sociology Essays - Religion And Science, Philosophy Of Science

Merton?s paper was done in 1936. An amended variant showed up in 1938 as a monograph in Sarton?s arrangement, Osiris, with the new title, Science, Technology and Society in Seventeenth-Century England. Later it was distributed in book structure, with numerous unknown dialect interpretations to follow. Against the predominant view that religion and science were contradictory, Merton exhibited the impact of Puritanism on the development of seventeenth-century science in England, a finding that was at the center of the ?Merton proposal,? as it got known in scholastic speech. Correlative to Max Weber?s proposition about the sources of the entrepreneur soul in Puritanism, Merton?s work was to turn into an establishment for the ascent of the human science of science in America. It brought forth a surge of discourse, of which the best assortment is Puritanism what's more, the Rise of Modern Science: The Merton Thesis, altered by I. B. Cohen (1990). The destiny of this work likewise epitomizes another topic that intrigued Merton?the seizure of logical and academic consideration. In this manner, while the ?Merton postulation? gotten practically all the consideration of the analysts, different pieces of the book were dismissed, despite the fact that they, as well, were generous commitments to the humanism of science, for example, itemizing the impact of financial and military needs on logical issue decision in seventeenth-century England.

A person or event Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

An individual or occasion - Essay Example The incredible sorrow began from the United States. This was a direct result of the fall in stock costs beginning 1929. It in the long run became overall news with financial exchange crash of October around the same time. The incredible despondency had major and destroying impacts in both poor and rich nations. It influenced the people’s salary, benefits, charge income as costs dropped. Therefore, the global exchange plunged with over half prompting genuine instances of joblessness in the US and different pieces of the world (Miller 683). The incredible wretchedness gets pertinent in the cutting edge America as it offers rules on what the nation ought not do. All things considered, America utilizes the event to manage its presentation in neighborhood and global markets. For example, the extraordinary melancholy was brought about by the over interest in the limit of the substantial ventures contrasted with the income and wages of free homesteads and organizations. Thus, the American government has figured out how to direct and deal with the income in the economy. In such manner, it siphons cash into the pockets of the customers so as to upgrade their buying power. The nation can keep up the modern base and re-blow up costs and the wages to guarantee that all the monetary bases are within proper limits. Besides, the decrease in yield was likewise a reason for the extraordinary sorrow. For this situation, the decrease caused an underlying decrease in the yield, and it delayed the recuperation because of inadequate approa ches that influenced the work showcase (Hamilton 147-150). In view of this circumstance, America has had the option to smooth out the work arrangements. Its work strategy manages the work area and secures creation. The nation has figured out how to address the declining capital stock, work power and efficiency that supplement the utilization of these information sources. The extraordinary wretchedness is in fact an incredible time in the American history. It impacts the monetary course taken by the US. For quite a while, the nation has attempted

10 Natural Ways to Stay Focused and Sharp

10 Natural Ways to Stay Focused and Sharp February 03, 2020 Thomas Barwick/Stone/Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships There are many natural ways to stay focused and sharp. From alternative therapies to herbal remedies, these natural approaches can help boost your productivity, protect your brain health as you age, and improve your overall wellbeing. Nutrition to Stay Focused Getting your fill of certain types of foods may help you stay focused and sharp. Fish and Flaxseed Flaxseed  and oily fish like salmon and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of essential fatty acid that plays a key role in preserving brain health. A report published in Advances in Nutrition in 2013, for example, indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may help fight aging-related impairment in brain function. Whats more, some research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help improve attention.?? In a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology in 2015, omega-3 supplementation was found to reduce symptoms of inattention in children.?? Antioxidant-Rich Foods Antioxidant nutrients may offer some protection against an aging-related decline in cognition (i.e., the set of mental abilities associated with processes like attention, memory, and problem-solving), according to a research review published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2013.?? Looking at 10 previously published studies, the reviews authors found some evidence that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E may help slow the rate of cognitive decline. Green Tea A rat-based study published in Brain and Cognition in 2008 suggests that green tea consumption may enhance learning and memory.?? Furthermore, a pilot study published in the journal Nutrients in 2014 found that daily green tea intake helped improve cognitive function in a small group of older adults.?? Natural Remedies for Brain Health A number of herbal remedies show promise as a natural approach to staying focused and sharp. Heres a look at the science behind two of those remedies. Curcumin Sourced from the herb turmeric, curcumin has been found to enhance cognitive function in some preliminary research. Additionally, a preliminary study published in the International Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics in 2015 determined that curcumin may increase brain levels of docosahexaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid found to have beneficial effects on cognitive function).?? Rosemary Daily intake of the herb rosemary may boost cognitive performance and sharpen memory in older adults, according to a small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2012.?? How Rosemary Improves Memory and Cognition Lifestyle Practices for Better Concentration Lifestyle behaviors can also help you stay focused and sharp. Getting Sufficient Sleep A great deal of research has shown that sleep deprivation can have a profoundly negative impact on cognitive function, including damaging effects on focus and memory.?? Exercising A study published in Neurology in 2010 suggests that walking at least six miles per week may preserve memory in older adults. The study also found that regular exercise helped fight aging-related shrinkage in brain size.?? Managing Your Stress Like skimping on sleep, letting your everyday stress go unchecked can greatly impair cognitive function.?? To stay focused and sharp, its crucial to take everyday steps to lower your stress levels. Mind-Body Techniques for Greater Focus Not only helpful in relieving stress, but the following mind-body techniques may also help you stay focused and sharp. Meditation In a study of 40 undergraduate students (published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in 2007), researchers observed that five days of 20-minute meditation training helped improve attention, as well as lower anxiety, fatigue, anger, and depression.?? Tai Chi Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2015, a review of nine previously published studies shows that taking up tai chi may help improve attention, memory, and other measures of cognitive ability in healthy adults.???

