The Perspective of Plato and Aristotle on the Value of Art Essays

The Perspective of Plato and Aristotle on the Value of Art    As literary critics, Plato and Aristotle disagree profoundly about the value of art in human society. Plato attempts to strip artists of the power and prominence they enjoy in his society, while Aristotle tries to develop a method of inquiry to determine the merits of an individual work of art. It is interesting to note that these two disparate notions of art are based upon the same fundamental assumption: that art is a form of mimesis, imitation. Both philosophers are concerned with the artist's ability to have significant impact on others. It is the imitative function of art which promotes disdain in Plato and curiosity in Aristotle. Examining the reality that art professes to imitate, the process of imitation, and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of imitation as a form of artistic expression may lead to understanding how these conflicting views of art could develop from a seemingly similar premise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Both philosophers hold radically different notions of reality. The assumptions each man makes about truth, knowledge, and goodness directly affect their specific ideas about art. For Plato, art imitates a world that is already far removed from authentic reality, Truth. Truth exists only in intellectual abstraction, that is, paradoxically, more real than concrete objects. The universal essence, the Idea, the Form of a thing, is more real and thus more important than its physical substance. The physical world, the world of appearances experienced through the senses, does not harbor reality. This tangible world is an imperfect reflection of the universal world of Forms. Human observations based on these reflections are, therefore, highly suspect. At b... ... the definition derived by each philosopher is profoundly different. In order to construct a coherent, wide-ranging philosophy, art and its impact on society must be reckoned with, whether as an imitation of a system far removed or a system in our midst. The process of imitation is used in both cases to promote the particular version of reality espoused by each man. While such a study is beneficial in tracing the philosophical conflict regarding the usage and importance of imitation in art, what is most apparent, perhaps, is the discovery that language itself is an imperfect imitation of meaning, capable of fostering such conflicts. Works Cited: Aristotle. "Poetics" The Critical Tradition. Ed., David H. Richter, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989. Plato. "Republic, Book X" The Critical Tradition. Ed., David H. Richter, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989.

Free Trade: America Should NOT Protect Industries from Foreign Competit

Free Trade: America Should NOT Protect Industries from Foreign Competition Many politicians oppose free international trade, trade without any restrictions, for a couple of reasons. From their point of view it would affect the United States in several ways: 1. Many USA workers would lose their jobs because factories would be moved to the country with whom the U.S. has a Free Trade Agreement, and where working force is much cheaper. 2. Importing foreign goods and services without tariff into the United States makes it harder for domestic industries to compete with lower prices and better quality of foreign competition. 3. Some politicians feel that it is not the right decision to have open trade with countries where the workforce is forced to work and where prisoners are used as workers. Because of these reasons, politicians who oppose Free Trade, feel that the U.S. should have some kind of restrictions, such as protective tariffs, import quotas, non tariff barriers, and/or export subsidies. However, some politicians and economists feel differently. They say that if some country would raise its barriers in order to reduce imports and stimulate production, the country whose exports suffer may raise its barriers, too. This would cause a trade war. The trade war would effect every nation in lower output, income, and employment; example is the Smooth-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. The United St...

