Its a Flat World, After All by Thomas Friedman Essay

Its a Flat World, After All by Thomas Friedman - Essay Example Friedman discusses the different flatteners of the world which have created a level playing field for all countries. These flatteners include the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Netscape, Workflow software, uploading, outsourcing, offshoring, supply chaining, insourcing, informing, and steroids. In reviewing these flatteners, it is important to understand the context upon which the word flattened or flat is used. Friedman uses the term flat in terms of the level of competence which all countries have in terms of access to information and technology, including economic growth and development. Such information is used in various activities including business, governance, education, and sports. Based on Friedman’s arguments, he concludes that the world is flat because the access to information, technology, and the potential for economic growth is no longer the exclusive province of the developed states (Bijker, 1995). Instead, the economic, political, and social landscape has levele d out and this process has started unfolding ever since the fall of the Berlin Wall, becoming even more apparent starting in the year 2000 onwards. Undeniably, the use of technology and the spread and the access of information have become very much apparent in the current setting. The information represents an â€Å"assemblage of data† (Headrick, 2000, p. ... The information and technology are no longer exclusive or delayed in transmission. For a long, while geographical barriers between countries implied that different nations had different rates of growth; however, geographical barriers have become less of an issue through internet capability (Suchman, 2007). In relation to internet access therefore, Friedman provides strong support for the world being flat and less hierarchical. Since information is no longer exclusive to specific individuals or countries, the possibility of creating technology and innovations from such information is no longer also an exclusive right and privilege of specific countries (Wolf, 2008). This indicates that there are also innovators which can gain access to the same information from any part of the globe and then transform such information to innovations. For a long while, the US and other western nations were the global leaders in technology and innovation (Beniger, 1986). From such technology and innovat ions, they were able to make major advancements in labor-saving technology which increased productivity and made the work hours more efficient. With â€Å"falling communication costs and the broader spectrum of activities that can be coordinated through current forms of computer-mediated interaction,† more economic links were soon established (Kallinikos, 2010, p. 93). From such technology and innovations, the rest of the world looked to the west for dole-outs of these technologies. The adaptation of these technologies was carried out in order for the countries to keep up with western technologies.  

Social setting Essay Example for Free

Social setting Essay Discuss the degree to which Suskind has offered a strong image of the social setting in the novel Perfume and estimate the importance of a sense of social context for the novel as a whole. In the novel Perfume Suskind offers the reader a vivid and comprehensive view of 18th century French society during the pre revolutionary period. While the main focus of the plot involves the development of the protagonist, Grenouille, the characters he encounters enable Suskind to present a satirical view of the Age of Reason by revealing the folly of individuals from different levels of French society. The novel may also be viewed as a fable which foreshadows the coming revolution which will tear apart the social hierarchy. As well as offering a satirical critique of society, the strong image of social setting lends credibility to the fantastical elements of the novel. This is achieved through a variety of narrative techniques, including vivid imagery. Suskind employs imagery to highlight the satirical nature of the work. This can be clearly illustrated in the way Suskind sets the scene at the beginning of Perfume: The peasant stank as did the priest, the apprentice as did his masters wife, the whole of the aristocracy stank, even the king himself stank, stank like a rank lion and the queen like an old goat (Suskind p. 4) The parallel structure juxtaposing peasant with priest; apprentice with masters wife suggests that while the social structure of 18th century France was hierarchical and the fact that everyone stank equally badly was actually a kind of leveler. The reference to the hierarchy leads the reader to consider