Ancient Rome and Romans

Rome vs. Greece Which of the city-states do you think was the better civilization? There are many difference and similarities between these city-states. Both are the most honorable ancient cultures in Western culture. Greece and Rome had fought many battles, but those battles only made them stronger. Both had their own ways of life and political views as a civilization, and these ways varied incomparably. While Greece had many artistic achievements, Rome focused on creating and improving a unified empire. Therefore, both have different ways of making their civilization remembered by the people of today.The first difference in Roman and Greek civilization is their geographical features. Rome had a better chance to unify its people because of its location. Rome is located at the center of the Italian peninsula. It was easier for Rome to keep control of its neighboring areas. Rome gained control over the areas surrounding the Italian peninsula by conquest and by providing Roman citizens hip for the conquered people. The residents of the Italian peninsula classified themselves as Romans during the Punic Wars, and then it led to the creation of the unified Roman Empire.On the other hand, Greece’s mountainous terrain separated several Greek city-states from one another. The expansion of the Greek civilization all over the Mediterranean basin was just an increase of detached Greek city-states. The detachment of the Greek city-states prevented Greece from creating its own empire. The Athenians’ plan of creating an empire by the domination of the Delian League backfired, by leading to the Peloponnesian Wars. The Romans adopted many characteristics of the Greeks to its culture. However, there are still many differences between their cultures.The Romans translated the names of the great gods of the Greeks into its language, so it will be more Roman-like. For example, the Roman name of the Greek god Poseidon is Neptune. The Romans’ religion is more sole mn than the Greeks. The Romans believed that good or bad luck came from the gods, depending on what the gods were feeling. If they were happy it means good, however, if they were unhappy then bad luck would come to the Romans. The Romans worshipped Jupiter Optimus Maximus. They got the idea of wearing togas from the Greeks too.During the Roman Republic, the citizens started wearing togas. Another difference is the Romans’ art. Their artworks are more realistic than the Greeks. The Romans’ human sculptures look like real people. They used marbles to sculpt public officials’ portraits. Their arts are usually use for political propaganda. The Romans treated women way better than the Greeks. Women had a little freedom during the Roman Republic. They could leave the house, go shopping or visit a temple, and talk to their neighbors without the need of their husbands’ permission.As time went on during the Roman Empire, the women were allowed to own property, run business, inherit wills, and more. However, the Greeks are very different from the Romans. In Greek mythology; there are 12 main gods. Some of the gods that belong to the 12 Olympians are Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera. In Greek mythology there are a lot of monsters. Minotaurs, centaurs, and chimera (a hybrid animal) are significant Greek monsters. There are two types of hybrid monsters, a hybrid of animals and a hybrid of people. Greek arts are idealistic, whereas the Romans are realistic.Greek arts are usually about the exploration of nature and philosophy. They portray the human bodies. They are perfectionists. Their architectural buildings are measured mathematically. Examples of the architectural building that used mathematical methods are the Parthenon and the Temple of Hera. Women in Greece, excluding Sparta, had no rights. They were treated as their husbands’ property Their husbands need to be aware of where they are and what they are doing. In order for the women to go ou t or talk to their visitors, they need their husbands’ consent. This treatment of women did not change as time went on.Other differences between the Greeks and the Romans are their advancements in science and technology. Romans were great engineers and builders. They built many bridges, roads, and other structures. Their engineering is influenced by the Etruscans. To maintain their bridges solid and long-lasting, they used Etruscans’ keystone arch. It was hard for them to keep their bridges stable, so they focused on improving the creation of cement. They use pozzolana concrete for the bridges’ piers, so the sand that is brought by the river currents will not ruin the base of the bridges.They were the first people who used concrete for building structures. Roads built by the Romans also helped them to unify their empire. All of the roads that they built lead to Rome. The creation of the aqueducts was one of the best inventions of the Romans. The aqueducts carry and distribute the water throughout the city of Rome. Aside from Roman technologies, the Romans also had advancements in science. Galen, who wrote a medical textbook during the Roman Empire, was the fist in identifying many symptoms and treatments for an illness.His books were used as a guide in medicine for at least a thousand year. On the other hand, some of Greece’s invention those were reinvented until the 20th century includes analog computers, vending machines, and showers. The analog computer was invented in 150 B. C. , but it was only use as a calculator, calendar, and as a GPS for navigation. The vending machine was used for holy water refill by inserting a coin. In 400 B. C. , the Greeks invented indoor showers. It was used in the gymnasium at Pergamum for female and male athletes to use.The Greeks also have science advancements. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, opened The Lyceum. The Lyceum is a school where he observed how things come to live. He came up a procedur e for debating according to rules of logic. The scientific method we use today is based on Aristotle’s works and discoveries. Another person that contributed in Greek’s science is Hippocrates. Hippocrates is a Greek physician. He also described disease symptoms like Galen of Rome. He examined the human body to find out more about the illness the body consist.Hippocrates is well-known as â€Å"the father of modern medicine. † He also built a medical school on the island of Cos, Greece, where he was born. After his books about his medical teachings were published for Alexandria library, the people stopped believing that diseases and illnesses came from the gods as punishments; they learned that illness had a physical and rational explanation. His Hippocratic Oath had a great influence on the doctors today; they promise to be honest, to preserve life, and to keep information about their patients private.When choosing a civilization, it is hard because all of the ci vilizations does not have everything you want especially during this time period. The Romans and the Greeks are both great civilizations that have been growing over time. Both civilizations have success and failures of their own. The Romans had their outstanding legionary armies that helped them conquer many lands and put their civilizations to its height, but they also had a downfall when the generals decided to be greedy and fought each other for the thrown.Greece was also successful during the Athenian democracy because it brought many male citizens together, and they fought to protect their government. However, the opposing city-sate, which is Sparta, agreed changing their government to traditional dictatorship. Then it led to battle, but Athenians couldn’t defeat the Spartans, so it led to the fall of the Greek democracy. On the bright side, both civilizations found ways to resolve their problems. Rome and Greece are well-known because of their great achievements, and bo th are great influence on the lives of the people today.Standard: 9SS3: Students examine the antecedents, origins, development and achievements of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome from 2000 B. C. E. to 500 C. E. 9Ec. 5: Compare works that express a universal theme and provide evidence to support the views expressed in each work. 9E2a. 5: Use writing to formulate clear research questions and to compile information from primary and secondary print or Internet sources. 9E2a. 6: Develop the main ideas within the body of the composition through supporting evidence, commonly held beliefs, hypotheses, and definitions.

Saving Nature but Only for Man

Charles Krauthammer, in his essay â€Å"Saving Nature, but Only for Man,† argues against whom he refers to as a sentimental environmentalist. Charles Krauthammer is a well-known right-wing political columnist and commentator who has worked or contributed to a number of magazines throughout his career (Krauthammer 292) His purpose behind writing this article was to prove that nature is here to serve man and not the other way around. The logic of his argument derives from an unusual form of pathos: an appeal to a human's fondness for other humans over so-called luxurious aspects of the environment. This pathos coupled with appealing to people's fear and moralistic views are the rhetorical strategies he utilizes throughout his argument. Krauthammer begins his argument by saying that people are beginning to make protecting the environment and becoming more green-friendly a prominent moral value in 1991's society. With great influences and important figures like Ted Turner and George Bush, along with companies such as Dow and Exxon showing their â€Å"love for Mother Earth,† people are starting to change their views and attitudes of the environment (292). This type of environmentalist (or what he refers to as a â€Å"sentimental environmentalist at the end of his essay (294)) is inclined to intertwine man and nature into one, but Krauthammer on the other hand claims that â€Å"When man has to choose between his well-being and that of nature, nature will have to accommodate†. (293). The foundation of his argument comes from Protagoras' old maxim, that â€Å"Man is the measure of all things† (293). In other words, man can only know the universe through man's eyes. All of physics is human physics, all of philosophy is human philosophy. In the past, animals (including humans) have accommodated to nature, suffering through various natural disasters: floods, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes and hurricanes. Krauthammer claims that now we must make the natural world into a natural world form humans (293). Krauthammer's first goal in his argument was to inject a sense of fear to his readers. To do this, he provides an example of what's currently happening in our ecosystem, such as the looming crises of the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion, and how stopping these man-made disasters would e a necessity (292). These two problems are undeniably the result of our civilization, but are made urgent only because they threaten man. In Krauthammer's eyes, the threat to nature they create is only credible because damaging nature (in this case at least) means damaging us humans. This is why we should stop the damaging climate change; not to save nature, but to save nature for mankind. This is not an effective plan of attack. By ta king this approach, Krauthammer is relying on the reader accepting his or her own ego-centrism. Whether or not the reader is wholly self-interested, no one is swayed by accusations of selfishness. He also appeals to people's emotions by having them imagine themselves requesting â€Å"hardworking voters to sacrifice in the name of the snail darter†, only then to say that these voters would barely even give them a â€Å"shrug† (293). This is an obscure reference. It is confusing for the reader because many who would come across the term â€Å"snail darter† would assume that Krauthammer is referencing a member of the lower class, where in reality it's a type of bird. However, this can be effective because whether or not his audience knows that a snail darter is a bird, the reader is likely imagining themselves being these hardworking voters, and feel shame because of their potential actions. This is his strange use of pathos: that we, as humans, should care for other humans more than other living things, especially if we don't even care enough for birds. Any reader capable of feeling compassion for the snail darter or guilt for the voters will not separate man and nature, and therefore will not make this distinction in his argument. The staggering amount of favoritism he gives to humans, especially in comparison with other aspects of the planet, is at the center of each of his examples. Which of these would be more correct: killing and ruining the livelihood of humans, or the destruction of a species' natural habitat? Krauthammer makes the attempt to tap into people's moralistic views, otherwise known as ethos. He knows that when it comes to having to choose between the two, people would generally sacrifice the animals before themselves or their kind. With this in mind, he creates a sequence of events that makes his audience aware that sentimentalizing the environment is not always the right choice for the benefit of humanity. For instance, he brings up the topic of the war in the Middle East. Krauthammer states that the only reason why we're having this war is because we believe that drilling for oil in Alaska could disturb the caribou breeding grounds. We would not have to police the Middle East for their oil if we could get the exact same product from our own soil (293). This too is an appeal to emotions because people do not want other people to die in vain, especially when there is another solution to avoid these deaths of American soldiers. He gives a similar example, this time in a hypothetical situation, with a forest full of spotted owls. The welfare of thirty thousand lumberjacks and their families depend upon logging this forest, which could cause the extinction of this spotted owl (293). Again Krauthammer is forgetting his target audience. No â€Å"sentimental environmentalist† will agree to ending a human conflict by sacrificing the lives of innocent animals. These examples are incapable of changing the minds of the readers who disagree with his views. If there's anything effective about his argument, it is what he does to draw in his audience of choice. Clearly there would be no point in trying to convince an audience that's already in agreement with Krauthammer, so he targets these so-called sentimental environmentalists. Among other things, he does this by choosing a very intriguing title for his essay. Generally, people who see the phrase â€Å"Saving Nature, but Only for Man† as the title for an argument would think that the author is trying to make a point that â€Å"Man† in general is selfishly saving nature for themselves and not for animals or any other living organism. Just like any regular person would do (in this case, a sentimental environmentalist), one is only interested in reading something that would correlate with their point of view. With this Man-is-Selfish title, Krauthammer would have accomplished his goal in captivating an audience who is in favor of what the title seems to be. Then, once these green friendly citizens are already reading Krauthammer's argument, they will have the chance to see his logic and reasoning as to why it is necessary to become more anthropocentric. The real problem is that he abandons this audience soon after, scolding his target readers more than convincing them. The most obvious opening in this argument is that we as humans cannot foresee all of the consequences of our actions. Actually labeling every part of nature as a luxury or necessity does a disservice to the cycles within cycles that is the environment. Too many species and topics can fall in a gray area between the two and any moderation in Krauthammer's argument is not readily apparent. For example, one forest of spotted owls may not mean much, but certainly the Earth as a whole needs a certain number of trees, and possibly a certain number of flying predators to keep the rodent population under control (something they do simply, which we humans often struggle with). To begin another example, humans eat a lot of salmon. Bears also eat a lot of salmon. If we cut down the bear population, we could harvest more salmon safely. However, this pattern may not continue into other food chains. Sharks also eat salmon, but if we killed all the sharks, the fish that they eat (and the fish that we don't eat) will multiply out of control, and ruin the ocean for the salmon. Krauthammer's argument hinges upon humans being the appropriate (or at least competent) caretakers of the complex planet Earth. We have neither the maturity nor the technology to manage an entire planet's ecology. One can also notice a large sense of bias in Krauthammer's argument. There is at least one time where he insults his target audience, actually stating that â€Å"†¦ this anthropocentrism runs against the grain of a contemporary environmentalism that indulges in earth worship to the point of idolatry† (293). This may be true of some, but to say that the current environmental activists all engage in some kind of nature worship is a little overboard. Instead of alienating his audience, Krauthammer should be working to find middle ground or at least convert their beliefs. Despite a deceptive title, Krauthammer's argument is a poorly-crafted article that only serves to state his opinion. His methods of arguing (arousing the audience's affection and conscientious minds) are powerful but unsuccessful because it does not take the reader's viewpoint into consideration. However, it is ultimately up to the reader to decide its impact. The consequences of a world where we value ourselves above all else will have unforeseen negative side effects. If nothing else, our future rests in the decision we make, and in whether or not we choose to trust our own judgment or in mother nature's.