Unruly Americans And The Origins Of The Constitution

1. Purpose of Book The main purpose behind the book Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution, by Woody Holton is to demonstrate the authors view on the true intent of the Framers when writing the Constitution. Although at first glance the book may seem to uphold the idea that the framers wrote the Constitution in order to protect civil liberties, Holton has a different opinion. To avoid a one sided book, the author not only looks at the framers intent, but the struggles facing the American people. This book emphasizes the alternative interpretations offered by Americans on the origins of the Constitution. Holton’s purpose with this book was to show that the framers interests involved making America more attractive to investors. In order to do so, they purposefully made the government less democratic with the writing of the Constitution. However, with the addition of the Bill of Rights, one could argue the Framers had at least a slight concern for the American people and their civil liberties. In offering alternative interpretations of the origins of the Constitution, the author accomplishes his secondary purpose, to make the reader challenge what they know about the framing of the Constitution. Holton details the rebellion of the â€Å"Unruly Americans† against the state and national governments, using Adonijah Mathews as an ultimate example of the â€Å"common man.† Mathews’ views are presented in order to contrast the views of James Madison, whom it seems the authorShow MoreRelatedHoltons Interpretation Of The FramersDistrust Of Tyranny?1584 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Professor Holton purports in Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution that the Framers’ creation of the Constitution represented a â€Å"slur on the capacity of ordinary citizens† to govern themselves by placing the power of the National Government into the hands of the opulent few (Holton, Unruly Americans, 278). Is Holton’s interpretation of the Framers’ intentions equitable, or has he treated the delegates unfairly in neglecting the democratic elements of the document andRead MoreThe Symbols Of The 1920s934 Words   |  4 Pagespolitical change. For the first time, more Americans lived in cities than on farms. The nation’s total wealth more than doubled between 1920 and 1929, and this economic growth swept many Americans into an affluent but unfamiliar â€Å"consumer society.† People from coast to coast bought the same goods (thanks to nationwide advertising and the spread of chain stores), listened to the same music, did the same dances and even used the same slang. Many Americans were uncomfortable with this new, urban, sometimesRead MoreLooking at the Complete Powerless to the Powerless2483 Words   |  10 PagesUltimately by understanding the loser’s suffrage in society that is proposed in Dan Richter’s Facing East from Indian Country,† and Walter Johnson’s Soul By Soul; as well as the outsider point of view as described in Woody Holton’s Unruly Americans and the Origins of the Constitution; and Tyler Anbinder’s and Vincent DiGirolamo’s articles contributed to the film â€Å"Gangs of New York, we can understand how their beliefs, culture, and lives were affected by the powerful. This essay is not a novel of the historyRead More Age of Enlightenment Essay2052 Words   |  9 Pages The 18th century is referred to as the ‘Age of Enlightenment’. The trends in thought and letters from Europe to the American colonies brought a new light and a ttention upon mankind. This new movement described a time in Western philosophy and cultural life in which reason was advocated as the primary source and legitimacy for authority. ‘To understand the natural world and humankinds place in it solely on the basis of reason and without turning to religious belief was the goal of the wide-rangingRead MoreCivil Law vs Common Law2192 Words   |  9 Pagesparticular state. The comparative law, which is the study, analysis, and comparison of the different municipal law systems, classifies countries into legal families. The two widely distributed families are the Romano-Germanic Civil Law and the Anglo-American Common Law. This short essay seeks an answer to the differences between two fundamentally different legal theories or systems. The original difference is that historically, civil law was developed out from the Roman law of Justinian’s Corpus JurisRead MoreRacial Profiling Essay7678 Words   |  31 Pagesproposals or senate bills to prohibit racial profiling would prevent a range of police activities depending on which definition was used. The fourth (unreasonable searches and seizures) and 14th (equal protection of the laws) amendments of the U.S. Constitution provide a framework for the protection of drivers from indiscriminately being targeted by the police in traffic stops. In moving to define and outlaw racial profiling practices, state legislatures have needed to consider whether they intend toRead MoreCorrectional Administration Reviewer18383 Words   |  74 PagesBecarria, the exponent of the Classical Theory contended that punishment is to prevent others in committing a crime. ï  ½ CONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTIONS OF PENALTIES Sec. 21, Art. IV, 1973 Constitution of the Philippines. Directs that excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor be cruel and unusual punishment inflicted. ï  ½ ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF PENALTIES OR PUNISHMENTS Natural Law. This originated from God (natural law) to enforce the law that laid down in His infinite wisdom and power. He also prescribed theRead MoreGlobalization and It Effects on Cultural Integration: the Case of the Czech Republic.27217 Words   |  109 Pagesprinciples of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world[3]. The dimensions of McDonaldization Ritzer noted include, efficiency, predictability, calculability (or an emphasis on quantification), and control (especially through inhuman technologies), Ritzer says McDonaldization is a largely one-way process in which a series of American innovations are being aggressively exported too much of the rest of the world (ibid:Read MoreSda Manual Essay101191 Words   |  405 PagesConference of Seventh-day Adventists Copyright  © 2005 by the Secretariat, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible texts are from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright  © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Texts credited to NEB are from The New English Bible.  © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics

A Client That Is Suffering From A Substance Abuse

Relapse Prevention Plan The purpose of this paper is to assess a client that is suffering from a substance abuse. The assessment will help determine the client’s treatment plan. By assessing the client it will help for a better understanding of the substance abuse and behaviors attach. There will be recommendation and prevention plans to help the clients and his family with their needs to help with the treatment. Client Name and age: Jed, age 38 years old. Family’s situation: Jed has been married with his wife Emily, for eight years. They have two daughters ages eight and six years old. Emily has been having arguments with Jed due to his heavy drinking. Jed gets in an argument with his wife because he refuses to believe his an alcoholic. Jed s father was an alcoholic his father died in a car accident while driving under the influence. Jed thinks it is normal for him to drink because his family culture is Irish and it is normal for them to drink. Jed is not close to his family members, his siblings live in another community and they rarely get together. Client’s agreement to stop using alcohol: Jed s attorney suggested that he quits drinking and enter a treatment until his trail he agrees to participate in treatment because he does not want to go to jail. Jed believes that attending a treatment is just a waste of time for him. Jed attend a few AA meeting when he received is first DUI. Jed believed that the meeting where not helpful because he willShow MoreRelatedDysthymia And Substance Abuse Within Adults And Treatments Used For Recovery1576 Words   |  7 PagesDysthymia and Substance Abuse within Adults and the Treatments Used for Recovery Dysthymia (recently categorized into a new disorder called Persistent Depressive Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM – V)) is a mood disorder where an adult has depression that lasts for at least two years or longer. While moderately depressed, according to Butcher, Hooley, and Mineka (2014), a person must also have at least two or more symptoms to be diagnosed withRead MoreSocial Work As A Career1271 Words   |  6 Pagesuse of drugs and criminal behavior. I and my brother lived with my grandmother who had a drinking problem, but managed to do the best she can to care for me and my brother. At a young age, I was raped and the state was forced to remove me from my home. I went from foster home to foster home feeling alone and that no one cared. One thing that always stayed with me was the role my social worker played in my life. I felt like she was the one person that was there for me and if ever I felt like I had noRead Mo reExistential Therapy1639 Words   |  7 Pagesin their lives, especially for people who are struggling with suffering of loss, disabilities, illness, anxiety and depression† (Seligman Reichenberg, 2010). In the above paragraphs existential therapy will be define through the history of the development of the therapy, the beliefs on which it is based, the important contributors or practitioners of the therapy, the theory of helping, the relationship between the helper and the clients, some techniques or approaches developed. The kinds of problemsRead MoreApplication Of Client For Service As A Helping Professional995 Words   |  4 Pagesprofessional it is imperative to be aware of the kind of client that may be most challenging to work with. The kind of challenge or problem that a client may bring would be one that causes distress to the provider. An example of that type of client would be a mother who has dealt with child abuse or any abuse as a child. The problem would ste m from a client, as such who often physically abuses her children. The characteristics of this client in terms of how they behave may also cause a challenge,Read MoreParanoid Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: Co-Occurring1709 Words   |  7 PagesParanoid Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: Co-occurring Personality disorders affect 10-15% of the adult US population. A personality disorder is a very rigid pattern of inner experience and outward behavior. According to SAMHSA over 8.9 million persons have co-occurring disorders; that is that they have both mental and substance use disorders. Only 7.4% receive treatment and 55.8% receive no treatment at all. The National Survey on Drug use and Health states that there were 45Read MoreThe Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders Essay893 Words   |  4 PagesUniversity August 15, 2012 The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders When a counselor has a new client they are working with, the client has to be assessed. When being assessed the counselor has to determine what issues the client may have. Through being assessed, the counselor may come to realize the client has more than one issue which is called co-occurring disorders. At this point the client will have to be treated for more than one disorder to effectively overcome the problems they are facingRead MoreSubstance Abuse903 Words   |  4 PagesSubstance Abuse Substance Abuse is a problem for social workers around the country no matter where you go. There are a number of different social problems, and social systems that a social worker will have to deal with when working in this field. I will hope to address the problem of substance abuse, and the different techniques used in order to cure a client suffering from substance abuse. Substance abuse social workers assess and treat individuals with substance abuse problems, which includeRead MoreThe Problem Of Drug Addiction967 Words   |  4 Pagesto drug abuse. However, environmental situations can make an individual more susceptible: age, gender, location, genetics, family situations and the like can all be factors into an individuals’ drug habit. There are complications with picking the correct plan suited to a person. Each client is their own person and every client’s treatment plan may be different from others, therefore social workers and counselors must be conscious of these differences from person to person. Some clients may findRead MoreThe Growing Percentage Of Males And Females With Substance Use Disorder1656 Words   |  7 PagesFemales Suffering with Substance Use Disorder Jerrelda Drummer Sanders SOWK 751 Dr. D. Freeman December 4, Fall Semester 2015 Southern University at New Orleans Males and Females Suffering with Substance Use Disorder 2. About 24 million Americans over age 12 (or 9% of the population) have used an illegal drug (mostly marijuana) or abused a medication in the past month, (APA 2013). A drug is (1) any substance that affectsRead MoreTreatment Plan For A Therapy Plan And How It Improves The Odds Of A Person761 Words   |  4 Pages Intro A person who is suffering from substance dependence will need treatment to overcome it. When a client is assessed and found to be suffering from addiction a treatment plan will be put into action. Depending on the severity of the person addiction will determine if they need inpatient care of outpatient care. The odds that a person will succeed without a treatment plan are unlikely. Well discuss the importance of a treatment plan and how it improves the odds of a person overcoming their addiction

