Abstract KenzaburoOe's novel entitled "A PersonalMatter" is a personal narrative of the travails that he and his family went through during post-World War II Japan, a period wherein the country's citizens are experiencing suffering as a result of their nation's defeat in the war. This paper discusses an emergent theme that dominates the novel, which is the fatalistic attitude that the protagonist of the novel, Bird, assumes. Remarkably, the novel illustrates Bird's shift from being fatalistic to being an individual in control of himself and the course of his 'fate.' The discussion in this paper analyzes how this transition happens in "A PersonalMatter," and how, through the theme of fatalism and concept of destiny, Oe's novel reflects Japanese society at a time when society is still struggling from a downfall politically and economically, to the detriment of the country's people. In effect, this paper argues that Bird's transition from being fatalistic to being a decisive individual reflects his eventual subsistence to asserting his control over his life, trusting and being himself in the midst of complexities in life that he faces.
From the Paper "These insights about Bird's transition from being fatalistic to decisive become apparent when accounts of his previous behavior and attitude about his son's health problems are analyzed. In the first chapter of the novel, it is evident that Bird is at a crossroads, experiencing internal struggle as he seeks to reconcile his want to become free and live life as a bachelor and need to become a good father and husband for his family. Oe characterizes Bird as a stubborn and happy-go-lucky individual, whose ultimate goal in life is to travel in Africa, and is currently experiencing the distress of being a "family man": "Was he being forced to say good-by, in spite of himself, to the single and final occasion of dazzling tension in his youth? And what if I am? There's not a thing in hell I can do about it!" (3). This last utterance by Bird demonstrates his fatalistic attitude in life, where he passively accepts life as fate presents it to him, an individual who believes that can do nothing to change his fate, since it is already pre-determined."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the book, "A PersonalMatter", by KenzaburoOe. Specifically, it discusses how the name "Bird" represents the characteristics of the main character and describes how his name corresponds to the actions he takes throughout the novel. It looks at how "Bird" is the perfect name for a character that flits from person to person, flies away when times are hard, and dreams of migrating to Africa to get away from his troubles at home. Bird is not ready for fatherhood or a family, and so he abandons the "nest" for revelry and excess until he finally takes responsibility for his actions and sheds his childhood nickname forever.
From the Paper "Many of Bird's characteristics match those of the birds he is named after, from his appearance to the way he takes flight after he leaves his baby at the new hospital. He is flying away from his troubles, and acting as if he ignores them, they will disappear on the wind. This not only represents how Bird is like his namesakes, who fly away on the wind, it shows how immature he is, and how he may be 27 years old, but he is really still a boy. He would rather fly away than take responsibility for his "vegetable" son, and the only thing that gives him pleasure is running away from responsibility. Even his movements mimic that of a bird. He is often tentative, awkward, and gawky, just like an ungainly bird on land. He even reacts to adversity like a bird ? regurgitating up his whiskey like a bird regurgitates dinner for their young."
From the Paper " This study will examine the character of Bird and the point of view of the narrative in Kenzaburo Oe's novel A Personal Matter. Specifically, the study will explore the legitimacy or believability of the transformation of Bird from a self-centered and frightened man to one who is determined to be take his place in conventional society and to be responsible to his wife and handicapped child. There are certainly descriptions and scenes in the book which highlight the horrors in life, but the book overall has a thoroughly comic point of view. This comic perspective informs us that the transformation of the protagonist should perhaps not be taken with complete seriousness.
In part, Oe is exploring in this book what it means to be Japanese (or simply human) in the wake of World War II, a time when conventional definitions of reality had crumbled. Bird.."
This paper critically analyzes George Berkeley's first argument against the existence of matter presented in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge."
2,220 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 68.95
Abstract In this paper, the writer critically examines Berkeley's first line of argument against the existence of matter that he presents in "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge". This argument is frequently called "the Perception Argument" and is his first attempt to more firmly establish his central thesis of existence being tied into perception. The paper thoroughly explains the argument and presents Berkeley's responses to the most immediate objections that come up to it (the objections that are actually addressed in the text of his treatise). The writer also examines briefly how Berkeley's argument serves to contradict arguments regarding material substance made by Locke in "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding". The paper then offers a more robust objection to Berkeley's Perception Argument that attacks some key assumptions that the argument clearly relies on, specifically those regarding relationships between matter and ideas that Berkeley clearly assumes do not exist. The objection is furthered by examining the sections where Berkeley assumes that matter does exist in an attempt to show that such an assumption involves manifest contradictions.