Castaway Essay

Isolation and being alone is a phobia of many. Ann Burden, from Z for Zachariah, and Chuck Noland, from Cast Away, were faced with a life of isolation. Ann and Chuck dealt with their isolation differently, with different situations and circumstances. When arguing who was better off, it is important to analyse and compare the food, shelter, resources and companionship each character had. With the variety, convenient and nutritional value of food the characters had, Ann had the better of the two situations. Ann had a large variety of food; she could get flour, sugar, tinned meat and similar items from the Klein’s store. She used these items to made cakes and other products. Ann collected eggs from the chickens and later on she used chickens as meat. She also had cows that she could collect milk from; she used the milk for butter and also for other foods. Ann could also grow her own food; she had land to grow many crops such as; peas tomatoes, beets, potatoes, beans and other fruit and veggies. Ann thought of ways to maximize the use of the land. For example Ann states what she is thinking in her diary when she wrote, â€Å"I planned to fertilize the corn and the soy beans and pea-beans, which were now up† (Page 126). This shows that she thought how she could get the most out of her crops. She had an uncontaminated pond where she could collect fish and fresh water. With all these food sources, Ann had no reason to work hard for food. As opposed to Chuck who had to hunt and gather his food Chuck also only had a small variety of food. Chuck only had Coconuts flesh and milk and seafood (crabs and fish). With the situation that both characters had in terms of food, Ann was better off. With Chuck suddenly being isolated in a new, unknown place and Ann still living in the valley, Ann had much better shelter then Chuck. Ann had many different types of shelter. She had her house that her and her family lived in, the church, a tree with a large hollow trunk, the Klein’s store and living quarters above the store, the barn and shed. Ann also had a small cave in the mountains that was useful many times in the book, for especially when Mr. Loomis arrived in the valley. The time that she is most thankful for the cave is when Mr. Loomis started to act strange. Ann stated this the first time he acted strange, writing this in her diary on the 30th of June, â€Å"I am living in the cave again, and I am glad now that never told Mr. Loomis about it or where it was† (Page 126). Ann had many different types of shelter compared to Chuck. Chuck had very little shelter. Also the shelter was only the lifeboat, which is not very useful and broke within the first few days. Also chuck had a cove but it was small with minimal space, making it difficult to move around in. So it’s clear that Ann had better shelter compared to Chuck. Both Chuck and Ann had many resources; both of them had different type of resources, but had had more useful resources. Ann had very useful resources, such as a gun and bullets, to use for protection. She had a tractor and petrol that was used for farming, such as ploughing, fertilising and transportation. She also had natural resources such as a pond for water, fruit trees also many animals such as cows and chickens and land to cultivate. Ann also had the Klein’s store, in the store there was food, clothing, candles, matches and many other resources. In her house, she had many resources such as laundry tub, stove and lots of bedding. Finally when Mr. Loomis came, he brought a safe suit, the suit could withstand radiation. A Geiger counter, that measured the amount of radiation in the air. Finally a tent that can also withstand radiation, all of these are also helpful resources. On the other hand, Chuck had very little resources. He had packages that he opened. In the packages he found ice skates that he used as rope and knife, a volley ball, which became a companion, a dress, video rapes, paper, bubble wrap and cardboard. Chuck also had natural resources on the island such as rocks, trees, shells and leaves. This show that Ann had better and also more resources compared to Chuck. With both characters with minimal companionship, it was hard to deal with the loneliness but Ann had it better off. For the first year that Ann was alone, she only had the radio for a short amount of time, telling her what has happened out of her town. Her diary was used to keep track of what events happened and the animals that broke the silence. When Mr. Loomis came Ann was excited, but scared that someone was still alive. Throughout the book their friendship changes, it has its ups and down. In the end, she wishes that Mr. Loomis had never come. On the other hand, Chuck had no human companionship. He only had a volleyball that he made into a face and named it Wilson, a whale when he was floating in the sea and a photo of Kelly, his girlfriend. Ann didn’t have better companionship to Chuck, even though Chuck didn’t have human companionship he was close to the ball. It is clear that Ann was in a much better position compared to Chuck. She had better food, with more variety and convenience, more and safer shelter, greater and more reliable resources. Even though her companionship wasn’t the best, her living conditions were much better. If their isolation was long term, Ann would be in a more sustainable position.

Carbohydrate Loading Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Carbohydrate Loading - Assignment Example Under normal circumstances the energy requirement of the body is met by carbohydrate and fats however, for athletes undergoing strenuous training the main source of energy is carbohydrates which help in the working out of muscles. An athlete is at the peak of his performance as long as his body has enough carbohydrate to supply to his muscles in use. Once this storage of carbohydrates depletes and is completely exhausted, the body starts to use up the fats to provide energy. Therefore, it is crucial for athletes, especially those who are engaged in strenuous sports like marathon, to have enough carbohydrate storage during the entire run and this is where carbohydrate loading comes in. Glycogen Supercompensation is the scientific terminology for Carbohydrate Loading. It is the process through which the glycogen level in the muscles maybe increased by 60% through proper training and diet. Thus, the increased levels of glycogen reserves in the muscles mean that the athlete can now perform his best for a longer period of time without fatiguing his muscles and performing poorly. All carbohydrate loading methods have two stages- Carbohydrate depletion stage and Carbohydrate replenishment stage. I have selected the second method of carbohydrate loading and I shall provide a day-to-day guide. This method stretches over a week and must be started 1 week before the sports event. Like all other methods, this method also has two stages, i.e. the depletion of carbohydrates during which glycogen synthesizing enzymes are stimulated and the increasing of glycogen in particular muscles. It must be remembered that carbohydrate foods with low glycemic index must be taken because they stimulate the enzyme-glycogen synthetase, which is responsible for glycogen storage. Hydrating the body is important because for each gram of stored glycogen there must be 3-4grams of stored water. Two

HIV positive women should not become pregnant Research Paper

HIV positive women should not become pregnant - Research Paper Example There is also a risk of higher post operative complications among severely immunodepressed HIV infected women. Moreover, pregnant women with HIV are affected by stigmatization. A cross-sectional study done on 1525 women attending antennal clinics in Kenya indicated that the rates of stigma was high which led them to refuse testing (Turan, Bukusi, Onono, Holzemer, & Cohen, 2011) . This paper focuses on evidence based review of literature why HIV positive women should not become pregnant. There is an estimation of about 1.5 million women living with HIV globally with over 90% concentrated in the Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), perinatal transmission is HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, labor and delivery. In the United States, 88% of persons under 13 diagnosed with HIV acquired it perinatally. The African American population represented 63%, Hispanics were 22%, while whites were 13% of the dignoses of perinatal HIV infection at the end of 2009. Despite the increase in the number of women with HIV gving birth, there has been a decline in perinatal infections from 2007 to 2009. The transmission rates are high, 15- 45% when no interventions are put in place. In developed countries, the mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV has been almost eliminated due to effective prevention programs. There are significant challenges facing prevention mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programs in developing countries therefore causing significant gaps in reducing the rates of MTCT. HIV positive women are recommended by the World Health Organization to be assessed for the eligibility to start highly active anterotroviral therapy (HAART). In this regard, PMTCT programs present a major opportunity to HIV positive women to enable prevention of infant infections as well as allow

