John Locke Theory on Personal Identity free essay sample

Outline and critically discuss Locke’s theory of personal identity. John Locke laid down the systematic groundwork of personal identity in the study of modern philosophy. Locke highlights his approach to the problem of personal identity in Chapter XXVII of the book II in An Essay concerning Human Understanding. This paper will explore the features that persuaded Locke to treat the problem of personal identity and then go on to analyse Locke’s theory in light of these factors. It will then inspect the implications of his theory. Furthermore it will contain a brief assessment of the theory’s historical significance.In exploring the reasons as to why Locke treated the problem on personal identity, it is crucial to understand that his views arose from the ones presented by the French philosopher Rene Descartes. Descartes was a Cartesian and thought that each person was a unified non-extended mental substance whom was unchanged by experience (Skirry, 2006). We will write a custom essay sample on John Locke Theory on Personal Identity or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Descartes believed in the existence of innate ideas, and the foundation of knowledge believed truth to be located in these ideas (Descartes, 2007, p 13-16). Locke saw many of the struggles that track from this opinion as he himself had an empirical way of thinking, it struck to him that these might be avoided if it could be revealed convincingly that innate ideologies are not present. In BookLocke saw many of the struggles that track from this opinion as he himself had an empirical way of thinking, it struck to him that these might be avoided if it could be revealed convincingly that innate ideologies are not present. In Book I he argues that they do not exist and that our theories must be built on experience and he then published Book II to shed light on the way our concept of personal identity must derive from our experience (Uzgalis, 2010). Locke’s view of personal identity in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, explores the relationship of substances to ones self. He asserts ‘†¦our specific ideas of substances are nothing else but a collection of a certain number of simple ideas, considered as united in one thing,’(Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII) implying that an individual’s awareness is not equipped with any unblemished ideas of substance, and thus can have no instinctual knowledge of its nature. Furthermore he distinguishes between what he declares to be the conditions of identity. He accomplishes this through the deliberation of ‘Principium Individuationis’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII), which explains that the conditions of identity, for that of masses of matter are distinct from vegetables and animals. Then raises the question of whether the conditions of identity are somewhat dissimilar to that of humans. From thisHe asserts ‘†¦our specific ideas of substances are nothing else but a collection of a certain number of simple ideas, considered as united in one thing,’(Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII) implying that an individual’s awareness is not equipped with any unblemished ideas of substance, and thus can have no instinctual knowledge of its nature. Furthermore he distinguishes between what he declares to be the conditions of identity. He accomplishes this through the deliberation of ‘Principium Individuationis’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII), which explains that the conditions of identity, for that of masses of matter are distinct from vegetables and animals.Then raises the question of whether the conditions of identity are somewhat dissimilar to that of humans. From this viewpoint he elucidates that it looks as though humans are a type of animal as they too grow and change. Locke states ‘the organization of life that supports nourishment and growth’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII) is what makes vegetables, animals, and humans unalike from masses of matter because we are furnished with the organisation of life. Locke suggests ‘†¦consciousness always accompanies thinking, and it is that which makesLocke suggests ‘†¦consciousness always accompanies thinking, and it is that which makes e very one to be what he calls self, and thereby distinguishes himself from all other thinking things’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII). From this viewpoint it is evident that having consciousness will prevent a man, as long as his existence continues to be other than what he already is. For example Locke argues that, if the consciousness (soul) of a person left the body of its informant and entered another’s it would not be the same person. He uses the example ‘For should the soul of a prince, carrying with it the consciousness of the prince’s past life, enter and inform the body of a cobbler, as soon as deserted by his own soul, everyone sees he would be the same person with the prince, accountable only for the princess actions but who would say it was the same man?’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII). This passage emphasizes that the idea ofThis passage emphasizes that the idea of person is different to the idea of man, and we know that they are not identical but identity is oneness. Locke theorizes ‘Self is that conscious thinking thing†¦which is sensible or conscious of pleasure and pain, capable of happiness or misery and so is concerned for itself as far as that consciousness is concerned’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII). Th us each person’s consciousness is different, and can never be identical to that of another. Our thoughts and memories are formed by individual experience therefore change of consciousness/memory will result in a change in the person.Some of the implications of John Locke’s theory of personal identity consist of problems when people are faced with loss of memory. Locke suggests, failure to remember, rids them of their identity; an example Locke uses is ‘a total amnesiac will have identity at an instant if they are conscious, rational and self-aware, but no identity over time’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII). Furthermore his theory in light of people, who have memory loss, isn’t applicable as these individuals carry the same mind throughout the span of their lifetime.This is also evident when he says that ‘God would find someone innocent of a crime, if they had forgotten committing it’ (Locke, 1690, Chapter XXVII). While the framework of consciousness may appear to be stable, we see the substance is in continuous flux. The historical significance of this theory is seen through the influence of Locke’s book (An Essay Concerning Human Understanding), which has had influence on other philosophers.Gottfried Leibnitz was one of the many who was influenced by Locke’s work, who also criticised his theory. Leibnitz published a rebuttal to Locke’s work, and in it wrote the following called, A New Essay Concerning Human Understanding and in this he attacks Locke’s theory, chapter to chapter he goes on to disproof Locke’s theory (Leibnitz, 1698, p, 13-20). Since Locke’s theory of personal identity was one of the first to analyse the conception of consciousness and that of the self, his criticisers such as Leibnitz had a similar empirical concept of the matter regarding personal identity. Nonetheless Locke’s theory is well known among philosophical scholars and his work is greatly appreciated, Having influenced philosophers like Leibnitz it is evident that his theory is still valid to those today, such as functionalists, who outline a person in relation to a set of mental functions.Reference list:-Descartes, R, (2007), Mediations on First philosophy, Nu Vision Publications, Sioux Falls, SD USA, pp, 7-17.-Leibnitz, G, (1698), New Essays Concerning Human Understanding, (publisher NA), pp, 13-20.-Locke, J, (1690), Chapter XXVII, book II, An Essay concerning Human Understanding.-Skirry, J, (2006), Rene Descartes: The Mind-Body Distinction, The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, viewed 15 April 2012, utm.edu/descmind/>http://www.iep.utm.edu/descmind/-Uzgalis, W, (2010), John Locke,  The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta  (ed.), viewed 15 April 2012 http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2010/entries/locke/.-  Psychology Essays http://essaylab.com/blog/an-essay-concerning-human-understanding

