This paper applies the critical-emancipatory paradigm and the constructivist-interpretive paradigm to T. R.Berger's 1988 book "NorthernFrontier, NorthernHomeland: The Report of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry".
Abstract This paper explains that the critical paradigm recognizes that reality is the product of history and analyzes it accordingly through social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic and gender values developed over time. The author states that, when applying the critical-emancipatory approach to T. R. Berger's "NorthernFrontier, NorthernHomeland", the observer understands that the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction to historical reality issues especially the importance of the First Nation people and the environmental supporters in deciding against the pipeline project. The paper relates that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm assumes that to understand the world and its meaning, one must interpret it. The author underscores that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm can be applied to Berger's work in that his assessment of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline is heavily subjective and based upon interpretation of multiple realities.
Table of Contents
The Strengths and Weakness of the Critical Paradigm
Application of the Critical-Emancipatory Approach to "NorthernFrontier, NorthernHomeland"
The Strength and Weakness of the Constructivist-Interpretive Paradigm
Application of the Critical Constructivist- Interpretive Paradigm to "NorthernFrontier, NorthernHomeland"
From the Paper "It is easy to analyze the Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland document in terms of the critical-emancipatory approach. Indeed, the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction of social, political, cultural, economic and ethnic issues derived from processes over history. The writer, Berger, has assessed the contentious issue of the pipeline development firstly in terms of economic issues: that is, that it will be good for the Canadian economy, particularly the northern Canadians who will be brought now into the "mainstream of the Canadian economy" (Berger, 1988, p. 3). Ultimately, however, Berger has acknowledged the role of ethnicity in appraising the pipeline project and assessing its worth. His final position assumes the First Nation Canadians are correct; environmentally-speaking, the project should not go on). The role of acknowledging the importance of the First Nation people and the environment in deciding against the pipeline project display evidence of cultural, social, political and ethnic values in evaluating the situation.
Tags: interpretation, inuit, bias, reality, government
Abstract The paper explains Berger's view that human beings are meant to have freedom. The paper shows how Kant basically believed the same thing when he stated that human beings are ends in themselves. The paper looks at the two passages that are concerned with the basic beliefs of these two individuals. The paper analyzes these passages in terms of assumptions, language, perspectives and arguments. The paper explains how both Berger and Kant believed that the human being has a high purpose but that the purpose could be easily taken away. The paper highlights how according to Berger, society could destroy it and Kant believed that humans can be used by other people.
From the Paper "Berger is concerned with the individual's position in society and with people's ability to deal with the facades of society. Society can lead in two directions. Kant was not concerned with society, but only with the individual's actions towards other people. In Berger's view, human beings are meant to have freedom, and Kant basically believed the same thing when he stated that human beings are ends in themselves. The two passages are concerned with the basic beliefs of these two individuals. The passages will be analyzed in terms of assumptions, language, perspectives and arguments."
Abstract The paper discusses a sample project for constructing an efficient frontier using six asset classes. The paper includes graphs for two efficient frontiers.
Abstract In this article the writer discusses three essays that examine the views and concepts addressed by Frederick Jackson Turner in his famous essay on frontier expansion, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History." The writer examines Turner's perspective on winning the wilderness.
From the Paper "Frederick Jackson Turner makes the claim in his essay 'The Significance of the Frontier in American History' that the most important effect of the frontier has been in the promotion of democracy here and in Europe. One of democracy's most characteristic features includes restraint on government. Turner maintains that it is this lack of control even aversion to control which manifested itself in the Western frontier. From Turner's perspective, the wilderness has a deconstructing impact on more complex societies like those that existed on ... "
Tags: Frederick Jackson Turner, pioneers, frontier, Native Americans, government, religion, education, business, economy, politics, slavery, trade, American intellect, character, history, opportunities
Abstract This paper identifies the origins of the conflict in Northern Ireland and looks at the situation up to the present time.
