Saturday, August 31, 2019
Arts Essays – Expressionist, Fauve ; Cubist Art
In 1914, the early modernism critic Clive Bell wrote, The representative component in a work of art may or may non be harmful, ever it is irrelevant. Or, to appreciate a work of art we need conveying with us nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss, no acquaintance with its elements.Discuss the adequateness of this claim with mention to Expressionist, Fauve and Cubist art. On review of Claude Monet ‘s celebrated 1872 picture, ‘Impression – Dawn ‘ , one may detect its capable composing of visible radiation and atmosphere, the ocular effects of mist, fume and cloudy contemplations in the soiled H2O of a seaport ; it is the record of a fugitive minute, a glance of the Sun as it rises through the quickly fade outing mists of morning which, merely seconds subsequently, would hold risen further and changed the whole atmosphere of the scene. Monet, Degas, Pissarro and their creative person coevalss, slightly sardonically named after this renowned innovator piece, exhibited eight times before the 1890s and yet by the bend of the 20th century the Impressionists were being challenged by one of the cardinal elements of their graphics. The morning seaport, lily ponds, danseuses and elusive suburban landscapes that consumed the Impressionist canvas captured a world with which there was a turning clime offive de sieclemalaise. The representative component in a work of art that Clive Bell describes in his 1914 seminal treatise,Art, was cluttered with the irrelevances of literature, scientific discipline and engineering that detracted from the kernel of art as a important signifier composed of strictly aesthetic, instead than realistic, signifiers. Discontentment with the thought that art simply replicated life this new strain of modern creative person approached the easel in order to show instead than depict, to make instead than copy, and therefore the Impressionists dissolved into a fugitive minute of art history. Western art had become preoccupied with an art that embraced the realistic rendition of landscapes and figures, where creative persons worked in forepart of their topics, in the unfastened air instead than in a studio, taking full advantage of the proficient progresss being made in the industry of creative persons ‘ pigments to capture a true feeling of the effects of visible radiation and coloring material. In the early 1900s on the outskirts of Paris Henri Matisse besides preferred to travel out into the streets and do painted ‘impressions ‘ of the streets, the Bridgess, the river, in fact the same subjects that the Impressionists had chosen in the1860s and 1870s. The pictures Matisse made of Notre Dame, nevertheless, had small to make with the atmospheric effects sought by Monet and Pissarro. Rather, he exploited a new reading of world where wide countries of pigment and the reorganization of infinite were cardinal to an of import artistic motion that the Fauvists were shortly to open up: I did non desire to follow a conventional manner of picture ; I wanted to revolutionize wonts and modern-day life – to emancipate nature, to liberate it from the authorization of old theories and classicalism I was filled neither with green-eyed monster or hatred, but I felt a enormous impulse to animate a new universe seen through my ain eyes, a universe which was wholly mine. Henri Matisse, Andr & A ; eacute ; Derain and Maurice Vlaminck evolved this new universe through a manner of painting that earned them the name Les Fauves ( wild animals ) , and, in the brief period between 1904 and 1907 their freedom of look through the usage of pure colorss, additive design and overdone position secured a measure off from the representative component upheld by the Impressionists before them. Matisse ‘s 1904 picture ‘Luxe, Calme et Volupt & A ; eacute ; ‘ can about be viewed as a Fauvist pronunciamento, a disclosure to his circle of coevalss who admired his subjective usage of coloring material, the manner the bare figures had been simplified to the point of ornament and the placing of tree, boat and shoreline to unite the image surface into a individual plane. Through his art Matisse questioned an full heritage of landscape tradition and lead others to oppugn it excessively ; in forepart of this image I understood all the new rules ; Impressionism lost its appeal for me as I contemplated this miracle of imaginativeness produced by pulling and coloring materials. Later work of the Fauves demonstrates freedom from the realistic representation that Bell upheld as irrelevant, but remained concerned with utilizing coloring material for its ain interest. Derain sought a manner out of the deadlock of his fellow Fauvists, experimenting with concepts of a more solid and touchable world within the being of the picture, and it was Apollinaire who remarked that the Cubist aesthetic was foremost elaborated in the head of Andr & A ; eacute ; Derain. To convey nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss and no acquaintance with its elements spilled from a diaphanous impression in Fauvist art into a apparent purpose with creative persons with Cubist understandings. In a blazing renunciation of a tradition that dated back to at least the 14th century, a tradition that equated good picture with retroflexing observed light and signifier, creative persons such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso were utilizing their canvases to make a ocular experience of the universe. Art conveyances us from the universe of adult male ‘s activity to a universe of aesthetic ecstasy. For a minute we are shut off from human involvements ; our expectancies and memories are arrested ; we are lifted above the watercourse of life. The pure mathematician rapt in his surveies knows a province of head which I take to be similar, if non indistinguishable. See Picasso ‘s 1909 picture ‘Houses on the Hill, Horta d'Ebro ‘ and one can clearly see how this illustration of daring art can transport its witness to a universe of aesthetic ecstasy. Every seeable surface is broken down into comparatively distinct, comparatively level surfaces to organize a series of aspects, a assortment of quasi-geometric forms, while multiple point of views render the houses from a figure of coincident point of views. See besides Braque ‘s 1909 ‘Castle at la Roche-Guyon ‘ where the cardinal block of edifices in the landscape hovers and spills across both the foreground and background of the piece doing them into accessible, haptic entities with which the witness can prosecute. Braque and Picasso transformed painted landscape into a designed Cubist infinite, manipulated signifiers through artistic look and imaginativeness that bore small resemblance to the surface ( shallow ) world of being. Cubist image infinite has little regard for perspectival infinite, in which solid objects merely of all time recede from the witness, and where infinite itself is ever empty or hollow. In his contemplations on the Avant-garde Clement Greenberg notes that if art and literature are imitation, so what we have here is the imitation of copying. Art as an look, or imitation of imitating, as opposed to a mere representation of life, is a impression that has arguably been exploited legion times during the history of art, during periods of crisis and turbulence, but expressionist art became a preoccupation of its ain during the early portion of the Twentieth Century. The Expressionist art of Wassily Kandinsky nowadayss simplified landscapes and experiments in abstract art, where glowing colorss and ardent brushstrokes convey the work ‘s intending straight to the witness. In his 1911 ‘Improvisation No. 23 ‘ Kandinsky seems to delight in the additive motion of the lines, forms and infinites and literally improvises a design that is about musical in its hypnotic concepts of quasi-staves, points and mock-clefs. In an art-consciousness manner beyond the familiar surfaces of life and the creative persons who sought to animate them, Kandinsky painted in order to link the ocular affair of art to the interior life of adult male. A similar Expressionist phenomenon was germinating in the work of Franz Marc who besides moved off from object-orientated art to an art of lyrical look, haunted by animate beings which represented the lost artlessness of adult male. For these creative persons unnaturalistic colorss, deigned infinites, the beat of nature, symbolic and brooding images constituted the chase for look: Picasso, Braque, Mondrian, Mir & A ; oacute ; , Kandinsky, Brancusi, even Klee, Matisse and C & A ; eacute ; zanne derive their main inspiration from the medium they work in. The exhilaration of their art seems to lie in its pure preoccupation with the innovation and agreement of infinites, surfaces, forms and colorss, etc. , to the exclusion of whatever is non needfully implicated in these factors. Clive Bell ‘s axiom, that art requires nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss, no acquaintance with its elements is clearly demonstrated in the art motions that evolved out of the representative art at the bend of the Twentieth Century. Reactionary against the Impressionistic rendition of objects the Fauvists, Cubists and Expressionists exploited a impression that art should abandon the representative component that had held art in a headlock for centuries in favor of look and heightened attending to the media or stuffs with which they created their art. While novelists explored the job of novel authorship in plants such asUlyssesandThe Forgers, composers drew attending to the really concepts of their music and ocular creative persons made the redolent map of coloring material and organize their recurrent ‘subject affair. ‘ Bell identifies possibly one of the most of import premises in Avant-Garde art and arguably the subsequent advancement of art through the Twentieth Century owes a great debt to the critic who mused: What I have to state is this: the rapt philosopher, and he who contemplates a work of art, populate a universe with an intense and curious significance of its ain ; that significance is unrelated to the significance of life. In this universe the emotions of life find no topographic point. It is a universe with emotions of its ain. Bibliography Bell, Clive:Art, Oxford University Press, Great Britain, 1987 Gaiger, Jason and Wood, Paul ( ed. ) :Art of theTwentieth Century: A Reader, Open University, Great Britain, 2003 Greenberg, Clement:The Collected Essays andCriticism: Percepts and Judgments 1939 – 1944,The University of ChicagoPress, USA, 1988 Stangos, Nikos ( ed. ) :Concepts of Modern Art: Fauvism to Postmodernism, Thames and Hudson, Singapore, 1997 Wood, Paul and Edwards, Steven ( erectile dysfunction ) :Art of theAvant-Gardes, Open University, USA, 2004
Friday, August 30, 2019
“Everybody knows what religion is, and so, we do not need to define it.†Essay