The Risk and the Unkown of the Genetically Modified Foods Research Paper

The Risk and the Unkown of the Genetically Modified Foods - Research Paper Example Although resistance to change is something that is innate in almost each and every individual, oftentimes this resistance to change and predisposition to a level of conservatism act as a built-in evolutional mechanism that serves to protect the human beings from the unknown. True, humans have long sought to push the boundaries and experiment well outside the zones of comfort and recommendation. Such pushing of the envelope has given us the age of jet travel, space exploration, advanced science, and many other inventions and realities that we would not otherwise have. Yet, the fact remains that pushing the envelope and seeking to engage in something that is unknown is a process which only certain individuals within society have been comfortable at performing. Due to such an understanding, it becomes obvious that expecting all of society to engage in an activity that might be entirely outside of their comfort zone is neither ethical nor advantageous. This is very much the situation wit h regard to the use of GMOs within food supplies around the globe. With the rapid advance of science, scientists and researchers have been able to genetically modify a host of different plants and organisms as a means of tweaking the way in which they produce. This level of scientific manipulation has been able to provide the world with heartier and more productive crops; however, the fact of the matter is that the true levels of drawbacks that are exhibited within these genetically modified organisms are not fully understood. Due to the level of incomplete knowledge that exists with regard to GMOs within food, many nations around the world have banned them entirely. However, the United States and several other developed nations have not. As a means of analyzing the potential drawbacks and negatives that GMO might exhibit within a nation’s health and food supply, this particular analysis will focus upon several of these determinants and seek to provide relevant and up-to-date information as a means to prove why GMO should be restricted from the food supply until a further level of knowledge is able to be derived with regard to its overall health impacts. Perhaps the first and most obvious reason that GMO food exhibits a clear and definitive concern to the human population is with regard to the unknown level of impact that GMO necessarily poses to human health. Shockingly, very little independent research has been performed on GMOs to determine the level of impact, if any, that they might have with regard to human health. Moreover, seed company agreements forbid the sale or use of any of their seeds for the process of independent research, all but stymieing any attempt that an independent researcher might make in order to draw a level of inference with regard to whether or not GMOs are harmful, beneficial or neutral. However, the fact that seed manufacturers are so particular about including the caveat that their products cannot be sold or utilised for i ndependent research sheds a level of particular doubt in the mind of the reader with regard to the overall health concerns that use of GMO might present for any society’s food supply. Moreover, another particular level of the unknown that exists with regard to the use of GMO in food is the fact that many of the GMO food sources currently in the market have been proven to have a built-in resistance to certain types of antibiotics. For instance, Amflora, a type of

Evaluating an International HRM Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 1

Evaluating an International HRM Strategy - Essay Example Furthermore, the training program should also be designed keeping in view the diverse needs of the new employees. The employees coming from UK to china should be provided training about the Chinese values, culture and language. Furthermore, the Chinese workers should also be encouraged to learn English in order to increase cooperation among the workers. The reward system should also be designed in an effective way in the joint venture keeping in view the individual differences of the employees. Moreover, the performance appraisal system should also be developed in order to evaluate and improve the performance of the employees. The retail sector has witnessed a tremendous growth and over the years and the number of retailers has increased significantly all around the world. There are not only large retailers operating in the major countries but there has also been a growth of many local retailers which are posing great competition for the large multinationals. Due to globalization, the retail industry has witnessed many changes as most of the retailers have outsourced some or most of their services to the third world countries. Similarly, the retailers have also tried to provide ease to its customers with the use of the advanced technologies. The customers can now place their orders online and get the desired products at their doorstep. Due to the economic downturn of 2008, the behaviour of most of the retailers changed and instead of focusing on quality they preferred those retailers which offered lower prices. This was particularly evident in the UK. In this report, the Human resource management strategi es for the joint venture of Tesco and Suning Commerce group will be discussed. Tesco is the leading retailer of UK and third largest retailer of the world (Tesco, 2012). On the contrary, Suning commerce group is the largest retailer of China and also has strong presence in Japan and Hong Kong.There will be

Al-jazeera channel in the Arab World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Al-jazeera channel in the Arab World - Essay Example The change process within the Arab media scenario mainly began with the launch of Aljazeera that Aljazeera was launched by the government of Qatar in 1996. Aljazeera gave new dimensions to the Arab news sphere and for the first time the world community witnessed the broadcasting of free expression of thoughts and media courage through any Arab country channel. After the launch of many satellite channels the competition was already became very tough for the government controlled Arab channels after which the Arab countries had to bring some level of liberalization and freedom to their media policies to enable their channel compete the other satellite channels (Nawawy and Iskandar 14). Aljazeera attained the attention of the people in very short time span working with the lotto of "the opinion and the other opinion". Initially it was a six hour daily news program that was soon expanded to 24 hour news coverage and programs and several separate channels were also initiated by the network like Al Jazeera Live, Al Jazeera Sports etc. (Zayani 98) According to the estimated, ten million people view Aljazeera daily (Lynch 5). Despite the popularity of al Jazeera it has been condemn and criticized on the charges of giving voice to the dangerous and inflammatory views. It openly broadcasted the messages of many leaders of militant groups in different countries that mostly expressed their messages against the western powers (Nawawy and Iskandar 14). Aljazeera proved to be the first example of freedom of press granted to media in the Arab world. though currently Aljazeera has somewhat lost his grounds in appealing the viewers but till last few years it was the main symbol of freedom of media in the Arab world and one could not overlook the strong influence on Aljazeera upon the Arab media scene. Many of the news programs and talks shows broadcasted at the Aljazeera remained the centre of attention of the people for several years as people widely viewed this

Reducing Radiation Exposure in Computed Tomography Angiography Dissertation

Reducing Radiation Exposure in Computed Tomography Angiography - Dissertation Example In the last twenty years, the diagnostic use of computed tomography scans has increased by a thousand percent. These scans do, obviously, make use of ionizing radiation to produce their images, which can be harmful to human health in even small dosages. Protecting the patient from harm is the cornerstone of the profession of radiology, and reducing radiation exposure while maintaining a high level of image quality and therefore diagnostic ability is vital. Key to this goal is understanding the use of computed tomography scans, the risks of their radiological effects, and the methods available to reduce exposure. Reducing exposure to radiation is the only way to make this important technology safer. The use of a computed tomography angiography scan allows the practitioner to view a patient's coronary arteries, their level of function, and even the quality of the arterial lumen. Computed tomography angiography scans are important to study when looking at radiation dosage because the scan area by definition includes such radiosensitive areas as the thyroid, the vascular tissue of the breasts, and of course the coronary arteries. Moving even further into imaging specialization for viewing the heart and related tissues is the technique of retrospective image acquisition, which produces images using 64-multi-row detector computed tomography angiography. This method scans the heart in overlapping slices, which allows it to show cardiac motion as well as all parts of the cardiac cycle.

Racism and Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Racism and Media - Essay Example n the aspect of not being living- rather, it is an integral part of it and therefore utilizes the pool of knowledge in society, or in other words, common sense. The media’s role in informing how African Americans are viewed by white Americans has been very key. One does not need to look far to see the images of violence, drug use and substance abuse that have now come to be associated with African Americans. They are everywhere in the movies for instance. You need a villain who will be finally beaten and imprisoned to make the hero look good, find a black guy, give him a gang, and a number of guns, and you have your story (Rooney, 2007). Typical example in the movie ‘the second chance†. African Americans too have come to be associated with poverty. They are portrayed as â€Å"these people who are doing everything to make the ends meet and yet whatever they do, regardless of their efforts is not nearly good enough†. For instance, in Tyler Perrys movie Good deeds, the lady cannot do anything to save her family which she cares about from poverty and is highly in need of a knight in shining armor, who shows up later in the film and fortunately for this film, happens to be an African American. The media does not only perpetuate the inferior view of African Americans contrary to white Americans by use of negative roles ascribed to these people in films, journals and books, also, through giving their white counterparts a nearly infallible view, presenting them as educated, wealthy and focused people, while not saying anything of their counterparts. It is true that you do not just inform by the things u say but also those that you do not. In conclusion, the media has and will continue to portray a negative view of African Americans. It communicates values, norms, beliefs and behaviors of members of the dominant society, which is the white American in this case (Rooney, 2007). As long as the small percentage that owns the business is of the dominant society,

