| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "ISLAMIC COSMOLOGY SUFISM": |
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Islamic Cosmology and Sufism, 2005.
A look at the relationship between Islamic cosmology and Sufism.
1,849 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the central concept of Islamic cosmology and then goes on to explain Sufism and why it should be viewed as a spiritual dimension of Islam. Furthermore, based on the research cited, the paper concludes that the emergence of Sufism is a natural development within the religion and a necessary revelation of Islamic faith.
From the Paper
"Nasr states categorically that Sufism is a part of the Islamic tradition that extends the spiritual and the ' esoteric' dimensions of the faith. "The truth and reality of the inner teachings of Islam became crystallized mostly in Sufism. Sufism therefore embodies more than any other facet of Islam the various aspects of Islamic spirituality". (Nasr, 1987. p 3) As such, Islamic Sufism also extends and adds to the understanding of the essential cosmological elements that characterize Islam. Sufism is related to these cosmological aspects as an extension and a deepening of the spirituality of Islam."
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The Nation of Islam: Are They Islamic?, 2002.
Compares the Nation of Islam with traditional Islam.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Nation of Islam as a social movement and tests whether its traditions and roots are really found in traditional Islam.
From the Paper
"The presence of God (Allah) is another and maybe the most critical difference between the Nation of Islam and traditional Muslims. The Nation of Islam was founded in the 1930?s by a man named W. Fard Muhammad. Fard Muhammad believed he was sent to wake ?the black nation to the full range of the black man?s possibilities in a world temporarily dominated by the blue eyed devils.?(5) It is the Nation of Islam who has since said, ? We Believe that Allah appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long awaited ?Messiah? of the Christians and the ?Mahdi? of the Muslims.?(6) Fard Muhammad taught that the African American culture was unique and separate from that of ?the Caucasian devils.?(7)
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Political Islam and Islamic Fundamentalism, 2002.
This essay describes how and when Islam made an impact as a political ideal as well as its repercussions leading up to today.
2,090 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper elaborates on Islam and its religious politcal history for the past 100 years, including the later part of this century. It offers some insights into what may have given rise to what is now known today as Islamic fundamentalism.
From the Paper
"While the roots of political Islam can be traced back to the time of Mohammed, the real impact of Islam as a political ideal came about with the Iranian revolution and the Ayatollah Khomeini. The new brand of political Islam that Khomeini brought to Iran was a new, more militant Islam than the world had previously been exposed to. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, Islam was spread as the ideal religion, however, there was room for both branches of Islam, Sunni and Shiite, to practice. There was also a place for Christians and Jews, although it was on the second class level. However, Khomeini?s brand of religious zealotry was harsh and dictatorially strict."
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Islam and Democracy: A Summation of Islamic Scholarship, 2005.
A discussion on the correlation between Islam and democracy.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper tries to determine the compatibility of Islam and democracy. It compares the works of three Muslim authors in the West, John L. Esposito, Ahmad Moussalli, and Abdulaziz Sachedina. It explains that the main objective for this comparative analysis is to gain a better understanding of how Western Muslim scholars conceptualize and utilize the concept of democracy in an Islamic framework.
From the Paper
"In order to determine the compatibility of Islam and democracy, I have compared the works of three Muslim authors in the West, John L. Esposito, Ahmad Moussalli, and Abdulaziz Sachedina. My main objective for this comparative analysis is to gain a better understanding of how Western Muslim scholars conceptualize and utilize the concept of democracy in an Islamic framework. In Islam and Democracy, John L. Esposito offers his readers the opportunity to acquire a better understanding of how democratic thought and practices can be incorporated into Islamic politics by examining the scope of democratic practices inherent within Islam, and discussing how the secular and the religious forms inform and reinforce the political discourse of democracy. In terms of how Islam can be incorporated in ..."
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Islamic Mysticism, 2006.
This well-researched paper provides a comprehensive overview of early Islamic mysticism as well as a detailed analysis of its continued impact on today's Muslim society.