The study of religion may be as old as humankind itself according to one author. Defining religion is difficult as there are many definitions as there are many authors. The word religion is the most difficult to define because of the lack of a universally accepted definition. Specifically the root meaning of the word religion can be traced to Latin. Relegare or religion means to bind oneself, emanating from the Latin religio, which is translated to re-read emphasising tradition passing from generation to generation. Douglas Davies says â€Å"some have simply described religion as a belief in spiritual beings.†(10). In the book The World Religion there is a suggestion of approaches for tackling the question of religion such as viewing it anthropologically, sociologically, through history, in a scholarly way, theologically and by reductionism. In this paper I will try and assess the definition of religion from aforementioned views and identify the problems of defining religion. James Cox states that in their introductory textbook on religion the American scholars Hall, Pilgrim and Cavanagh identify four characteristic problems with traditional definitions of religion; these are: vagueness, narrowness, compartmentasation and prejudice (9). The authors argue that vagueness means there are so many definitions that they do not distinguish the matter of religion from other fields of study. Tilich’s defines religion as ultimate concern or a simple idea of religion meaning living a good life (9). Living a good life is subjective to an individual since the concerns and values we have are influenced by culture and the community that we live in. The definition of religion may also be viewed as narrow by means of compensating for the vagueness. In most cases the study of religion is fixated on a certain field or line of thought. Hall, Pilgrim and Cavanagh use Thomas Aquinas’ claim that religion denotes a relationship with a God, thereby excluding non-atheistic or polytheistic forms of religion (Cox 9). Most definitions are narrowed down to religious beliefs such as Christianity among other world religions. In narrowing down the definition of religion it excludes other religions such as African Traditional Religions. Due to the fact that African religions lack most characteristics needed of World religions they are excluded from being religion. Atheism is a growing phenomena in the world that does not believe in a God, which I feel have its own belief system. Many definitions focus too narrowly on only a few aspects of religion; they tend to exclude those religions that do not fit well. It is apparent that religion can be seen as a theological, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological phenomenon of human kind. To limit religion to only one of these categories is to miss its multifaceted nature and lose out on the complete definition. The same authors by way of compartmentalisation explain religion in terms of just one single, special aspect of human life. This compartmentalisation reduces religion to one part of human life and ignores its relevance to the totality of human existence. They also argue against Schleiermachers’ definition of religion as a feeling of absolute dependence which might reduce religion to a mere psychological condition, (Cox 9). By compartmentalisation you are taking the part of the whole to be the whole, thereby reducing religion to one aspect of human existence ignoring the totality of existence. Religion is not just a feeling but encompasses the totality of existence in a human being his beliefs, culture and language. Religious or religion is not static but dynamic from one generation to another and they are ever developing in accordance with time and nature. Religion is not only a compartment in life of a human being but a totality, a large elephant it is huge and complex. Most definitions of religion may be viewed as prejudice because they are evaluative in process which cannot present an objective picture of what religion actually is. The same scholars argue giving the example of Karl Max that religion is the opium of the people which is clearly biased (Cox 9). A scholar by the name of Barnhart criticizes traditional definitions of religion identifying in them five issues in prejudice: belief in supernatural, evaluative definitions, diluted definitions, expanded definitions and true religion. In his argument, Barnhart denies that religions must not hold a belief in God or supernatural beings to qualify as religions. He believes that such definitions restrict the subject matter of religion and thus are too exclusive, (Cox 9). In the same argument he concurs with Hall and company call on narrowness of definition of religion. In the same view disagrees with E.B Tylor ‘religion consists of beliefs in spiritual’ beings as too narrow. In asserting that religion definitions are evaluative in nature, Barnhart concurs with Hall that these definitions are prejudiced. He argues against Marx and Freud saying the ultimate concern is itself an evaluative concept imposed on religion from the perspective of Western philosophy. Citing Clarke’s statement that ‘religion is the life of God in the soul of man’ tells us nothing about either God or the soul thereby diluting the definition and affirming other scholars view that religion’s definition is vagueness. Compartmentalisation of the definition of religion can also be likened to what Barnhart calls expanded definitions. He argues against Russell who tries to expand the definition of religion so far as to make it seem an effort to seek comfort in a terrifying world. The argument follows that by trying to define religion as a way of expanding a list of what comprises religion to accommodate one compartment of human existence it has an opposite effect of diluting the definition rather than searching for consolation, (Cox 10). Lastly Barnhart finds a problem in defining all religions in terms of one religion which by definition claims itself to be true. He gives the example of ‘Religion is belief in Jesus’ or ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet’. This clearly categorises the definition of religion are subjective (Cox 10). The example also clearly shows how exclusive some definitions of religion are and proves the earlier mentioned problem of prejudice against one belief system or being traditionally fixated on belief systems of faith. The problem of plurality according to Roger Schmidt religion is difficult to define because it is a collective term applied to a wide range of phenomena. The phenomena include beliefs and practices that all religions have in common. Closely related to plurality is the problem of culture as religion and culture are closely linked. Religion is a child of culture, which is a result of religion being found in a certain contextual culture, therefore, difficult to define religion in all cultures. Religion itself is dynamic the Buddhism of a hundred years ago is not the same today. This shows that religion is not static but dynamic.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Psychology and Family Law Essay
Introduction: The Rise in Divorce Rates.            Rasul began his paper on the economics of child custody with an observation and analysis of the American family. For him, the last thirty years had been witness to dramatic transformations involving the American family (Rasul, 2006, 1).            This dramatic change since the 1970s consists in the composition of American families. Where thirty years ago, more than half of the American families consisted of a father, mother, and child or children, today such composition only forms one in five families (Rasul, 2006, 1).            Such significant change is attributed to one factor alone, which is divorce. Rasul observes that the instances of divorce have risen dramatically over the years, such that it affects more than one million children every year (Rasul, 2006, 1). In the United Kingdom, another industrialized region, forty-one percent of marriages end up in divorce within fourteen years (Lamb, Sternberg, & Thompson, 1997, 394).            While divorce rates also increased in industrialized countries other than the United States, and the divorce rates in the United States already reached a plateau, the fact remains that the United States Bureau of Census estimated in 1992 that more than forty percent of first marriages in the country is bound to end in divorce. Moreover, the relative decline in divorce rates is accompanied by an equivalent effect, which is the number of people cohabiting without marriage and nonmarital child bearing. These other arrangements cause the decline in divorce, but end in the same situation of a broken family. (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 22).            The increase in divorce rates can also be attributed to the certain developments since the 1970s, which include the growing tolerance of society for divorce. Moreover, society is no longer strictly insistent on the maintenance of stereotypical family arrangements (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104). Changes in Family Law.            As a consequence of these dramatic changes, changes in the field of family law also occur. These changes can be found both in substantive and procedural law (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104-105).            Substantive law has changed due to observations of the effects of restrictive and punitive laws on divorce. Thus, many jurisdictions already steered away from the rule that one of the spouses must have committed some transgression before they can be granted divorce. Now, the prevalent rule in most jurisdictions is in accordance with the â€Å"no-fault†doctrine. This doctrine allows married couples to file for divorce on the simple ground of â€Å"irreconcilable differences (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104).†           Another change in substantive law and policy can be found in the gender-neutral stance taken by courts in cases of divorce. The past decades illustrated a bias, manifested in the assumption that mothers have more inherent capability to take care of their children. Today, such an assumption is no longer strongly held. Rather, courts are now showing neutrality in gender and the determination of a family law case now hinges on the consideration of the â€Å"best interests of the child (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104-105).†           Another change in substantial law and policy is manifested in the observation that there is a growing predilection over self-determined divorce and child custody arrangements. This trend of change is largely attributable to the belief that divorce is a private matter that must be left amongst them to be resolved. This belief is a break away from the previous prevailing thought about the state’s interest in protecting the sanctity of marriage through the regulation of its dissolution (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104).            These changes in substantive law on divorce and family law necessarily caused changes in the procedural aspect of the law. Thus, the increased ease by which couples could seek divorce and the option of individualizing post divorce arrangements heavily increased the dockets of courts with divorce cases. This led the courts to encourage divorcing couples to find other alternative means of resolving their issues (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 105).            There are also other factors that make alternative means of resolving family disputes and divorce issues more appealing. The lack of necessity for proving fault in a divorce action removed the need to adjudicate family issues. Moreover, the removal of the presumption in favor of the mother’s capability to care for the child involved courts into making a determination about vague issues, such as love and care, which could be difficult to measure in a court setting. These factors all contributed to the growing popularity of other modes of dispute resolution, such as mediation (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 105). Divorce Mediation.            One such alternative mode of dispute resolution recently applied in family law is mediation. Thus, divorce mediation, under which process a neutral third party intervenes to help the couple settle their differences through negotiation, receives the most attention lately (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 105) especially among parents who wish to get divorced (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 22).            When applied to help couples arrive at self-determined arrangements on matters of divorce and child custody, mediation is believed to cause four benefits, namely, â€Å"(a) more satisfaction with the terms of agreements, (b) greater compliance with agreements, (c) less postdivorce conflict between ex-spouses, and (d) better postdivorce emotional adjustment (D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 105).†           Indeed, mediation posed itself as a solution to the ever-increasing rates of divorce in the Untied States, as well as an alternative to ineffective and traditional methods of dispute settlement, such as litigation (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 22). Mediation is becoming the alternative method of dispute resolution of choice since it provides professional help to divorces, which have a high probability of getting acrimonious. Thus, there are only few couples that could manage to suffer a divorce in amicable terms. In a survey of two California counties, it was found that 24 percent of divorces therein required professional intervention, while 25 percent involved intense conflict (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 23).            