Become an Organ Donor

Become an Organ Donor Become an Organ DonorBy this time tomorrow, 16 people in America who are alive right now will be dead.Not because they were in a car accidentNot because they were gunned downNot because their time had comeNot even because they couldn't get to a hospitalThese folks will be dead simply because they couldn't be given a life saving organ transplant in timeMoney is not the issue..most insurance carriers provide coverage, and private and public organizations often pick up the parts not coveredNor is scarcity....there's lots of organs out there....Indeed there are literally millions of organs that could be made available to these transplant candidates.... but they have to come from donors.... and donors have to volunteer.... and the families of the donors have to agree with the donors' choice.Last year in the United States, there over 19,000 organ transplants performed. These organ transplants were made from 9845 donors, since many donors are able to donate multiple organs.Organ DonationNow , 19,000 transplants may seem like a lot, until you learn that there are currently over 83000 patients on the National Transplant Registry, awaiting transplants.I have two personal stories to relate regarding organ transplants:In 1986, my son was a junior in high school. One of his favorite teachers, who also happened to be personal friend of ours, was diagnosed with a fatal heart disease, for which there was no cure. His only hope was an organ transplant. He was in and out of the hospital for several weeks during that spring and summer, and unfortunately he died while waiting for a donor heart. That heart never came.Five years later, we found out that my sister's husband, who had received a tainted blood transfusion over 15 years ago, had contracted a liver...

Best Online Courses for Students †Pro-Academic-Writers.com

Best Online Courses for Students The recent research has shown that nowadays students attitude to higher education has overcome a dramatic shift. Youngsters aged 18-24 studying full-time on a campus is not a standard model of student anymore. In our modern society people don’t see higher education as something unique and independent. Now we all try to combine it with jobs, travelling, and family. But still we try to do everything possible in order to obtain some degree in higher education, because in finding a prestigious position higher education is a must. For those who want to have time to do as much as possible, online education comes in handy. This way of studying is gaining popularity among all people of different age and social status. A lot of universities have different online courses where qualified teachers provide you with profound knowledge of your particular subject. Unfortunately, some people consider these courses a complete waste of time and money. Just because you have more conservative view s and got used to the old-fashioned way of studying at the university doesn’t mean that Internet education is only for lazy and unmotivated people. On the contrary, only advanced, active and highly motivated people give a priority to the online education and in this article you will see why it is so. Why is it good? In our fast-moving world and highly developed technologies people can receive a proper education everywhere and at any time. Online courses are extremely popular now. Let’s see why more and more people prefer this way of studying. Possibility to study at any time. The student who studies remotely can independently decide when is the most suitable time during a semester to dedicate to studying. He creates his individual schedule. Some educational institutions give students an opportunity to postpone studying for long term and to come back to it needlessly to pay again educational services. Possibility to create your own style of studying. Remote students don't have to worry that they will lag behind the classmates. It is always possible to return to studying of more difficult questions, to look at video lectures several times, to re-read correspondence with the teacher, and already known topics can be passed. The main task is to successfully pass intermediate and total certifications. Possibility to study everywhere. Students can study without leaving the house or office. To start the course you just need to have a computer and access to the Internet. Lack of necessity to visit educational institution daily is an undoubted plus for physically disabled people, for those who live in the remote districts or parents with small children. Combine studying with your primary activity. Online education gives you a chance to take up several courses at the same time or to get the next higher education. In this case it isn't necessary to take or to go to business trips. There are special educational organizations which will organize corporate training (professional development) for the office staff and civil servants. In this case study doesn't interrupt the seniority, and the studied material can be applied to work at once. High results. The research of the American scientists has shown that the results of distance learning don't concede or even surpass results of traditional forms of education. The remote student mostly studies independently. It improves storing and understanding of the covered topics. And opportunity to put knowledge into practice at once helps to consolidate them. Besides, the use of the latest technologies makes it more interesting and lively. Availability of materials. Remote students don’t face such problem as shortage of textbooks. The access to all necessary literature is opened to the student after registration on the site of university, or he may receive training materials by mail. Remote education is cheaper. If we compare internal and remote studying, the second will be cheaper. The student shouldn't pay the road, accommodation, and in a case with foreign higher education institutions it isn't necessary to spend money on visa and the international passport. Convenient for the teachers. Teachers and tutors who work remotely can dedicate time to the bigger amount of students and continue work even having a maternity leave. Individual approach. Usually teachers can’t provide their students with the descent attention during the class, but during the online education teacher will work with you individually and spend as much time as you need. Why is it bad? Of course, nothing is perfect and online courses have their own disadvantages, but they are not so terrible and you can live with them. The strong motivation is necessary. Practically the remote student masters all training material independently. It demands the developed will power, responsibility and self-checking. Not everybody manage to maintain the necessary rate of training without control from the outside. Lack of practical knowledge. Studying remotely the professions which assume a large number of a practical training is complicated. Even the most modern technologies won't replace to future doctors or teachers the "live" practice. Remote education isn't suitable for developing a communicative skill. At distance learning personal contact between students and teachers is very low, and sometimes it is even absent. Therefore such form of education isn't suitable for developing the communicative skill, confidence or team work. All in all, it is clear that online education is definitely a rescue for those who don’t have a chance to visit higher institutions due to lack of time, money or may be desire. So if you want to obtain a degree of higher education, you have an opportunity to do it even at home.