Latitude and Type Your Response Free Essays

Mapping The Lesson Activities will help you meet these educational goals: Science Inquiry? You will conduct online research, collect information, and communicate your findings In written form. STEM?You will apply scientific tools and knowledge to solve real- world problems in order to grow in your understanding of science as a creative human activity. 21st Century Skills?You will employ online tools for research and analysis, use critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communicate effectively in order to solve real-world problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Latitude and Type Your Response or any similar topic only for you Order Now Directions Write a response for each of the following activities. When you have finished, submit your work to your teacher. Check the rubric at the end of this document to make sure your work is meeting the expected criteria. Task 1: Coaching In adventure books and movies, the hero sometimes has to follow a map to find a burled treasure. Today, a new sort of adventure sport has become popular In which people use technology to â€Å"find† treasures. Coaching involves global positioning satellites, maps, and participants’ sense of adventure to locate specific geographic spots. These could be situated in a local area and tracked down In â€Å"real time† or located anywhere on Earth and identified virtually. As you know. Every point on Earth can be Identified by latitude and longitude. In this lesson, you studied how to read points on a map in degrees, minutes, and seconds of latitude and longitude. For example, the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, is located at approximately 470 37†² 14†³ N. 1220 20†² 57†³ W. Use your map reading, Internet searching, and reasoning skills to find the following locations and answer the three questions for each. How to cite Latitude and Type Your Response, Papers

Sustainable Development and Analysis Of BMW †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Sustainable Development and Analysis Of BMW. Answer: Success of sustainable development strategy by BMW BMW has been branding the company as efficient dynamics which denotes its sincerity in achieving a most sustainable mode of operation with a focus on optimizing the range of combustion engine which features 3-, 4- and 6- cylinder power units. After a brief study of BMWs systematic manufacture of productions ensures that they are maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment without plundering its renewable sources of energy For a holistic development BMW has acquired plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 2020 by almost half and focused on hydrogen as an alternative option (Kapferer Michaut-Denizeau, 2017). BMW Company adheres to the policy of preserving the surrounding environment and had launched Project I, which focused on the designing of vehicles so as to achieve the most for sustainable development. Its main focus was to develop new strategies in the areas of RD and marketing. This has created a niche for BMW in the market for its approach to sustainability and development. It has manufactured electric vehicles as a means of sustainable development and production. BMW has developed the GINA concept which has generated the flow of innovative thinking amongst the customers and has met with their requirements in an innovative manner. It is lightweight and made up of carbon fiber is therefore helpful in meeting the principles of sustainable development because of its recyclable nature. BMW GINA is the best example in demonstrating how to make higher quality products for consumers while at the same time preserving the key principles of sustainable development which challenges the previous and harmful patterns of consumption by consumers. BMW has been a pioneer in its approach to enrich the quality of green cars, one of the major examples being Landshut. BMW has adhered to the principle of sustainable management of resources by preserving the natural environment by adopting policies like development of zero emission vehicles. BMW has tackled with the issue of global warming, BMW has manufactured smaller cars to reduce CO2 emissions and has adopted environment guidelines as stated in the Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (Castillod, 2016).With a more judicious eradication of traditional resources, it has adopted electricity as it is both comparatively cheaper and friendlier that the usage of petrol and diesel. One of the best examples if BMW i3 which generated zero emissions and complies with the objective of being a green car. Their strategies have made them to win the Urban Car of the Year award with their launch of BMW i3. They have also emphasized in waste management operations for improving the quality of their recycled products (Barkemeyer et al., 2014). Their strategy of implementing b attery-electric has made them a forerunner in the domain of sustainable production. BMW has implemented the usage of lighter magnesium is order to makes its products lighter which offers for an improved fuel economy and easier recycling process. BMW has also developed the approach to use aluminum and CFRP to use them as wheel rims (Kapferer Michaut-Denizeau, 2017). BMW has also integrated the concept of resource efficiency with the usage of raw materials which has enabled BMW to reduce its exploitation of natural resources. It is also a part of circular economy which is a key to sustainable development. Circular economy has helped BMW to limit its usage of virgin materials and reduction of waste products. Furthermore, BMW has also concentrated on job creation rate by increasing the rate of recycling, reuse and remanufacturing. In this way BMW ensures for the adequate preservation of resources for the future. As a part of their sustainable development in production process BMW has sketched i-brand which is made up of renewable energies and has a greenhouse gas potential is almost 50% lower than the most of the other automobiles (Kapferer Michaut-Denizeau, 2017). This is at par with one of the strictest principles of sustainable development and production, to preserve bio-diversity ad conducting business in such a way so that it does not hamper the surrounding cultural and social aspects of the environment. BMW has generated a scrutinized system of maintaining workers health within the workplace environment, retirement models, health insurance and other benefits (Barkemeyer et al., 2014). Additionally apart from their development of sustainable products they have adhered to a non-discriminatory culture to eradicate gender discrimination. They have taken measures like sustainable transport, product responsibility with the elimination of obsolete technology, making packaging less harmful to eradicate the danger of chemical contamination, creation of jobs to reduce unemployment and poverty (Castillod, 2016). It can be firmly asserted that BMW has taken all the necessary steps like usage of renewable sources of energy, maintaining workers health and safety as per the protocols of sustainable development. References: Barkemeyer, R., Holt, D., Preuss, L., Tsang, S. (2014). What happened to the developmentin sustainable development? Business guidelines two decades after Brundtland.sustainable development,22(1), 15-32. Castillod, J. J. (2016).Teamwork in the Automobile Industry: Radical Change or Passing Fashion?. Springer. Grey, C. P., Tarascon, J. M. (2017). Sustainability and in situ monitoring in battery development.Nature materials,16(1), 45. Kapferer, J. N., Michaut-Denizeau, A. (2017). Is luxury compatible with sustainability? Luxury consumers viewpoint. InAdvances in Luxury Brand Management(pp. 123-156). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

