisa speaks about Paulas age negatively. If I were a manager, I would not believe Lisa because her evaluation is discriminatory. All people have to be treated equally at work despite their age, sex, gender, religion etc. In order to make the right decision, I will check whether Paula really cannot meet the standard of the hotel. To resolve the issue, I would advise Lisa to talk with Paula about new bedding standards and her performance. As Paulas line manager, Lisa has to give her a constructive feedback about her performance. She has to mention both good and bad aspects of Paulas work to show that her contribution to the team is appreciated. Moreover, Lisa has to make sure that Paula is familiar with new bedding standard. If she finds it difficult to fit it, Lisa can offer her a training program. There are younger housekeepers who are also challenged by new bedding standard. They can join Paula and learn from her how to boost their quality of work. Younger employees can benefit from cooperation with Paula because she has a profound work experience and well-developed skills. At the same time, Paula can adapt to new norms quicker if she is assisted by someone from her team. It is obvious that there are some serious issue with team work between housekeepers. Paulas performance can get worse because she is treated as an outsider by her team. As the

American History - 12 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

American History - 12 - Essay Example †¢ The Civil Rights Act (1968) banned racial discrimination and desegregation. †¢ The Voting Rights Act (1965) banned discriminatory methods of denying suffrage to African Americans †¢ Medicare was created to offset the costs of health care for the nation's elderly. †¢The Fair Housing Act (1968) provided funds to construct low-income housing †¢ The Elementary and Secondary Education Act provided major funding for American public schools. †¢ The National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities used public money to fund artists and galleries. †¢ Congress tightened environmental controls with stronger Air and Water Quality Acts. †¢ Johnson secured several gains before Conservatives gained control of Congress. 2. _ Roe vs. Wade (1973) ______ †¢ Historic Supreme Court decision on abortion in the USA. †¢ Struck down an 1857 Texas statute that made abortion illegal except where the life of the mother was in danger. †¢ The Court ruled that the right to terminate a pregnancy is part of a woman's constitutional right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment. †¢ The State cannot regulate the right to abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. †¢ All abortions to be performed only by licensed physicians under medically safe conditions. †¢ In the second trimester abortions are subject to State regulations regarding qualifications and licenses of the physicians. †¢ In third trimester, abortions legal only to save the health and life of the mother. †¢ Rejected contention that life is present from conception. †¢ Defined the rights of the fetus as emerging when it can survive independently outside the womb.   †¢ Set the terms of the abortion debate for decades to come. 3. ____Equal Rights Amendment_____ †¢ Holds that â€Å"Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.† †¢ First proposed in Congress by the National Women's Party in 1923.   †¢ Approved by the House in 1970. †¢ Approved by the Senate in 1972. †¢ Opposed by social conservatives, such as Phyllis Schlafly, envisioning a threat to traditional family structure. †¢ Support spearheaded by the National Organization for Women. †¢ Ratified by thirty-five of the necessary thirty-eight states by 1977. †¢ Granted extension by Congress until June 30, 1982 †¢ Reintroduced in Congress in July 1982. †¢ The ERA is still not a part of the US constitution 4. __The Vietnam War________ †¢ Theater of the Cold War and the longest war in American history. †¢ US supports the anti-communist government of South Vietnam, led by the unpopular Ngo Dinh Diem. †¢ The communist Viet Cong, supported by the North’s Ho Chi Minh, unleashes guerilla war in the South. †¢ Diem is overthrown by a military coup in 1963, and assassinated with tacit US approval. †¢ The Gulf of Tonkin Re solution, passed in 1964, escalates the war and the involvement of US troops. †¢ Despite decades of hostilities, billions of dollars, and nearly 60,000 American casualties, the United States fails to achieve its objectives. †¢ Mounting casualties and media reports turn American public opinion decisively against the war †¢ The Paris Peace Accords of 1972 end the Vietnam War †¢ President Nixon signs a ceasefire in January 1973 that formally ends the hostilities. †¢ In 1975, Ho Chih Minh’s communist forces from the north overrun the south and unify the nation.   5. National Organiza