Geographical Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geographical Information Systems - Essay Example The most important part of a GIS is the ‘gencode’ to which information is connected. It represents a geographical code to highlight a place or location anywhere in the world. A GIS shows vital data in a diagrammatic manner, displaying extended spatial locations, territorial divisions, neighborhood vicinities and their inhabitants with unparalleled clearness. The GIS displays structure upon structure of data {such as characteristics and statistics of human population, income levels, voting preferences, poverty levels, pollution rates, and Internet availability}, and the manner in which all structures work in cohesive unity. The GIS user then selects the data to structure according to the queries that need to be solved. The precise information provided by GIS is being increasingly used for public safety purposes. Public safety officials have discovered that its geospatial information is derived much more spontaneously, and is more productive as compared to data supplied by ambiguous orthodox photography due to the very fast rate at which imagery of a certain area can be displayed as well as the cost savings involved. It is estimated that GIS use has resulted in cutting short land-use and field visits by as much as 70%. Tasks like on-the-way and on-the-scene skillful planning, highlighting the precise origin of wireless calls, advance planning of interior safety and security strategies, and re-directing traffic in times of emergencies have become much easier to undertake and solve more quickly and efficiently (Earth Imaging Journal, 2005). The use of GIS as a crime-fighting tool is increasing in the United States. It enables the police to examine and evaluate crime trends and find precise geographic locations where some crimes are concentrated, connect those crimes to the area in which they take place, and highlight the locations

Entrepreneurship and Export Entrepreneurship Essay

Entrepreneurship and Export Entrepreneurship - Essay Example This report seeks to clarify those risks and give an understanding of what an Export Entrepreneur must do , different from an Entrepreneur. The Entrepreneur is some one who takes risks and makes maximum usage of existing resources and also seeks to maximize profit. An Export Entrepreneur shares the same qualities except the risk is a lot higher and the profit potential is also higher. A small or medium enterprise faces a lot of obstacles because of it's limited resources and size. However there are additional issues which are faced by exporting SMEs . They usually cannot afford an extensive international presence in the country they are exporting. Nor is it feasible for them to deal with extended regulations in the country they are exporting to. This report draws on perspectives from entrepreneurship, exporting, and contingency literatures to examine the export behavior of small firms. It explores, in particular, the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and external environmental moderators in the export venture creation process of small firms. It is obvious that entrepreneurial orientation is associated with better export venturing, and is the appropriate for small firms operating in hostile environments of a foreign Country's Market. It would appear, also, that this orientation is associated with certain decision-maker characteristics including international orientation and contacts and previous business experience and firm-level competencies.i What is the difference between an entrepreneur and an export entrepreneur Both seek profit from opportunities and taking appropriate amount of risk. The risk in Export Entrepreneurship is that when imperfectly-informed entrepreneurs search for profitable export opportunities the risk increases by many multiples. Uncertainty can be about production costs, or about foreign demand, The point is that starting to export a product is an entrepreneurial gamble that may fail, leading to short-lived export "spells". The shorter those spells, the more discoveries or new products there should be, as new entrepreneurs try again a few months or years later, incurring the sunk cost of reaching foreign markets anew. Entrepreneurs generally take a lot of risks. A Entrepreneur running a SME, has to make sure that he is well funded to buy stock and pay for overhead and employee salaries. The entrepreneur also needs to know he will be able to

