Essay --

Explaining Consciousness Provides Physicalism With Challenges That Place Limits On Scientific Knowledge, And What It Can Uncover About Consciousness Consciousness is one of those topics that are in the position of trying to understand one’s own organism with one’s own organism. The topic of consciousness is so elusive that it mirrors child hood games of trying to catch your own shadow. In the World of philosophy, discerning the truth about consciousness is no childish game. Materialist J.J.C Smart and philosopher Thomas Nagel agree that qualia exist, but are diametrically opposed when it comes to what consciousness is. In this paper I will argue for Nagel’s point of view that consciousness falls outside the nucleus of scientific explanation. Physicalism cannot objectively uncover consciousness using scientific methods because consciousness cannot be reduced to material parts. If Smart’s reductionist view points were correct, where as physics can explain all there is to know about everything in the universe, then why does consciousness seem to evade physical laws of investigation? Explaining consciousn ess provides physicalism with challenges that place limits on scientific knowledge, and what it can uncover about consciousness. J.J.C Smart proposes that a scientific explanation of consciousness must fall with in universal physical laws. Furthermore, if science could not explain consciousness within scientific laws, than we would have a problem called a nomological dangler. For Smart, this is unbelievable. It would seem that this move by Smart is one based on scientific bias. The nature of consciousness rests in the experience of the first person account, and if philosophy of mind is to have a complete scientific knowledge of the... ...the sense that they are easily detectable. Physically looking for something that does not have a physical structure is like trying to get rid of the left by going to the right side. Ultimately, science is looking in the wrong direction because it cannot by default take into consideration first person quotes. In conclusion, it is very difficult to come up with scientific solutions to the problem of consciousness. Science may never be able to solve the mysteries of qualia. New methods might need to be introduced to uncover personal experience that lie far off in the future. Philosophers will just need to continue in their search for a complete theory of a science of mind. In addition, humility within the sciences may go along way towards an understanding of consciousness. â€Å" We do not know what consciousness means outside the frame of personality†- Albert Einstein

Macbeth Act Iv Lines 111-134

In Macbeth Act IV scene 1 lines 111-134, William Shakespeare heightens the themes of guilt and conscience and order and disorder, Shakespeare also furthers Macbeth’s character in his ambition all through the utilization of punctuation, imagery, and irony through royal imagery. In this passage, Macbeth speaks to the wierd sisters and they speak back to him, the passage ends with a soliloquy. We already know going into this section of the play as previously discussed by my colleagues Keegan and Alex, that Macbeth has gone under quite a change.Out of fear and paranoia, he has decided to seek out the witches in search of the answers of his future. Although macbeth has experienced this change, his guilt of the murder of Banquo is evident in this passage. Macbeth has just been given his prophecy and this bonus hallucination is given by Shakespeare as a glimpse into Macbeth’s state of mind. The First device shakespeare utilizes is punctuation. With one quick glance at these li nes, Shakespeare's vast use of punctuation is immediately evident.In these lines there are six periods, nine exclamation points, five colons, two semicolons, nine commas, and five question marks. Firstly, shakespeare utilizes exclamation points, which are only found in Macbeth’s lines to display Macbeth’s surprise in the hallucinations he is witnessing, this surprise then brings Macbeth to question what the witches are showing him, hence the use of question marks. For example, in line 115, Macbeth