Abstract This paper takes the approach, used by CliffordGeertz in "Islam Observed", of understanding culture through metaphor. The paper points out that Geertz used man as a metaphor for society and the contradictions within man as a metaphor for the greater contradictions within society. It then goes on to analyze Joseph Conrad's book, "Heart of Darkness", by analyzing the characters in the novel as though they were a metaphor for the different aspects of European society of that period.
From the Paper "Kurtz figure hangs over the entire novel like an extremely intriguing enigma. Everything we hear about him initially is a positive?he is a man of the utmost learning and the greatest kindness and ability who seems to have gained everyone's respect. But something about him has gone wrong and something has changed him."
Abstract This paper follows the historical development of Clifford's theory of ethnographic authority. It also attempts to expand upon these notions, especially as they pertain to developments in the last decade and the new notion of anthropologist as autobiographer. It discusses the evolution of this field, and how in the last few years an increasingly popular form of anthropology has centered around the use of autobiographical writing, and it's impact on the field.
From the Paper "It appears almost as if, some twelve years after Clifford's article, the history of hermeneutics he discussed and critiqued has come full circle. The pronoun 'the' used in description has become 'I,' and the professionalization of anthropology has, while anything but disintegrated, at least had to re-recognize the power of voices outside its own. This adds an interesting new chapter to Clifford's discussion of hermeneutics. Not that all, or even a large amount, of anthropology has become autobiographical in nature. Nor does it mean that this is necessarily an all positive and un-critiqued movement. Not only is the idea of an autobiographer and self ethnographer not widely accepted, but there are still very few traditional ethnographic texts with a large voice by informants."
A paper which explores the the dynamics of Hollywood, as seen in Clifford Odets' play "The Big Knife" and Nathanael West's book "The Day of the Locust".
Abstract This paper is about the lie that is the Hollywood dream - the corruption and emptiness underneath the glitz and glamor of fame-seekers. It also explores how Hollywood and the public relate to each other - the public's need for excitement and drama found in the movies. The paper shows how the reality of Hollywood is seen through two works - a play called "The Big Knife" by Clifford Odet and Nathanael West's "The Day of the Locust." By analyzing the two main characters in these pieces of literature, the paper highlights the grim reality of the Hollywood machine.
From the Paper "Fame, fortune, glitter and glamour lure many into Hollywood basket of dreams and promises. But for many blinded by the glimmer, they soon discover that it's all an elaborate illusion. Sunshine, fruit trees, and a place where anything is possible, dreams come true and happy endings proves to be nothing but an empty wasteland of corruption, greed and shattered dreams. The dream factory turns out to be more like a filth-factory. Very few of the faceless millions ever break into the "big time" and ever see the promised money, fortune and fame. Those "lucky" few who do make it big, see their name up in lights, make millions and are hailed as sex idols either become one of the corrupt themselves or find themselves trapped in the nasty web of lies, deceit, falsehood and cruelty. This is exactly what happens to Charlie Cass in Clifford Odets? The Big Knife and Faye Greener in Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust. Odets and West clearly map out the hellish reality of buying into the Hollywood illusion, it's devastating effects, and the dynamic relationship between Hollywood and the public that feeds the fire and keeps the inferno burning."
Abstract The paper explains that while Descartes relied upon rationalism to its furthest extents to indicate what propositions were likely to be true and what false, Clifford expressed an extreme form of empiricism with regard to metaphysical truth. The paper shows how these two points of view are utterly incongruous in the real world, as well as within the realm of philosophy.
From the Paper "To a large extent, Clifford's and Descartes' points of view regarding evidence and belief could not create a more stark contrast. Whereas Descartes relied upon rationalism to its furthest extents to indicate what propositions were likely to be true and which were likely to be false, Clifford expressed an extreme form of empiricism, with regard to metaphysical truth. According to Clifford, it is morally wrong in every instance to believe any proposition for which there is insufficient empirical evidence. However, he does not provide a clearly workable formula or method by which to determine at what point evidence becomes sufficient to ascribe one's belief to a given proposition. Descartes, from his rationalistic point of view, explicitly suggests a manner by which claims can be said to be false--if there is sufficient cause to doubt them."
Abstract This paper presents an explanation of the essay entitled "Cyberschool," written by Clifford Stoll, noting that it is an example of an extremely satirical and informal piece. The paper states that this essay is a great representation of the workings of satire, and an interesting exploration of how assumptions without factual backing result in weak arguments based solely on opinion and stereotypes.