Mediation is also popular among couples seeking divorce because unlike court action or litigation, it has the ability to facilitate administration of justice and reduce cost, specifically in terms of money and time. Moreover, adversary settlement procedures are now believed to cause problems involving post separation family relationships, arising from parental conflict and divorce. (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 23). Comparison of Divorce Mediation and Adversary Settlement.          It is not uncommon for mediation to get compared from other forms of dispute settlement, such as adversary settlement. In a study conducted by Emery, Sbarra and Grover, a comparison was made between mediation and adversary settlement through random assignment (2005, 25). They randomly approached families that were interested in contested custody hearing and offered them a mediation program as an eleventh hour settlement attempt (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 25).          This study yielded positive results with respect to the time of settlement of issues. Thus, the authors found that cases assigned to mediation were settled in half the time that settlement using adversary settlement occurred. On the other hand, there are other studies that conclude that mediation is better over adversary settlement in terms of cost, because the former is less expensive than the latter. In addition, it was observed that there is a â€Å"trend for greater compliance with child support orders among nonresidential parents who mediated†(Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 27).          They also observed that there are more families coming from mediation that go back in order to update or change their existing arrangements. The authors view this in a positive light, saying that parenting plans should be viewed as living agreements that must be changed in accordance with corresponding changes in the stakeholders’ lives. Such changes are best made by going back to the mediation process (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 27).          In addition, Emery, Sbarra and Grover noticed in the follow-up sessions to their study that most of their subjects who belonged to the mediation group were more open to the idea or suggestion of changing their original agreements. They are also the ones who actually adjusted their arrangements more often than those subjects who belonged to the adversary system (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 28).          The authors noted that the willingness of the subjects to modify their original arrangements, coupled with the actual facts of modification, is a positive finding. Aside from the fact that the changes had been far from chaotic, they prove that parents who underwent mediation had become more flexible in accommodating changes that are important in the lives of their children and their own (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 28).          The authors also looked into another factor to compare mediation with the adversary process. This factor is party satisfaction. They noted that each kind of method of dispute settlement has certain strengths. For example, the adversary system’s known strength is that it ensures that the rights of both parties are protected. On the other hand, mediation is known for being more understanding of the feelings of the parties involved (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 28).          However, this main difference, which had looked so glaring before study, disappeared in view of the results that showed that mediation consistently got high rates of party satisfaction over the adversary system, even if the assessment was based on the criterion that is known for being the strength of such system. More importantly, the authors observed that such high rate of party satisfaction remains relatively unchanged among different time durations. Thus, a party may be satisfied with mediation six weeks after mediation, but surprisingly, parties remain satisfied even after a period of more than a year (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 28). Important Elements of Mediation.          Mediation remains on the top of the list of effective methods of dispute settlement, especially in divorce rates, because it boasts of certain elements that ensure the process’ success. One such element is its capability of enlisting the cooperation of parents in order to take the long view, and consider the best interests of their children in the future (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 32).          Considering that divorce cases often involve high conflict, open hostility, and tension, it is difficult to call upon parents to cooperate with each other. However, mediation allows parents to take a look at the future of their relationship, maybe not as a couple, but as permanent parents (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 32).          Mediation is also effective in educating divorcing parents and couples about emotions. These emotions involve not only those felt by the couple involved, but more importantly, those of their child or children. There are several techniques by which the goal of emotional education can be achieved, but one effective way is through the mediator’s reflection of a child’s possible emotional reactions to the crisis situation using his self as a medium. For example, the mediator could say how uncomfortable and scary an experience becomes when the couple starts fighting each other. Thus, mediation allows parents to realize that their bickering actually affects the emotions of people around them, and thereby stop thinking about themselves. It is apparent therefore that mediation does not necessarily provide therapy for the emotional problems of the parties, but it allows them to understand the feelings and emotions involved in order to help them control such emotions in the best possible way and, in the process, achieve a good plan for the family (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 33).          Finally, mediation is an effective process because it helps parties avoid treating each other as adversaries. A business-like approach such as the one commonly used in mediation allows the parties to approach issues in a distant and less emotional state. Moreover, not treating each other as adversaries avoids the road to strained relationships that only cause the wounds of the divorce to get worse (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 34). Effects of Divorce on Children            The trend in favor of divorce and single parenthood in industrialized countries has raised concerns about the effects of such family arrangements to children involved. Unfortunately for children, divorce often leads to negative immediate effects, such as serious emotional and psychological disturbance. Considering that psychological symptoms such as emotional disturbance, loneliness, depression, anger, helplessness, and many others are common among the parents or couples involved, it should be expected that such negative effects would be experienced more severely by the children trapped inside the crisis (Lamb, Sternberg, & Thompson, 1997, 394).            It is worth noting that the difficulty of children in dealing with their parents’ divorce is aggravated by the fact that the parents involved in the crisis are often too preoccupied with their personal emotions such that they fail to give much-needed support to their children. Worse, these parents often fall in the temptation to make too much demand that worsen the situation for their children (Lamb, Sternberg, & Thompson, 1997, 395).            Another problem common to children in divorce situations is the economic problem brought about by the need to maintain two separate residences, and the common situation of mothers who are more economically-challenged than the fathers. However, such situation is avoided or minimized in cases where the parents resolve their conflicts and work out a way of providing for the educational, emotional, and economic needs of their children (Lamb, Sternberg, & Thompson, 1997, 395-396). Conclusion.            Divorce and single parenting is increasingly becoming common in industrialized regions such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This trend is caused by several factors and, in turn, causes several issues, practices, and concerns in many different levels, such as the family, children, substantive and procedural law, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (Rasul, 2006, 1; D’Errico & Elwork, 1991, 104).            Divorce causes deleterious effects on the parties. However, the negative impact of divorce is more squarely felt by the affected children who, in their tender age, are forced into adjusting and coping with the emotional stress and burden necessitated by divorce proceedings (Lamb, Sternberg, & Thompson, 1997, 394).            Such hardships could be minimized by different factors, such as cooperation between parents in providing emotional, economic and educational support to their children. Parents also have the option of minimizing or totally avoiding antagonism and hostility in the divorce proceedings by choosing to undergo mediation rather than court litigation. Indeed, mediation provides many advantages and avoids the stress involved in court action (Emery, Sbarra & Grover, 2005, 22). References D’Errico, M. G. & Elwork, A. (1991). Are Self-Determined Divorce and Child Custody   Agreements Really Better? Family and Conciliation Courts Review 29(2), 104-  113. Emery, R. E., Sbarra, D. & Grover, T. (2005). Divorce Mediation: Research and Reflections. Family Court Review 43(1), 22-37. Lamb, M. E., Sternberg, K. J., & Thompson, R. A. (1997). The Effects of Divorce and  Custody Arrangements on Children’s Behavior, Development, and Adjustment.     Family and Conciliation Courts Review 35(4), 393-404. Rasul, I. (2006). The Economics of Child Custody. Economica 73, 1-25.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Libya ongoing revolutions and protests in the countries Essay
Libya ongoing revolutions and protests in the countries - Essay Example Libyan revolution is also a moment where Libyan masses have stood against the dictatorship of Gaddafi. Libyan people rebelled against ideology and dysfunctional Gaddafi government (Burleigh 2011). As often happens, elements of ideology have inspired a genuine form of them to commence a revolution against the rulers. Gaddafi always mentioned Libya as â€Å"state of the masses†which is against the reality (Meo 2011). Revolution against his mockery is getting strength day by day. It is worth mentioning that revolution is non-dominant by any specific class as Libya stood as a single nation against Gaddafi (Al Jazeera 2011). Gaddafi’s Libya does not follow any law and rule in the country, his might and power is the law of state. Gaddafi thinks that Libya cannot survive without his leadership ad without his family. Gaddafi has been found involved in rebellious activities outside the Libyan borders as well. With such a long history of brutality and violence, every Libyan is a ware of the consequences of opposing him but even than people are protesting to be free of his rule (Meo 2011). The revolution has spread from Benghazi, to the capital city Tripoli (BBC 2011). Masses are able to get control over the large area after the onset of revolution in March this year. Gaddafi regime is slowly moving to its end as soldiers, police officers, and diplomats are reluctant to suppress their own citizens (Al Jazeera 2011). The protests show no sign of support. In fact, the Gaddafi’s regime has shaken. Reports indicate that soldiers, police officers, and diplomats are defecting. Air force pilots are reluctant to bomb civilian population, choosing instead to crash their warplanes (Al Jazeera 2011). Arab world has all the sympathies and support with Libyan people. Outcome of the confrontation is still not clear but people are energized to get their territory free of Dictator Gaddafi. Most of the protests took place around famous Green Square. Gaddafi government to suppress the uprising used all military machinery. The New York Times reported that the crackdown in Libya as the bloodiest of the recent government actions that casted hundreds of lives (BBC 2011). Several Libyan officials resigned during protests while others left the government. Funeral processions faced gunfires in the eastern city of Benghazi killing people and wounding many more. Benghazi city's residents faced the battle bravely in the streets imposed by brutal security forces sent from the capital. One man, who gave his name only as Mohammed talked to the BBC that "The army is joining the citizens, the people are going out of their homes and fighting street by street and they are winning†(Meo 2011). Therefore, number of anti government supporters is increasing fast. Gaddafi has refused to resign from his office despite severe retaliation of policies by the people of Libya. Good amount of army troops are committed to enforce the will of Moammar Gaddafi on the innoc ent people of Libya (BBC 2011). Gaddafi’s government ordered to open fire on the protesters gathered in Tripoli. The people gave their blood to continue the revolution until dictators leaves the office and democracy is restored. People of an oil rich soil are deprived of the jobs and basic facilities for decades (Meo 2011). NATO forces operated against the Gaddafi’s supporting agencies to protect the Libyan people. NATO successfully