Mangrove Analysis Report Essay Example for Free

Mangrove Analysis Report Essay Introduction Coastal mud flats throughout the tropics carry a vegetation of mangrove swamp, which is particularly luxuriant in the wet tropics, such as Cairns itself. These evergreen trees and shrubs share similar habitat preferences, and a similar appearance to the untrained eye. This report will explain my findings in this biological topic, and describe the adaptations the mangroves have developed in order to survive the harsh location of estuaries and wetlands; the typical layout of mangrove communities through an original transect; representative specimen samples and descriptions; and also the typical state of the water and thus the environment through regular water samples. Adaptations The estuaries, salt marshes, swamps and wetlands mangroves live in represent hostile environments to mainland vegetation and have forced upon mangrove evolution a few peculiar adaptations such as tolerance of salty water, the development of pneumatophores (breathing roots), and a marked tendency to germinate their seeds on the tree. These features have consequently enabled mangroves to dominate the muddy coasts, leaving few competitors and only a small percentage of non-mangroves surviving in the harsh conditions, most of the non-mangroves, as you will find, being part of the myrtle family. Because of salt water and oxygen-deficient soil, many mangrove trees have roots growing above the ground. The names of these roots are: prop roots, buttress roots, pneumatophores or knee roots, and surface roots. These  project above the mud and have small openings (lenticels) through which air penetrates and oxygen is absorbed through the spongy tissue to the roots beneath. Estuaries and swamps impose very high water salinity. In fact salinity percentages can stand on average 3%s as high as seawater! For this purpose, mangroves have acquired three ways to survive with high and variable quantities of salt in their environment. Some trees absorb the salt then secrete it through a gland at the indented apex of the midrib. The Lumnitzera Racemosa is only an example. Other mangroves absorb the salt, then direct it to old leaves or bark that are soon to be lost from the plant, while others actually exclude salt entirely from their tissues by filtering all input in the roots. The sap of these types of species is therefore almost of the same salinity as common mainland plants. Examples of these organisms are the Ceriops Tagal and the Rhizophora Stylosa or Red Mangrove, part of the very common Rhizophoraceae family. Another particular adaptation of many mangroves is seed and fruit dispersal by water. The swamp plants have waterborne seeds, which are buoyant being enclosed in air-containing fruits, like all species of Rhizophoraceae. For some, the seeds are dispersed by water, making the buoyancy of the fruit crucial. They lie horizontal in seawater, and on reaching brackish water, turn vertically roots down and buds up. The fruit then lodges itself in the mud along the trip, and quickly produce additional roots, and begin to grow as a shoot. But in other cases, the seed produces roots while still attached to the parent tree. This long embryonic root emerges from the seed and grows rapidly downward, still hanging from the parent. This ensures that when the seed falls, the root is in the correct position to be driven into the mud, and send up new shoots. This germination method is called viviparity, or more accurately, viviparous seedling. Hostile Environment As observed in the table opposing, salinity records are extremely high, ranging from 3.3% to 3.65%. This causes the mangroves to have trouble  regulating water/salt input, although they are better adapted to the conditions than non-mangroves and mainland plants. The average pH level is 6.25, which remains fairly stable. Average salt density is 1.023 grams/cm3, and is just as representative as the salinity percentages. Common Mangroves The most common mangrove trees in the estuaries visited in personal and school time trips were as following, in decreasing order of estimated frequency:  ·Rhizophora stylosa  ·Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina)  ·Orange Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)  ·Lumnitzera racemosa  ·Milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha)  ·Myrtle Mangrove (Osbornia octodonta) Amongst others, these species will be presented and analysed on the following pages, giving specific labelling, descriptions, and adaptation discussion for each specimen. Excoecaria agallocha Analysis:  ·Leaf description: The leaves are alternate, simple, oval, and shorter than 10 cm; they have a shiny surface and a pointed tip. Some can have slightly toothed edges.  ·Stem description: round, brown, flexible; with brown, rough bark.  ·Sap description: Poisonous white sticky latex is exuded from broken surfaces.  ·Root type: surface root.  ·Flower type and description: Male inflorescence hangs narrow and furry, while the female inflorescence is green, beady, 1-4 cm long.  ·Fruit description: three-lobed fleshy capsules, green to brown.  ·Seedling type: viviparous seedling. [By Nathania Burrie] [User: TaniaSmartTwit] [[emailprotected]] [March 2002] This species of mangrove has developed horizontal rows of corky-brown air pores on the trunk, which are called lenticels. These aid oxygen input by allowing air to enter the plant tissues on a higher part of tree, that has less risks of clogging by soil or oils, than the roots. Indeed, the root system used by this mangrove is the surface root, which only allows oxygen to penetrate at low tide, when the roots are revealed to the air, if they are even emerged from the mud. On a reproduction point of view, the seeds are live and enclosed in three-lobed shells that contain air, and are therefore buoyant. The shell is then carried away with the incoming tide and under the factors of water salinity and temperature, will deteriorate more or less quickly, until the buds anchor onto an ideal shore. This particular mangrove also secretes a blinding poison from any injured surfaces to protect itself from external aggressors. This sap is irritating to the skin, and some derivations of the genus can even cause blisters. However, this defence mechanism is only effective against aggressors once they have learnt a lesson. Ceriops tagal Analysis:  ·Leaf description: The leaves are a waxy yellow-green, shorter than 8 cm, opposite, simple, oval; they have a pointed apex, and occur in clusters at the end of the branch.  ·Stem: average.  ·Root type: buttress root, and knee roots.  ·Flower description: small green to brown buds with five green petals.  ·Fruit description: small viviparous fruit enclosed in small, brown, beady capsules.  ·Seedling type: viviparous seedling. [By Nathania Burrie] [User: TaniaSmartTwit] [[emailprotected]] [March 2002] Just like the Bruguiera and the Rhizophora, this species of mangrove uses a different type of viviparous germination from the Excoecaria agallocha. Embryonic roots emerge from the seeds and grow downward. When the seeds fall, they are driven into the mud, and send up new shoots. To prevent burning, the leaves are often orientated straight up in the air to avoid strong midday sunlight. Osbornia octodonta Analysis:  ·Leaf description: 2-3cm long, opposite, simple.  ·Stem: red tinge to the base of the leaves, grey and stringy bark.  ·Root type: surface roots.  ·Flower description: roundish white flowers with a red nucleus, usually 1cm wide.  ·Fruit description: a bit larger than the flower, similar shape.  ·Seedling type: non-viviparous. [By Nathania Burrie] [User: TaniaSmartTwit] [[emailprotected]] [March 2002] Being both of the Myrtaceae family the Myrtle mangrove and the eucalyptus tree share the very same fresh smell when the leaves are crushed. The seeds of the Myrtle mangrove are not viviparous, so the species cannot  spread to a vast surface area using the water-dispersed viviparous propagules as mentioned earlier. Interestingly, however, the crushed leaves can be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent! Acrostichum speciosum Analysis:  ·Leaf description: Exceptionally, the leaves of this mangrove are fronds, and are known to reach up to 2m long! The smaller leaflets, though, are up to 15cm long. Leaves are alternate.  ·Stem description: yellowish-green, supple.  ·Root type: normal fibrous root.  ·Flower type and description: Ferns do not produce flowers, but have spores on the underside of the leaf instead.  ·Fruit description: Ferns do not produce fruit either. The Mangrove fern is the only fern that inhabits the mangal forest floor. In fact, all other ferns found in the mangroves are epiphytes (see definition chapter). Characteristically of ferns, this species does not have any flowers or fruit, but spores instead. Rhizophora stylosa Analysis:  ·Leaf description: simple, opposite, usually 10cm long or more, the undersides are of a lighter green dotted with brown speckles. They are gathered in clusters at the end of the branch.  ·Bark description: rough, brown, and red when scraped (thus the common name Red Mangrove)  ·Root type: prop roots or stilt roots (thus the name Spider Mangrove)  ·Flower type and description: small white, four-lobed flowers that are pollinated by wind or insects.  ·Fruit description: viviparous propagules, generally measuring 30cm or up to 40cm.  ·Seedling type: viviparous seedling. [By Nathania Burrie] [User: TaniaSmartTwit] [[emailprotected]] [March 2002] The Rhizophora stylosa has also developed lenticels on the trunk, just like the Excoecaria agallocha. This helps to allow air into the plant when the prop roots are submerged at high tide or in the anaerobic mud. The Red mangroves reproductive mechanism is viviparous, which represents a strong advantage compared to the majority of mangroves presented in this report. Avicennia marina Analysis:  ·Leaf description: simple, opposite, green, epileptic leaves of roughly 10cm, with a silver underside, and salt secreting glands.  ·Bark description: dull, grey-white bark (thus the common name Grey mangrove and White mangrove)  ·Root type: pneumatophores.  ·Flower type and description: tiny golden, four-petalled flowers.  ·Fruit description: The fruits measure from 1 to 2cm in length, are green, and faintly furry.  ·Seedling type: non-viviparous. Pneumatophores are air vessels; a type of mangrove root that grow above the substratum or mud, and perpendicular to the main root underground. They transport oxygen, which is vital, into the tissues of the plant. But pneumatophores are just as susceptible to clogging as other pores in the other types of roots when the tide is high, or when parasites feed into the pores of the root. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Analysis:  ·Leaf description: simple, opposite, large leaves (10 to 20cm), with a slightly curled side and a pointed tip, occurring in clumps at the end of branches.  ·Bark description: The Bark is of a very dark brown, with a coarse, rough texture.  ·Root type: knee roots.  ·Flower type and description: 8 to 16-lobed red flowers, approximately 4cm long and 3cm diameter.  ·Fruit description: green, wide viviparous propagules, average 15cm long.  ·Seedling type: viviparous seedling. The viviparity of this species is surely an advantage, and obviously a way to adjust to the harsh environment the travelling seeds would otherwise perish in. Indeed, the propagules are nourished on the tree, accumulating the carbohydrates and other compounds required for later independent growth. The pre-germinated seeds benefit from the achievement of a structural complexity that will help it acclimate to extreme physical conditions that might otherwise prevent normal seed germination. Any other mangrove that uses this reproductive mechanism benefits from the same advantages. Knee roots are simply another type of root channels that emerge from the substratum to absorb oxygen through lenticels. Lumnitzera racemosa Analysis:  ·Leaf description: simple and alternate. Small (up to 7cm), fleshy, spatulate. Indentation at the apex of the leaf, where a salt-secreting gland is visible.  ·Bark description: grey, fissured.  ·Root type: small knee roots.  ·Flower type and description: small white flowers (~2cm).  ·Fruit description: green, capsule-shaped fruit.  ·Seedling type: non-viviparous. [By Nathania Burrie] [User: TaniaSmartTwit] [[emailprotected]] [March 2002] One way the Black mangrove has adapted to the brackish water is by using a particular salt mechanism: excretion. (See pages 1-2) The leaves are very fleshy and rigid to feel. This is because the plant stores more moisture in the leaves than ordinary mangroves. Definitions Aerial root roots grow from high branches downwards, sometimes without reaching the ground. Buttress root close, tightly curved roots dividing from the trunk. Compound leaf The blade is divided into two or more distinct leaflets. Epiphyte a plant that uses another plant (usually a tree) for support but not for water or nutrients. Some are able to trap their food and water in their leaves and roots. Knee root root emerging suddenly from the ground, in a triangular shape. Lenticel is a loosely packed mass of cells in the bark of a woody plant, visible on the surface of a stem as a powdery spot, through which gaseous exchange occurs. These are inactive during high tide. Lichen an organism consisting of a fungus and an algae or bacterium living in symbiotic association. Lichens can be crust-like, leafy, scaly, or shrubby in form. (Many lichens are extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and have been used as pollution indicators!) Pneumatophore is an air vessel; a type of mangrove root that grows above the substratum or mud, and is perpendicular to the main root underground. It transports oxygen, which is vital, into the tissues of the plant. Prop root straight roots often well visible from the ground, dividing from the trunk to the ground Simple leaf not divided into leaflets. Viviparous seedlings are seeds that sprout while still attached to the parent tree. Viviparity and the long-lived propagules allow the mangroves to spread over wide areas. It is a way to adjust to the harsh environment the travelling seeds would otherwise perish in. Indeed, the propagules are nourished on the tree, accumulating the carbohydrates and other compounds required for later autonomous growth. These pre-germinated seeds benefit from the achievement of a structural complexity that will help it acclimate to extreme physical conditions that might otherwise prevent normal seed germination. Transect  ·Dominant species: Non-mangroves (26%)  ·Dominant mangrove species: Orange mangrove (21.7%)  ·Tallest species: Eucalyptus non-mangrove (~11.5m)  ·Tallest mangrove species: Orange mangrove (~10m)  ·Tallest species by average heights: Rhizophora Stylosa (9m), Orange mangrove (8.8m), Black mangrove (8m)  ·Highest substrate scale: 3.5 (sink mid calf / knee)  ·Lowest substrate scale: 1 (firm)  ·Estimated average substrate scale: ~1.5 (soft to walk on)  ·Highest light scale: 5 (most open area)  ·Lowest light scale: 1 (mud completely shaded)  ·Estimated average light scale: 3 (dappled patches of light) Approximate Species percentages Pie Graph The transect is a linear cut through the mangroves directly from the shore to the woodlands. This transect was taken at Trinity Park Estuary, and can obviously not be drawn as an exemplary model for the standard zonation of mangroves. But the transect is, however, accurate and a representative sample of the mangal region it was taken in. The most common mangrove species of this region is the Orange mangrove or the Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza, representing over 21% of the mangal population. The height of the mangroves ranged from 0.75m to 10m for the Mangrove fern Acrostichum Speciosum to the Bruguiera gymnorrhiza respectively. The average height of the mangroves was 6.4m. Logically, the most open area within the transect was at a regrowth area (2.5m to 7.5m distance from shore) where very small viviparous seedlings were making their way through the anaerobic mud. This patch of mud was probably caused by regular incoming tides washing away young seedlings, making it difficult to cover itself with vegetation. Also, the regular marching of visiting fishermen and excursion students surely didnt help Mangrove swamps used to be regarded as smelly, muddy, mosquito-filled crocodile environments. They were avoided and many were replaced by rubbish tips or drowned in soil for new construction sites. The result is that today, mangrove swamps are lacking. They have finally been recognised as crucial to the ecosystem they represent, and are valued for primary resources in exportation. Ironically, us excursion students were visiting the mangroves to learn about the mangal environment and the way these plants work, although we were also, as a group, contributing to damaging the site by stepping on young growths, ripping samples from the trees etc. The damage caused to the plants was trivial but symbolic. It is important that the new generation learns about the fragility and importance of mangroves throughout the world, for their many significant purposes. They are in fact vanishing in many countries, while it has been learnt over the years and still should be taught to value these places instead of taking them for granted.

