Dahlia Furniture Private Limited Essay

I. Time Context: Last 5 months of 1984 II. Viewpoint: Mr. Chua Boon Kang, co-owner of Dahlia Furniture Private Limited III. Major Policy Statement: Dahlia Furniture Private Limited is a local furniture manufacturer of standard and custom-made furniture known for their high quality and elegant wall units, kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets, and dining set. And aims to be one of the largest furniture manufacturer in Singapore by 1990. IV. Statement of the Problem: What can the company do to maximize profit to improve the company’s position? V. Objectives Long Range Objectives: To expand our business operation after 2 years To be the leading furniture manufacturer by 1987 Short Range Objectives: To maximize profit and minimize cost To increase sales To cater furniture for the mass market VI. SWOT Analysis Strengths a. The company is known for high quality and elegant image of their furniture b. Dahlia Furniture is a known seller of imported furniture Weaknesses a. Dahlia Furniture has a small market; only middle and upper income families could afford their furniture b. Limited product line; composes only of wall units, kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets, and dining sets Opportunities a. Growing number of families who can afford and are willing to pay higher price for a high quality furniture b. Growing demand for imported furniture Threats a. Other companies that offer furniture for a lower price b. Foreign manufacturers and retailers that are entering the Singapore market VII. Alternative Courses of Action ACA #1: Continuous importation of some furniture and start to produce quality furniture that could be sold for a lower price to expand our market in serving the mass market of low income generating families. ACA #2: Remove locally made furniture in our product line and import all our furniture to uphold the image of high quality and elegant furniture for middle and upper income families. ACA #3: Expand our product line by producing and importing other high quality and elegant furniture other than wall units, kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets and dining sets for middle and upper income families. VIII. Analysis of Alternatives ACA #1: Continuous importation of some furniture and start to produce quality furniture that could be sold for a lower price to expand our market in serving the mass market of low income generating families. Advantages: a. Expanding our market is also a means of expanding the sources of our income b. The life of the company is not solely dependent on the purchase of our small market for middle and upper income families Disadvantages: a. Great risk whether the new target market of low generating families would purchase our furniture b. Costly as we would be starting from scratch to develop, produce and sell our new affordable furniture c. Additional Labor is needed d. The image of elegance and exclusivity of our furniture might be lost ACA #2: Remove locally made furniture in our product line and import all our furniture to uphold the image of high quality and elegant furniture for middle and upper income families. Advantages: a. No overhead expense for us b. The image of the company for catering high quality, elegant and exclusive furniture would be preserved c. We could focus more on the imported products that bring us income d. No need to hire additional workers e. Less attention required by the importation of furniture for we would not be the one to create them Disadvantages: a. Costly to import furniture id it would not be sold right away b. The operations of the company is solely dependent on our foreign suppliers c. Small market only for middle and upper income families that could afford to purchase imported furniture d. In violation of the anti-foreign labor regulation of the government e. Slow rate of repurchase because we offer the same furniture ACA #3: Expand our product line by producing and importing other high quality and elegant furniture other than wall units, kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets and dining sets for middle and upper income families. Advantages: a. Creating new line of furniture is also creating a new source of income for the company b. We can maintain the image of the company as producer of high quality, elegant and exclusive furniture Disadvantages: a. Costly to develop, produce and sell new furniture line b. Requires additional workers c. Still dependent on the purchase of our small market of middle and upper income families d. Risk whether the new furniture would be bought by the market e. The company could be subjected to government observation since we are importing more furniture IX. Decision Statement After closely analysing all the alternatives, the best alternative for the company is ACA #1: Continuous importation of some furniture and start to produce quality furniture that could be sold for a lower price to expand our market in serving the mass market of low income generating families. The imported furniture is still in the growth stage and the demand for them is still high. The continuing the importation of furniture could still bring us income and can be used as capital in our plan of targeting a new market. The company is known for catering high quality, elegant, and exclusive furniture; extending this to the mass market could bring drastic increase in our sales for the company already has a prestige name in the furniture industry. The company would be catering both high-end furniture and affordable furniture but of good quality. Expanding our market is extending the coverage of our company and also the source of our income. ACA #2 and ACA #3 still focuses on serving a limi ted market only for middle and upper income families making the sources of our income also limited to them. Furniture is a durable product and repurchase of it is not made in a short span of time. If the each of these middle and upper income families has their own wall units, kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets and dining sets then they would not repurchase again and so the company might be in danger. ACA # 1 would find us another source of income as we extend our market to the lower income generating families but at the same time retaining the service for middle and upper income families. And having the prestige of high quality and elegant furniture, the new target market would be eager to purchase our furniture. X. Implementation Plan Long Range Implementation Plan a. Continuous improvement of the quality, operations, management of the company and continuous search on how we could minimize the cost of our operations Short Range Implementation Plan a. Research about the new target market The price range that they can and willing to pay for a furniture. Designs, specifications and quality of a furniture that would draw them to purchase it. b. Canvass materials of good quality but of lower price to be used in the production of the furniture c. Create a plan on how we could minimize the cost of our importation, production and operation d. Make the furniture, specially the affordable furniture, known to the market by advertisement through publication at least once a week in a local newspaper of general circulation

