On Education and Human Nature Essay

This paper is a brief discussion of the relationship between education and human nature as seen in two varying viewpoints – that of Callicles (in Plato’s Gorgias) and Protagoras. The author is of the belief that education, albeit necessary in the survival of man in the long run, is a construct that contradicts the nature of man insofar as it restricts certain aspects of an individual. Such an assertion is partly leaning towards Callicles’ view of man as a creature whose appetites, so to speak, have to be met by virtue of a natural law. This position, along with Protagoras’ view of the nature of education – that it is essential in the cultivation of civic virtue – is key to the author’s argument that education is restricting. Callicles and Protagoras are similar in the sense that both are Sophists, with the slight distinction that the former is a student of Gorgias. Protagoras (outside of Plato’s dialogs) is known for his assertion that man is the measure of all things, and with that in mind it can be said that Callicles likewise adheres to that position, but with reservations – i. e. , the â€Å"better† man (discussions on definition aside) seems to be the measure of all things, not all men as they are. Aside from that, however, there is nothing more that links the two characters in Plato’s dialogs together. In fact, the views of the two thinkers with regard to the issue central to the discussion in this paper differ greatly. To begin, Callicles admonishes Socrates in their dialog for remaining to be a â€Å"student† of philosophy even as an adult. For Callicles, philosophy is not meant to be studied extensively nor lengthily; it is supposed to be indulged in by the youth, and only in moderation. He maintains that studying philosophy insofar as it is required by one’s education is acceptable; however, to still be engaged in philosophizing when one is already past the age of schooling is short of appalling since it causes one to deviate from leading a practical life. But what is this practical life that Callicles is in favor of? The answer to this question is implicit in the discourse that followed his expression of dislike towards Socrates’ way of life. Callicles purports that there is a natural justice in existence in the world that is being resisted, or even disregarded, by conventional justice. His notion of what is â€Å"just by nature† revolves around the idea that the â€Å"superior† amongst men is supposed to be a kind of usurper of property (if seen in a negative way) who – by virtue of his superiority – has the right to rule over the inferior of his kinsmen, and is entitled to a greater share in everything compared to lesser men. Such a concept, as seen in his exchange with Socrates, is completely in opposition to what is being forwarded in their society at the time – the idea that all men are essentially equal, and that what is just is for everyone to receive an equal share. This is the conventional justice Callicles is referring to. Socrates, in turn, and with his method of â€Å"acquiring knowledge† (Socratic method), manages to use his opponent’s argument against him. He began his argument with questions that asked for a clarification of definition – what is superior? Better? – and ended with the statement that with Callicles’ own words he managed to show that since many is superior to one, then rules of the many are superior; hence, these rules are rules of the better; hence, the rules of these â€Å"better† people are admirable by nature since they are superior; thus, natural justice is not at all in contradiction with conventional justice. As mentioned earlier, within the aforementioned exchange regarding natural and conventional justice lies Callicles’ perception of the practical life, or the kind of life an individual ought to lead. As with countless other thinkers, his argument is deeply rooted with the idea of happiness as the end to which man should direct his actions. What distinguishes him from Protagoras, though, is his assertion that happiness – and his concept of natural justice – can be attained only by the man who will succumb to his appetites, or in his own words: â€Å"the man who’ll live correctly ought to allow his own appetites to get as large as possible and not restrain them†. As for what he termed as â€Å"contracts of men† – which are to be assumed as the laws that maintain order in the society – Callicles is of the opinion that since these go against the grain with which man is made, they are to be considered â€Å"worthless nonsense†. For his part, Socrates of course attempted to dissuade Callicles by means of his conventional method of discourse and by introducing the analogy of the two men with jars, to no avail. Protagoras’ main point in the discourse relevant to this paper is that virtue is teachable. In support of his assertion, he recalled the account of the creation of man in Greek mythology to Socrates. He recounted that all creatures of the earth are made by the gods out of fire and earth, and that prior to giving them life Epimetheus and Prometheus were tasked to facilitate the distribution of abilities to them. Epimetheus volunteered to do it himself, with Prometheus inspecting the result. Epimetheus balanced the distribution with regard to â€Å"nonreasoning animals†. As for the human race, they were left bare, in the broadest definition of the word. Prometheus saw the problem and solved it by stealing from Hephaestus and Athena wisdom in the practical arts and fire and gave them to man, which proved fatal for him in the end. It is important to note that wisdom in the practical arts is wisdom intended for survival. It did not include political wisdom – needed to be able to establish and maintain the order of a city – as this is kept by Zeus. The result was catastrophic, as evidenced by the fact that later on Zeus sent Hermes to distribute justice and shame to all men for fear that the human race will be wiped out because of man’s inability to coexist in cities they founded to protect themselves from wild beasts that placed them in danger of annihilation. Political or civic virtue then – products of justice and temperance – became a divine law of which every man is knowledgeable, unlike other virtues that stem from other arts (such as architectural excellence). This myth was used by Protagoras to show that inherent in all men are the seeds of civic virtue that only need to be coaxed out with the aid of education and constant admonition from one’s elders (particularly parents). And since this is the case, all men are capable to be taught virtue, because all men are in possession of it. Protagoras made a second, this time stronger point to support his statement that virtue is teachable. He began his argument by saying that the difference between evils caused by natural processes and those resulting from the lack or absence of civic virtue is that the former elicits pity for the person in possession of such an evil. Contrary to that, when society is confronted with a person exhibiting the opposite of virtue – injustice, impiety, etc. – it is not pity that’s felt but anger. Protagoras maintains that this reaction is due to the fact that civic virtue is regarded as something that can be acquired through training, practice, and teaching. He pushes his position further by saying that reasonable punishment – administered to a person who has committed an act that goes against civic virtue – is undertaken as a deterrence, the implication of which is that virtue is and can be learned. To further support his claim, Protagoras went into a brief discussion of how virtue is taught to all men all their lives. As little children, he said, men are taught not only by their parents about civic virtue but also through the education they receive. From the literature they study to the songs they play, teachers are keen on inserting messages meant to teach them what is good and just. For Protagoras, it seems, education is not merely comprised of letters and literature. Music is likewise necessary, as well as sports. Music, as he said, makes people â€Å"gentler† – they become more â€Å"rhythmical and harmonious† with regard to their actions. And this is important because for him, â€Å"all of human life requires a high degree of rhythm and harmony†. As for sports, Protagoras mentions that parents â€Å"send their children to an athletic trainer so that they may have sound bodies in the service of their now fit minds†. Even after one’s formal schooling is over, education on the virtues does not stop. As Protagoras said: â€Å"When [the students] quit school, the city in turn compels them to learn the laws and to model their lives on them. They are not to act as they please. † He ended his side of the discussion with a rhetorical question of how anyone can wonder about virtue being teachable when it is given so much care and attention in man’s public and private life. It is crucial to analyze the discourse both thinkers had with Socrates, albeit briefly, to be able to shed light on the position of this paper that education is necessary but constricting. With regard to the nature of man, it is clear that there is a clear dividing line between the idea of Callicles and that of Protagoras. For the latter, what is good for man is that which is good for the society. In other words, there is no contradiction between natural and conventional justice relative to the nature of man and how he ought to live. For the former, man is essentially a being meant to be governed by his appetites, or desires. The conflict lies in the fact that conventional justice dictates that there be a certain level of order maintained in a society, order which will only come about through the citizens’ willingness to subject themselves to laws that promote equality and peaceful co-existence. For Callicles, such laws are human constructs, designed to restrain his idea of a superior man, and as such should not be observed. The author will go one step further and say that although there is no direct discussion on education in Callicles’ discourse with Socrates, it is clear that since education is a human construct, he sees it as but another shackle his superior man has to bear. Despite the fact that Protagoras is amenable to education – as it teaches civic virtue – there is a single line in the discourse that implies a completely different attitude. Protagoras told Socrates that when a man’s formal education is over, he is still forced to learn the laws and live by them, and that he is not to act as he pleases. This goes to show that despite the eagerness of his version of man to live a life of civic virtue, part of him still needs to be shackled by laws. It is these deductions – from both thinkers – that led the author to believe that inherent in every person is a part that yearns for unbridled freedom and power. Education is an institution that strives to inculcate in man the characteristics needed for him to be able to lead a peaceful life in a society – characteristics that lean towards suppressing one’s desires and call for a sort of balance between fulfilling one’s wants and respecting those of others. Despite the restrictive nature of education, the author believes that it is still a necessary burden people have to bear. Gone are the days when man kept to himself, when he foraged for food and did not maintain a life of permanence in any one place. With the evolution of man came the need for permanence, and with that co-existence with other men. It may be true that at the core of every man is a selfish desire for power – to have everything and more. But if all men were to be allowed to act according to their whims, the stories of old – where Zeus feared that the human race might be annihilated because of man’s inability to restrain his need for power – may come true after all. Survival today does not only entail meeting one’s basic needs. It is also about respecting other men, if one were to be anthropocentric about it. And this – along with other things that will aid the human race to persist for the next millennia – can only be reinforced by education.