6,328 words (approx. 25.3 pages), 22 sources, MLA, $ 147.95
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Abstract
The writer of this in-depth paper examines the culture of Islam and Islamic mysticism, which has been shaped by centuries of religious strife and controversy over the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. This paper proves through extensive research that Islamic mysticism has represented a conscious attempt to transcend the dogmatic facade of legal Islam by seeking to expand and maneuver in the relationship between God and man and by incorporating spiritual elements into Islam. This well-researched paper defines and explains the significance of Sufism in Islamic mysticism. Sufism, which is detailed at length in this paper, teaches that God can only be truly experienced by those who wait upon his call with a loving heart. Some of the works that were devoted to Sufism prove that it was actually not in conflict with the Islamic religious sciences, but rather served to complement and perfect them. This paper cites numerous experts on Islam, such as Cheslyn Jones, Geoffrey Wainwright and Edward Yarnold who contend that the spirituality of classical Islam is clearly found in Sufism. This paper also examines why a large number of Sufis around the world still continue to seek deeper spiritual experiences through the tenets first set down by Mohammed.
Table of Contents:
Review and Analysis
Background and Overview
Sources of Knowledge of Early Islamic Mysticism
Early Islam and Mysticism
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The nature of the soul in this pre-physical state is a fundamental tenet of al-Junayd's early works. Prior to entering the body, the soul had already established a covenant with God; at this point, when God asked the true believer, "Am I your Lord?," the soul naturally answered, "Yes." As a direct result of this covenant, there was a mystical union established between the soul and God. It is this reestablishment of the mystical union, then, that is the primary goal of Islamic mysticism. According to Von Dehsen, "Al-Junayd classified adherents of tawhid into three categories, representing degrees of truth and knowledge. First, there are ordinary Muslims, who affirm God's oneness by reciting the traditional confession, 'There is no god, but Allah.' Next, there are theologians who apply reason to faith. Finally, there are Sufis who not only intellectually affirm God's oneness, but also experience it through mystical union." Al-Junayd sought to break down the barriers that separated mainstream Muslims from the Sufis, who often abandoned tradition and law in favor of their private experiences."
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Islamic Art, 2007.
An examination of Islamic exhibits into Islamic ancient music, art and dance.
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Islamic art, music and dance. It presents these three aspects of Islamic art in the form of an exhibition and details the history and practices of each art form. It begins by discussing five Islamic musical instruments, then goes on to discuss Islamic views on dance and finally looks at the different cultural influences that contribute to Islamic art.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Music
Dance
Art
From the Paper
"Muslims have had different views about dancing. Throughout Islam history, there have been times of greater acceptance or rejection of dance. Some believed there should be no dancing. To others, folk dancing between the same sex is acceptable, but not between mixed couples. Also, some see dancing as a way to become closer to Allah. Sa'adi, a Persian poet wrote about a band of travelers who came upon a boy who danced beautifully. Everyone was amazed by his talents, except a man who complained that dancing was wrong. However, his camel lifted his feet in dance and threw the rider to the ground. Those around said that even God's creatures could enjoy the dance, so why not he?"
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Muhammad: Cosmology and Rites of Passage Models, 2004.
An examination of how the life story of Muhammad fits into the cosmological and rites-of-passage models.
1,466 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the life story of Muhammad according to the rites-of-passage model of Arnold van Gennep and Victor Turner, the relationship between the life story of Muhammad, and some of the key principles of Islamic cosmology and the ways in which Muhammad?s life story might be linked to the cosmological traditions of the religions out of which Islam emerged.
From the Paper
"The rites-of-passage model, explained by Victor Turner, ?indicate and constitute transitions between states? of ?relatively fixed or stable conditions.? This model contains three phases, pre-liminal, liminal, and post-liminal characterized by certain transitional traits: during the pre-liminal phase the individual or group ?comprises symbolic behavior signifying detachment from an earlier fixed point in the social structure or a set of cultural conditions;? during the liminal phase ?the state of the ritual subject is ambiguous; he passes through a realm that has few or none of the attributes of the past or coming state;? and during the post-liminal ?the passage is consummated.? "
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Islamic Banking - Religion as an Excuse, 2006.
This paper explains the differences between Islamic banking and conventional banking. It argues politically, as opposed to economically, that both systems are the same.