MIS answer

Most of the mobile devices such as phone and ‘pad provide convenient social networking applications helping people communicate, collaborate and obtain essential information via e-mail, typing messages. These easy-used applications can let people get along with each other anywhere they like no matter between colleagues or families easily.Based on a fast and high-efficiency data-obtained function; people tend to use these handy applications making business decisions day by day. A true application of app used by Gee's Mobile Center help decision makers mom in from the map to a specific transformer getting all key performance Indicators and diagnostic information. 2. Some specific examples by using Phone to achieve a better control In the production line are a lot.For example, TECH chocolate company make their integration industry come true since getting to use phone in order to quickly change temperature with an alert, turn-on or off the chocolate machine and achieve faster time-c ontrol; GE employees use pad to access email, contacts people and help them find patterns and trends in large volumes of data; Dhow Corning's Analytics get results f sales conditions for the silicon products, data analysis by using the App devices, and their employees use phone to check email, exchange information, presenting ideas too; Sunbelt Rentals start to use a single data package system for sales team with a smart equipment of Mobile Salesperson. It's appeared with a clear and complete system reports listed integrates data from different basic functions which takes a shortcut for sales managers to make any decisions in time; SAP's business develops a one time applications for users to stay connected with customers and business anytime after work and get the information of products inventory and sales discount. 3.Nordstrom, a top shopping place, improves their price-check and check-out time under the help of the connection between phone and leader-computer. Just using the Phon e to scan the bar code is ready to go. The employees also use the smart phones to clock on and off in one time. 4. There Is no denying the fact that mobile devices really did a good Job In cost down among business field. It not only let market sales get a maximum profit but also shows an easy and fast way for customers and sellers to get along with each other. So, business Industry has gotten a huge improvement In working efficiency, products and service quality, time control and so on when we use these high technology tools.Except that, it did a very important role in assisting person's social life, no matter in communication or team work. If we lose those precious applications, we do nothing to develop our industry and quality for people's life. Location of each stop, shipping time, package tracking information. Processing include basic package transform information, customer online account, and central computer. Output is composed of pick up, delivery efficiency, tracking routes, delivery mime and so on. 2. UPS uses Aids, barded scanning system, center computer. UPS uses the high- tech software to track packages and shipments, and do a cost calculation. Each of them can help UPS save time getting a better service by cutting down paper usage, transportation costs. 3.Service (try best to meet their customers need): Customers can download their order details whether they want to replace order or make a refund back. This process is fast and easy to do. Cost (save costs but keeping service quality): â€Å"340 Methods† is used to optimize performance from lifting and loading boxes to select a package; this teeth increase cost savings and goods safety. Competitive advantage (a leadership among global delivery service): by using high tech installment, UPS has been the leadership for many years since Faded and USPS appear. Their supply chain let them achieve a standardized service and build a reliable brand image among competitors and customers at the same ti me. 4.The scanning device like barded, Aids software, handheld devices and other methods keeping Pup's management system fast and precise for inventory checking, fees calculation, customers accounts management. That is the key why this company till remains strong competitive advantages. 5. If the technology is not available for the UPS, they will lose thousands of customers and stay at the original place keeping awkward step without any competitive advantages among the whole delivery companies. Because of losing technology, they will spend tons of dollars on costs and the time they use isn't proportional as what they want. 1 . This case illustrates the reasons why health care fees are so expensive in United States. One big reason is that the medicine records are currently paper-based, making it difficult to be shared and accessed.Another reason is to achieve an automatic electronic medicine record system still tough before 2015. Not only for a privacy concern by using these devices, but also unreliable data available for doctors to gain main points which they need. As a result, to improve a valuable electronic health device is still the main topic for us to explore so that our health organization can do a better Job with efficiency and control resources lost. 2. People factors are involved by physicians, government agencies, patients and insurance company. Physicians will easily be tired and exhausted by adding extra erasures of 20 hours learning and training if we use the electronic medicine system.Government's goal is letting this high technology system used in national wide in combination difficulty within several distinct systems. Patients all strongly need their privacy information being kept properly. Organizations are including the EMMER systems to be built. To get a complete set of patient information in full national wide is still a long-term way to go. Because different companies have different systems for health record, and to integrate all the syst ems without privacy leakage, unusable information of each patient yet pretty formidable. At the same time, a high-tech system needs a high-level doctor or physician to accommodate, how to train our doctors in limited time is also a key point to emphasize.For the technology factors, how to use EMMER systems to report the same data from government agencies to another one without a key is not easy. One of the most headache things is totally keeping patients' data proper and safe. 3. The business will trends to traditional way by continue using thousands of papers; and health care will be more and more expensive due to the personal records peeping. So, government has to spend thousands of money each year for those patients who can't afford their health fees helping them solve their financial problems. The insurance industry may also grasp such a big chance to earn money for those unaffordable patients. The other industries will also be affected because of the monopoly of medical institu tions.Competition among social industry will be more and more ruthless. 4. Digitizing medical reconsidering can bring a fresh working efficiency for both companies and social industries. As a reason of convenient and swift operational yester, people no long dare their high cost of health care fees but a comfortable price instead. Governments no more nervous for the low income payments and health care bonus each year. Insurance companies can go on carrying out their insurance friendly plan in order to keep on their original industry purpose of ensure people's life but not prolong people's lifespan. 5. In my points, I like this solution to use electronic systems to solve health problems.One reason is that this system solves an expensive system for person's health care and does huge contributions to doctors' diagnostic time before looking up the specific information they need. Another reason is that this kind of perfect system can bring good news to governments to ensure people's life quality and economy stability at the same time. Under the economic prosperity times, we need to try our best to use the high technology helping us improve working efficiency and get maximum profits day by day. So, the above details tell us a fact that this system definitely helps us solve several chain problems of economy monopoly, peaceful development, working productivity by increasing service and quality attitudes for a long time.

TOWS Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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Tristes Tropiques by Claude Levi-Strauss Essay Example for Free

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Challenges to Chinas State Capacity

