Abstract This paper shows how dogmatism effects one's consumer behavior. It talks about the different stages of consumer behavior and how dogmatism is applied to each stage and the effects, which the consumer experiences while experiencing dogmatism.
From the Paper "Consumer behavior varies on many different types of characteristics. Purchases are influenced strongly by cultural, social, personal, and psychological characteristics. For the most part, marketers cannot control these factors, however, they must take them into account. People differ greatly in their readiness to try new products. In each product area, there are "consumption pioneers" and early adopters. Other individuals adopt new products much later. The five-adopter groups have differing values. Innovators are venturesome- they try new ideas at some risk. Early adopters are guided by respect- they are opinion leaders in their communities and adopt new ideas early, but carefully. The early majority is deliberate, although they are rarely leaders, and adapt to new ideas before the average person. The late majority is skeptical and they adopt an innovation only after the majority of people have tried it. The fifth group of adopters is the laggards. They are suspicious of changes and adopt the innovation only when it has become something of a tradition itself. Their type of behavior is also known as dogmatism."
Abstract This paper explores through several empirical studies the connection between religious dogmatism and violence. The paper discusses religious dogmatism as a variable in violence as well as right-wing, religious attitudes toward violence. The paper also reviews the use by the religious right of a just-world theory to explain and excuse violence.
From the Paper "The following presents a review of eight empirical studies on the relationship between religious dogmatism and violence...."
Abstract The paper examines how Kant's theory of transcendental idealism is a useful doctrine, given that it picks up on key problems with realism and posits a theory that is intuitively acceptable. This essay compares transcendental idealism with both dogmatic idealism and problematic idealism, using the differences to clarify the meaning of transcendental idealism. As is shown, only transcendental idealism is acceptable, as dogmatic idealism and problematic idealism have fundamental problems that render them unacceptable.
From the Paper "This paper will discuss dogmatism as it affects the persuasion process. Basically, dogmatism has a negative impact on persuasion efforts. As Kelly notes, one of the strongest barriers to persuasion is "our potential immunity to the message" (Kelly 2025). A person who is dogmatic on a particular issue has a strong emotional commitment to his or her opinion on that issue. Because of this emotional commitment, the dogmatic person is not likely to change opinions lightly. As a result, dogmatism is a powerful inhibitor of attitude change. Studies using "dogmatism scales" have indicated that people can range from high to low levels of dogmatic belief (Neuliep 213). Thus, some dogmatic people will be more open to change than others. Nevertheless, for the most part, dogmatism in a person is a strong indicator that the person will reject any persuasive..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the author develops the following prevalent themes in the story: (1) the theme of religious dogmatism; (2) conservatism shown by being intolerant to differences of other people/individuals; and (3) the existence of magic in the midst of reality, i.e., the use of magical realism. Through illustrative examples and passages from the story, this paper posits that the short story, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings", depicts the realities of life in human society as the author (Marquez) perceives it: a life motivated by strict adherence to and belief in religion, resulting in dogmatism, intolerance to the differences of other people, and a life of poverty, resulting from the blurring of the distinction between illusion (magic) and reality.
From the Paper "The theme of dogmatism is evident from the start of the short story. The use of the angel as the main character of the story illustrates the prevalence of religion in Elisenda and Pelayo's town. Indeed, religion became manifest when the "neighbor woman who knew everything about life and death" identified the old man with enormous wings as an angel. However, despite this information, the angel became a mere spectacle and subject of ridicule, rather than respect and reverence, in the small village. This is because he is portrayed as physically unappealing, shown in the following description in the story: "He was dressed like a ragpicker. There were only a few faded hairs left on his bald skull and very few teeth in his mouth, and his pitiful condition of a drenched great-grandfather took away and sense of grandeur he might have had. His huge buzzard wings, dirty and half-plucked were forever entangled in the mud" he answered in an incomprehensible dialect with a strong sailor's voice? he was a lonely castaway from some foreign ship wrecked by the storm.?"
Tags: perception, fascination, ridicule, village, priest, respect, villagers, inhuman, treatment
Abstract This paper compares the religion of Buddhism to the practice of psychoanalysis and claims that these two practices are the only way in which to live a fulfilled life. It surveys the main principles of the religion and gives examples of how these can improve one's life.