Lab Report Essay Example for Free

Lab Report Essay As part of my module Nip1002 I was required to perform a set of observational skills which included; pulse, blood pressure, respirations, hand washing and urinalysis and then compare them to previous results. In this lab report I am going to discuss blood pressure in detail. Procedure * Explain the procedure to the patient and gain consent * Wash hands thoroughly following the hand wash technique to prevent the transfer of bacteria * Clean equipment e.g. blood pressure cuff and stethoscope using antibacterial wipes * Ensure the patient is comfortable and has been resting for 10 minutes * Remove tight clothing and support the arm at heart level, overestimation or underestimation can occur if it is not at the appropriate level * Ensure you have the correct cuff size for the patient or this could give an inaccurate reading * Locate the brachial artery and apply the cuff * Estimate the systolic pressure by using the radial pulse and inflate the cuff until the pulse cannot be felt. This is important to provide an estimation and avoids error in reading. * To take the patient’s blood pressure use a stethoscope and place on the brachial artery pulse and inflate 20-30 mmHg higher than the estimated systolic pulse * Immediately release the pressure using the thumb valve at approximately 2mmHg per second. If it is deflated too rapidly you may not hear the sounds accurately * The systolic pressure is the level when clear tapping sounds first appear and the diastolic pressure is the level when the sounds disappear * Record the measurements on an observation chart and compare the previous results as this will allow changes in the patient’s condition to be monitored appropriately (see appendix 3) * Remove the cuff and explain the reading to the patient * Clean all equipment and wash hands again to prevent cross infection (Glasper, Richardson; McEwing, 2009, p.168 169) Discussion The heart is located in the centre of the chest and is protected by the rib cage. The heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. It then goes to the left atrium, to the left ventricle, to the ascending aorta and is pumped around the body. The superior and inferior vena cava delivers de-oxygenated blood to the right atrium from the body. (See appendix 1) It then goes to the right ventricle, pumps through to the pulmonary trunk to the right and left arteries and then to the lungs. (Tortora and Derrickson, 2011, Chapter20) Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels and this should be at a certain level to ensure that the body is functioning correctly. Blood pressure varies from person to person but the normal reading for a healthy adult is around 120/80. (BPA 2008) The top number is called systolic blood pressure and is the highest pressure attained in arteries during systole. The bottom number is called diastolic blood pressure and is the lowest arterial pressure attained during diastole. (Tortora and Derrickson, 2011, p.814) The blood pressure reading that I got on my patient was 120/90 this was slightly higher from the previous readings which were 90/50 and 90/60. Although this reading is slightly high I would not consider it to be a case of hypertension. Hypertension is when your blood pressure readings consistently show readings of 140/90 mmHg. (NHS, 2010) A persons chances of having hypertension are raised due to a number of factors; age, weight, family history and diet. Hypertension creates a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. ((Glasper, Richardson; McEwing, 2009, p.170) Reflection I am going to use Gibbs (Glasper; Richardson, 2011, p.xix) reflective cycle (see appendix 2) to analyse my reflection. I did a set of observations which included; pulse, respirations, blood pressure, hand washing and urinalysis. When I was doing the observations I was very nervous and I was aware that I was being evaluated which made me feel stressed. Overall I think I did well in the exam because I remembered all the steps and got it done in the time limit. I felt I could have done better if I wasn’t as nervous, as I feel this affected my skills technique. Looking back on the exam I think I was lacking in communication skills as I did not talk to the patient enough. In conclusion it is important that all vital signs are monitored as this can be one of the first indications that a patient is deteriorating. Blood pressure is one of the most important physiological measurements used to diagnose a patient’s condition. References BPA (2008) what is normal blood pressure? [online]. BPA. Available from: http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Thebasics/Whatisnormal [Accessed 27th July 2012] Glasper, A. Mcewing, G. and Richardson, J., (2009). ‘Introduction’ in Glasper, A, Mcewing G, and Richardson., Foundation studies for caring. Palgrave McMillan, pxix Glasper, A. Mcewing, G. and Richardson, J., (2009). ‘skills for physiological assessment’ in Glasper, A, Mcewing G, and Richardson., Foundation skills for caring. Palgrave McMillan, p168 p169 Glasper, A. Mcewing, G. and Richardson, J., (2009). ‘skills for physiological assessment’ in Glasper, A, Mcewing G, and Richardson., Foundation skills for caring. Palgrave McMillan, p170 NHS (2011) High blood pressure: hypertension. [online]. NHS. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Blood-pressure-(high)/Pages/Introduction.aspx [Accessed 5th of August 2012) Tortora, G, and Derrickson, B,. (2011). ‘The cardiova scular system: Blood vessels and hemodynamics’. In Tortora, G and Derrickson, B., Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: Maintenance and continuity of the human body’ (13th edit) Wiley. p814. Tortora, G, and Derrickson, B,. (2011). ‘The cardiovascular system: The Heart’. In Tortora, G and Derrickson, B., Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: Maintenance and continuity of the human body’ (13th edit) Wiley. Chapter 20. Appendix 1