Challenges to Chinas State Capacity Conor Shand Identify and describe two major and distinct challenges to state capacity faced by a country over the last decade. How has the state responded and with what success? State-building and development is a long standing component of international politics, dating back several centuries. Ever since the concept of the â€Å"modern nation state† came to fruition, governments have sought to attain and maintain stability within their boundaries, aiming to maximise the capacity of the state. However, each state with alternate institutions, environments and economies will face a variety of challenges to their respective state capacity. China, despite being one of the most significant economic and military powers in the state-system, still faces challenges in optimising its state capacity. As it is formally regarded as a second-world developing country, China still faces numerous challenges to its state capacity despite its relatively high status. Among these challenges, two in particular emerge as the foremost barriers to the maximisation of China’s state capacity; environmental issues unemployment. As China is amongst the most notable pollu tants in the contemporary state-system, with a heavily industrialised nation, its government has worked to counter detrimental environmental effects with varied success over the last decade. Likewise, in the case of unemployment, while China is one of the most powerful economies in the world, it still bears significant unemployment issues due to a number of factors, which the government has tried to address – again, with some results. Ultimately, these two issues have notably compromised China’s state capacity, and the Chinese government has responded with some degree of success to these two particular challenges. In order to identify how it is that these two issues hamper state capacity, it is important to first identify what exactly state capacity is. Neil A. Englehart uses the relatively broad definition of state capacity in stating that state capacity â€Å"refers to the willingness and capability of the state apparatus to carry out government policy.† (Englehart, 2009, p. 166) This definition is particularly effective, as there are many existing definitions of state capacity which contradict each other, due to state capacity being a concept of perception and interpretation. This is because â€Å"state capacity† as a concept aggregates a number of ideas, including military and economic strength, centralization, bureaucratic and administrative ability. (Hanson Sigman, 2013, pp. 1-3) Different governments within different states would prioritise alternate areas in order to ensure a maximised state capacity depending on what that particular government regards as important. For example, in New Zealand, there is a relatively minimal prioritization of military power, with 1% of gross domestic product spent on military costs annually. China on the other hand spends 2.1% of its GDP on military costs, hence it could be argued that China has a greater state capacity than New Zealand. (World Bank, 2014) However, as each state has a requirement for alternative prioritizations respective to their unique circumstances, it is impossible to measure a state’s capacity beyond the government’s ability to exert its policies on the state’s populace. (Kocher, 2010, p. 143) One of the most significant barriers which China has faced in maximising its state capacity over the last decade lies in environmental deterioration. Over an extended period of economic reform, which began in the late 1970’s, China has become massively industrialised, with a consistently used maxim of â€Å"first development, then environment† actively used in the 1980-90’s. (Economy, 2011, pp. 18-19) This method of reform led to China becoming one of the most industrially profitable contemporary states, with a current estimate of 45.3% of its GDP being derived from the industrial sector. (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013) While the GDP boom born out of this industrialisation can in some ways be seen as positive, it has also caused significant detriment to the environment and quantity of resources consumed in China. Air and water pollution as well as energy efficiency and deforestation have caused numerous environmental complications, with one study finding the existence of a â€Å"long-run cointegration relationship between per capita emissions of three pollutants (waste gas, waste water, and solid wastes) and per capita GDP.† (Zhang, 2009, p. 2707) The inverse relationship between China’s economic growth and environmental wellbeing created a complex challenge to China’s state capacity in that it made it difficult for the Chinese government to execute policy favouring one option without causing adverse effect to the other. In the last decade the Chinese government has sought to significantly reform the area of environmental law, with the aim of balancing out the quantity of attention given to environmental issues. A notable example of the government’s attempts to resolve the pollution/growth standoff can be seen in the 2002 Cleaner Production Promotion Law, which was introducedin the interest of advocating â€Å"cleaner production, increasing the utilization ratio of resources, reducing and preventing pollutant-generating, protecting and improving the environment, protecting human health, and promoting the sustainable development of the economy and society.† (gov.cn, 2002, p. Article 1) This law amongst others emerged in the 21st century as the Chinese government sought to bring its industrial sector into line with its environmental goals, so as to give the Chinese government a greater ability to exert its state capacity over environmental issues. This significant industrial reforms has b een accompanied by other significant ones in the last decade. The Chinese government sought to resolve the issue of air pollution created by its heavily coal-fuelled industrial sector, with a series of policies set to restrain air pollution in the future. (Zhao, Lei, Lei, Cao , 2008, pp. 8442-8444) In addition to this, the government has also addressed excessive levels of energy consumption, enabling policies which would reduce carbon dioxide emissions whilst maintaining economic development by increasing energy efficiency. (Polenske Lin, 1993, pp. 249-251) While there were some significant attempts at reform, such as the aforementioned policy changes, it is still evident that China has not been able to exert the necessary quantity of state capacity so as to reduce environmental degradation. In the words of Han Shi and Lei Zhangâ€Å"the relatively comprehensive environmental regulatory framework established since the late 1970s had failed to prevent the overall deterioration of environmental quality†. (Shi Zhang, 2006, p. 277) One reason for this failure lies in the fact that while the central government formally introduced the policies, local governments regulated these policies, meaning that many reforms were loosely enforced so as to avoid significant economic detriment. (Blanchard Stanway, 2014) This in turn reflects the lack of state capacity at the disposal of the central government, due to its inability to wholly implement its policies. In addition to this, some point at the lack of punitive measures employed to reduce pollution as a sign that the government is unwilling or unable to exert its desired policies, however ultimately it can be concluded that the Chinese government seems to lack the capacity on the whole to significantly curb environmental degradation. A second unique issue which China has faced in the last decade is that of unemployment, which has increased – most significantly as a result of China’s period of economic reform – from 6.1% to 11% over a 6 year period. (Giles Park, 2005, pp. 149-150 ) Previously a system of social welfare existed wherein the majority of China’s population were guaranteed incomes of some form. However this system was abandoned in the 1990’s, which led to significant increases in income inequality and unemployment in China. (Leung, 1994, p. 341) The economic reform meant that the state would become free of many previously financially draining public sector institutions, however at the same time it in turn proved a challenge as to whether China had the state capacity to either support those who were newly unemployed, or whether it could create replacement jobs for them. In the last decade the Chinese government sought to lessen the impact of this economic reform, and introducing a series of aids and safeguards in order to ensure that those who found themselves unemployed would have a â€Å"soft landing†, as the government once again faced the dilemma of prioritizing unemployment a previously secondary issue – over economic growth, the primary goal. (Angang Xin, 2006, p. 45) These aids and safeguards included concepts such as unemployment insurance, the implementation of labour contract law and other forms of welfare to ensure that people would have some form of financial support. However the drafting and successful introduction of these policies was significantly hampered by a relatively weak level of state capacity. Jane Duckett and Athar Hussein outline three primary reasons as to why the Chinese state lacked the capacity to adequately address this unemployment. The initial reason that was raised lay in the fact that the state lack ed the ability to adequately survey the nation as the degree and nature of the unemployment. Secondly, the state lacked the ability and infrastructure to enforce the participation of the people in any unemployment scheme. Thirdly, the state lacked the infrastructure to ensure that non-central government bodies holistically employed the scheme. (Duckett Athar, 2008, pp. 211-213) While there have been some moves towards reducing this unemployment, the constraints on the central government’s ability to implement its policies serve as evidence that China has a distinct inability to exert its state capacity with near-maximum effectiveness. The first, and most notable challenge which the capacity the Chinese state faced was that of environmental degradation, which additionally served to test as to whether the central government could successfully balance economic growth with environmental maintenance. While the government did implement many policies, they were only effective to a certain degree, as the lack of a wholly efficient centralized state power meant that many of the policies were not executed to the extent which had been intended by the central government. This issue again rose when the lesser-recognised issue of unemployment in China was countered by the government, as while the central government did introduce some economic reforms in order to support those who became unemployed, infrastructural issues in local governments weakened the effectiveness the Chinese government’s response, hence preventing the Chinese government from wholly exerting its full state capacity. Bibliography Angang, H., Xin, S. (2006). Urban Unemployment in China A Background Analysis. In G. Lee, M. Garner, Unemployment in China: Economy, Human Resources and Labour Markets (pp. 36-62). Routledge. Blanchard, B., Stanway, D. (2014, March 4). China to declare war on pollution, premier says. Retrieved from reuters.com: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/05/us-china-parliament-pollution-idUSBREA2405W20140305 Central Intelligence Agency. (2013, August 22). The CIA World Factbook 2013. Retrieved from Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/download/download-2013/index.html Duckett, J., Athar, H. (2008). Tackling unemployment in China: state capacity and governance issues. The Pacific Review Volume 21, Issue 2, 211-229. Economy, E. C. (2011). The river runs black: the environmental challenge to Chinas future. Cornell University Press. Englehart, N. A. (2009). State Capacity, State Failure, and Human Rights . Journal of Peace Research, Vol. 46, No. 2 (March), 163-180. Giles, J., Park, A. (2005). What is Chinas true unemployment rate? China Economic Review Volume 16, Issue 2, 149–170. gov.cn. (2002, June 29). Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Promotion of Cleaner Production (Order of the President No.72). Retrieved from gov.cn: http://english.gov.cn/laws/2005-10/08/content_75059.htm Hanson, J., Sigman, R. (2013, May 1). Leviathans Latent Dimensions: Measuring State Capacity for Comparative Political Research. APSA 2011 Annual Meeting Paper. Kocher, M. A. (2010). State Capacity as a Conceptual Variable. Yale Journal of International Affairs 5 Yale J. Intl Aff Issue 2 Summer, 137-146. Leung, J. C. (1994). Dismantling the ‘Iron Rice Bowl’: Welfare Reforms in the Peoples Republic of China. Journal of Social Policy / Volume 23 / Issue 03 /, 341-361. Polenske, K., Lin, X. (1993). Conserving energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in China. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics Volume 4, Issue 2, December, 249–265. Shi, H., Zhang, L. (2006). Chinas environmental governance of rapid industrialisation. Environmental Politics Vol. 15, No. 2,, 271-292. World Bank. (2014, July 22). Data Military expenditure (% of GDP). Retrieved from worldbank.org: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS Zhang, X.-P. (2009). Energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic growth in China. Ecological Economics Volume 68, Issue 10, 2706–2712. Zhao, Y., Lei, Lei, Y., Cao , P. (2008). Primary air pollutant emissions of coal-fired power plants in China: Current status and future prediction. Atmospheric Environment Volume 42, Issue 36 November, 8442–8452.