asks â€Å"why do you show me this? † and before his question can be answered, yet another hallucination of a king enters.A similar event occurs at line 118. Usually when there is a comma used, there is another thought which follows, this occurs when Macbeth says â€Å"and yet the eight appears, who bears a glass† â€Å"Banquo smiles upon me, and points at them for his† when the witch says â€Å"I’ll charm the air to give a sound, while you perfor m your antic round† and â€Å"that this great king may kindly say, our duties did his welcome pay† Alone, the utilization of a specific form of punctuation contributes its own benefits for example, a comma contributes another idea.Altogether, however, the massive amount of punctuation used by Shakespeare really creates a sense of confusion, thus heightening the theme of order and disorder. The second device used is sorcery and supernatural imagery. Examples of this found in the text are â€Å"spirit† â€Å"filthy hags† â€Å"crack of doom† â€Å"blood-bolter‘d banquo† â€Å"antic round† and â€Å"accursed† Shakespeare's use of such words reinforce the presence of the supernatural that Macbeth is currently experiencing and further the theme of the supernatural.The third and final device Shakespeare uses is irony through royal imagery. In the vision of the eight kings which pass by Macbeth, all of whom looking like Banquo wh ich is irony in itself, Shakespeare describes the eight kings by only giving information on monarch related objects, for example, â€Å"thy crown does sear mine eyeballs† â€Å"thou other gold-bound brow is like the first. † â€Å"some I see that two-fold balls and treble scepters carry†.Shakespeare furthers Macbeth’s character as the fixation of the crown related objects suggests Macbeth’s hunger and obsession for power has grown thus heightening the theme of ambition and furthers Macbeth’s character in illustration of the change that has overcome him. As stated earlier, Macbeth has already received his prophecy, so why would the witches give him more visions? In the lines prior to the start of the show of kings, all the witches say, â€Å"Show his eyes and grieve his heart, come like shadows, so depart. What the witches are doing Is creating vision out of Macbeth’s guilts fears and worries, thus the eight kings which appear. Shakes peare is suggesting that Macbeth’s immense guilt of Banquo’s death, and hunger for power are the reasons causing this bizarre hallucination, which continues to further Macbeth’s character in the theme of ambition and guilty conscience in the illustration of his obsession with the crown and Banquo.So far, we have focused upon the devices present in the lines, but what about the devices that aren’t? Shakespeare did not include a time motif in this passage, not while the witches were present that is. When the witches disappeared, the time motif is reaffirmed. Time, is man made and represents order, in the absence of the time motif while the witches are present Shakespeare is suggesting that the witches are the root of the disorder and chaos experienced, thus heightening the theme of order and disorder.In the context of the human condition, Shakespeare suggests that one’s colossal guilt and desires manifested in length will eventually lead to their ine vitable destruction. Understanding the sins we have committed, and learning from the mistakes we have made is utterly important in our mental health and in some cases our existence. The opposite is displayed in Macbeth’s character as he continues to strive for an increase in power. This ambition is unhealthy, and eventually leads to Macbeth’s destruction.Not only is this aspect of the human condition found in Macbeth, but is also commonly found throughout history, most recently, the late Muammer al-Gaddafi of Libya, who’s obsession for power in his own country, just like Macbeth lead to his timely end. In the tragedy of Macbeth act IV scene I lines 111-134, William Shakespeare forces the reader to question human nature as it pertains to guilt and unchecked ambition in the face of desperation and confusion. Now Dmitri will deconstruct his lines through a video presentation. Thank you.