that this social structure will be torn apart by the French Revolution. While the novel is set some 40 years prior to the revolution, the reader is aware that this society is soon to be subject to a bloody revolution in which the distinctions between the social classes will be shaken to their foundations; this description of the smell is an ironic indication while some felt superior to others in this society, in fact everyone was human: everyone stank. Another example of this technique used to draw attention to the satirical aspect of the novel can be found in the orgy scene which may be viewed as an allegorical foreshadowing of the revolution as chaos ensues when hierarchy and propriety are cast aside and people succumb to their baser emotions: they fell down anywhere with a groan and copulated in the most impossible positions and combinations: grand-father with virgin, odd-jobber with lawyers spouse, apprentice with nun, Jesuit with freemasons wife all topsy-turvy, just as opportunity presented. (Suskind p. 247 Suskind again uses parallel structure to emphasize the juxtaposition of individuals from different social classes and ages which the breakdown in the social hierarchy. The narrator takes the same slightly amused tone as he describes the shocking scene for the reader as though delighting in the impropriety. The narrative voice encourages the reader to take an objective view of the proceedings and reflect that this abandonment to sexual desire is triggered by something which they are not aware: the perfume. Another example of the way Suskind highlights the gullibility of human beings is illustrated through the setting described as Grenouille is pursing the scent of the girl from the rue de Marais : And while from every side came the deafening roar of petards exploring and of firecrackers skipping across the cobble-stones, rockets rose in tote sky and painted white lilies against the black firmament. Thronging the bridge and the quays along both banks of the river, a crowd of many thousands accompanied the spectacle and aahs and oohs and bravos, even some long lives although the King had ascended his throne more than 38 years before and the high point of his popularity was long since behind him. Fireworks can do that. P. 39 Suskind satirizes the way human beings can be manipulated by something as simple as fireworks. The scene is quite ironic as the reader is aware that the people who are cheering for the king will be rejoicing as his son, the next king is executed in 30 years. Suskind suggests the simplicity of people through the vocalizations mentioned aahs and oohs. The use of the simple short sentence at the end of this description amplifies the narrators ironic stance. Suskind offers a satirical portrait of the middle class through the character of Baldini. He represents the kind of person who cannot accept the new ideas emerging during the age of reason. Baldini is an old man who seems to be having trouble adjusting to changes in society. On page 58-59, the internal monologue of Baldini suggests his frustration with the world. What was the need for all these new roads being dug up everywhere, and these new bridges? What purpose did they serve? . This shows that Baldini is confused about the new developments in the world. Baldini also has issues with the new scientific discoveries that have been made. The latest is that little animals never before seen are swimming about in a glass of water and the earth is no longer round like it was, but flat on the top and the bottom like a melon- as if it made a damn bit of difference! . This internal monologue illustrates that Baldini doesnt approve of the changes and the new discoveries that have been recently made. He seems to have trouble accepting that things are changing and old theories have been overturned. The church is also presented satirically. This is achieved in Suskinds characterization of father terrier. Father Terrier claims that he is a man of reason, but is part of the church. The church is not based on reason. Suskind mocks Father Terrier because he wouldnt take logic to its natural conclusion. He is also presented comically when he hitches up his cassock. He is also outsmarted by the wet nurse because when she claims that Grenouille is a devil child he says that it is impossible for him to be the devil because he has not been exposed to the outside world. When he decides to smell Grenouille, he realizes that the wet nurse was right and he doesnt actually have a smell. As soon as he realizes this he gets rid of Grenouille. The presentation of the Marquis creates satirical view of the nobility and emerging interest in science. He is described as an enlightened idiot. He believed the theory of the fluidium letale which is totally absurd.