Women Have Natural Power And Abilities English Literature Essay

Women Have Natural Power And Abilities English Literature Essay Abstract The common story in most parts of the globe is that of the humble woman suffering under the cruelty of man. The widespread belief that women have borne the blunt of mans beastly nature makes it challenging to market the idea that women have enormous power that they sometimes utilize in ways that are detrimental to society. This research proposal uses Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights and Anne Brontes Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall in examining these immense powers on the hands of women. These novels are replete with issues pertaining to female behavior and male response that will help analyze the subject of female power in a deeper sense. Through their strong wills, purposes, and desires, women characters in these novels often form mens characters, and define their behaviors. For example, in Wuthering Heights, Catherines headstrong and rebellious ways are partially responsible for Heathcliffs antisocial behavior, and it is through Catherines lens of how men should behave and react to her demands that she forms Heathcliffs character and leaves him to his madness at her death. In Agnes Grey, Miss Murray forms the manipulative and ultimate perspective alterations in Mr. Hatfields view of women as helpless creatures in their need for rescue, protection, and provision. In light of this argument, how does the womans creation of the patriarchal figuration for the male character affect the man and the woman, especially in the formation of the womans worldview? Does this power result in ramifications for the woman as well? Are women aware of the power that they wield, and if they are, why do they blame the man for relationship and cultural breakdowns? In my dissertation, I use evidence from the Bronte novels to show that it is womens unwillingness toward self-awareness and accountability that contributes to variant male behavior and perceptual outcomes. To that end, I argue that women have far more influence and power than often they acknowledge either publicly or privately, and this power and influence consistently contribute to the formation of male thinking and behavior. Summary Women have natural power and abilities. These innate characteristics affect the intellectual, cultural, spiritual, emotional, sociopolitical, and interpersonal world of men with different outcome and with detrimental results to both genders. An in-depth study of the emergence, construction, and outcomes of feminism on men within myriad contexts is a sure way of vindicating the existence of the female power. Applying this theory to three British novels written by Emily and Anne Bronte Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall- this study will draw important correlates between female abilities, capacities, and innate talents and the use of these elements to alter or supersede male potentialities. For example, Catherines misuse of her natural female strengths and talents is used to override Heathcliffs reticence against and desire to withdraw from her controlling manipulation, culminating in tragedy to both characters. Additionally, much has been written about the Bildungsroman in Brontes adolescent-to-adult theme in Agnes Grey. The use of feminine potential and power toward men found in this novel shows the deleterious effects on both men and women. Similarly, female power and control in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is measured through Helen Grahams interactions with the men in her life. In this novel, Bronte reveals this power and manipulative awareness in her protagonist, but the theme remains intact: women often have inordinate amounts of power and control over men in myriad realms of their lives. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the above three novels to show the deleterious outcomes of the immense powers in the hands of women. Tentative Title: Medusa never Died: Female Power and Men Victimization Introductory Statement of Background, Purpose and Thesis I will analyze The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte and Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights with the aim of showing how they developed female characters that revealed the resulting destruction when females neither correctly understand nor properly apply their power. The analysis will prove that the female power and influence affect the intellectual, cultural, spiritual, emotional, sociopolitical, and interpersonal world of men with different outcome and with detrimental results to both genders. The purpose of this study will involve comparing three British novels, written by sisters, through whom female power is used to effect masculine changes, behaviors, and affect situational outcomes. Demonstrating the application of feminine power in relationship dyads will support the hypothesis that the female power can manipulate, control, and cause harm to men and, through them, socio-political constructs which affect everyone. In addressing the research problem, then, a thorough review of the selected works, combined with a thorough literature review of existing studies which serve to amplify the feminine use of power to manipulate or form outcomes. As a contribution to human science, my research topic is highly significant for socio-cultural, gender-based, and psychological awareness of conflict source and resolution, and greatly contributes to the literatures body of knowledge. While the literature is rife with widely diverse discourse and study on feminism, the body of knowledge is seriously deficient in considering the research problem. That is because this issue requires a major paradigmatic change since the major outcomes of feminism have been militant and rejects feminine limitations while creating male-opposition toward many of its tenets. Signe Arnfred exposes a practical sense of feminine power in a non-western setting in her article entitled Sex, Food and Female Power: Discussion of Data Material from Northern Mozambique. In this article, she shows how women in a certain part of the world harness their mastery of feminine chores in both reproduction and family into a power tool that calls for respect from men (141). It is vital to note that what the characters in the Bronte novels do is not so much removed from what Arnfred tries to show in her article. The setting might be different, but the game is the same as shown by the similarity of the playe rs. In fact, male dominance was common in Victorian times, as was female servility; But it is this servility that supported the dominance. Critics of the Bronte novels have noticed the male dominance in these novels, and identified the role women play in perpetuating this dominance. The feminine role in the advancement of male dominance is a power in itself, which, if withdrawn, can have a regulatory outcome on male behavior. In the article The Question of Credibility in Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Arlene Jackson points out that, Anne Bronte also answers a question that other novels of her time do not ask: what happens to a marriage and to the innocent partner when one partner (specifically, the male) leads a solipsistic life, where personal pleasures are seen as deserved, where maleness and the role of husband is tied to the freedom to do as one wants, and femaleness and the role of wife is linked to providing service and pleasure not necessarily sexual, but including daily praise and ego-boosting and, quite simply, constant attention (203), On the surface, Jackson is asserting that powerlessness is another way of describing women. This is how she decodes the message that Anne Bronte is sending to society through her book. Obviously, numerous people agree with this position, considering the woman to be the victim, suffering silently without a means of escape from the cruel claws of the man. But this is not the case because in the process of praising someone, there is the knowledge that the praise can be withheld. There is also the knowledge that the praise can lead to dependency as well as other undesirable manifestations of character that may be harmful to both the person lavishing praise, who is the woman as well as the man, who is the recipient of the praise. An objective analysis of the message from Jackson reveals that men have a certain degree of dependency on the lavish praise they are showered with by women. As much as Jacksons work may have been an attempt to show the credibility of Anne Brontes literary skills, she helps in the identification of areas of female power that is sometimes wrongly used to enhance female servitude and perpetuate male dominance. Maggie Berg, in her Hapless Dependants, Women and Animals in Anne Brontes Agnes Grey argues that, in a patriarchal society where women are faced with challenges of identity, expression and recognition- the general treatment of women is implied to be like treatment of animals. This position is also shared by another critic of Anne Brontes The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Juliet McMaster, who takes the position that the Victorian period was characterized by a huge power imbalance that tilted heavily in favor of men. In her article entitled Imbecile Laughter and Desperate Earnest in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, McMaster talks of a Victorian power structure that did not allow women to have a say in society. All things were done according to the rules set by men for everyone (368). However Berg and McMasters view is harsh and seems to fall into a perception that women have no place in the society. In support of the position that goes against this perception, the several published works that have a stand on womens power in relation to men will be examined too. In this line of scholarship, Naomi Wolf is a popular and influential voice. Her critically acclaimed book entitled Fire with Fire: The New Female Power and How to Use it is a slap on the face of McMaster and Jackson as it crushes their positions on female victimhood. Wolf believes that women have always had more power than men. The biggest problem according to her is that women have not mastered the art of utilizing this power for their benefit (23-25). She further disagrees with women whose time is spent agonizing over a male dominated society where every woman is a victim (56). Evidently, Wolf is not ready to buy into the ideas of Jackson and McMaster. The areas where the latter two see oppression and in justice, the former sees opportunity and freedom that has not been seized by women. As it were, scholarly arguments are as strong as the evidence. Wolf avails solid examples of women who have managed to live happily through the realization that female power is sufficient to combat what has come to be known as male dominance. She points out that politics, business, and family life are all potential areas of female excellence if women meet fire with fire and learn to use some of the tactics men use to manage affairs in society (34). This is the basis of her phrase, fire with fire. Another female scholar who has done research on the issue of female power and influence is Margaret Beetham. In an article entitled Thinking Back Through our Mothers Magazines: Feminisms Inheritance from Nineteenth-Century Magazines for Mothers, Beetham, whose main objective is to survey the motherhood oriented magazines that existed in the nineteenth century, makes a refreshingly different statement based on what she discovers in the magazines she reads. As much as there was injustice in society during a greater part of the Victorian period, there was the acceptance that women were equal to men, but different. The admission of equality in these magazines that were published for mothers shows that the empowering element for women was present. What lacked was the will to pursue the path of equality through the elimination of obstacles that made it difficult for women to enjoy the trappings of a free life. It helps to point out that the writers and publishers of the magazines that Margaret Beetham analyzes in her work were both men and women, with most of them being in the hands of women. The significance of this is that women had access to the tools for empowerment as early as the Victorian time, a period that is attacked as highly paternalistic and patriarchal. This point is shared by Lisa Duggan and Nan Hunter. In Sex Wars: Sexual Dissent and Political Culture, the authors poignantly state that man and woman have always tried to live as a united pair, but the truth is that each is pulling in a different direction. The struggle is purely power based and is largely to blame for much of the s uffering that goes on in society (19-21). My study will be unique in the sense that it will depart from the traditional feminist readings and exegeses like that of Jackson and McMaster. The dissertation will prove the existence of the female power and influence even in the Victorian society; a society that is known as purely chauvinistic. Even in this analysis, my study will also go beyond the stress on the female power in the political and economic spheres as perpetuated by Arnfred, Wolf and Beetham. In contrast, I will focus on the psychological and personal dimension of feminine power. Through the critical examination of the Bronte novels, I will show that the power and influence held by women is not the literal political or physical power that society is used to, but rather the psychological one. It is partially the psychological dependency that men have on women that gives women the ability of manipulate circumstances and conditions in ways that can hurt or heal both parties. Evidently, my dissertation carries anti-feminist tone. The feminist theory will be employed to deconstruct the myth it perpetuates about the hegemony of man and the victimhood of woman. I will also shed light on the psychoanalytic theory to highlight the psychological power and influence women have on men. In a nutshell, through analyzing the three novels and borrowing from the other available materials and the theoretical framework, my study will purposefully prove that women have natural power and abilities; when these innate characteristics are applied to the intellectual, cultural, spiritual, emotional, sociopolitical, and interpersonal world of men, this power can be abused to control and define the opposite sex, with detrimental results to both genders.