Aristotle and Plato Essay Example for Free

Aristotle and Plato Essay One of the greatest philosophers of all time was a man named Aristotle, the ancient greek philosopher. He was practically influenced every area of conceptual modern thinking. His mind set was in terms of materialism, which he essentially viewed substance on Earth before ideas and qualities. He genuinely believed in the notion of analyzing compounds and characteristics of people and their actions. Aristotle, who was a student of Plato, believed in â€Å"virtue of character and thought†, which means that virtue results from teaching, experience, and habits rather than Platos idealism notions of ideas and qualities (pg. 265-266). He believed that peoples noble actions would lead to virtue and that all things in life had an end. That all ends must result in something good, an example would be an acorn, the end of an acorn would be an acorn tree. Aristotle believed that it was inevitable for humans to obtain happiness over a course of time and that this was the end for a human being. He believed that in order to be virtuous, one must first avoid temperance and deficiency. Aristotle also claims that justice can mean both lawfulness and fairness or injustice can mean unlawfulness and unfairness. His notion was that the law encouraged people to pursue virtue, therefore, the lawful person would result to being virtuous. In essence, he claims that people who pursue virtue will be just and those who do not pursue virtue will be unjust. He believed that sensory perceptions in the human soul are reflections of objects, and thoughts in consciousness are based on what we have already seen. Plato believed that the average person could not see the truth, therefore, the noble lie was essential to get people to pursue their natural form or task. A simple ascetic city with the notion of everyone having natural abilities to do a certain job was justice for Plato. In contrast, Aristotle, did not believe that humans had access to these perfect forms in their minds as a way to reach justice and the perfect city. He argues that justice is a complete virtue when exercising virtue in relation to others and that it requires intellectual virtue. That a virtuous person should pursue the most pleasant and happy life, which is the philosophical life of contemplation and speculation. The highest good for Aristotle is the end of a human, which is gained through virtuous action over their course of a life time. In order to live a life of virtue according to Aristotle, one must find the mean or good actions, which finding the mean is virtuous actions. By exercising virtue in relations to others is a good thing that will lead to a virtuous happy life and this will inevitably lead to an end of a human being, which is happiness. He was not a hedonist, his highest good reflected on reason, virtue, and experience that gains practical wisdom and that people learn from mistakes. This notion of a human gaining happiness by living a virtuous life reflects on his notion of a content society. Aristotles perception of justice was similar to Platos in the way that virtue related to both temperance and courage, but in all other aspects they were completely in contrast. Virtue consisted of habits and making right choices for the individual to be just, according to Aristotle. Virtue of temperance and courage causes people to be in a â€Å"good state† and to perform their â€Å"functions† well (pg. 269). Therefore, in order to acquire justice in Aristotles perception, virtue would have to take place within the individuals state of character and reason for the whole in order to pursue virtue. Equality being about justice and exercising freedom was permissible according to Aristotle. He was really about diversity, but not a feminist, he clearly reduced the womens roles in society, which was normal due to an era of sexism. There where three forms of happiness according to Aristotle- a life of pleasure and enjoyment, a life of free and responsibility, and a life as a thinker and philosopher. He rejected the imbalance of these premises and it was essential in human relationships. Therefore, finding the mean and his example of not to be cowardly or impulsive, but courageous. Aristotle believed in the mixture of constitutions, which means that if you mix â€Å"oligarchy† and â€Å"democracy†, which would be essentially â€Å"polity†; bringing a large middle class, then there can be more equality and justice among the citizens (pg. 403). He described democracy as a form of government that would overthrow the rich. Therefore, where the poor are predominant, there will be democracy. Hes implying that there is a better way; modern way to conduct a government where the people are not ruled by a monarch or tyranny. This means that if you rely on one type of constitution, then it would inevitably lead to depravity by changing into a bad constitution. An example would be if monarchy was established, then it would lead to tyranny or aristocracy to oligarchy. Aristotles notion was that in order to have equality, then a mixture of constitutions was necessary for justice. He he elaborates on constitutions, he is indicating the system of government that should be established. This relates to virtue because in order to be virtuous depravity must be impermissible and having a mixture of constitutions brings a balance to good. He advocates on having a massive middle class would be essential in order to have a balance of equality and fairness. He supports on having this large middle class because it will genuinely bring a balance in society and impact on politics according to Aristotle. The virtue of justice belongs to the city, a self-determination of what is just. He advocates on the art of acquisition; that wealth should have a limit. He does not seem to like people who are upset with moneymaking. He emphasized on that a democracy was essentially the worse type of government; just as a tyranny. If there is no large middle class, then democracy denounces to rule by the poor and Aristotle believed that it should be the rule of everyone or the many. Therefore, the mixture of democracy and oligarchy was essential to Aristotle for the sake of polity. Being a just person can lead to a life of virtue, which is acquired by noble actions and experience, in contrast with Platos ideology of perfect forms in the human mind being to abstract and delusional. However, Aristotles notion is to pursue a virtuous life by making right choices and learning from mistakes, which is very good because human beings are not perfect. Happiness would be considered the end of a human being and its acquired by virtue according to Aristotle and making choices on whether to be or not to be a just person. His perspective revolved around people living in communities or political communities and that politics was a characteristic for the well-being. He also incorporated public education being the means of a community and through the development of practical wisdom because he wanted people to learn from their mistakes, stating that there is no perfect idea of a society. When an individual acquired happiness, which was the highest good over their course of life, it was done by pursuing virtue and noble actions. Therefore, Aristotles theory involves a fair political view where there is a higher class, lower class, but more importantly, a massive middle class where everyone must participate in politics. In accordance to Aristotles and its success can be determined by the happiness of the citizens. Where each citizen has acquired the point of where they derive in moderation and are capable of distinguishing the means and the extremes and the good of society. He criticized Sparta on their austere culture and the citizen structure of a military society because he genuinely believed that it was not a content community. He did not lack humane values and he emphasized on how people should exercise virtue in relations to others. In essence, Aristotles theory offers a well established broad and fair view of a justice for a society and politics.