Application of Pinch Technology and Analysis

Application of Pinch Technology and Analysis INTRODUCTION: The term Pinch Technology was introduced by Linnhoff and Vredeveld to represent a new set of thermodynamically based methods that guarantee optimum energy requirements in design of heat exchanger networks. The application of Pinch technology to study industrial process is called Pinch Analysis. Applying first and second Laws of thermodynamics is essential in Pinch Analysis method. The first law of thermodynamics enables us to use the energy equations in order to calculate the enthalpy change in the streams passing through heat exchangers and the second law decides the direction of heat flow because according to second law heat may only flow in the direction from hot to cold regions but there conditions in heat transfer in heat exchanger like: 1) No temperature crossover should be done: since in a heat exchanger, a hot stream cant be cool down below the cold stream inlet temperature nor the cold stream can be heated up above the hot stream temperature. 2) In reality the hot stream can be cooled down to a temperature defined by the temperature approach of the heat exchanger. The temperature approach is the minimum allowable temperature difference (DTmin) in the stream temperature profiles. The temperature level at which DTmin is observed in the process is referred to as pinch point. Pinch Analysis There are 8 steps in pinch analysis which are: Steps of Pinch Analysis Identification of the Hot, Cold and Utility Streams in the Process Thermal Data Extraction for Process Utility Streams Selection of Initial DTmin value Construction of Composite Curves and Grand Composite Curve Estimation of Minimum Energy Cost Targets Estimation of Heat Exchanger Network ( HEN ) Capital Cost Targets Estimation of Optimum DTmin Value by Energy-Capital Trade Off Design of Heat Exchanger Network 1. Identification of the Hot, Cold and Utility Streams in the Process * Hot Streams: Hot streams that are required to be cooled down. * Cold Streams: Cold streams that are required to be heated up. * Utility Streams are used to heat or cool process streams, when heat exchange between process streams is not practical or economic. 2. Thermal Data Extraction for Process Utility Streams For each hot, cold and utility stream identified, the following thermal data is extracted: * Supply temperature (TS oC) : the temperature at which the stream is available. * Target temperature (TT oC) : the temperature the stream must be taken to. * Heat capacity flow rate (CP kW/ oC) : the product of flow rate (m) in kg/sec and specific heat (Cp kJ/kg 0C). CP = m x Cp * Enthalpy Change (dH) associated with a stream passing through the exchanger is given by the First Law of Thermodynamics: First Law energy equation: d H = Q  ± W In a heat exchanger, no mechanical work is being performed: W = 0 (zero) The above equation simplifies to: d H = Q, where Q represents the heat supply or demand associated with the stream. It is given by the relationship: Q= CP x (TS TT). Enthalpy Change, dH = CP x (TS TT) 3. Selection of Initial DTmin value As discussed before and according to second law of thermodynamics no temperature crossover can be done. Thus the temperature of the hot and cold streams at any point in the exchanger must always have a minimum temperature difference (DTmin). In mathematical terms, at any point in the exchanger Hot stream Temp. ( TH ) ( TC ) Cold stream Temp. >= DTmin For a given value of Q, if smaller values of DTmin are chosen, the area requirements rise. If a higher value of DTmin is selected the heat exchange between the exchangers will decrease and the use of utilities will increase. Thus, the selection of DTmin value has an imprtants and significant implications for both capital and energy costs. This table shows a typical DTmin of some industrial processes: No Industrial Sector Experience DTmin Values 1 Oil Refining 20-40 °C 2 Petrochemical 10-20 °C 3 Chemical 10-20 °C 4 Low Temperature Processes 3-5 °C 4. Construction of Composite Curves and Grand Composite Curve * COMPOSITE CURVES: Composite curves consist of temperature (T) enthalpy (H) profiles of heat availability in the process (the hot composite curve) and heat demands in the process (the cold composite curve) together in a graphical representation. To construct the composite curve, a stream with a constant heat capacity (CP) is represented on a T H diagram by a straight line running from stream supply temperature to stream target temperature. When there are a number of hot and cold streams, the construction of hot and cold composite curves simply involves the addition of the enthalpy changes of the streams in the respective temperature intervals. For heat exchange to occur, the hot stream cooling curve must lie above the cold stream-heating curve. This point of minimum temperature difference represents a bottleneck in heat recovery and is commonly referred to as the Pinch which is DTmin. Increasing the DTmin value results in shifting the curves horizontally apart resulting in lower process to process heat exchange and higher utility requirements. In summary, the composite curves provide overall energy targets but do not clearly indicate how much energy must be supplied by different utility levels. The utility mix is determined by the Grand Composite Curve. GRAND COMPOSITE CURVE (GCC): In selecting utilities to be used, determining utility temperatures, and deciding on utility requirements the Composite curve doesnt provide so much information, thats why Grand Composite Curve (GCC) is used. The GCC (Figure 3) shows the variation of heat supply and demand within the process.Using this diagramthe designer canfind which utilities are to be used. The aim is to maximize the use of the cheaper utility levels and minimize the use