From the paper:
"Buddhism has been described as a very pragmatic religion. It does not indulge in metaphysical speculation about first causes; there is no theology, no worship of a deity or deification of the Buddha. Buddhism takes a very straightforward look at our human condition; nothing is based on wishful thinking. Everything that the Buddha taught was based on his own observations of the way things were. Unlike Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other mono (or even poly) theistic religion, everything taught in Buddhism can be verified by our own observation of the way things are in reality. This principle not only embodies the connection between Buddhism to psychoanalysis, but clearly proves why these two practices are just about the only two that will allow us to fully live our lives. "
Abstract A discussion of the lack of women in the literary canon, "an authoritative list, as the works of the greatest authors". The canon is a guarantee of quality and it immortalizes a work. A work outside the canon is forgotten and unnoticed. Anti-feminist groups claim that historically white males have done most of the writing. The author of this paper disagrees with this claim and attempts to prove it as a narrow-minded and dogmatic notion. Female writers were not taken seriously. Because of the omission from the literary canon, female writers are presented with the notion that there are no women writers of note. That alone is good enough motivation to adopt the concept of a "women's canon".
From the Paper "The term literary canon is explained by definition as "an authoritative list, as the works of the greatest authors". Yet, the literary canon consists mainly of male WASPS (or White Anglo-Saxon Protestants). It is only a logical consequence that women, and particularly feminists, want to break free from this male-dominated virile clique. Now, what is the importance of the canon? The purpose of the canon is simple. The canon is a guarantee of quality and it immortalizes a work. It is an attempt to present us with the best. It basically is a list of the prime books ever written and the authors who ever wrote. The one belonging to the canon acquires a distinct prerogative. A work outside the canon is forgotten and unnoticed. If the canon is a collection of the best works by the greatest masters, then it does not look good for women and other minority groups. And if the existing literary canon is a prodigious list of white males, then we can only conclude that culture, great literature, creativity and originality are essentially masculine and European."
Abstract The essay "Of Cannibals" is a narrative prose by 16th Century French writer, Michel de Montaigne, describing the culture of a South American tribe (Native Americans). In it, Montaigne compares the Native American tribe's society and culture with that of Western society. This paper discusses and enumerates these comparisons between the two societies, as well as describes in detail the different social customs and lifestyles of the cannibalistic group. A comparison and analysis of the differences between the two societies in Montaigne's point of view is made for further understanding of the author's objective, that is, to criticize Western society of its conservative and strict compliance to dogmatic beliefs that continually plague the people from Western societies. Thus, Montaigne analyzes "barbarism" and "civilization" in context of the two societies.
From the Paper "The act of war and cannibalism in this tribe is one important comparison of Montaigne to the Europeans. The author justifies the tribe's barbarism and cannibalism through several explanations. According to him, barbarism, or the act of war popular among tribes people, is one of the two important articles taught in their society, that is, valor towards their enemies or "resolution in war." Cannibalism is said to be done not "for nourishment", because cannibalism for the tribes people is an "extreme form of vengeance." Montaigne justifies this "barbarous horror of so cruel an action" by comparing the tribe's cannibalism with that of "cannibalism" in Western society. For him, the tribe's cannibalism is much more honorable and just, since the prisoner is killed first and only eaten when he was already dead. The Western society, on the other hand, practices a more "barbarous" act of cannibalism because, as Montaigne had described, "[I] conceive there is more barbarity in eating a man alive, than when he is dead... in tearing a body limb from limb by racks and torments... among neighbors and fellow-citizens... under color of piety and religion...""
Tags: skepticism, humanist, movement, Antarctic, France, Polygamy
Examines reasons for the 1991 Soviet collapse, communist ideology, global, economic, political and social challenges for successor states, nationalistic and ethnic ferment.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 18 sources, 1999, $ 95.95
Abstract This research paper discusses various aspects of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, including the reasons why the communist system and ideology in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) failed, the legacy bequeathed by communism to the successor states which emerged, the political, economic and social challenges that arose in those states and how those states responded to those challenges.
A number of inter-related factors led to the disintegration of the Soviet system and empire, including the woeful inadequacy of the totalitarian police state, dogmatic communist ideology and centralized planned economy which evolved after the Russian Revolution of 1917
From the Paper "SOVIET SUCCESSOR STATES
This research paper discusses various aspects of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, including the reasons why the communist system and ideology in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) failed, the legacy bequeathed by communism to the successor states which emerged, the political, economic and social challenges that arose in those states and how those states responded to those challenges.
A number of inter-related factors led to the disintegration of the Soviet system and empire, including the woeful inadequacy of the totalitarian police state, dogmatic communist ideology and centralized planned economy which evolved after the Russian Revolution of 1917 in preparing the Soviet Union to meet the requirements of the late 20th century, international developments ..."
Abstract The paper looks at British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's life from his childhood until his death in 1965. The paper traces Churchill's political career as it developed into a role of major leadership in the world. It describes his charisma and ability to rally British troops and inspire the British people to overcome severe adversity during WWII. It shows how Churchill's was a great source of strength not just for the British, but also for the entire Allied forces and how his dogmatic views of victory became the corner stone of the entire British Armed Forces.
