Wonders of Nature and the Operations of Creatures Essay Example for Free

Wonders of Nature and the Operations of Creatures Essay This essay will attempt to differentiate natural wonders that occur in the world, from what is described as miracles. It will also explore events classified as miracles, and examine whether miracles must have an immediate benefit, or if natural disasters can in some way, be defined as miracles as their consequences can fulfill the criteria for the purposes of miracles. This essay will not be questioning the existence of miracles as, for the purpose of this essay, they do. First one must seek to define what the different terms in the title are, by looking at how different philosophers and theologians have described them. David Hume, on miracles, seems to argue that there are indeed extraordinary events that occur, but they cannot justifiably be called miracles. The next term needing examination is â€Å"wonders of nature†. Science has shown us that nature is not a series of random events, and that it is governed by laws which make it in some way predictable; the law of gravity for example, which keeps the world revolving around the sun. The last term to be defined is, â€Å"operations of creatures†. This is not just the operation of living things. It can be applied to beings as small as atoms, or intangible concepts such as time. It is the operations of creatures that are often confused with miracles when they are coincidence. After clarifying what the question is looking for, this essay will look at examples of miraculous events and analyse them with focus on God’s being, particularly their role in revealing God’s being to creatures. Mary Hesse’ article, Miracles and the Laws of Nature, begins with a discussion of how the term miracle is applied in today’s society; â€Å"Someone may say ‘his recovery was a miracle’, or, ‘It was a miracle that a serious accident was avoided’†.[1] Whilst Hesse disregards this as likely not to be a divinely inspired, she goes onto talk about how, the conventional definition of a miracle, something that is a violation or turn against the natural order, is not so surprising, as we live in such a complicated world. Miracles are seen to be violations of the natural order, and examples can be found all over the world, in ancient and modern history. The most common examples in the Western world can be found in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testament, which reveal God’s being, whether it is God’s direct action or God working through another being to create a miraculous event. This is what natural theology argues is the miracle’s being: to in some way reveal God, or to impart knowledge of some kind to someone. This can be seen in examples found in the Bible; the story of the burning bush, found in Exodus, where God imparted knowledge if himself to Moses, with both the great â€Å"I Am†, and in his plans to free the Israelites from Egypt. However, it is here that Hume draws his first criticism, questioning the validity of those that witness or experience the miracle: â€Å"We cannot trust that those who testify to miraculous events occurring are not being deceived, deluded or even lying. Also Humans are naturally drawn towards the miraculous, and love being dazzled by the mysterious, and they can often form unreasonable beliefs on the basis of these experiences, which should not trusted.†[2] Hume was traditionally an empiricist, and believed that for the claims of a miracle to be true it must reflect the experiences we already have learnt from. Because of this Hume would doubt the miraculous event of Jesus Christ, when he rose from the dead, as there is no experience on earth, other than this, that one can look to for a confirmation that such a thing is possible. Hume then assumes that such events are born from either delusion, or from people lying, for whatever motive. However scholars are often split in their opinion of Hume’s position on miracles, as it is possible to take his work as an argument against the possibility of miracles. Yet it is also possible to argue that Hume did believe that miraculous events could occur, however, as the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy writes: â€Å"only that justified belief in a miracle on the basis of testimony (may be) impossible.†[3] Hume was not alone in writing against the testimonies of people through history, as Wittgenstein writes: â€Å" A miracle is, as it were, a gesture which God makes. As a man sits quietly then makes an impressive gesture, God lets the world run on smoothly then accompanies the words of a saint by a symbolic occurrence, a gesture of nature, it would be an instance if, when a saint has spoken, the trees around him bowed, as if in reverence. – Now do I believe this happens? I don’t.†[4] Here Wittgenstein, whilst he says that he does not believe that miracles, as he believes they are defined, actually occur, he adds to the definition of what a miraculous event is with natural theology. Wittgenstein does not deny the possibility for them to be real, only that he is yet to be â€Å"impressed† by an event, as he does not find reports of such events enough to believe in them. The operations of creatures are often called miraculous, particularly when the scale of the event is massive, for example, the smallest of atoms have been seen to produce the hugest explosions. However, whether these are miracles or not is something to be debated. Certainly, when such events occur that goes against what is considered the normal flow of life, it is curious enough for one to refer to it as a miraculous event. However, this alone does not make such an event a miracle within natural theology. This is something that theologians, when writing about miracles, often draw their attention to first. Hesse writes that such events, which violate the laws of the natural order, but do not contain the same meaningfulness as what theists might define as miracles, are â€Å"the pointless demonstrations of a wonder-worker or magician†[5]. However, Hesse does not go any further with this classification, stating that such miracles contain qualities which also put them in the category of coincidence, or of divine purpose. The role of a miracle is to draw people to God, or to reveal his being in one form or another to mankind, and if that is so then something seemingly miraculous may be just coincidence. C.S. Lewis describes miracles as â€Å"an interference with nature by supernatural power†[6]. By this Lewis means that it could be nature itself performing these events, or it could be a divine being, â€Å"interfering† with the natural order. When Lewis talks about nature being the interfering party, he does not mean nature as an intelligent being, but he means from the naturalist’s belief, there is nothing else but nature. From this one could then argue that miracles are just coincidence. Miracles have been used by Jesus and by his apostles after his ascension to spread Christ’s message, an example of this is the miraculous event at Pentecost: â€Å"On the day of Pentecost all the Lord’s followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind. It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.†[7] This event can be called a miracle because it a purposeful act by The Holy Spirit, which enabled the apostles to talk in the different languages that they required to go out and spread their beliefs, something that is a demonstration of God’s being, as it is a revelation of his will. This event is also a demonstration of knowledge. In the event of Pentecost, we see the knowledge of language to the apostles, and as said above, an imparting of God’s intention. Michal Goodich supports this belief of the role of miracles in his book, Miracles and Wonders, in which he says: â€Å"The ultimate aim is to console and bring the faithful closer to God or to confound the nonbeliever or heretic.