Nikola Tesla Essay -- biographies bio

Born in 1856 the son of an Orthodox priest in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla had an early exposure to inventing. His mother, although unschooled, was a very intelligent woman who often created appliances that helped with home and farm responsibilities, such as a mechanical eggbeater. Young Nikola was schooled at home during his early years and later attended a school in Carlstadt, Croatia. He soon developed advanced skills such as doing calculus integrals in his head. He very deeply wanted to attend college and become an engineer, but his father wanted him to join the priesthood. When Nikola was seventeen, he caught cholera and made his father to promise that if he survived the illness that he would be allowed to go to college. Obviously, Nikola lived. At the Austrian Polytechnic School at Graz Tesla studied mechanical and electrical engineering. One day, one of his professors showed him a Gramme Dynamo that could be used as a motor and generator. Tesla looked at it and asked if the Dynamo could do away with its sparking communicators. The professor replied that it would be similar to building a perpetual motion machine. The idea of such a machine tantalized Tesla for years until one day at the age of 24 when he was living in Budapest working for the Central Telephone Exchange he had an epiphany and began making sketches that would soon develop into the world's first induction motor. After several unsuccessful jobs with German and French electrical power companies where he tried to improve their DC generators, 29-year-old Tesla came to New York City with four cents in his pocket. Nikola went to Thomas Edison with a letter of recommendation from a business associate of Edison's that read, "My Dear Edison: I k... ...aimed that he had perfected his "death beam". He died shortly after in the Hotel New Yorker, where he had been living. The next morning after Tesla died, when his nephew came to his uncle's room at the hotel, the body was gone and many of his papers were missing. Naturally, if Tesla indeed had invented anything that had to do with weaponry, the FBI would be interested. Thus, all the way up until 1952, Tesla's papers which were held on to by the government eventually made it back to his family. However, the papers having to do with the beams are still missing. Some people today believe that Tesla took that knowledge to the grave with him. Bibliography Text Sources all accessed April 2003: http://www.mall-usa.com/BPCS/grant_tesla.html http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ http://www.neuronet.pitt.edu/~bogdan/tesla/bio.htm http://www.apc.net/bturner/tesla.htm