Recruiting, Hiring, Evaluating, and Compensating Essay

Conducting my research for this class project, I have learned that conducting a thorough job analysis is an important step in filling a job opening as well as contributing to the successful growth of an organization in terms of finances and talented workers. A job analysis should be conducted to gather information about the responsibilities, duties, skills of a particular job. In addition, it can include information about the work environment and desired education and experience. There are several ways to conduct a job analysis including using the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), using an analysis questionnaire, observation and interviewing. While doing my research there are other informal ways to conduct a job analysis and it depends on the amount of time and resources allowed and the type of job position. Conducting a job analysis is important because it makes sure that the job description is accurate while being in compliance with legal and professional guidelines. It als o helps the selection process be more smooth and makes sure that the right candidate(s) is selected (David, 2011). High performers should be included as well as senior level managers and direct supervisors and anyone with critical knowledge about the job. The analysis can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months if you use a systematic process to make the analysis run quickly and efficiently (Chao, 2012). HR professionals have a responsibility to make sure that they hire productive, talented workers because this adds value to their organization and will help to make the organization prosper in the future (Chao, 2012). For this project I used the observation method as well as researching current Human Resource Receptionist and Human Resource Assistant job openings. I found that the two titles had a lot of the same tasks, skills and requirements, however, from the job openings that included the salary the Human Resource Assistant position was more ($13.00) than the Human Resource Receptionist position ($11.00). My explanation for the difference in pay is that the assistant position seemed to focus more on the administrative function of an HR department, whereas the receptionist position seemed to focus more on front office skills such as copying, faxing, answering phone lines, etc. I also found it interesting that most of the job openings required that the candidate have a college degree, but the pay is about the same as similar jobs that only required a high school diploma or some college coursework. Because of the economy and its effect on the job market, it seems as though  a lot of companies in the Nashville, TN are not really competitive when it comes to pay. Employers know that their is an abundance of highly qualified workers and HR should consider hiring new workers as well as developing their current staff (Chao, 2012), however since pay is a determining factor in job satisfaction, companies should make sure that the pay is competitive. After you have chosen candidates to interview for the open position, it is important that you stay compliant. Being unfamiliar with your policies and procedures can come off as being uncaring and negligent. In addition, it is important to document not only who you hired but who you did not hire; documenting why you did not hire someone can be an important step if your organization is ever accused of not being compliant (10 HR mistakes your employee’s lawyer will try to exploit, 2012).

Organizational Structure Essay

An organizational structure is a composition that specifies a company’s hierarchical structure. There are various kinds of conformations that organizations can choose to build their business around. The organizational structure exemplifies the way in which control and business affairs have been appointed within the organization. Organizational structure encompasses the design of an organization though people positioning and responsibilities in order for organizational goals can be reached. Some of the time, a formal structure is not necessary due to a small informal business setting. In large organization responsibilities must be distributed. Hence, the reason that policies and procedures are established that assign responsibilities for numerous positions. The determination of these organizational functions (such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations) influence and determine the organizational structure of your an organization. The three main types of organiza tional structures are functional structure, divisional structure, and matrix structure. Divisional Structure The structure that an organization is based around also is contingent on the enormity of the company. Divisional structure separates the faculty based on the commodity and customer demand verses geographical location. For example, each area within the organization is accountable for certain divisions. Each division has individual support systems such as finance department, marketing department, warehouse department, and maintenance department. Divisional structure is grants flexibility and is a decentralized structure. Divisional structure also grants quick adaptability to geographical changes. Divisional structure embellishes advancements in the market and industry and allows for various plans of action. However, this structure causes replication of resources due to each unit having the necessity of every resource. PepsiCo’s Organizational Design An example of an organization design around divisional structure is PepsiCo. PepsiCo is a flexible company that is constantly looking for new innovations and consistently adapts to the geographical market. PepsiCo has a decentralized organizational structure. The functional determinations are made in individual units with corporate control and direction. PepsiCo has one CEO and three division presidents. The company’s hierarchical structure continues as each division is broken down into market units. Each market unit has a director. Furthermore each market unit is divided into regional units, then down the chain to sales units. Each unit has its own resources, such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations departments. PepsiCo determines responsibilities by departmentalization. Departmentalization is a conglomeration of common duties and characterization of tasks. The influences of departmentalization are function, product, geographic, process and customer. PepsiCo maintains a span of control by making sure of correct distribution of responsibility among employees and task obligations are accounted for. For example, units are tasked with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly forecast for sales, operations, overhead, and labor. Reports are sent weekly to account for these actions. Human resources departments are in each division to ensure control over the organization. There are guidelines and procedures in place to ensure the rules are being followed across the globe. Formalization sets the standard for the administered responsibility. Each unit at PepsiCo has management teams in place to ensure control of task performances. For example, a if a location has been tasked with a 1,000 case distribution for week one in the period and the sales teams are severely falling short on sales, management will step in to centralize the issue, reiterate the method of actions, and ensure the actions are conducted in a certain manner to achieve results. PepsiCo is multinational organization made up of three units which are PepsiCo Americas Foods, PepsiCo Americas Beverages and PepsiCo International. This structure allows the organization to focus on manifesting international markets, which will grant independence revenues, enabling focus on better product advancement. The organization is spread across the globe. However, the control is local, unlike a matrix structure that is located only in a single area (PepsiCo 2012). Matrix Structure A matrix structure formalizes line teams as well as the typical divisional hierarchy. The matrix structure is a hybrid between the functional and divisional structure, effectively creating independent business units for each product or service created or each unique market targeted. The matrix-structured organization is a project-based business that divides individual groups based on functional specializations. Variation of the matrix structure divides the authority by both functional and project areas. The functional manager heads up the functional areas of the organization. The project supervisor oversees the assigned project. This allows for management to focus on areas of proficiency. Companies such as General Motors has based its organization around the matrix structure due to the ability to specialize in specific areas, and organizational communication through other fields. General Motors believes the differentiation of ideas creates innovational determinations. The matrix structure also allows the human resources department to be shared throughout the organization. General Motors is made up of one main chief information officer (CIO) and several divisional CIOs that control the functionalities in the organization. General Motors also has process information officers that work in various areas of expertise across the organization. General Motors believes the matrix structure develops global commercialism (Daft 2007). Functional Structure Functional Structured organizations group tasks according to the target. Functional structured organizations work well for organizations that have a need for departments to rely on expertise of its faculty. A major disadvantage to a functional structured organization is the communication boundaries due to variation in departments that work individually. One company that a functional structure works well is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is one of America’s largest retailers. Wal-Mart is designed by a functional structure. Wal-Mart’s target market is a consumer with median incomes. Wal-Mart has a limited amount of functions in specialized areas with in the organization. Wal-Mart does not produce its goods, but has enough buying power to supply the demanded products. The organizational structure and large size enables the buying power to purchase goods at low prices. This buying power enables Wal-Mart to offer its target market lower prices creating a competitive edge over other retailers. A functional structured organization; such as Wal-Mart have a chief executive officer, limited executive staff, and department heads in domineering areas of expertise such as accounting, marketing, human resources and warehouse. Wal-Mart’s headquarters and executive staff is made up of a Chief of Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors, with supporting committees. Conclusion Determining an organizations structural design that will be the most effective for a specific company has great significance on organizational success. Using an unsuitable design structure can be consequential in communication, product development, customer service, and countless situations of other organizational issues. Organizational structure can determine the successful outcome of the organization. Reference Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2011). Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World (ninth ed.). New York, NY: McGrall Hill. Retrieved May 7, 2012 (2012). PepsiCo. Retrieved May 7, 2012, from www.pepsico.com Daft, Richard (2007). Organizational Theory and Design (ninth ed.). Manson, OH: Thompson Higher Education. Retrieved May 7, 2012.

Research paper The Apology of Socrates Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Apology of Socrates - Research Paper Example It is often said that Socrates acted unwisely in this defense and prior to the charges being brought against him because he purposely incited the wrath of many of the more powerful people of Athens. However, the defense he presents to the court suggests Socrates understood something more than normal men. His argument in the end is not that he didn’t break the law of Athens, but that he was acting in a necessary capacity for the development of the free and democratic society he understood Athens to be. The first charge brought against Socrates was that he was spreading sacrilegious ideas because he challenges other people’s beliefs. Socrates acknowledges these charges when he speaks against old enemies that have spoken falsely â€Å"telling of one Socrates, a wise man, who speculated about the heaven above, and searched into the earth beneath, and made the worse appear the better cause† (Apology: 944). His defense regarding sacrilege is based on the statement of the Oracle which once pronounced him the wisest man alive. Such a pronouncement caused him to take up a series of inquiries looking ‘into the heavens and earth’ to discover why that might be so. He points out this was a journey of discovery to learn why what they said was true. â€Å"At last I went to the artisans, for I was conscious that I knew nothing at all, as I may say, and I was sure that they knew many fine things; and here I was not mistaken, for they did know many things of which I was ignorant, and in this they certainly were wiser than I was. But I observed that even the good artisans fell into the same error as the poets; because they were good workmen they thought that they also knew all sorts of high matters, and this defect in them overshadowed their wisdom† (Apology: 947). Villa says this reveals that Socrates â€Å"obviously cared greatly for his city and fellow citizens† (2001: 39). His method was intended to open their minds to greater thought within a