†[8] Goodich talks about one of the purposes of miracles here is to â€Å"bring the faithful closer to God†, which is very much a role that miracles fulfill, and this can be seen in examples from biblical passages such as the conversion of Saul, who became Paul, when God appeared to him, and he temporarily lost his sight. Paul, who was famous for his persecution of the early Christians went on to become one of the founding members of the church, and the New Testament contains some of his letters and his book â€Å"Acts of the Apostles†. This is an example of a miraculous event bringing people closer to God. It is clear that in the world, events occur that seem to be violations of the natural order. For many of these events, science has been able to explain why they happened, and for the majority of the oddities in the world they do not appear to serve any real purpose. However, there are examples in both ancient and modern times of events that, whilst they are violations of the nature order of the world, it is clear that they are not just random events, and that they were caused by a supernatural being, and they are for a purpose. The miracles worked by our Lord Jesus Christ, St. Augustine writes, are divine works which raise the human mind above visible things to understand what is divine[9]. This writing by Augustine also highlights another unique property that miracles possess, which can be difficult to find in other events, that is that miracles have a tendency to inspire change, and a renewed sense of God, even centuries after the actual event, as examples from the very earliest writing of the Bible still have said effects today. However, in today’s society with such a vast mix of belief systems and scientific explanations, it is incredibly difficult to distinguish between the wonders of nature and supernaturally inspired events. Even a brief study of any natural disaster in recent history will reveal mixes of opinions by both those directly affected by it and those who saw it through the media. For example, the recent earthquake in Haiti, where an already poverty stricken county is further devastated. Interviews shown on the media of those who suffered directly show that they believe this to be an act of God, and that it has only increased their faith and brought their families closer together. Yet there are opinions of those who have not suffered because of the event and yet question where is God in such a time, finding it hard to believe such an event of massive devastation can have positive outcomes. The grandfather of a 15 day old baby surviving 7 days buried in the rubble of her house was quoted by The Times saying, This wasnt the way Jesus wanted the baby to die. Everybody knew the baby was dead, except the Lord.[10] Overall, distinctions can be drawn between wonders of nature and operations of creatures, and miraculous events. It is said that miracles, in the traditional sense are literally violations of the laws of nature. That is, they defy what science believes is our understanding of the world. This is an a posteriori argument; our experience reveals what miracles are, as they are not something that can happen according to our knowledge of the mechanisms of the world. Richard Swinburne, in his article Violation of a Law of Nature, questions if such a term is applicable to events that seem less than ordinary: â€Å"I think that those who, like Hume, have used this or a similar expression have intended to mean by it an occurrence of a non-repeatable counter-instance to a law of nature†¦ But if we have good reason to believe that they have occurred and good reason to believe similar events would occur in similar circumstances, then undoubtedly we have good reason to believe that the formulae which we previously believed to be the laws of nature were not in fact such laws.†[11] Swinburne argues that events that are sometimes, possibly because of their outcomes or because of the number of those affected, deemed miraculous by people who have reason to believe it has religious significance, so therefore he concludes â€Å"miracles are events with a point in the overall scheme of things, and in a sense are very much regular† as Swinburne comments.[12] This points to the original issue that miracles, in comparison to the wonders of nature, depend upon personal opinions. It is clear if one believes a miracle to be a seemingly impossible event based on our experience of the laws of nature, then yes they can be distinguished from the wonders of nature, however, if one believes it to be any event, which holds religious significance, then it would be nigh impossible to distinguish miracles.

Significant Factor in Leading Essay Example for Free

Significant Factor in Leading Essay In 1914, the First World War broke out. It is the war which involved most of the countries in the world. The Sarajevo Assassination has triggered off the war as Austria-Hungary use it as a war excuse to declare war on Serbia. To a large extent I think that extreme nationalism is the most significant factor in leading the outbreak of the First World War. â€Å"Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind†. This was said by Albert Einstein. Nationalism is the desire of people of the same race and culture to govern themselves and to keep their own way of life. In the Early 19th century, It started common belief of people’s right with liberalism. However, nationalism became more extreme and furious since 1871. People commonly believed that their country was usually right and superior to other country. They aimed to promote the national glory of their country by weakening the others. This resulted in many conflicts. Firstly, for the independence movement of the Balkan states, they aimed to get free from foreign rule and thus the Eastern Question emerged. Eastern Question means a series of problems happened in the Balkans. It had a nasty long term effect on international relationship. It was true to say that it caused by the rise of Balkan nationalism. Powers would not give way because Balkan is strategically important and most importantly, for the sake for promoting national glory. Secondly, for the Pan-German Movement, Germany wanted to build a big German empire. She wanted to expand into the Balkans and West Asia. This alarmed the powers like Britain and Russia and increased the tension between the powers. Thirdly, for the Pan-Slav Movement, Russia wanted to unite all Slavs into a big Slav state under Russian leadership. These complicated the Eastern Questions and had conflicts with Austria-Hungary. Fourthly, for the Greater Serbia Movement, Serbia wanted to expand Serbia and united her with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania. This worsened the Austro-Serbian relationship and brought two Balkan Wars which increased Austro-Serbian hostilities. In addition, the wars made Austria-Hungary became more determined to crush Serbia. The crisis made Europe toward to the First World War and the Sarajevo Assassination made it speed up even more. As the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated by Princip, the member of Black Hand. This provided Austria-Hungary had the excuse to attack Serbia. Finally, the war broke out. Fifthly, for the revenge movement led by France, she wanted to take revenge on Germany owing to her lost of Alsace-Lorraine and the humiliation suffered from the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck started the alliance system to isolate France and avoid a two-front war against Germany. Therefore, the Three Emperor’s League was formed by Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary. But finally, the Three Emperor’s League broke up. In the First World War, The two rival alliances were Triple