The Influence of The Impressionist Era Essays -- Music Composition Mus

The Influence of The Impressionist Era Impressionism, one of the later eras in classical music composition. An era where emotions are expressed vividly while still following musical structure, where music caused much political controversy, and where France became known for its musical talent. In this essay you will read of how impressionism set a lasting mark in musical and national histories, and how it influenced modern music as we know it. The Impressionist Era all started with Claude Debussy, being tired of the formed classical structure, and the romantic informality. Of all of the musicians who ever lived Debussy (1862-1918) was known for his originality and adventurous style. His influences soon spread throughout the Western world. He, before long, became a "superstar" in Europe, North America, and Asiatemporarily breaking the public's fascination with the monolithic composers of the classical and romantic eras. Because of Debussy's moving compositions Impressionism soon spread into churches, schools, ballrooms, along with respected theatres and concert halls. Although Claude Debussy was an amazing orchestral composer, his works seemed to agree most with the piano. Today, one of the most known pieces of piano repertoire is the piano suite, Claire de Lune. Many composers started to become inspired by Debussy and thus The Impressionist Era was born. In the later years to come Debussy would have never guessed his music would be so powerful and destructive. In 1876 unrest soon came to France, and ironically held in the middle was Impressionism. Today many would compare this to the sixties where more liberal habits cause social disturbance. Historians to this day are still shocked with how such an uplifting, and positive movement could cause so much strife. Riots and political vendetta soon aroused France, causing unofficial anarchy in which the government was powerless. This national misfortune was actually caused by feuding between the Socialists and Democratics using impressionism as their weapon of war. The Impressionist Era was said by political leaders to be expressing an opinion in France's politics, and since most impressionists were French this point had a strong siding. Composers like Debussy, and Satie soon unwittingly became political figureheads. The music definitely was moving for the French people, and... ... theatre, band and pop music techniques and styles which were founded during Impressionism are all employed. Even while watching a movie the background music often contains Impressionistic styling. A prime example is Celine Dion's once popular song, My Heart Will Go On, this song contains almost every one of Impressionism's musical characteristics. Throughout the song harmonic chord progressions, a drifting melodic line, classical and romantic technique and tone, irregular chromatic intervals, and whole-tone scales are clearly defined in the instrumental scores. Also, many other songs are laden with Impressionistic styles; including some rock music. Another modern day artist is Elton John who constantly uses themes from the Impressionist Era. The influence that Impressionism has on modern day music is actually quite phenomenal, all you have to do is listen closely and I guarantee that you will notice some similarity. The Impressionistic revolution in music all started with one musician, one composer, named Claude Debussy - who alone turned his mind's sketches into another Era in musical history. Who knows, maybe you will lead the way into the next musical era.

Changing Gender Roles in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- Macbet

Changing Gender Roles in William Shakespeare's Macbeth  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Much attention has been paid to the theme of "manliness" as it appears throughout Macbeth. In his introduction to Macbeth in The Riverside Shakespeare, Frank Kermode contends that the play is "about the eclipse of civility and manhood, [and] the temporary triumph of evil" (1307). Stephen Greenblatt emphasizes the same idea in The Norton Shakespeare, crediting Lady Macbeth for encouraging her husband through both "sexual taunting" and "the terrible force of her determination" (2557-58). Macbeth responds to his wife with "a clear sense of the proper boundaries of his identity as a male and as a human being, [telling her] 'I dare do all that may become a man;/Who dares do more is none' (I.7.46-47)" (2558). Both Kermode's and Greenblatt's notions focus upon how Macbeth's masculinity is recognized and defined -- by Macbeth himself as well as by the potentially influential people who surround him. The critics who introduce the play in these major anthologies perceive the same weakness in Macbeth's character as the apparently evil forces who play upon it do: Macbeth's masculinity becomes the psychological vehicle through which he becomes incensed, inspired, and finally incited to action. If Macbeth's "manliness" is to be questioned, it is not likely to occur within the male-dominated world of battlefields and military victories which Shakespeare introduces in Act I, Scene 2. In this passage, the bleeding Captain praises Macbeth's heroism, contending . . . brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name!-- Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel Which smoked with bloody execution, Like valour's minion Carved out his passage till he faced the slave, Which ne... ... Universities Modern Language Association 70 (Nov. 1988): 366-85. Dolan, Frances. The Taming of the Shrew: Texts and Contexts. Boston: Bedford, 1996. Greenblatt, Stephen. "Introduction to Macbeth." The Norton Shakespeare. New York: Norton, 1997. 2555-63. Hawkins, Michael. "History, politics, and Macbeth." Focus on Macbeth. Ed. John Russell Brown. London: Routledge, 1982. 155-88. Kermode, Frank. "Introduction to Macbeth." The Riverside Shakespeare. Boston: Houghton, 1974. 1307-11. Stallybrass, Peter. "Macbeth and Witchcraft." Focus on Macbeth. Ed. John Russell Brown. London: Routledge, 1982. 189-209. Williamson, Marily L. "Violence and Gender Ideology." Shakespeare Left and Right. Ed. Ivo Kamps et al. New York: Routledge, 1991. 157-66. Winstanley, Lilian. Macbeth, King Lear, and Contemporary History. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1922.

