Abstract This paper discusses David Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind", which presents an attack on the behaviorist model of the nature of the mind and mental states. The paper first discusses Armstrong's arguments and analyses. It then concludes that Armstrong's intentions and arguments are quite valid, but the evidence supporting his position is sorely lacking.
From the Paper "Logic can be used to prove any position, even with identical data sets--this is the danger of critical work performed in the humanities and social sciences. Unlike the hard sciences--such as molecular biology or astrophysics--is more difficult in the humanities to create situations and data that cannot be explained away using a variation of the prevailing theory. Its disciples defend the theory despite any evidence to the contrary. And though this does occur in the hard sciences to some degree, experiments are designed to disprove existing hypothesis, not set up conditions by which they can be confirmed. In asserting the dominance of scientific consensus in regard to conceptions of the human mind, Armstrong should have followed that lead and based his argument on the evidence that exists instead of suggesting a theory and then performing logical and linguistic acrobatics to demonstrate its validity."
Abstract This paper examines Aboriginal creative talent in Jeanette Armstrong's poem "History Lesson." The paper points out that the history of Aboriginal Canadians is one of colonization and oppression, and as such, it is hard to imagine that their authentic art or writing could escape dealing with these unpoetic realities. The paper maintains that the poem reflects Armstrong's commitment to ruthlessly dealing with the unpoetic. The paper attempts to show the larger social context in which Armstrong was working. It concludes that grappling with the unpoetic offers the colonized people the opportunity to heal and take back the creativity that was crushed by the colonizers' "educative" attempts.
From the Paper "Thus, all in all, the Aboriginals lost much that was of value in their culture, and gained aspects of the European culture that either were not valuable, or were actively destructive. Moreover, Aboriginals also lost their land, their children, and their economic way of life. We see the results of all of this loss and destruction in Aboriginal lives today. Modern Aboriginal Canadians have a much higher rate of lifestyle-related health problems than do non-Aboriginals. For example, Aboriginal rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and diseases related to prostitution, are much higher than the rates of non-Aboriginals. Moreover, family violence problems are much more prevalent (Carter). In addition, poor parenting is almost the norm. As has been pointed out: "Poverty and family dislocation are the norm among Aboriginal families" (Robertson 555)."
Abstract This paper summarizes Karen Armstrong's book, "The Battle for God", and explains the book's focus on the evolution of religious fundamentalism. The paper describes Armstrong's views of fundamentalism, the element of irony depicted in her work, and how she explains the fundamentalist view of secularists.
From the Paper "The book "The Battle For God" by Armstrong is based on the religious fundamentalism that has evolved over the years as the most powerful force in the 21st century. Written in the context of internationalization and imperialism, Armstrong focuses on the way the religious groups and sects organize their fundamental origins and the way these fundamental origins have challenged the secular norms of the dominant cultures of the world. This challenging facet of religious fundamentalism has along other concerns disturbed the global peace and harmony. In this book, Armstrong has focused on this evolution of the fundamentalism and what this fundamentalism is aimed to accomplish, either through actions or narration. Accordingly, ?we see the West in the sixteenth century beginning to create an entirely new kind of civilization, which brought in its wake change in every aspect of life -- often painful and violent, even if liberating. Armstrong argues that one of the things that changed most was religion."
Abstract This paper explains that Louis Armstrong started his career by blowing on a little tin horn, the kind with which people celebrate; he could mimic some of the music he heard around his home and the kids loved the sound of the little horn. The author points out that Armstrong, who lived in an area where he heard street musicians and steamboat bands, developed a perfect pitch and began teaching himself music. The paper relates that, in his teen years, having shot a borrowed pistol into the air, he got arrested and was sent to the city's Waif Home for Boys where he came under the very capable tutorship of Peter Davis, a brass band leader, who taught him how to play the cornet. Picture.
