A discussion of the aspects of John Kavanaugh's book, "Following Christ in a Consumer Society," that the writer agrees with and those that he does not.
Abstract This paper examines and reviews John Francis Kavanaugh's book, "Following Christ in a Consumer Society." The paper discusses the content of the book and the views of the author. It then focuses on the aspects of Kavanaugh's book that the writer agrees with and those aspects that he does not agree with, giving reasons for his views.
Table of Contents:
Passages from Kavanaugh I Agree with
Passages from Kavanaugh I Disagree with
From the Paper "For example, the executive branch of the U.S. government criticizes peacemakers - the very people that Jesus Christ blessed in the Beatitudes - who wish to end the unwinnable war in Iraq; those "peacemakers" are characterized as giving aid and comfort to the enemy. During the last election cycle for the U.S. Congress, in 2006, the president of the U.S. went out and campaigned on the theme that those calling for an end to the killing in Iraq are on the side of the terrorists. That is an unfair and un-Christian-like attack on peaceful people. The terrorist attacks in the U.S. and elsewhere all happened many years after Kavanaugh wrote this book (published in 1984), so he can't be held accountable for the un-Christian activities of the executive branch."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of effective partnerships and alliances to a company's success. The paper points out that successful partnerships require that both parties in the partnership agree and commit to a set of common elements of the partnership. The paper then lists some of the key elements in a successful partnership and describes some of the reasons that alliances or partnerships fail.
Introduction
Partnerships and Alliances
Key Elements of a Successful Partnership Design
Reasons for Failure
Creating a Successful Design
Conclusion
From the Paper "The pace of innovation today is too fast for any one company (especially technology company) to be all things to all customers . Last year alone, for example, the US patent office awarded more than 16,000 patents to the top ten global high-tech companies for their innovations. Even a brief look at the industry's history reveals a graveyard of once successful companies that failed to adapt fast enough to industry changes. Despite its long record of success, IBM suffered a near-death experience in the early 90s. New leadership and a new strategy were instrumental in engineering IBM's turnaround, and so was the power of its alliances with more than 90,000 business partners."
Tags: collaborative, activities, mutual, recognition, agreed, objectives, common, sharing, communication
Abstract In this paper, the author explains that in "Myths to Live By" Joseph Campbell expresses a point of view that values both scientific knowledge and religious knowledge because both benefit humanity. The author then goes on to explain that he agrees with Campbell's position because of his own view that it is possible to recognize the use of science for humanity and for the sake of learning while still maintaining a religious outlook for the spiritual value it holds.
From the Paper "In his work, Myths to Live By, it is clear that Joseph Campbell believes in the evolution theory as opposed to the creation story in the Bible. He seems horrified at both a mother and teacher trying to teach a little boy that the myth is true to the exclusion of scientific evidence (4). The author goes on to explain the misconceptions existing about the earth from the Middle Ages onward, in order to demonstrate that none of these were proved correct. He also addresses the religious issue (8), relating that many different cultures have similar myths to the ones in the Western world. Nonetheless, the author warns against failing to recognize these myths for the value that they do hold for humanity. Myths, while not historically accurate, are yet a creative part of society that teaches morals and values (12). These do not have a place in science, and should not be confused with facts. The author's thesis is that nobody knows everything about the nature of the universe, but that it is good to study it and learn more (3)."
Abstract This paper explores the views of the existentialists, Jean-Paul Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Simone de Beauvior, and points out where they agree and or disagree. The paper explains that all three agree on the ideology of freedom, but they disagree on how it is expressed in our lives. The paper discusses how Sartre says freedom is absolute and he places no restrictions on our freedom, while Merleau-Ponty agrees that we are all inherently free but does not believe that our freedom is unrestricted. The paper explains Merleau-Ponty's ideas on past decisions and experiences and the limitations they place on freedom. The paper then turns to the beliefs of Beauvoir who agrees with Merleau-Ponty but analyzes the ethics of freedom and its relationship to ambiguity.
From the Paper "The definition of Freedom in and of itself is simple. Freedom is the condition of being free, which is to be without constraint and under no obligation according to the American Heritage Dictionary. When applying the art of philosophy in terms that always seem to need another definition it is quite the opposite of simple. Existentialism is a 20th century philosophy that views the individual as being unique and alone in an indifferent and even hostile universe. From this standpoint the definition of Freedom becomes an intense topic of discussion in which some points are agreed upon and others are hotly debated."