Doma Debate

DOMA: Support or Repeal? BCOM 275 DOMA: Repeal or Support? Abstract This debate argues whether the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) should be supported or repealed on the basis of its definition of marriage, its constitutionality, and its impacts on non-heterosexual families. This debate argues that the Defense of Marriage Act should be repealed because its definition of marriage is heavily based on values of tradition in this country and because the definition violates the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.DOMA: Support or Repeal? The Argument in support of DOMA The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a federal law that was first introduced by Republican Bob Barr from Georgia in May of 1996. The bill passed in the house by a vote of 342-67 and in the Senate by a vote of 85-14. It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996. DOMA gives states the right not to recognize same-sex marriage that another state has already recognized. Secondly, the law p rovides a federal definition of marriage.DOMA defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In this paper, we are going to outline the two major provisions of DOMA. We will explore the federal definition of marriage and whether this is justified. We will further discuss the rights granted to the states and their ability to decline same sex marriage from other states. We will discuss both pros and cons of each part of DOMA, and then provide our teams determination on which is the more persuasive argument. First let’s explore the DOMA mandated federal definition of Marriage.The language, taken directly from the law itself, is defined as follows: â€Å"In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ‘marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse' refers only to a per son of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife. † By this definition, it is very clear cut that DOMA defines marriage as a traditional man and woman union.Since 1998, following in the footsteps of DOMA, 30 states have had their voters approve constitutional amendments to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Although not overwhelming, it is a majority and represents 60% of our states that have taken steps to protect the traditional definition of marriage. The question next becomes a matter of whether this definition, based in tradition is justified? The traditional argument is based in the belief that marriage, rooted in tradition has always been between a man and a woman, and that this is also the best environment to raise children.The belief that marriage should be defined traditionally is not about taking away rights from anyone, it is just about not redefining the word marriage. Many supporters of a marriage definition argue that they don’t have any issues with gay couples; they just want the definition of marriage to be traditional. They are not proponents of banning anyone’s rights. The definition of marriage, is only part of DOMA’s mandate, the second part is the power granted to the states. The second part of DOMA that we will discuss is the rights granted to the state.It is defined as: â€Å"No State, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship. † This very simply means that if you are a same sex couple and were married in a particular state that recognizes same sex marriage, then other states are not required to recognize that marriage.It se rves to protect the rights of the states and the voters who have enacted rules in their states that define marriage as only between a man and a woman. These rights granted to the states are extremely important to respect the laws of the states that are already in place and are being adhered to. It is very important for people who live in a certain place to be able to rely on the community beliefs being upheld legally and not be changed when couples from other states move there and want the same recognition as they had in another state.It helps protect the states’ rights, and although some will argue that what is good for one state should be good for another, it is important to have the voters of each state decide what is right and wrong. The decision of DOMA to grant this power to states helps preserve this sense of community and provide a stable way ahead in this matter. The Argument to repeal DOMA The Defense of Marriage act should be repealed because it discriminates again st same-sex couples; it violates the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment: and because it simply is not necessary.Congress enacted the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 because of the concern of states that do not support same-sex marriages. Section 3 of DOMA states:   â€Å"In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife† (CNN Washington, 2011).This definition of marriage clearly discriminates against those individuals who desire to legally enter into marriage with persons of the same gender because it prohibits such individuals from obtaining any of the rights afforded to persons who marry opposite their gender. This act of disc rimination toward same-sex couples violates the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment by requiring the federal government to deny recognition of the existing legal marriages of same-sex couples (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, 2012).The Fifth Amendment has an explicit requirement that the Federal Government not deprive individuals of â€Å"life, liberty, or property,† without due process of the law and an implicit guarantee that each person receive equal protection of the laws (Find US Law, 2012). Because Section 3 of DOMA excludes same sex couples from having their marriages recognized legally under federal law it does, in fact, deprive those individuals of life, liberty, or property without due process of the law. For many people, regardless of their sexual orientation, marriage is a major event in life.DOMA deprives homosexual individuals from fully participating in marriage because they do not reap the same benefits from marriage as their heterosexual cou nterparts. DOMA treats married same-sex couples as unmarried for purposes of all 1,138 federal laws in which marital status is a factor (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, 2012). For example, at tax time, legally married same-sex couples suffer financially because of they are unable to file their federal tax returns jointly, as heterosexual married couples do. They also they don’t have the same access to Social Security benefits as heterosexual couples.Children of same-sex couples do not have the same inheritance rights in regards to Social Security and retirement benefits as do children of heterosexual couples, because both parents cannot be listed on their birth certificate. Same-sex spouses also do not have the same next of kin rights in making medical decisions during a medical crisis for their spouse. In order for them to have any decision making role, they are forced to take additional legal steps just to provide their spouse with a decision making capacity, that is a utomatically and freely afforded to married heterosexual couples.The fact that Section 3 of DOMA discriminates against homosexuals was supported on February 23, 2011, when a public letter was sent to the House of Representatives by Attorney General Eric Holder. In his letter Holder wrote, â€Å"The President and I have concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation warrant heightened scrutiny and that, as applied to same-sex couples legally married under state law, Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional. In the letter, Holder also informed the Speaker of the House that the Department of Justice of the United States would no longer defend DOMA â€Å"unless and until Congress repeals Section 3 or the judicial branch renders a definitive verdict against the law’s constitutionality. †Ã‚   The Defense of Marriage Act was enacted by Congress to exclude same sex married couples from being able to receive the same benefits afforded to opposite sex married couples.S ection 2 of DOMA states: â€Å"No state, territory, or possession of the United States, or Indian tribe, shall be required to give effect to any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other State, territory, possession, or tribe respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of such other State, territory, possession, or tribe, or a right or claim arising from such relationship. † Only states can marry people and Congress has always deferred to state status determinations.The Tenth Amendment provides that powers that the Constitution does not delegate to the United States and does not prohibit the states from exercising, are â€Å"reserved to the States respectively, or to the people† (New World Encyclopedia, 2009). Since each state has the sovereign right to decide on whether same-sex marriage is legal or not, there is no need for the Defense of Marriage Act. Additionally DOMA not only violates the Fif th Amendment, it violates and was written to circumvent Article IV, Section 1, of the U. S. Constitution, more commonly known as the Full Faith and Credit Clause.The Full Faith and Credit Clause provides â€Å"Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. † (Wikipedia. org, Full Faith and Credit Clause). Essentially, the clause states that evidence, judicial proceedings, and the like, if accepted by in the state it took place in, must be accepted in any other state. This is exactly how a marriage in good legal standing in Michigan is recognized in good legal standing, in California.While this clause has been applied to family law protective orders and child support collection, it was never applied to force any state to recognize an interracial marriage, p rior to all laws banning such marriages were struck down by the Supreme Court, in 1967. To date, the clause has never been applied to any same sex marriage. DOMA unnecessarily contradicts this clause and creates a needless legal quandary by allowing states to pick and choose which regulations they will honor, from other states, all the while further engendering further discrimination.Not only does this clause apply to interstate legal matters, it is applied to international marriages. The definition of marriage, as defined by DOMA, prevents the federal, and thus the state government from recognizing same sex marriages from countries where it is legal. This then also impacts the legal and economic rights of immigrants and international travelers. DOMA has been cited as protecting traditional marriage and supporting the family unit. DOMA only provides a definition of marriage, it does nothing to upport or protect traditional, heterosexual marriages or the children of those marriages. DOMA only protects economic and legal privileges for heterosexual married couples. As such, it condones and enforces discrimination based on the gender of married couples. Non heterosexual families have and raise children, our future community members, just like heterosexual couples. By not repealing DOMA, we as a nation, are telling future generations that it is acceptable to withhold legal, inheritance, medical and economic rights and privileges, based upon someone’s gender.Conclusion The arguments of this debate have been made a team of individual who have differing views on this legislation. We have respectfully agreed to conclude our arguments, based on a majority vote, which in this case, is for repealing DOMA. While DOMA established a federally determined definition of marriage based on tradition, that very definition unjustifiably restricts certain rights afforded to heterosexual couples from non-heterosexual couples.DOMA serves to act as a divisive piece legislation that does nothing to protect heterosexual married couples, or their families, all the while, endangering same-sex couples’ financial, legal, medical, and inheritance rights, and destabilizing their families. DOMA violates the Fifth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, as well as contradicts Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution, the Full and Fair Credit Clause, and needlessly creates national and international ligation.Ultimately, DOMA should be repealed because it is discriminatory, divisive, and unconstitutional. References CNN Washington. (2011, February 23). The 1600 Report`. Retrieved from CNN Politics: http://whitehouse. blogs. cnn. com/2011/02/23/attorney-general-declares-doma-unconstitutional/ Dayna K. Shah. (2004). GAO-04-353R Defense of Marriage Act. Washington D. D. , : U. S. G. A. O. Defense of Marriage Act. (2004). Retrieved from http://www. pbs. org/newshour/bb/law/gay_marriage/act. html Find US Law. (2012). U. S. Constitution- 5th and 14th Amendments. Retri eved from

