Abstract This paper discusses how Oxford and Cambridge universities in the United Kingdom share many features, since Cambridge was built by students from Oxford. It considers the various prominent features of both universities in order to identify the similarities and differences. It also examines how both are great examples of different building styles over the centuries. It looks at how Oxford is the oldest university city in the UK, how it features wide streets and has more than 650 buildings listed for their historical or architectural merit. In contrast, Cambridge was not founded as a university city, but as a city of the Roman Empire, founded in 43AD by the Roman emperor Cantabrigensis. The first university was only built in 1134, although many of the fairly insignificant features of the city remained in place.
From the Paper "Sir Christopher Wren was also involved in the building of the Sheldonian Theater. The classical theatre was Wren's first large scale work. It opend in 1669, and was modelled on the roman theater of Marcellus. Robert Streeter painted the ceiling to give the impression of an open sky. The cuppola gives a view of the city's spires. The theater is currently used for degree cermonies. Additionally, Encaenia, a ceremony taking place during the month of June, takes place here. During this ceremony the founders of the university are remembered, while famous and deserving people also receive honorary degrees. Concerts and lectures are also held here (Pictures of England, 2003)."
Abstract This paper reviews John Casti's work "The Cambridge Quintet: A Work of Scientific Speculation". It describes Casti's clear bias towards Alan Turing's views and suggests that he did not give Ludwig Wittgenstein the opportunity to argue as strongly as he might. The paper then suggests what Wittgenstein could have been allowed to say in order to strengthen his position.
From the Paper "While on the surface the reader's immediate inclination may be to agree in spirit with Wittgenstein, his reliance on such metaphorical terms within the construct of human language is a disingenuous and vacuous platform. The terms he employs that refer to emotion are terms that humans themselves often have difficulty agreeing on both in context and in substance. Upon further reflection the rational reader realizes that a machine, just as any human does, can be taught the textbook definition of these terms which forms the foundation of their use. Yet, beyond such topical conceptions, both humans and machines are likely to vary greatly in both degree and application of how these emotions are conceived and used. In that way, machine logic would be no different than typical human communication patterns in conveying meaning."
Abstract A review of public policy issues surrounding homelessness, including history, Internet research and interviews with homeless people in a shelter in Cambridge, MA. It also discusses the lessons that can be learned from the moderately successful Massachusetts programs of the early eighties, and the lack of public interest in this issue, especially elite public interest.
From the Paper "Homelessness was first addressed in the early 1980's in reaction to the visibly increased homeless population, but interest has steadily decreased since government action was initially taken over a decade ago. In reevaluating public policy options, it is important to examine the causes of the problem and delegate authority to those best suited to solving it. Lessons can be learned from the moderately successful Massachusetts programs of the early eighties, but in order for that pluralistic model to work, public interest must be created by an elite source."
Tags: boston, cambridge, homeless, homelessness, interviews, massachussets, policy, public
Abstract This paper presents a brief biography of Isaac Newton. The paper begins with his family history from his early days in England to his student days at Cambridge. The paper then explores Newton and his various fields of interest: Optics; Astronomy; and the Laws of Mechanical Motion. The writer believes that Newton laid the foundation and standardized the scientific approach, which revolutionized the whole mode of human life.
From the Paper "Of all these laws Newton's most famous is the law of universal gravitation, which explained that every object in the universe exerts an attractive force (gravitation force) on every other object. Thus Newton's laws of mechanical motion in effect created a new perception in our understanding of the universe and the interrelation between the different heavenly bodies. Ernst Mach an eminent scientist had this to say about Newton's law of mechanics, ?All that has been accomplished in mathematics since his day has been a deductive, formal, and mathematical development of mechanics on the basis of Newton's laws.? [Michael .H. Hart, 44]. All these laws were published in his famed work "principia" (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy?) in 1687."
Abstract This paper discusses the influence of John Maynard Keynes' economic theories on modern economics and how those theories were truly given a pragmatic market in the American economy during and following the Great Depression. Keynes was born in Cambridge in 1883 and would never stray too far from that place since he went on to attend King College at Cambridge where he majored in mathematics. He was able to apply many of his theoretical concepts in government work in the British Treasury where he was instrumental in the Treasury's work at the Treaty of Versailles.