From the Paper "The essay entitled "Cyberschool," written by Clifford Stoll, is an example of an extremely satirical and informal piece. Stoll explores the impractical aspects of extreme educational reform with the use of too much technology. His piece shows how these reform strategies fail to truly recognize the real issues of educational problems, and how these theories fall short of what they are trying to accomplish. The original audience would have been very familiar with ideas of solving all educational problems through extensive use of technology. These arguments have been increasing since the explosion of the internet, and so Stoll assumes his readers would have been familiar with the conversation which he enters himself into."
Abstract The paper explains anthropologist CliffordGeertz's belief in "Notes on the Balinese Cockfighting" that all societies contain cultural systems that contain heavily symbolic elements. The paper discusses Geertz's example of Balinese cockfighting where the social order is reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game. The paper compares this to F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and goes on to show how money, social invitations and material goods all signify deeper meanings than are apparent on their surface.
From the Paper "According to the anthropologist Clifford Geertz, all societies contain cultural systems that can be read as texts. For example, the rituals surrounding cockfighting in Balinese culture, Geertz argues can be interpreted and re-interpreted much like we interpret "Macbeth" in an English class. Cultural systems contain heavily symbolic elements that can reveal aspects of the culture. Such systems are dynamic and work to affect and change the culture. In Balinese cockfighting, the social order is both reflected in the wagering and the spatial organization of the game in a way that is symbolic, and transcends the ability to make money from betting. The process of playing the game affects the culture and expresses the culture."
Abstract This paper shows how, in his book, Geertz offers a general context for the comparative analysis of religion and applies it to the study of the development of Islam in two very different countries: Indonesia and Morocco. The paper looks at Geertz's sentiments regarding religion, ideology and culture, and how he addresses these considerations in his book.
From the Paper "In comparing religious practices in two communities, Geertz is trying to ?determine just how and in what way particular ideas, acts, and institutions sustain, fail to sustain, or even inhibit religious faiths." (2). Geertz wonders how the common man's "religious sensibility reacts when the machinery of faith begins to wear out" What do they do when tradition falters?" (3) Moreover, the author wonders particularly what cultural and circumstantial processes influence those reactions."
This paper compares the anthropological techniques used by CliffordGeertz in his book, "Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight", and Michael Moore, in his film, ?Bowling for Colombine".
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, 2004, $ 41.95
Abstract This paper discusses that, when most people observe aspects of an issue that they are studying, it is often difficult not to come up with certain generalizations regarding aspects of a society. The author believes that, through their observations and studies, Geertz and Moore are able to find some in-depth looks at the societies they study; but they come up with some general conclusions in a scientific way, without enough evidence to support them.
From the Paper "Through applying certain anthropological methods, Clifford Geertz makes some strong points in his study of the Balinese cockfights. In order for him to study appropriately the Balinese cockfights, it was essential for him to become more of a part of the Balinese culture. Only by this can an anthropologist obtain a better understanding and a more in-depth perspective of a certain aspect of a society. Most people that would observe the cockfights would view it as a spectator sport, without much meaning behind the activity. After all, the Balinese government ruled the cockfights illegal and was ashamed that the fights were part of the Balinese culture."
Abstract This paper examines how the theory proposed by Geertz in "Religion as a Cultural System," compared to the general belief system of communism, shows that religion and communism have much in common. It looks at how they both rely heavily on symbols to motivate people and provoke emotions and how, socially and psychologically, religion and communism seek to unify people to think and act in conformity with a higher order.
From the Paper "Geertz's approach involves both analyzing the system of meanings embodied within religious symbols and relating these systems to social structures and psychological processes. This second aspect can be described as saying that once people have incorporated these symbolic meanings into their life, they can use them socially and psychologically to further the cause, their own development or to impact the world."
Abstract A look at differing outlooks on religion as seen through the eyes of Clifford (mathematician and philosopher) and James (philosopher and psychologist). The paper asks if James' treatment of Clifford in "The Will to Believe" was fair? Were his arguments against Clifford consistent? Did he take into account all that Clifford wrote in "The Ethics of Belief"? The writer claims that the answer to all three questions is "No". The writer gives a brief exposition of both James' and Clifford's essays and then focuses on James' attack on Clifford.The paper refers to some passages in Clifford's "The Ethics of Religion" and also to James's "The Sentiment of Rationality."