Muslims and Science

THEME OF ESSAY Please read the short book  Ã¢â‚¬ËœMuslims and Science'  by Pervaiz Hoodhbhoy. Provide your views on the central argument of this book. Building on your knowledge from Bronowski and Sagan, what were the vital characteristics that allowed Western civilization to outpace Muslim civilization in the development of science in the modern period? Muslims and Science By Zara Abbas(11020043) Perspective Ever since the advent of Islam in 7th Century, the Muslim civilization rapidly rose to the forefront of human achievement.Remarkable progress was made not only in the fields of sciences and philosophy – i. e. mathematics, astrology, astronomy, optics, cartography, medicine, anthropology, logic and literature – but they also became the dominant military and economic power of the world by the 13th Century. These accomplishments were made possible by a number of underlying factors prevailing at that time in Muslim history.The significant ones being the territorial and commercial expansion of Muslim influence to a vast area where a treasure trove of Greek, Persian and Roman works in science, medicine and philosophy was made available to their intellectuals to build upon; Patronage and encouragement was given to Muslim scholars by the ruling elite of that time, several universities were built in the Muslim lands and a spirit of freedom for inquisitive research across the religious divide was created and encouraged.But then, owing to a raging and endless conflict between the forces of logic and reason and those of rigid religious fundamentalism, Muslim Science lost its appeal and eventually disappeared into near oblivion. Resultantly, the culture of patronage of those seeking knowledge and the pursuit of excellence in the fields of sciences and the arts also died. The Muslim World today, comprising 57 countries and 1. 57 billion people – which is roughly one fifth of the world population – has made no significant contribution to s cience or offered anything substantial towards technology[1] during the last 500 years.It remains in a state of intellectual stagnation while its inept and corrupt leaders rule without any vision or foresight. Budgetary allocations for sciences and general education in most Islamic countries are low resulting in their dependence on the West for survival in vital areas of human activity. Their collective wealth of human capital and vast preserve of natural resources are being wasted on non-development expenditures. The continuing cycle of regressive policy formulation has perpetuated poverty, conflict and instability in most Muslim countries.This deliberate neglect has not only created frustration and despondency amongst the Muslim youth but has also provided space to the orthodox religious forces to breed a deep rooted hatred for the ‘Christian West’ being a convenient scapegoat. In the context of Pakistan and its regional geo-political environment we find ourselves tra pped in a serious internal conflict, socio-economic insecurity, political instability and institutional collapse which have retarded the pace of societal progress. This bleak scenario provides enough motivation to dejected members of the society to join extremist elements for their self actualization.When the sad decline of Muslims began after almost 5 centuries of world domination, the West started overtaking them in every field of human enterprise ranging from means of warfare, industry, economics, education, governance and culture. This ascendency of European nations is attributed to the collapse of feudal economy, relegation of the Church from socio-political dominance to mere religious preaching, emergence of capitalistic economy, development of a secular and rational approach towards scientific and social education[2] and lastly the productive cum commercial usefulness of science and technology for the human race.Unfortunately, the gap between both civilizations in the domain of scientific research and technological advancement has steadily widened during the last 400 years. It is therefore imperative upon the Islamic world to take drastic but pragmatic measures to stem the tide; otherwise we are headed towards an impending disaster. This is precisely the ‘Central Argument’ of Dr. Parvez Hoodbhoy’s Book ‘Muslims and Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality†.Although a nuclear physicist by profession, Dr Hoodbhoy has shown remarkable insight into a subject of academic specialization and contemporary importance and has produced a timely and dispassionate analysis of the causes of decline of the Muslim world in the fields of sciences after remaining in the forefront for centuries. His persuasive and lucid style of argument, which at times seems rather offensive for typical Pakistani (i. e.Muslim) sensibilities, takes the reader through the entire spectrum of factors affecting the Muslim loss of wo rld leadership and retreat from modernity. Simultaneously, he also highlights the special characteristics of the Western nations that propelled them towards human excellence and accomplishment not only in sciences but also in societal activity. Finally, he also suggests some functional and sensible measures to progressively take the Muslims onto the path of modernity and scientific enterprise in harmony with our Islamic ethos. AimThe aim of this essay is to enunciate my own reflections on the decline of Muslim society after leading the world for centuries as against the ascendency of Western powers through their superior human actualization with a view to proposing a realistic way forward for the Muslims in light of the notions expressed by Hoodbhoy, Bronowski and Sagan. What Ails The Muslim World Over the past five centuries people in Islamic societies have tried to come to terms with the reality of their relegation to being the world’s ‘followers’ after remaini ng its ‘leading light’ for an equally long period in the medieval ages.The crucial but relevant question of, ‘What went wrong? ’ agitates the minds of Muslim intellectuals and youth alike. But beyond seeking scapegoats the question remains unanswered. There seems to be no common agreement and honest acknowledgement of our own failings that led to our sad but steady decay, particularly so in the arena of scientific development. However, armed with my study of the subject ‘Science and Civilization’ I shall briefly put forward an objective view of the malaise afflicting the Muslims. 