Nozicks Theories of Justice Analysis

Nozicks Theories of Justice Analysis Introduction Robert Nozick gained fame as a leading American philosopher thanks to the success of his 1974 book, Anarchy, State, and Utopia. The books endeavours to further explore the anti-consequentialist elements that have been discussed by John Rawls in his book, A Theory of Justice. Nozick has identified the best tool with which to gauge state action is its respect for individual rights. For this reason, a minimal state, according to Nozick, is the only legitimate state considering its key role in protecting various individual rights, including the right to life, the right to own property, and liberty. Nozick endeavours to refute the anarchists claim by way of demonstrating how a minimal state might come about without infringing on individual rights. Nozick has also endeavoured to restore interest in the idea that individual rights are a key element of the political theory by considering the political philosophy of libertarianism. The premise of this essay is to argue that Nozicks minimal st ate is unjust by exploring counter-arguments to it, such as by Rawls. Nozicks libertarianism Libertarianism advocates for the need to limit role of state in societal issues, basically to national defence, police protection, as well as how courts of law are governed. In his libertarianism philosophy, Nozick argues that all other tasks that the modern government is charged with, such as social insurance, welfare, and education, ought to be taken over by charities, religious organisations, and by private institutions. In this case, Nozick contends that the private institutions should essentially operate in a free market. Many libertarians depend on sociological and economic considerations in defending their position namely, the innate processes that could trigger inefficiency and incompetence in state bureaucracies, as well as the advantages of market competition. They also cite the poor record of government in addressing such specific issues as pollution and poverty. While Nozick seeks to endorse such arguments, he, nonetheless, assumes a moral position in defending libertarianism. Nozick is of the view that while there are practical benefits associated with liberalism, its profound respect for individual rights is by far the strongest. Nozicks libertarianism is largely based on his entitlement theory which states that if a person has acquired a property justly, he/she has the right to own it. In the event that a person possesses a property that has been obtained through unjust means such a property should be subjected to the compensation and rectification processes. Nozick further opines that where an individual is entitled to own a property, denying them the right to own it against their will amounts to an injustice. A minimal state emerges from Nozicks state of nature. Such a state, according to Nozick, cannot pry into peoples lives, and neither can it force them into surrendering what they justly own. The minimal state, therefore, only protec ts the individual against being forced to enter into a contract, fraud, as well as theft. On account of the entitlement theory, the state has no right to coerce its citizens into forfeiting property that rightfully belongs to them so that the proceeds can be used to funding government programmes which the state views as constituting the common good. As such, while people are likely to contribute towards the support of various schemes out of their own volition, the state cannot forcibly tax them with the goal of funding public education, providing for the  poor or public goods, among others. Nozick strong claims about rights Nozick is convinced that a key function of political philosophy is to refute the claim made by the anarchist to the effect that no state is legitimate. Given his focus on moral rights, Nozick argued in favour of a minimal state that preserved moral rights. Mulgan is opposed to the moral right of a minimal state that Nozick speaks in favour of, arguing that they are the only legal means of enabling a state to exercise its legal and political rights. Nozick is of the view that the society that emerges from a minimal state boasts of a capitalist economy, as well as a free market. Accordingly, such a society fulfils the requirements of a free society. A state that exceeds these requirements would be morally unacceptable seeing as it would contravene rights. In defending the minimal state, Nozick stretched a history that traced the origin of a minimal state from a state of nature with no rights having been violated. His was hypothetical, as opposed to actual history, which indicated the e mergence of a minimal state through just means. The libertarian perspective recognises individuals as possessing rights. As such, when other people do certain things to them, this amount to a violation of their individual rights. The reason why these rights are natural is because we have them based on what they are as opposed to having received them from someone. Nozick states that stating we have rights is different from explaining why we have rights. In a bid to draw this important distinction, Nozick makes use of the second formulation of Categorical Imperative that Immanuel Kant popularised namely, that one should act in such a manner as to treat humanity as an end, as opposed to treating humanity as a means. Kant was of the view that humans are rational by nature and that they possess dignity. Accordingly, humans should be treated with dignity. It is this dignity that hinders other people from using us, implying that humans have rights against use of this nature. Nozick opines that human rights act as side-constraints, and this has a limiting effect on what other people (the state included) may do to us. Nozick further opines that humans cannot trade their rights in exchange for something of benefit. For instance, pursuing a little more wealth or happiness is not sufficient grounds for contravening an individuals rights. According to Nozick, people are inviolable, implying that they ought not to be used to meet certain ends if doing so is against their will. Nozick has relied on this argument while developing his self-ownership principle. Nozick opines that because an individual owns his/herself, they thus have a right to do with themselves what they deem pleasing. Since nobody else owns us and we do not own them, each one of us has his/her individual rights to themselves and what is in their possession. In other words, we have rights against violations by other people, including theft, enslavement, and the rights to have access to such services as education and healthcare, and the right to own property through just means. Wilt Chamberlain unjust and just distributions In his Wilt Chamberlain argument, Nozick endeavoured to highlight his claim against the idea of distributive justice. In this case, Nozick tries to show that patterned ideologies of distributive justice are not attuned with freedom. His argument is thus an attempt at depicting justice in transfer. Chamberlain is a famous basketball player and some of his fans willingly pay money to watch him play basketball. Consequently, Chamberlain benefits from a huge amount of cash. Nozick contends that he sees nothing wrong with an individual disposing of his or her resources, on condition that this is done willingly. Nozick further intimates that he sees nothing wrong with distribution borne out of voluntary transactions. The Wilt Chamberlain argument is therefore an attempt by Nozick to demonstrate that voluntary exchange as evidenced by basketball fans willingly paying to see Chamberlain play is okay. Nozick does not see anything wrong with transactions of this nature. The outcome of this transfer is that Chamberlain ends up with more than he did previously. Again, Nozick sees nothing wrong with such an outcome. Nozick contends that when individuals willingly dispose of resources, this ends up upsetting patterns. Assuming, for instance, that a