Angela Merkel

Tiffany Prill Challenges of Leadership Leadership Book Analysis Modern World Leaders- Angela Merkel The person chosen for this leadership report is Angela Merkel. I read â€Å"Modern World Leaders-Angela Merkel† written by Clifford W. Mills. Being born in Berlin, with my pride in being German, as well as being a female with my own leadership ambitions, I felt Angela Merkel was a perfect fit for me. Gaining knowledge on the leadership style from one of the most powerful and influential women in the world, while also learning the values and beliefs my country is grounded on, I find Angela Merkel to be extremely interesting leader to study.Angela Merkel (born Angela Dorothea Kasner), was born in Hamburg, Germany on July 17, 1954. Angela was raised in East Germany where she later received Associates degree in 1973. Shortly after, she enrolled to the Karl Marx University where she later met and married Ulrich Merkel. She graduates with a bachelor and continues onto her PhD in Scien ce at the Central institute for Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences in Berlin. By 1986 she received her PhD which is also the same year she goes back to West Germany for the first time since she was baby.It was the many years in West Germany, full of communism and hardships, that taught Merkel how strong and powerful government could be. Merkel was determined to use power to serve the people not use it to control them. Rather than telling them what they wanted hear, she told them what to do to solve the political problem. A scholarly physicist with little to no interest in politics rose to the top of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) known as a conservative, male oriented, traditional political party. I believe the keys to her success include things such as her upbringing along with her passion and ambition.Raised by a minister in communist East Germany, Merkel had an upbringing like no other. A place where the economy was shattered- where resources and goods where lack ing. Merkel and her family were always being watched upon by the Statsi. The Statsi was a security intelligence network that consisted of 100,000 full time employees with 300,000 informants recruited to spy on the citizens who might be subversive. Within this environment Merkel learned to keep her real thoughts to herself and keep her private and political world separate in fear of the Statsi.Ambition is an understatement. The fall of the Berlin Wall was the biggest eye opener and life changing event in Merkels life; going from someone who took no particular interest in politics to fighting for freedom and rights, almost over night. The day after Merkel was sworn in as chancellor Merkel wasted no time and made trips around the world meeting up with leaders in hopes to form alliances. Her first stop was Paris where she met with President Jacques Chirac where her goal was to emphasize the importance of their relationship.Next she met with security general Jaap de Hoop of the NATO. The NATO was a alliance between 26 countries where the attack on one country leads to the attack on all countries. Merkel knew how important this alliance was to Germany. Merkel returned home to meet the President of Pohomba of Namibia only to leave soon after to the United States to meet President Bush. Merkel was admired her never ending, ambitious, networking. â€Å"She put her loyalty to truth ahead of loyalty to the party†- Merkel’s put honesty and truth on the top of her values.When German chancellor Helmut Kohl admitted his guilt to receiving illegal claim contributions, Merkel was not scared to condemn Kohl in a public newsletter. Her mentor, the man who started Merkel in politics- in her eyes was now the man who betrayed a trust and should no longer be leader. Her honesty is the way Merkel got people to follow her as a leader. Although some felt she had stabbed Kohl in the back, many Germans praised her honesty. She had proven to the people that truth matters and that she stands behind it.Another time that Merkel wasn’t scared to stand her ground and simply standing up for what’s ethically right was back in high school. In Germany teachers quiet strict and at one point she had a teacher that would punish the entire class if a presentation differed even slightly from what the teacher told them to do. Deep down inside Merkel knew that the students put in extreme effort into the presentations and that this matter was so serious that the students could all be expelled from school. After explaining the situation to her parents, Merkel wrote a petition which she also presented to some GDR officials.Merkels class was saved; the teacher was later disciplined. I characterize her leadership style as one that is based on ethics and morals while also being very direct. She is both task oriented as well as relationship oriented. Merkel focuses on the business task at hand while putting great emphasis relationships and networking†¦ â⠂¬Å"I don’t think it make sense to go round and round in circles arguing about this crisis. We have to manage it instead. But that’s something we can only do together with our neighbors, our partners, the big ones and the small ones.I think Germany is destined, partly as a result of its geographic position, to be a mediator and balancing factor. † From this statement I feel as though Merkel is very direct and to the point- there is no point in arguing, let’s do something about it. At the same time Merkel puts emphasis on leader-member relations. Previous chancellor Schroeder was known for his extravagant sleigh rides with Russian President Putin along with an unwillingness to push Putin on difficult issues. Merkel wasn’t taking sleigh rides; she was making a dissimilar statementBased on