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Approaches to Indigenous Issues essays

Approaches to Indigenous Issues essays Some people have asked the question, how the Australian Aborigines helped shape non-Aboriginal Australians. The response is to say that contact between the two races, both British and Indigenous Australians often resulted in bringing out the worst in people. Human beings have the innate capacity to be either moral or sinister. In 1788 Governor Philip arrived with the best of intentions in British treatment of the Australian Aborigine, however there was a determined effort by various governors, to drive the Aborigines from settlements and punish those who would not conform to the new 'way of life'. Often the Aborigines refused to accept British standards and could see no advantage in changing their ways. By the turn of the century, the settlers had no time for the Australian Aborigine. The Indigenous community was seen as being a pest and a nuisance, but of course, there were exceptions. By the middle of the nineteenth century, there was a belief in the colony, that the Aboriginal race was reaching its end. Until this had happened they were to be kept out of the way of the British population and were herded onto reserves and missions, to live out their days away from the Australian population where they would not interfere with progress. The ethnocentric attitude that fuels the first racist statement by Cunningham in 1834, of allows an insight into the extreme racist views that were widespread within the colonies at that certain time in Australias history. The allowance of such views was rampant, and allowed for the negative actions to be supported in the racist colonies of Australia. The statement made by Cunningham would have had a frightening negative impact on the general community. Such a statement shows the ignorance of the British colonists, their total lack of knowledge of the Indigenous community around them, and furthermore a certain desire to keep an absolu...

Interpersonal Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Interpersonal Conflict - Essay Example According to the paper the separation from his family over the past years has been difficult for him, especially considering how close he is to his family. Also we have one beautiful child who he very much wants to raise among family.   The conflict situation we are facing seems simple: do we go or do we stay? However we were unable to come to a decision as he firmly sticks by what he wants and the reporter refuses to so easily pack up and leave everything he has worked hard for behind. We are yet to come to an effective and healthy solution to which we both agree. The application of the conflict triangle can be seen as part of the situation in the way the presence of its three interrelated dimensions is undeniable; substance, procedure and relationship. The substantive dimension is a reflection of the concrete content of the conflict; that is, to be closer to my husband’s family and friends we will have to move to his home country whereas if he wants to get my PhD from here . The other dimension is that of the procedural dimension which depicts the process that is used to make the decision. This can be the intense long talks that we have, the number of pros and cons lists which we have made over the course of this entire conflict and the conversations that have taken place; all of which that have been conducted with the intent of solving this problem.  

Ocado Chief Executive Tim Steiner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ocado Chief Executive Tim Steiner - Essay Example Ensuring utility in its services is another corporate social responsibility action that is taken by Ocado. This involves meeting consumers’ needs with respect to product description, quality, and delivery time. Significance of the action to market expansion and the company’s initiatives that include significant coverage of its physical market by van suggests this. The delivery initiative indicates commitment to customers’ needs that include delivery of actual products and quality of products. I also believe that Ocado recruits employees from the community around it in in order to empower people economically. This further has the effect of integrating the community into a business entity and developing a loyalty towards market caption and retention, a phenomenon that has occurred for the company. Lastly, Ocado is ensuring environmental sustainability as a corporate social responsibility initiative because the society is environmentally conscious and a contrary action would discourage them from the organization, especially in the competitive environment that allows consumers options of suppliers.   Ã‚  Ã‚   The pyramid of corporate social responsibility starts with the economic responsibilities at the base, then legal, ethical and ends with philanthropic responsibilities at the top. In regards to Ocado’s economic responsibilities, it turns over nearly eight hundred million pounds every year. It has more than three hundred and sixty thousand customers and more than six thousand employees (Erickson 2009, 161).   In terms of its legal responsibilities, for the most part it complies with regulations in the food retail industry. However, in 2012, it undercut Waitrose products unfairly in a manner deserving of legal action but it was not sued. In addition, the company makes it clear that it does not donate to political parties,