From the Paper "The problems between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants comes from age-old disputes. This War of Religion is still as much of a problem today as it was centuries ago. There have been many attempts to try and amend this hatred but none so far have succeeded. The troubles in Northern Ireland are political, economic, cultural, and historic, but religious identity is what keeps the hatred alive. This one characteristic is the deciding factor of which side an Ulster resident supports in this 400-year old feud. These feuds are a result of the English invasions that took place many centuries ago (CQ Researcher 803)."
Abstract This paper looks at two passages - the first from Peter Berger's Invitation to Sociology and the second from Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. The writer discusses two perspectives on the location of man and his actions in terms of society and ethical practice. The writer notes that although admittedly the objectives of Berger's depiction of modern sociology differs dramatically from Kant's philosophical discussion of ethics as a basis for human action, in both passages their respective authors deal with similar issues related to how human beings exist in the world, and how one should ethically interact with fellow humans.
From the Paper "In the two passages - the first from Peter Berger's Invitation to Sociology and the second from Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals - we have two perspectives on the location of man and his actions in terms of society and ethical practice. Although admittedly the objectives of Berger's depiction of modern sociology differs dramatically from Kant's philosophical discussion of ethics as a basis for human action, in both passages their respective authors deal with similar issues related to how human beings exist in the world, and how one should ethically interact with fellow humans."
Abstract The paper discusses how in the two passages from Immanuel Kant and Peter Berger, the concept of freedom is explored in terms of human reason and its implications for our understanding of universal philosophical imperatives and sociological determinants. The paper argues that Berger both references and builds upon Kant's contention that freedom cannot be demonstrated through pure reason.
Abstract In this article the writer examines the works 'Invitation to Sociology' by Peter Berger, and 'Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals' by Immanuel Kant. The writer discusses how the authors present two distinct views upon human freedom. This essay argues that Berger, operating from a sociological perspective, contends that human freedom is illusory if one has a broad enough perspective to recognize how all human actions are linked in a chain of causality. In contrast, it is shown how Kant, operating from a philosophical perspective with a preoccupation with ethical principles, suggests that acknowledging the reality of human freedom is a prerequisite for any ethical reasoning.
Abstract This essay compares moral decision-making in perspectives offered by sociologist Peter Berger and philosopher Immanuel Kant. Issues of free will, "bad faith" and individual choices in social contexts are discussed.
Abstract This paper reviews the painting 'A Bar at the Folies Bergeres' by Edouard Manet. This paper attempts to prove that this work of art is much more than just an image of a barmaid with a mirror behind her, but rather a painting reflecting a somewhat more complex objective.
From the Paper 'Edouard Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergeres (1881-82) is, without question, one of the most famous paintings of the nineteenth century. This (re)creation of a moment in the nightlife of Paris' Variete Folies-Bergeres is acknowledged as Manet's "final masterpiece" (Duchting, 111). While on initial viewing this painting appears simply to be an image of a barmaid with a mirror behind her, this essay will argue that Manet's objectives in this work are much more complex.'
Abstract The paper studies passages from Peter Berger's "Invitation to Sociology" and Immanuel Kant's "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals". The paper argues that there is a common theme of the importance of freedom in both passages. The paper shows how for both thinkers, freedom is an inalienable quality that is central to our identities as rational human beings.
From the Paper "The passage from Berger's text revolves around the concept of "bad faith". Berger defines this concept as the pretence that "something is necessary that in fact is voluntary" (Berger 143). However, while this concept is central to the passage and is repeated and defined in several different ways, in actuality its primary role is to serve as a opening through which Berger can explore the core idea of his text: human freedom."
Abstract The paper demonstrates how while representing it's placement in history and society, "A Bar at the Folies-Bergere" also leaves much to be interpreted of its composition and subject matter. The paper focuses on the distortion of the mirror in this painting and how it has been the subject of sexual, personal, socioeconomic and symbolic interpretations. The paper highlights the techniques in this painting that are attributed originally, if not solely, to Manet. The writer offers a personal view that the distortion of the mirror was created to illustrate the gender relations of that time, the alienation one felt in that society, and the personal emotions of the barmaid. The paper includes color images.