of the expensive utility levels. Low-pressure steam and cooling water are preferred instead of high-pressure steam and refrigeration, respectively. To construct GCC the information required comes directly from the Problem Table Algorithm. The method involves shifting (along the temperature [Y] axis) of the hot composite curve down by  ½ DTmin and that of cold composite curve up by  ½ DTmin. The vertical axis on the shifted composite curves shows processinterval temperature. In other words, the curves are shifted by subtracting part of the allowable temperature approach from the hot stream temperatures and adding the remaining part of the allowable temperature approach to the cold stream temperatures. The result is a scale based upon process temperature having an allowance for temperature approach (DTmin). The Grand Composite Curve is then constructed from the enthalpy (horizontal) differences between the shifted composite curves at different temperatures. On the GCC, the horizontal distance separating the curve from the vertical axis at the top of the temperature scale shows the overall hot utility consumption of t he process. The utility can be divided into many temperatures. The GCC indicates that we can supply the hot utility over two temperature levels TH1 (HP steam) and TH2 (LP steam). Recall that, when placing utilities in the GCC, intervals, and not actual utility temperatures, should be used. The total minimum hot utility requirement remains the same: QHmin = H1 (HP steam) + H2 (LP steam). Similarly, QCmin = C1 (Refrigerant) +C2 (CW). The points TH2 and TC2 where the H2 and C2 levels touch the grand composite curve are called the Utility Pinches. The shaded green pockets represent the process-to-process heat exchange. 5. Estimation of Minimum Energy Cost Targets Once the DTmin is chosen, minimum hot and cold utility requirements can be evaluated from the composite curves. If the unit cost of each utility is known, the total energy cost can be calculated using the energy equation given below. 6. Estimation of Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) Capital Cost Targets The capital cost of a heat exchanger network is dependent upon three factors: 1. The number of exchangers. 2. The overall network area. 3. The distribution of area between the exchangers. * AREA TARGETING: To calculate the HEN minimum total area Amin ,divide the composite curve into a set of adjoining enthalpy intervals such that within each interval, the hot and cold composite curves do not change slope. The total area of the HEN (Amin) is given by the formula below, where i denotes the ith enthalpy and interval j denotes the jth stream and dTLM denotes LMTD in the ith interval. NUMBER OF UNITS TARGETING: For the minimum number of heat exchanger units (Nmin) required for MER (minimum energy requirement or maximum energy recovery). The minimum number of units (NminMER) is the sum of the targets evaluated both above and below the pinch separately. NminMER=[Nh+Nc+Nu-1]AP +[Nh+Nc+Nu-1]BP Where : Nh = Number of hot streams Nc=Number of cold streams Nu = Number of utility streams AP / BP : Above / Below Pinch HEN TOTAL CAPITAL COST TARGETING: HEN capital cost (CHEN) is the capital cost is annualized using an annualization factor that takes into account interest payments on borrowed capital. The equation used for calculating the total capital cost and exchanger cost law is given below. C($) HEN=[Nmin{a+b(Amin/Nmin)c}]AP +[Nmin{a+b(Amin/Nmin)c}]BP Where a, b, and c are constants in exchanger cost law For the Exchanger Cost Equation shown above, typical values for a carbon steel shell and tube exchanger would be a = 16,000, b = 3,200, and c = 0.7. 7. Estimation of Optimum DTmin Value by Energy-Capital Trade Off To select an optimum DTmin value, plot the total annual cost which is the sum of total annual energy and capital cost versus values of DTmin. After plotting three important key features can be concluede: 1. If DTmin increases, the energy costs will increase but capital costs will decrease. 2. If DTmin decreases,t he energy costs will decrease but capital costs will increase. 3. Theoptimum DTmin is where the total annual cost of energy and capital costs is minimized. 8. Design of Heat Exchanger Network In designing the heat exchanger network it is essential to know which hot stream match which cold stream. Every match brings one stream to it target temperature. As mentioned before the pinch point divides the network into two separate regions, and each region is designed separeatley.When the heat recovery is maximized the remaining thermal needs must be supplied by the utilities. The graphical method of representing flow streams and heat recovery matches is called a grid diagram . All the cold (blue lines) and hot (red line) streams are represented by horizontal lines. The entrance and exit temperatures are shown at either end. The vertical line in the middle represents the pinch temperature. The circles represent heat exchangers. Unconnected circles represent exchangers using utility heating and cooling. To design the network and construct the grid diagram we use the CP Inequality Rule which states that the heat capacity flow-rate (CP) of the stream leaving the pinch needs to be greater than the CP of stream approaching the pinch, or CPout à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ CPin So above the pinch: CPhot à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ CPcold And Below the pinch: CPhot à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ CPcold After making all the possible matches above and under the pinch separately, the two designs are then brought together and usually refined to further minimize the capital cost. After the network has been designed according to the pinch rules, it can be further subjected to energy optimization.