The Significance of Villains in Beowulf Essay -- Epic Beowulf essays

The Significance of Villains in Beowulf  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Ancient, timeless, and very, very hard to read, Beowulf has plagued well-meaning college students for centuries with its cryptic passages and vague metaphors. Yet at the root it resonates with a sort of clear allegorical criticism aimed at Scandinavian warrior society. In the story of Beowulf, the unnatural fiends in the poem were each symbols for the political strife in the system. They formed the basic constructs in an allegory against the flawed nature of the warrior society at the time. Grendel, the first monster, makes his appearance directly after the poet references the men in their mead-hall. Yet he is not simply referred to in a natural segue between themes: he is actually introduced directly after speaking of future strife among the family in that hall. Note in the following passage where the poet breaks off what began as a paragraph about the merry-making which went on in the hall known as Heorot. The hall stood tall, high and wide-gabled: it would wait for the fierce flames of vengeful fire; the time was not yet at hand for sword-hate between son-in-law and father-in-law to awaken after murderous rage. Then the fierce spirit painfully endured hardship for a time, he who dwelt in the darkness.... The form it takes can essentially be described as "They celebrated, but all was not well in the future of the hall. Also, Grendel waited outside...." The close proximity of the description of familial betrayal and Grendel's introduction leads to the conclusion that the two are related. As I interpret it, the demon Grendel is a symbol for the terrible problem of succession that the Danes suffered time and again. The unstable nature of the court and th... ...m. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.    Shippey, Thomas A.. â€Å"Structure and Unity.† In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.    Sisam, Kenneth. â€Å"The Structure of   Beowulf.† In Beowulf: The Donaldson Translation, edited by Joseph F. Tuso. New York, W.W.Norton and Co.: 1975.    Tharaud, Barry. â€Å"Anglo-Saxon Language and Traditions in Beowulf.† In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,1998.    Tolkien, J.R.R.. â€Å"Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.    Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000   

