This paper discusses chaostheory based on James Gleick's "Chaos: Making a New Science" and Ian Stewart's "Does God Play Dice?: The Mathematics of Chaos".
Abstract This paper explains that James Gleick believes that chaostheory is revolution in thinking, a major shift from the ordered universe of Newton and even the less mechanical universe of Einstein. The author points out that chaostheory says that the universe is decided on the basis of chance to a great degree and that the aggregate of those chances cannot be predicted or even discerned to allow a clear cause-and-effect assessment. The paper relates that chaostheory says that a small change in a system, which takes place all the time and cannot be tracked or even relied upon, can produce more and more changes until something much greater and unforeseen occurs.
From the Paper "Ian Stewart is trained as a mathematician, while Gleick writes about science for the New York Times. Stewart is British, and Gleick American. They write about the same subject from different points of view. Stewart begins his book noting that the direction for creation has been first from chaos into order, and that physics has now found that order is something of an illusion masking the continuing chaos of reality. He also cites Newton and the Newtonian era as affirming that nature has laws and man can discover what these laws are. The world described by Newton was a clockwork world which operated like a machine, and Stewart discusses the nature of that world and world-view much more directly than does Gleick."
Abstract This paper explains that organizations are becoming aware of the serious need to cope with and quickly adapt to change; therefore, they increasingly are turning to chaostheory in order to understand and manage change in a dynamic business environment. The author points out that chaostheory, also known as non-linear systems theory, is based on the premise that the world is made up of complex systems that are non-linear, dynamic, unstable and unpredictable, contrasting sharp with Newtonian science, which believed that the universe functioned in an ordered, stable, linear and predictable manner. The paper relates that chaostheory has led to organizations being viewed as organic or living systems that will find orderly solutions if they are allowed to do so; however, organizational management needs to be more sensitized to environmental changes, leading to flexibility, responsiveness, dynamism and a reduced reliance on precise planning.
From the Paper "True, that discerning the underlying structure of the complex systems that bring about change is often difficult because there are a number of myriad factors involved. However, chaos theory is nevertheless useful in understanding and managing what was previously considered to be uncontrollable, chaotic events and behavior. This is achieved by defining chaos as "the range of behaviors that deterministic processes can adopt." One such deterministic process is deemed as the organizational culture and structure itself. Indeed, this is precisely the reason why modern organizations are moving towards decentralized, leaner, flatter structures that allow for employee empowerment, self-organization and emergence."
This paper discusses the possibility of more accurately forecasting weather through the application of Edward Lorenz' chaostheory as based on James Gleick's book "Chaos: Making a New Science".
Abstract This paper explains that James Gleick in his book "Chaos: Making a New Science" reports the work of meteorologist and pioneer of the chaostheory, Edward Lorenz, to computerize the forecasting of weather based on physical laws. The author points out that Gleick explains, even though the straight-forward mathematical attempt by Lorenz to find weather averages was a "failure", Lorenz discovered that the phenomenon of climate instability was related to the chaostheory. The paper relates that Lorenz' two non-linear discoveries are (1) that models of chaotic systems have an exquisitely sensitive dependence on initial dependence called the butterfly effect and (2) that even simple systems can show complex, chaotic behavior proving that the "clockwork" universe doesn't exist.
Table of Contents
Gleick's Belief of the Possibility to Forecast Weather
The Butterfly Effect
Nonlinear and Linear Systems
Similar to Predicting the Motions of Planets
Link between Aperiodic Behavior and Unpredictable Behavior
Thermal Convection
From the Paper "The very act of predicting weather is "fragile" when it comes to computer modeling, even though the data may be "reasonable trustworthy" and the laws of science are "purely physical" (20). But the computer modeling of weather patterns and air movement and temperatures and all the other ingredients that go into the stew, are only good for a day or two; "beyond two or three days the world's best forecasts" are / were speculative, and "beyond six or seven," Gleick writes, "they were worthless." Why were they worthless? "The Butterfly Effect was the reason.""
Abstract This paper explains chaostheory and looks at how it can be applied to the educational field, noting that the classroom is a place where the initial state is one where students know nothing of the class ahead of them, and teachers are faced with a group of students that are, in the beginning, completely foreign to them in their backgrounds, behavior, and the way they learn. By employing methods set out in "Chaos in the Classroom: A New Theory of Teaching and Learning" by E. Davis and D. Smith, the paper examines both the pros and cons of the practical introduction of chaostheory in the area of education.