Ethnographic Research Project Essay

The subject of the Ethnographic Research project is Fall-Line Motorsports, a full service participant in the motorsports industry. Located in Chicago’s northern suburbs, the firm specializes in racing, servicing and modifying street and professional high performance vehicles such as BMWs, Porsches, Audis, Mercedes-Benz, Corvettes, and other high end transportation. (Fall-Line Motorsports, 2006) In the form of ethnographic research, Fall-Line Motorsports, is subjected to focus on the sociology of meaning through close field observation of sociocultural phenomena. Typically, observing the motorsport â€Å"community† (not necessarily geographic, but within the work and limited leisure environment).   Selection of informants or participants who are known to have an overview of the activities of the community and requesting such informants are asked to identify other informants representative of the community. (Ethnographic Research, 2006) Several informants/participants are interviewed multiple times within the work environment.   The purpose is to use information from previous informants/participants to elicit clarification and deeper responses upon re-interview.   Ã‚  The intent of this process is to uncover common cultural understandings related to the environment under study.   Ã‚  It should be noted that study utilizes the approach from the point of view of art, i.e. marketing, symbols, images and cultural preservation, i.e. behavior, customs and norms, as a descriptive rather than analytic endeavor. (Ethnographic Research, 2006) cultural immersion Observation â€Å"Aspects of motorsports has had long been considered exclusively European in nature, most notably sports cars and grand prix motor racing, began to achieve a level of acceptance that would make them important elements of the American automobile culture in the years to come.† (Inge, 1989, p. 110) One of the most noticeable practices in the shop environment was the constant human activity.   The machine and tools were merely instruments that served as extensions of the men working around them.   The level of concentration was amazingly intense.   Empirical analysis yielded high productive output, efficiently, effective craftsmanship only second to the obvious dedication and resourcefulness.   Ã‚  It was difficult to imagine that any facility of the same size could match or possible exceed the results of Fall-line Motorsports, particularly in the motorcar racing industry. Macro-ethnography Broadly-Defined Cultural Groupings Motorsport racing is a sport of addiction. â€Å"Once you experience it firsthand, you feel compelled to keep following it. In many cases, you quickly identify with a driver, his sponsor, or the make of car he drives. You watch races on television, you scan the newspaper for articles or photographs, you see people on the street wearing a NASCAR T-shirt or cap, you notice numbered decals on the back windows of cars and trucks, you start to recognize (and buy) products based on which team they sponsor.   A cultural reading of NASCAR’s evolution shows that stock car racing has become part of our national consciousness, both accepted and recognized by corporate America and the media.† (Bodine et al. 1997, p. 3) Since the very first visit to Fall-line Motorsports, I became completely enthralled with the motorsport business.   I saved and pulled together every nickel and dime I could muster in order to purchase the latest and best technology they had to offer. At that time, my single aspiration in high school was to have the fastest car on campus, and with their help, I achieved my goal.   Anecdotal analysis of American culture represents motorsports racing as an interesting phenomenon connected to our romanticism of the old American West. Stock car racing is more than a sport; it represents an important element of this nation’s culture and heritage. It is a sport with ties to the rebellious actions of post-Revolutionary frontiersmen. This is an activity with deep roots, the lines that connect the America of today with the America of yesterday. â€Å"Breaking NASCAR’s ties to its traditional Southern identification might be enough to get a culturally and ethnically-diverse audience involved in the sport.   Opening new Winston Cup markets—especially in large urban areas within reach of new facilities, like the California Speedway near Los Angeles and Quad-Cities International Raceway Park near Chicago—might be the catalyst to attract minorities as fans and participants.† (Bodine et al. 1997, p. 116) ethnographic method involve gaining informants Gathering Of Data In The Form Of Observation One particular afternoon presented the opportunity to develop the informant relationship.   I went down to Fall-line Motorsports to purchase and have installed a cold air intake.   The installation took approximately four hours. Upon completion, I paid my bill on a job well done and left.   Like any new device, I felt a real world test was warranted.   I found a major open through fare, position the car in empty, place the shift into first gear and press the accelerator down to the floor. In an instant the bolts to the sub frame ripped off and the differential fell out. Clearly, the only option was to return the Fall-line Motorsports.   