her position Merkel has legitimate power and usually uses rational persuasion. She has the ability to influence others using something of value giving her reward pow er. Merkels degree in science gives her expert power and over the years has gained connection power through never ending networking and reciprocity. â€Å"I am, I think, courageous at the decisive moment. But I need a good deal of start-up time, and I try to take as much as possible into consideration beforehand. † Merkel puts a great deal of time studying an issue and pays close attention to detail when making a decision.When looking at a political issue, she looks at all sides and tries to understand it logically. Merkel does not go by â€Å"hunches† but finds out what others think (especially exerts). She studies an issue very carefully and does not make â€Å"right off the back† decisions. While some might of looked at it as inexperienced, Merkels courage stood out at the 2006 G8- Summit. The G8 Summit includes leaders from France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States, that year taking place in Russia. One thing that wa s not â€Å"appropriate† during the G8 Summit was to criticize the host.Not only did Merkel question Russia on their electoral system claiming its shortcomings, she also vocalized that she did not want the natural gas from Russia to get disrupted again; she needed energy security for Europe to be assured and secured. Merkel had made headlines and made her mark. Merkel has not groomed a successor but is the successor of Gerhard Schroder. Schroeder was more of a Democrat while Merkel is a Republican. She is an anticommunist that wants there to be a bigger role for private business and less role of the government.Schroeder believed that the government had to be a regulator in businesses and that small changes to policy would bring Germanys level of competiveness up. Compared to her predecessor, Merkel felt government needed to get out of the way of business and that taxes should be simplified possibly with a flat rate. In order to decrease Germanys booming deficit, Schroeder cut social security payments an unemployment benefits. Merkel on the other hand found that increasing the VAT (value added tax) from 16%-18% was more successful.Another major difference between the two was their views on the war. While Schroeder was against the war, he allied himself with France and criticized the Bush administration. Merkel found the war to be dignified and correct- growing up in a country without freedom she knew exactly how precious it was. She explained Germany needed to stop bashing America and that her administration will have friendlier relations with America. A portrait of German princess born Sophie Augusta Fredrika, (later known as Russian empress Catherine the Great) hangs on the wall in Merkels office.Sophie married the 17-year-old grandson of Peter the Great and was crowned Catherine II. Catherine was the longest ruling and most renowned female leader of Russia. The Catherinian Era was sometimes referred to as the Golden Era as she extended Russian territo ry and reorganized law administration. Catherine led Russia into full participation in the cultural and political life of Europe. In September 2006 Merkel topped the â€Å"World’s Most Powerful Woman† list by Forbes Magazine. Analysts claim her strength was her â€Å"unassuming and tireless networking†.Leaders around the world such as Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, and Vladimir Putin were all impressed by Merkel winning the admiration of people worldwide. Other awards received by Merkel include: * Vision for Europe award 2006 * Recognition of â€Å"Dama de Gran Croce Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italian† by Italian president 2006 * Honorary doctorate from Hebrew University of Jerusalem 2007 * Chalemagne Prize 2008 * Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany 2008 * Honorary doctorate from University of Technology in Wrolaw (Poland) 2008 * â€Å" â€Å" from University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania) Jawaharlal Nehra Award (India) 20 09 * Forbes most powerful women 5 years in a row This assignment has enabled me to see leadership traits and values from the perspective of one of the most powerful and successful women in the World. A political record breaker, who has marked her spot in history by moving Germany out of the recession. I was aware that Angela Merkel was the Chancellor of Germany but I didn’t know what motivated her and the type of person she is and how she leads her country.Her motivation and drives comes from the democratic and controlled life she lived in East Germany giving her the determination of providing German citizens a less controlled, free, and happy life. She grounds her decisions on principal and logic and leads in a direct, assertive manner. Although Merkel dominates German politics I view her more as a leader than a politician. Leaders care about the people they serve while politicians usually care about themselves and their party. APA Style Citations Angela Merkel: The Most Pow erful Woman In The World – People – Stylist Magazine. n. d. ). Stylist. co. uk homepage – Stylist Magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://www. stylist. co. uk/people/angela-merkel#image-rotator-1 Mills, C. (2008). Angela Merkel. New York: Chelsea House Reddy, V. (n. d. ). German Legend Angela Merkel's Success story – Posdcorb. Posdcorb. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www. vamsinathmba. com/2012/08/german-lezand-angela-merkels-success. html Smitha, F. E. (n. d. ). Catherine the Great, Russian Empress. MacroHistory : World History. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www. fsmitha. com/h3/h31-gr6c. htm