From the Paper " Over the course of reading A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, it becomes evident that Berkeley is not so much trying to convince the reader of a certain opinion of the nature of the world and our perception of it as much as he is trying to present his actual, everyday perception of the world and his existence in it. Berkeley repeatedly says things like, "Some truths there are so near and obvious to the mind, that a man need only open his eyes to see them," (?6) that suggest the intuitive obviousness that he sees in his doctrine. Frequently, a tone of frustration comes through in his writing - especially in the sections dealing with possible objections to his theory (?34-84) - illustrative of the difficulty he must have been feeling in trying to get everyone else to see what was so damn obvious to him. As such, many of Berkeley's arguments in support of his particular fundamental beliefs seem to be afterthoughts of their respective conclusions. His vision of the nature of existence being grounded in "esse is percipi" (?3) is so strong that he does not always seem to be too concerned with the particular logic behind his supporting arguments. This is especially true when it comes to his arguments denying the existence of matter. In this paper, I will argue that, while Berkeley's conclusion regarding the non-existence of matter is quite profound, his actual arguments for this conclusion do not sufficiently verify it. To do this, I will examine the first argument Berkeley makes against the existence of matter, the so-called "Perception Argument." I will argue that this argument relies heavily on a fallacious line of reasoning about the nature of matter and the inability of matter to cause ideas in us. I will then examine several passages in Principles that support the idea that Berkeley's belief that matter does not exist is grounded largely in his - or anyone else's - inability to really define what matter is. "
Abstract This paper reviews the book, "Language Matters" by Donna Jo Napoli. It discusses the author's argument that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning that is independent of other types of brain functions.
From the Paper "Using a wide variety of sources that deal with different types of populations, Donna Jo Napoli argues that a specific language mechanism exists for language learning which is independent of any other type of brain functions. In the book "Language Matters" ..."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the various social situations and experiences encountered, in the area of law enforcement, which influence and mold the personalities of police officers. This paper delves into the long-standing personality theory that dictates which particular traits are patterned within an individual's personality. The writer of this paper explores and details the shared personality traits evident among police officers, including their desire to help others, as well as the need for respect and dignity normally associated with the profession. This paper discusses the relevant published research, which states that certain individuals choose a career in law enforcement for a variety of reasons, including: Job security, wages and benefits as well as a clear career path.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
General Concepts of Police Personality Nature versus Nurture: Socialization and On-The-Job Experiences
Men Police Officers: Status, Gender and Personality Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Based on the status model of personality, there is a distinct "pecking order" in place in virtually all police departments across the country that helps initiate newcomers to the profession into the field; new recruits to the force will ignore this hierarchy at their peril. According to Gerber, the high-status officer in each partnership type will be perceived as having more instrumentally oriented (dominating and instrumental) traits and the low-status officer will be viewed as having more expressive traits. In addition, the status model predicts that officers' perceptions of their personality traits will be affected by group status-the overall status of their partnership in relation to other kinds of partnerships. In her review of Gerber's analysis, Monago suggests that this study showed that sex category and work experience played instrumental roles in personality adjustments."
Tags: law, enforcement, career, profession, traits, personality, research
Abstract Many theories exist on the development of personality. To some theorists, personality is built on purely biological factors. Other theorists consider personality to be a construct built entirely on environmental factors. Still other theorists feel that while personality development is based in biology, it is influenced by environmental factors. Even more confusing is that each one of these viewpoints can be effectively argued. Psychodynamic theory and trait theory are two of these personality development theories. This paper discusses the development of the writer's own personality in terms of these theories.
Abstract The paper explores the Myers-Briggs personality test designed to assist a person in identifying their personality preferences. The paper discusses how the test is frequently used in the areas of pedagogy, group dynamics, employee training, leadership training, marriage counseling and personal development. The writer then examines the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test and maintains that this and the Myers-Briggs test are both ineffective in diagnosing a personality disorder. There are many variables for both tests which can hinder an accurate diagnosis and so additional treatments and evaluations must be given to confirm any illness.
From the Paper "According to Berens and Nardi, "the Myers Briggs model of personality is based on four preferences." 1. If you prefer to direct your energy to deal with people, things, situations, or "the outer world", then your preference is for Extraversion. If you prefer to direct your energy to deal with ideas, information, explanations or beliefs, or "the inner world", then your preference is for Introversion. 2. If you prefer to deal with facts, what you know, to have clarity, or to describe what you see, and then your preference is for Sensing. If you prefer to deal with ideas, look into the unknown, to generate new possibilities or to anticipate what isn't obvious then your preference is for Intuition."
Abstract This paper consists of several literature reviews concerning Walt Disney's early life and his important influences. Using behavioral and cognitive theories of personality, the author analyzes Disney's personality and concludes that the primary influences on Disney's personality development were his early childhood experiences in Marceline, Missouri and his close relationship with his mother and brother. The paper reasons that although cognitive theories of personality development indicate that Disney's behavior can be attributed to a keen and savvy understanding of what people wanted and how he could go about providing it while achieving his own personal goals, it was his early childhood experiences on the farm and repeated financial setbacks that contributed to his company's ruthless approach to doing business. This paper includes pictures.
Outline:
Abstract
Review and Discussion
Brief Biography and Overview of Walt Disney
Cognitive Theory of Personality and Walt Disney
Behavioral Theories of Personality and Walt Disney
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is probably unlikely that even Walt himself could have foreseen the vast and far-flung empire that Disney has become, but he would undoubtedly be delighted at knowing that his early efforts had brought so much joy into the world for millions of children and adults alike. Some authorities, though, suggest that this joy has come at a high price in terms of its impact on the American consciousness and its approach to theme park management based on Walt's own powerful personality and legacy. Certainly, everyone wears a number of different "hats" during their lifetimes, and people grow, mature and change and different personality theories can be used to explain these processes."