Behavioral finance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Behavioral finance - Coursework Example To establish the influence of cognitive, affective and social aspects on investment decision making, and the role of psychological and social factors in financial market behaviour, this essay discusses what might cause perceptions of risk to be inaccurate,. Risk is an amalgamation of the probability or frequency of occurrence of a distinct hazard and the magnitude of the consequences of the occurrence (Botterill & Mazur, 2004, p.1). It defines how often a particular harmful event is expected to occur and consequences that such an occurrence is expected to cause. In terms of investments, risk may be defined on the basis of the amount of loss expected to be incurred when an adverse occurrence happens or is expected to happen frequently. Therefore, perceptions of risk are constructed on the basis of individual beliefs, societal perceptions and expert perceptions. Most people perceive risk as a possibility of bad outcome, whenever a choice is made. Therefore, in many instances, risk taking is not regarded as a potentially positive activity. However, there are instances, though few, where risk taking is perceived as a positive activity, with the potential of creating benefits to an investor. There are significant gaps between perceived risk and measurable probabilities of risk. The evident widely acknowledged differences between perceived risk and actual risk suggests that in most cases; perceptions of risk are inaccurate. This is evident when significant differences are recorded in terms of what is perceived and what actually happens in terms of real investment risks (Botterill & Mazur, 2004, p.3). Therefore, various people understand and respond to risk in various ways, based on psychological and social factors surrounding them. One of the factors that influence perception of risk, and most probably leads to an inaccurate perception of risk is the

Sponsorship Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sponsorship - Assignment Example Creating a brand image is a corporate objective which NASCAR has embraced effectively. Through sponsorships, the company organizes races hat attract many fanatics. This forms a strategic opportunity to sell the brands. The techniques us include branded attire for drives, referring to car names to represent drivers and so on. The fitness and favorability of the driver attracts more attention to the car that he is driving rather than his personal being. This satisfies the marketing objective. The study reveals that the creating human like features on a brand is central to marketing process. The main emphasis here is selecting the best brand personality. This raises the idea of attitude towards the advertiser or the sponsor. This research shows that when people show positive attitudes towards an advertiser the n they have a favorable opinion on the brand. The personality of the drivers must blend with the qualities of the product that the sponsor wants to be transmitted to the potential buyers. This is because the sponsor-driver fit greatly affect purchase decision on potential customers. CRITIQUE While brand personality marketing yield better results, the research is extremely biased on the positive sides of brand personality. This is because the driver-sponsor fit is not the only factor that affects marketing. The relationship between the sponsor and the driver does not imply merging of attributes and thus their differences can be easily established by clients. For example, drivers’ characteristics may be consistent with the attributes of the product but the people’s attitudes towards the sponsor are not altered by the presence of the drivers, as such, people tend to differentiate the roles. From the research, the findings that imply the people favoring the brand personality favor the producer or sponsor is not well grounded. In many marketing scenarios, clients may have good ratings for the personality (driver) and thus come to the events to see h im in action, thus their interest may not lay in the brand which he’s representing. The essence of marketing is boosting sales. However, sales are boosted by the promotional efforts put in place by the sellers. The research is categorical that it is a requirement that the driver and the sponsor fit for the success of a brand. However, the potential clients might not be concerned about background relations between the driver and the sponsor. This is a work relationship. The choice of the consumers or buyers is influenced by the driver and the brand qualities. If a client observes how strong or fast a car is, then he or she will relate that to the brand that is being represented. As such, the driver sponsor congruence does not play an important role. Selection of a brand personality may affect the brand image in the long run. This is because the drivers are contacted for particular time or on certain terms. Therefore, the congruence hat last only during events may hurt the bran d later. An example is that the driver may be involved in scandals or situations that compromise the qualities and ethics of the sponsor. This affects that image of the brand among the existing and potential clients. Thus driver sponsor fit does not have total influence over the success of a brand. The research indicates that NASCAR events are well attended due to the fact that people fancy car races. However, the true motive for the race is marketing. Most people will attend the

Strategic Plan to Reduce Falls and all Realated Injuries on the Essay

Strategic Plan to Reduce Falls and all Realated Injuries on the Alzhiemers Disease Unit - Essay Example As the AD progresses, complex motor sequences become disorder, and this issue increases the victims’ risk of falling. In the advanced stage, AD patients will be completely dependent on their caregivers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), falls and fall related injuries constituted the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults in 2010 (CDC). This paper will introduce a strategic plan to reduce falls and all related injuries in Alzheimer Disease Unit. The occurrence of falls in AD victims is very frequent and this problem results in dreadful consequences like fractures, cognitive decline, and lack of independence. Many studies have identified the fatal consequences of falls among AD patients with intend to develop potential prevention/intervention strategies. Statistical data from an Alzheimer’s disease unit in a nursing home in Chicago indicate that there have been 6-7 hips surgeries and one death resulting from fall over the last two months. According to Alzheimer’s Association (2013), 26% of the AD related hospitalizations in 2013 could be attributed to syncope, fall, and trauma. Orcioli-Silva, Simieli, Barbieri, Stella, & Gobbi1 (2012) reflect that as compared to healthy elders, elderly people with AD are highly vulnerable to falls, falling nearly 4-5 times a year. Referring to various studies, the authors add that ‘touched or stumbled on the obstacles’ constitute one of the leading causes of falls in AD patients. High cognitive load in AD patients causes motor changes, which in turn leads to decreased automated motor of gait and increased risk of falling. Kato-Narita and Radanovic (2009) clearly state that â€Å"elderly with dementia have a doubled to threefold risk for the occurrence of falls, probably due to motor impairment, attentional deficits, use of psychotropic medication, and behavioral

Cross-Cultural Management Report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cross-Cultural Management Report - Assignment Example The report is a step by step guideline on the influence that cultures have on the development and completion of projects. It follows research that looks at a case study of six Brazilian international companies. Projects from these six companies have different outcomes across continents, and the impact of different cultures on them are analyzed. In the end, the report emphasizes the importance of multi-cultural understanding and integration that ensures the success of projects. It also wraps up in an explanation of the reasons why it is important to know how to manage people from different cultures. It cites that globalization of companies is a norm in the present day business world (Holden, 2002). The research paper, a study on Brazilian Multinationals, and the cultural challenges they face in managing global projects, looks into the internationalization of Brazilian companies. This growth in the company depends on the need to manage multicultural teams. The biggest challenge in the literature study of this topic of development is the lack of theoretical development in this field. It is a new phenomenon that is growing at a very high rate and has caught many researchers by surprise, giving them very little time to study multicultural influences on projects. The research looks at the relationship between management of project teams and the characteristics of different cultures across the globe. It evaluates the role of managers in hiring and the planning, development, and deployment of projects on an international scale. It also looks at the major challenges facing six Multinational companies in their endeavors to achieve success in the international arena. The researcher choo ses Brazil because it is a developing country (Rodrigues, 2012). Developing countries had no Foreign Direct Investment before 1980 and were known to deal locally in all their business ventures. However, there has been a significant change in this trend, to the extent where

Evaluation of disciplinary interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluation of disciplinary interview - Essay Example So I had to discard my initial strategy of being passive and straight away adopt assertive manner to explain my reasons. The most important factor that favoured me was that the interviewer was ready to listen to my reasons with open mind. It was for these reasons that I was able to satisfactorily explain my erratic timekeeping. The open disposition of the interviewer greatly helped to ease my tension. The manager’s understanding of human behaviour greatly facilitated my strategy to come to the desired outcome. All through the interview, I never felt threatened. But the mild rebuke from the manager about my not being open with him regarding my personal problems and timely communication of the same was justifiable. Though, he was quite sympathetic about my child’s health problem, he informed me gently that he too is a father but at the same time, being a manager, he is also accountable for his workers performance as well as for their welfare. Had I discussed my problems with him, I would have better managed my office and personal life. Indeed, I was let off with warning that any future late hours would be treated as such and no leverage would be given. The feedback was an important proceeding that comprised of open class discussion of my role play video. The peer observation was the highlight of the interview. I was informed that the first assumption of the manager about my late coming had really taken me by surprise and I had no alternative but to become assertive to maintain my credibility. I had also maintained respect for my manager that had shown through my facial expression and non verbal behaviour. My manager was very open minded and empathetic that had helped me to be frank and discuss my personal problems. The attitude and behaviour of the manager inspired trust which became the major element of facilitating satisfactory outcome of the interview. The manager’s assertion that effective communication helps to solve problem

Social and Physical Benefits of Parks and Recreation Literature Review Essay - 1

Social and Physical Benefits of Parks and Recreation Literature Review Paper - Essay Example n areas in cities in the form of parks and recreation spaces are essential because of their social, physical and psychological benefits, besides preserving the natural resources of the locale. There is increasing evidence from research studies that indicates that â€Å"the presence of natural areas contributes to increased quality of life in many ways† (Chiesura, 2004, p.129) of city residents. Urban nature in the form of parks, forests, and green belts, and its components such as trees and water, positively impacts the environment and ecology of a region. It accomplishes â€Å"important environmental services such as air and water purification, wind and noise filtering, and microclimate stablilization† (Chiesura, 2004, p.130). Thus, parks promote physical health by providing green spaces and fresh air for exercising and walking, and increase social well-being through opportunities for interacting with neighbors at a shared, common location. The social and psychological services of parks and recreation are vital for the livability of modern cities (Chiesura, 2004). This is reiterated by Gidlof-Gunnarsson and Ohrstrom, 2007) who emphasize on the importance of providing easy access to nearby ‘noise-free’ green areas offering relief from environmental stress such as traffic sounds, and opportunities for rest and relaxation. Chiesura (2004) examined the significance of parks for citizens’ well being, and for urban sustainability. The author conducted a survey among visitors of an urban park in Amsterdam, to investigate people’s â€Å"motives for urban nature, the emotional dimension involved in the experience of nature and its importance for people’s general well being† (Chiesura, 2004, p.129). The results demonstrate that parks and recreation spaces are beneficial services fulfilling human needs of an immaterial and nonconsumptive nature. The positive functions of green areas also extends to reduced fear, fewer incivilities, and lower levels of