Alliance and Triple Entente. They agreed to assist each other if they were attacked by other powers. But this didn’t contribute a lot to the First World War, it only increased the mutual suspicion and distrust between the powers. Besides, powers formed the alliances for self-protection. Therefore, compared with extreme nationalism, it is not a significant factor. Sixthly, for the expansion, Germany, France, Britain and Russia both wanted to get national glory by building a big colonial empire by strengthening their armaments. This resulted in the colonial rivalry. Due to the saturation of the European market, powers competed with one another to acquire direct control over the colonies. When William II became the new Kaiser, Germany adopts an active colonial policy. He aimed to get more colonies to get national glory as colonies were a symbol of national strength. Some believed in the saying that colonial rivalries only worsened international relation and caused tension between powers. It is only partly true, colonial rivalries may also improve the relationship between powers when one was compromised. For example, Britain and France had conflicts in Sudan, but finally France withdrew and won British friendship. It showed that colonial rivalries can worse or improve the international relation. The expansion also resulted in militarism. Powers spend more money on military built-up. They produced powerful weapons like poison gas, tanks etc. Also, they enlarge the army and navy. Powers’ thought that strong military could defend themselves. The strong navies were needed to protect a country’s overseas colonies and their interests. Although armaments race created more suspicion and fear, it is self-defence in nature. Therefore, it is not a significant factor. Seventhly, the economic rivalries between the powers contributed to the protectionism. They increased tariffs on the imported products to protect their home markets and local industries. This increase suspicion and hostility among the powers. But when it compared with extreme nationalism, it is again not a significant factor. Eighthly, social Darwinists believed in the ideas of â€Å" survival for the fittest† and â€Å"natural selection†. These ideas were applied in the international politics. It gave rise to the expansionism. Again, It is not the most significant factor. To sum up, the extreme nationalism is the fundamental factor. The others are the auxiliary factor. There are many forms of nationalism, include the independence movements, unification, the revenge movement and the expansion, each of them gave rise to another factor. Therefore, to a large extent, extreme nationalism is the most significant factor in leading the outbreak of First World War.

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay

Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay Suppose you are taking a course in Strategic Sustainable Development. One of your colleagues, who works for a company as a Director of Sustainable Development, calls you up and asks what you are learning about. Please list five (5) broad/overarching concepts that you could use to describe the core of Strategic Sustainable Development. (5 points) Note: it is not necessary to describe them, only list them. The FSSD is a generic framework for planning and decision-making for achieving success in a system of socio-ecological sustainability. Based on scientifically-based principles (discussed below) and systems thinking, the FSSD supports decision-making in conditions of high complexity, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. It can serve as compass to guide society towards a sustainable future; a strategy for sustainability can be developed which links scientific knowledge to decision-making. The FSSD has five distinct, non-overlapping levels: system, success, strategic guidelines, actions and tools. By using the FSSD together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. Based on a common language and understanding in order to facilitate cooperation, to  communicate effectively, build consensus and ultimate ly move toward a vision, the FSSD provides a shared mental model of sustainability. Because it uses an upstream approach, the FSSD anticipates and avoids problems before they occur, rather than reacting to their downstream effects. B Scientific foundations of FSSD The FSSD is a scientifi ­cally rigorous Framework; scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) are used to derive the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability. C Metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel In its whole-systems view, the FSSD uses the metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel to illustrate the flawed interpretations and trends about current reality, problems with our current industrial system and the challenges of sustainability. The funnel helps to visualize the economic, social and environmental pressures that impinge on society as natural resources and ecosystem services are depleted and decline while global population grows in number and there is an ever increasing consumption of those resources and heightened demand for those services. D Four Sustainability Principles (SP) and the Model of Nine Universal Human Needs The four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) of the FSSD clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. Understood within SP 4 is a model of the nine universal human needs as defined by the Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef, as well as the interrelationships between human needs, wants, satisfiers, and pathologies/poverties. E Backcasting and the ABCD Methodology Backcasting from sustainability principles (planning from success) is a tool used in the FSSD. First a vision of success is defined and then a gap analysis, using the lens of sustainability is performed, which then helps define strategies and prioritized actions that work toward closing the gap. In the ABCD Methodology First step (A) understanding how to apply Backcasting from Principles to the system for analyses of step (B) current practices and step (C) solutions/visions and (D) prioritized actions to create a strategy to achieve success. In step (D), actions are prioritized to ensure that all selected actions are  (1) moving in the right direction (towards sustainability), (2)  flexible platforms that avoid dead-end investments, and (3) good business decisions (i.e. offer an  adequate return on investment). In  Chapter 1 of  Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, the author makes frequent mention use of the words systematic and systematically to describe difference between the cylinder paradigm and the funnel paradigm.   