utility maximising pattern had been established in society prior to the basketball fans opting to watch Chamberlain play and this pattern is not maximised nay more after the transfers of the transactions have been made to Chamberlain, Nozick argue that it would be unreasonable to try and forcefully go back to such a pattern through state action. Nozick argues that Liberty upsets patterns , and goes on to indicate that it would be unfair to attempt to reinstate a pattern that has been destabilised by intentional transfer. The most important thing for Nozick is entitlement. For the reason that individuals obtain holdings due to other individuals having relinquished holdings either in exchange for certain services or goods (for example, watching Chamberlain play) or due to charitable donations, then the individual who receives such holdings has a claim to them since they have been transferred voluntarily. Similarly, Nozick contends that free transfer will agitate any end-state theory, such as ensuring that everyone has an equal share to the holdings. This is based on the understanding that provided that individuals are able to transfer property without restraint and based on their needs, such as end-state shall shortly be upset. Any attempt to restore such an end state through forceful means would amount to a contravention of i ndividual entitlement rights. Critics to Nozicks argument on Chamberlain contend that Chamberlain holds no absolute rights to this new holding and that a portion of this new income could be subjected to taxation under legitimate means in order that the amount taxed may help fund crucial societal projects. Regarding this, Cohen further contends that redistributive claims of third parties, and more so the very poor, may lawfully change following a change in the comprehensive distribution in society since what is in possession of third parties is reliant on what others possess, in addition to the comprehensive distribution in society. It is also likely hat the intuitive petition that Nozick links to his Wilt Chamberlain argument might actually fail to attract universal recognition. Many critics are of the opinion that there could be considerable instinctive entreat towards arguments that endeavour to demonstrate a basis for the provision of support for persons unable to fend for themselves, in preference to towards the instinctive petition to permit Chamberlain to hold onto all the money emanating from voluntary transactions. A review of Nozicks Wilt Chamberlain argument indicates that it may not be appealing without firth accepting his moral intuitions and entitlement theory. Three Principles of Justice Nozick recognises three principles of justice, which are essential to his entitlement theory. They are: just acquisition; just transfer; and just rectification. Nozick is of the view that the just acquisition principle gives an individual the freedoms to acquire any holdings that they wish to obtain, provided that such property has not been acquired by fraudulent means, through forceful means, or via theft. Nozick further maintains that the principle of just transfer allows an individual to exchange property in their possession provided that there is no further transfer of the same property by force, theft or fraud. These two principles underscore the transfer and acquisition of goods through legitimate means. Conversely, Nozick opines that the principle of just rectification seeks to correct violations of the principles of just acquisition and just transfer. Distributive justice, according to Nozick, involves ensuring that goods end up with those who found them or made them, or those who acquire them from others via an agreement that is, selling or buying of goods. All other means of owning goods are not legitimate, on the basis of a moral position. This hinges on the premise that all other means of owning goods entails forcing people to give goods to others, and this contravenes the general libertarian principle that Nozick contends is the most basic moral principle. However, where an individual has acquired goods by assassination, theft, or fraud, Nozick urges that it is important that the just rectification principle is pursued. This principle is especially useful in a case whereby a person has been involved in unjust transfers, or where there is original acquisition of a good. The principle endeavours to establish what might have transpired in the event that the unjust transfer/acquisition had not taken place. The principle further demands the implementation of measures like compensation or restitution with the goal of enabling the victim go back to the condition she or he would have been had the injustice not happened. Finally, the principle does not approve compensatory processes that could be infringe on individual rights of third-parties who are not connected with the property being transferred or acquired. Nozick is of the view that execution of the principle of rectification is crucial in setting up the legitimacy of all property by examining justice in the acquisition and transfer of such property, and the likely compensation that the victims ought to receive should it be established that they have been the victims of injustices. Most critics of liberalism complain that it permits too little government. Specifically, they argue on the need for a more-than-minimal state to aid in the realisation of distributive justice. Rawls maintains that the state should partake in redistributive taxation as a means of ensuring that income and wealth is distributed fairly in the society. This is a position that Nozick is opposed to, going by his entitlement theory of justice Rawls offers opposing views of legitimate state power to those offered by Nozick. Rawls maintains that the state ought to possess the powers it needs to see to it that the least well-off citizens become well-off. Such a viewpoint is rooted in his theory of justice. A key principle to this theory holds that the only time when unequal distribution of income and wealth becomes unacceptable is in case individuals at the bottom becomes well off that is likely to be the case under any other form of distribution. Nozick is opposed to such arguments, indicating that they rely on a false ideation of distributive justice. Rawls is opposed to utilitarianism as it could allow an unjust distribution of burdens and benefits. Unlike Nozick, Rawls is of the view that social justice encompasses the fundamental structure of society, as opposed to transactions between individuals. Rawls also intimates that justice demands that there be a minimisation of economic and social outcomes of arbitrarily distributed goods. Conclusion Nozicks is not just. Nozick views the voluntary transactions among individuals that act forms the foundation for justice, rather than the distribution itself. If at all Nozicks Wilt Chamberlain argument is to be regarded as being valid, we must first accept his entitlement theory. The allegations of third parties not partaking in any transactions could legitimately change following changes in distribution in society. Although the Wilt Chamberlain argument holds instinctive appeal, arguments that endeavour to support the very needy are likely to possess even stronger intuitive appeal. The principle of rectification as popularised by Nozick, along with the principle of compensation that is linked to it, are difficult to apply, and this could justify universal supply of opportunity and sustenance. Even the pettiest claims ought to be considered in the minimal state as they are vital for poor people. The principle of compensation could fall short of upholding rights as virtually anything may be done. Nozick fails to acknowledge the crucial role of political power in a minimal state, just like in any other state. While Nozick urges that charity could aid in the acquisition of social goods, such an argument is inadequate charities lacks the means or resources to undertake important schemes, such as in healthcare or education.