Legal aspects of cultural diversity Essay

Cultural diversity is of great essence to any community, just as diversity is important to the living organisms which can in fact, have their ecological system adversely affected, lack of cultural diversity can lead to an increase in the risk of economic and political instabilities. This therefore implies that it is very important to preserve cultural diversity. Its preservation, above all conflicts and security concerns has made it to be of much concern in the global arena. For effective integration of the cultural diversity there is need to develop and enact laws that are intended to preserve it so as to continue enjoying its numerous benefits (Heuberger, Gerber, & Anderson, 1999). Legal aspects of cultural diversity A major fundamental characteristic that is emerging as a result of political space that is increasingly widening globally is not so much due to plurality but as a result of polarity of thoughts coming from different corners of the globe which vary significantly. The polarity of these ideas naturally corresponds to the cultural diversity of the communities. Polarity does not necessarily lead to development in the negative direction in the process of social politics. However, there is need to derive some values which are useful from this particular development. This therefore means that there should be efforts which are aimed at developing institutional mechanisms, which apart from acknowledging the existence of cultural diversity they also stress on the fundamental consensual principles and values as a basis of any state. The potentiality of such opportunities lies in the enactment of laws intended to safe guard cultural diversity, such laws should be well entrenched in a country’s supreme law, that is, the constitution (Tarver, 1999). The ethnic and cultural diversity is a broad area which can be very problematic should states fail to adequately cater for them in their laws of the land. When properly managed, cultural diversity is capable of producing positive fruits in the development of institutional structures aimed enhancing integration of various cultures. It is therefore important to note that dealing with ethnic and cultural diversity is not only a sensitive issue but a complex one too. Thus it is of much essence to include virtually all the stakeholders while coming up with laws of regulating and governing this diversity. This is very important since if such a process is not well managed the minorities are likely to feel left out in the development of their nations and thus opposed to its objectives. This can result into anarchy in a country, which can easily lead to tribal conflicts which do not auger well for the economic and political stability of a nation (Mitullah, 2002). The differences in various cultures are not absolute, they can therefore, be mediated positively through a well engineering process of the constitution of the country or other laws governing the state. This is a task that every country should endeavor to accomplish so as to avoid instances of discrimination of minorities. Their values too should be well taken care of and appreciated in a similar manner as those of the majority. Making laws on such basis will ensure that no single culture is left out in the task of nation building as they are all important and each form an integral part of the nation and thus a state cannot function optimally without the inclusion of all the cultures existing within its boundaries (Mitullah, 2002). By the laws properly addressing the issue of cultural diversity the states are likely to be saved from effects of conscious mobilization of people based on their culture and ethnic origins by their elites who are selfish and only interested in their political gains as opposed to the greater good of the entire nation. Such laws should ensure that there is eradication of political processes in which politicians are able to divide people during the periods of campaigns through ideas of cultural differences instead of policies that are needed by the state in order to develop both democratically and economically and thus liberate the citizens from the handicaps of ethnicity and their respective cultures. The laws should enable the citizens to perceive each culture in the country as an important part in the general development of the nation (Mitullah, 2002). In many countries ethnic or cultural social engineering so as to achieve myopic political goals is a major challenge in attaining credible political and economic stability. Not unless such is adequately addressed several countries will continue suffering and their development objectives delayed. Such short comings can be effectively addressed if there are laws and statutes to cater for cultural diversity so that it can be used to yield good fruits for these nations as opposed to situations of political and economic instabilities resulting from failing to manage cultural diversity in a proper manner (Lewis, 2007) Conclusion Cultural diversity when well managed in any given society is capable of yielding a lot of benefits to the all the nationalities. There is need therefore to ensure that it is well preserved and adequately taken care of so as to realize the benefits of stable economies and political systems. By appreciating cultural diversity the members of the different communities are able to borrow the strong values from other cultures and this will lead to the emergence of a culture that incorporates all the cultural diversities that exist within their limits. This can be effectively addressed in laws and statutes which should be oriented at ensuring that cultural diversity is preserved. Reference: Heuberger, B. , Gerber, D. & Anderson, R. (1999): Strength through Cultural Diversity; Journal Article of Multiculturalism Vol. 47, Issue 4. Lewis, M. (2007): Cultural Norms and Political Mobilization: Accounting for Local and State-Level Liquor Laws, 1907-1919, Journal of Cultural Geography, Vol. 24, Issue 8. Mitullah, W. V. (2002): Recognising and Respecting Cultural Diversity in the Constitution, Retrieved on 22nd May 2009 from, http://www. commonlii. org/ke/other/KECKRC/2002/5. html. Tarver, M. L. (1999): Law Enforcement Diversity Training And Technology, Retrieved on 22nd May 2009 from, http://aabss. org/journal1999/f13Tarver. html.

The AtekPC Project Management Office Essay

The Atek PC Project Management Office Case Study was assigned for this class to provide an overview of the challenges faced by management in the development and deployment of a PMO in an existing company. Based on the case study respond to the questions below incorporating not only the course reading materials, but any outside research that may be relevant. Be sure to cite the authority for any research included in your response. What were the changes in AtekPC’s business environment that caused the company to introduce a PMO? Based on your assigned readings and research, do these appear to be appropriate reasons for developing a PMO? Why or why not? â€Å"One might be cost reduction. Another motivation to get better on projects would be that we have to get more creative, adaptive, and agile in launching new products. â€Å" [1] â€Å"The PC industry was changing, and AtekPC was engaged in dealing with dramatic pressure from larger competitors such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo. To compete in a changing industry in which consolidation was occurring, AtekPC had implemented a corporate Planning Office. Recognizing the  role that IT would likely play in enabling AtekPC to respond to the industry pressures, the senior vice-president had supported the creation of a PMO within IT. â€Å" [1] Somewhat true but not sufficient Here are some other reasons of why we should have PMO. (of course it cannot represent everything) In mature organizations, the PMO is the focal point for improvement and enhancement in project management through the implementation of the enterprise-oriented functions. Enterprise-oriented functions are intended to bolster the overall capability of the organization for long-range benefits. The enterprise functions will provide the long-term stability and backbone  for the project management success. This mission is met by establishing, and maintaining, a project historical database, by developing and disseminating project management best practices, by providing training in all project management knowledge areas, and by providing visibility for the value of project management to the organization. [2] Distinguish between project-focused and enterprise-oriented duties of a PMO? The specific duties of a PMO were typically divided into two categories: project-focused and enterprise-oriented. Project focused responsibilities such as consulting, mentoring, and training were services that enabled the success of individual projects. On the other hand, enterprise responsibilities addressed services that might improve all projects such as portfolio management, PM standards, methods, and tools, and project performance archives. [1] PMO’s are more effective and can better impact the bottom line, when they are operating at the corporate enterprise-wide strategic level, rather than at the departmental level. Departmentally based Project Management offices are successful in their own silos but not accepted outside their span of influence, and therefore, are unable to influence the organization as a whole. This is because many project management offices started off from a grass roots approach. [3] A PMO that is organizationally based versus departmentally based is more likely to get executive support. After all, project management should not be a departmental strategy; it should be an organizational strategy. The Enterprise PMO will oversee the management of all strategically aligned projects. [3] Describe the primary issues faced by AteKPC management under the two organizational models that were under consideration for the PMO. Explain the limitations of each of these models.