Cultural Diversity and Literacy Essay Example for Free

Cultural Diversity and Literacy Essay The student body of academic institutions for higher learning is becoming more and more diverse in culture and social groups through the past generations (Koester Lustig, 1991; Powell Collier, 1990). Therefore, educators must bear in mind this diversity factor and modify teaching procedures accordingly. I am a Korean intending to effectively teach piano lessons to high school students. I should be able to help my students appreciate the piano, play the piano excellently and make them become highly literate in music. In a paper presented at the Central States Communication Association Convention in Oklahoma City in 1994, Goulden suggests that the primary goal of academicians and educators in facing cultural diversity should be to provide an opportunity for learning that is beneficial for students (1994 5). This primary goal is supported by more straightforward objectives. Goulden also states that the students must be prepared for life after graduation (1994 5). Therefore, the end goal should be to help the students, however diverse their cultures are, to stand proud for his culture and for what he has learned. As a piano teacher, I think that aside from teaching my students to simply play the piano, I must also impart on them the value of cultural pride, as well as the importance of understanding people on other cultures that will also be part of their audience in playing the piano. Even as music is considered a universal language, it will help my students to play with passion to be able to transcend cultural differences. It is my goal as a teacher to help them achieve that level of effectiveness. Of course, in effect, I intend to teach piano lessons to my students to help them achieve high literacy in music. Literacy is a much broader concept than most people think. While others believe that literacy is all about learning to read and write, other academicians believe that literacy means deep understanding of subject matters, such as music. To contrast, literacy is what broadens a persons world, while illiteracy shrinks it down (Needlman, 2001). I think a persons imagination has a lot to do with literacy. For example, if my students could learn to read the notes and play the piano effectively, I will be happy as a teacher. However, if my students will play the piano and experiment with musical notes on their own, then, I will be happier; because it means that I am imparting high litereacy to my students. If my students can use their imagination and deepen their appreciation and interest in music, I will say they are highly literate in music. As a piano teacher, I think I need to know more than just my students level of skills. For instance, I need to know more than just the notes that they can or cannot read, or the music pieces that they can or cannot play. To be able to reach their mind and help them become imaginative, productive and highly literate in music, I must be able to overcome any possible barrier in reaching their mind. I think my students must have fun while learning with me. Culture can be a barrier to literacy, if there is no connection between teachers and students. For instance, some of my students might be intimidated by the fact that we Koreans, are highly interested in music, and it is an integral part of our lifestyle. I, as the teacher, should tell my students, that even if a certain culture appreciates music more than a certain other culture, it does not mean that the others cannot learn. In fact, on the contrary, we would be very happy to share our passion with the rest of the world. I think that as a teacher, I must understand my students, as well as their families and their communities so I can help them to reach a high level of literacy. Through understanding, I can better relate to my students and establish a connection with them so they will feel that they are a part of me, and I am a part of them, and we must celebrate our cultural diversity because it is beautiful to see that we are different, and yet the same. We have different cultures, but we also have the same interest and the same goals. Between my students and me, our main similarities should be our interest in learning together, learning from each other, and learning about music. For me to have a better understanding of the underlying effects of the increased cultural diversity of my students, I should look into the manners in which students from diverse social and cultural units experience music. I think I should educate myself and equip myself with knowledge about my students varied culture before I can become truly effective in reaching out to them, to make them excellent piano players. Culture is not a static phenomenon passed exactly as it is down from one generation to another; in fact, culture is a dynamic, flexible, breathing environment to which every person makes a contribution. In this case, education, specifically music education must be about helping every student find his passion in music, and help him nourish that passion so he could be prepared to make his own contribution to his own culture (Shuler, 2001). If I could help a student with a culture different from mine develop a contribution to his own culture, then it will also be my achievement as a teacher. References Goulden, N. R. (1994). Curricular Changes, Communication Skills, and Cultural Diversity: The Next Generation, 5. Koester, J. , Lustig, M. (1991). Communication curricula in the Multicultural university. Communication Education, 40, 250-254. Needlman, R. (2001). What Is Literacy? Retrieved November 15, 2006 from http://www. drspock. com/article/0,1510,5133,00. html Powell, R. , Collier, M. J. (1990). Public speaking instruction and cultural bias: The future of the basic course. American Behavioral Scientist, 34(2), 240-250. Shuler, S. C. (2001). Music and education in the twenty-first century: A retrospective, Arts Education Policy Review (Vol. 102, pp. 25): Heldref Publications.

Today is a result of yesterday, tomorrow is a result of today Essay Example for Free