For example: In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that socio / ecological impacts come and go. In the funnel paradigm: in reality society is on a downhill course the very conditions of social / ecological welfare are being systematically undermined. In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that social / ecological impacts are isolated events. In the funnel paradigm: in reality social / ecological impacts are interconnected through systematic errors of societal design. Why are the words systematically and systematic important to make the distinction between the two paradigms? (4 points) The problem of unsustainability (as represented by the funnel metaphor) is that the negative impacts we see from our unsustainable way of living are due to an underlying systemic error of societal design that will continue to worsen. In the current model of industrial organization and neoclassical economics, society at large is organized in such a way that the environmental impacts pollution, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions etc. will continue to increase as long as society continues on the same paradigm of development. As long as the systemic errors continue, the conditions for ecological and social survival and prosperity will continue to decline systematically. The funnel metaphor represents a systems theory way of thinking, which understands the principle functioning of the ecological and social systems, recognizing the interdependence of the natural world and society. Why were the System Conditions developed according to the criteria of (i) necessary, (ii) sufficient, (iii) distinct, (iv) general, (v) concrete and (vi) science-based? (2 points) In order to be successful and widely accepted as legitimate and valid, the system conditions must be necessary (required in order to achieve the planning objective, i.e., sustainability) and sufficient (to cover all aspects of the objective), distinct (to enable comprehension and facilitate development of indicators for monitoring and assessment) general (to structure all societal activities relevant to sustainability and make sense for all stakeholders),concrete (to guide problem solving and actions, serve as a guide in problem analysis and solutions ), and science-based. (proven, scientifically robust model, based on systems thinking and scientific foundations (e.g. laws of thermodynamics, energy, entropy, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles, interdependency of species, system dynamics, cyclic principle and biogeochemical cycles) from which are derived the basic principles of ecological and social sustainability). What does it mean to be strategic? (1 point) Part of a decision-making process in which choices are made, a strategy is a plan of prioritizing actions in order to achieve a particular goal. Once an organization has established its purpose/mission/vision of an idealized future, it can select policies and actions within that strategy to move an organization towards achieving that goal. If we have a clearly principled view of a future sustainable society, then we have a perspective on which we can strategize base our decisions on strategic guidelines which direct us on the best way to proceed in order to achieve success in the system, i.e. sustainability. In the FSSD, together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to move an organization and society towards sustainability. If each of the actions below were done in an ongoing manner, which Sustainability Principle would be affected? Please fill in the blank with the primary Sustainability Principle that the action contributes to, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Write one SP only for each answer). (0.5 point each, 5 points total) ___3___ overharvesting of fish ___3___ development of fertile land into urban infrastructure ___2___ release of antibiotics into rivers ___1___ leaching of mined cadmium from batteries ___2___ release of methane from cows (if one considers that a concentration of methane occurs because of a human activity herding cattle to support a meat based diet in excess of the natural ecosystems capacity to absorb the excessive waste this produces) ___2___ fertilizer run-off that leads to the overproduction of algae in nearby lakes ___4 __ lack of development of a healthcare system ___1___ leaking of uranium from mining operations ___3___ extraction of groundwater at rates that exceed natural replenishment ___4___ unsafe working conditions The Brundtland definition of sustainable development is to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Brundtland, 1987). Explain how this includes the concept of ecological sustainability. (2 points) Though it is not explicitly stated, ecological sustainability is a key component of the Brundtland definition; all aspects of human existence and survival the ability to meet human needs are integrated with the sustainability of viable ecological systems. In a systems model of thinking, what happens in one part of a system affects every other part. The Brundtland definition is adequate in some ways, but does not give guidance as to the design of such a society or how to achieve this sustainability. It is not specific enough nor does it have the simplicity of the FSSD with the four, first-order Sustainability Principles (SP) which clearly spell out what ecological and social conditions must exist in order for a society and therefore, for development, to be sustainable now and in the future. In the sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing: concentrations of substances extracted from the Earths crust (such as fossil fuels or metals), concentrations of substances produced by society (such as chemical compounds, CFCs, insecticides, and endocrine disrupters), degradation by physical means (such as clear-cutting of forests and over-fishing) Moreover, in such a (sustainable) society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically: 4. undermine their capacity to meet their needs (such as from the abuse of political and economic power). The FSSD asks upstream at the first approximation in the chain of cause-and-effect, what are the primary mechanisms of human activities which set off unsustainable impacts downstream? The FSSD recognizes that downstream impacts are rooted in upstream errors of societal design and operation. All ecological and social sustainability problems which society faces today can be attributed to violations of one or more of these four mechanisms, expressed by the 4 SP. If the society seeks to meet its needs now and in the future, it must conform to the ecological constraints of the first three Sustainability principles, and conform to the societal constraints of the fourth Sustainability Principle, then the resources must be enough to succeed, in meeting those needs. Please describe the concepts of a tool and a framework, what they are useful for and the difference between them (3 points) A tool is a device that is necessary to, or expedites, a task; it can also be a procedure or process used for a specific purpose. A framework is a basic conceptual structure, a shared mental model, for moving an organization towards achieving a goal that it has established. A framework should inform the selection and use of tools to support the framework; tools should be selected and used as needed at each stage. Within the structure established by a framework, tools are often used to facilitate actions, gain necessary information, monitor actions and measure progress. The purpose is to ensure that actions are chosen strategically, so that the goal (success) in the system is achieved. In the FSSD, tools is the fifth level of the framework. When backcasting from principles of success, a tool of the FSSD, is combined with another FSD tool, the ABCD methodology, together they can be used as facilitation tool for analysis, brainstorming sessions, learning, vision development, program design, leadership and change. In planning for sustainable development, examples of other useful tools include indicators, management systems, and life cycle assessments. If your colleague asks you whether this Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) is better than other tools or concepts in sustainable development, how would you respond? (2 points) With a science-based definition of socio-ecological sustainability, based on systems thinking with four basic first-order Sustainability Principles the FSSD is a very effective planning methodology; it can be used for assessing current conditions, visioning an ideal future, and developing effective strategies and prioritized actions to achieve that vision. FSSD is perhaps a unique framework in that it is, almost by definition, a simple (understandable) yet comprehensive approach that encourages dialogue, consensus-building and systems-thinking, all of which create the conditions which