3,225 words (approx. 12.9 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
The writer explains that the emergence of Islamic banking is an example of how religion has become subservient to economic needs, and more specifically, how Islam has become subservient to capitalism. The paper explains that although advocates claim that Islamic banking is distinctive from interest rate banking, such methods are merely window dressing - a way for the banks to legitimize themselves. The writer explains that in Shariah, Islamic law, people are prohibited from charging and receiving interest. The paper draws parallels between conventional banking systems and the new modes of so-called interest-free banking. The paper states that Islamic banks have been mimicking conventional banks, pushing for short-term, low-risk investments that are similar in quantity and risk to those obtained by other conventional banks. The writer explains that the methods used to evade interest prohibition include mislabeling interest under the false pretense of administrative costs and delegating puppet banks to alleviate responsibility from Islamic institutions. The writer challenges the advocates of this system who claim that it is Shariah-compliant. In summation, the writer states that it is evident that in the current Islamic system, Islamic beliefs have taken a second place to the capitalist system. Table of Contents: Introduction Lack of Sources for Islamic Banking Same Method, Different Name Murabaha is Not Profit Sharing Using Puppet Banks The Ulama Power Vacuum Advocates Conclusion Bibliography
From the Paper
"During the 80s, Muslim countries such as Sudan, Iran and Pakistan underwent the growth of Islamic banking due to an oil boom and the need for Muslim communities to establish a unique economic presence in the new international economic order (Pipes, 1982:45; cf. ICO: 1982). By 1995, 144 public and private banking institutions had been established claiming to practice a??Islamic bankinga?? (Shaik, 1997:118). However, this paper will argue that Islamic banking is conventional banking in disguise. Islamists have merely used the former to bypass religious restrictions to meet their capitalistic needs in a manner that is compliant, and sometimes even not compliant, to interpretations of the Shariah. Such assertions can be supported by examining characteristics of the current Islamic banking system. Nazih N. Ayubi has written about religion being subservient to the state. In this particular case, the evolution of Islamic banking has become an example of Islam being subservient to capitalism."
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The Impact of Global Telecommunications Improvements on Islamic Women, 1996.
An in-depth and thorough examination of the impact of technology and telecommunications advancements on the Arab world in general and on Islamic women in particular.
23,730 words (approx. 94.9 pages), 73 sources, APA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of telecommunications improvements on the Islamic people. Specifically, the impact of these improvements on Saudi Arabia, an Arab state, and Iran, a Persian state. Although not "anti-technology" or opposed to modernization, the people in Saudi Arabia and Iran are adapting to telecommunications improvements in a method that is in accordance with their core beliefs. The belief in Islam accounts for the "non-Western" model of implementing telecommunications improvements for the citizens of these two countries.
The underpinning of this thesis is that telecommunications improvements will impact the Islamic world no less than any other region of the world experiencing the same improvements. In the case of Saudi Arabia, the CDLR(Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights) is an influential organization using facsimile machines to impact the domestic political environment. Iran, growing as fast in telephone line installations and satellite services as their economic peers, is moving towards privatization in telecommunication systems. Furthermore, Iran is using its capabilities to influence Central Asian neighbors and spread their Shi'i Islam belief.
With the growth and availability of telecommunications services, it is inevitable that current technology will allow unique opportunities to gain and disseminate information. The international community is unlikely to find a viable method to control the proliferation of telecommunications around the globe. Therefore, each society or nation is its own regulator of improving telecommunications systems. Each society, to include the Islamic people, must rely on their culture to determine the degree telecommunications will penetrate the fabric of their society.