Design and Build Procurement Method

Design and Build Procurement Method If the potential readers of this dissertation within the Middle East region are going to get a better appreciation of the Design and Build procurement method, initially they must understand the advantages and/or disadvantages of this type of procurement method from both the Clients and Contractors perspective. 4.2 Arguments for Design Build Both Ndekugri and Turner (1994) argue that the Design and Build contract is often completed in a shorter duration because of the integration of the design and construction phases of a project. From a Clients perception this is one of the most important benefits this type of arrangement has to offer. Because the design/build Contractor is both designing and constructing the proposed facility, procurement and the construction phase can begin sooner than the more traditional design/bid/ and then build type of procurement arrangement. This time savings tends to results from the project being designed in phases which enables the Contractor to begin the construction works earlier. With the traditional design/bid/ construction arrangement, the Contractor does not normally start building until the Designer has completed the design and the project has been awarded. Both Saxon (2000) and the RICS Iconsult (no date) support this argument; both agree that one of the main benefits of this Design and Build arrangement is that it tends to reduce the design and construction time because they are being done concurrently and allows the Client to start earning revenue sooner than had he elected to use the traditional procurement method. According to Ndekugri and Turner (1994) another important benefit of the DB procurement method is the broad responsibility of the design/build Contractor. In traditional construction projects, problems often occur when the Designer blames the Contractor and vice versa for problems in the operation of the facility. On occasions in traditional construction projects, protracted litigation is necessary to resolve any dispute between the Designer and Contractor when they continue to blame each other for the problems. In design/build contracts, the Design and Build Contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of the project and retains the full responsibility for the outcome of the project, except for matters for which the Client retains responsibility. The Designer and Contractor are the same entity, so blaming each other does not excuse the Design and Build Contractor. The design/build Contractor is completely responsible for both construction and design defects. The Cl ient can recover directly from the design/build Contractor for deficiencies in either design or construction of the project. Therefore, the Client need not determine initially whether a defect was caused by an error in design or construction. In a more traditional construction contract, this issue must be determined so that the Client can establish whether the design professional or the Contractor is at fault. Haskell (no date) believes that another benefit of the Design and Build arrangement is that where the design and construction personnel work together and communicate and solve problems as a team, the Client will benefit from the continuity between Designer and Contractor. In a Design and Build project the same entity has the expertise to design the project as well as the expertise to build the project. Therefore they are unlikely to suffer communication problems, and because they are working as a team, they are better able to optimize the design and better able to evaluate alternative materials and construction methods efficiently. In addition to this, the RICS Iconsult (no date) believes that because the design team and the Contractor are working together as a team, the design is more likely to be buildable. Hughes (1992) argues that Design Build offers a high degree of cost certainty, encourages economical solutions, and enables value to be considered as well as price. The RICS Iconsult (no date) agrees with Hughes, and confirm that providing that the Client does not change their design brief, the Design and Build procurement method is more cost effective and provides more cost certainty than the traditional methods of procurement. Shapiro Hankinson Knutson Law Corporation (no date) also believes that another favourable feature of this arrangement, is that the design/build Contractor is liable for any additional cost that he may incur due to errors, omissions or ambiguities in his drawings and/or specification. In traditional contracts the Client warrants the sufficiency of the specification and drawings, and the Client becomes liable to the Contactor for any increased costs because of deficiencies in the drawings and specifications. In a design/build contract, the design/build Contractor is responsible for design as well as construction. The situation minimises claims for extra payment and the design/build Contractor cannot request extra compensation on account of their own mistakes or assumptions. In some instance, the design/build concept has been taken a step further, thus providing the Client with more options and/or advantages. For example, the design/build Contractor, might offer a turnkey procurement solution, this generally means that they will offer the Client a full package which includes the testing and commissioning of the facility, as well as the training of the Clients staff in the operation of the facility. The concept is that when the facility is finished and ready for handing over, all the Client has to do is turn the key. In some instances the design/build Contractor may also include in their proposal a financing deal for the project. Alternatively the design/build Contractor may offer a BOLT type arrangement i.e. they will build the project, then they will operate the facility for a given amount of time, in consideration for this, the Client will then leases the facility for the defined term and cost, then after the expiry of the term, the ownership of the fa cility is then transferred back to the Client. Schiff Hardin LLP (ii) (no date) argues that only with design/build contracts, is the Client able to obtain performance warranties because the Designer and Contractor are not in a position to blame each other because technically they are a single entity. For example it is common for the design/build Contractor to warrant that a proposed facility when completed will yield a predetermined output (e.g. process 2000 cans of coke per hour). This requirement can then be linked to the liquidated damages clause in the event that the output falls short of the predetermined output for the facility. According to the RICS Iconsult (no date), because the Design and Build Contractor has total responsibility, there will be less claims from the Contractor for the late delivery of information, particularly design information. In most design/build contracts, the contract price is fixed price/lump sums, this gives the Client some degree of price certainty. In summary, some of the proclaimed advantage of the design/build procurement include inter alia:- (i) Clients with limited access to technical consultants or their own in-house technical departments may find such contracts attractive. Similarly it is also perceived that because the design/build Contractor is responsible for design, and construction inclusive of quality, the Client will benefit from the reduced cost of third party inspectorates and contract administration, However you could argue that this is an disadvantage to the Client, because at the end of the day, Contractors and design consultants are profit driven and this situation could lead to a compromise in the quality of the project; (ii) Because the design and construction are integrated and the personnel are working together for a common goal. They are better able to optimise the Design and Build ability of a project. They are better able to evaluate alternative materials and methods of construction. Innovation and team work should result in cost savings. This could be construed to be a disadvantage to the Client, especially if all the innovation occurs during the design development stage, because it is generally only the DB Contractor that will get to see benefits for the cost savings at this stage of a project; (iii) The design/build Contractor is a single-point and both the Designer and builder are jointly and severally liable and/or responsible; (iv) In the event of a latent defect and/or litigation by the Client, the joint financial resources of a design/build Contractor will be greater than those of the individual Designer and builder; (v) Most design/build arrangements will tend to be lump sum in nature, meaning that they will usually offer greater certainty in respect of cost to the Client; (vi) Payment by fixed instalments at certain milestone stages, rather than by evaluation method, may be preferential to both Design/Builder and/or Client; (vii) In the event of a post-completion failure of the project, the Client will not be concerned to discover whether the failure is due to the design on the one hand or defective work or materials on the other; viii) From the design/ build Contractors perspective, due to the increase in risk that is inherent of a Design and Build contract, the reward will be greater i.e. more profit. However with more risk, comes more pain when things go wrong for a Design and Build Contractor; ix) From the perspective of a Design and Build Contractor, due to the specialised nature of a Design and Build arrangement, not all Contractors have the required skill set to undertake projects with the design responsibility. The consequence of this is less competition. However, from a Clients perspective this could be a disadvantage because of the likely hood of higher prices due to the reduction in competition; x) There is no need to wait until the design is 100% complete, therefore the Client will benefit from the speed at which the design gets translated into construction; xi) Theoretically there should be less of an involvement by the Clients consultants, therefore the fees from Consultants should be less. 4.3 Arguments against Design Build Clients should stop thinking that Design and Build arrangements need less input from third parties than the traditional method. Some Clients believe that because they have appointed a design/build Contractor who ultimately has a single point of responsibility, there is no need to appoint a third party inspectorate and/or cost advisor. This belief can compromise the quality