Financial and non-financial implications of Winston Barkwiths proposal Essay Example for Free

Financial and non-financial implications of Winston Barkwiths proposal Essay Introduction: For my analysis I simplified normative investment process model (original source: Pike and Dobbins, 1986), which I would like to use to determine the future viability of the project plan put forward by Winston. The basic idea which underlies the model is that the process of capital investment can be considered to flow from strategic planning through to search for investment opportunities to meet that plan. The opportunities are screened and defined for the subsequent analysis by management. If the project is sanctioned then the investment is made, making sure that there are no cost overruns. Once a project has been commissioned and running for a time it is useful to assess whether it is meeting the expectation promised at the evaluation stage. Audit technique can be used at latter stages to ensure appropriate control. In order to evaluate Winstons proposal I used in depth qualitative cost-benefit analysis and also numerical techniques, such as cash flow forecast and payback (see Appendix 1). Main body of the report: 1) Strategic plan. Strategic plan of the North West Trust for the Protection of Wildlife is very well reflected in the aims of that organisation, which state the following: h to encourage farming practices in the region which will not endanger local animal life; h to enable the regions residents to enjoy the local countryside; h to educate the regions young people on how to look after and enjoy the local countryside and wildlife. 2) Search, Screen and definition of investment opportunities. There are two projects put forward before the committee. One of which is the proposal made by the newly elected chairman of the committee, which involves reorganising Moult Hall property into quad biking course. On the other hand, there is a proposal made by Jonathan and Ingrid, who are senior members of the committee. Their idea is to restructure Moult Hall. This would allow young and disadvantaged members of society access to the property. 3) Evaluation of investment opportunities. In this section of my work I would like to concentrate on the cost-benefit analysis of Winston Barkwith project, because it is one which is most contradictory to organizational aims and raises most concern among the members of the Trusts committee. I mentioned the word contradictory because according to the opinion of many leading financists capital investment decisions should allocate resources within the organisation to offer the best potential for meeting its objectives. Benefits: As understood by me, the idea of financing profit oriented recreational facility is a relatively new one for the organisation. Therefore, the estimates of future profits and cash flows cant be made using the past experience as a guide. Consequently, form financial point of view they are going to be subjects to greater risk by being the product of forecasts and estimates. The riskier the project the more return the company is likely to require. In the case of Winstons proposal we can consider the venture as a diversification, which is usually associated with required return of at least 30%. Although no discount factors are given, the nominal figures predicting amazing cash inflow, which can be used to finance other projects. Use of money from the venture could give the organisation opportunity to help more people than they currently do. Dramatic increase in the capital inflow may  give the Trust prospect to achieve much wider objectives than its original ones, e.g. go nation-wide, create or support government lobby, international ventures, etc. There are other, mainly non-financial, advantages of the proposal as well, such as possible boost to the local economy. Organising of quad biking courses will create money inflow into the local economy, which will be magnified by the positive multiplier effect with the end result being increase in wealth for the local community. Let me demonstrate, employees and sub-contractors paid by the owners of Moult Hall are likely to be spending significant proportion of their incomes in the nearby area, which in turn means increases in revenue for the local businesses. Increase in revenue for businesses is likely to result in greater variety, create jobs and allow for more taxes to be collected by the local council, which than can be spend on such public programmes as support of elderly and disadvantaged members of the local community. Another benefit to the local economy which is likely to occur is an improvement in infrastructure. Improved infrastructure should breathe life into the local community; make Moult Halls and the Trusts facilities more accessible. By accepting Winstons project the Trust could gain invaluable City contacts. If the situation arises the Trust is likely to be in a better position to raise additional funds. Also, the customer segment the proposal is aiming for are extremely wealthy individuals, they are CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) of large corporations. By cleverly promoting itself the Trust can attract some very influential beneficiaries or even become sponsored by one of the companies. It is not an unrealistic thought, since in the UK many companies which finance charitable organisations often get tax breaks from the government. To add more weight to my arguments in favour of Winston Barkwith proposal I would like to bring forward idea which belongs to one of the leading economic thinkers of the modern era. Milton Friedman of University of  Chicago holds the view that all businesses should use the resources available to them as efficiently as possible. Friedman argues that making the highest possible profit creates maximum possible wealth to the benefit of the whole society. Costs: A good starting point would be the issue of finance. It may be difficult to find finance capital for such a risky venture. It is unlikely that the Trust will have extra four hundred thousands to spend on the project with such a degree of risk. It is a new to the organisation business, there is a high chance of failure. Few of the possible reasons can be overstated or unrealistic customer figures; it may be illegal to destroy woodlands in the area. Also, the Trust, more likely than not, will have to apply for the planning permission for the stable conversion and the petrol tank installation, etc. To continue I would like to remind that organizational aims are the long-term intentions of the organisation to develop in a certain way. Their purpose is to create a common vision which everyone in the organisation should work towards achieving. They use the language intended to motivate within the firm and to convince those outside it of the companys sincerity and commitment. By accepting Winstons proposal the Trust will be acting against its stated aims. If the Trust will decide in favour of quad biking facility it will have serious detrimental effect on the local wildlife and farming practices. It will be especially harmful for the re-introduction of red kites project, which is supported by the Trust. An organisations aims should establish which stakeholder needs will be identified and considered when strategic policy is developed. Balancing the interests of stakeholders can be extremely difficult, if the aims of some of these groups conflict. The decision to continue with Winstons proposal would undermine interests of existing stakeholders of the business, people who donated their money for the Trust to accomplish its organisational objectives. The trust is a charitable organisation. Its ethical behaviour is its unique selling point (USP). It will be really difficult to continue its fund raising activities if its existing beneficiaries will be thinking that their money invested into some profitable business ventures. On the finance side the organisation may loose more than it gains, since it is currently receiving eight hundred thousands from donations only. Bad publicity may outset revenue from the project (800k vs. 750k). The committee consists of people who look like they have strong ethical values. Introduction of unethical policy, which Winstons proposal is, can create divisions within the organisation. One can even argue that by accepting the project the committee members would act in direct contradiction to morals which motivated the founder of the Wildlife Trust Doreen Barkwith. Conclusion: To a large extent but not entirely the proposal made by Jonathan and Ingrid is a better option for the organisations long-term growth and objectives. However, the Winstons proposal no doubt is a more financially sound one. Nevertheless, one needs to remember that ethics are the moral principles that should underpin decision-making. An ethical decision means doing what is morally right; it is not a matter of scientifically calculating costs and benefits. A decision made on ethical grounds might reject the most profitable solution in favour of one of greater benefit to society as well the firm. On the other hand, we all have different world views and different interpretations of what is beneficial for society. Therefore, I would suggest a more democratic approach to the decision making or find a human solution, such as to use less noisy vehicles, go with a different proposal or even building indoor track course.