Computer program Essay

Discuss the ethics of developing a computer system that track large numbers of their citizens and thair actions? THERE ARE NO ETHICS INVOLVED IN IT. IT IS ALREADY IN PLACE. CELL PHONES ARE JUST GPS TRANSMITTERS AND CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS DO A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF SHOWING WHAT A PERSON IS DOING. NOT PARANOID, JUST THE WAY THINGS ARE. Software development tool To help counter terrorism, many countries are planning the development of computer systems that track large numbers of their citizens and their actions. Clearly this has privacy implications. Discuss the ethics of developing this type of system. Ethics is a concern of humans who have freedom of choice. Ethics is about individual choice: When faced with alternative courses of action, what is the correct moral choice? What are the main features of ethical choice? Software engineers have wider responsibilities on systems development than the mere application of their technical skills. Ethically, an engineer should respect the confidentiality of the public irrespective of whether or not a formal confidentiality agreement has been undertaken. Developing computer systems to counter terrorism by tracking citizens of a country and their actions has privacy implications. Privacy entails an individual’s right to control the collection and use of his or her personal information, even after that information is disclosed to others with the consent of that individual. Systems are been developed that violates the human privacy rights. Examples are: Surveillance cameras Surveillance cameras are setup in peculiar places and are often illusive in the sense that individuals don’t realize that they are being filmed. For the most part these cameras are setup with good intensions namely for the benefit of public safety. They can be a vital tool in preventing or solving crimes. The problem is not that the individual is being filmed, but usually this is done without his or her consent. In some cases the surveillance cameras have been unlawful used or setup without permission. Credit cards When we contemplate all the electronic data that is now gathered about each of us as we move through our everyday lives, there seems little doubt that we are leaving behind an electronic record of our activities. The internet There are a multitude of†¦