Evaluation on two theories of cognitive development

Evaluation on two theories of cognitive development This essay I will look at the similarity and the differences between Piagets and Vygotskys theories in explanation of child cognitive development. Particularly it will describe their theories on the importance of social interactions in influencing development. I will give a brief overview of the four stages of Piagets theories. Piagets and Vygotskys theories will then be evaluate, with key terms explained. I aim to show that Vygotskys theory placed far more emphasis on social interactions in childrens cognitive development than Piaget, and that their theories were informed by their own cultural influence. Cognitive development theory explains how humans obtain and construct knowledge of themselves and their planet. The theory of cognitive development was first proposed by Jean Piaget, however there are other major theoretical approaches to cognitive development, as well as those of Vygotsky. Piaget approached the subject from a biological and life perspective, while Vygotsky approached the subject from an environmental and culture perspective. I will look at the impact both theories have had on child development, I will, also look at the differences along with others, as well as the resemblance of Piagets and Vygotskys theories and evaluate them. Piagets theory focuses on intelligence and how it changes as children grow up. While, Vygotskys theory centres on the social action and he defines intelligence as the capacity to learn from teaching. We will also look at the impact both Piaget and Vygotskys theories have had on education and how they have been applied to education. Piagets theory is about child intellectual development and the gaining of knowledge. While Vygotskys main theory was how culture influence development, through language and the society. Jean Piaget was born on August 1896 and died 1980 (56 years old), he studied the development of childrens understanding, through examing and paying attention to children while he carried out his experiments. According to Piaget cognitive development occurs through the interaction of innate capacities with environmental events and progresses through a series of hierarchical, qualitative different and stages (Gross 2005). All children pass through Piaget stages in the same level without missing anyone of them, except if the child has brain damage or brain problem. Rather than trying to explain individual differences why some children are more intelligent than others Piaget was interested in how intelligence itself changes as children grow (Gross 2010). Important feature of Piagets theory was schemas, Piaget saw schema as mental structures which organise past experiment and provide a means of understanding future experiences. As we grow so our schema become increasingly complex (Gross 2005). Assimilation, Accommodation and Equilibration are the three courses of Adaptation expressed by Piagets theory. Assimilation is the process by which we incorporate new information into existing schema. For example babies will reflexively suck a nipple and other objects, such as a finger (Gross 2010). Accommodation into schemas enables children to make sense of and deal with the world. Piaget argues that children are active in exploring the world and, in general, do not need instruction or examples from others to develop their cognitive abilities. Development will take place solely through the childs own actions on the environment in a form of discovery learning where others are facilitators not teachers. Piagets Stages theory of Cognitive Development, Piaget suggests that all children develop through four stages and they all develop in the same role, these stages are Sensori-motor, Pre-operational, Concrete operational and Formal operational. The first stage was Sensori-motor stage which initially occurs from birth to two years of childs life. Infants learn about the world primarily through their sense (sensori-), and by doing (motor) (Gross 2005).An important discovery during the sensori-motor stage is the object permanence. An infant will look where an object disappears for a few moment but wont search for it. If the object doesnt reappear the infant apparently loses interest. Piagets demonstrate the limited object performance of babies between eight and twelve months. They can retrieve a hidden object only from its original hiding place, not where it was last hidden. Not until about twelve months will they search under the cushion where they last saw the object hidden (Gross 2005). The second stage was Pre-operational stage this take place between the age of two and four years. The infant begins to utilise symbols to classify objects. Objects are also personified by the infant and they are able to think about events that are not directly present. The infant is not yet able to conceptualise time. At this stage the infant will take information and adjust it to fit his ideas. The child tends to be influenced by the things seen, rather than by logical principles or operations (Gross 2010). According to Piaget pre-operational children are egocentrism that is they see the world from their own standpoint and cannot appreciate that other people might see things differently, they can not put themselves in other peoples shoes (Gross 2005). Also Piaget study of conservation is the understanding that any quantity such as fluid, numbers or lengths remains the same regardless of a visual change for example, if a fluid