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
India's Economy and China's Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
India's Economy and China's Economy - Essay Example Looking at this view of his, let us take this stance further by discussing how the divergence and competence of the entrepreneurial forces in India has given it a slight edge over China, when it comes to facilitating environment for the entrepreneurs.. Generally speaking, China is viewed way ahead of India regarding government policy formulation and implementation. China surpasses India with its faster government policies, modern and developed infrastructures and well-versed economic policies. On the contrary, India is fuddled with slow legal processes, underdeveloped infrastructures and relatively a high rate of illiteracy. Also, the Chinese leadership is making effective steps to â€Å"isolate†China from the global downturn, plaguing many economies of the world. However, the Indian government is criticized for adopting a lumbering approach to regain its struggling economy. These discrepancies on the Indian side are reflected in the GDP figures of both the countries. As Schu man (2010) states The World Bank figures has shown that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased only by 6.4% in calendar 2009, which is far short of the 8.7% rate China announced in mid-January. Although, the above discussed perspectives about both the countries’ economy may show that Chinese economy is in far better shape than India and that could augur well for Chinese entrepreneurs, it may not be the case. Firstly because, surprisingly in recent times, India is emerging as a vigorously energetic economy, as it seems to be rebounding from the global economic downturn with a stronger force. Doubtless to say, the global slowdown would bring serious problems to India, â€Å"but the country’s mood has changed fundamentally since the government began opening up the economy in 1991: fatalism has been replaced by can-do optimism.†(A Special Report, 2009). This optimism is reflected in the entrepreneurial â€Å"spheres†in India. That is, In spite of the political and social uphill, the country has started to pitch for entrepreneurialism which is hot on the air, at present. It is obvious that the entrepreneurial activities are indeed reshaping the India’s economy to a far better level. â€Å"Tarun Khanna points out that the entrepreneurial spirit is beginning to breathe new life into India’s public sector.†(Watch this Space). One of the main â€Å"catalysts†that is driving entrepreneurship in India than China is the sizable well-educated and confident young population, who want to come up with new businesses. It is evident that the current demographic profile of India would do wonders to the country’s economy. â€Å"India is now blessed with a young and growing workforce. Its dependency ratio - the proportion of children and old people to working-age adults - is one of the best in the world and will remain so for a generation†. (Indian Miracle). Although, China also has a siza ble young population, the advantage with Indian young population particularly their budding entrepreneurs is their proficiency of English language and the resultant confident approach with the Western clients. â€Å"Indian capitalism is driven by millions of entrepreneurs furiously doing ahead with this task, and thriving small businesses with many world-class ones whose English-speaking bosses network confidently with the global elite.â€
Monday, August 26, 2019
Toxicology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Toxicology - Research Paper Example Methyl mercury can coordinate (bond) to more than one cysteine amino acid. Unlike ingested inorganic mercury, ingested methyl mercury is easily absorb by the gastrointestinal tract and found its way into the blood, where its forms bonds with the thio groups in cysteine of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The methyl mercuric-cysteinyl compound or complex mimic another essential amino acid, known as methionine, and it is, unfortunately, recognized by amino acid transporting proteins in the body as methionine (Kerper, Ballatori, & Clarkson, 1992). Thus it is freely transported throughout the body to various parts including the brain and across the placenta, where it is absorbed by the developing fetus. It causes several health disorders in the body. Hence, methylation turns metal mercury into a toxic compound. Bibliography Kerper, L. E., Ballatori, N., & Clarkson, T. W. (1992). Methylmercury transport across the blood-brain barrier by an amino acid carrier. Am. J. Physiol. , 262 .
Darden's Global Supply Chains Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Darden's Global Supply Chains - Case Study Example Furthermore, the livelihoods of millions of individuals all over the globe are determined by facilitating the provision and production of services and goods bought by the company. Recently, some of Darden’s primary fields of emphasis has been to manage and understand supply chain sustainability well and know how they can impact a positive transformation. Shi and Liao, (2013) state that the company has also recognized prospects for and frequently engages its suppliers on a variety of sustainability problems. From the labour and human rights to seafood and animal welfare sustainability. Their approach is based on building a longstanding, mutually beneficial affiliation with their suppliers and also work with them cooperatively and constructively in order to increase their sustainability enactment when required. By being involved with suppliers to reduce the volume of packaging, the company decreases the fuel amount required to transport goods while decreasing the waste packaging that can be produced downstream. Darden has four different supply chains. To start with, we have Small ware, this is a term in the restaurant industry for things like silverware, kitchenware and tableware, linens and dishes. According to Flint, (2004), the benefit of small ware is that if reduces the price of shipping these minor items this is because all of them do come from a similar region in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, it aids to harmonize all their restaurants in an organized manner. Hence, providing them with small wares of the same quality. By everything being available in a single location, it becomes simple to manage, costs are lowered, and bookkeeping is easy. Therefore, the company can purchase inexpensive unpackaged quantities of products. The second supply chain is frozen and canned food products. The benefit of this supply chain is that it is cheap to operate with the eleven centres of distribution. Also, the distribution centres
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Role of IMF in poverty alleviation Research Paper
Role of IMF in poverty alleviation - Research Paper Example PRGF supported programs were derived from a member’s PRSP that ensured that the reforms it supported were owned by the county and oriented to realizing economic growth and poverty reduction goals (Vreeland 3). Although it may be too early to appraise the new framework’s success in achieving the objectives, it is time to evaluate progress to this day and discover shortcomings that may need course corrections in the initiative’s design and implementation. The IMF was initiated at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 and created by 29 countries in 1945. The international organization’s main objective was to help in the construction of international payment system after the Second World War. Member countries help to contribute funds through a quota system where countries that face payment imbalances can borrow money and other resources. Through the fund, and surveillance of member countries economies and self-correcting policies demand, the organization works to recover the economies of member countries. IMF headquarters is in Washington, D.C. (Jensen 3). The IMF works to promote world’s monetary cooperation and ensures that there is a financial stability, aid international trade, assists in employment issues and economic growth to alleviate poverty in the world. The IMF objectives are in the Articles of Agreement; they are: promoting international economic co-operation, employment, international trade, and the stability of the exchange rate by making finances available to members in order to meet the needs of the balance of payments (Woods 2). The IMF fosters economic stability and global growth. The organization offers advice to policy matters and financial support to member countries that are in economic difficulties. IMF works together with developing countries to help them achieve economic stability and poverty reduction. The justification for this support is that international capital markets work imperfectly, and
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Assessment for Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Assessment for Learning - Essay Example This essay will talk about the student-centred assessment process on vocational teaching and learning process. MCAST is offering a chance to several individuals to acquire effective knowledge and skills in order to make themselves more employable through the lifelong education and assessment process (MCAST, 2010, p.1). This study will discuss the student-centred assessment approach to MCAST Art & Design Institute’s Media Studies subject. In student-centred learning process, the students play an important part in the learning evaluation. In this process, the students can decide the demonstration of their learning process. The students should develop an assessment that supports motivation and learning which can be thought of to be an important criterion of student-centred approaches. Media studies generally deals with the history, effects and contents of several media. Media studies deal with traditions from the humanities and social sciences. Communication science, mass communi cation, communication studies and communication are the important ingredients of the media studies. MCAST Art & design institute incorporated these subject matters in Media studies. MCAST conducts assessments in the international and national context of higher education. The major aim of student-centred assessment strategy in MCAST is to develop skills, knowledge and competencies. The program learning outcomes are very much practical. These outcomes are focused to help the students to develop their skills, competencies and knowledge. This program has several clear and transparent program assessment strategies like assessment plans. The learning assessment strategies are very much student focused. Both the program teams and program board work together to develop the skills, competencies and knowledge of the students. In this process students are supported and encouraged to become significant independent learners. E-learning facility and advanced technology are implemented to assist t he students to achieve the learning outcomes. It is important that the teachers should help their students to make a positive approach to the subject matter. Student centred assessment strategy is important in the vocational institutions as it helps the students to provide the practical knowledge. It is important for the students to gain practical knowledge in the media studies. The institution focused on providing effective practical guide to the students. It is important to apply Student-centred assessment approach in media studies. It will help to fulfil the special needs of students. This educational approach of students has several propositions for the designing of the course content, curriculum, assessment of courses and evaluation process. Question 2 Formative, summative and portfolio assessment methods are three major assessment methods. Formative assessment takes place throughout the learning program. In MCAST, the learner is assessed and provided feedback during the learni ng process. It is known as the formative assessment. On the other hand, summative assignment helps to assess the students at predetermined points at the end of the learning process. Portfolio assessment can be described as the collection of activities that are linked with concepts which are required for the students to learn. Validity of an assessment method is the specific extent that helps to measure the suitability of the interpretation of outcomes. It is a matter of degree. There are four types of validity, such as content