A Digest on the 7cs of Written Communication Essay

Clarity, completeness, coherence, conciseness, credibility, correctness, and continuity – these are all the 7 C’s of communication – collectively, this is what is required to achieve more effective communication practices which eventually lead to a more effective learning process. Each C in itself is already an enormous task to maintain but more so when we consider they are not independent of one another, they all work together to help us communicate most efficiently. Clear is when we allow the reader to understand the meaning of our message, as you intended it to be understood. When it is said that it should be so even the dullest man should understand it, it means we should simplify our vocabulary. The message, more importantly, should be crisp and precise. That’s how it â€Å"brings the script alive† and â€Å"can bring flavor in the most arid and dry news story† as totally, it makes the difference between a write-up that satisfies and one that does not. Complete is when a complete picture and all the information required for a reader to take action and respond is all there. An adjective is also taken into consideration here: unified- in individual sentences, individual paragraphs, and the whole totality of the script. Also take into consideration the principle that each simple sentence must answer the who, what, when, why, where, and how questions as appropriate for each of your communication efforts. Coherent is closely related to clarity – easy to read and understand with a logical flow and sequence – it just means tying up several ideas in one topic.  Concise is omitting all that creates ambiguity. It means saying all that needs to be said and no more.  Credible is clarity, correctness and completeness added up to forceful and direct writing.  Correct is the gauge as when readers may refuse your write up because of inaccuracy. Communication should be in such a way that it includes making sure that the message you send is correct. Your assignments and correspondence should contain accurate information. Proofreading is also helpful to address correctness. Lastly, continuity may well serve as the final balancing act. Brevity is the magic word: it is the use of fewer words. It brings about continuity and grace in your writing. Learnings It is such a taxing task to read or listen as it takes so much effort and time. It is thus of utmost importance that the portmanteau of both principles (of unity, coherence and emphasis) alongside other essentials of effective communication (like language, planning and organization) all make the written communication effective. It then boils down to the 7 C’s considered here wherein I have been reminded once again that jargon has no place in a written report if your intention is solely to be effective and forceful. It irritates to read high sounding words from an article that was supposed to touch the common Juan. It has also stressed the great responsibility on a would-be writer to produce a thought-over, â€Å"meaty† script that should never mean to impress but to give insight. Opinions/Suggestions There are also other C’s that should be considered here like convincing, considerate, and courtesy and I am not certain why there should only be seven. â€Å"Precision of communication is important, more important than ever, in our era of hair trigger balances, when a false or misunderstood word may create as much disaster as a sudden thoughtless act.† — JAMES THURBER An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. PROVERBS 24:26 7 C’s of COMMUNICATION Essence of the material Clarity, completeness, coherence, conciseness, credibility, correctness, and continuity – these are all the 7 C’s of communication – collectively, this is what is required to achieve more effective communication practices which eventually lead to a more effective learning process. Each C in itself is already an enormous task to maintain but more so when we consider they are not independent of one another, they all work together to help us communicate most efficiently. Clear is when we allow the reader to understand the meaning of our message, as you intended it to be understood. When it is said that it should be so even the dullest man should understand it, it means we should simplify our vocabulary. The message, more importantly, should be crisp and precise. That’s how it â€Å"brings the script alive† and â€Å"can bring flavor in the most arid and dry news story† as totally, it makes the difference between a write-up that satisfies and one that does not. Complete is when a complete picture and all the information required for a reader to take action and respond is all there. An adjective is also taken into consideration here: unified- in individual sentences, individual paragraphs, and the whole totality of the script. Also take into consideration the principle that each simple sentence must answer the who, what, when, why, where, and how questions as appropriate for each of your communication efforts. Coherent is closely related to clarity – easy to read and understand with a logical flow and sequence – it just means tying up several ideas in one topic.  Concise is omitting all that creates ambiguity. It means saying all that  needs to be said and no more.  Credible is clarity, correctness and completeness added up to forceful and direct writing.  Correct is the gauge as when readers may refuse your write up because of inaccuracy. Communication should be in such a way that it includes making sure that the message you send is correct. Your assignments and correspondence should contain accurate information. Proofreading is also helpful to address correctness. Lastly, continuity may well serve as the final balancing act. Brevity is the magic word: it is the use of fewer words. It brings about continuity and grace in your writing. Learnings It is such a taxing task to read or listen as it takes so much effort and time. It is thus of utmost importance that the portmanteau of both principles (of unity, coherence and emphasis) alongside other essentials of effective communication (like language, planning and organization) all make the written communication effective. It then boils down to the 7 C’s considered here wherein I have been reminded once again that jargon has no place in a written report if your intention is solely to be effective and forceful. It irritates to read high sounding words from an article that was supposed to touch the common Juan. It has also stressed the great responsibility on a would-be writer to produce a thought-over, â€Å"meaty† script that should never mean to impress but to give insight. Opinions/Suggestions There are also other C’s that should be considered here like convincing, considerate, and courtesy and I am not certain why there should only be seven. â€Å"Precision of communication is important, more important than ever, in our era of hair trigger balances, when a false or misunderstood word may create  as much disaster as a sudden thoughtless act.†