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy :: Thomas Hardy

Far From the Madding Crowd is considered the first great novel of Thomas Hardy. Margaret Drabble, editor and novelist, cites the novel as "the first of Thomas Hardy's great novels, and the first to sound the tragic note for which his fiction is best remembered" (Hardy xiii). Hardy was born in 1840 and began life as an architect. He wrote his first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady, in 1867. It was not received well. Four years later he wrote three more novels, two anonymously and one bearing his name; they were received slightly better then the first. His popularity and fame did not bloom until the release of his fifth novel, Far From the Madding Crowd. This novel launched him into the public eye and helped him to become the amazing writer and creator of the Wessex novels, as we know him today. The major turning point in Hardy's life was the reception of his novel, Jude the Obscure. Because of the major conflict concerning the book and it's readers, Hardy swore to never write fiction again. Approximately thirty years later, after writing some poetry and short stories, Hardy dies and is buried next to Dickens in Westminster Abbey. His heart is buried in the Wessex countryside in the parish churchyard at Stinsford. Far From the Madding Crowd is the first of Hardy's notorious Wessex novels. The main characters in the novel are Bathsheba Everdene, Gabriel Oak, Sergeant Troy and Farmer Boldwood. The novel begins with Oak and Everdene being introduced and Oak asking for Everdene's hand in marriage. She, of course, says no. After Oak's sheep are killed in a freak accident, he must venture out and look for new work and winds up on Everdene's farm in Weatherby where he becomes head shepherd. Everdene continues to flirt with Oak and also with the neighboring landowner, Boldwood, whom ends up proposing to her as well. Again, her reply is, no. Finally we are introduced to the young Sergeant Troy, who also asks for Bathsheba's hand in marriage and this time we are shocked to find out the her reply was, yes! Towards the end of the novel we find out that Troy has also seduced and impregnated a young milkmaid who has died in childbirth. Boldwood goes crazy and kills Troy because of his passion for Bathsheba and her refusal of him, and Bathsheba ends up betrothed to Oak.