The Development Of Local Malay Films Media Essay

The Development Of Local Malay Films Media Essay Last month, president to the National Film Development Corporation, Ahmad Puad Onah, said that the association would propose that ticket prices for Hollywood-produced movies be increased to RM20! This is supposed to help the local film producers become more competitive. However it is sad that these people really have they not learned anything from the Proton story yet. This suggestion is a really shallow idea and it will not help local films be more competitive against foreign movies. In fact, this will have an opposite effect. Local film producers should become more competitive. These days. So the question is, why arent Malaysians watching local movies? Think about it. What are the demographics that show people who actually go and watch movies? Can a middle income family with 4-5 kids afford to watch movies priced at RM8-12 per ticket? Four kids plus mom and dad will cost the family (RM10 x 6) RM60. Add the parking ticket, and snacks and it will cost at least RM100 just for an afternoon of movie-watching. So if these people want to watch a movie, what do they do? You guessed it. Buy an illegal DVD at RM7 per disc and the whole family can watch it over and over again. So solution No.1 is to enforce the law against illegal DVD sales. This although it would put a dent in the coffers of those authorities and VIPs who are taking bribes from this industry. So, who then will go to the cine-plexes? I would have to say that it would be couples or young people out with their friends right?!? However these people have a limited budget as well. If they have to choose between watching Spiderman and Cicakman which show do you think they will watch? So what would attract the younger generation to watch local films? Can local films ever match Hollywood in terms of visual effects, star power or even in promotional marketing activities? So how then can they compete against Hollywood movies? The answer is nearer than you think. Just look at our neighbors. Both Thailand and Singapore have managed to produce local-made films that are very successful, even on the international stage. So why cant Malaysian film producers do the same? The reason is simply because they are too afraid to offend the authorities. There is too much control, taboos, restrictions and censorship in the industry. It has come to a point where any movie that comes out from the local industry will almost sure to be too safe meaning dull and boring. Also, the local movies that come out arent controversial, provocative and have little to offer progressive Malaysians as a whole. Just take a look at our local news. We have an exciting by-election, the Jerit issue, the Hindraf issue, the ISA Issue, the hudud laws issue, many corruption scandals, a murder of a Mongolian gal and a conspiracy involving a top man, New Year sex parties with movie stars, the list goes on! Now why would I ever pay money to watch a local film when our local news in Malaysia is a whole lot more interesting? Do you think any of our local film producers are brave enough to turn any of the issues above into a movie? If our local film industry produced a film related to any of those issues I mentioned above, I am sure it will get a whole lot of publicity and many people will watch it. Why? Because all Malaysian can relate to it. It will be very provocative and this will generate curiosity and publicity among many Malaysians. And on top of this, it will not have to compete directly against any Hollywood movie (Blue Ocean strategy). Also, when was the last time we saw a movie that appealed to Malaysian audience as a whole? Local movies are usually categorised as either Malay movies, Indian movies or Chinese movies. Where are the Malaysian movies? Lets be honest how many Chinese will go watch a Malay movie? Local producers must learn to makes films that appeal to a broad spectrum of society and not segregate their movies potential market by race! Whats wrong with movies that have characters speaking Chinese, Malay, Tamil etc, in the same movie? We do that in our everyday life. So why not in our local films as well? I know it is not easy to produce films that will appeal to the whole country. Thus, local film producers must be ready to face the challenges of making movies that would be very controversial politically and socially. We must no longer be afraid to makes movies that are racially or religiously sensitive. Now, I am not asking producers to make films that insult other races or religion. Neither am I asking producers to make politically-charged propaganda films. But we can still make movies that reflect the true picture of our country and show that the human spirit can triumph over many adversities. With regards to this, I have a list of ideas that I think will make great movies which most Malaysian will pay to watch. Police corruption (tales of a young police officer facing huge peer pressure to compromise his principles and succumb to taking bribes and the persecution he faced by not giving in) A Malaysian spoof movie on the local politicians (I bet you it will be very funny with actors and actresses imitating our local politicians) Who really killed Altantuya? A mystery movie with an open-ended ending (allowing viewers to make their own decision) Prostitution in Malaysia Tale of a young local gal with little education being conned into prostitution The Hindraf/Jerit issues (why, this could be a documentary movie) May 13 (tale of three friends a Malay, an Indian and a Chinese whose relationship is strained to breaking point during that era but they managed to overcome this adversity and remain friends till this day) I am sure a lot of people can think of many more ideas that will make great movies. I am sure many of these potential movies will make certain groups unhappy. But that is the whole point isnt it? A safe and nice movie that does not raise any eyebrows will not interest the Malaysian public at all (considering they get so much more entertainment from the local news). Until local film producers are brave enough to challenge the status quo of making proper films, and make movies that are honest and relevant to all walks of life in Malaysia besides challenging the minds of our society, they will never be able to compete with Hollywood movies. (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/99234) The FFF Guide to Writing a Winning Film Proposal So here it is! The FFF Guide to Writing a Winning Film Proposal. We tapped into the brains of our most beloved KOMAS creative consultants and pulling from them their many years of experience to give you the following tips to help guarantee your proposal has what it takes . ONE: Choosing your issue Is it relevant why is this issue important and why it is something that Malaysians need to know about, acknowledge and discuss openly? Is it daring is the issue seldom discussed and would researching it be difficult? Does the issue fit in with the theme of Democratic Space and Human Rights? First step: Choosing your issue Find an interesting issue that people regularly discuss or those that matters a lot. We need to keep finding out the Malaysians needs, what they would love to see, discuss and acknowledge either fits with Democratic Space and Human Rights theme. Second step: Content Showing viewers something that are rarely seen and take notes on every important points. TWO: Content What new angles or different point of view are you showing your viewers? What are the important points that this documentary will discuss? How will you make those points i.e. give details of who you will profile/interview, what visuals or scenarios will you document in detail. Provide story line or outline if possible, but not necessary. (If your proposal is chosen we will help you write the script). Its important to show that you have a clear idea of how the video will be executed and look like in the end. Show that discussion of the issue is well researched and deep. THREE: Treatment Describe how you will treat the film using music, editing techniques, storyline any creative approach to make your documentary interesting and attractive to your audiences. Trade Secrets Do research about your topic first. Speak to some resource people or find interesting profiles that you can definitely include in your film. Understand your issue well before taking on the subject. You need to know more or have something more to say that your viewers do not already know about or understand well. What is your stand on the issue? Think of one or two main points you want to make in the film. At the end of the film, this is the message you want your viewers to take home with them. Something that may sound interesting to you initially might be difficult to execute in the end be careful and plan well. A film is nothing without good audio/interviews and visuals, so you always need to have in mind what audio/visuals you will need to make your point. Know your own strengths and weakness. Have a team/crew that is technically proficient to help you in areas that you might be weak in. Follow these three easy steps, while taking into account those tricks of the trade and voila! Youre first documentary film proposal. Good luck! (http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org/?cat=53) Should Malay Films continue to be Malay Films? One approach that should be continued is the furthering of Malay films as films made in Malaysia. This is because the Malay language is the national language, one that does not exist outside of the Malay Archipelago. It is one that is easily acceptable as a language that reflects Malaysia from any point of view. The non-Malay language can always be used to reflect the position of the language i.e. spoken in the community among people of the same language culture, or in telling about some background information, so long as it can enhance the cinematic impact required by a film. To this end, the effort to produce Malaysian films should do this two-pronged approach: Increase the production of Malay films. Building the foundation of distributing Malaysian film that deals with Malaysian issues from the perspective of other races. The production of Malay films should be increased in quantity and quality. This is because Malaysia is the only country whereby Malay films can be produced. Without Malay films from Malaysia, it can be said that there will be no Malay films in the world. Another reason is that there is still a lot of of other Malay and Malaysian issues from Malaysia, as well as from the Malay archipelago, that can be shown on film. Reducing the production of Malay film and producing Malaysian films on the excuse that Malaysian films have to be multi-racial and multi-lingual will marginalise a film source that is very cinematic and will also diminish the importance of Malay history and culture. It is a culture that may well disappear. At the same time, the production of Malaysian films from the perspective of the non-Malays should also be encouraged. This will improve the standing of film in society and film as a medium and source of culture that is important to the nation. National Film Development Plan An officially-organised approach to build the film industry in Malaysia began in 1980 when the government established the National Film Development Body (FINAS). Since then, activities like as film development, encouragement, control and protection has been taken towards three of the most important aspects of the industry; that is, the production, distribution and screening of films in Malaysia. From the aspect of control and protection, the specific activities to development such as training workshops and financial aid can be said to have achieved their objectives. The Production Aid Scheme and return of entertainment tax, for example, can be incredibly significant to local film producers. This paper does not intend to provide further commentaries on the success or failure of such programmes run by FINAS. 25 years worth of opinions and debates can be found via other avenues. I will, however, say that the programmes have a long-term impact on the development of the film industry in the future. The subject at hand is film policy. FINAS, in an effort to advance the local film industry, has twice pushed this issue forward. The first was in the years of 1989 and 1990, led by Tun Ghazali Shafiee. The second time occurred in 2004, when the policies were reviewed and improved to become more aligned to the new objectives and concepts of Malaysian film development. Even though policies for a clear, national film agenda have been formulated, along with the requisite targets and objectives, nevertheless it is difficult to see what shape or form the Malaysian film industry will achieve by the year 2020. In my opinion, there should be a clear and concise 2020 objective to aim for, giving it the same amount of attention and importance as other fields. The entire nation is gearing up to achieve their respective objectives in these fields. As a developed nation, what kind of film industry will we have by then? It would be wise to ensure that we do no lag behind, and set practical objectives (e.g. local films having a 30% share of the market). The main thing is the setting of a schedule, timetable, or master plan for national film development. If such an action plan ever came into existence, all sectors of the industry would have main idea to refer to. Until now, however, we have yet to see such a plan, whether it exists or otherwise. Increasing Appreciation Programmes for Local Films in a Structured and Holistic Approach Another step that could be taken by all relevant parties is to increase the number of appreciation programmes in a structured and scheduled manner, so that the attention paid towards local films could be increased. This is of critical importance, seeing how low the audience numbers for local films are. From a national population of 26 million people, we can count a mere 200,000 to 300,000 people who consistently watch local films. Compare this to the Czech Republic, who have around 10 million people, but can depend on around 1 million of them to watch their own films. If we can increase the number of viewers even by 1 million people, it would certainly change the face of the local film industry. We could also look at other countries and consider how they develop their own films; South Korea, for example, imposes a quota system to protect their local filmmakers. The current situation is a cause for concern, because the previous generation of film viewers are now at a different stage of their life. Thus, they no longer go to the cinemas regularly. The new generation of film audience members have a different perception and exposure compared to the previous group, and with this comes a different viewing trend. If there is no programme to encourage further appreciation towards our own local films, Malaysian films, Malay or otherwise, will not have a chance. Only through a permanent, holistic, and well-planned approach will the situation improve. We need not look to far for an example of what could be; the current state of newspapers written in Arabic, when it was once the norm, is a sore sight for eyes. Even more galling is the lack of emotions that such a state arouses at the present time. Increasing and Expanding the Interest towards the National Language Apart from film appreciation programmes, other approaches can also be taken. One such example is to increase appreciation towards the language and culture of Malaysia, especially in the schools. Ultimately, this can help to increase further interest and fluency in understanding the local films. This should also be carried out in a similar manner to the above suggestion, so that the seed for such an interest can be planted and be allowed to mature. This can also increase the interest within society towards the traditional/Malay arts and stories which will also help along Malay and Malaysian films. Training Programmes, Technology Networking and Fund for Young Artists Other areas that can be looked at is further exposure and education about all aspects of filmmaking, including providing further training to those who currently active in the industry. We can also work to strengthen relations and networking, and providing practical encouragement for filmmakers to take Malaysian films beyond Malaysia. This networking will help to increase Malaysian film appreciation not just within the country, but also without. Another important factor is to create a fund for young artists. This fund can be used for various activities, like script development, but with an especial focus on encouraging the number of young directors with quality. Through such efforts will we only find the diamonds in the rough. Conclusion This paper does not suggest any one single conclusion, but invites further discussion and dialogue on the matters that I have raised. The issues and problems of the film industry are constantly changing with the winds of time, and so long as there is an effort to improve the making and content of local films, then the sky will truly be the limit as to what we can achieve. (http://thoughtsonfilms.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/the-malay-and-malaysian-film-where-are-we-part-2/) Archive for the Malaysian Cinema Category Global connections in three  countries In an earlier post on the film industry in Poland I looked at the range of countries to which the Polish film industry was connected through co-productions and incoming productions that did not involve a domestic partner (which I called autonomous productions). The data was taken from the Internet Movie Database, and while it cannot be said to provide a comprehensive overview of the globalisation of the film industry and its relation to Poland it does allow us to make some inferences about the range of countries a particular film industry is connected to in terms of a single type of interaction (i.e. feature film production). The aim behind this post, and todays follow-up, is to get a sense of the web of connections that link different film industries by simply enumerating the number of connections between them. Further work needs to be done on the economic value of these connections in order to understand how co-productions and autonomous productions contribute to a film industry, a nd so the depth of penetration (call this the density) needs to be considered alongside the range of connections in order to describe the extent to which a film industry is globalised. We could, for example, distinguish between film industries with a high range and high density, those with a high range but a low density, a low range but high density, and those with a low range and a low density. (This could be represented in similar terms to the relationship between the transnationality and territoriality of UK productions I used in Redfern 2007). This would enable us to distinguish between different types of national film industry in the global film industry, whilst also allowing us to identify areas of potential weakness. For example, an industry with a low range of connections but a high density will be overly-dependent on production finance from a small number of countries coming into the industry, and should anything upset this balance (better incentives available elsewhere, ch anges in exchange rates, global economic meltdown) this will have a disproportionately large effect on the host industry that could (potentially) be wiped out. Quite how to measure the density of global connections to a film industry is a problem I have not yet solved. We could use the proportion of the total production investment in an industry accounted for by co-productions and autonomous productions, but there may be better methods. A first step must be to simply understand the level of global interaction; and to add to the data on Poland, this post applies the same method to three other film industries in Malaysia, Chile, and Morocco. (A key difference here is that the data for Poland covered the period 2002 to 2007, while the data for these three countries covers the period 2003 to 2007). Malaysia A total of 37 films produced in Malaysia were identified from the Internet Movie Database, accounting for a total 47 connections to 17 countries, and country by country summary is presented in Table 1. Of the 37 films included here, only six are co-productions, so while Malaysia may be a filming location of choice for many producers this does not involve Malaysian production companies. The single largest number of connections is to India, but all of these are autonomous productions. After India, Singapore, with 5, has the second largest number of connections (again all autonomous); but in general the number of connections is very low fr each country across a 5 year time period. Connections to other Asian countries account for 66% of the total, while Europe accounts for 23% and North America just 11%. In simple numerical terms, connections to industries in the immediate vicinity are more important than those that stretch across the globe, although as noted above it is difficult to ass ess the meaning of these connections in the absence of detailed of some understanding of how deep they go into the Malaysian industry. TABLE 1 Co-productions and autonomous productions to shoot in Malaysia, 2003-2007 Chile 24 films produced in Chile were identified, accounting for a total of 42 connections to 12 countries. This data is summarised in Table 2. Of these films, just over half were co-productions and so (unlike Malaysia) a substantial proportion of productions shooting in Chile will have some sort of relationship to producers and filmmakers based in that country. South American countries account for only 21% of connections and North America (i.e. the US and Mexico) account for 31%, while seven different European countries account for just under half (48%). Unlike Malaysia (and Poland) it is not local connections that are the most important to Chile, but the relationships that reach further across the globe. TABLE 2 Co-productions and autonomous productions to shoot in Chile, 2003-2007 Morocco For Morocco, a total of 69 films were identified accounting for 111 connections to 23 different countries. of the three countries looked at here, Morocco has the greatest number of connections and the widest range of countries, but like Chile is dominated by North America and Europe. There are connections to only one African country (Algeria), one Asian country (Japan) and one South American country (Brazil); while 17 European countries account for 78% of connections and three North American countries account for 27%. Interestingly, only Morocco out of the the three countries looked at in this post and Poland has connections to countries in all parts of the globe. However, only 15 of the films in this sample were co-productions, and so, like Malaysia, international production in Morocco is typically non-Moroccan production. Only France is a significant co-production partner. That so many links to France should be apparent is unsurprising, as the state was made of protectorate of Fran ce under the Treat of Fez (1912), and the European influence here is strong (as it is in Algeria and Tunisia). The country with the largest single number of connections is the US, and this is in large part due to the fact that Morocco can stand in for other parts of the Arab world without so many of the dangers. Numerous Hollywood movies have chosen to film in Morocco since 2003 for the desert locations, the architecture, the middle-eastern looking extras, and because Morocco can also pass for the ancient world. Thus Alexander (Oliver Stone, 2004), Troy (Wolfgang Petersen, 2004), and Kingdom of Heaven (Ridley Scott, 2005) have all been shot in Morocco (along with Arn Tempelriddaren (Peter Flinth, 2007) and Arn Riket vid và ¤gens slut (Peter Flinth, 2008)). The Moroccan film industry appears to have benefited from the war in Iraq as the chosen location for Rendition (Gavin Hood, 2007), In the Valley of Elah (Paul Haggis, 2007), United 93 (Paul Greengrass, 2006), and Home of the Br ave (Irwin Winkler, 2006), along with Syriana (Stephen Gaghan, 2005), Charlie Wilsons War (Mike Nichols, 2007), and Body of Lies (Ridley Scott, 2007). TABLE 3 Co-productions and autonomous productions to shoot in Morocco, 2003-2007 Summary Although this post is only a brief survey of three countries using limited data, it is possible to see how the film industry in different countries can be connected to the rest of the world. It is possible to identify where local connections are important and where more the key relationships are over a longer distance. It is possible to compare where connections between countries result in co-productions or where relationships are not formed with local producers. As more data becomes available it will hopefully be possible to compare the number of connections between countries over time to gain an understanding of the dynamic relationship, rather than the simply static picture we have here. In simply enumerating the connections in the global film industry in this manner we can slowly build up a picture of a mosaic of film industries.