From the Paper "As an infant, his grandmother Josephine Armstrong raised Louis because his father abandoned him and his mother around the time of birth. He began his life struggling in the slums of New Orleans. He grew up in a bad area know as "The Battlefield" were gun and knife fights were not uncommon. At the age of seven he moved back with his mother and sister in Stormville where he worked for Jewish families for money. Now Stormville consisted of dance halls, brothels and honky tonks, it was an entertainment district where music was all around him, so he could hear music from outside his house when he woke up in the morning and when he went to bed at night."
Abstract This paper discusses the strategic issues associated with Armstrong Holding's market expansion project as it considers either the Mexico or Italy market for market entry. It discusses the various opportunities and risks associated with each market. The paper concludes by presenting a recommendation for Armstrong Holding that the Mexican market holds the most promise and provides best cost-benefit analysis for market expansion.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Comparative Analysis
Opportunity/Risk Rationale
Recommendation
From the Paper "Another opportunity within the Mexico market is the size of its labor force. Not only is the labor force considerably larger than that of Italy but it is also less expensive since the GPD per capita in Mexico is roughly $10k while the GDP per capita in Italy is a little over $30k (Mexico, 2006). The overall cost of doing business in Mexico is substantially lower in the Mexican market than it is in the Italian market. Add to these opportunity costs the added benefit of lower transportation costs for both supplies and product into and out of the market and the cost-benefit for the Mexican market becomes substantially better than that of Italy. This cost-benefit is also increased by the lower operating costs associated with green field operations where Armstrong currently has some sales and supply channels already in place within Mexico but would need to organically grow all of these assets in the Italian market."
Abstract This essay compares and contrasts the points of view of Armstrong and Lewis on the centuries-old debate regarding the question of what exactly is the mind, and the degree to which mental states are identical with brain states.
Abstract This paper explains that Gotama, the Buddha, changed common perceptions in many ways because, at this time Buddhism, was essentially a new religion preceded by Hinduism based on the
Vedic teachings. The author points out that Gotama made Buddhism a religion by extending the common perceptions of Buddhism from a code of living for individuals to a code for the greater collective. The paper agrees with Armstrong's book in asserting that the Buddha was an axial person, who changed the fabric of the society he was living, testing the bounds of convention and personally creating a new school of thought and living into existence.
From the Paper "It is common knowledge that in Buddhist thought, which originated in India and made significant inroads into Chinese and other east Asian societies, there is a belief in the concept of karma. This karma can be likened to the Western concept of fate, although it is not quite the same, in that it shows the importance of destiny and the supposition that the individual's destiny is preordained. This changed the common perception significantly. It was also a factor that Gotama offered universally accessible enlightenment that was not restricted by class or social structure."
Abstract This paper takes a look at cancer survivor Lance Armstrong and examines his decision to return to racing in the 2008 Tour de France. The paper provides the highlights of Armstrong's cycling career and examines the conditions of racing competitively again in the Tour de France. The author discusses substance abuse in athletes and allegations of Armstrong using drugs in 1999. The paper speculates that by hiring his own drug-testing firm, Armstrong is hoping to bring the issue of substance abuse to the forefront of his comeback. In any case, the author agrees that whether this comeback is successful or not, Armstrong would be traveling around the world raising awareness for cancer, a victory of sorts in itself.
From the Paper "The word is out - Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement to ride once again in the Tour de France, the world's premier cycling challenge. The man who rose to the very peak of the cycling world, and retired at the top, is giving it another go. Armstrong announced his decision at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, Armstrong may have shocked the sports world with his decision, but he also opened up new conjecture on one of sports biggest legal challenges, doping in competitive professional sports. The Tour de France seems especially plagued by doping scandals, and already Don Catlin, the founder of Anti-Doping Research, a nonprofit organization that monitors athletes, has made it abundantly clear that he will monitor Armstrong for "everything" during his attempt at a comeback, which Armstrong maintains he welcomes. In fact, he's the one that brought Catlin on board to do the testing."