is transfer from a short large glass to a high slim glass a child at this stage would say that there was more liquid in the slim glass or that there was more fluid in the large glass. The third stage was Concrete Operations stage, this take place between the ages of seven to eleven years. This stage the child is now capable of performing logical operations, but only in the presence of actual objects (Gross 2010). One remaining problem for the concrete operational child is transitivity task (Gross 2005). For example, if you tell a child that Jean is taller than Pat and Pat is taller than Carol and asked whether Jean or Carol is taller, children under eleven cannot solve this problem entirely in their heads, they can only solve it using real objects such as toys. The last stage was Formal Operations stage this take place at the age of eleven to fifteen years and associates the individual with no longer requiring concrete objects to make rational judgments. The individual is capable of deductive and hypothetical reasoning and their ability of thinking is similar to that of an adult. Lev Vygotsky was born the same year as Piaget (1896, died 1934) was particularly interested in the relationship between being taught by adults and the child cognitive development. He developed his theories at around the same time as Piaget, Vygotskys theory is known as the social development theory. Vygotsky and Piaget agree that development doesnt occur in a vacuum, knowledge is constructed as a result of the childs active interaction with the environment (Gross 2010). Vygotsky outline alternative to Piagets theory. Vygotsky believed that cognitive learning was a social event, which through language and interaction with other children and adults, children would begin to learn about and challenge their surroundings. Three themes unified Vygotskys theory of social constructivism and they are: Culture, central role of language and the zone of proximal growth (Oates et al. 2005). Cultural tools are what the child inherits, these can be technological such as bicycles and other physical devices (Gross 2005). Culture tool can pass from one individual to another copied learning. Instructed learning Involves remembering the instructions of the teacher and then using these instructions to learn. Children dont need to reinvent the world anew as Piaget seemed to believe. They can benefit from the accumulated wisdom of previous generations (Gross 2005). The central role of language, as a child begins to speak, his thought processes also begin to develop. In essence, it is language which directs behaviour. Vygotsky describes three stages in the development of speech. Each of these three stages of speech has its own function. Speech Stages are Social Speech (external speech), Egocentric Speech, and Inner Speech. Social Speech (external speech) at this stage a child uses speech to direct the behaviour of others. A child uses speech to communicate feelings and emotions such as weeping when hungry and laughing when happy. Egocentric Speech In this stage, a child often talk to him or herself, regardless of someone paying attention to them. At this speech stage they think out loud, they may also talk about what they are doing as they are doing it, they reason that language must be said to direct their behaviour (slideshare.net, 29/01/11). Inner Speech is a soundless speech used by older children and adults. It allows us to direct our thinking and behaviour. Here we are able to engage in all forms of higher mental functions. In this stage one is able to count in ones head, use logical memory-inherent relationships, and inner signs (slideshare.net, 29/01/11). The zone of proximal development (ZPD) defined those functions that havent yet matured but are in the process of maturing (Vygotsky, 1978). Scaffolding refers to the kind of guidance and support adults provide children in the zone of proximal development by which children acquire their knowledge and skills (Wood Wood, 1996), although scaffolding those not actually explain how children internalise what the teacher provides (Gross 2005). Piagets and Vygotskys theories have same things in common, both hold a constructive view, Piagets assimilation look like Vygotskys appropriation, however they disagree on point of influence of social interactions in childrens cognitive development. Vygotskys theory emphasise the value of language and social interaction in a childs cognitive development. Vygotsky recognised the importance that different culture can take part in a childs cognitive development. In conclusion, Piagets stage theory is useful in describing the basic process of child cognitive development. However, because development cannot take place in the social vacuum, Piagets theory is limited. Vygotskys emphasis on social interactions influence better accounts for the everyday development of childrens cognitive abilities. when you evaluate Piagets to Vygotskys you clearly note that, both theories agreed that the child must mentally construct knowledge, on the other hand, Vygotsky placed emphasis on the role of social interaction in this construction process. Vygotsky also placed emphasis on culture in shaping cognitive development. Gross, R. (2005), Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour, 5th Edition, Hodder and Stoughton. Oates, J., Wood, C. and Grayson, A. (2005) Psychological development and early childhood, Oxford, Blackwell. Vygotsky, L.S (1978) mind in society, Cambridge, MA: Harvard university press Wood, D wood, H. (1996) Vygotsky, tutoring and learning. Oxford review of education, 22, 5-16. http://www.slideshare.net/guestf3585b/lev-semyonovich-vygotsky (29/01/2011)