can facilitate profound change. The FSSD provides a process of continual learning that incorporates other methods, tools, and concepts into a shared, structured overview. By its upstream approach understanding the broader system within which problems occur as well as define the principles which govern success in that system it becomes an invaluable mental model. It can address those problems at the source and turn those problems into opportunities for innovation, organizational change and success. When a practitioner understands the 5 level FSSD, the 4 Sustainability Principles, Back-casting and the ABCD methodology, and knows how to apply them, that practitioner has a very powerful guide to navigate the many complexities of living sustainably in a comp lex system. a) Please discuss the difference between a fundamental human need, and satisfiers for those needs. Give 2 examples of each. (4 points) The Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef presents a different framework for New Human Development. He stresses that it is important that human needs are understood as a system i.e. they are interrelated and interactive. Max-Neef considers that human needs are finite, few and classifiable (as distinct from the conventional notion that wants are infinite and insatiable). He defines these fundamental human needs: subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, recreation (in the sense of leisure, time to reflect, or idleness), creation, identity and freedom. Max-Neef considers that these needs are constant through all human cultures and across historical time periods, but what does change over time and between cultures are the satisfiers the way these needs are satisfied. In this model, any unmet human need generates pathology poverty. In his view, society today is experiencing collective pathologies because of the scale and dimension of unsatisfied, unmet human needs . Need: Satisfier: Subsistence Healthy balanced diet versus one of high fat, high calorie, no nutrients which negatively impacts ecosystems Leisure Time to reflect/dream versus watching violent television passively for long hours b) Explain how this concept is helpful for sustainable development. (2 points) Max-Neefs definition of what human beings need, and what motivates them, is fundamentally different from the currently held notion. If decision-makers operated according to his assumptions rather than those of most economists, then the choices they would make would be radically different. Instead of using GNP which only quantifies the economic growth of things and an ever-growing demand for finite natural resources, development must be about people and meeting their fundamental human needs, not about material objects or money. For the purpose of sustainable development, this presents a radically different way of thinking: a new indicator which quantifies the improvement in peoples lives is required and the best development process is the one that will ensure the maximum increase in this indicator of improvement of peoples lives. With the Max-Neef model, sustainable development becomes fully human-centric. In the past, the fourth system condition for sustainability was worded: In a sustainable society, resources are used fairly and efficiently in order to meet basic human needs worldwide. Currently, it reads: In a sustainable society, people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their ability to meet their needs. What is the significance of the change in wording and what does this mean for planning? (2 points) The second wording is less ambiguous and focuses more on the human versus resource component of the principle. As previously stated in the first wording, it is not clear how one quantifies what is a fair and efficient  use  of resources as well as what exactly are the basic needs worldwide. Who decides? How is this defined? Also, the phrase is passive, it is not clear who meets the needs of humans worldwide? In contrast, in the second wording, people themselves decide what they need in order to meet their needs. In this second wording, conditions are ensured so that each person meets the needs that he/she defines. Another key point is the inclusion of the word systematically which emphasizes the larger, holistic view a systems thinking theory of the condition of sustainability, and how conditions are created or are undermined. Since the focus is now on how humans define and meet their own needs, planning must focus on the users, not the resources, as well as  utilize a systems approach  to analyzing, creating and maintaining sustainable conditions. Consider the following 2 sentences: Organization XYZ contributes to the violation of System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Organization XYZ violates System Condition One byà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Which wording would you use in a sustainability analysis of an organization? Why? (2 points) The wording of a) is more appropriate to be used in an organizations sustainability analysis since it is understood that contributing implies that other organizations are also capable of contributing, and that the behavior of any one organizations is part of a larger system of behavior which can have an impact on the 4SP. Wording a) recognizes that Organization XYZ is not a sole actor in violating the SP, there are others who also contribute. Wording b) is too all-inclusive no single organization can violate the 4SP by itself. The first step an organization must make in order to perform a sustainability analysis of itself is to translate the sustainability principles into their own organizational context. With an understanding that the 4SP are minimal requirements for sustainability, it is necessary to evaluate how it is already violating these 4SP and act first to be restorative, and then act to comply with the 4SP. If an organization does not want to cause more problems into the system, then a logical and ethically relevant rewording of the 4SP would be to add not contribute in to the phrasing of the 4SP, which then gives guidance on how to proceed towards achieving sustainability in compliance with the 4SP. Module 2: Applications of Strategic Sustainable Development 35 points Organizational Learning and Change a) Please describe the concept of Creative Tension and how it can be useful within Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability. (2points) According to Peter Senge, creative tension is the central principle of personal mastery and a key component in personal as well as organizational learning and change. Creative tension comes from a gap analysis rather like the one in backcasting from principles of success, but on personal (or can be, on an organizational) scale. Creative tension comes from our clearly having a vision of where we want to be in contrast to an accurate assessment of our current reality which does not reach that vision. Awareness of that gap between the vision and the existing reality causes that creative tension, which is the source of all creative energy. In a situation of Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability, leadership to achieve success in the system starts with a vision of ecological and social sustainability in contrast to current unsustainable reality; this gap causes the creative tension, which can motivate personal and organizational change in order to alter that unacceptable reality. b) Briefly describe the personal-organizational dynamic and give two reasons why it is important to consider when you are planning to move strategically towards sustainability. (3 points) There are two ways to resolve creative tension, either by raising current reality toward the vision, which requires change, or by lowering the vision toward current reality. Individuals, groups, and