Table of contents
List of Tables and Charts
Introduction
Literature Review
Social and Cultural Structures of Islam
Muhhammad: The Messenger
Islamic Cultures-Revolutionary Aspects
The Historical Influence of the West
Information Infrastructures
Electronically Influencing the Globe
Regulation in an Information World
Cultural and Societal Considerations of
Accessible Information
Images of the Middle East Through Western
Media
Saudi Arabia: Modernization and Adaptation for an Arab State
The Peninsula Prior to the Nineteenth Century
Oil Wealth: Modernizing Saudi Arabia
The Gulf War and Fundamentalism
Post Gulf War Islamist Movement
Telecommunication Trends in Saudi Arabia
Iran: An Islamic Republic and Communication Improvements
Shi'i Islam
Modernization and the Influence of the West
Current Telecommunication Trends in the Islamic Republic
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"Ranging from the dynamic to the mundane, the improvement of global information systems crosses cultures, languages, and generations. With the information communication sector growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy, the globalization of information infrastructures has just begun. The global distribution of telephone circuitry, although not as prevalent as television sets, constitutes the largest interconnected global public communications network. Furthermore, the telephone companies, while at the forefront of media providers, are at the leading edge of the digitalization process as a result of experience in providing service and maintenance communication systems to millions of customers."
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Women in Islamic Society, 2006.
This paper discusses women's status and role in Islamic society and the family as related to the Quran and Islamic law.
1,820 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although the western media often portrays Arab-Muslim women as being somewhat oppressed and having a low status in society, this description is one of the biggest misunderstandings that the western world has about Islam and the rights of Muslim women. The author points out that, from a purely Islamic perspective, women are equal to men in their everyday activities and often are even treated with more respect than their male counterparts; however, the cultures and traditions of different Muslim states and groups, not the religion of Islam, might consider men to be superior to women. The paper relates that the Holy Quran is addressed to all Muslims and makes no differentiation between men and women; in other aspects of social life, such as the daily prayers, fasting or pilgrimage, a woman is no different from a man.
From the Paper
"According to Islamic law, women also cannot be forced to marry anyone without their appropriate consent. Besides all other necessities for her protection at the time of marriage, it has been stated in Islam that a woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection and a sign to show their status and respect among the man's family. Furthermore, the rules for married life in Islam are clear and in line with other countries. The Quran states, "And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them." (Qur'an 2:228). "
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Islamic Economics, 2001.
Examines the historical development of Islamic economics, especially the prohibition on the payment of interest (riba) and the mandatory tax on assets (zakat) that aided the poor.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 6 sources, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates that Islamic economics, like alternative economic systems, reflects a unique historical experience, and is dependent upon that historical experience for its success. Islamic economics, in particular, the paper argues, has historically produced successful outcomes, but those successful outcomes are dependent upon the historical Islamic context. The shift away from this Islamic context inherent in modernization, however, nullifies the historical conditions that an effective Islamic economic system requires. The paper's main points include but are not limited to: the historical origin of the Islamic economic system is rooted in the caravan trade routes, the mercantile wealth that began to define the culture, and that Islamic economics replaces the free-market imperative of maximization of individual utility with a social justice imperative of cooperation and equality.
From the Paper
"Disputes among various schools about whether nominal interest that accounts for the time value of money is prohibited are not important to the question of interest in the economy, because real interest is prohibited as riba in any case, and it is the real interest rate that determines key macroeconomic variables in classical economic models, such as the level of investment and supply of loanable funds."
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Islamic Socialism, 1999.
This paper explores the concept of combining socialism with ideas of Islam. It also gives several examples of the use of a socialistic model in the Islamic world. The writer discusses the governments of Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya and Algeria.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to illuminate the origins of Islamic political thought and also to introduce similarities between Islamic and Western ideas. The writer argues that Islamic political thought (especially the socialist movement) is not a dangerous and violent opposition to Western democracy. The paper works to discredit some stereotypes not only about the Islamic world but also about the idea of Socialism in general.
From the Paper
"There are many aspects of Western civilization that were not accepted by the Islamic world. First, the social principles and the life of the West were totally different from the Muslim culture. Practical and technical knowledge, full markets with material goods were ?incapable of offering to men?s minds a flicker of light, a ray of hope, a grain of faith, or of providing anxious persons the smallest path toward rest and tranquillity? (Al-Banna 119). After more than a hundred years of European rule, many Muslims got tired of Western materialistic culture and wanted some spiritual satisfaction that they had before the Western Intervention (Al Banna 118-119)."
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Symmetry in Islamic Art, 2008.
This paper explains how geometric concepts can be taught based on the symmetry found in Islamic art.