Upon my return, the car was completely incapacitated.   Right then, JP, the chief engineer wasn’t able to repair immediately.   However, he drove me home which was quite a distance from the shop.   Ironically, the accident and the ride home provided me the opportunity to talk with JP at length about the business, the industry, and the people of motorsports. Hence, my informant relationship was established. During the conversation, even though motorsports has southern origin attached to it, it was discovered that one of the first northern drivers to find success as a â€Å"NASCAR Grand National competitor was Fred Lorenzen, who was raised in the town of Elmhurst, Illinois, not far from Chicago. Lorenzen became familiar with NASCAR racing while camping out with friends in his parents’ backyard.† (Bodine et al. 1997, p. 67) Micro-ethnography Narrowly-Defined Cultural Groupings Local spectators consume the regional sport commodity over a period of time, with different degrees of intensity of consumption. Consequently some races are enormously more important than others, with different meanings to different viewers or fans depending on their geographical location.   â€Å"Thus the standardization of the time length of games and events, and the calendarisation of sport goes hand in hand with its commoditization.† Forster, 2004, p.4) So much as the study goes, first hand participation is essential, unlike a â€Å"restaurant guides do not offer the kind of ethnographic information we might wish to have on American food ways, but as ephemeral publications that are part of as well as a commentary on popular cultural behavior, they have much to offer the student of American food ways.† (Inge, 1989, p. 488)   Also associated within the confines of this world is the mechanic.   Steve is one of the mechanics and a true fan of the sport. He typifies the motorsport fan, family man, calm , Midwestern civility and calmness that carries the day. â€Å"The group is socially dynamic. It is a sport that thrills and draws by the tens of millions to speedways and television sets each year, yet we have never considered what the sport means to us as a country, as a community of Americans. Community plays a large part in the sport of stock car racing. The sport itself is a community, one that travels to race tracks all over the country each week. As is the case with transitory social groups, the NASCAR Winston Cup participants look to each other for solidarity. The drivers, mechanics, officials, media people, and families of NASCAR move about the nation as a community with its own rules, ethics, and etiquette.† (Bodine et al. 1997, p. 10)    The deepest layer inside the motorsport subject is the driver.   One overwriting commonality that stands as an attribute to all who ride in the â€Å"beast† is the rituals practiced by the drivers. Whether it involves the silent act of prayer or wearing certain article of clothing in a particular fashion, the practice is uniform and convincing.   It even sometimes involves the people related to the drivers. Before a driver embarks into a race there are a series of different rituals that are performed. Mark Boden, 45 years old owner and operator of Fall-Line Motorsports and a driver at Fall-line motorsports, says goodbye to his wife and children before he goes into a race. He systematically walks over to the car to check and recheck the machine as to let his family know of his confidence.   With assurance, he says a prayer and is prepared to race. â€Å"When I go off I tell who ever I’m with ‘I’ll see you in a little bit’ or ‘I’ll be back.’ I walk over to my car and check my tire pressure, get my racing suit on, put my helmet on, and drive to the line. As I’m driving I start to loose my breath, but by the end of the first lap I am back to normal,† say Mark. Emic perspective Cultural Perception The general competitive balance result remains unchanged. Underlying the argument is a set of assumptions concerning the behavior of motorsports with respect to the quality of games (higher uncertainty of outcome leads to higher quality of games). In this scenario, drivers attract fans by winning. JP, head engineer at the firm epitomizes this argument. He is required by the demanding world of motorsports competition to know and understands every aspect of the BMW M3 models in addition to every other car he works on.   Within his challenging environment, he serves as a critical source of reference for the mechanics and other engineers. Miraculously JP has been able to find solutions when others have failed.   It seems he is able to answer any question posed to him. â€Å"American racing fans, NASCAR is autoracing, and the on-track exploits of its heroes–both names from the past such as David Pearson, Daryl Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, and Richard Petty, and names of the present such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.–have, in many quarters, attained a status bordering on folklore.