Analysis of British spies who worked for Soviet intelligence in WWII & early Cold War era. Ideological views held by the spies. Undermining of British & American positions.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 95.95
From the Paper "The story of the group of men who became known as the Cambridge Spies is one of the most extended and most extensive cases of Western nationals spying on their own government in the twentieth century. The principal persons involved -- Guy Burgess (1910-63), Donald Maclean (1915-83), Anthony Blunt (1907-83), and "Kim" Philby (1912-88) -- worked on behalf of the Soviet Union throughout World War II and the early Cold War era. Their activities were only very gradually uncovered and the full story has been even more gradually revealed to the public. The opening of the KGB archives in Moscow after the fall of the Soviet Union seems to have brought the exposures to their conclusion -- but there is no saying whether further information might be revealed in years to come. Although a number of other persons were connected with this group's spying on Britain and, less directly..."
From the Paper "The eighteenth century was the formative period in the history of Trinity College Dublin: it was in this period of strong leadership that Trinity College took on its character as well as its outward appearance. In the following pages we examine the academic standing and culture of Trinity College in the eighteenth century, especially in comparison and contrast to the condition of other universities in the British Isles at that time, particularly Oxford and Cambridge.
The visitor to Trinity College Dublin (also called the University of Dublin) enters a space which, more perhaps than any other great university in the British Isles, embodies what Americans would imagine a great and ancient university to look like. Trinity College forms a distinct campus, organized around a system of open quadrangles. The plan, and the stately ..."
Abstract This paper is a biography of the life and career of Edward Estlin Cummings, the twentieth century poet, playwright, novelist and artist. It describes his life from his birth in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 14, 1894 through his childhood, education at Harvard and his experiences during World War I. It discusses how Cummings was a man of many talents-- a poet, a novelist and an artist and how he was also a voice, as all writers eventually become. It looks at how he stood for the freedom of the individual and how he expressed this through all of his works. It shows how in his poems he basically broke every law of grammatical structure known to language in and twisted the lyrical phrases around for the effect of both creativity and statement and in his art he did it by just the freedom and abstract design of his ingenuity transformed into what he painted.
From the Paper "Some of the rather influential voices that played a role in both Estlin's writing and art forms included many modern, known people. Early in his career, Estlin looked to William Shakespeare to enlighten him on the art of developing sonnets. He admired Shakespeare's "intensity" to make art what it is. He took this intensity and incorporated it into and molded his sonnets after Shakespearian ideas, so to speak. These turned out to be some of the finest sonnets of our century. Estlin wrote them in a way as to "celebrate love, savagely ridiculing human stupidity, and recording his pilgrimage to the transcendental" (Unger 433)."
Tags: abstract, reform, transcendentalist, poet, artist
Abstract The merits of capitalism have been debated for decades. This paper discusses yet another book by a Cambridge economist Noreena Hertz on the effects of global capitalism upon democracy and related social perspectives.
Abstract This paper reviews another book by Cambridge economist Noreena Hertz, entitled "The Silent Takeover: Global Capitalism and The Death Of Democracy", on the effects of global capitalism upon democracy and related social perspectives.
Abstract This paper introduces the book, "Invention by Design" by Henry Petroski, published in Cambridge, MA, by the Harvard University Press in 1996. Specifically, it discusses what in the book is relevant to the mechanical engineering program, the author's main points, and whether these points are valid or invalid. It looks at how Henry Petroski's book takes engineering to a level that just about anyone can understand and makes it interesting even to the layperson. This book is not only an excellent introduction to the many facets of engineering; it is also a fascinating look into engineering by example, from the simple paper clip to the complicated Boeing 777 aircraft. It also shows how it is a fascinating look into what makes good engineering and what engineers actually do.
From the Paper "Another critical issue in the book is how the case studies are presented. Each study begins with a bit of history, and then moves into the critical issues involved in the design and engineering of the object, such as the sewers of Paris as a precursor to the evolution of water quality engineering. Had the case studies taken a different approach, the book might not have met its goal of "making sense of many of the interrelated aspects of engineering," but because of these critical inclusions, the book not only meets, but exceeds its goals. It is clear that engineering is a vital force in the modern world, and that just about every action the engineer attempts can be critical in some form or another."
Abstract This paper identifies those factors that can serve to reduce the potential for recidivism; to this end, there is a need to determine why people continue to break the law and return to the criminal justice system. It explains that, based on the failures of the system to date, it may be that criminal justice researchers do not take advantage of the existing statistical data to the maximum extent possible in order to provide intelligent reasoned recommendations concerning effective use of available resources. It is the position of this research project that, based on existing information concerning rates of recidivism, a survey form can be designed to help identify the potential for future criminal acts by prisoners in a pre-release status.