Friday, August 23, 2019
Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7
Journal - Assignment Example In the story, the two main characters, a man and a woman, are involved in a decision-making process about an issue that can affect their life. Being both free spirits, they are both hesitant to admit that their life will inevitably change like the hills that look like white elephant that look out of place in the horizon. Because the said issue is of great effect to both their lives, they are continuously talking about it. The man wants the woman to do something but she clearly does not like it. But both of they do not verbalize such feelings instead they are expressing the opposite. The argument between the two main characters can be compared to the factors in life that can affect the decisions that people make. There are people who are like travellers and just depend on fate to lead them to their destinations. There are people who take active actions and make important decisions in life to be able to achieve their goals. The in the story still wanted to have an easy traveller’s life but he is telling the woman that he can accept her decision which ever choice she makes. On the other hand, the woman wanted to arrive at a serious decision but she is telling the man that she is carefree regarding the decision they had to make. The story captures the complexity of life. It also reveals a perspective that no matter how people wanted to have free spirit and leave everything to fate, at one point decisions are needed to be
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Culture diversity Essay Example for Free
Culture diversity Essay Increasingly today, people come into regular contact with individuals from different cultures and its important to learn to talk with people who may not share a common language, background, and/or worldview. Each of us participates in at least one culture, and most of us are products of several cultures Being aware of our own culture and background is really important as it helps us understand how we are shaped by what we have experienced. Even within cultures, we all have different attitudes and beliefs based on our experiences and this will impact on the way we relate to people both professionally and in our personal life. Learning to value diversity, to become conscious of our ways of relating to each other and their ways of relating to us, does not come easily to most of us nor is it something that can be imposed from the outside. In Valuing Relationship (1995), Lewis Brown Griggs sums the interrelationship of knowing ourselves and building relationship with others as follows: Knowing myself is what allows me to know, understand, and value the diversity of others so that I can build trust with them. With more trust comes the ability to communicate more clearly, to problem solve and network more effectively, and to realize the value of synergistic relationships and productive interdependency. Together, investing in my relationship with myself and enhancing my relationship with others are important insurance policies against lost opportunities. (page 210) Griggs, L. B. (1995). Valuing Relationship: The Heart of Valuing Diversity. In L. B. Griggs L. L. Louw (Eds.), Valuing Diversity: New Tools for a New Reality. McGraw Hill, Inc: New York.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Raising Minimum Wage Essay Example for Free
Raising Minimum Wage Essay Corona English 1B 04/11/13 I want to start off by telling you a little bit about Ms. Criswell she works full time, with no benefits, and she hasnt had a raise in three years. After taxes, she brings home $1,030 a month – enough, if shes careful, to meet her expenses, with little wiggle room. â€Å"What I feel, she says, is anxiety. I felt it just this morning. Its constantly in the back of my mind: Am I going to have enough to pay the bills? †She grows what food she can and buys items that can be stretched out to multiple meals. To live with the concern of whether or not she will be able to keep her home and feed herself shouldnt be an issue for anyone. They are programs to help starving children in foreign countries then maybe the government should stop and look at whats happening in America. We cant say Ms. Criswell is lazy and doesnt want to work, so how else can she bring home more income if she is limited to what is available. If minimum wage was to be increased, this would allow people to bring home more income and there are concerns and I will address them in the following. According to minimum-wage. rg, a full time minimum wage worker in California working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, will earn $64. 00 per day, $320. 00 per week, and $16,640. 00 per year. The national poverty line for a family unit consisting of two people is $14,570 per year. This doesnt give much room for emergencies or health complications or even extra money to put away in a savings account, most families live paycheck to pa ycheck. With rising gas prices and rent, theres no doubt that a bigger pay check can substancially lower the risk of going bank rupt or putting the health and well being of your child in danger. Cost of living has risen since the last time minimum wage was raised and therefore calls for a raise in the near future. I agree on raising minimum wage for a few reasons. Big corporations are making an enormous amount of money, they should be able to compensate their employees at a decent rate. In California, the minimum wage is considered $8. 00 an hour but is not limited to paying a new employee under 20 a minimum wage of $4. 25 for the first 90 days, or paying a full-time high school or college students working part time to be paid $6. 80 an hour. This is completely legal and it is to the discretion of the employer to determine the final wage. With companies are making thousands of dollars you would think they would be able to compensate their employees at a higher wage. If companies could increase an employees salary, that means the employee can take home a bigger check which can turn out to be a good thing. Now more money is coming in, the more they can spend on items that will in return create more jobs to supply the increase of demanded items. Now, I know â€Å"more money means more spending†may seem like a bad thing Cost of living is an issue when the ideal living situation isn’t customized to every family More money coming into the house hold can mean money spent on items and in favor create more jobs to meet the demand. Those who oppose an increase to the minimum wage, however, argue that the effects on employment rates would be exactly the opposite of those supporters expect. A higher minimum wage, would be too heavy a burden on employers. We can see this being an issue with small business owners and those employers, in turn, would be unable to hire as many people. I understand that small business will have an issue hiring more people if the minimum wage is raised but on the other hand raising minimum wage will motivate people to go out and provide for themselves thus lowering unemployment rates. If minimum wage is applied inconsistently then it does seem unfair to a person living in a different state with a much lower minimum wage, but we also have to give account to the cost of living in that particular state. Rent, food, bills, etc. , maybe be higher or depending on what state the person resides
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Housing Policy of Conservative Government: 1979 to 1997
Housing Policy of Conservative Government: 1979 to 1997 What aspects of the housing policies of conservative Governments between 1979 and 1997 reflect the key policy principles of public choice theory? The following will discuss the aspects of the Conservatives housing policies between 1979 and 1997 that reflected the key policy principles of public choice theory. When the Conservatives came to power they were committed to reducing the size and the role of the public sector which had consequences for the housing policies they pursued in office. Reducing the quantity of public sector housing, as will be examined, fitted in with the principles of public choice theory. The principles of public choice theory are mainly based upon the idea that the public should be free to make choices about the services that are available to them. Services such as education, healthcare provision, and specifically here regarding housing policies (Dorey, 2005 chapter 6). Britain had a large public housing sector of council houses that were rented to people at lower rent levels than paid to private landlords. Council tenants had little choice in the location, quality, and costs of council housing (Parsons, 1995 pp. 306 326). Council housing had not been built to fit in with the principles of public choice theory, it was solely intended to provide affordable housing for those people that could not afford to buy their own homes, or afford private sector rents (Parsons, 1995). Housing policies are not usually designed for the benefit of those that analyse public policy (John, 1998 p. 9). Before 1979 central government set quotas for how much public housing could be built , whilst councils allocated houses in order of the most needy first. The destruction of housing during the Second World War meant that high levels of council house construction had been necessary (Sandbrook, 2005 p. 179). Margaret Thatcher wished to increase people’s choices and opportunities to own their own homes. This was partly to increase levels of home ownership and partly to reduce the role of government in people’s lives (Fisher, Denver Benyon, 2003, p.15). The selling off of council housing certainly was a key aspect of the Conservatives housing policies that reflected the principles of public choice theory. That it did so was due to coincidence rather than design. The main motivations behind the selling off of council housing were political, economical, and ideological. The Conservatives believed that it allowed more people to own their own homes and would increase their electoral support. Homeowners were more likely to vote Conservative than council house t enants who had traditionally been strong Labour supporters (Coxall, Robins Leach, 2003, p.28). Economically and ideologically selling off council housing fitted in with the aim of reducing the public sector. It also proved to be one of the most popular Conservative policies between 1979 and 1997, more than a million families bought their council houses (Moran, 2005, p. 18). For the Conservatives under Thatcher’s leadership, housing policies were part of their plans to change the economy and society away from the post-war consensus of Keynesian economics and a welfare state in which people had no influence over the way services were provided (Eatwell Wright, 2003 p.147). The popularity and take up rates for the right to buy council housing was a de facto privatisation of large parts of the public housing sector. Its impact on the British economy was similar to the privatisation of the public utilities, the reduction of trade union power, and the adoption of monetarist policies (Dorey, 2005 chapter 6). The Conservatives were aware that not every council house tenant was either willing or able to buy their homes from their respective local authorities. Therefore the Conservatives decided to further reduce the level of public housing controlled by councils by transferring whole housing estates