The Power of Carvers Little Things Essay examples -- Carver Little Th

The Power of Carver's Little Things      Ã‚   To a reader unfamiliar with his work, Raymond Carver's short story, "Little Things" may seem devoid of all literary devices owning to good writing. Fortunately, these people are mistaken. With his minimalistic style, it is what Carver doesn't write that makes his work so effective. Most of Carver's short stories describe situations that many people could find themselves in and that is why his work is so appealing to readers. They are not restricted to harsh explicative details or over-dramatized language, but are allowed to create their own rationale for the actions of the characters and the consequent results.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Little Things" begins with an explanation of the setting when Carver writes, "Cars slushed by on the streets outside, where it was getting dark. But it was getting dark on the inside too." This is the most descriptive passage in the entire story, which is only one-and-a-half pages in length, and it serves to set a mood of bleakness and animosity between the characters as well as the remainder of the piece. A scene follows in which a man is packing a suitcase and a woman is telling him she is glad he is leaving. Carver goes so far as to omit the characters' names, allowing the reader to more clearly identify with their struggle. One of the major turning points is a dozen lines into the story when the woman notices a picture of their baby and remembers it, forsaken, in the living room. The reader is compelled to ask if she had not remembered the baby at that moment would the rest of the scene have progressed in the same way? The man then follows the woman into the living room and tells her he wants the baby. This she can not allow as she turns away f... ...his own struggle with alcohol and personal strife. Regardless of the origin of the words, they force the reader to take a compelling look into his own life. Carson said that, in many ways, Carver's life was a model for all of his characters. But Carver forces readers to use their own lives as the foundation of the interpretation of the story, allowing them to relate to the characters and events themselves.    Works Cited Carson, Phillip. "Carver's Vision". (200). Online. Internet. 12 Feb. 2003. Available: world.std.com/~ptc/carver-paper.html Carver, Raymond. Where I'm calling From. "Little things." (1988, Atlantic Monthly Press). 114. Hashimoto, Hiromi. "Trying to Understand Raymond carver's Revisions." Tokai English Review. (Dec. 1995). Online. Internet. 12 Feb. 2003. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   people.whitman.edu/~lucetb/carver/precision.html The Power of Carver's Little Things Essay examples -- Carver Little Th The Power of Carver's Little Things      Ã‚   To a reader unfamiliar with his work, Raymond Carver's short story, "Little Things" may seem devoid of all literary devices owning to good writing. Fortunately, these people are mistaken. With his minimalistic style, it is what Carver doesn't write that makes his work so effective. Most of Carver's short stories describe situations that many people could find themselves in and that is why his work is so appealing to readers. They are not restricted to harsh explicative details or over-dramatized language, but are allowed to create their own rationale for the actions of the characters and the consequent results.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Little Things" begins with an explanation of the setting when Carver writes, "Cars slushed by on the streets outside, where it was getting dark. But it was getting dark on the inside too." This is the most descriptive passage in the entire story, which is only one-and-a-half pages in length, and it serves to set a mood of bleakness and animosity between the characters as well as the remainder of the piece. A scene follows in which a man is packing a suitcase and a woman is telling him she is glad he is leaving. Carver goes so far as to omit the characters' names, allowing the reader to more clearly identify with their struggle. One of the major turning points is a dozen lines into the story when the woman notices a picture of their baby and remembers it, forsaken, in the living room. The reader is compelled to ask if she had not remembered the baby at that moment would the rest of the scene have progressed in the same way? The man then follows the woman into the living room and tells her he wants the baby. This she can not allow as she turns away f... ...his own struggle with alcohol and personal strife. Regardless of the origin of the words, they force the reader to take a compelling look into his own life. Carson said that, in many ways, Carver's life was a model for all of his characters. But Carver forces readers to use their own lives as the foundation of the interpretation of the story, allowing them to relate to the characters and events themselves.    Works Cited Carson, Phillip. "Carver's Vision". (200). Online. Internet. 12 Feb. 2003. Available: world.std.com/~ptc/carver-paper.html Carver, Raymond. Where I'm calling From. "Little things." (1988, Atlantic Monthly Press). 114. Hashimoto, Hiromi. "Trying to Understand Raymond carver's Revisions." Tokai English Review. (Dec. 1995). Online. Internet. 12 Feb. 2003. Available:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   people.whitman.edu/~lucetb/carver/precision.html