From the Paper "The topic of Clifford's paper is revealed in its title. It is about ethics and belief?and that only. It is not about deciding to act, guessing or gambling, nor about hypotheses. According to Clifford, "it is wrong, always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence" (DDR, 181). Put otherwise, whenever we have insufficient evidence, we have a moral duty to suspend judgment and to go on inquiring. Clifford introduces his thesis through two stories. I will give the highlights of only the first one since the second story, though different, adds only reinforcement to the points already demonstrated in the first. A ship owner faces a dilemma; he has doubts as to the seaworthiness of his vessel. He stifles those doubts by working on them, by trying to convince himself that his fears have no ground. He lets the ship sail. It sinks. But our ship owner's culpability goes undiscovered; not a witness survives to tell the tale. And the insurance company pays up. Clifford judges, as the majority of us I am sure would, that the ship owner did wrong. Suppose, he adds, that the belief, nourished and fostered by attention only to favorable evidence (unfavorable evidence not being conducive to establishing the wanted belief), has taken a genuine hold. The verdict, he thinks, still stands. And he is right again. "
Abstract This paper discusses four of Clifford D. Simak's novels - "City" (written from 1944 to 1974), "Time and Again" (1951), "Way Station" (1963) and "Highway of Eternity" (1986). The paper describes the invention of the 'other' in Simak's novels and how it manifests itself in three different sub-patterns which can be regarded as the building blocks of a larger process of his writing.
Table of Contents:
Table of Abbreviations
Introduction
Chapter I: The Self and the Other
Author and Context
Imagining the Other
Chapter II: Clifford Simak's Writing Process
The Other - Some Technical Aspects
Representing the Writing Process
Chapter III: The Author Representing the Self
Reader and Writer
The Figures of the Writer
Conclusion
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
From the Paper "When I considered the title of the present thesis and the literary genre the following study was to be based upon, it seemed difficult not to view the whole with a certain suspicion simply because of the juxtaposition of the terms "inventing" and "Other". On the one hand, SF is predisposed to speculation about new inventions - technological, scientific, political, economic and even sociological. On the other hand, the concern about the "Other" and all the problems the notion automatically generates have for long stood at the basis of criticism in the field. The impossibility to come to terms with the plethora of creatures that authors reinvent all the time and that are frequently labelled "the Other" often results in conflicting theories about the importance of finding and preserving one's identity. Simultaneously, the traditional SF issues of alienation are often dismissed as foolproof demands for toleration on the author's part. Looking back at a genre with a history of almost a century, it seems that it has forged itself the reputation of being a medium where repetitive attempts are made to deal with all these notions more or less successfully. Taken separately, "inventing" and "other" are not very likely to stir one's attention on the account of sheer originality. Taken together, however, both notions appear to pose a different problem where the Other is considered as an invention on the same level with the rest of the SF paraphernalia. The Other becomes a personal and sociological invention and to treat it as such would mean to invest the notion with sense that might not necessarily have been there had I chosen a more descriptive approach.The definition of the Other has proved to be complex just because it is most often based on what is repeatedly called "the Self" in many works of literary criticism, philosophy and psychoanalysis. It is somewhat problematic to get out of the vicious circle that is formed when we realise that "the Self" itself is only definable when in contact with that same Other we are trying to describe. There is rarely a short story or a novel in the genre that has not described the contact between a human and alien of some sort and these stories inevitably propose their own reflection on the human condition. Apparently, humanity has desperately been trying to seem unique, no matter whether that uniqueness be negatively or positively charged and most of the SF we know is directly or indirectly, exclusively or partly concerned with corroborating that impression. An awareness of the inverse, however, started to plague humanity hundreds of years before the beginning of what we now call the Golden Age of SF. All claims to uniqueness were overthrown when Galileo first peeped through a trinket he had bought on the market and used it to study the visible sky. The fixed, immutable identity that humanity had fabricated for itself was no longer stable and reassuring. From then on, the possibility of a contact with forms of life unknown to us has never ceased to grow and to comprehend the manifestly incongruous idea, the need to imagine an otherness not only within but without our world imposed itself. The invented Other came to be and it was there, invisible and yet staring down at a world plunged in confusion, a world that would never seem the same. This study is, therefore, an attempt to direct the attention to the numerous manifestations of that fictional Other. It will be based on the Other that comes into existence only within the limited space of a Simak novel because the notion "the Other" has a definite meaning only when it is being invented by a specific author in a specific text."