† (Clark et al, 2004)   JP understands that the fan is comparing his work, his results with the major competitors. With the shadow of the legends looking over his should, JP designs various parts that will enhance the cars’ performance if other parts aren’t able to meet Fall-Lines standards. Etic perspective Non-Members (Outsiders) Perceive African American ownership in sports has been a long sought after goal. Many have tried and only a few have succeeded in the multibillion-dollar arenas of professional football, baseball and basketball. Yet, look a little lower on the radar screen and you’ll see another sport has attracted the attention of a pair of former athletes in an arena not generally frequented by African Americans–professional auto racing. Washington Erring Motorsports, which recently completed its second year on the NASCAB circuit, is being touted as NASCAR’s first minority-owned race team in over 25 years. (Smith, 2000, p. 28) Symbols Material Artifact Of A Culture, Such As Art, Clothing, Or Even Technology The sport, â€Å"with its noise, dirt, powerful cars, and consumption of alcoholic beverages,† became â€Å"a symbol of the southern way of living.† As with Daniel’s analysis, Johnson’s depiction of stock-car racing anchors the activity’s origins in deadly speed contests among southern moonshiners and federal revenue officers in the 1930s and 1940s. When not outrunning the law, moonshiners â€Å"participated in informal races between themselves and others interested in automobiles.† (Hall, 2002, p. 629) For motorsports, obvious merchandise opportunities would include t-shirts, hats, and model cars. For landscapes it might be travel packages or hiking gear. Corporate customers might be interested in software, design services or office supplies. Unique content on Artemis Images’s website could be used to draw traffic to other companies’ sites. Chris and her team planned to license the content on an annual basis to these sites, creating reach and revenues for Artemis Images. (Bell, 2003, p.173)   At work, Steve and Mark only wear a Fall-Line t-shirt and jeans.   Clearly branding themselves where ever and when ever they can. National and international sporting events attract millions of fans to the communities that host the events.   Unlike the limited seasons and markets in baseball, basketball, and football, motorsports facilities play host to events throughout most of each year. Major events are held almost weekly throughout the year in the United States, Europe, and other areas of the world. â€Å"Motorsports is truly international in scope and stature, and racing attracts millions of fans to areas widely recognized for their involvement in the sport.† (Gnuschke, 2004, p. 2) Cultural patterning Relate Symbols Across Varied Forms Of Behavior And In Varied Contexts â€Å"Budweiser, Burger King, Cellular South, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Comp Cams, Domino’s Pizza, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Rental Equipment, Hilton Properties, Ikon Office Solutions, Kroger, Ledbetter Meats, Millington Telephone Company and the list goes on†¦obviously; the list of participating corporate sponsors and involved business partners will increase over the racing season. Some examples of the global importance of motorsports include the following excerpts and highlights of studies of motorsports events in the United States and around the world.† (Gnuschke, 2004, p. 2) Tacit knowledge Deeply-Embedded Cultural Beliefs It all stated with a simple model, â€Å"†¦the recipe for a classic American hot rod is simple. First you find the smallest, lightest chassis available. Then you add one big American V-8 engine and beefed-up driveline. For good measure, you modify that V-8 to produce even more horsepower.   Ã‚  It all started in the 1930s when ingenious American youths (now our grandfathers and fathers) figured out that the new Ford V-8 engine would fit in the smaller and lighter Ford Model A.† (Anson, 1996, p.14) In essence, professional motorsports is in the business of entertainment. Instead of artists, you have athletes, which in the case of motorsports are race drivers. The stage and the arena is a racetrack.   â€Å"As a business, the primary motive of any motorsports series is profit. So you need to keep spectators happy which in turn keeps sponsors happy. Also up there in the need-to-keep-happy list are the stars of the show themselves. Because they are the ones whom spectators come to spectate.† (Manila Bulletin, 2005) Reference(s) http://www2.chass.ncsu.edu/garson/PA765/ethno.htm Ethnographic Research – Retrieved 12.06.06 http://www.fall-linemotorsports.com Fall-Line MotorSports– Retrieved 12.06.06 Thomas Inge, 1989, Handbook of American Popular Culture. Publisher: Greenwood Press. Place of Publication: Westport, CT. Page Number: 110, 488 Brett Bodine, Mark D. Howell, 1997, From Moonshine to Madison Avenue: A Cultural History of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Publisher: Bowling Green State University Popular Press. Place of Publication: Bowling Green, OH. Page Number: 3, 67, 10, 116 John Forster, Nigel K. Ll. Pope, 2004,   The Political Economy of Global Sporting Organisations. Publisher: Routledge. Place of Publication: New York. Page Number: 4 John