Today is a result of yesterday, tomorrow is a result of today Essay Today is a result of yesterday, tomorrow is a result of today. To what extent is this statement an apt representation of Buddhist ethics? Today is a result of yesterday, tomorrow is a result of today. This statement, as a representation of Buddhist ethics, would seem to suggest the realm of ethical action is effectively deterministic. This raises many questions about the nature of Buddhist ethics, most significantly: Is this a coherent position? If today is a result of yesterday how can one be said to be possessed of free will? And if one has no free will surely one cannot be considered a moral agent thus consequently, are responsible for ones actions. In this essay I will consider the evidence and arguments supporting this interpretation, together with counter-arguments in order to discuss the statement and reasoning behind this, resulting in my conclusion that will encompass all these arguments. Firstly I will look at morality in Buddhism as it is a Buddhists ethics which determine their behaviour which ultimately affects the results of tomorrow. Classifying Buddhist ethics can be considered an instance of virtue ethics, centred on the idea that the basis of morality is the development of good character traits which, in Aristotles system for example, include intelligence, wisdom (sila), and the ability to discern between good and bad. Peter Harvey contended that the Mahayana idea of skilful means (upaya) is similar to Christian situation ethics because it accepts ethical principles being overridden in certain situations in the name of wisdom and bodhichitta. Situation Ethics does not propose rules but rather suggests a guiding principle to decision making; Acting morally means acting in the most loving way in any situation. Unlike the approach of upaya in Mahayanan Buddhism, situation ethics do not ignore or reject traditional values but is bound by them. Both systems may allow for compassionate killing. There is a story in the suttas of how in one of his past lives the Buddha killed a robber to stop him from killing a number of bodhisattvas and thus prevented the robber from suffering in the hells for aeons. The difference though, is that in Buddhism only a very advanced bodhisattva is permitted to break with the traditional values, while situation ethics can be applied by anyone with a loving heart: This can thus be understood as in Buddhism, a Bodhisattva can act unethically and leave no imprint on the future, yet an unenlightened Buddhists actions will have a negative impact. Many religions emphasise the importance of the notion of good and bad actions, however in Buddhism, pre-determining actions to be good or bad would be a fruitless exercise Buddhists believe that reality of Dharma is beyond the concepts of good and bad; it contains both good and bad unseparated in a pre-conceptual state. Trying to remove half of reality, by definition, would be unachievable, thus trying to remove bad, would be unachievable, and pointless. More than that, the conscious effort to try to remove half of reality is also a kind of affirmation of the existence of just that part that you are proposing to remove. Buddhism does not say that there is no morality; it encourages the central importance of morals and ethical behavior in all areas of life. Although Buddhism believes in right action, it insists that right action is not the same as the Christian concept of right action; that moral action does not always match our conceived notions of morality. Buddhism believes that only this place and this moment are real and all else past and future are not real existence. It therefore follows that the only place where conduct can be right or wrong is here and now. So Buddhism emphasizes that right and wrong are concerned with the present moment, here and now. Acting morally means acting right at this very moment. Acting right at this moment is the only true morality. We can debate right and wrong as intangible concepts, but those abstractions are always detached from the real situation in front of us now, and so they are partial and can never be a complete guide to our action in the present; this notion would thus infer, in relation to the question I am researching, that past actions are not real existence, along with the future, therefore if the past is not real, how can it impact on tomorrow? It therefore follows that the only place where conduct can be right or wrong is here and now. So Buddhism emphasises that right and wrong are concerned with the present moment, here and now. Acting morally means acting right at this very moment. Acting right at this moment is the only true morality. It can be discussed right and wrong as abstract concepts, but those abstractions are always detached from the real situation in front of a Buddhist now, and so they are partial and can never be a complete guide to our action in the present. This therefore would conclude that if right and wrong actions are only connected with today, and not the past nor future No actions of yesterday impede on tomorrow. However this could be seen as a slight contradiction: Buddhism gives guidelines as to what good conduct is in the form of the Precepts these are not meant to be rigid and a broken rule will not result in committing sin, like the Christian Ten Commandments; However they are guidelines as to what right conduct is, but in actual situations conduct is decided by the state of the body/mind in the moment of acting, not by the precepts alone therefore if one is broken, Buddhism urges a buddhist to regain the balanced state and act in the present rather than be punished for past bad conduct, which has passed and can never be changed therefore if Buddhism states to live for today as the future and past are not real, yet the past bad conduct cant be changed therefore has left a mark in Buddhists life, how can past bad conduct even be conceived or considered to never be allowed to change if the past does not exist? To illustrate how a Buddhist might approach some of the ethical problems of today, you can look at the example of abortion. The early scriptures of Buddhism (The Pali Canon) are clear in seeing human life as starting with conception: when there is the union of the mother and father, and it is the mothers season, and the being to be reborn is present, through the union of these three things the conception of an embryo in a womb takes place. The word being, however, should not be thought of as a spirit or soul but consciousness being operated on by the force of (karma) that determines where the rebirth will be (according to previous deeds). When looking at such issue, we can see how it is an obvious moral problem as it has not been discussed at length in Buddhist literature; however there are references in the Pali canon that indicate the practice was regarded as wrong. Buddhist disapproval of abortion is related to the belief that in rebirth and teachings on embryology. It is widely held that conception marks the moment of rebirth, and that any intentional termination of pregnancy after that time constitutes a breach of the first of the Five Precepts (panca- sila), not to kill or injure living creatures, this could also be related the idea of euthanasia in Buddhism. This notion is an avowed view of most Buddhists however this position is not reflected in the abortion statistics in Buddhist countries: In more conservative countries such as South Asia, abortion is generally illegal, unless there is a threat to the mothers life, however illegal abortions are common with 300,000 per annum in Thailand, and in various east A sian countries abortions are even more numerous, such as one million per annum or greater is sometimes cited for countries such as Japan and South Korea. The fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, sets out the main features of the Buddhist way of life addressing the nature of past behaviour affecting the future. The Buddha offered this path as the middle way, a way of life that does not fall into extreme views or extremes of behaviour but encourages balance and controlled moderation. Buddhist ethics are not based on the pursuit of sensual or other pleasures, and they also dont encourage extremes of deprivation, poverty or self-sacrifice. The various moral guidelines should be taken responsibly but with a light touch: Ethical conduct (sila) is built on the vast conception of universal love and compassion for all living beings, on which the Buddhas teaching is based (Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught, London: Gordon Fraser, 1928). In relation to what is good or bad in Buddhism, the main principle is linked to intention and the determining factor is whether the act is out of selfish desire and craving, out of anger or hatred, or out of mindlessness and ignorance. Any actions that are motivated that way will result in caused suffering to us and to others. However, if the act is motivated by love and compassion they will bring well-being and happiness An action characterised by this moral quality (kusala-kamma) is bound to result (eventually) in happiness and a favourable outcome. Actions characterised by its opposite (akusala-kamma) lead to sorrow. This would thus infer that if actions result in happiness or sorrow , all actions of the past affect tomorrow. In Buddhism, ethical behaviour is ultimately dependent on the mind and not on the body. On the basis of the Buddhas advice, Buddhism has developed into many various types of ethical guidance that Buddhists do their best to follow. The ethical disciplines of Buddhism can be divided into the guidelines for lay people, and the guidelines for monastics. Within Theravada Buddhism, ethical action must always be motivated by ahimsa, the wish not to cause harm, and for Theravada monks, the main ethical guidelines are the 227 precepts of a monk. In Mahayana, ethical action must always be motivated by the bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, in contrast to lay ethics where there is no need to attain enlightenment as there is no time to achieve such state. Ethical behaviour on the bodhisattva path consists of the six paramitas or transcendental actions. When one becomes a Buddhist one begins by taking the Three Refuges, refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The main commitment is to refrain from harming others and to adopt the approach of non violence (ahimsa). Non violence is a prevalent principle of Buddhist ethics as stated in the Dhammapada 5: In this world hate never yet dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate (Dominique Side, Buddhism, Oxfordshire: Phillip Allan, 2005, p151). Lay people can also take one or several of the Five Precepts, which are five basic vows that strengthen the Buddhist way of life: I undertake to refrain from, 1) killing, 2) taking what is not freely given, 3) misusing sexuality, 4) harmful speech, and 5) taking intoxicants. As well as giving guidelines on what not to do, Buddhism encourages positive actions. In the Buddhas advice to a young man called Sigala, recorded in the Pali Canon, the Buddha explained the positive approach can be applied in daily life within the framework of the Six Relationships: 1) Take care of your family 2) Take care of your marriage 3) Keep good company 4) Develop good relationships between teachers and students 5) Develop good relationships between employers and employees, and 6) Develop a supportive and harmonious relationship with the monastic Sangha. The importance of love and compassion is also outlined in 118 of the Dhammapada, Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again and you will be filled with joy (ibid, p153). This statement could be interpreted as if you continuously do good the outcome tomorrow will leave you filled with joy, therefore suggesting the idea of free will in Buddhism. In the Noble Eightfold Path, ethical conduct includes three factors which overlap with the Five Precepts and Six Relationships: 1) Right Action, 2) Right Speech, and 3) Right Livelihood. Lay morality rests on the principle that lay people aim to minimise their bad actions and maximise their good so they have a better rebirth. Human actions (karma) in the Buddhist framework were to be determined based on both the intent or motive (chetanaa) and the consequences (vipaaka) of the action. In the Dharmaniyama (moral duty code), theories of causality in Buddhism were challenged in the view that human destiny was unaffected by the ethics or morality of human actions. It countered the doctrine of amoral causation (akriyavaada) whose supporters argued that there was no merit in doing good and no demerit for doing evil. In Buddhist teachings, individual karma is created by situations and moral predicaments, thus the outcome of a Buddhists future will be a result of yesterdays actions. Every action a Buddhist performs can leave an imprint and their karmic potential will allow for its own effect. Positive or virtuous actions give way to future happiness, and negative, non virtuous actions will result in future suffering. This connection between actions and their effects is known as the law of karma; this law is the foundations to Buddhist morality (sila). In the Buddhas teachings, Sila was spoken of vital importance as it allows for higher attainment of wisdom (panna) and concentration (Samadhi); this was mentioned in his Visuddhimagga: A wise man, after establishing well in virtue, develops consciousness and understanding (http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/panadpa8.htm). The law of karma is seen as a natural law just like physical laws like gravity. Karma is unlike morality in other religions as it is not operated by God or any other supreme being because Buddhism does not require supernatural intervention. The idea that karma works without any outside intervention means that the result of karma is not a reward, nor is it a punishment because they believe that this infers dependence upon a supreme power in judgement, whereas in Buddhism there is nobody to judge us, we determine our future by the way we act and the way we think, this idea is expressed clearly in the first verse of the Dhammapada, What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: our life is the creation of our mind. If a man speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows him as the wheel of the cart follows the beast that draws the cart (Dominique Side, Buddhism, Oxfordshire: Phillip Allan, 2005, p130). This quote is an excellent example for evidence in supporting the question being asked in this essay, as it addresses the idea that not only our actions, but also our thoughts build our future and that impurities of the mind cause future suffering. A Common misinterpretation of karma is that it is a law of fate; however the idea of fate implies determinism, which would allow for no change or freedom, thus an idea seen in many theistic religions such as the notion that God determines life. This idea of determinism could be firstly viewed as a completely contrasting idea to that in Buddhism. Determinism is the philosophical proposition that everything is determined causally by an unbroken chain of prior events. However determinism has been expressed as the doctrine of Dependent origination in Buddhism and is an important factor in the evidence regarding my question. The doctrine of dependent origination is fundamental in connecting moral responsibility and causation, especially the ontological status of all matter. The doctrine teaches that all phenomena occur from dependence on causes and circumstances and lack intrinsic nature. The doctrine is expressed in its simplest form in phrase idam sati ayam bhavati, which means when this exists, that arises, which logically can be expressed as, when condition A arises, condition B arises, thus its reversal would be that when A doesnt exist, B wont. It is indicated in early sources that the Buddha became fully enlightened under the Bodhi tree when he fully realised the profound truth of Dependent Origination, thus that all matter is conditioned and arise and cease in a determinate chain of events. Therefore in relation to moral responsibility, it could be said that nothing happens out of its own volition, so there are no forces or metaphysical realties, such as a god or soul to act as a determiner, so it could be argued that moral responsibility is ones own, yet with a chain of causation, and no self, it could also be said one cannot be responsible if one doesnt exist. A way of classifying Buddhist ethics in Western terms is by relating it to soft determinism. Soft determinism is a midpoint between the hard determinism of philosophers such as Hobbes, Hume and John Stuart Mill, where the assertion of cause and effect is