Tags: competitive cycling, celebrity athlete, cancer awareness, substance abuse
Abstract The paper looks at Armstrong Holdings, Inc, a company that operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry. The paper relates that Armstrong has operations in the Mexican market in both flooring and ceiling products, but is intent on expanding its ceramics line of products into that market as well. The paper discusses how Armstrong has to meet product and service standards in the Mexican market, fulfill World Trade Organization (WTO) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) restrictions and comply with Mexican labor laws.
Outline:
Abstract
Executive Summary
Overview
Product & Service Standards
International & Legal Frameworks
Impact on Armstrong Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Armstrong Holdings, Inc. operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry with a concentration on flooring, ceiling, and cabinetry products. These commercial and residential building products are in high demand because they are central to any office or residential structure and while some markets are experiencing a slow down in growth, other markets are seen as growth markets. Armstrong Holdings, Inc. is considering expanding its ceramic products line into other international markets with a focus on the Mexican market. Mexico, despite its reputation as a developing market has a thriving economy and a population of approximately 107 million individuals. Since Armstrong Holdings, Inc. already has a construction products division in Mexico City, it is believed this greatly reduces the resource requirements necessary to establish its ceramic product line in that market."
Abstract This paper discusses the human resources (HR) issues that may accompany Armstrong Holding's entry into the Mexican market. It discusses the issues of culture dimensions as they relate to Gert Hofstede's cultural dimensions vis-a-vis Armstrong Holding's local workforce and choice of local or home-market management structure. Additionally, the paper makes several recommendations regarding the management, personnel and appraisal structures within Armstrong Holding's Mexico operations.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Global Human Resource Management: Armstrong Holdings
Human Resource Issues
Recommendations
Opportunities and Risks
Market Entry Vehicles
Issue Summaries
From the Paper "A smaller company, such as Armstrong Holdings, should almost exclusively aim for a joint venture for several reasons. Opting for the licensing option typically results in a lack of operational oversight, far too much dependence on local manufacturers, local management, and exposure to competitive intrigue as well as the threat of loss of intellectual capital (Bjerke, 1999, p.112). The joint venture option allows for greater oversight, a greater degree of managerial control, as well as higher revenues. While not requiring as much in the way of financial resources as a wholly owned subsidiary would it does require more upfront capital than licensing. Yet, for Armstrong Holdings, the ability maintain decision-making and strategic control over a joint venture is much more desirable than the threat of lost intellectual capital that a licensee market entry strategy would entail."
Tags: HR, manufacturers, management, market, global
Abstract This paper explores the central theme of "History of God" by Karen Armstrong, that the definition of God is subject to conventionality. The paper does this by highlighting the influences that led Armstrong to embark on this quest for illumination as well as by providing a summary of the book. The writer illustrates Armstrong's belief that Man's definition of God is continuously being modified, abandoned, revived and reiterated in accordance with Man's realistic and pragmatic challenges, as opposed to philosophical reverie.
From the Paper "Before providing an analysis of the book's core theme, it is necessary to study the influences that drove Armstrong to write this book. Armstrong's interest in religion was cultivated at an early age, manifesting in her entering the religious order at the age of 17. For 7 years, Armstrong lived the life of a Roman Catholic nun (Powell, 1998, 1). Her monastic life afforded her exposure to the 3 Abrahamic religions. She obtained a BA in literature at Oxford University. However, she experienced great difficulty in conforming to the restrictive realities of her convent life and decided to leave the convent on amicable terms."
Abstract This paper discusses the book, "Buddha" by Karen Armstrong and discusses its relationship to the Axial Age, the phrase for the pivotal time in history that Karl Jaspers, the philosopher, coined. The paper begins by describing the Axial Age and its characteristics in various places around the world. It then discusses how Armstrong's references in her book relate to the historical view of the time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: The Axial Age and its Characteristics
The Axial Age Transformations in Greece, China and Palestine
From the Paper "According to Armstrong, all the prophets and sages of the Axial Age discovered, simultaneously, that the way to a higher, transcendent, more fully human life was by looking within and discovering self-existing, self-liberating, inner truths. Common to these spiritual movements, as well, was that 'compassion towards others' would lead to a more meaningful, freer life in this world. It was a pivotal, revolutionary thought that, centuries later, is still at the root of our traditional religions and still presents a challenge, while resonating an inner conviction of its truth."