M. Clark, T. Bettina Cornwell, Stephen W. Pruitt, 2004, The NASCAR Phenomenon: Auto Racing Sponsorships and Shareholder Wealth. Journal Title: Journal of Advertising Research. Volume: 44. Issue: 3. Publication Year: 2004. Page Number: 281+ Eric L. Smith, March 2000, Racing for Dollars. Magazine Title: Black Enterprise. Volume: 30. Issue: 8. Page Number: 28. COPYRIGHT 2000 Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., Inc. Randal L. Hall, 2002, Before NASCAR: The Corporate and Civic Promotion of Automobile Racing in the American South, 1903-1927. Journal Title: Journal of Southern History. Volume: 68. Issue: 3. Page Number: 629+. Joseph R. Bell, Joan Winn, 2003, Artemis Images: Providing Content in the Digital Age. Contributors: Journal Title: Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. Volume: 28. Issue: 2. Page Number: 173+. COPYRIGHT 2003 Baylor University; John E. Gnuschke, Fall 2004, Economic Impact of the Memphis Motorsports Park. Magazine Title: Business Perspectives. Volume: 16. Issue: 3. Page Number: 2+. Mike Anson, 1996, American Tradition of Hot Rodding Lives, Extending to Miatas. Newspaper Title: The Washington Times. Page Number: 14. COPYRIGHT 1996 News World Communications, Inc Manila Bulletin, July 5, 2005,   When Sport Gets in the Way of Entertainment. Page Number: NA. COPYRIGHT 2005 Manila Bulletin Publishing

Critiquing and changing the world through critical theory in traditional and critical theory an essay by max horkheimer Essay

Critical theory is directed towards both critiquing and changing the world, instead of merely explaining and interpreting it. The term critical theory  was coined by Max Horkheimer in his essay â€Å"Traditional and Critical Theory† (1937). By nature, it is radical, emancipatory and highly democratic in nature; historically specific but ever-changing. Even preceding Horkheimer, Karl Marx also contributed to critical theory affirming that â€Å"philosophers have only interpreted the world in certain ways; the point is to change it† (Theses on Feuerbach). Ontologically, the nature of the world is intrinsically one with diametrically opposed dichotomies of power and built-in disadvantaging imbalances and covert, oppressive structures. Horkeimer affirms that critical theory’s primary objective is â€Å"to liberate human beings from the circumstances that enslave them† (Horkheimer 1982, 244). Freedom is derived at the epistemic level for knowledge is power (a rming the oppressed with weapons to conduct revolution against dominant orders of society, merging theory and action, instigating change in living conditions merges theory and action and align itself to working against diverse dominant orders of society).   It appreciates the lived experiences of people and interprets actions and symbols of society to understand social oppression. Methodologically, critical theory is pluralistic especially as a result of several socio-economic and political shifts brought about by globalisation. Consequently, several genres of critical theory have emerged, for example racial, post-colonial and feminist. Feminism is any socio-economic, political and cultural movement aimed at reforming society through equal rights and protections on behalf of the woman. Mainstream feminism embraces the legality of the woman as an independent individual, promoting full participation, inclusion and integration to enjoy its rights, responsibilities and privileges. The improvement of the woman’s social condition in civil life hinges on progressivism in where public policies are the catalysts for positive social change and where she would be emancipated and empowered. Feminism is convinced of the positive potential of woman and the benefits which would redound to the larger society through her empowerment. â€Å"Feminism is about the social transformation of gender relations† (Calas 2009). Feminism is virulently opposed to female subjugation, subservience and misogynist injustices – setting about to liberate the woman from inhibiting traditions and status quos that tend to undermine the validation of her personhood.   Generally, feminists support gender equality where both sexes can avail themselves of the same opportunities in both the domestic and public realms. No longer is a woman an inferior or weaker sex. She is an equal. Feminism also perceives the world through gendered lenses, discerns male predominance through patriarchal structures and militates against it. An inexhaustible list of variations exists within feminism, for example liberal feminism clamours for women’s equality, public rights and inclusion in decision-making and discourse. Radical feminism demands a complete and fundamental restructuring and redefining of the world’s institutions, systems and human experience to supersede the male-oriented ones. Marxist feminism concentrates on capitalism as the root cause of female oppression especially in the labour market where men possess more capital and economic privilege. Eco-feminism, Separatist feminism, Post-modern feminism, Third-world feminism, Psychoanalytic feminism, Postcolonial feminism and Amazon feminism among others constitute other types of feminism. Battle of the Sexes (Feminism vs. Machoism) The polarization of men and women forms part and parcel in the perpetual battle of the sexes – preoccupied with who should be more privileged in society’s assigned gender roles. The battle of the sexes is predicated on female identity, autonomy, oppression, disempowerment which all reflects the†¦.Feminism frames a discourse that attempts to challenge a longstanding male supremacy. In the past, man held a monopoly over discourse because of unequal structures (domestic/family, business, labour, education, religion and government) which dictated to the woman. In feminist critical theory, â€Å"universal criteria are not value-free, but (based) upon male norms† (May 2001). Owing to male preponderance, discourse would position the male at the centre so that one sees the male â€Å"Self† as the one who prevails whereas the female â€Å"Other† is relegated to the fringes of society. In the battle, machoism seeks to continue the promulgation of a male- based perspective in ideas, structures, and institutions that cement his control in society. The masculine voice overpowers and represses the woman. Consequently, â€Å"the answer is †¦ to move away from (the) male-centred perspective and place women at its centre† (May 2001) effectively questioning the legitimacy of and ousting patriarchal tradition. A Gendered View Feminist theory concentrates on the trajectories of women growing to assert themselves and rise above male oppression, inferiority, sexual abuse and gendered stereotyping. Like men, women have the right to autonomy so she must break the yoke of oppression, repression and suppression. Critical theory is hinged on the ideals of the woman as one who has been unduly victimized and oppressed by the patriarchy. This gender-centred philosophy contends with deep-rooted, sexist prejudice against the woman. It presupposes that phallocentric sexism is still in wide currency, discriminating and denying equality to the woman. Legitimized patriarchy in a world system permitted gross inhumanities and injustices to flourish against the woman, termed misogyny. Misogynist practices and policies physically and metaphorically rape the woman of her dignity and personhood. In the face of these indignities, feminists perform critical theory by privileging and empowering the woman. Feminist critical theory pinpoints societal double standards and hypocrisy so that the woman is obliged to abide by different rules inconsistent with fairness. Mainstream critical theory inherently privileges the man while disadvantaging the woman; therefore the feminist discourse stresses the loopholes in the patriarchal discourse that tends to discriminate and disempower the woman.   The double standard code of ethics governs the behaviour of the woman. Even in social research, feminists have succeeded in permeating the topic of double standard research so that â€Å"other forms of sexism in the design of a study may also lead to a double standard in data interpretation† (Eichler1999). Critical theory oriented by feminist principles prompts the question:   is this free from male-dominated standards or double standards: Are both sexes considered and privileged? These questions shed light into the validation of the woman where formerly she has been relegated to inferiority and even anonymity in discourse. Feminism gives birth to female empowerment, yet the discourse often cloaked in anonymity, passivity, obscurity, self-effacement and subjugation Gendered Critical Theory Feminism is committed to â€Å"reducing the unequal power in†¦ relationship† (Acker 1983). It holds that equalising power â€Å"will not be found in some stable orthodoxy but in an evolving dialogue† (DeVault 1999). The â€Å"the idea of objectivity and neutrality in the social sciences (instead)†¦taking the woman’s perspective† (Acker 1983). Despising the â€Å"positivistic objectivity or the reality of the social world as a system of distinct observable variables independent of the knower† (Acker 1983) is another quality of feminist-guided research†¦solidarity with experiences germane to women. Feminism blatantly reject â€Å"such tenets of mainstream social science as the objectivity and separation of researcher from what or whom is researched, the superiority of the researcher as expert† (Small 1995). The attrition of these differences demonstrates a unique equilibrium in social research. Feminism and the Sexual Discourse in I.R. Feminism in I.R. initiates the sexual discourse, boldly tackling topics of sexuality affecting women globally. Rape as a war crime, prostitution and sex slavery, female circumcision, sexual orientation, forms part of the uninhibited dialogue. Feminists aim to uncover the impact of culture on female sexual impressions and expression. In feminist discourse, the woman’s body is not objectified as a sex symbol but is dignified and even deified as it is liberated from social restraint. The politics of sexuality encapsulates various aspects of the woman owing to the links between gender and sexuality, linguistic usage and gender research inherently leaned on cultural interpretations of sex and sexuality†¦ thus the shifts in language and gender (Bucholtz 2004).