of the project, as the Design and Build Contractor will attempt to complete the project as cheaply and quickly as possible. Schiff Hardin LLP (i) (no date) argues that because the Designer is no longer employed directly by the Client, the Client may find it more difficult to access information that would have ordinarily been available to them under a traditional project. The Client may feel that he has less control over the design phase and design intent because the relationship between Designer and Client is not the same had it been in a more traditional project. Similarly the Client in a traditional contract retains the services of the Designer during the construction phase to act as a watch dog for compliance with the drawings and specification. But in a Design and Build contract, the Designer no longer works for the Client and the Designer allegiance is with the DB Contractor Hanscomb (2004) confirms that one of the disadvantages of a Design and Build arrangement, is that disputes often occur when the Employer Requirements are not specific enough and left open to the interpretation of the parties. As a result the Client may perceive that he is getting X, but the design/build Contractors interpretation is Y. As a result the Client may not get what they envisaged. This may also lead to litigation if the parties cannot mutually resolve the difference in interpretation of the Employers Requirements. As confirmed before and by Schiff Hardin LLP (i) (no date), due to the specialised nature of the Design and Build arrangement, the Client may find it difficult to obtain competitive quotations. In addition, this form of procurement method quite often excludes smaller companies who do not necessary have the in-house technical ability to undertake a Design and Build. It is also common for design/build contracts to negotiated rather than be competitively bid because Clients tend to find it difficult to induce Contractors to produce preliminary designs unless they are compensated for their costs. All of these factors could be construed as a disadvantage to the Client because they may not get value for money. Appelbaum et al (2012) argues that the principal disadvantage of traditional Design and Build is that the owner loses control of the design process, since the design professionals primary legal and practical allegiance is to the design-builder rather than the owner. This can create severe conflicts of interest during both the design phase and construction administration. From a design/build Contractors perspective and especially in a competitive tender situation, they are at risk of spending a substantial amount of money on a preliminary design and/or concepts and there is no certainty if they will recover this cost. From a Client perspective they could be perceived as an advantage in a competitive bidding situation because they do not need to compensate the Contractors for their preliminary design costs. It is also commonly believed that it is almost impossible to make any genuine appraisal and/or comparison of the cost of a competitively bid Design and Build tender, especially where their designs differ significantly. Schiff Hardin LLP (no date) maintains that if a Client puts a Design and Build tender out to bid, this inevitably results in a competition to under-design a facilitate without any regard to quality, functionality, and maintainability. It could also be argued that where both the design/build Contractor and Clients lack experience in this type of delivery approach, this could have a huge detrimental impact on the delivery of the project and the expectations of the parties. In other words, if a naive Client and/or DB Contractor believes that the other party is responsible for any deliverable associated with the project, and later it transpires they are not, then an unexpected cost might arise that was not anticipated. Rowlinson (1988) also argues that from the Clients perspective, it is difficult to make a comparison of the various preliminary design proposals submitted by Design and Build Contractors. Each Design and Build Contractor will each develop a concept design that satisfies the Employers Requirements albeit using lots of different methods and/or techniques. According to the RICS (no date), from the perspective of a Design and Build Contractor, the extent of the design responsibility is generally fitness for purposes unless the contract states otherwise. This is more onerous than the normal duty of reasonable skill and care imposed on a design consultant when they are employed by the Client in the traditional role. Conversely, and in my opinion, from the perspective of the Client, this could be construed to be an advantage in the event of a design defect. During the course of this study, it has become evident that here in the Middle East, a Contractor and/or Designer is generally only registered with the concerned authorities to either undertake construction works or design works. It is rare for one entity to be registered to undertake both work classification i.e. designer and builder. Therefore for any organisation that wants to participate in the Design and Build field, they will have to form a consortium of Designer and Contractor; which can be a lengthy and complicated process for the parties, especially when they attempt to agree who has responsibility for each risk and which entity is best equipped to handle the risk. Unless the Client incorporates a mechanism in the contract that gives them the opportunity to have an input into the detailed design, the Clients input into the detailed design will be limited and this may result in the finished article not being as they previously envisaged, which then could then lead to disputes. Conversely, and again in my opinion, if the Client employs a Designer to carry out the detailed design and then by novation, the Client transfers the design liability to the Design and Build Contractor, this could result in higher costs for the Client. This could also have a detrimental effect on the ability of the Design and Build Contractor to optimise the design and construction of the project and to evaluate the merits of alternative materials and construction methods. Schiff Hardin LLP (i) (no date) also believes that from the perspective of the Client, the terms of a Design and Build contract generally favour the Design and Build Contractor. Therefore it is recommended that any Client thinking of using the design and built procurement methods should work closely with a lawyer experienced in construction law and in particular the Design and Build contracts. Conversely, and again in my opinion, the Design and Build contract will generally consider this to be an advantage because the terms of the contract are in their favour. Shapiro Hankinson Knutson Law Corporation (no date) argues that under a lump sum Design and Build arrangement, it can get confrontational on how to determine what money is due to the Design and Build Contractor. The main difficulty is the ability to assess the design/builders progress, particularly where there is no independent party that can arbitrate between the parties and make independent assessment. To overcome this problem it is suggested that milestones stone be incorporated into any contract together with a predetermined sum for payment when the respective milestone are achieved. Generally the Design and Build Contractor will prepare a document to accompany his tender known as the Contractors Proposals. This document sets out his methodology of how they intend to satisfy the performance specifications set out in the Employer Requirements. The Joint Tribunal Council in the UK (2008) warns Clients that in the event of conflict between the Employers Requirements and the Contractors Proposals, the latter are stated to prevail. They further advise Clients that when evaluating tenders, adequate time must be given to checking these proposals, particularly as the contract conditions refer to the Employer having satisfied himself that the Contractors Proposals are acceptable. Similarly the Client should allow adequate time for checking the proposals to ensure that they are getting what they envisaged. Conversely, this could be looked upon as an advantage to the Client, for the DB Contractor may have optizmed the Employers Requirements by introducing innovation and ben eficial alternatives and methods into the Contractors Proposals. An Unknown Author (no date) argues that another disadvantage of the Design and Build contract is that it is not flexible enough to accommodate change. Therefore Clients are advised, that they should avoid change. If is often found that when foreseen and/or unforeseen changes occur, the Clients budget cannot accommodate the additional costs and they are left with no alternative but to either reduce the scope of works and/or comprise on the quality of the project in order to reduce cost. This will inevitably lead to a product that is not what the Client envisaged at the start of the project. Schiff Hardin (ii) (no date) wrote that issues relating to insurance and bonding affect the relationship between the Design and Build parties. Errors and omissions by the Designer are generally excluded from the Contractors insurance policies, and errors and omissions by the Contractor is generally exclude from the insurance policies of the Designer. Surety bonds can also lead to similar problems, for example, performance bonds may not cover design services. Satisfactory bonding or insurance obligations are likely to be either commercially unobtainable or prohibitively expensive. In summary, some of the proclaimed disadvantage of the design/build procurement method include inter alia:- (i) In the traditional Design and Build situation, only if the Client employs third party inspectorates and/or cost advisors at his expense will he be able to safe guard his interests. By doing this, and in my opinion. this appears to be at odds with the concept of a Design and Build contract i.e. the Design and Build Contractor is a single entity that are jointly and severally responsible for both defects in design and workmanship. (ii) Because of the specialist nature of the Design and Build contract, there are only a limited number of Design and Build Contractor that are capable of undertaking work using this arrangement. This consequently results in less competition and ultimately less competition will result in higher prices (iii) From the Clients perspective, compared with the traditional design/bid and construct arrangement, the Client inevitably loses control of both the design