From the Paper "The "cons" of the chaos theory in its application to education are minimal, if they exist at all. Though one can be considered the fact that all students learn differently and therefore the chaos theory can not possibly encompass all students' needs, the work done by the authors of Chaos in the Classroom have accounted for this in their theory by describing the innate uncertainty and variety of students' functioning in the classroom. The authors state that students come to class with their own unique set of experiences, beliefs, problems, and assumptions. There is no way to truly coordinate every student's needs, but the authors say that this should set teachers free of the worry and belief that they can meet every need. Instead, teachers must approach their job by expressing the educational material in a way that mimics how we receive information in the "real world". "
A discussion on "In Commentary: The Potential of ChaosTheory and Complexity Theory for Health Services Management", by Margaret Arndt and Barbara Bigelow.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper examines Margaret Arndt and Barbara Bigelow's book which discusses the relevance and potential of the chaos and complexity theories in terms of improving health services management in the United States. It highlights that reevaluating professional knowledge and assumptions in a field as complex as health care can be unsettling, but it can also invigorating.
From the Paper "In "Commentary: The Potential of Chaos Theory and Complexity Theory for Health Services Management", Margaret Arndt and Barbara Bigelow examine the relevance and potential of these theories in terms of improving health services management in the United States. They emphasize that reevaluating professional knowledge and assumptions in a field as complex as health care can be unsettling, but it can also invigorating. Because of the potential benefits of such an approach, Arndt and Bigelow (2000) argue in their article that applying chaos theory and complexity theory to health services management is worthy of pursuit, despite potential controversy or disputes regarding the validity of this approach. Since America's health care system is plagued by inherent complexity and chaos, applying ..."
Abstract To assess whether chaostheory is a good theory one must first do two things - define chaostheory itself and then define what one means in general as a good theory. The initial proposition is the easier of the two, and so is taken up first in this paper.
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From the Paper "Chaos Theory
To assess whether chaos theory is a good theory one must first do two things - define chaos theory itself and then define what one means in general as a good theory. The initial proposition is the easier of the two, and so is taken up first in this paper.
Chaos theory is in fact a broader-ranging set of ideas than is usually described by the title "theory", for it puts forth not a proposition about a particular and specific set of events (such as in the case in something like the theory of angular momentum) but instead makes a rather sweeping generalization about the way the natural - as well as perhaps also the social - world is put together. Chaos theory is in fact a sort of meta-theory, the basic ideas of which can be extracted and applied in a variety of situations. Some of these ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the evolution of management principles, from classical theory (closely linked to scientific management theory) to the present. This includes three major stages, or schools of thought: (1) the classical school; (2) the human relations school; and (3) the human resources school. In this essay, the writer explores the evolution of the classical; human relations; and human resources schools of management theory. The writer also compares, contrasts and explains key differences between these three management theories. The writer also touches briefly on a few of today's other, more recent, management theories: systems theory; contingency theory; quality theory; reengineering theory and chaostheory.
From the Paper "Classical-style management, on the other hand, is exemplified within organizations like IBM; Hitachi; Wal-Mart, and others. In fact, human relations-style management seems to have mostly gone out of style in most of today's organizations, particularly larger ones. Many times, companies like Wal-Mart or Starbuck's, with their stock option opportunities and other employee perks, seem to try to create an effect of employee inclusiveness, but such perks are in fact mere gestures within an essentially top-down (classical) organizational structure. In corporate life today, "top down" classical management is, although the oldest, also the most common. Increasingly, moreover, even non-profit entities like colleges and universities which used to practice (or at least had a reputation for practicing) principles like shared governance, are instead using top-down, hierarchical-type management approaches and systems."
Abstract This paper examines the complex challenges facing the health care system in the United States as discussed by Shari Myce in her book. It emphasizes that giving up control and embracing uncertainty can lead to surprising creativity. The paper explains that she acknowledges that like most managers and people in authority, health care leaders instinctively equate uncertainty and chaos with management failure, and feel compelled to assert control and be proactive.
From the Paper "In "Teetering on the Edge of Chaos" Shari Mycek examines the complex challenges facing the health care system in the United States and emphasizes that giving up control and embracing uncertainty can lead to surprising creativity. She acknowledges that like most managers and people in authority, health care leaders instinctively equate uncertainty and chaos with management failure, and feel compelled to assert control and be rigidly proactive. Unfortunately, such efforts can be counterproductive, disruptive, and increase chaos and uncertainty instead of reducing them. Consequently, Mycek (1999) argues that uncertainty should be capitalized upon when it occurs, for uncertainty and disagreement can "breed creativity and innovation." In her view, "complexity principles can guide us in ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes and discusses the theories of both Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes in an effort to better understand political theory. The paper uses and explains direct quotes.