George Berkley :: essays research papers

â€Å"George Berkeley: Esse Est Percipi?† George Berkeley was an ordained Catholic priest who lived during the 17th century (Price, 206). He wrote some of the most profound works of this time period, which at best, is characterized by the Rationalist and British Empiricist movements. Berkeley was a member of the Empiricists. As a whole, the British Empiricists believed that knowledge is derived from the senses and â€Å"sense experience†(Price, 193). Therefore, they believed that no innate knowledge exists, only knowledge gained after the fact, or a posteriori (Price, 193). Berkeley, for the most part, focused on his ideas of reality and God. However interesting it may be, George Berkeley and his philosophy fail to establish concrete evidence to support his belief of immaterialism, drawing instead upon basic assumptions of God and his existence. im a tool bag. Immaterialism, as aforementioned, was the basis of all of Berkeley’s arguments. Immaterialists deny the actual existence of material objects (Dancy, 94). According to Berkeley, human knowledge is composed of ideas, that of which are formed by things: â€Å"imprints on the senses, the passions and operations of the mind, and composites of memory and imagination†(Berkeley). Basically broken down, this means that what man knows about objects and the material are what he perceives of it. The senses leave impressions which lead to ideas, the mind can come up with ideas of its own (perhaps what Berkeley means by the â€Å"passions and operations† is that the mind can come up with concepts by using reason), and composites, or rough sketches, of previous perceptions can lead to new ideas. â€Å"Thus, for example, a certain colour, taste, smell of a figure, and consistence of having been observed to go together, are accounted one distant thing, signified by the word apple†(Berkeley). Berkeley is saying that if it was not for the senses one could not perceive, and the object would cease to be. Therefore, the very existence of an idea depends upon if it can be perceived by something. An idea or object cannot exist outside of a mind. â€Å"The things that exist truly are those which can do the actual perceiving. Berkeley calls this the mind, soul, spirit, or self† (Dancy, 101). To show this is true, let us go back to the example of the apple. Berkeley points out the fact that it is impossible to think of an object without thinking of your perceptions of it (Price, 207).