The Power of Sympathy Essay -- Literary Analysis, William Hill Brown

In the novel, The Power of Sympathy by William Hill Brown, there is a contrast between the opposing ideas of sentiment and reason. Characters in the text play to this underlying contrast and are affected by the polar ideas, ultimately resulting in the taking of their own lives. These acts of suicide results from a detachment, or ignorance, of reason. When overcome by emotional misery of sentiment, reason may, for however long a period, become lost or inferior to overbearing ideas of sentimental thoughts directed toward one's death. Bearing the pain of one's own reason leads one to direct their actions by means of sentimental reasoning. The story of Ophelia, as told by Harriot, depicts the reasonable daughter of Shepard becoming lost to the sentimental thoughts of suicide. While rationally stating her argument to her father, she claims to be speaking with the intention to â€Å"demonstrate the sincerity of her repentance† (39) and regain the peace that was once within her home. She recognized that she was wrong in her action, claiming that â€Å"All...are not blest with the like happiness of resisting temptation† (39) and she wished to display her sincerity with this confession. The transition from reasonable to melancholy occurs when her father rejects the notion of Ophelia's confession, her â€Å"sensibility became more exquisite† (39) indicating that her sensibility came from the attempt to make things right with her family; however, the attempt failed and she lost her rational thought. The emotional part of Ophelia became stronger as her repentance was rejected; reason had failed her, her family was not influenced by her words. There is a drastic leap to conduct that â€Å"bordered upon insanity† (40), a lack of sane and rational thought th... ... reason. When the character remains reasonable, they face an inner pain, whether it be guilt, passion or confusion. Rather than suffer with this pain, the characters abandon reason and succumb to the overbearing strength of emotion. Ophelia, reasonable despite being unforgiven, loses her sanity to emotional melancholy and ends her life with poison. Harriot, who was just before owner her virtue, gave her life away to passion thinking that reason is unable to aid suffering in patience. And Harrington, who makes no attempt to reclaim his clear mind, is driven to death because he fails to direct his thoughts elsewhere, even when urged to. The sentimental forces in this novel initiate a thought of suicide. The characters develop the thoughts individually, yet all give in to the powers of passion due to their lost sense of reason and overbearing sentimental thoughts.

Canadian Law Enforcement Essay -- Technology, Tasers

â€Å"Taser Changes go Ahead†, an article published in the Alberta News in February, indicates that the RCMP is moving forward and will be instituting some previously described changes into its 2011 Police Manual framework. The framework is currently being reviewed and will later be reviewed and approved by the Albertan Solicitor General. The 16 recommendations made by the Braidwood inquiry, including yearly re-trainings, monthly quality and adherence audits, as well as updated procedures based on the minimization of any potentially adverse health effects to the subject, should be reflected in the final version of the manual for 2011. This establishment of the project by the Alberta Solicitor General demonstrates a significant attempt towards improvement over previous perspectives on the dangers of Conductive Energy Weapons, commonly known as Tasers. As a result, it is clear that improvements to the issues of adverse health effects, design flaws within the device itself and po lice policies must be instituted within the Canadian society. The issue of Conductive Energy Devices (CED), synonymously known as Conductive Energy Weapons (CEW), has been at the forefront since the introduction of the devices to the Canadian Market in 2001. The device most popularly known as a Taser has been allegedly responsible for numerous deaths caused by excessive use, flaws in the design, and lack of police training. Moreover, since the increased media coverage of the issue by non profit organizations such as Amnesty International, which began in late 2007, and the Canadian Civil Liberities Association in 2010 the use of such weapons has undergone significant change within the implementation of the device by police, codes of conduct governing CED equipp... ... number of Taser reported issues in the past decade. In conclusion, it is clear that albeit the Taser technology in its infant stage encountered many problems the fact that such a technology has not been taken off the market stands as a testament to its utility to law enforcement agencies worldwide. Furthermore, albeit the problem is complicated, time sensitive and requires significant mobilization of state resources and public participation as well as deaths of innocent civilians the issue is resolvable. As occurred in the past history of Taser failures the technology can and will be revamped whilst the society must catch up to fully optimize its utilization of the technology to achieve its goal. In the case of Tasers it is to provide a non lethal alternative to apprehend suspects, saving lives every step of the way, suspect and innocent alike.