Abstract The paper explains that, considering the information now available, it seems unlikely the Soviets would have attacked the United States over the Cuban missile crisis. The author states that it actually appears the United States was the aggressor: The missiles were placed in Cuba by the Soviet Union as deterrents in response to a real threat from the United States because the United States had been planning on attacking Cuba for years, going back to the Eisenhower administration. The paper concludes that the weapons did ensure a peace because (1) the United States government agreed not to invade Cuba if the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles from Cuban soil, which they did, and (2) the United States agreed to remove missiles from Turkey. Several long quotes.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis is one of the defining moments in twentieth century United States history. The Cold War was at its apex. The Cubans asked the Soviet Union to protect them against an American attack. In 1961, the United States sent troops into Cuba in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. The attack failed and later became known as the Bay of Pigs fiasco. In 1962, Kruschev sent missiles into Cuba in order to deter an American attack. We were at the brink of World War III, both sides used verbal threats, and War was only averted when the Soviet Union removed the missiles in return for an American promise to not invade the island."
A comparative book review of John Reed's 'Ten Days That Shook the World', Edward Carr's 'The Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-1923,' and Robert Service's 'Lenin: A Biography'.
Abstract This comparative book review compares and contrasts three books about the Russian Revolution of 1917: John Reed's 'Ten Days That Shook the World', Edward Carr's 'The Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-1923,' and Robert Service's 'Lenin: A Biography'. The writer notes that these books have been selected for comparative review because they provide a broad range of perspectives on the revolution. The writer points out that all three authors agree that successful revolutions require leaders of charisma who can personify the ideology, revolutionary sentiments, and political aspirations of the citizenry. They agree as well that in the critical autumn of 1917, Lenin possessed these qualities in abundance. The writer concludes that despite their different perspectives, all three authors agree that through his leadership, Lenin forced his political enemies and rivals to react to what he was doing instead of vice versa, and in turbulent and unpredictable revolutions, that is a decisive advantage.
From the Paper "But because Lenin recognized that political, economic, and social conditions in Russia had not developed enough to attempt a proletarian revolution, he focused his efforts on developing a class consciousness in the Russian proletariat. Lenin and Russian Marxists understood that once this proletarian consciousness was developed, the proletariat would understand the need to destroy bourgeois culture elements such as religion, private ownership of property, the corrupt legal system, and the capitalist economic system. Consequently, they knew that many political, economic, and social changes would need to be made in the aftermath of a successful proletarian revolution, and that this would require ruthless determination because strong resistance would be inevitable."
Abstract This essay compares the philosophies in Adam Smith's "The Background to the Wealth of Nations" and Karl Marx's "Communist Manifesto" & "Das Kapital". The way in which both Smith and Marx agreed upon the importance of capitalism for unleashing productive powers, amongst other similarities, is discussed. In addition the contradictions in their philosophies, such as their reasons for expanding markets, are also highlighted.
From the paper:
?Smith and Marx both agreed that capitalism required expanding markets. Smith believed this was so because jobs could not be divided too much without a large market. The money that went to paying wages came from profits. There always had to be an expanding market, so that there could be more profits or else there would not be more jobs.?
This paper discusses what Sartre might say to Plato and Kant and then what would Plato and Kant respond to Sartre, explaining how their philosophies are both different and similar.
Abstract The paper presents an imaginary dialogue among the philosophers Sartre, Kant and Plato. Neither Kant nor Plato would agree with Sartre. On the other hand, Sartre would not have agreed with them. Three different philosophers with different points of view concerning mankind and what is best for them is clearly presented.
From the Paper "This is where Sartre would answered, ?There is no God to have a conception of it. Man simply is. Not that he is simply what he conceives himself to be, but he is what he wills and as he conceives himself after already existing.? Sartre would have discussed the principles behind existentialism. He would have retorted about the subjectivity of mankind. "
Abstract More people seem to agree with the ideas that women and men should have equal opportunities, and equal pay for equal work, than agree with some of the more radical ideas of the women's movement.
From the Paper "Gender Inequality
Introduction
More people seem to agree with the ideas that women and men should have equal opportunities, and equal pay for equal work, than agree with some of the more radical ideas of the women's movement. Still, it is difficult to determine what comprises equal opportunity, as is apparent from many of the controversies surrounding the implementation of Title IX in college sports. Is gender equality primarily about equal numbers? What does gender equality look like, or has it been accomplished in this country or elsewhere in the world?"
Gender Equality/Inequality
One of the first tasks is to define the concept of gender
Abstract Theologians, Biblical scholars and Christians all over the world often wrestle with two extremely important questions about their faith. These questions are, "What is God like"? and "How should we live in response to God"? Through references to four experts in the field of theology, Kathleen Norris, Saint Augustine, Monika Hellwig and Dorothy Day, this paper compares different views on each of the questions. The paper shows that the common denominator between the views examined is that everyone agrees that in order to truly live in response to God, we need other people. Some feel that we need others to direct us, some feel we need them to challenge us, some feel that we need them so that we have people to love, but everyone agrees that we need others.