Outline:
Abstract
Machiavelli's and Hobbes' Perceptions of the Ruler
Political Philosophies of Machiavelli and Hobbes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Hobbes stands in contrast to Machiavelli, at least on the surface, in terms of his theories on who should rule the state. Whereas Machiavelli advocates the ideas of absolute power, submission among subjects, and the gaining of authority through a display of force, Hobbes seems to be more attuned to the ideas of the nature of man to be essentially free, and the ruling of the state by a democratic type of a body, rather than a solitary dictator or despot. For example, one can consider the following quote from Hobbes: "The right of nature... is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life." (Harrison, 2003, p. 67). In other words, Hobbes is saying that every person has within them certain rights, yearnings and liberties; as such, the individual is entitled, and indeed should, pursue their own interests and not be oppressed by rulers. Likewise, rulers should not attempt to force subjects into submission or to rule by intimidation or fear- for Hobbes, power must be earned and maintained through a level of fairness (Rogers, et al, 2000). Within this scope, the ruler should be motivated, in Hobbes' opinion, by serving the interests of the people over whom they govern. Likewise, the citizens would be involved in the political process, and the ruler, having earned the right to rule, would have the duty to effectively lead with conscience rather than sheer force."
Tags: state-, authority, power, chaos, force, politics, political
Abstract This paper discusses organization theory, which originated with Max Weber, and two of the ways in which it has evolved since its conception. The author defines positivism and postmodernism and explains both points of view in detail. The author then analyzes the gap between them, and concludes that postmodernism is the antipode of positivism, as the two perspectives have only differences and no similarities, and respectively favor the subjective and objective nature of reality.
From the Paper "The term positivism was introduced, in 1853, by French philosopher Auguste Comte who believed that humans could stand back and observe the already existing reality, without influencing what they observed provided that the appropriate methodology was used. This means that the guiding principle of the above theory is "facts speak for themselves". Moreover, scientists believe that objective reality is made up of those elements that are tangible or that can be perceived with the help of our senses. Therefore, any phenomenon that isn't validated by smell, taste, touch, hearing or sight, is denied existence in the real world and is considered to be the result of superstition, dogma or fantasy. However, a human being's senses can be misleading. This is why positivists embrace those objective methods that derive from physical or hard sciences and that are said to be the keystone against which validity is decided."
This paper discusses nursing theory, specifically in regards to self-care facilitated by Dorothy Orem's model and the mid-range theory of the community health model.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of nursing theory as not simply a philosophical abstraction, but as also useful for the demands for "description, explanation, prediction and control" during nursing work and study. Having a background in nursing theories can prove helpful because theories give clues as to what to ask, what to observe, what to focus on and what to think about when a nurse is under pressure or dealing with a noncompliant patient. The paper asserts that even grand theories have a practical emphasis. They can offer validation of the patient's cultural differences and self-empowerment and actualization through facilitating patient self-care. Self-care facilitation is a stress in many of the grand theories, as Orem's theory likewise attempts to address self-care deficits such as patient noncompliance with a dietary or physical fitness regime. There is always inevitable overlap between models, as contemporary nursing models and grand theories all strive to be limited to a focus on problems in nurse-patient situations or problems in person-environment interaction to be of use in practitioners in the field. Furthermore, the paper looks at the use of middle range theories in nursing, which some assert are more useful and more easily tested in practice. These mid-range theories act as subsidiaries of grand theories, and draw a great deal of their philosophy from grand theories. The major categories of knowledge reflected in different contemporary nursing models and grand theories, which include needs-based approaches, interaction-based approaches, outcome-focused approaches and humanistic approaches can be placed through the use of mid-range theories in a very specific context, such as pain management, or health promotion.
From the Paper "Orem places a strong emphasis on exercise and physical activity that the patient can achieve him or herself. In the Community Empowerment Model, the nurse can provide counseling how to achieve such goals in the context of the patient's specific community and cultural environment (Extract from "Medicare Primary and Consumer Directed Care Demonstration: Health Promotion Nurse Intervention Model," 2002). The importance of exercise is directly derived from Orem's stress upon the need for the nurse to help the patient with such basic self-care modalities as nutrition, hygiene (including better sleep hygiene), mobility (including exercise), medication, and more empowered behavior. Orem also stresses patient empowerment in the context of direct nursing care, where the nurse has direct contact with client and/or family, along with Orem's the belief that self-care deficits are the result of environmental situations (Mayo, 1997).