organizations that learn how to work with creative tension are better able to use this energy to move reality more reliably toward their visions. Leading through creative tension is different than solving problems. In problem solving, the energy for change comes from attempting to get away from an aspect of current reality that is undesirable; the motivation for change is extrinsic. With creative tension, the energy for change comes from the vision, from what we want to create, juxtaposed with current reality. With creative tension, the motivation is intrinsic and therefore, more powerful and transformative. c) What are some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability? (4 points) Some of the organizational and perceptual challenges that organizations would need to overcome when transitioning towards sustainability include: A failure to grasp the fundamental paradigm shift that sustainable development requires. By maintaining long-held mental models, organizations fail to fundamentally alter the ways in which they produce goods and services. Such organizations believe that sustainability simply involves better controls, marginal improvements, or other efficiencies within their existing, linear business model, strictly following government mandates. Such patriarchal thinking leads to a false sense of security and personal responsibility for sustainable behavior is reduced. Many individuals have the sense that the challenge of sustainability is not something that they can resolve that someone else is taking care of it (or not). Unfortunately, it can be a belief that having a special Green committee or a particular person who is indicated as being responsible for recycling, advertising Earth Day events, etc. absolves each individual from actively engaging in addressing sustainability.  Ã‚  Therefore th ere is lacking both a  sense of  personal concern and responsibility as well as a lack of perceiving that we each have the ability to make a difference, to bring about these necessary changes Organizations do not incorporate sustainability in their core policies and procedures. When an organization maintains a Silo approach to addressing issues related to environmental and social concerns, sustainability is not integrated into all aspects of the organizations activities. Lack of a clear vision about sustainability which is limited to only complying with required governmental mandates, perpetuating the status quo, i.e., business as usual. Lacking a systems theory understanding of what causes unsustainability; there is a focus on symptoms and not the root causes of the problems. Lack of sufficient information that is clear and can easily be understood which explains the negative aspects of the current linear production paradigm and the neoclassical economic model which have brought us to the current unsustainable conditions. Lack of adequate mechanisms for the personal/organizational learning and change which are necessary in order to alter current held, engrained notions. 13. Urban Planning and Land Use a) Suppose you had the opportunity to talk to a member of the American Institution of Architects. She knows you are taking the SL1401 distance course and would like to know your overarching opinion on the 10 principles of Living Communities that the Institution has developed. What would you say to her? (3 points) Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design certainly can influence and improve the quality of life in our nations communities, and while the AIAs 10 Principles of Living Communities (AIA 10 Pr.) are commendable, they are not as inclusive as the FSSD and the four Sustainability Principles. Although the AIA 10 Pr. can reduce a communitys contribution to the violation of the four SP to a certain degree, it does not provide a consistent, organized structure for the achievement of societal and ecological sustainability, in contrast to the FSSD which does. As a tool, the AIA 10 Pr. mainly focuses on reducing contributions to violations of the first three SP through the utilization of alternative energy, reuse and recycling of materials, implementation of energy and water efficiency programs, etc. AIA 10 Pr. partially tackles the SP4, but it does not explicitly address economic or social issues, nor does it address human fundamental needs (such as protection, participation, understanding, etc.). In the FSSD, the AIA 10 Pr. can be used as one of several tools which can be used to complement each other. When such complementary tools are used together, they are more comprehensive and powerful, allowing an organization to continuously improve towards achieving a principled definition of sustainability. b) Explain how the aspects of Urban Planning and Land Use covered in Module 2 can be used to help society move towards sustainability. (4 points) Based on the analysis we derive from the FSSD, 4 SP and systems thinking, supported by the work of ecological economists, we now understand that decision-making for Urban Planning and Land Use how we plan our physical occupation of space by humans must focus on the integration of humans within the ecosphere, an integrated urban planning strategy. As Bill Reed eloquently describe in his model of the Living Systems Approach to Design, the design process must first begin by understanding the life processes in each unique place in which we are building and then we must design that engagement in order to sustain and restore the health and wealth of the place. In this new way of operating, the objective toward which the citys government and institutions work must be to improve the life of citizens and regenerate the health of the natural space which is occupied. The city plan, developed within a process of dialog and with the full participation/representation of the stakeholders, must clearly articulate these core values. Integrated urban planning actions, based on valuing the individual putting people first within the ecosphere, conserving and restoring natural resources, will result in an ecological, people-centered city. Commitment to values such as accessibility, transparency, social justice and poverty reduction and efficient resource management will result sustainable urban development. This overarching strategy would inform all aspects of urban planning, including social, economic and environmental programs. This ecological city-strategy, with strong, coherent governing/design values and a focus on integrated systems, combined with strong, informed leadership, can be used successfully to align the actions of planning departments to meet these strategic objectives, resulting in successful, long-term implementation of strategy. Integrated transportation and land-use should be a key component in the citys development, controlling growth, cutting pollution and enhancing the life of residents. The environmental quality and economic efficiency of a city are highly dependent on transportation systems; it is important that these are well-integrated with urban form in order to avoid weak transportation systems and unsustainable dependencies on private cars. A close relationship between public transportation and land-use legislation can be established as a guidance and development tool. Integrated planning processes structured to assure that planners in all areas know the strategy and are working with a shared vision and are developing their plans together, would avoid the many problems of unlinked development (e.g., not enough provision for green space). The integration of different elements of urban development would also avoid problems associated with piecemeal development such as pollution, traffic congestion and unsustainable fuel consumption rates. The creation of an independent Institute of Planning can be an effective mechanism for ensuring planning continuity and success regardless of political, economic and social challenges; this forum can serve as a laboratory for finding creative, integrated solutions to urban planning problems, a focal point for learning and ever-evolving organizational growth and change. Developing new models that provide inexpensive, creative urban solutions and reflect local values are an alternative to standard, often-higher-cost approaches. This Institute could also be the channel through which planners and stakeholders could learn about best practices in sustainable urban design which is being implemented successfully in other locations and nations. 