On Being Brought from Africa to America: Issue of Race Essay

Wheatly ´s poem â€Å"On being brought from Africa to America† consists of two central messages. First Wheatly ´s gratitude for her Christian salvation that â€Å"mercy† embodied as the enslavement brought her not only to America, but, â€Å"thaught [her] benighted soul to understand.† Second there is a subtle message, a delicate revolutionary thought, dealing with the issue of race. â€Å"Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain† describes the importance to remember that those who do right according to Christian belief and are converted and saved like Wheatly will be rewarded in heaven regardless of their skin colour. Her subtle emphasis on religion becomes a gateway for her statement against racism that every other slave should be equal on earth as well. The diversity of tone as at first there is gratitude tuned with understanding, yet in the end authoritative diction and sound creates a more mild, soothing than aggressive tone and claim on racism . The Ballot or the Bullet† speech by Malcolm X concerns the crossroads, a descriptive determination, that Afro Americans have to encounter, choosing between trusting in American democracy and justice to eventually gain equality â€Å"the ballot† or taking matters into their own hands becoming much more militant â€Å"the bullet†. In fact Afro Americans either need to push harder for their rights to be acknowledged by society or there is a need of a physical fight against the system to overcome the â€Å"American nightmare†. With patience and faith, in 1964 Afro Americans still encountered segregation. Malcolm ´s religious background, his aggressive negotiation, contrasting juxtaposition and provocation like â€Å"[†¦] if the white man does not want us to be anti-white, let him stop oppressing and exploiting and degrading us† or â€Å"our mothers and fathers invested sweat and blood† creates a too aggressive tone, militant and radical, . DuBois first chapter in â€Å"Souls of Black Folk†, brings awareness to the fact that there is a â€Å"problem of the twentieth century, [and it], is the problem of the colour line.†. Afro Americans seem to be haunted by a double image and as a result, see themselves through the eyes of others, especially white America â€Å"longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge [the] double self into a better and truer self.† Du Bois internal conflict â€Å"double consciousness† proposes to Afro Americans to simply strive to become â€Å"[†¦] both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows†. The chapter also addresses themes such as the salience of political power, the need for civil rights, innate loyalty of the Negro, ideal education, unfulfilled promise to the Negro, and a future bi-racial America. All this content is presented within an alleviating tone, intended as negotiation. DuBois â€Å"Souls of Black Folk† is the strongest text concerning the issues of race as for his alleviating tone serves best for negotiation in both radical -superior and inferior- sides of segregation. In fact by choosing an alternating, subtle and friendly tone, the aggressiveness somehow is eased into acceptance, and the militant, radical anti racist encounters a mirror showing his own personal circumstance within segregation. DuBois not only targets exclusively at the suppressor â€Å"that happens to be the a white man† like Malcolm X, he rather aims at the internal conflict within every oppressed Afro American. Yet enlightenment and internal balance, serves as initial step to overcome the issues of race in order to achieve ultimate equalisation. Lack of religious fundamentalism, militancy and only subtle and non-violent provocation creates a body of thoughts free of extremes. DuBois adjustment of his writing style from a rather narrative tone in Philadelphia Negro(1899) with regards to his manly white audience towards an advocating tone in The Souls of Black Folk (1903), his civil rights activism, crusade on segregation, political disfranchisement and intended improvement of Afro American life strengthen his arguments. Amongst revolutionary thoughts, aggressive radicalism and hatred, DuBois set of tone and arguments is the best harmonising way within an era of riot and anger against segregation and racial injustice. http://www.occidentaldissent.com/american-racial-history-timeline-2/american-racial-history-timeline-1900-1960/