From the Paper "When Winston Churchill was born on the thirtieth of November in 1874, no one ever dreamed that he would have such a significant impact on the British people (Churchill 1). As a school boy, he did not care for the school work given to him. He was interested in history, poetry and writing but the school tried to teach him mathematics and Latin (15). He was at the bottom of his class at Harrow, his grade school. He was later taught English instead of Latin because it was believed that he was too dumb to learn other languages (16). At the age of eighteen, after leaving Harrow, Churchill enrolled at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst (Rodgers 27). There, he found that Latin and Greek were not needed to be successful. He studied about tactics, fortification, topography, military law and military administration. He also learned gymnastics, drill and horseback riding (Churchill 21). It was at Sandhurst that Churchill gained a respect for strict military discipline (Rodgers 27)."
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to describe some crucial aspects of Hinduism. In particular, it will focus on the way in which Hinduism's "dogmatic" approach understands the history of religion. It will also focus on how Hinduism defines the non-dualistic philosophy which it says will result in harmony. The paper will describe Hinduism, with a particular focus on the way in which it sees itself as a religion without a founder, and will then discuss how the concept of harmony allows the believer to enter more fully into the true spirit of Hinduism.
In general, it is important to point out that Hinduism is one of the major religions in the world today, and has been for centuries. It has helped to shape Indian culture and it has been the basis for much of what is now recognized as the spiritual practices of India throughout the ages. However, the popular ... "
From the Paper "This study will examine the problem skeptical philosopher David Hume encounters with respect to induction or the induction method, based on his work Enquiries: Concerning Human Understanding and Concerning the Principles of Morals. That problem, of course, is that Hume's rigorous skepticism effectively makes impossible any induction whatsoever in his philosophical "enquiries."
Hume was a British empiricist who like other empiricists believed that human beings can know nothing beyond what is revealed to them by their experience. Hume also believed that the human mind, human reason, is severely limited in its power to interpret and understand that experience.
Hume took philosophical empiricism and skepticism to its ultimate conclusion, questioning whether it was possible for.."
Objectives of counseling, interpersonal skills, self-esteem, dogmatism, authenticity, communication, intimacy, group counseling and gender issues examined. Includes an abstract.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 19 sources, 1994, $ 95.95
From the Paper "ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper was to examine the research on the characteristics, traits, and attributes of effective counselors. It was noted that the research in this area has been relatively meager but that over the years, some information has been found. Specifically, review of the literature showed that highly effective counselors tend to be people who possess many of the traits associated with people who are self-actualized, that is people who have let go of many of the obstacles to their personal growth.
Also, effective counselors tend to be those who are caring and understanding. They have strong interpersonal skills and belief in their own abilities; that is, they are confident with good self-esteem. They tend to be genuine and authentic in their.."
Abstract According to the paper, popular philosophy receives public notice and at least some modicum of public esteem, while abstruse philosophy is generally mistrusted and oftentimes downright reviled. The writer looks at the work of David Hume seeking to prove that Hume was a philosopher capable of delving into profound issues and who was deeply concerned with the common life of his fellow citizens.
From the Paper "Where does Hume's own philosophy stand in relation to this discussion and his views about the state of philosophy per se? How might his cautions against overzealous scepticism be applied to the way we take his philosophy? And what of his advice to "dogmatical reasoners" to take a shot of Pyrrhonism (scepticism) to inoculate themselves against developing a bloated sense of their own worth? Is there tension between the two arguments, the one against abstruse philosophy, the other against dogmatic position-holding, as presented in Chapters 1 and 12 of the Enquiry? And what is Hume about when he presents his own philosophy? Is he describing or prescribing, or doing a bit of both? We briefly explore these questions in this paper."
Abstract This paper examines how, in order to develop effective treatment programs for drug addicts, it is essential to maintain a basic knowledge of the physiological basis of their cravings. It evaluates how the ability to explain the neuro-scientific effects of drug use allows those that are responsible for prevention to provide potential users with deterrents that are less dogmatic and more circumspect. It looks at how neuroscience has developed a new understanding of the reasons for addiction and how behavioral neuroscience has taught us that humans, like other animals, crave certain pharmaceutical agents. Studies have enabled scientists to better understand the neuro-chemistry of pleasure and of cravings.
From the Paper "Cocaine and amphetamines also increase DA availability at synapses of the mesolimbic circuit, causing the same addictive effect. Self-administration of psycho-stimulants declines when this system is damaged. The normal function of this system is to energize appetitive behavior ? that is ? to provide motivation for action. This function is integral to the brain, in that the chief end of the human brain is to provoke action by making these actions appetizing. The psycho-stimulant allows animals to bypass other brain functions that contextualize desire and appease the brain's desire centers directly. These brain systems might normally motivate an animal to explore and to vigorously pursue courses of action. Therefore, the effect of self-stimulation is duo-fold: it not only taxes brain centers that are responsible for the creation of appetite, but are eventually pulled from their innate desires to better themselves through pro-active conduct. "