From the Paper "Over the last 30 years the American prison population has grown dramatically, and upon release, many convicts return to crime as a way of life after serving their sentences (Schmalleger, 1995, p. 424). Probation and parole officers are overloaded with cases and cannot properly help or supervise all the people assigned to them, Many jails and prisons are severely overcrowded, and riots, beatings and killings occur frequently. The controversy over the role of the correctional system focuses on whether they should be rehabilitated. Some people believe the purpose of imprisoning offenders is to prevent them from committing more crimes. However, it is the position of this study that this prevention may only be temporary if researchers do not find out why convicts commit more crimes in the first place."
Abstract This paper examines how the Middle Passage was the barbarous and inhumane journey where slaves were transported from West-Africa to the Americas as 'black cattle'. It looks at how it was the beginning of the disintegration of African society, how Africans from all different cultures were literally thrown and shackled together on a ship and how by doing so, the slavers stripped the slaves of their sense of self and individuality.
From the Paper "'Equiano's Travels' is the self-portrayal of an African slave. In 'Equiano's Travels' we are introduced to Equiano as a happy 11-year old who lives the carefree life every child should live. To me it seems of consequence that we meet Equiano happy-go-lucky, as it enables me to identify with him. He once upon a time was a well-fed, happy child who played with siblings and friends, and had a caring family. But then Equiano is kidnapped and sold to slavers. Gradually his whole life disintegrates: he gets separated from his sister, he moves from slaver to slaver. The open fields from the beginning of the narrative are now replaced by dark woods, in which he may get lost. Each time he finds some happiness, it results in misery far worse than before. At most times Equiano is overwhelmed by 'anguish' [page 175], 'horror' [page 175], 'fear' [page 174]. Throughout his journey, Equiano dreams of escaping and finding freedom. But as the narrative moves on he gets to realise that there is no freedom for him."
An analysis of "Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580" and the "Voices of Morebath: Reformation and Rebellion in an English Village" by Eamon Duffy.
Abstract This paper explains how Eamon Duffy, professor in church history at the University of Cambridge, has rewritten history and refutes what is considered a long-kept myth in his two books. It explains that he disputes the story long told by the Protestants of what encouraged the English Reformation in the Middle Ages. An analysis of his two books is provided in the paper.
From the Paper "The Protestant Reformation eventually eliminated this community structure. It abolished devotions to images that were the purpose for much of the financial support. It then took possession of the resources that had been put toward so-called "superstitious" practices. Without this means of supporting the church, Morebath suffered and finally lost most of its involvement by the parishioners.
Yet, as noted previously, the eventual decline of Morebath does not mean that the people immediately went along with the Reformation and quickly forgot hundreds of years of tradition. At the beginning, they were either not discouraged or not moved by the battering rams of the Protestant church. When their chalice was stolen, the young men and women collected for another one. On the very eve of the Reformation in 1533, the statue of Our Lady of Pity was regilt, and a new image was purchased. In addition, in 1535, a new rood, with Our Lady and St. John was commissioned. The parish meeting in the autumn of 1534 did not know that a few days before the theft that Parliament had passed the Act of Supremacy. This made no difference in Morebath. The same was true for the dissolution of the monasteries and the abolishment of the holy days in 1536. Due to their long years of belief, the Catholic followers kept faithful as long as they could."
Abstract Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem, "Ulysses" was written after a turbulent time in Tennyson's life. Prior to writing the poem, Tennyson had become close friends with Arthur Hallam, who was regarded as the most brilliant man of his Cambridge generation. In 1933, Hallam died suddenly while he and Tennyson were in Vienna. This paper shows that, although Hallam's death nearly crushed Tennyson, it also provided the stimulus for a great outburst of some of the finest poems he ever wrote, including "Ulysses". The paper explains how this poem is an expression of grief as well as an elegy for Tennyson's friend by examining the poem stanza by stanza.
From the Paper "Here we encounter a hero who never made it back home to Ithaca because he wanted to explore new lands and seek out knowledge. In the first stanza, the speaker admits that he "cannot rest from travel" (6) and that he is "always roaming with a hungry heart" (12). Here we see how the speaker is driven to explore the world, which means uncovering every aspect of life and living that he can. He has also known "cities of men/And manners, climates, councils, governments" (13-4) and considers himself a part of all that he has met. (18) With this passage, we see how the speaker truly enjoys his life and sees it as something positive not only for him but for others as well."