Tags: animation, behavioral theories, personality development
Abstract Alfred Adler developed a theory of personality that describes how social interaction, birth order, life style, and family influences combine to form the personality of a person. Besides these things he also used the terms ?finalism,? which describes a goal or ambition that drives a person, and ?superiority,? which is a persons drive to be perfect. Different studies will are used to verify and expand his original work.
From the Paper "Alfred Adler, born in 1870, was the second of six children. He had a self-described "bad" childhood. He dealt with illnesses and accidents and he witnessed one of his bothers die (Engler, 1995). His father thought that Adler would amount to a lot. He later went to school where he was only a mediocre student. After coming close to quitting school, he turned his academic career around and became an outstanding student. He then went to medical school and became a neurologist (Engler, 1995)."
Abstract This paper explains that numerous theories on personality exist, and all serve a purpose to help understand the complexities of personality. Social workers, psychiatrists, therapists, psychologists, and many other professionals utilize the theories of personality to help understand their clients. This research outlines the predominant theories that exist and give an understanding of personality. While no one theory can be proven or disproved, thus giving it the title theory, all theories on personality have qualities that are similar to one another. The paper discusses the most predominant theories, which include the psychoanalytic perspective, the humanistic perspective, the trait perspective, and the social-cognitive perspective.
From the Paper "Sigmund Freud laid the foundation of the psychoanalytic theory of personality. "Freud was born in Freiberg (now Pr"bor, Czech Republic), on May 6, 1856, and educated at Vienna University. When he was three years old his family, fleeing from the anti-Semitic riots then raging in Freiberg, moved to Leipzig. Shortly thereafter, the family settled in Vienna, where Freud remained for most of his life? (Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2002). Freud began to pursue his medical degree which led him to become very curious about neurological activities. Through his studies he began to believe that the cause of many behaviors was psychological as opposed to physiological. Thus, he began the creation of his psychoanalytic theory which would become well-known and respected by many."
Abstract Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a personality disturbance in which the patient has an exaggerated sense that he or she is important. Likewise, NPD is associated with two other sub-disorders, Narcissistic-Histrionic Mixed Personality Disorder and Narcissistic-Antisocial Mixed Personality Disorder. This paper looks at how the cause of NPD is essentially one thing: a patient's parent unit over-indulging and evaluating the child, all of which generally occurs during the patient's childhood. It explains that, treatment-wise, there are two main options: available hospitalization and therapy, including both individual, or psychotherapy, and group therapy. Although it may not appear to be a very troublesome disorder, patients with it commonly appear in drug rehabilitation programs, centers for youth offenders, and in jails and prisons.
From the Paper "A personality disorder is a disorder is a set of inflexible, maladaptive personality traits that keep a person from function properly in society. More specifically, the Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a disorder that causes the patient to appear arrogant, pompous, and is also unable to experience empathy for other people (Feldman 484). A person with NPD is a person that has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. These people expect special treatment from others, while at the same time blatantly disregarding the rights of those other people (Feldman 484)."
"The MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2) is widely used as a tool to assess personality. It is used in applications as diverse as...
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2005, $ 35.95
Abstract "The MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2) is widely used as a tool to assess personality. It is used in applications as diverse as assessing symptoms of social and personal maladjustment, discerning whether people are suitable for high-risk public safety positions, and to support decisions regarding classification and treatment in the criminal justice system."
From the Paper The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) is a widely used tool to assess personality (Pearson Assessments). It is used in applications as diverse as assessing symptoms of social and personal maladjustment, discerning whether people are suitable for high-risk public safety positions, and to support decisions regarding classification and treatment in the criminal justice system (Pearson Assessments). Fundamentally, both the MMPI and the MMPI-2 were created to make comprehensive assessments of a range of personality characteristics and psychiatric syndromes exhibited by people with various psychological disorders (Harrington and Mcdermott).
Abstract This paper discusses the personal values of the individual in relation to business and personal life. It further discusses how the cultural values of the corporation and the beliefs or ethics of the individual are incorporated into the employee's decision making. The paper also discusses how cultural values belong to the group, and personal ethics are individual. These two concepts must match in order to create an effective personal value statement.
From the Paper "In developing a personal values statement for personal and professional life, it is important to consider the effect of organizational, cultural, and personal values on the individual. Bond, Boonstra, Cheosakul, Fu, Higashide, Howell, Kennedy, Koopman, Lacassagne, Pasa, Peng, Prieto, Strinivas, Tata, and Yukl (2004) contend that values are "long lasting" (p. 284). These authors further state that there is a significant difference between the beliefs of an individual, and the values of a group or organization (Bond et al., 2004, p. 284). The theory of "beliefs" suggest that a personal viewpoint is being evaluated, while values suggest that a large number of people are sharing in one set of behaviors that will be best suited to the organization."