Abstract The paper explains that Armstrong Holdings could not remain competitive for very long if it did not offshore some or all of its manufacturing. The paper then also points out the risks involved with such a strategy and warns that Armstrong must be diligent in not exporting proprietary knowledge or techniques or it risks being undermined by foreign competitors who acquire its intelligence.
Outline:
Overview
Offshoring/Outsourcing & Globalization
Effects of Global Outsourcing & Off-shoring
Conclusion
From the Paper "Outsourcing, and its sister strategy of off-shoring, are by-products of globalization and the U.S. market has been deeply impacted by globalization. Armstrong Holdings (Armstrong) itself utilizes offshoring strategies since it has long maintained a manufacturing facility in Mexico. The U.S. economy has been one of the global economy's hardest hit by some of the side-effects of globalization: outsourcing and off-shoring. Outsourcing or the contracting out of functions previously handled in-house, and off-shoring, which is the use of overseas firms to provide a product or service previously handled nationally, both contribute to shrinkage of jobs and manufacturing (Globalization, 2005, p.1). Armstrong, in order to maintain its competitive edge, like most other companies availing themselves of these strategies, is merely taking advantage of a market strategy."
Argues that Karen Armstrong's "mythos vs. logos" thesis, as presented in her books "The Battle for God" and "A Short History of Myth", provides the best explanation for the origins and development of Judaism.
Abstract This paper explains that Karen Armstrong's "mythos vs. logos" thesis demonstrates convincingly why the ancient Israelites rejected prevailing pagan beliefs and came to believe in Yahweh as the only God and as the creator of the world. The author points out that Jewish religious doctrine emerged and evolved in response to this initial acceptance of monotheism, which in early Hebrew doctrine identified the special role of the Jews as God's chosen people and which relied significantly upon mythos. The paper relates that myths of ancient cultures were absorbed into religions, such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity, thus providing a means for human beings to understand the unseen forces in the world around them. The author relates that Armstrong emphasizes that, despite the great importance of mythos, logos came to be almost equally influential in the development of Judaism.
From the Paper "Despite the influence of logos, mythos was the primary influence on the origins of Judaism. Armstrong clarifies, however, that mythic accounts in the Hebrew bible should not be misunderstood as an attempt to write history, for myths have never been intended to be objective truth, nor have they been accepted as such. Unfortunately, the purpose of myth has been widely misunderstood in our modern era, for the conflict between logos and mythos has generated misguided perceptions that mythos requires proof of the existence of Yahweh or Allah or Jesus Christ."
Tags: transition, chosen people, women christianity redemption
Abstract The paper examines Karen Armstrong's "Holy War", Mark Juergensmeyer's "Terror in the Mind of God" and Malise Ruthven's "Fundamentalism: The Search for Meaning". The paper discusses Armstrong's theory that fundamentalist religion is essentially a response to and a product of modern culture, Juergensmeyer's belief that cultures of violence, and not the religion itself, cause terrorism within fundamental believers and Ruthven's explanation of fundamentalism. The paper shows how the three authors each offer important insight into understanding both the history and current status of religious fundamentalism.
From the Paper "In Holy War: Armstrong argues that it was the historic crusades against the Byzantine empire overrun by Muslim Turks by the Christian warriors summoned by Pope Urban II. During this period, the Christian fundamentalist took up the cross and the sword against the Turks with the sole purpose of recovering the holy city of Jerusalem from Islam. It is this initial battle that is still today raging, as the sides of Christians, Jews and Muslims continue to fight against the modern holder of the holy lands, whether the ownership be actual or theoretical."