Free Glass Menagerie Essays: The Destruction of Laura :: Glass Menagerie essays

The Destruction of Laura in The Glass Menagerie In Tennessee William's play, The Glass Menagerie, the character of Laura is like a fragile piece of glass. The play is based around a fragile family and their difficulties coping with life. Laura unable to survive in the outside world - retreating into their apartment and her glass collection and victrola. There is one specific time when she appears to be progressing when Jim is there and she is feeling comfortable with being around him. This stands out because in all other scenes of the play Laura has never been able to even consider conversation with a "Gentleman Caller." Laura's mother and brother shared some of her fragile tendencies. Amanda, Laura's mother, continually lives in the past. Her reflection of her teenage years continually haunts Laura. To the point where she forces her to see a "Gentleman Caller" it is then that Tom reminds his mother not to "expect to much of Laura" she is unlike other girls. But Laura's mother has not allowed herself nor the rest of the family to see Laura as different from other girls. Amanda continually lives in the past when she was young a pretty and lived on the plantation. Laura must feel she can never live up to her mothers expectations. Her mother continually reminds her of her differences throughout the play. Every time the family comes to a confrontation someone retreats to the past and reflects on life as it was back then, not dealing with life as it is for them today. Tom, assuming the macho role of the man of the house, babies and shelters Laura from the outside world. His mother reminds him that he is to feel a responsibility for his sister. He carries this burden throughout the play. His mother knows if it were not for his sisters needs he would have been long gone. Laura must pickup on some of this, she is so sensitive she must sense Toms feeling of being trapped. Tom dreams of going away to learn of the world, Laura is aware of this and she is frightened of what may become of them if he were to leave. Laura feels she will never find someone that will take care of her. This is very upsetting because it is obvious that it is very important to everyone in the family.

Influences of Eastern Religions in My Life

Influences of Eastern Religions In My Life The two readings that have impacted, influenced, and challenged my view of religion are the Bhagavad Gita (BG) and the basic writings of Zhuangzi. I have chosen these readings because of their influence and insight they have unveiled to me in my present station of life. In particularly, from the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s teaching in chapter 2 â€Å"The Path of Reality,† and from Zhuangzi; his perspectives from his writings in section 3 â€Å"The Secret of Caring for Life† and section 18 â€Å"Supreme Happiness. Both have spoken to me from a different context, within a different set of parameters than that of my own faith and practice; bringing me to a fresh and profound understanding of some of my own enduring dilemmas within my own religious tradition. I currently consider myself a Mormon (Latter-day Saint) and have been for the last 13 years. Up until this REL 101 class I was not familiar with these eastern religious t raditions and perspectives.The Path of Reality, as titled for chapter 2 in the (BG), has opened my eyes to its valuable lesson, which I am thankful for its influence. The concept of non-attachment is prevalent here in this chapter. Non-attachment means to live life like a lotus leaf, without being touched by it or polluted by it. It is living free from the encumbrances of life and the attractions and distractions it has to offer, not passively by running away from them, but actively by developing equanimity (yoga) and Self(atman)-awareness (Ch. v. 30-48). According to the (BG) contact with sense objects results in attachment (Ch. 2 v. 58). In the following versus it expounds this thought: When we do not have the right discrimination we lose the ability to choose wisely, which results in the consequences of karma that binds us to this world and samsara. Though I have not embraced every facet of Hinduism, the powerful language found in the (BG) has strengthened me to tackle present-da y ongoing trials in my own life with new vigor and enthusiasm.What I would just simply categorize as sin or an evil deed from the presets of my own religious tradition, I have found new terminology and explanation for my behavior that has been empowering and invigorated my ambition to overcome this adversity I have been facing in my life. The other reading that has had a positive impact on me is the basic writings of Zhuangzi. Section 3 â€Å"The Secret of Caring for Life. † Here, Zhuangzi conveys a story about Cook Ding, the butcher, which draws a more favorable portrait of specialization (Zhuangzi, p. 45-46).His example is consistent with Aristotle's observation that human life offers no more of a fulfilling activity than the exercise of some acquired skill. Highly honed skills invite paradoxical, almost mystical, description. In performance we seem to experience a unity of actor and action. Such practice is a way of losing oneself as one might in contemplation or in a tran ce. Zhuangzi considers Cook Ding possessing remarkable skill, almost effortlessly, because this skill in action is done concurrently while being one with the Dao (p. 45-46).The accuracy of our own actions sometimes mystifies us. We do not understand how we did it; we certainly cannot explain it to others. I found this story intriguing because I am one who values self-mastery. As an ex-collegiate athlete I can relate to Cook Ding, but would rather call it â€Å"being in the zone. † Although I am not a follower of Daoism there are many things I find appealing in this tradition; this mystical story being one of them. The other section from Zhuangzi â€Å"Supreme Happiness† has aided the recent loss of my great grandmother â€Å"Grandma Bea. My great grandma was a pillar of faith in my life and a great exemplar in many arenas of life. At times, naturally, I found myself grieving over her loss. Reading this section I felt that it gave me fresh insight to coping with this l oss. At first, I found myself more like Huizi, rather than Zhaungzi. As pondered this for the past couple weeks my grief has subsided. When Zhuangzi’s wife died and he beat on a drum instead of mourning for her, he answered his Huizi by explaining that perhaps his wife had evolved into a happier existence than that which she had enjoyed while in human form.It was not wrong to have loved her and to miss her, but it was wrong to mourn her change from one form to another (Zhuangzi, 115). Zhuangzi’s parables point out that one cannot be certain what is best for other people and that one should therefore avoid imposing tentative and uncertain values on others. He also enlightens the reader about the realities of death and the clarity that comes from having a higher knowledge which gives greater understanding and ability to cope with death. He states, â€Å"If I were to follow after her awling and sobbing, it would show that I don’t understand anything about fate. So I stopped (115). Thus, death is simply a phase in the turning of the wheel of fortune that is the Dao. The turning of the wheel voids the identity and disintegrates the material body of the dead person. From the standpoint of the Dao, however, no state of being is more desirable than another. As a natural event in the cycle of human life, death is neither to be feared nor to be sorrowed over. This perspective has given me new insight and ability to cope with my recent loss.