Analysis Of The Sources Of Disagreement

Rauch, in the beginning of his article, points out several potential merits of agricultural biotechnology such production of transgenic seeds which can counteract the effects of herbicides (2003). This could facilitate no-till farming since the use of herbicides can curtail the growth of weeds. The elimination of tilling process would prevent soil depletion and thereby drastically reduce the use of fertilizers which are harmful to humans as well as all forms of life.He argues that biotechnology could help curb deforestation, as no-till farming and increased productivity on existing tracts of land would reduce the demand for fresh agricultural land. Rauch feels that these positive developments would help preserve ecological balance. However, Altieri and Rosset cite that a lot of scientists are quite worried about the unprecedented consequences that large scale cultivation of transgenic crops can have on the environment (1999).Rauch expresses concerns about the need to feed the ever-in creasing population of the world and suggests that high-yielding transgenic crops would be the solution to this problem. On the other hand, Altieri and Rosset believe that transgenic crops need to be tested under controlled environments, before they are widely made available in the commercial market, due to the unpredictable nature of the consequences. They also believe that public organizations have not remained entirely unbiased and accurate in releasing research information regarding the effects of genetically-altered crops, due to the generous funding of private corporations.Since transgenic seeds are produced by gene transfer, antagonists of agricultural biotechnology research often refer to transgenic crops as Frankenfood. Looking at the situation from a socioeconomic perspective, he feels that biotechnology could help eliminate hunger in the Third world countries, by helping farmers increase crop production. But, Altieri and Rosset believe that poverty, improper management an d poor food distribution mechanisms are responsible for making people starve in underdeveloped nations.According their argument, biotechnology would not help the Third World dramatically since the lack of production is actually not the main reason behind their hunger. Although Altieri and Rosset agree about the potential benefits of biotechnology on some level, they are actually more concerned about the real motives of biotechnology corporations. They point out that transgenic crops developed by biotechnology corporations so far are merely aimed at earning more profits by making farmers solely dependent on their products.They substantiate their claim by citing instances from the past such as Monsanto Corporation’s herbicide-ready crops which were capable of withstanding the harmful effects of only the their own company’s herbicide, thereby forcing farmers to buy their products. Similarly, the introduction of Bt crops capable of developing an insecticide within itself f orced farmers to abandon the use of an extremely useful pesticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis.Rauch affirms that genetically-improved, drought-resistant crops would come to the aid of dry countries facing tremendous water scarcity. Rauch also empathizes with the poor socioeconomic conditions of Third World farmers and emphasizes the need for proper training. Altieri and Rosset also express their concerns about poor farmers’ plight, but charge the big biotechnology corporations of manipulating intellectual property rights to forbid farmers from reproducing and sharing their seeds which has been a tradition as old as agriculture itself.They also state that monopolization of new agricultural technologies could increase market demands for only a few specific transgenic crops, paving the way for monoculture farming and thereby inviting all its associated negative side effects. It is quite evident that transgenic crops offer a plethora of advantages. Rauch feels that this techn ology can transform agriculture as well as the lives of poor farmers and nations. Although Altieri and Rosset share these basic values with Rauch, they advocate following a more measured use of technology complimented by social and economic reforms.

A Crude Awakening to a Ceaseless Dependency in Oil

Crude Oil: It penetrates investor's mind and is increasingly contributing to their fatal dependence. Crude oil: Although it is low cost, it costs money in terms of war, loss of life, and social, social and economic confusion. Crude Oil: We are trying to own Black Gold. What was the beginning of a new traditional product is now a support system for all people. It creates a fantasy that completely changes life, a life without work, a free life, which is the spirit of anesthesia, a vague vision, a source of corruption. Quality in the sea One barrel of crude oil is a hard asset. Even if you are not in the oil industry, you can exchange the oil barrel in the market and exchange goods. However, the value of crude oil is not essential. Hundreds of years ago, before the invention of an engine that could use oil as a fuel, the value of crude oil was zero. One day, if the solar energy becomes cheap enough, the value of crude oil may approach zero again. At the same time, fluctuations in crude oil prices are influenced by current supply-demand situation and prediction of future supply-demand situation. Crude oil, commonly referred to as petroleum, is a liquid on the earth, composed of hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and small amounts of metal. Hydrocarbon is usually the main component of crude oil, its composition varies depending on the type of crude oil and extraction method, but it varies between 50% and 97%. Organic compounds such as nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur normally make up 6% to 10% of the crude oil and metals such as copper, nickel, vanadium and iron account for less than 1% of the total composition. Crude oil is the most common petroleum product in spilled oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and small amounts of sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and minor amounts of inorganic and organometallic compounds. There are three kinds of hydrocarbons, alkane, alkene, and aromatic. Low concentrations of alkanes can cause anesthesia and anesthesia as well as hi gh concentrations of cell damage and death in marine invertebrates. Olefins are usually not included in crude oil, but are included in refined products such as gasoline. Gasoline is more toxic than alkane, but it is less toxic than aromatic. Aromatic hydrocarbons are not common in nature, but they kill marine organisms not only at maximum intensity but also at dilute concentrations. Aromatic hydrocarbons are the most direct toxic component in oils (Boesch, Hershmer et al., 1974).