universal, therefore moral freedom is not possible; and libertarians who believe that uncaused, unconditional choices can be made and that free will exists, as Immanuel Kant stated free will was essential for morality, In morals, the proper and inestimable worth of an absolutely good will consists precisely in the freedom of the principle of action (Robert A Bowie, Ethical Studies, Nelson Thornes, 2001, p59). There is an important relationship between freedom and moral responsibility; it has been commonly held that we should be morally responsible for actions that we freely perform. If we can only blame or praise people for actions they freely and knowingly undertake, then it is vital that we have the freedom to act, morality depends on freedom. Immanuel Kant wrote ought implies can, therefore we cant blame someone for something they cannot do; If people are not free, the prospect of making moral decisions in denied, thus if an external influence causes human actions, people cannot be morally responsible. Hard determinists believe that we are not free and cannot be held morally responsible for our actions (Omar Khayyam R A Bowie, Ethical Studies, p91). This idea has some ethical similarity to the traditional Judeo-Christian idea of Predestination, it can be summarised as all our choices, decisions, intentions, other mental events, and all our actions are no more than effects of other equally necessitated events (Honedrich, ibid, p91). Hard determinism insists that all actions have a prior cause. However, this idea has a number of profound consequences; it puts doubt in our hopes for the future and how we consider the morality of others. If we praise a person for their good action, we are mistaken as it is not their action, it has been pre-determined. Additionally, if our actions are determined humans cannot deliberate rationally, we are, to an extent, illusive to the fact we cant decide for ourselves what we wish to do. Buddhism accepts the idea of determinism but rejects the idea of an agent and thus the idea that freedom is free will belonging to an agent. The Buddha said There is free action, there is retribution, but I see no agent that passes out from one set of momentary elements into another one, except the connection of those elements. Buddhism believes in neither absolute free will nor determinism, it preaches a middle doctrine, called pratitya-samutpada in Sanskrit, which is often translated as inter-dependent arising: When this exists, that exists; From the arising of this, that arises; When this does not exist, that does not exist; From the cessation of this, that ceases (Majjhima Nikaya, 1.262-64, D. Side, Buddhism, 2005, p97). It is part of the theory of karma. In Buddhism it is taught that the notion of complete freedom of choice is unwise, because it denies the reality of physical needs and circumstances. Similarly incorrect is the idea that we have no choice in life or that our lives are pre-determined. To deny freedom would be to undermine the efforts of Buddhists to make moral progress through our capacity to freely choose compassionate action. Pubbekatahetuvada, the belief that all happiness and suffering arise from previous actions, is considered an incorrect view according to Buddhist doctrines. Libertarianism however, rejects the idea of determinism. If we wish to retain the idea of moral responsibility and accept that a person can, when confronted with the choice between right and wrong, act as a free agent, one must accept the idea of libertarianism. Libertarians do not reject the idea of determinism completely, in general they agree that the inanimate world is mechanistic that all events are mechanically caused and therefore predictable and that all the mechanical chains of cause and effect may extend to the animate world. They deny the principle of universal causation applying to human action and that accordingly human behaviour is predictable. Libertarians distinguish between a persons formed character or personality and his or her moral self. David Hume described liberty in his An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding: By liberty, then, we can only mean a power of acting or not acting, according to the determinations of the will; that is, if we choose to remain at rest, we may; if we choose to move, we also may (R A Bowie, Ethical Studies, 2001, p93). They believe we are not compelled to act morally by forces outside our moral consciousness. Moral actions are not chance or random events, but result from the values and character of the moral agent. An important argument for libertarianism is the human sense of decision making. While we have a sense of freedom, a sense of deliberating over our options, determinists maintain this is an illusion of freedom. Libertarianism does not explain human action, yet many would argue surely action needs a cause? Libertarianism attributes our moral judgement to an objective source, unmoved by environmental or upbringing, but this is questionable. Buddhists therefore do not agree with hard determinism in that Buddhists do not believe in an external cause, like libertarians, however they do not completely agree with the libertarian notion of complete free will. To resolve the debate on relating Buddhism to either Determinism or Libertarianism and thus create a type of determinism to which Buddhist causality can relate to, A.J. Ayer advocates a type of soft determinism which accepts that everything has a cause but which defines particular actions as free volitions. An action can be a free volition provided that 1) If you had had the volition not to do the action you would not have done it and 2) Nobody compelled you to do it. for Ayer we have responsibility for our volitional actions. In order to explain the difference between phenomena that are caused and free volitions, some soft determinists distinguish between the internal and external causes of an action, for example between its contingent and mental causes. It can be argued that while the external causes are determined, the psychological causes may not be; the Buddhist view is similar in that it states that physical objects and circumstances are always determined through causes and conditions. Physiological, physical and psychological causes are determined by mental decisions. Therefore a midway between the two contrasting theories is soft determinism and can most satisfactorily relate to Buddhist ethical principles. It would seem that we must choose between the belief in universal causation and, on the other hand, the belief in the existence of free will, it being accepted by both determinists and libertarians that these two beliefs are incompatible. The incongruity of the two however is rejected by soft determinists who say that human freedom and moral responsibility, is incomprehensible without determinism. Soft determinists state the assumption that determinism is inconsistent with free will is the result of considerable confusion about what is meant by free. It is true that freedom as incompatible with fatalism, the view that human beings are powerless to change the cause of events, but it is not conflicting with determinism. Therefore soft determinists have labelled the two ideas; when the cause of action is internal, therefore out of your own volition, you acted voluntarily and of your own free will; but when the cause is external, for example contrary to your wishes or desires, you acted involuntarily and under compulsion. According to the soft determinist, this distinction between internal and external causes explains why freedom and moral responsibility is not only compatible with determinism but actually requires it. Determinism is correct here in that for these actions to be uncaused would mean they would be completely unpredictable, impulsive and therefore irresponsible. Therefore when it is said a person acted freely it is not meant as his or her action was uncaused but rather they were not compelled to do it, that they were under no kind of external pressure, they themselves chose to act this way. We can relate the soft determinist notion of labelling the distinction between action and cause to Buddhist morality; in actual situations a Buddhists conduct is decided by the state of their body/mind in the moment of acting, not by the Precepts alone. They try honestly to follow the Precepts, but if they break one of the Precepts, Buddhism urges them to recover and regain the balanced state and act right in the present, rather than to forfeit for past bad conduct, which has passed and can never be changed as it does not exist anymore. Buddhism says that whether or not one can act morally or right in this moment does not depend on the concept or belief of what it right and what is wrong, but on the state of our body and mind at this present moment. The enlightenment (Bodhi) of the Buddha was both his liberation from suffering (dukka) and his insight into the nature of the universe; the Buddha was thus awakened to the truth of dependent origination. This is the idea that any phenomena only exists because of the existence of other phenomena in a complex web (Indras net) of cause and effect covering past, present and future. Everything is dependent on everything else: A human beings existence is dependent on the condition of everything else in the world (and universe) at that moment in time but equally the condition of everything in the world in that moment is dependent in an equally significant way on the character and condition of that human being. Indras Net is used in Buddhism as a metaphor for illustrating the concepts of emptiness of interconnectedness of all things. Everything in the universe is interconnected through this web of cause and effect thus all are interdependent. Therefore because all these things are transient (annicca) and conditioned it can be held that they do not exist, thus if they do not exist, can they be held morally responsible for their actions? The Heart Sutra disagrees with the idea of dependent origination and says that there is no such law as karma or cause and effect. This still however relates to the idea of emptiness (sunyata) as noted by Nagarjuna that dependent origination and emptiness are two sides of the same coin. For Nagarjuna, emptiness should not be interpreted ontologically, but rather in the way of the parable of the raft: The Buddhist teaching (especially shunyata), is like the raft one constructs for the crossing of a river. Once the river is crossed, the purpose of the raft has been served. Therefore the raft is not needed anymore. The same is true of emptiness: it should not be held on to; one who does hold on to it will have trouble functioning in life. Nagarjuna wrote extensively, and his teachings resulted in the formation of an Indian school called Madhyamika or the Middle Way School. Sunyata refers to the fact that no thing, including human existence, has ultimate substantiality, which in turn means that no thing is permanent and no thing is totally independent of everything else. In other words, everything in this world is interconnected and in constant flux. An appreciation of this idea of emptiness thus saves us from the suffering caused by our egos, our attachments, and our resistance to change and loss. Therefore all phenomena are dependent originations, which means that they dont exist, thus if they dont exist, they are empty which would thus mean that ethics itself is empty, thus it would be impossible to ever act ethically as there would not be such notion in existence. If everything is dependent causally, then it would seem impossible to act ethically: however a Buddhist would argue that the whole universe isnt dependent causally, there is only one determining factor, Karma. Thus one of the possible arguments against karmic determinism is that karma is only one influencing factor and the universe has a random aspect to it, which could account for a degree of freedom. Buddhist teachings explain how misleading states of mind keep you trapped in a recurring pattern of dissatisfaction by teaching about interdependent origination, the idea that things happen for a reason. Dependent Origination suggests that every event has a cause. For a Buddhist, life experiences, both good and bad, arent random, meaningless events, however, nor are they rewards, or punishments, as rewards and punishments require a controlling outside force sat in judgment such as a god, as there is no god in Buddhism blaming God or fate doesnt work, experiences come from a result of a series of causes and effects that begin in a buddhists mind. In teachings known as the Twelve links of dependent arising, Buddha described the mechanism that drives you from realm to realm within a cyclic existence and keeps you trapped in suffering and dissatisfaction in these links; Buddhas purpose for teaching these links, beginning with ignorance and ending with a corpse, was to make us aware of th e way our ignorantly motivated actions unavoidably lead to recurring suffering, this suffering motivates a Buddhist to seek a way out, thus nirvana. The Buddha taught that the way to achieve this freedom is by engaging in what he called the Three Trainings which form the foundations to which the entire structure of Buddhist practice rests. These three trainings were: Moral Discipline, the strength; Concentration, the sharp aim; And Wisdom, the tool. If a Buddhist practices the three trainings in combination with one another, the Buddha stated that cyclic existence would end and one would feel the inexpressible peace of liberation. With moral self-discipline as a base, concentration allowing for inherent focus, wisdom can break through ignorance and help you free yourself from the cycle of recurring misery. In relation to the asking if today is a result of yesterday, it would suggest it is, however a Buddhist can change tomorrows outcome by having moral self discipline, concentration and wisdom. If a Buddhist wants protection from suffering and from the danger of lower rebirth, they must try and not commit any more negative karma, however, this is also a problem in Buddhism as karma is generally negative, thus how can one create any more negativity if all karma is negative, thus everything really is Dukkha, therefore, in conclusion, it is apt to say that today is the result of yesterdays actions. However, a Buddhist can purify negative karma that has already been committed. There are ten principle non-virtuous actions that should be avoided; Three actions of the body, four of speech, and three of the mind. The three non virtuous bodily actions are killing, stealing and sexual misconduct; the four non virtuous verbal actions are lying, divisive speech, hurtful speech and idle chatter and the three non virtuous mental actions are covetousness, malice and holding wrong views. The best way for a buddhist to avoid negative actions is to practice consideration for others. All kind of non virtuous actions have three kinds of effects, the ripened effect, the effect similar to the cause and the environmental effect. The ripened effect of a negative effect is a rebirth in one of the three lower realms. A Buddhists previous actions will always have a definite outcome on tomorrow, however there are issues such as causality and free will which when taken into consideration make it hard to substantiate whether a Buddhist can be praised or blamed for such actions. The idea of Sunyata means that if everything in existence is empty, morality itself is empty which would mean acting ethically would be impossible, therefore actions are empty so the law of Karma is flawed, this is a contradiction in Buddhist philosophy as it would mean that there can be no actions of yesterday impacting upon the present, therefore I could reach a conclusion disagreeing with the statement Today is a result of yesterday, tomorrow is a result of today as it is impossible to be a result if there are no actions in existence allowing for a future; However, with many ideas in Buddhist philosophy contradicting each other it is hard to conclude on this question as there are too many conflictions between Karma being the universal law of cause and effect and dependent origination, as well as the idea that it is too simplistic a notion for today to be a result of yesterday as there are complicated ideas related to Buddhist ethics. Bibliography Damien Keown, Oxford Dictionary of Buddhism: Oxford University Press, 2003. Dominique Side, Buddhism, Oxfordshire: Phillip Allan, 2005. Geshe Kelshang Gyato, Introduction to Buddhism: Cumbria; Thorpe Publications, 1992. Michael Palmer, Moral Problems: The Lutterworth Press, 1991. Robert A Bowie, Ethical Studies: Nelson Thornes, 2001. Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught: London: Gordon Fraser, 1926. www.buddhanet.co.uk www.wikipedia.org www.nibbana.com