and construction phase. Even if they were to engage independent advisors, they have limited influence over the whole process; all they can do is monitor for compliance with the Employers Requirements. (iv) It has been suggested that where it has been possible to compare both forms of delivery methods i.e. Design and Build verse design/bid and the construct; there was little evidence that the optimisation of design and the evaluation of alternative materials and methods of construction have yielded a cost saving for the Client. In my opinion all benefits that occur due to the innovative ideas generally occur post contract and the cost benefits remain with the Design and Build Contractor (v) Particular attention should be given to the drafting of design/build contracts and Employer Requirements because of it bespoke nature. The Client should seek legal advice particularly from a construction lawyer who are well versed in the field of Design and Build projects. This legal advice invariably increases the total cost of the project for the Client. (vi) Where Clients elect to competitively tender a Design and Build project, from the Contractors perspective, the cost of preparing preliminary designs and the tender are generally substantial because the Contractor will have to engage the services of a design professional. This cost will need to be recovered in all subsequent tenders if the Contractor is not successful. In some instances, some Design and Build Contractors will decline to bid and this will unavoidably result in a less competitive environment. vii) Where the Client has elected to appoint a Designer to undertake a relatively detailed design. After which the Client decides to novate both the Designer and their design to the Design and Build Contractor. From a Contractors perspective, this will limit their ability to optimise the design and construction as well as review alternative methods and materials. Conversely from the Clients perspective, he regains control over the design and construction phase of the project. viii) All Clients have a duty to conduct some investigation into the capabilities and experience of the Design and Build Contractor. Particular attention should be paid to the track record of the preferred Contractors. Design and Build Contractors who are relatively new to this form of delivery method can themselves become a problem because of their lack of experience. Wardani et al. (2006) concluded that resourcing is influential to the success of design/build projects where a higher knowledge and understanding of the design-build processes can reduce problems within the combined design and construction phases ix) The Client should where possible avoid changes once the concept design and tenders have been fully evaluated and the Design and Build Contractor has been appointed. If required, any decision for change should be made as quickly as possible. Xiao and Proverbs (2003) argue that variations during the construction stage are risk factors that are disruptive to the achievement of project goals. 4.4 Outcome As stated in 1.4, the objective of this chapter was to critically analyse the benefits of Design and Build procurement method. Having looked at various sources of literature from books, internet websites and journals regarding the Design and Build procurement method, the writer believes that this has been achieved. The next chapter of the report will attempt to ascertain the feelings and attitudes of the construction professionals in the Middle East region to the Design and Build procurement method and to gauge whether there is a future for this procurement method. Chapter 5: Design and Build Case Study 5.1 Introduction To gauge the knowledge, feelings and attitudes of the construction professionals in the Middle East to the Design and Build form of procurement. A survey has been conducted using a 5 page questionnaire (See Appendix xxxxx for a blank copy of the survey). A covering letter accompanied the questionnaire setting out the objective of the study. The response rate to this Questionnaire was a favourable 62%. As stated in 2.6 on this report, the data received from the respondents was collated and analysed using the descriptive statistic method. Bar charts and/or histograms accompanied with the corresponding narrative have been used to present some of the data gathered from the respondents. Questions 1 to 4 Inclusive Initially a series of participant background questions were asked of the respondents, particularly where they lived within the Middle East, and what discipline best described their role in the industry i.e. construction management, commercial. Furthermore, the respondents were asked how many years had they been in the industry, and which sector of the industry they preferred. Approximately 60% of the respondents had been in the industry for more than 20 years. 63% of the respondents favoured the sector of roads and bridges. The respondents all came from a variety of disciplines i.e. 32% from a construction management background, 23% from a commercial background and 14% from a consultants background. With reference to Fig 6 below, 56% respondents respondent came from the Sultanate of Oman, 24% from the United Arab emirates, 4% from Kuwait, 8% from Bahrain, 4% from Saudi Arabia, 4% from Qatar. The purpose of these questions was to ensure that the data provided by the respondents was re liable and could be construed to be representative of the industry in the Middle East region as set out in the objectives contained in 1.4 of this report. Questions 5 to 7 The next series of question was intended to gather data on the type and nature of the organisations that the respondents work for. Again, the purpose of these questions was to ensure and verify that the respondents all came from diverse background and /or disciplines and/or organisations. With reference to Fig 7 below, 25% of the respondents came from a consultants backgrounds and 63% came from a variety of contracting backgrounds, 4% came from developers and 8% came from other sectors within the construction industry. Questions 8 to 13 inclusive To test my preconception that the traditional form of construction procurement method is the most extensively used in the Middle East, and to test peoples attitudes to the various types of procurement methods. The respondents were asked a number of quantitative questions i.e. Q8 Which procurement method did their current project follow? Q9 Which procurement method had they used the most extensively? Q 10 Which procurement method did they prefer? Q 11 Which procurement method did they think is the most extensively used in the region? Q 12 Which one of the Design and Build procurement methods did they want to gain further experience? Q 13 Which procurement method was used the most extensively within the respondents organisation? The surprising result of the data collected for Q8, was that 21% of the respondents confirmed that their current project had followed the Design and Build procurement method. This result is not too dissimilar to Handscomb (2004) findings detailed on page 11 of this report i.e. the use of Design and Build had grown to more than 30% today. The result to question 8 is also in line with the Contracts in Use 2007 Survey undertaken by RICS for the United Kingdom i.e. 21.7% of contracts were procured using the DB procurement method just for the economical down turn. However, this response was contrary to the writers preconception of how extensive the Design and Build procurement method is currently being used in the region. The writer was not expecting the actual use of the Design and Build method of procurement to be so high. The writers preconception was more in line with the results gained from Q11 (see Figure 8 below) i.e. 92% of the respondents believed that the traditional method of procurement was the most extensively used in the region with only 4% of the respondents saying that the Design and Build method was the most extensively used. The factual 21% of projects currently following the Design and Build procurement method (Q8) and the perceived 4% use of the design and built (Q11) is completely at variance with each other, thus indicting that people are not as narrow minded as previously thought, and are more open minded than to the use of alternative procurement methods in the Middle East region, particularly Design and Build. With reference to Fig. 9 below, it was also surprising to see that 44% of the respondents favoured Design and Build method of procurement, and 40% favoured the traditional method of procurement (Q10). Again this response was not in line with the writers hypothesis that professionals in the region are not open to change and other forms of procurement methods other than the traditional construction procurement methods. In response to Q13, 83% of the respondents confirmed that the traditional method of procurement was the most extensively used procurement method by their organisation and 14% confirmed Design and Build. When compared to the answers given in Q10, it could be argued that it is the Employers in the region that are comfortable with the status quo and are not willing to consider change, the answers given by the respondents to Q10 would suggest that there is an appetite for change amongst the workers as they favoured the Design and Build procurement method. Questions 14 to 20 In order to gauge the attitudes of the respondents to the various procurement methods available, the respondents were asked which procurement method was most suited to a particular sector of the construction industry (See Results in Table 1 below). With reference to Table 1 above, the majority of the respondents favoured the Design and Build contract over the traditional form of procurement in all but one scenario. Again these results are at variance to the writers preconceived ideas of people attitudes to the Design and Build procurement method in the Middle East. These result indicate that construction professional in the Middle East are in fact open to the idea of new procurement methods and in particular the Design and Build. This is contrary to the hypothesis contained in 1.2 of the report. Question 21 88% of the respondents confirmed that they had gained some form of experience with the Design and Build procurement method, and only 12% had gained no experience at all (See Figure 10 below). This appears to reinforce the emerging idea that construction professionals in the Middle East would indeed be open to using different procurement methods in the region. Question 22 to 24 inclusive