Hampton

Hampton Introduction The Hampton-Newport Community Services Board (HNNCSB) offers a broad range of mental well-being and drug abuse services and care for people with mental and developmental disorders (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, 2013).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These services are available to people of all ages in Hampton and Newport News. The agency’s vision is to create a community in which individuals can find their own purpose and be self-determining (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, 2013). The HNNCSB’s mission is to offer an inclusive range of services and supports by encouraging avoidance, recovery, and independence for people impacted by mental disorder, drug use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and encouraging health of societies it serves (Hampton-Newport News Communi ty Services Board, 2013). In order to achieve these goals, the agency has adopted critical core values, which include collaboration, continuous improvement, cultural competency, development, dignity and respect, professionalism, quality, and stewardship and accountability. The agency believes that these core values have enabled it to offer effective services. Services provided by the agency and any associated costs The agency offers a number of services to its clients. These services are mainly case management and supports. Case management involves the provision of services to people with serious mental disabilities to allow them to live productively in society. The agency has divided its services into several different areas in order to provide critical care by monitoring individual’s specific needs and engaging the required agency in the provision of care. The agency has case managers, who are mainly â€Å"mental health therapists, nurses, or social workers† (Hampton -Newport News Community Services Board, 2013). Case managers work with clients or their families in order to develop personalized plans, which are based on strengthens and preferences of clients in order to manage their disabilities effectively. Case management for adults Intellectual development disability services (IDDS) is a case management service for adults with mental problems and developmental challenges (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, 2013). The agency offers services to allow such adults to live independently. Case managers work with the client and the family of the client to develop interventions for specific needs.Advertising Looking for report on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Case managers also ensure that clients get other services, arrange for these services and transportation. They also support clients from hospitals and home care facilities to start new life in society, a s well as counseling and psychosocial support to overcome normal challenges in life. There is also IDDS for day services. This service allows adults with mental retardation to be independent and find meaning in life. These services involve support, training, and other initiatives, which can facilitate improved life at homes, workplaces, and in societies. The final service for adults is IDDS, which entails diagnosis, evaluation, and psychological assessment. The agency conducts a thorough evaluation of all individuals who require its services with the aim of determining the most effective services for such persons. Evaluations involve psychological assessment in situations where clients require them. The agency works together with certified psychoanalysts and psychologists (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, 2013) in the provision of these services to its clients. Case management for Children and Adolescents The HNNCSB offers services for children and adolescents. The IDD S focuses on providing service after school and summer holidays. Children who suffer from mental disorders and other disabilities get effective services from HNNCSB after school. They get high quality services and school bus transportation to the program. The agency provides services for children and adolescents with hearing problems, deaf, blind, and deafblind or deaf children. The HNNCSB offers gender-related substance abuse interventions. These services are available through other clinics in the vicinity such as, â€Å"Hampton Roads Clinic, Partners in Recovery, Project LINK, Men’s Substance Abuse Case Management, and South-Eastern Family Project† (Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, 2013).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Common characteristics of clients served The Hampton-Newport Community Services Board ser ves children, adolescents, and adults, i.e., it caters for people of all ages. The agency’s clients are mainly people with the following disorders or challenges: Mental retardation problems Drug and substance abuse Blindness Deaf Deafblind Hearing problems The presence of a social worker in the agency, if any The agency has social workers, who it refers to as case managers. However, case managers could be any specialist in the agency. Article Summary Gwinner, Knox, and Brough (2013) observed that there were developing interests in research evidence in mental illnesses in order to provide evidence-based practices in providing care in health facilities and social work fields (Gwinner, Knox Brough, 2013). The article explored recovery and illness among eight people. Researchers used a Participatory Action Research approach to conduct the study. The researchers acted subjectively as clients with mental illness, who were also artists. The study noted a specific issue of concern during recovery by using a clinical term in order to achieve prior standards set by health workers for their clients in recovery. The researchers concluded that individualized interventions and values for mental illness and recovery patients were related to several dynamics and complicated perceptions, which patients acquired from their life experiences and objects in their environments. References Gwinner, K., Knox, M., and Brough, M. (2013). Making Sense of Mental Illness as a Full Human Experience: Perspective of Illness and Recovery Held by People With a Mental Illness Living in the Community. Social Work in Mental Health, 11(2), 99- 117. DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2012.717063.Advertising Looking for report on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board. (2013). Who We Are. Retrieved from hnncsb.org/who-we-are.html