From the Paper "During the mid to late 19th century in Paris, the society and culture that could be found was one of frivolity, decadence, and volatility. Edouard Manet and his contemporaries created many works on the subject of modern Paris and the popular performances of night cafes. Manet created a telling work of the time, A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) , as his last large canvas (96cm x 130cm) . While representing it's placement in history and society, A Bar also leaves much to be interpreted of its composition and subject matter. More specifically, the distortion of the mirror in this painting has been the subject of sexual, personal, socioeconomic, and symbolic interpretations."
Abstract This article looks at several aspects of the migration to the Western Frontier. An insight to the type of people who became settlers in the Western Frontier is shown. The writer discusses the significance involved in this transition and the qualities and development of the frontier regions. The writer discusses how the frontier experience of Americans in the late 19th century played an essential part in the making of the country's national character and development of democracy. The writer studies the views of three authors,Turner, Billington and Wister, who provide an understanding into how Americans observed the West and the unique men and women who made it their home.
From the Paper "For the settlers coming to the Americas in the 1600s and 1700s, this new country was wide open and offered the opportunity to seek a life free from the constraints of the Old World. However, once the East began to be populated by the refinery of the Europeans, it was no longer that rough and wild world where anything or everything was accepted. Thus, in the 1800s, it was time for the adventurous to move again--this time to the Western plains and deserts--to seek their fate. Historians and authors such as Frederick Jackson Turner, Ray Allen Billington and Owen Wister developed theories and wrote about the impact of this land on the new Americans."
Abstract This paper explains that, in his collection of essays "The Frontier in American History", Frederick Jackson Turner records and hypothesizes on the many ways in which the frontier has contributed to the building of the American nationality and culture. The author points out that this book contains twelve related essays focusing on specific aspects of the frontier's history including technological factors, such as the development of the steam engine and the railroad, and limitations, such as the threat of Indian attacks and the peril of being isolated in the wilderness. The paper concludes that, although written at the turn of the 19th century, Turner's essays have a strikingly modern feel because he describes a vision of America as a strong, proud but brutal country, shaped not so much by individual cult figures or powerful politicians as by a massive, eager movement of people who were fed up with their previous lots and who had the courage to face an isolating wilderness in exchange for an untold bounty.
From the Paper "In the remaining chapters, Turner elaborates on previous themes and continues a study of the ways in which each successive frontier-wave shaped the modern American nation. "The Problems of the West" provides an especially illuminating glimpse into the American psychology. For all his rugged, rudimentary style, the Western man was an idealist at heart. He championed the virtues of "equality, of the exaltation of the common man," and had an "unbounded confidence in his ability to make his dreams come true." It sounds romantic, but the proof of it lies in the bare fact of forward frontier movement on such a grand scale, over so long a time, by so many men and women. However, the romanticism does provoke thoughts on Turner's great shortcoming: his failure to address the sheer human cost of the expansion, not only in the number of European-American lives lost, but particularly among the Native Americans, who were so completely displaced and exterminated by the frontier."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of terrorism on homeland security and local law enforcement in the United States. The history of the Homeland Security Program and the successes and failures of the program are discussed first. The paper then looks at the legal issues and constraints imposed by homeland security and examines the pros and cons of the Homeland Security Program.
Table of Contents:
History of the Program
Successes/Failures of the Program
Legal Issues or Constraints
Organizational Concerns
Pros and Cons about The Homeland Security Program
From the Paper "There are good things about the Homeland Security Program in the U.S. A list of positives would include the fact that some safeguards must be implemented in order to keep the country safe. Local and national law enforcement efforts to this effect might keep thousands or millions of people in the U.S. from being wounded or killed. Counterintelligence efforts, legal or otherwise have turned up some plots by terrorists to wreak havoc, though the equal potential for abusing this privilege is omnipresent. Likewise, the prosecution of terrorists has instilled an awareness and deterrence of like crimes, though the potential for abuse has been raised as a legal issue. The people have come to rely on the agencies of FEMA and Homeland Security to help them when a national disaster, environmental or otherwise, has struck. Terrorists have been highly profiled, giving the public an opportunity to become aware and to report any threatening actions by those who might wish to harm or hurt individuals, communities, states or the country of the United States."