"The environmental impact upon self-care also illustrates how the Community Empowerment Middle Range theory springs directly from Orem's influence, along with the pragmatic and humanist philosophical influences gave birth to Orem's stress upon patient empowerment during the entire process of treatment. The Community Empowerment Model also incorporates multiculturalism into its philosophy. Both theories share the logical positivist emphasis which stresses situations and context dictating the course of treatment, and the importance of taking into consideration the environment of the patient."
Tags: self-care facilitation Orem, mid-range theory, community health model, treatment
A review and discussion regarding four different criminal theories: differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines four critical theories that have been developed in order to study criminal behavior in human societies. Each of the theories discussed in this paper have been chosen from a wide list of options and are part of a separate classification group. The four theories that this paper identifies are differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
From the Paper "Criminology is a wide field devoted to the theoretical study of crime, of its causes, of its relationship to the law, and of its relationship to human communities. In a way, crime affects all human societies at very fundamental levels. That such a powerful force should spawn a critical discipline devoted to its study is not surprising. Once it became an academic discipline it is even less surprising that critics and theorists have been unable to agree upon a theoretical framework that encompasses all aspects of criminology. Instead, criminology has been divided, over the years, into a number of critical theories that sometimes complement one another and other times are at odds with each other."
Abstract Social Structure Theories and Social Processes Theories are often used interchangeably. This essay highlights the fundamental differences outlining social structure and social process theories. In order to compare these theories, the paper draws attention to the various theories of juvenile delinquency and the difference of perspective involved and the obtrusive causes outlined by the distinct theories for engagement in criminal acts at a young age. Two different theories are presented attempting to explain juvenile delinquency, presenting various facets of adolescent criminal behavior and the possible causes of such behavior.
From the Paper "One of the major challenges faced by the law-making authorities of the United States today is the reduction of juvenile delinquency and to increase the effectiveness of lawful regulations in the country. The alarming augmentation in crime rate at adolescent echelon is the most worrisome problem facing America therefore researchers and experts of the related field have developed various theories regarding juvenile delinquency outlining motivations and reasons behind the existence and the frequency of crime at juvenile stage. In order to well-comprehend the perspective of various philosophies related to juvenile delinquency, it is highly essential to know what juvenile delinquency is about."
Abstract This essay discusses broad nursing theory and mid-range theory. The specific theories that are used as examples are comfort theory (mid-range) and self care deficit theory (broad theory). The paper shows that both theories are constructive to nursing, but that mid-range theory allows experimentation and solid conclusions.
Abstract In this article, the writer first discusses that most researchers believed that during the 1950s the topics that were not raised consistently as influences on educational theories like racial discrimination, status of women, etc., had more drastic effect than the issues that were addressed. The writer then relates that educational theories were more specialized and respected in the 1960s than any other on the basis of the incorporation of assessment procedures that guaranteed impartiality, lucidity, and practical inflexibility. Further, the writer notes that Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions in 1970 basically brought forth the notion of competition that was singly the most influential concept in the coming decades. The writer points out that the decade of the 1980s saw feminism, neo-Marxist notion, and the first drafts of the postmodern theory being considered as legal areas of concern in the sphere educational philosophy. Finally, the writer notes that the 1990s brought around tragedy, feelings of loss and uncertainty among the societies. The writer concludes that in the future, one can hope that the reforms and incorporations that have been made over the past decades in the education theories yield fruitful results by enhancing educational standards and efficiency of the execution of education philosophies.
Outline:
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1950s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1960s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1970s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1980s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1990s
Conclusion
From the Paper "There were also quite a few articles that chose to concentrate only the numerous problems or aspects of the education policies present like the level of educational liberty available to both the students and the teachers, the educational as well as peripheral responsibilities of the academic management. An example of an essay of this format is the article written by Willard Spalding who was the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at the time. He in this article tried to design a completely fresh notion and theory of training the teachers. He believed that this could be achieved by invalidating what he believed to be the conservative or traditional comprehension of the association amid the traits and various units of education. He followed the viewpoint first brought forth by Aristotle that regarded the numerous units as the primary factors whereas the traits as the secondary factors. Spalding supported this viewpoint because he believed that this led to a more lucid understanding of the society's needs and requirements for the educational standards, temperaments and policies."