Business Essays Entrepreneurship Pancake Cereal

Business Essays Entrepreneurship Pancake Cereal Entrepreneurship Pancake Cereal Business Model / Mos Pancake and Cereal Bar Introduction Entrepreneurship is a thriving activity in the United States, as well as globally. Increasing numbers of people are deciding to implement their dreams of business ownership. There are between three and five million entrepreneurial business ventures undertaken annually within the United States. Eighty-four percent of those starting a new business venture are first-time entrepreneurs (Zimmerer Scarborough, 2005). This â€Å"adventuresome spirit† is having a significant impact on the national economy and the business environment, as well as playing a significant role in the health of the global economy. These businesses have introduced many new products and services, provided new technological innovations, increased job opportunities, and more importantly, provided their founders with a means to do something they enjoy; however, 64% of small businesses fail within six years (Zimmerer Scarborough, 2005). A business model that offers an interdisciplinary roadmap will provide first-time entrepreneurs with a stronger foundation for initial success. In a recent study, Ernst Young reported that â€Å"78 percent of influential Americans believe that entrepreneurship will be the defining trend of this century† (Zimmerer Scarborough, 2005, p. 2). Downsizing and massive layoffs by many of the country’s largest organizations have created a large population of entrepreneurs with extensive management experience and years left of productive work. The notion of job security has all but disappeared; and as a result, starting a new business is no longer perceived as particularly risky. In light of this favorable environment for entrepreneurial activity, the success of a new business venture, Mo’s Pancake and Cereal Bar (MPCB), located in the vibrant and historical downtown district of Grapevine, Texas, seems particularly promising. Elements of several relevant disciplines will play a vital role in the success or failure of this particular venture. By taking advantage of the perspectives of these particular disciplines, it should be possible to integrate their insights in order to create a viable business plan that will result in the ultimate success of Mo’s Pancake and Cereal Bar (Repko, 2005). There are a wide range of disciplines that could contribute to the creation of a successful business plan for MPCB. Some of these disciplines include architecture, business administration, education, history, political science, sociology, and urban planning and development. Three disciplines have been identified as those making the greatest contribution: urban planning and development, architecture and the subfield of interior design, and business with an emphasis on small business management. An understanding of urban planning and development will be necessary to ensure a business plan that is that is in keeping with the overall goals and the long-term development plans of the city of Grapevine. Urban planning and development plays a key role in understanding patterns of growth and its resulting economic implications (McCarthy, 2007). The ownership and management of MPCB must understand the significance of community goals and the importance of these goals on the ultimate success of MPCB. As an organization, MPCB should develop strong ties with city government and take an active part in promoting its development. One way it can do this is by taking part in such activities as Main Street Days, Grapefest, and various holiday festivities held annually in the city of Grapevine. The design of the physical location of MPCB will require a working knowledge of architecture and interior design (Killory Davids, 2007). The Historical Society of the city of Grapevine will need to be consulted in order to design a facility that is in keeping with city ordinances and the overall historical flavor of downtown Grapevine. The interior design of MPCB must combine a reflection of historical Grapevine and at the same time a â€Å"unique breakfast experience.† These unique parameters will require competent design capabilities and a certain level of architectural expertise. A study of small business management within the discipline of business will provide the foundation upon which to develop a specific business model. This model will include four basic parts: the description of the business, marketing, finances, and management. Each section will provide a detailed analysis in sufficient detail to enable a financing institution to determine the viability and potential success of MPCB. This business model will also describe the corporate mission statement and identify those factors considered to be the keys to success (Bachler, 2007). Another primary function of the business plan will be to convey the overall concept of MPCB, which will be the creation of a â€Å"unique breakfast experience.† It must be evident to someone reading the plan that MPCB offers a unique and different dining experience. The construction of a detailed business model will also provide a roadmap and sense of direction to the management of MPCB, thus facilitating a greater chance for the ultimate success of the business. The goal of this endeavor is to take an interdisciplinary approach to developing a business model that will result in the ultimate success of Mo’s Pancake and Cereal Bar. The research method used will primarily involve a thorough search for applicable information within the relevant disciplines and the collection and assimilation of pertinent data from peer-reviewed sources. This data will provide the basis for statistical analysis needed to determine its value and contribution to the plan. The marketing and sales experience of the owner/managers will also play a critical role in the development of the plan. An interdisciplinary approach to this entrepreneurial venture should facilitate a holistic understanding of the best method of designing a comprehensive business plan through the identification of the benefits of community interaction and the construction of a complementary physical location. Through the integration of relevant disciplinary insights and the creation of a new approach, Mo’s Pancake and Cereal Bar should have a much greater chance for financial success and long-term stability (Repko, 2005). Background As mentioned in the introduction, entrepreneurship is a fast-growing phenomenon that is having a broad impact on the U.S. economy, as well as the global economy. Therefore, the impact of small business failure can be tremendous. Reducing the percentage of small business failures annually within the United States could significantly affect the livelihood of many Americans. The question becomes, â€Å"What is the best way to reduce the incidence of small business failure?† It is well-known in the business community that a strong ego is a prerequisite for the creation of a successful business; however, it can also be a major cause of business failure. Too often entrepreneurs allow their knowledge of their products and services to prevent them from seeking advice and performing the self-evaluations necessary for success. Business owners must continually be on the lookout for the warning signs of falling into the â€Å"ego trap† (see Figure 1, Malone, 2004). Leaders must learn to retain their confidence in themselves, while at the same time remembering that they do not know it all (Malone, 2004). Being willing to learn from others, and by choosing to familiarize oneself with successful small business models within a particular industry, many major mistakes could be avoided. Reducing the failure rate of first-time entrepreneurs will greatly affect the livelihood of residents living within individual communities. In the city of Grapevine, for example, city planners have successfully provided an environment that is conducive to entrepreneurial success. According to a 2007 economic update (City of Grapevine, 2006), Grapevine is considered to be one of the most vibrant communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. Decreasing property taxes in Grapevine play a large role in increasing the attraction of small businesses. One of the reasons for decreasing property taxes is the attraction of such large-scale businesses as the Grapevine Mills Mall, the Gaylord Texan Convention Center, and the Great Wolf Lodge; which produce increased tourism traffic resulting in increased area business revenues. These industries are credited with triggering continued growth within Grapevine’s small business sector for the last few years (see Figure 2, City of Grapevine, 2006). This success translates into a vibrant local economy and lower tax rates for area residents. It is evident; therefore, that urban planning plays a large role in reducing the failure rate of first-time entrepreneurs. The premise of this paper is that an interdisciplinary approach to creating a small business model could conceivably lead to the greater likelihood of success for a first-time entrepreneur. By comparing and contrasting the perspectives of the three most relevant disciplines: urban planning and development, architecture, and business; areas of overlap should reveal common ground from which to develop an integrative and viable business model for MPCB leading to the ultimate goal of first-time entrepreneurial success. This means of discovery, an interdisciplinary approach, becomes a unique way of addressing and solving a real-world problem (Repko, 2004). When implementing this approach, the discipline of urban planning and development becomes the umbrella under which the design of the location of MPCB and its’ comprehensive business plan becomes a reality. Understanding the overall parameters set forth by the city of Grapevine is critical to developing a plan that enhances the city’s goals and objectives and ultimately results in the opportunity of success for MPCB. By researching the guidelines for successful urban development, the basic strategy upon which to build a successful business model can be developed. With urban development providing the foundation, the second phase of actual construction of a complimentary facility can begin. Understanding basic architectural concepts and the limits of design should result in a physical location that is harmonious with its surroundings and appealing to potential customers. That appeal is critical to the ultimate success of MPCB since one of the primary goals of this business is the creation of â€Å"a unique dining experience.† That concept will not only include the physical location and the interior design, but the menu as well. The research and effective use of applicable architectural design elements provides another avenue to the ultimate goal of first-time entrepreneurial success. The third element of the plan is the thorough research of proven business principles leading to the construction of the actual business model. Research of successful business models within the food service industry should provide guidance and direction. A comprehensive and thorough â€Å"roadmap† based on those proven business principles should greatly enhance the opportunity for first-time success. This business model should be very detailed and cover every aspect of small business operation. The executive summary, corporate mission statement and keys to success will provide the background information required to facilitate the attainment of financing necessary to begin operations. Tremendous emphasis will be placed on the management and training of employees. Proper training and development is critical to the success of any business, particularly small businesses. Effective employee training and proper motivation techniques are particularly critical in businesses such as MPCB where customer contact is of utmost importance. The small size of MPCB will allow management to have a closer working relationship with each employee and therefore a better understanding of individual training needs. Additionally, training is more easily designed around the corporate objectives of a smaller organization (Blanchard Thacker, 2007). The primary indicator of the success of this interdisciplinary approach will ultimately be the track record of MPCB. By understanding the disciplinary perspectives of the three most relevant disciplines and integrating their insights (Repko, 2005), the goal is to discover the key to first-time entrepreneurial success. References Urban Planning and Development Diamond, J. (2007). Managing the city. London; New York: Routledge. City of Grapevine (2006). 2007 Economic Update. Retrieved March 6, 2008, from http://www.ci.grapevine.tx.us/IndividualDepartments/EconomicDevelopment/tabid/ 95/Default.aspx McCarthy, J. (2007). Partnership, collaborative planning and urban regeneration. Aldershot, England; Burlington, VT: Ashgate. Ofori-Amoah, B. (2007). Beyond the metropolis: Urban geography as if small cities mattered. Lanham, MD: University Press of America. Architecture and Interior Design Killory, C. Davids, R. (2007). Details in contemporary architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. Kolleny, J. (2002). Seven outstanding finalists prove that good design pays. Architectural Record, 190(11), 112. P Pearson, C. (2005). Making the scene. Architectural Record, 193(11), 141. P Ryder, B. (2007). New restaurant design/Bethan Ryder. London: Laurence King. Business/Small Business Management Bachler, C. (2007). Plan of attack. Home Business Magazine, 14(5), 28-82. P Blanchard, P. Thacker, J. (2007). Effective training: Systems, strategies, and practices. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Malone, M. (2004). The small business ego trap. Business Horizons, 47(4), 17-22. Price, B. (2007). Five fatal flaws falter small business. Broker Magazine, 9(9), 10-12. P Zimmerer, T. Scarborough, N. (2005). Essentials of entrepreneurship and smallbusiness management. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Other Sources Repko, A. (2005). Interdisciplinary practice: A student guide to research and writing. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing

Changes In The NHL :: essays research papers

Changes In The NHL   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the past there were more goals, less penalties, and never any talk about an Olympic size rink, all that has changed in the last few years. The NHL has changed since the introduction of, the new crease rule, the enforcement of obstruction, and the request for an Olympic size rink.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The new crease rule is the most controversial rule change that the NHL has ever introduced. There has been less goals since the players have not been allowed to have even a toe in the goal crease when a player scores a goal. The old rule was that players were allowed to be in the crease as long as they don’t interfere with the goalie. The NHL has since made the crease smaller so that there is less chance of a player being in the crease, but that hasn’t changed the fact that players are still in the crease when a player scores a goal. On average there has been at least two goals a night called back since the new crease rule.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The obstruction rule has been one of the best rule changes ever in the NHL. Players are not allowed to interfere with other players if they are going into the play were the puck is. This new rule has cleaned up the game of hockey tremendously. Some of the obstruction calls are, obstruction hooking, obstruction holding, obstruction tripping, so on, and so forth. When the obstruction rule first came into effect there was way more penalties, now the penalties are becoming less.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The request for an Olympic size rink still has not been approved by the NHL. The NHL has talked about upgrading their regular size rink to an Olympic size one. If the NHL comes to an agreement to go to the Olympic size rink, the game would be a lot faster, a lot more open, and there would be many more great set up plays.

The Life of Jeremiah Essay -- The Prophet Jeremiah

The Life of Jeremiah Jeremiah may be one of the most intriguing and revealing of the Old Testament prophets. With his continual return to god and the constant struggle between his heart and the voice of god. This elevates him as a human being and not just as an instrument of god (Paterson 144). He is one of the most human of prophets mentioned in the Old Testament and at the same time most Christ like in aspects of his sermons and works. His story has intrigued many for it is of human weakness and strength (Paterson 139). Let us now take a look at his life and at his works. To fully understand the meaning behind his sermons and predictions we must first look at what a prophet is and what he holds true. The word prophet means to speak by delegated authority (Paterson 3). Prophets speak because they are commanded to by a higher power (Paterson 4). Their beliefs were the beliefs of the living god and to make god visible to their people (Paterson 8). They also believed that "life was unity and every thought and activity had to be brought into subjection to god (Paterson 9)." The prophets also stood for religious integrity (Paterson 10). With this understanding of what a prophet is we can now take a look at his life. Jeremiah was born in Anathon a small village six miles from Jerusalem. He was born to a priestly family whose origins have been traced back to Moses. Jeremiah was heir to many spiritual heritages and riches. "He was steeped in the finest Hebrew piety and nourished on its sacred traditions (Paterson 141)." Jeremiah began his prophecy during the reign of Josiah. During this time there was much prosperity and political independence. He was very concerned with the social inj... ...leadership them telling them to not expect a swift return to Jerusalem, but to build homes and starts businesses. During the worst days of the siege in 588B.C.E. Jeremiah purchased some ancestral land. With this act he was affirming his deepest faith in Yahweh that he would not abandon his people and remove them from the Promised Land forever. Jerusalem finally fell in 587B.C.E. actualizing Jeremiah's fears and predictions. Jeremiah was captured during the fall but was later released to travel where he pleased. After the assassination of Gedaliah in 582B.C.E., Jeremiah was forced to travel with refugees to Egypt where he continued to prophesize until his death. Jeremiah is one of many prophets spoken about in the Old Testament. Many of his prophecies and sermons were controversial but they had a meaning and these meanings can still be put to use today.

Taras Shevchenko :: Art Artist Research Essays

Taras Shevchenko Taras Shevchenko was born to Hryhoriy and Kateryna Hrushivsky-Shevchenko on 25 February 1814. Growing up in poverty and misery, Taras managed to maintain his spirits and continue to be curious of the world and those around him (4). His father was a great influence to him. He was well known around the village for his practical knowledge and intelligence. Hryhoriy stressed the importance of literacy to his children during their school days. Despite the weekly beatings of the pupils, in agreement with the old academic tradition, Taras was an energetic student and a fast learner (4). Exploring his options, Taras realized his interests and talent for writing poetry and painting. In his early teens, Pavel Engelhardt took Taras to serve as a traveling house boy. Pavel was the first person notice his painting talents, and sent him to apprentice under V. Shiriaev (2). During those four years, he spent his free time sketching and painting images of the summer gardens. Through Engelhardt, Shevchenko met Ukrainian artist Ivan Soshenko, Ye. Hrebinka, Vasyl Hryhorovych, and Alexey Venetsianov. With the help and advice of the mentors, Shevchenko enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. On top of his general education, Taras pursued his love of art and poetry. In 1840, his first collection of poems was published. Kobzar was a collection of eight Romantic poems. It was through his life time of poetry works that the people of Ukraine were provided with original characteristics about their culture and history (4). Taras Shevchenko’s drive behind most of his paintings and poems was driven by his concern of the state that Ukraine was in. Each of his new projects was centered on the old historic ruins of the Ukraine that he remembered as a young boy. These sketching were collected in the album Zhivopisnaia Ukraina (4). Trouble began for Taras Shevchenko shortly after he joined Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood in 1864. An accusation to the arrest of several of the members, including Shevchenko (4).