to non-profit organisations such as housing associations dubbed ‘Registered Social Landlords (RSLs)’. Tenants were given the right to choose between local authorities and RSLs controlling the management of their housing estates. The right to opt out or stay under local authority control nominally gave tenants a greater freedom to live their lives. Taken at face value this was another aspect of Conservative policy that followed the principles of public choice theory (Coxall, Robins, Leach, 2003 p. 28). It was also another example of the Conservatives trying to reduce the powers of local authorities (Parsons, 1995 pp. 306 326). Under the Conservatives the number of houses being built for the public sector dropped dramatically as local authorities were not allowed to use the money from council house sales to fund new construction (Parsons, 1995 pp. 306 -326). Instead new house construction was mainly undertaken by private sector building firms. The public had more choice about where they lived and the size of their homes, if they could afford to buy their homes. The more limited number of homes built for the public sector was constructed for RSLs and housing associations. Removing the management of public housing from the control of local authorities was intended to make social housing provision more cost effective and more responsive to the needs and wishes of their remaining tenants (Stoker, 1999 p. 53). The Conservative governments were also hopeful that the transfer of public housing would save money, as RSLs would seek to fund improvements and new construction through partnerships with private sector bu sinesses. Since 1997, New Labour has not substantially altered housing policies as a means to limit expenditure as much as reflecting a wish to continue with policies influenced by the principles of public choice theory (Seldon Kavanagh, 2005 pp. 70 – 71). Therefore, aspects of the housing policies of the Conservative governments between 1979 and 1997 reflected the key principles of public choice theory from 1979 the Conservatives were intent on reducing the level of people that lived in council housing through the right to buy scheme. That scheme allowed existing tenants to purchase their homes at discounted prices. Right to buy fitted in with Margaret Thatcher’s political, economic and ideological beliefs that the public sector should be reduced to allow people to make their own decisions and become homeowners. Thatcher rightly assumed that council tenants that bought their own homes would be more likely to vote Conservative. Not only did selling off council housing reflect the principles of public theory, it had the political advantage of being electorally popular. For people that could not afford to buy their council houses the Conservatives introduced the possibility of whole estates opting out of local authority control ma naged by RSLs. The Conservatives managed to achieve their aim of increasing home ownership in Britain as over a million council houses were bought by their tenants. Bibliography Coxall B, Robins L Leach R (2003) Contemporary British Politics 4th edition, Palgrave, London Dorey P (2005) Developments in British Public Policy, Sage Publications, London Eatwell Wright (2003) Contemporary Political Ideologies 2nd Edition, Continuum, London Fisher J, Denver D, Benyon J, (2003) Central Debates in British Politics, Longman, London John P, (1998) Analysing Public Policy, Pinter, London Moran M, (2005) Politic and Governance in the UK, Palgrave, Basingstoke Parsons W, (1995) Public Policy, Edward Elgar, Aldershot Sandbrook D, (2005) Never had it so good – A History of Britain from Suez to the Beatles, Abacus, London Seldon A Kavanagh D, (2005) The Blair Effect 2001 – 5, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Stoker G, (1999) The New Management of British Local Governance, MacMillan Press Ltd, London
Jean-Louis David and Jean-Jacques Rousseau Essay -- History Art Artwor
Jean-Louis David + Jean-Jacques Rousseau Question : In what ways and to what extent is an understanding of historical context important in approaching the works of (a) David and (b) Rousseau? "The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons", is a painting by the French artist Jean-Louis David in 1789. Having led the fight which overthrew the monarchy and established the Roman Republic. Brutus tragically saw his sons participate in a plot to restore the monarchy. As a judge, he was called upon to render the verdict, and without hesitation condemned his two sons to death. The full title of this work is "Brutus Returning Home after having Sentenced his Sons for Plotting a Tarquinian Restoration and Conspiring against Roman Freedom; the Lictors brint there Bodies to be Buried." In 1789, for Jean-Louis David to bring up such a subject was majorly controversial and reveals how deeply committed the artist was to the new ideas and enlightement principals. Indeed, had the revolution not occured, this picture could never have been exhibited publicly. After the fall of the bastille, David's pictures were seen as a republican manifesto, and greatly raised David's reputation In order to fully understand David's artwork, it is important to posess a certain amount of historical knowledge on the various events that took place during the artists career, mainly the French Revolution. Behind each of his paintings is a story of historical importance. However, it is also very likely that David's paintings were often misinterpreted simply due to the fact that someone didn't fully grasp the significance of the artwork. Like "The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons", as recorded by the Roman historian Livy, David's paintings covered many different historical era's. "The Death of Marat", 1793, is more simplistic and intense. David was in active sympathy with the Revolution, his majestic historical paintings, ("The Oath of Horatii", "Death of Socrates", and "Brutus's sons") were hailed as artistic demands for political action. He orchestrated the great festival of the people on 14 July 1790, and designed uniforms, banners, triumphal arches, and inspirational props for the Jacobin club's propaganda. David was president of the Jacobin club on the day that his good friend and fellow Jacobin, Jean-Paul Marat was killed by a young Royalist who... ...y as Jean-Louis David and his paintings. Both these influential people helped to ignite a passion amongst the French general public and change French politics. Looking at Rousseau's idea for government seems unacceptable or impossible to us, however, his idea, which was prominent in the revolution, that sovereignty resides with the people, that "man is born free". Both Rousseau and democracy preserve the idea that government is legitimate only if it emerges from us. Jean-Louis David's form of neoclassical paintings which are difficult to seperate from their political and social context, were very different from the traditional paintings of the era. When looking at David's artwork one must acknowledge how artistic concerns were bound up with broader social issues. Many of his paintings bear strong symbolic political references. In order to read, think like Rousseau or understand the true meaning behind David's artwork one must possess, from a historical context, knowledge on the French Revolution, how different French society and culture was and information regarding each artists background, for example, who they were, and what they meant to the general public of that time.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Essay --
It was my first time leaving the country, and I was excited. The summer of Saudi was hot, and I couldn’t stop thinking about going away for the first time. My family and friends were helping me pack the last of my luggage, and I was on my way to the airport. As I made my way through the gates and into the plane, I could never imagine the experiences that were to come. It all started with my airport and Canadian immigration services, then meeting my host family and the people of Canada, and last but not least the school experience. As I left Saudi Arabia, it was a bittersweet feeling. I left from Riyadh to Vancouver via London. My experience at the airport in London for the first time was very difficult. So when I was in Riyadh airport, my father and mother gave me advice to study hard and be a good student. All my friends were with me to say their final good byes because it was my first time leaving alone. Before I got on the plane, I met a new friend who I didn’t even know would end up at the same university as me in Canada. It’s a small world because I did not expect this. We became good friends and our friendship continues until today. When I arrived at Heathrow airport in London, I felt this empty feeling, like I was missing something already. My mind started to go blank and the little English that I knew, I forgot. So it was very difficult for me to talk to any airport staff and ask them where I should go. Then I became nervous because I didn’t know what to do. I w as praying that somebody would be able to help me. Suddenly, I found a guy who looked like an Arab and I approached him to ask him for his help. I found out he was Egyptian. He was very kind to me and was able to guide me to my terminal a... ...tely, my test was not very good so I was put in the beginners level. I struggled at the beginning, but as time went on, I became more comfortable and started speaking little by little. The more I spoke, the better my communication in English became. One year passed and I became comfortable in the city, with my host family, and new international friends, all because I spoke better English. My experience of leaving Saudi Arabia has made me a better person. Of course at the beginning it was very difficult, but I’m glad now that I was able to get a scholarship to study in Canada and learn English. Maybe if I didn’t get this opportunity, I would not have met the people I met and become friends with them. The best thing I can say about leaving my country is that now I have friends from all over the world and I would not change anything for that experience.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Marcus Tullius Cicero :: Ancient Rome Roman History
Marcus Tullius Cicero "We are in bondage to the law in order that we may be set free" Marcus Tullius Cicero came into philosophical fame during the Roman Republic era. At a very young age, Cicero, who came from a modest home, made it his ambition to hold a high political position in Rome. Unfortunately, his middle class ancestry restricted his ability in achieving his goals. As a result he sought a military position to gain authority. Cicero proved to be an ineffective soldier, which gradually lead him to select a career in law. In 63 B.C. he moved up in the Roman oligarchy by acquainting himself with many politicians who aided him in obtaining the title of "consul", the highest Roman office. In three years an effective rebel occurred against the Republic from the First Triumvirate of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus. They seized control of the Senate and enforced the ideals of the Roman Empire. Cicero was meant to be included because of his influence, but he clung to the old Republic ideals, which lead to his exile, and he was forbidden to take part in politics. Dur ing his exile, Cicero furthered his studies in philosophy for a year. Cicero still dreamed of the reincarnation of the old Republic, and wrote about the republic and on laws. During this time, it is most likely that the above quote was uttered. Philosophy and jurisprudence were directly related in Cicero's studies. His studies included his despise of the Roman lifestyle, which consisted of low morals and disrespect for life. This lifestyle built the foundation for the laws that were set to keep Rome in order. Cicero's quote that in order to be truly content and limitless to the world, citizens must abide by the laws made by the Senate. "We are in bondage to the law..." suggests that as a group, the citizens of Rome were slaves to a greater influence, the laws that made Rome an exceptional kingdom. The laws made by the Senate were made to respect and protect the foundation of Rome and the interests of its people, "...in order that we may be set free." Cicero implies that, if the citizens of Rome follow the laws, they will be able to live their lives without being looked down upon by the rest of the citizens who follow the laws. In Cicero's political career, he held an important position in the Senate and was greatly respecte d.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Automobile Sector in India Essay