Abstract This paper is a review of Geertz and Bourdieu who discuss the potential for misinterpretation in terms of the intentions of the scripture or a sermon. The paper discusses the ways it is possible for misinterpretation to occur, such as through small distinctive behaviours, such as a wink or twitch being misunderstood or due to distinctive cultural interpretations. It also discusses the possible results of these differences in understanding.
From the Paper "A Review of Geertz & Bourdieu In the study of religion, challenges have frequently occurred where the intentions of the scripture or the context of the sermon are transformed through distinctive cultural interpretations. There is no universal mode of communication; small distinctive behaviors can be interpreted as a result of a twitch or the result of a wink, with absolutely no difference between them save for the context in which they were viewed; the gesture of winking is only significant because "the winker is communicating, and indeed communicating in a quite precise and special way: 10 deliberately, 2) to someone in particular, 3) to impart a particular message, 4) according to a socially established code, and 5) without cognizance of the rest of the company" (6). The use of such a gesture is only significant as a form of communication through the cultural influences in which it resides."
Abstract This paper looks at the pioneer of the reworking of mental health institutions and the opening up of several committees that have aided in providing help for those who have suffered or are sufferers of mental health issues. Clifford Beers' published his book, "A Mind That Found Itself", about his time in the mental health hospitals, it was here that he saw for the first time the atrocities that were being committed against those who were mentally ill. His book is a discussion and expose on the people and methods used. This paper looks at that book and how Beers was accepted by society after the publication of the book, also we look at how society has been affected by the publication of the book.
An examination of the thoughts of influential thinkers like W. K. Clifford, William James, Blaise Pascal, and William P. Alston regarding the existence of God.
Abstract This paper looks at how W. K. Clifford's "The Ethics of Belief", William James's "The Will to Believe", Blaise Pascal's "The Wager" ,and William P. Alston's "A Philosopher's Way Back to the Faith" all give different arguments about the existence of God. It discusses how, while each argument is interesting and constructive, William James's argument for the individual right to believe or not to believe seems to be the most workable of all of the lines of thought noted here.
From the Paper "The super-dominance argument is simply a form of a two by two table, with the condition that God exists or does not exist matched with either your belief in God or your failure to believe in God. If you believe in God, and he exists you receive an infinite reward. If you believe in God, and he does not exist, then you receive a finite amount of happiness because of the comfort of religion while you are alive (which Pascal sets at about 250 units). If you do not believe in God, and he exists, you will receive infinite punishment. However, you do not believe in God, and God does not exist, you will receive a finite amount of happiness, limited to 200 units because of choosing angst over the comfort of religion. As such, whether God exists or not, theists are better off than atheists, making a belief in God the most rational belief."
Abstract The paper examines two articles; "Isolated by the Internet" by Clifford Stoll and "Cyberspace and Identity" by Sherry Turkle and posits that both Stoll and Turkle seem to focus too heavily on the most negative interpretation of the data available. The paper explains Stoll's views on computer use and the quality and character of friendship, depression, anxiety, social isolation, passivity, repressed rage, shyness and addiction. The paper then explores Turkle's prespective on computer use and the multiple personality theory. The paper contends that while certain patterns of computer use may indeed be associated with psychological dysfunction, the assertion that the use of computers to fulfill social needs necessarily causes or reflects psychological dysfunction or social deterioration is unfounded.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Stoll on Computer Use and the Quality and Character of Friendship
Stoll on Computer Use and Depression, Anxiety, and Social Isolation
Stoll on Computer Use and Passivity, Repressed Rage, and Shyness
Stoll on Computer Use and Addiction
Turkle on Computer Use and Multiple Personality Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "Clifford Stoll and Sherry Turkle present two very negative analyses of the social impact of computer technology on society. In Isolated by the Internet, Stoll focuses on the findings of an isolated study in which 256 subjects were provided with computers and Internet connections in conjunction with which researchers tracked their time spent on-line for the next two years. Stoll reports increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and social isolation, tied directly to the amount of time the subjects spent on the Internet. Stoll presents the findings of the research as a conclusion that computer use corresponds to the deterioration of social comfort and interpersonal communication and social skills, and also suggests that the other fast-paced, high-tech aspects of modern technology is detrimental to society and to the individual."