The Art of Effective Problem Solving

The Art of Effective Problem Solving Finding the best strategy to solve a problem depends on the problem itself. Often it is best if students were given an assignment that requires the implementation of their problem solving skills, that they learn all they can about the issue surrounding or even causing the problem. Problem solving is a highly regarded and much-needed  skill in the working or business world – in fact, poor problem-solving practices can do much hard to business relationships and a business’ success. In other words, problem solving is a process of finding solutions to difficult issues. Students in the  academy are often given problem-solving assignments to hone this particular skill set. The opportunities for problem solving  are so ubiquitous, coming every day  to most people, that many do it quite naturally – and yet very effectively. PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS In either case, the term â€Å"problem solving† is a mental process that seeks to overcome obstacles – a problem, or a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution – by finding the best solution to that problem; it involves identifying a problem, then analyzing and solving that problem through what is known as the â€Å"Problem-Solving Cycle,† which includes the development of strategies and organization of thought and action. Problem Solving Cycle Finding the best strategy to solve a problem depends on the problem itself. Often it is best  if students were given an assignment that requires the implementation of their problem-solving skills, that they first learn all they can about the issue surrounding or even causing the problem; then using that knowledge of the issue to assess the problem for possible solutions. Planning and structuring are critical in problem solving. Of course, in other instances, creativity, collaboration and sound judgment may serve the student best in problem-solving practices. All problems have two key features – a goal and a barrier. Without a barrier preventing one from reaching a goal, there would be no problem in the first place. And problem solving involves overcoming these barriers and obstacles that prevent the immediate achievement of these goals. Steps to Solving the Problem As mentioned above, there is a series of steps a student can follow to determine the most effective solution to their problem. Step 1. To solve a problem, a student must recognize that there is a problem, and define it. Although this seems an obvious step, it’s not always a simple task. It’s too easy to identify the wrong problem  or even the wrong source of the problem, so the student must initially consider all possible problems. Step 2.  The student should keenly search to identify the causes of the problem. Step 3.  It is crucial that before the student brainstorms all possible solutions that contribute or create the problem, they should first organize all available information, and ask â€Å"What do I know about the problem? What do I not know?†Ã‚  Subsequently, choose the best solution to solve the problem. Step 4.  The student has to implement or incorporate that solution to solve their particular problem. Step 5.  The student must then evaluate and monitor the implementation of this solution – the results – to see if the problem has been solved. This stage of the problem-solving cycle involves determining if the process was successful, through monitoring any changes that occurred that might have led to the student achieving their goal in solving their problem. It may be best to keep a record of outcomes and additional problems that occurred using each solution. If the solution you think is right does not work, or if it does not solve the problem at hand, you will have to consider implementing other solutions and, therefore, complete the cycle again and again until the problem is ultimately solved. PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES Need help with your problem-solving  assignment? is happy to be your academic advisor. We have effectively helped hundreds of our customers worldwide and have developed considerable expertise in problem-solving  assignments. Just email us your instructions, we will analyze them and will assign you a writing professional who is an expert in your field. We guarantee you a fully authentic, well-written  and properly formatted paper at the end of our cooperation. You will be able to use this paper as a sample to work on your subsequent problem-solving  assignments and you will want to come back to us for me professional services! is the service you can rely on! You can place your order right now.

Role and Functioning of Stock Markets Coursework

Role and Functioning of Stock Markets - Coursework Example Moreover, securities markets are further broken down into a primary market and a secondary market. A  stock market  is a private or public market for the trading of  stocks or shares  in companies at an  agreed upon price. These include securities listed on a  stock exchange  as well as those traded privately, also known as over the counter securities. A  stock market  is also known as an equity market (Papadopoulos, 2010). Primary Market and its Role: Primary market is the market in which newly listed companies issue their shares to be traded for the first time, changing hands from the newly listed company to the investors, mostly these first time investors are institutional investors for example pension funds, investment banks, credit unions. This process allows a company, the issuers of stocks, to acquire capital by offering their stocks to investors who in return would supply the capital required. Thereby making primary market that part of capital markets that d eals with the issuance of new securities. Privately or Publicly listed Companies, governments or public sector institutions can obtain funding for there projects in this way. Security dealers act as a bridge to link lender to the borrower of the fund. The process of selling new shares is called underwriting. The new stock issue is called an initial public offering (IPO). Dealers earn a commission that is part of the price of the security offering. (Papadopoulos, 2010). Secondary Market and its Role: The secondary market is an organized marketplace for securities. After the initial offering it is through this market that the general public gets the opportunity to be a stakeholder in a company. Licensed broker assist in the buying selling of these securities, along with the exchanges specialized trading system, in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the exchange (Alfaro, Chanda, Kalemi-Ozcan, and Sayek, 2004). When it comes to secondary market, investors in this m arket purchase securities from other investors in the market, rather than from the issuing company. In any secondary market transaction the cash proceeds go to the investors rather than the entity of which the original securities belonged to. The prices of the securities in this market are determined by the forces of supply and demand, this rule applies to every stock available for trading (Demirguc-Kunt and Levine, 1996). Overview of the functions of Stock Market: There are several  functions of stock market that makes it an integral part of the economy. It most important role is the channelling of funds or transferring of capital from investors to users of capital. This role of stock exchanges allows corporations looking to raise capital for enhancing their productive capabilities from investors in the primary market. The secondary market facilitates trade between buyers and sellers of stock and thereby enabling the investors to reach the true price of the stock or commodity. Th is feature of stock market is known as continuous pricing function. This feature enables interested parties to know at any time, what the price of a stock is. Price quotes can be accessed through financial websites and financial channels. This allows investors to assess the worth of their investment in a particular stock (Kale, Dyer, and Sing, 2002).   Stock market also plays the role of fair pricing. The workings of the stock market enable buyers and