From the Paper "Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk, makes it abundantly clear that she believes that God most often reveals himself through our actions and through our connections with other people. She feels that God has given us the tools to get started on our journey of faith, love, and life, but we need to rely on other people to get the full experience. Not only do we need others to help us learn and grow, but we also need to challenge each other to become better Christians. By constantly challenging each other, we make sure that we will never stop striving to become better Christians. Since such great happiness lies in a good relationship with God, the people that challenge us help us to become better, happier people."
Abstract This essay will discuss and analysis the problems facing North American aviation security and argue that both airlines and government are responsible for these issues since the problem is not singular in nature but affects many areas of human life, economic and political. In this sense, there have to be certain shared regulations that are mapped out and agreed upon if a real prevention is to be collectively agreed upon and instituted.
Abstract This paper examines whether the sage, Socrates, agrees or disagrees with the Way of the Zen masters. The paper was prompted by Dan Millman's semi-autobiographical tale, "Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives". The paper examines the Four Noble Truths of Zen philosophy and concludes that Socrates, indeed, agrees with the ways of the Zen teachers.
From the Paper "Where I thought Millmen abandoned the more peaceful philosophies and adopted a more rigid code of a warrior was when he and Socrates discussed death. Having read the "Code of Bushido", the ancient Japanese philosophy of the Samaria, I feel Dan Millman is trying to piece together many philosophies through Socrates teachings. When the topic of death is broached for example, then a more austere philosophy of something that could be compared to Ninjitsu or the Samaria seemed to have come into play."
Abstract Special education students require special attention and care. Some people believe that this care should be given in separate classrooms, while others think that all children should be mainstreamed. This paper shows that, although new laws have been passed to require mainstreaming, some people are still leery of this relatively new idea and its consequences. The paper shows that when considering the debate between whether or not to mainstream a special education student, we need to get to the root of the debate. The real question is not where to place a special child, but what is the primary goal of special education? If we do not agree upon this goal, how can Americans agree upon any decisions regarding their children's education?
From the Paper "As with most debates, there is usually some sort of compromise which is generally the best option for all of the parties involved. The goal in special and general education seems to be twofold. First, we must learn the knowledge of texts and standardized tests in order keep up with the scholars of the past and develop lifelong learning skills. Coughlin (2000) describes one of the main purposes of reading as ?helping to create and support literacy so that all of our children may learn to function as productive, responsible citizens.? This is a perfect idea of taking classroom knowledge and turning it into a life long skill."
Abstract Logical fallacies are methods of argumentation or persuasion that, in simplest terms, look or sound good, but do not stand up to critical analysis. This paper explains that, although there are more, three very commonly used examples of logical fallacies are 'straw man', 'equivocation' and 'ad hominem'. It shows how these fallacies are frequently used to get people to agree to desired proposals or plans. They are often used when those doing the proposing either are not sure their facts are strong enough to get cooperation or those doing the proposing are sure that people will not agree because the proposals are not honest/necessary or useful to begin with.
From the Paper "The straw man fallacy includes such approaches as stereotyping, caricaturing, name-calling, slanted language or deck-stacking. Basically the idea is to portray your opponent as weak so that your own arguments look stronger. Reporting the opposing views in overly simplified terms or in concepts that are absurd are relied on to make the opinion or position offered by those employing the technique, seem stronger and more sensible."
Abstract This paper explains that, using the philosophy of Alan Turing, the Turing Test examines the premise that a machine is deemed intelligent if it is able to perform the same functions as a human. The paper points out that Turning agrees with the Computational Theory of Mind, which is the idea that information processing in the mind is almost identical to the information processing in a digital computer; therefore, a thought can essentially be compared to a computation with the mind as the software and the brain as the actual hardware. The paper agrees with Turing that intelligence is essentially computational and concludes that Turing and his variation on the Imitation Game have had a long lasting impact in the realm of artificial intelligence.
From the Paper "The previous arguments against the Computational Theory of Mind are fascinating; however, John Searle's "Chinese Room" argument is much more thought provoking. This experiment entails an individual being placed in a role analogous to that of a motherboard of a computer, and he is unable to communicate with anyone, the only way he is to communicate is through symbolic communications that are written in Chinese, which is a language that the individual in the test would not understand. Therefore, he is unable to process what information is being thrown at him, yet his job is to produce 'meaningful responses.' Therefore, he is given a booklet of responses to type in or write down when he receives a certain symbol . Therefore, he has a book, which tells him exactly how to respond if he is given a specific symbol or set of symbols. Therefore, the individual is able to give responses that many would deem to be reasonably formulated, yet he has no understanding of what he has done."