Plato and The Renaissance Essay -- Philosophy

Plato (428-347 B.C.E.) is considered to be one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever known. Though concerned with specific problems of his own era, Plato's ideas transcend all time. Throughout the ages his works have been translated into many languages and studied by great thinkers of every region of the world. A revival of Platonic thought occurred during the Renaissance. Though Plato's ideas have survived in their original forms, translators and commentators during Renaissance times often understood them in a very different way than intended. Plato's ideas were ahead of their time, but he was nevertheless clearly a product of Classical Greek culture. Many of his dialogues question beliefs of and praise the Greek gods. Political concerns revolved around political systems common in his day, and the distaste for democracy present in his Republic focuses specifically on the form of democracy present in Athens during that time.1 For his time, Plato's work depicts women in a very positive light, but it is still evident that the opinion of women as second class citizens in ancient Greece influenced his opinion. Plato's Republic allows for and expects woman to participate in his ideal ruling class of philosopher kings, but the language used to describe women's roles is nevertheless demeaning.2 In Plato's Socratic dialogues, a plethora of examples representative of the age are used to explain and defend claims, referencing recent wars, politicians in recent history, and Homeric poetry. Plato may have never become the world renowned philosopher that he is considered to be today if it had not been for Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.). Plato was Socrates' most famous pupil, and Socrates was such an inspiration to him that... ...): 406- 439. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1353/ren.2008.0331 Kellermann, Frederick. "Montaigne, Reader of Plato." Comparative Literature, Vol. 8, No. 4 (Autumn, 1956): 307-322. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1768763 Lee, Desmond, trans. The Republic, 2nd ed. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. Oliver, Revilo P.. "Plato and Salutati." Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association, Vol. 71, (1940): 315-334. http://www.jstor.org/stable/283132 Schachter, Marc. "Louis Le Roy’s Sympose de Platon and Three Other Renaissance Adaptions of Platonic Eros." Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. 59, No. 2 (Summer 2006): 406-439. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1353/ren.2008.0331 Somfai, Anna. "The Eleventh-Century Shift in the Reception of Plato's "Timaeus" and Calcidius's "Commentary"." Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, Vol. 65, (2002): 1-21

Essay --

According to Niccolo Machiavelli’s, The Prince, there are five traits that make up a successful leader. The five traits that are necessary in determining a leader’s success involve being feared, being virtuous, having the support of the people, having intelligence and the use of arms. In this paper, I will argue that the Duke Vincentio of William Shakespeare’s, Measure for Measure, is an ineffective leader because he loses virtue acting deceitful and spying on his subjects as a friar. Also, when he realizes that his people do not fear him, he allows for Angelo to come so that he can win their respect by becoming the better option of the two. It is portrayed by his constant presence in the play as the friar, that instead of earning the support of his people, he treats them as puppets and himself as the master puppeteer. The people do not fear the Duke so he tries to win them over another way; he selfishly puts Angelo in power, knowing that Angelo’s faults will make the Duke look like a better leader. The duke is a soft ruler and cannot bring himself to punish his people when they commit a crime. When his loses the respect and fear of his people, he puts Angelo in charge of the people, knowing that he may not be fit for the task. The duke may have saw putting Angelo in power and dressing as a friar as a way to establish law and order in Vienna but still being the merciful leader he is known as. When the Duke asks Lord Angelo to take over, Angelo refuses and says that his skill must be tested some other way first. The Duke responds by saying: My haste may not admit it; Not need you, on mine honour, have to do With any scruple: your scope is as mine own, So to enforce or qualify the laws As to your soul seems good. Give me you... ...e is going to tell next to deceive his power. Throughout his presence in the play as the friar, the Duke is never recognized as his true self. This portrays an intelligent man, experienced in the art of scheming and lying. Niccolo Machiavelli would classify the Duke as an ineffective ruler because he fails to uphold virtue when constantly deceives his subjects. The duke may be intelligent in his scheming ways, but this is the only on of Machiavelli’s five traits that the Duke portrays throughout the play. His people does not fear the Duke Vincentio as Machiavelli believes a good leader should be and he tries to steal the respect of his people by putting a harsh ruler into power. His huge role in the play both as his role as the friar and the Duke, shows that instead of earning the support of his people, he treats them as puppets and himself as the master puppeteer.

A Balance Between Nomothetic and Idiographic Approaches Essay

The idiographic and nomothetic approaches in psychology are often regarded as representing opposing and conflicting positions about how best to study people, especially intelligence and personality. However, the two may be seen as complementary, with both necessary to gain a fuller understanding of human beings. The idiographic approach focuses on: ‘the individual and recognises the uniqueness of the person in terms of their experiences, feelings, developmental history, aspirations and motivations in life, and the values and moral codes by which they live’. The word idiograph comes from the Greek word idios, meaning ‘own’ or ‘private’. Hence the idiographic approach in psychology is concerned with the private, subjective and unique aspects of a person and employs methods of inquiry which provide information about subjective experiences. The idiographic approach is characterised by qualitative methods of investigation. Qualitative methods include unstructured interviews, case studies, self report measures, introspection, and the psychoanalytic techniques of free association and dream analysis. The idiographic approaches is holistic and places great value on the individual’s conscious experiences. The humanistic perspective in psychology perhaps best exemplifies the idiographic approach. Freudian psychoanalysis can also be said to adopt an idiographic approach as he did not use any scientific method to test or find evidence for his theoretical claims. Approach The nomothetic approach in psychology focuses on: ‘similarities between people and attempts to establish general laws of behaviour and thought that can be applied to large populations of people, or indeed to all people’ The word nomothetic comes from Greek words nomos, meaning ‘law’. Hence, the nomothetic approach is most closely aligned with the scientific approaches in psychology. This means that it uses scientific methods of investigation, particularly experiments, to test hypotheses that are derived from theories about human behaviour and thought. The nomothetic approach adopts a reductionist viewpoint, placing great value on objectivity and replication. The behaviourist, cognitive ad biological perspectives best exemplify the nomothetic approach. Freudian theory also attempts to establish laws or rules about human beings, for example the psychosexual stages and the Oedipus complex. Freud believed these were applicable to all and the theory is nomothetic in this respect. Background Humanistic psychology adopt a more idiographic approach, seeking the more unique aspects of individuals, rather than producing generalised laws of behaviour that apply to everyone. It highlighted the value of more individualistic and idiographic methods of study, particularly in areas of personality and abnormalities. Classification manuals like the DSM-IV, which lists the essential behavioural criteria of diagnosing autism, adopts a nomothetic approach and classify people according to particular type of disorders. Traditionally, the idiographic and nomothetic approaches are seen as conflicting, with the implication that as a psychologist you can only operate from one of these positions. Cronbach (1957) identified this potential source of conflict between psychologists about how best to study the nature of what it is to be human. If the psychologist seeks to develop theories that apply to large populations then the nomothetic approach is preferable. If, however, the psychologist is interested in the uniqueness of a person, then the idiographic approach is the one to adopt. Subjective experience The idiographic approach is often regarded as non-scientific, as subjective experience cannot be empirically tested and it is difficult to generalise from detailed subjective knowledge about a person. Some psychologists argue that scientific principles can be applied to study the uniqueness of individuals and the norms and rules by which a specific person operates can be identified. The idiographic approach can be used to study topics such as privation which are relatively rare and depends upon the circumstances surrounding the individual. Most evidence for effects of privation has come from case studies of children who have been raised in conditions of neglect. The case of Genie (Curtiss, 1977) suggests that severe privation has permanent effects. At the age of 13 years she was unable to speak, physically underdeveloped and showed inappropriate emotional responses. Despite fostering and intellectual stimulation, Genie apparently never recovered from her years of privation, although there was a suggestion that other factors may have contributed to her problems. Koluchova’s longitudinal study followed the long-term development of twin boys who had suffered severe privation in early childhood showed that children who have experienced severe privation seem able to overcome the effects of their early suffering with appropriate treatment and care. As such the nomothetic approach would be unsuitable and unable to gather any information which would contribute towards our understanding of the topic. The two approaches can be complementary as the idiographic approach can shed further light on a general law of behaviour established through a nomothetic approach. Idiographic research may disprove a general law of behaviour. For example nomothetic research supported the idea of a multi-store model of memory with information flowing through the STM to LTM. However case studies of patients with brain damage suggest that the multi-store model is over-simplified. A patient known as KF suffered brain damage following a motorcycle accident, and underwent brain surgery. Some years later he was found to have normal LTM storage but an STM capacity of only two items. If STM was necessary for the transfer of information to LTM, then KF’s LTM should also be affected. As a consequence, further models of memory have been proposed and tested. On the other hand, idiographic findings can lead to large scale research. Piaget used the idiographic approach gaining rich and detailed information about the development of his own children’s thinking. These finding inspired further nomothetic research and theories into cognitive development were developed. Scientific approach Both approaches can contribute to the scientific approach – the aim of science are to â€Å"understand and describe† which corresponds to the idiographic approach and to â€Å"predict and control† which corresponds to the nomothetic approach. The nomothetic approach generalise findings e. g. in terms of the primacy and recency effects, more words are recalled from the beginning and the end of the list, irrespective of the length of the list. However an idiographic approach could be used to find the different techniques that people have used to recall the items In contemporary psychology, the idiographic-nomothetic debate is still an important distinction. Attempts have been made to bring the two approaches together in an interactionist model (Bandura, 1986), but no influential solution has been found. It could be argued that the strengths of one approach compensate for the limitations of the other and so both approaches are needed for a complete study of psychology. The nomothetic approach has helped psychology to become scientific by developing laws and theories of human behaviour that can be empirically tested. This approach attempts to determine laws and common characteristics for all people or large groups of people in a culture. It also helps to combine biological and social aspects of a person. However, the focus on general laws and theories neglects the subjective and unique experiences of the person. The extensive use of controlled laboratory experiment means that there is a problem of generalisation to everyday life. Some psychologists also argued that this approach overemphasises the similarities between people and gives little attention to differences. Alternatively, the idiographic approach focuses on the subjective experiences of the person making the individual feeling valued and unique. Each person is valued as an individual rather than seen as one amongst many. Conclusion This approach provides detailed psychohistories and attempts to understand the many influences on how they come to be as they are. Humanistic psychology uses an idiographic approach to enable people to develop their full potential. However, this approach largely neglects biological, especially genetic influences.