The Automobile industry in India is one of the largest in the world and one of the fastest growing globally. India manufactures over 17. 5 million vehicles (including 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled) and exports about 2. 33 million every year. It is the world’s second largest manufacturer of motorcycles, with annual sales exceeding 8. 5 million in 2009. India’s passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturing industry is the seventh, with an annual production of more than 3. 7 million units in 2010. According to recent reports, India is set to overtake Brazil to become the sixth largest passenger vehicle producer in the world, growing 16-18 per cent to sell around three million units in the course of 2011-12. In 2009, India emerged as Asia’s fourth largest exporter of passenger cars, behind Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. We are all well aware of the fact that, for decades the Indian automobile industry was way behind some of the most influential economies in the world like USA and Japan. The Indian automobile industry, though in its nascent stage, is expected to set the ball rolling in the Indian Economy as well. Coming to the automotive trends, today, the Indian automobile industry is one of the most vibrant, modern and upbeat automobile markets in the world. It is also the second largest two-wheeler market in the global map. With the emergence of the financially sound middle class, the four-wheeler segment is set for tremendous growth and one can expect of more impetus to the economy from this sector. No wonder then that this industry has become the centre of attraction for most of the global automotive giants the world over. The factors playing a key role in the Indian automobile industry trends are as follows: Government: Unlike in the past, the Indian Government has gone through a total role reversal by becoming the enabler rather than the controller. In the recent past it has started providing better infrastructure and a conducive atmosphere to attract investments and implementing growth oriented economic policies. Competition: With the coming of the multinationals, an immense pressure has grown on the Indian companies. As a result, a lot of joint ventures have taken place, some others have invested heavily on R&D to build their own empires and the rest have perished. Customer: Armed with higher buying power and an ever increasing expectation from products and services, the customer is undoubtedly the king and has propelled a fierce competition among the major players in the market. Pollution and Safety Norms: cars as well as two-wheelers have met the most stringent international norms of pollution. Euro II vehicles have become the norm of the day all over India. Unfortunately, in the Indian context, safety in motor vehicles is a relatively neglected area. Bad roads coupled with the absence of adequate safety features in the vehicles such as airbag and crumple zone needs immediate attention. But awareness is on the increase and the use of seat belts while driving has been made mandatory. Bikes: Keeping apace with the global trends the two-wheeler segment has witnessed tremendous growth both qualitatively and quantitatively. Bikes with higher engine capacities have done commendably well on the Indian roads. Bike styling and fuel efficiency has also seen major developments. In short, the Indian automotive industry is set for exponential growth in the future. Consistent growth and dedication have made the Indian automobile industry the second- largest tractor and two-wheeler manufacturer in the world. It is also the fifth-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world. The Indian automobile market is among the largest in Asia. The key players like Hindustan Motors, Maruti Udyog, Fiat India Private Ltd, Tata Motors, Bajaj Motors, Hero Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra have been dominating the vehicle industry. A few of the foreign players like Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd. , Skoda India Private Ltd. , Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. have also entered the market and have catered to the customers’ needs to a large extent. Not only the Indian companies but also the international car manufacturing companies are focusing on compact cars to be delivered in the Indian market at a much smaller price. Moreover, the automobile companies are coming up with financial schemes such as easy EMI repayment systems to boost sales. There have been exhibitions like Auto-expo at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi to share the technological advancements. Besides, there are many new projects coming up in the automobile industry leading to the growth of the sector. Year All Vehicles (in ‘000) Two Wheelers (in ‘000) Cars, Jeeps and Taxis (in ‘000) Buses (in ‘000) Goods Vehicles (in ‘000) Other Vehicles (in ‘000) 200154,99138,5567,0586342,9485,795 200258,92441,5817,6136352,9746,121 200367,00747,5198,5997213,4926,676 200472,71851,9229,4517683,7496,828 200580,04557,41710,4608224,0537,337 200688,06863,48711,5718794,3457,891 200796,80870,14112,8109364,6528,464 2008106,59177,58814,2221,0035,0189,065. Total Number of Vehicle Registrations in India from 2001 to 2008 Investment in Automobile Sector Nearly every automobile company is investing at a higher rate than ever before to achieve a high growth trajectory. The overall investment in the sector has been increasing quite rapidly. It is expected that by the end of 2010 Indian automobile sector will be investing a huge amount as Rs. 30,000 crores. Top ten players in the Indian automobile sector:- The domestic players as well as the foreign players dominate the Indian automobile sector. The key players contributing to the growth of the sector are discussed below. The key players in Indian automobile industry are: 1) Maruti Udyog Limited 2) Hero Motors Limited 3) Tata Group 4) Bajaj Auto Limited 5) Mahindra Group 6) Ashok Leyland 7) Yamaha Motor India 8) Hyundai Motors India Limited 9) Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited 10) Honda Siel Cars India Limited Growth in the Sector At present the industry is enjoying a growth rate of 14-17% per annum, with domestic sales growth at 12. 8%. The growth rate is predicted to double by 2015. As it is seen, the total sales of passenger vehicles – cars, utility vehicles and multi-utility vehicles – in the year 2005 reached the mark of 1. 06 million. The current growth rate indicates that by 2012 India will overtake Germany and Japan in sales volumes. Financing schemes have become an important factor in the growth of automobile sales. More and more financial schemes are coming up with easy installment plans to lure the customers. Apart from domestic production, the industry is consistently focusing on the automobile exports. The auto component segment is contributing a lot in the export arena. The liberalized policies of the government are now making the companies go for more and more exports. The automobile exports are increasing year by year. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) automobile exports in the last five years are as follows:- Export trend over the last five years List of predictions for this year by looking at what the bygone year had given us. The Indian automobile industry is going through a phase of rapid change and high growth. With new projects coming up on a regular basis, the industry is undergoing technological change. The major players are expanding their plants and focusing on mass customization, mass production, etc. Domestic Sales Volumes Will Rise but Growth Could Come Down The 2010 calendar year was great for the Indian automobile industry, and sales of vehicles are expected to continue upward journey in 2011. However, the industry may not be able to copy the growth rates registered in the last two years. In the first half of 2010, the industry witnessed a steep 32% average monthly sales growth, which came down to 25% in the latter half. In addition, the year-on-year growth in sales is expected to be higher during the latter half of 2011 as compared to the growth in the first half of the year. Along with the high base effect of 2010, the awaited firm up of interest rates could also bring about the reduction in growth rates this year. Exports to Increase in 2011 Almost 65% of total automobile exports from India are two-wheelers, and as a result, performance of this segment has a major influence on overall auto export volumes. And after experiencing over 30% jump in exports in 2010, the industry is expected to register moderate growths in two-wheeler exports in 2011. Nonetheless, a competitive and aggressive approach from the original equipment manufacturers vehicle categories (commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and two & three wheelers) would help bring an increase in overall export of vehicles from the Indian market in 2011. Additionally, there are many companies that want to make India their export hub, thereby increasing the chances of increasing exports. Healthy Economic Growth to Uplift Sales Healthy growth of the economy would drive the automobile sales in the domestic market. The chief growth drivers of the automobile industry in the Indian market would be stable economic environment, healthy IIP growth, favourable liquidity and availability of finance. Other things that would positively affect the Indian automobile industry include road network development activities, strong growth in construction activities and the expected healthy performance of the industrial sector. When it comes to personal transport vehicles, increase in disposable income and a strong line up of upcoming new launches is expected to boost demand and sales. The passenger vehicle industry (cars + utility vehicles) is expected to witness launch of as many as 30 new models/variants in 2011. Much in with 2010, 2011 will also see a lot of action in the small car segment. Sales of luxury cars is also going to grow at a fast pace. Sports utility vehicles (SUV), which have a relatively smaller market share in the Indian passenger vehicle market is also going to grow up tremendously as manufacturers have lined up 10 new model launches for the coming year. Indian car manufacturers are also doubling up their efforts to push their passenger vehicles into the rural and semi-urban markets, which would greatly enhance sales. Profit margins to improve marginally The Indian automobile is expected to record growth in revenues supported by in the domestic as well as export market. Nevertheless, as the commodity prices are expected to remain constant, the pressure on margins would increase largely. Besides, the entry of several other OEMs that have lined up elaborate investment plans is also going to benefit the industry in the domestic market. The new car launches that have been lined up for this year are going to increase expenditure on advertising and promotional activities. But that is no cause for the buyers as these companies are likely to transfer only a small part of the cost burden by increasing the car prices. Strategies that manufacturers are likely to adopt are: 1 > Commercial vehicles 2> New model launches 3> Product innovation would take prime importance to create new market segments 4> Launch new cars for the international market 5> Easy car finance options for potential customers 6> Competitive pricing Key Success Factors. The Key Success factors in the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing industry are: Efficiency factor – Improve labour productivity, labour flexibility, and capital efficiency Resource Availability – Quality manpower availability, infrastructure improvements, and raw material availability Effective cost controls – Close relationship with supplies and goods distribution channels. Establishment of export markets – Growth of export markets Having an extensive distribution/collection network – Goods distribution channels. Successful industrial relations policy – Ethical and tactical industrial relations Access to the latest available and most efficient technology and techniques – The degree of investment in technological improvements and product development Optimum capacity utilisation – The level of plant utilisation Management of high quality assets portfolio – Understanding implications from Government policies References:- Wikipedia Rcnos. com Managementparadise. com www. carazoo. com siamindia. com automobileindia. com.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Locke and Hobbes: Cause of Religious Toleration Essay