14. Economics a) Environmental economists and ecological economists have different worldviews explaining the relationship between the economy and the ecosphere. Describe the environmental and ecological economists worldviews (4 points). In the 20th century, environmental economics was developed with the intent of internalizing the external effects of our current mode of economic production, such as pollution, social problems, loss of biodiversity, etc., into the economic system. Environmental economics modified the neoclassical economic system by using taxes and subsidies to raise prices on scarce resources while promoting the use of abundant ones. In the model of environmental economics, it is recognized that society and the economy are dependent upon the ecosphere. Their intent is to solve the problem by putting a price on natural resource supply, emissions and other externalities and bringing them into the economic analyses, by pricing mechanism which include: 1.Willingness to pay, 2. Cost to restore, and 3.New universal currencies. Through taxes, resources become more expensive, reflecting the societal and environmental costs of using them and thereby attempting to indirectly reduce their use to sustainable leve ls. In their model, market participants will behave in the accordance to the enlightened invisible hand of the neo-classists, which will result in a society which meets human needs, with acceptable levels of pollution and sustainable use of resources. Ecological economics is an interdisciplinary field of study that addresses relationships between ecosystems and economic systems in order to develop a deep understanding of society and nature as a basis for effective policies strategies for sustainability. Ecological economics utilizes a holistic, systems approach which views that socioeconom

Human Resource Management :: essays research papers

In the beginning of chapter #4 the book discusses the importance of succession planning. Succession planning is the â€Å"process of ensuring that qualified persons are available to assume key managerial positions once the positions are vacant.† When I was reading about this it occurred to me that this is probably a very important concern for a company because so much of its success is depended on managers and how good they are. If a company loses its manager it is detrimental that there is someone to take over their position and keep the company going.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A second topic that caught my attention was the idea of job analysis. Job analysis is the process of determining ones skills, duties, and knowledge required for performing their job within the company. In todays constant â€Å"changing work environment,† the need for this job analysis technique is quite important. The book explains that it is important because â€Å"new jobs are being created, and old jobs are being redesigned or eliminated.† The book also explains that without job analysis it would be nearly impossible to perform any of the other human resource-related functions. There are different types of job analysis as well. Such types are â€Å"work activities, worker-oriented activities, and the types of machines, tools, equipment, and work aids used in the job.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I recognized the book stressed the importance of the way in which job analysis is performed and the different methods that can be used with your employees. Some of the different methods included questionnaires, â€Å"witness the work being performed,† interviews with both the employee and the supervisor, or even asking for diaries and logs to be kept by employees.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Job description was another key component of chapter #4, and this really interested me because I was just offered a job after my graduation this year. The book discussed what components make up a good job description. After reading some of the components I realized although the job I have been offered is an unbelievable opportunity, my job description given to me by my boss was very limited, and made me feel very insecure about what exactly my position was in the company. I really understood the importance of the job description for employees after my interview because I was unsure as to where my job began and where it ended. Another topic the book discusses in this chapter is strategic planning and human resource planning.

Orlando Furioso Clarifies Vergil’s Ending in The Aeneid Essay -- Orlan

Orlando Furioso Clarifies Vergil’s Ending in The Aeneid  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Ariosto adapts and transforms Vergil’s final episode of The Aeneid into his own conclusion in Orlando Furioso. The final scenes in the epics parallel one another in many ways, yet also show distinct differences. Ruggiero and Rodomont represent Aeneas and Turnus, respectively, and the actions of Ariosto’s characters can be interchanged with their corresponding characters’ acts in The Aeneid. Ariosto reminds us of controversy and questions that Vergil elicits in his conclusion and responds interpretively, reshaping the ending and clarifying ambiguities. Does Vergil intend to write such an abrupt, controversial ending? Some critics suggest that Vergil meant to complete the story with a more upbeat, joyous tone, but he died before he completed task. They propose a Book XIII that incorporates a large ceremonial marriage between Aeneas and Lavinia into the story as a "happy" ending. Others insinuate that Vergil purposefully concludes the heroic poem to leave questions for readers. Ariosto incorporates a vast, joyful wedding between Ruggiero and Bradamant into his novel before mimicking Vergil’s ending; he argues that Vergil intended to end where he did. Even though we often yearn to read a "happy" ending, an abrupt, controversial ending provokes more contemplation. Ariosto suggests that Vergil planned to arouse his readers’ minds, and not satisfy their common desire for a "happy" ending, by introducing discord. Does Turnus pose a threat? From one point of view, Aeneas seems to always have the military upper hand, and Turnus seems physically inferior, thus not threatening. However, from a different perspective Turnus is deceptive, thus menacing. When he thinks h... ...this act to remind us how brutal Aeneas is when he kills without hesitation. Ariosto addresses the multiple ambiguities Vergil leaves behind. He indicates that a "happy" ending is not always required to please readers and transforms Vergil’s controversial ending into a straightforward conclusion by adapting Rodomont’s character to Turnus and Ruggiero’s character to Aeneas. When the hero’s foe poses a threat and proves capable of defending himself, we do not feel sorry for his death because the hero obviously must kill to defend his own life. We find comfort in Vergil’s ending by superimposing these interpretations and corrections by Ariosto into The Aeneid. Works Cited Waldman, Guido, trans. Orlando Furioso. By Ludovico Ariosto. New York: Oxford University Press, 1983. Fitzgerald, Robert, trans. The Aeneid. By Vergil. New York: Random House, 1983.   