2,537 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns in Islamic art. The paper provides a definition of geometry and looks at translations, rotations and reflections in Islamic art. The paper then examines the mathematics of symmetry and how symmetry, as manifested in Islamic art, can be utilized to teach geometry in the contemporary classroom.
Outline:
Introduction
Symmetry in Islamic art, Part I
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part II
Symmetry in Islamic Art, Part III
From the Paper
"Many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes. For instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. Another thing that is not at all a surprise is that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts. Specifically, within the Islamic art tradition, there has long been the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical patterns - so much so that it may be put forward that one of the defining features of Islamic art is its ability to incorporate mathematical concepts and ideas in ways that are rich, vibrant and aesthetically pleasing."
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Islamic Crime and Punishment and International Human Rights Law, 2000.
This paper is an in-depth look at Islamic law and how it frequently comes into conflict with international law and human rights.
2,800 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 17 sources, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper is a detailed discussion of Islamic criminal law, its sources, its application, and its conflict with international law and human rights. The author examines both primary and secondary sources of Islamic law, and describes Hudud, Tazir and Qesas crime and punishment. The paper also focuses on the historical background of Muslim law.
From the paper:
?Islam means ?submission? or ?surrender? to the will of Allah. For the more than one billion Muslims of the world, this means submission to a comprehensive code of law governing every arena of life: social, political, economic, and religious. In Islam there is no separation of church and state, no distinction between religion and politics; Government, law, and religion are unified. Some would argue that Islamic law is not fully practiced in any part of the Islamic world. While this may be true, twenty-three nations have either declared Islam to be the state religion or declared the religious writings of Islam to be the principal source of law.?
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Islamic Banking, 2002.
This study investigates the feasibility of introducing Islamic banking as an alternative system of banking in the United States, but not as a replacement for the existing system of banking in this country.
7,325 words (approx. 29.3 pages), 32 sources, MLA, $ 162.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine and assess the issues involved in any effort to implement Islamic banking as an alternative system of banking in the United States. The study pursues this purpose through the investigation of the following research questions: 1. Is it probable that Islamic banking and interest-based banking can co-exist within the economic structure of the United States? 2. Is the potential market for Islamic banking in the United States sufficiently large to make Islamic banking feasible in American society? 3. What laws, state and federal, require change to permit Islamic banking to operate in the United States?
Chapter 1
Introduction
Statement of the problem
Purpose of the Study
Key Factors for Investigation
Background on the Problem
Approach to the Investigation
Overview of the Study
Chapter 2
Literature Review
The Crucial Role of Interest
The Development of Banking Systems
Sources & Uses of Funds in Islamic Banking
Chapter 3
Method
References
From the Paper
"Islamic economics has two principal components. The first component is a constant set of principles derived from the Qu'aran, which are the economic principles governing all Islamic activity, and which are unchanging. The second component is a flexible set of principles also derived from the Qu'aran, but which may be adapted to environment, time, or place, while remaining within the boundaries of the unchanging principles (El Araby, 1997). In Islam, any enterprise ? economic or otherwise ? may be an act of devotion, if entered into with the correct intentions. The welfare of the whole of the human race according to the will of God is the ultimate goal of all Islamic economic activity. The social responsibilities of business organizations are part of the moral obligations of the individuals operating such organizations in an Islamic society (El Araby, 1997). All economic systems are concerned with the relationship between the public and private sectors. In capitalist systems, the emphasis is on the private sector, although the degree of such emphasis varies between countries. One result of this capitalist emphasis is the cyclical recurrence of significant problems ? inflation, unemployment, and recession, while a second result is an increasing concentration of productive capacity ownership into a relatively few private hands. Islamic economics assumes that no conflict exists or will develop between the public and private sectors, and that each sector works for the greater good of society. The applications of the principles of any system ? capitalist or Islamic ? are usually less than perfect. Therefore, conflicts do occur within Islamic economic systems; however, in Islam, the settlement of such conflicts is according to the criterion of the greater societal good, as opposed to settlement on an ideological basis of property ownership, political imperative or agenda, or similar factors that is often true in capitalist economies."
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