Historically, Locke’s treatment of toleration was one riddled with religious change, religious turmoil, and political changes that were shaped largely by religious tensions. This was a time when religion, specifically the Christian Church, became fractioned and led to widespread war and death in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Locke’s Letter on Toleration promoted separation of church and state, arguing that each institution has legitimacy and power in certain areas. The state exists to protect people’s interests, and can use force to protect these interests. However, the state will not be able to coerce its people to believe in a certain religion. In Leviathan, Hobbes provides ideas that support Locke’s toleration of religion. Hobbes belief in the state of nature, state of war, and covenants helps to paint a clearer picture of a world without religious intoleration. Locke’s plea for tolerations is one of religious toleration in general but more specifically toleration among Christians. Locke speaks out against Christians whom â€Å"deprive (men) of their estates, maim them with corporal punishments, starve and torment them in noisome prisons, and in the end even take away their lives†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Letter p.24). This type of intolerance is itself intolerable because it violates many mandates that should characterize a true Christian. The mandates of charity and meekness are violated, and those who have committed these aggressive and violent actions against others are in themselves hypocritical. These people are usually careless about their own virtues, imposing on others something they don’t practice. According to Locke, instead of looking into others moral salvation, they should practice looking into their own moral salvations as well as the salvations of family and friends. These same people are spending time and effort on trivial things like doctrinal matters and ceremonial preferences. Locke urges that one should not worry so much about matters that, on the surface are nice and intricate, but â€Å"exceed(s) the capacity of ordinary understandings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Letter p. 24). Instead of wasting time on these futile activities, one should actively try to better oneself. Separation of church and state is an important premise that buttresses his argument throughout the letter. It is a separation of civil versus religious authority and who has power of what domain. Locke argues that civil government has certain responsibilities for its citizens, which include preserving and advancing the civil interests, well-being and life of its citizens. Locke defines the one who wields civil authority as a magistrate and it is the magistrate who is enjoined to tolerate any religious doctrine, provided that these doctrines do not violate rights or disrupt the peace. Locke is intolerable of violations of rights of citizens and crime, or anything that disrupts the peace. Individuals do not have the power and position to respond and punish the criminals. That task is left to the magistrate. The magistrate has the ability to enforce laws through force but his coercive power must be kept out of religious matters, in so long as the religious matters do not hinder citizens’ rights and their peace. Locke believes that in religious matters, true belief in a religion requires more then the coercive power to make one believe. He argues if people are forced to believe in a religion against their will, it will not be as strong and effective unless the person consciously makes his own effort to believe. The ability for the magistrate to impose its power on its people is something Hobbes believes is a requirement and duty of a civil government. Men have an inclination towards peace, which is why men build commonwealths. Men want to get out of this state of war in favor of peace. Therefore, men come together in a commonwealth to make a covenant with every other man to establish peace and order. This sovereign now has the authority to enforce civil laws. This is a necessity because men by themselves cannot externally judge conflicts and will be naturally inclined to certain biases. By agreeing to this covenant, the people bestow upon a man or group of men power over sovereign. This covenant also holds responsibility for the people because they are the ones who gave power to the magistrate. To actually ensure peace, Hobbes says that a sovereign of this power is necessary. The question of the individual’s coercive power is another argument in favor of religious toleration. â€Å"No private Person has any Right, in any manner, to prejudice another Person in his Civil Enjoyments, because he is of another Church or Religion†(Letter p. 31). Tolerance brings about respect for the autonomy of the other. Since religious beliefs are freely chosen, there is no room for coercion to be a useful end because coercion and freedom cannot coexist in religious matters. Skepticism is another way religious believers can tolerate others holding different religions. Every religious person must tolerate one another because it would be foolish to believe that one person can have all the truths to the world. Similarly, Hobbes supports this argument through the state of nature. Having the freedom to choose ones religion is from the fact that individually, we are all equal. Hobbes believes that people are equal in strength of body and manifest of mind. There are differences, obviously, but Hobbes argues that these differences do not amount to much. We are fundamentally equal because we all have the ability to kill one another, whether it is through force or deceit. This constant threat of war between man and man is an important reason why men try to constantly seek peace. This state of nature provides us the liberty to our own self-governing because in the state of nature, there is no authority over man. Since man has no authority over him in the state of nature, naturally it would mean that man has no authority over another man. However, Hobbes continues that this natural condition of mankind is decidedly undesirable and should be avoided. From the natural state of man the desire for a stable government arises. Men are naturally equal but Hobbes believes self-preservation can only be had by constantly trying to acquire new property, or power. Power is the man’s means to some future good and the acquisition of more power is a constant cycle. Concerning the question of religious power, religious authorities also do not have the power for any coercive actions. Since religious authorities do not have the power to change someone who is not willing, they must respect and tolerate other religious churches or societies, even if there is disagreement with certain doctrines. Locke’s reasoning for the toleration of other churches stems from the belief of orthodoxy of the church. Every church believes that it is the Orthodox Church but Locke argues that people can never know which is the true Orthodox Church. However, he goes on to say that the true Church is the one that practices the idea of toleration. Despite Locke’s adamant stance on toleration, Locke does discuss certain beliefs that should not be tolerated. Locke specifically targets atheism because he believes that men should enter into some religious society because God should be publically worshipped. To Locke, atheists are the weak bones to a society because covenants and promises have no power over atheists. This causes problems within society because covenants and promises are the bonds of human society. Similarly, Locke also considers Catholics intolerable because of the political threat they represent. Catholic’s pledge allegiance to a foreign king. Locke views this as a problem because it brings into question who the Catholic pledges his loyalty to, the foreign king or his homeland king. Locke says that a person should be under the rightful king and not a foreign king. This means that any foreign jurisdiction in one’s country and any influence from the Vatican State is not acceptable. Locke also mentions odd religious practices, such as human sacrifice, as intolerable. The magistrate should make a conscious effort to not tolerate such practices because it could hurt society as a whole. Just because something is a religious matter should not dictate the legality of the practice. Hobbes would probably agree that atheists would not be tolerable under the condition that covenants and promises are not kept because they hold no power over atheists. Hobbes First Law of Nature is that human beings always seek a state of peace because it is the most advantageous to their survival. The Second Law of Nature is the creation of covenants. In Hobbes’s mind, the ideal covenant would be a leviathan government that would make and regulate laws very effectively. The Third Law of Nature is derived from the second, which states that it is necessary for men to perform their covenants. From these three laws, as stated earlier, men create a commonwealth to ensure peace. If covenants hold no power over atheists, the commonwealth and essentially peace is destroyed. Hobbes is adamant that to fortify this social contract, the members of the contract need steps to prevent others from breaching it. The Third Law of Nature creates a society where peace is established, but if a citizen is not held under contract, the political disruptions are more likely to occur. Locke’s primary rationale for toleration in the individual is the self-governing of the other. In Christina writing, loving ones neighbors is a key element in a Christian’s salvation. Locke emphasizes that one should only care for one’s own salvation rather than worrying about his neighbors or others religious teachings. By practicing toleration, one must ignore the content and be satisfied with the fact that the other has reached his conclusion autonomously. Before worrying about someone else, Locke urges that one must focus on ones own salvation because there are many instances where hypocrisy can rise by imposing ones beliefs. However, there are instances where non-intervention can be unjust because some matters are so offensive, it would be unjust to let it slide. Matters where injury or death can occur are justifiable for others to intervene. Even though this Lockean autonomy works most of the time, there are times where it would not. Locke’s reasoning for writing this letter, on the surface, seems to be from a religious perspective. However, a careful reading of the letter suggests that Locke is not interested in religious doctrines or practices. Locke finds that the religious differences are too insignificant for discussion. Although it is a letter concerning toleration of religion, this toleration is meant to benefit from a political standpoint. Reading the document with this point of view shows that Locke was writing it exclusively political in nature. Even though there was widespread religious violence and opposing opinions during the time Locke wrote the letter, it was a way for Locke to talk about the politics of society. This document was on religious toleration only because Locke viewed religion as having potential for civil disruption. This letter is a way for Locke to say what he believed was the means for maintaining peace and stability. To maintain peace and stability in a society requires sovereignty. The sovereign has the power and authority to govern its principality. Because it has the power to govern, it also gives the sovereign the right to use coercion. This does not give the right to religious institutions to use coercion because it has historically not worked in favor of the religion. The separation of church and state is therefore a way that Locke foresees peace in sovereign. Peace in sovereign is an important aspect to Hobbes’s Leviathan perspective because he views peace as the main reason we create societies. Religious toleration is therefore a tool that both Locke and Hobbes would advocate because it creates peace and unity in a sovereign.
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