Extent Europe Benefitted from Colonization :: Imperialism

European success and prosperity today can be taken back to their participation in colonization in the later years of the 19th century. It can be said that European success is because of imperialism. These countries gained in many aspects. I would start with the greatest gain which was the economic aspect. Firstly, Britain had started their Industrial Revolution which gave them a greater advantage in development in Europe in the late 18th century. With Industrialization taking place they needed a constant flow of raw materials at cheap prices. It can be said that Britain created a land of milk and honey which they could not maintain by themselves. They showed that there was a flaw in their economic planning when their raw material reserves were diminishing at a fast rate. To maintain the high standard of living they had set they had to ensure that there was a constant flow of raw materials. Obtaining raw materials in Europe at that time proved to be an expensive endeavour and they saw imperialism as the gateway out of their problem. The colonies supplied European countries with raw materials like Gold, Rubber, Tea, Cotton etc.. Britain obtained tea, cotton, gold and various items from Southern Africa. Belgium obtained Rubber from the Congo at cheap prices. This made them one of the biggest contenders in the rubber industry. This improved their economy greatly and raised the country's standard of living. Investment also comes into play. Because of the Long Depression there was a large surplus of capital and many European countries invested in the works of their colonies. Trading companies were set up in the colonies. These companies were the ones that managed the trading activities of the raw materials in the colonies. Profit from trading in the colonies would mostly return to the 'motherland.' These inflows of money increased European economies. for example, Belgium would receive profits from rubber trading in Congo. The Colonies provided marktes for European finished goods. This was a great benefit for them. Britain had markets in India and had largely monopolised markets where there was British influence. Secondly the aspect of Empires comes into play. The successes of the First World War are mainly because of the colonies. Imperialism was a major cause of the war but the war victories were also because of the colonies. The colonies were joined to their "motherland" when it came time for armament for any conflicts. Britain had a strong navy but a useless army. Extent Europe Benefitted from Colonization :: Imperialism European success and prosperity today can be taken back to their participation in colonization in the later years of the 19th century. It can be said that European success is because of imperialism. These countries gained in many aspects. I would start with the greatest gain which was the economic aspect. Firstly, Britain had started their Industrial Revolution which gave them a greater advantage in development in Europe in the late 18th century. With Industrialization taking place they needed a constant flow of raw materials at cheap prices. It can be said that Britain created a land of milk and honey which they could not maintain by themselves. They showed that there was a flaw in their economic planning when their raw material reserves were diminishing at a fast rate. To maintain the high standard of living they had set they had to ensure that there was a constant flow of raw materials. Obtaining raw materials in Europe at that time proved to be an expensive endeavour and they saw imperialism as the gateway out of their problem. The colonies supplied European countries with raw materials like Gold, Rubber, Tea, Cotton etc.. Britain obtained tea, cotton, gold and various items from Southern Africa. Belgium obtained Rubber from the Congo at cheap prices. This made them one of the biggest contenders in the rubber industry. This improved their economy greatly and raised the country's standard of living. Investment also comes into play. Because of the Long Depression there was a large surplus of capital and many European countries invested in the works of their colonies. Trading companies were set up in the colonies. These companies were the ones that managed the trading activities of the raw materials in the colonies. Profit from trading in the colonies would mostly return to the 'motherland.' These inflows of money increased European economies. for example, Belgium would receive profits from rubber trading in Congo. The Colonies provided marktes for European finished goods. This was a great benefit for them. Britain had markets in India and had largely monopolised markets where there was British influence. Secondly the aspect of Empires comes into play. The successes of the First World War are mainly because of the colonies. Imperialism was a major cause of the war but the war victories were also because of the colonies. The colonies were joined to their "motherland" when it came time for armament for any conflicts. Britain had a strong navy but a useless army.

Salvador Dali Last Supper

February 4, 2009 Surrealistic Meeting Salvador Dali drew the pictureâ€Å"The Sacrament of the Last Supper†in 1955. This painting has quite a bit of emotion as you look and see how the apostles are kneeling. This image was created to show the futurism in the resurrection of Christ. Futurism rejects the traditional form and include art into modern technology. In this painting the most significant detail in this portrait, would be the spirt above the table in form of the cross. This figure is Jesus sprit rising out of him the night before he was going to be crucified.Everyone at the table see this spirt floating out of him and that is why they are bowing their heads. Along with this spirt rising, the large windows in the background, Dali seemed to want all the heavens see what is going on during this meal. Salvador Dali's picture is a totally different setting than the original painting of the last supper. Dali's is set in a peaceful table with bright sun that is showing happine ss and the bright future of everyone at the table. With the mountains covered in snow the setting must be cold but the people in the picture look very warm with just their light robes on while praying.Dali's picture shows the man rising above the table must be the spirit of Jesus leaving his body the night before he was crucified. The arms reaching over the people at the table show his power, strength and desire to protect the loyal ones. The Jesus at the table is in torn clothes, symbolizing a struggle during the day. He looks at peace, like he is ready for his punishment the next day. Out stretched arms of his spirit means he is floating up to the heavens, so the only thing left is just his body or shell. The other people at the table are praying for his spirit and giving thanks for the bread and wine he left them on the table.On the left arm of Jesus is a dove sitting on his hand that symbolizes the calmness of the situation. His right hand, with the fingers that look like they a re pointing to the spirit rising above shows the world  that his spirit will not be stopped no matter what they do with his shell he will live on. This surrealistic setting is the sign that Dali is portraying Jesus as a wonderful peaceful man. He is facing his ordeal with courage and dignity. He looks to be telling his people not to morn and not to hate for what is about to happen. Letting everyone know to keep faith in him and all will be well in the future.The sun shining through the clouds indicates the day is calm and warm even though the mountains have snow in them, It seems Jesus is assuring them that he will keep them all warm with his heart. There is a boat on the shore and that must mean someone with wealth and power showed up for the supper, it might belong to the one person that is in the gold robe. The setting of this background might be a place by Dali's home or  a place where he wanted to live. The big wooden beams and stone dining area proves this is a strong plac e and built to withstand anything.The arms of Jesus spirit are going through the beams and must mean that nothing is as strong as the spirit of Jesus. This surrealistic setting is the sign that Dali is portraying Jesus as a wonderful peaceful man. He is facing his ordeal with courage and dignity. He looks to be telling his people not to morn and not to hate for what is about to happen. Letting everyone know to keep faith in him and all will be well in the future. This painting has a very peaceful and serene theme as shown by the mountains, and the calm face of Jesus.