Cognitive Science and Its Link to Artificial Intelligence Essay

Cognitive Science and Its Link to Artificial Intelligence In recent years, researchers in the field of psychology have turned their collective attention to the developing field of cognition. The term comes from the Latin word cognoscere, meaning â€Å"to come to know†, and today is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as â€Å"the act or process of knowing, including both awareness and judgment†. Cognitive psychology seeks to identify and examine the elements composing human intelligence. This includes the study of human learning or intellectual development, problem solving, memory, the human language, and the processing and comprehension of information. These functions are often taken for granted as part of human existence. Yet, when thoroughly investigated, these inner-workings of the human brain reveal patterns, methods, and, in general, a science behind the rather ethereal term â€Å"intelligence†. For this reason, cognitive psychology is of great interest to researchers in the field of artificial intelli gence. If intelligence can be identified in human cognition, then there is a valid chance that that same intelligence can be transferred and re-created in a programmed computer. The development of cognitive psychology has lead to related fields of cognitive neurology, or cognitive neuro-psychology, wherein neurologists study the brain biology behind these cognitive human functions. This paper, however, will not discuss that element of cognition because of its complexity and breadth. Instead, language and problem solving will be highlighted and discussed as two important cognitive functions of humans, and will conclude by discussing the connection between the human mind and artificial intelligence. Language... ...re of Cognition. Cambridge, Massachusetts; The MIT Press, 1999. [1] Barsalou, Lawrence W. Cognitive Psychology: An Overview for Cognitive Scientists. New Jersey: London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1992. [2] Reisberg, Daniel. Cognition: Exploring the Science of the Mind. New York: London: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997. [3] Barsalou, Lawrence W. Cognitive Psychology: An Overview for Cognitive Scientists. New Jersey: London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1992. [4] Eysenck, Michael W. A Handbook of Cognitive Psychology. New Jersey: London; Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1984. [5] Johnson-Laird, P.N. The Computer and The Mind. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1988. [6] Sternberg, Robert J., Editor. The Nature of Cognition. Cambridge, Massachusetts; The MIT Press, 1999.

“Burro Genius” by Victor Villaseñor Essay

Victor Villasenor is, certainly, one of the most famous and beloved authors who has presented his raw and unexpected memoirs to public opinion. Actually, the book explores Victor’s transformation from embarrassed and intimidated young boy into the famous writers of the present world. Thus, his memoir â€Å"Burro Genius† describes difficult life of poor Mexican American boy having been always faced with constant discrimination in his local school system. Villasenor vividly presents struggle between him and teachers and emphasizes the role of parents and God for overcoming all difficulties. Special attention is devoted to spiritual connections with god. It is necessary to say that Villasenor describes his masterpiece as real miracle. (Villasenor 2004) Villasenor says when he stood at the podium facing a group of teachers, who always harassed and discriminated him; he became really furious and enraged with such unfairness. Despite the fact that the boy had never spoken to the public, Victor’s mind was filled with doleful and sorrowful childhood recollections associated with constant misunderstanding, humiliation and power abuse. Victor’s heart was thumbing, though he started his impressive speech about all the incidents taken place during his entering local school. It is mentioned in the book that some listeners couldn’t help but shedding tears. (Villasenor 2004) This is a mournful beginning of Villasenor’s memoirs. The author appears highly talented and imaginative playing with words and sense. For example, he vividly amplifies how he has coped with untreated learning disability meaning that he has diagnosed as dyslexia. Furthermore, the book provides impressive descriptions of frustrations of his life as a Latino boy. He says that American school system has failed to comprehend cultural understanding and has failed to deal properly with Hispanic students. (Villasenor 2004) The author admits that he is born and raised on San Diego County and thus he devotes certain part of the narration to description of several surrounding cities: streets where cattle and domestic animals are seen; dusty roads adapted for horse-riding. Nevertheless, still he remains away from his childhood memoirs not to disturb the picture of quiet life. His memoirs are developing with essay progression; they are filled with lifted spirit of a child, with fears and terrors of classmates and teachers. However, special role is devoted to illustrating racism being able to chill anyone. (Villasenor 2004) Victor says he was often slapped by instructors and kicked by classmates only because of being Mexican guy. Moreover, the boy was considered the stupidest child in the class. Apparently, the author raises important themes not only for his time, but also for present world, because the problem of cultural discrimination and racism touches not only the USA, but the rest of the world. Nowadays many foreign students are suffering from hostile attitudes of native students. Therefore, the author sensitively describes all his hardships, privations and difficulties at school. (Villasenor 2004) It is impossible to remind indifferent when the author describes his rage and says he even â€Å"contemplated killing some of his teachers and classmates with a firearm†. Such statement seems to be used ironically and his infuriating energy has now changed. It is necessary to suggest that Villasenor is one of the first to raise the problem of cultural discrimination so openly and bold. Actually, teachers in both public and private schools, according to the author, practiced violent abuse and brainwashing tactics to intimidate and to discriminate foreign students. (Villasenor 2004) The boy was often treated as â€Å"dirty† Mexican being ugly and unworthy as well. Certainly, boy’s psychological development was upset and the boy has distorted perception of reality. Victor realized that all those characteristics were referred to his family members as well. For example, teachers said his mother was ugly, his father was loud and dirty. As it is mentioned above the boy was often beaten, because his English was poor. Therefore, Victor was forced to be really ashamed of his nationality and heritage. Furthermore, his cultural values and tight-knit family were questioned. Victor’s growing frustration fueled his desire to become a writer and to reveal the truth about racial discrimination in public schools. (Villasenor 2004) Nevertheless, the positive moment of the book is descriptions of constant family love and support, especially the role of father and brother in Victor’s life. The author mentions that it is his father who helped him to eliminate false notions and to move forth. The struggle with Mexican culture is seen throughout the whole book and the boy seems to be proud of his family, whereas he is ashamed of being Mexican. Apparently, Victor considered brown skin as crime. (Villasenor 2004) Communicative bonds with nature and Gods are amplified after death of Victor’s older brother. For example, the boy sees trees, stars and moon as a magical encounter existing between humans and nature. Further, he begins to believe in the supernatural and his intuition is strong. Therefore, it is the main reason why the child’s imagination overwhelms book’s narration. From the very beginning Victor considered himself as a spiritual person being devoted to religion and God. He describes Navajo as â€Å"like perspective on the natural cycle of life and being one with nature†. (Villasenor 2004) â€Å"Burro Genius† makes readers analyze and think of their own childhood, past and present. Furthermore, readers are forced to reflect how words are able to affects psychological development of a person. It is known that ruler- striking teachers don’t exist in the country, although author assumes that racism exists, though its forms had been changed: â€Å"Now teachers are more concerned with how to separate students so that they don’t taint the school’s test scoring system†. (Villasenor 2004) Apparent strength of the book is that the author strongly defends his positions regarding culture and religion. References Victor, Villasenor. (2004). Burro Genius. New York: Rayo.

Wars in Latin, South American History