Analyze Happiness Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analyze Happiness Studies - Essay Example The assumptions are drawn based on a diary study of 50 Spanish dual-earners. The results indicated a positive correlation of the hypothesis is finally indicating a clear bidirectional crossover of happiness on a daily basis for couple’s members. The concept of a common view that happiness originates from within an individual can be drawn from a critical analysis. Likewise, happiness can be enhanced by ones internal feeling and a drive that the article singles out to be work engagement. These concepts would be in line with various followers of the spiritual traditions views on happiness. They agree that happiness in the contemporary understanding can be rooted from having ones objectives and needs satisfied, sharing their time with individuals they love and performing the tasks they enjoy. These are the critical concepts that work engagement offers to couples at the workplace. Nonetheless, the article in addressing the correlation between individuals’ work engagement and the spill over to the home environment failed to incorporate man’s control to happiness. The question of happiness as a spiritual force beyond the control of man is still a major concern despite the spill over the environment. The article Coping Strategies as Mediating Variables Between Self-serving Attributional Bias and Subjective Well-Being by Pilar Sanjua ´n and Alejandro Magallares likewise addresses important concepts relating to contemporary understanding of happiness. The article examines Self-serving attributional bias (SSAB) as a self-enhancement motive that is aimed at protecting self -esteem thus providing happiness. The study used 205 individuals in an attempt to examine the relationship between coping strategies SSAB, and subjective well -being. Basing on the correlation that existed between the variables of concern the authors concluded that results suggested that programs that promote well-being should aim at enhancing the employment of positive coping

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

Resume - Essay Example My ardent interests in the academics and commitment towards the wider ramifications of good educations have always encouraged me to put my best in all areas of academia. The turning point had come when I immigrated to America in 2004 for advance studies and came to live with my grandfather who was residing in New York. He had always been a role model for me and he had been a strong pillar of support for me and my family during the turbulent political times when USSR was on the verge of breakup. His inimitable spirit and courage during his fight against cancer, became my inspiration for doing something constructive in this area. This has become a mission of my life and I know that someday, I would be able to contribute something positive which would help alleviate the sufferings of the cancer patients. I am hopeful that my admission into the research study would facilitate towards opportunities that would help me realize my long term objective of becoming a worthy scientist who would help the society at large through his research efforts to conquer cancer which is increasingly becoming more

Data Recovery Software Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Data Recovery Software - Term Paper Example Judging by job websites such as Monster.com Computer Networking professional administers, maintains, and troubleshoots personal computers, printers and associated peripherals in a managed network environment to ensure a reliable computing system for other company staff, assists users as needed, administers, maintains, and troubleshoots telephone and voice mail systems. Mitchell names following basic job titles for computer networking and networking-related positions: Network Administrator, Network (Systems) Engineer, Network (Service) Technician, Network Programmer/Analyst, and Network/Information Systems Manager. By the data from US Department of Labour computer support, specialists and systems network administrators held about 758,000 jobs in 2002. 813,000 jobs were forecasted for 2003, so demand for Computer Networking professionals is growing. Judging by job websites, such as Monster.com following technical skills are required for Computer Networking professionals: Strong working knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting personal computers in a network environment. In-depth technical knowledge of popular software: Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server, Administration tools / Ping & trace utils, Backup software, Data recovery software, Help desk software, Network inventory software,   Network monitoring/management, Remote control software, Software distribution, and metering and Storage software. Understanding needs, identifying root causes of problems, and development and implementation creative and pragmatic solutions. Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems for end-users, such as difficulties accessing and utilizing network-based resources. Monitoring virus infection notifications. Monitoring and responds to alerts and other observed troubles with network servers, infrastructure, print queues.