1. Historical Causes of Muslim Decline a.Orthodoxy versus Rationality. The long drawn clash (801 – 1406 AD) between the supporters of Pre destination/Revelation and other Orthodox/Conservative scholars of Sharia, Theology and Islamic jurisprudence (represented by Al Ghazali, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Al Ashari, Ibn e Taymia, Al Maalik) and the Qadarites/Mutazlites (i. e . the proponents of Free Will, Ethics and Reason represented by Al Kindi, Al Razi, Ibn e Sina, Ibn e Rushd and Ibn e Khaldun)[3] eventually led to the victory of the forces of ossified religiosity and swept rational thought away from Islamic intellectualism.Thus the hitherto patronage, respect and support extended to the scholars by the nobility of the times were also withdrawn under pressure from the conservatives. Sadly, the separation between the fundamentalists and secular/rational Muslims became complete and exists till the present times. Thereafter, no one could dare combine reason with revelation in Islam. The edifice of Islamic science and intellectual glory was reduced to ruin and could not be rebuilt. b. Non Scientific Attitude.As a logical corollary of the aforementioned rigidity of thought amongst the Muslim Orthodoxy, the attitudinal notions required for the nurture and development of sciences did not evolve in the Muslim world after the defeat of rationality. The arriv al of dogma and rigidity in Muslim intellectual thought led them to the rejection of ‘prediction’, ‘imagination’, ‘curiosity or the spirit of inquiry’ and ‘the will or urge to control one’s physical environment to human advantage’- essential ingredients of scientific knowledge – resulting in the death of creative activity.Likewise, Muslims of the ‘post golden age’ inherited a general lack of spirit and interest in ‘theoretical’ learning of various sciences owing to their insignificant material reward or utility. They would rather opt for acquisition of practical knowledge for ‘utilitarian’ ends instead of developing a general atmosphere of learning where ‘abstract thought’ and ‘spiritual values could be nurtured. [4] This general apathy towards academic learning steadily became a societal attitude amongst the Muslim generations which exists even today. c. Musli m Educational System.The traditional concept and orientation of education in Muslim societies aims at harmonizing all knowledge with Islamic thought whereby the student remains wedded to his/her Islamic ethos. This develops an attitude of ‘acquiring revealed knowledge’ being a Divine command rather than ‘discovering’ it through inquisitive and participative means. The traditional mode of education followed over centuries in the Muslim world led them to nurture the values of ‘rote learning’, ‘historical and conceptual continuity’,[5] ‘self righteousness’ and ‘rigidity’ in their psyche.Their consequent inability to respond and adjust to a constantly changing world denied them the chance to progress and achieve scientific excellence. d. Capitalism versus Islamic Law. The scientific and industrial revolution in Europe transformed a hitherto feudal society into a modern capitalistic culture. This was achieved t hrough the creation of a bourgeois class capable of investments, innovations and structural changes to coordinate the new means of production and technical progress with the new complex economic challenges.This automatically led to the development of a comprehensive legal system for regulation and dispute resolution of the new socio economic realities. [6] As against this the Islamic jurisprudence, being derived from Quranic injunctions and Prophetic traditions, has a fixed set of rules and defining principles within which justice is to be provided and these laws cannot not be altered or modified to suit changing situations. Therefore, capitalist economy could not take root and develop in its classical sense in Muslim societies. . Economic Causes. When the colonization of Muslim lands in began in the 18th Century, Muslim civilization was urban based with the city dwellers depending on the continuous and assured supply of means of subsistence from the rural peasantry. Such supplies w ould continue even during conditions of famine or strife with state assistance. Therefore, Muslim economies of that time remained immune from Europe’s revolutionary advancement.Likewise, Muslim urban centers never developed municipal or corporate institutions meant for stimulation of economic growth through industry and trade. [7] As a result the Muslim economic order of that era could not compete with Europe’s phenomenal economic growth. f. Means of Warfare. The steady European advancement in the means of warfare (concepts and weaponry) along with the progress made in industry and technology after the 15th Century was also an important factor in causing European victories on the battlefield.By comparison the Muslims could not generate comparable military muscle/prowess. This incompatibility increased substantially by the 18th Century resulting in the occupation of Muslim territories in North Africa, Spain, Balkans, Russia, India and Iran culminating into the colonizat ion of almost the entire Muslim world by the 19th Century. [8] g. Non Existence of a Power Structure. The power structure of a society determines its dominant attitudes towards scientific enquiry and acquisition of knowledge.In the absence of a central authority wielding politico-religious and military power as against the Church in medieval Europe, the Islamic world did not possess the means of exercising control over its territories/subjects and resolving disputes. This inherent weakness laid bare the possibility of insurrection by powerful religious factions/sects, seizing control of distant lands by usurpers or mobilization of the majority sect against minority viewpoint on liberal religious groups. 9] This was a serious organizational weakness that eventually proved detrimental to the political, economic and intellectual ascendency of the Islamic society. 2. Present State of Muslim Science/Education a. Scientific Progress. A recent study of the World Bank indicates that the qua lity of scientific as well as general education in the Muslim World is rapidly falling behind the rest of the World and needs urgent attention if it is to cope with the demands of the future.While some Islamic countries – like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Iran and Nigeria – have drastically increased their respective resource allocations to boost general education and the Sciences, their traditional attitudes towards the education of women, non separation of religious thought from the secular nature of scientific education and discouraging a scientific culture based upon innovation, quantification and empirical verification remain uncompromising to this date. b. Science in the Productive Sector.Despite a universal recognition of the importance of industrial sector for a nation’s economic growth, value added production of contemporary Muslim economies is woefully low. Barring Malaysia, the nature of economy of key Muslim countries remains basical ly agro and mineral extraction. [10] Therefore their accumulated economic strength/capacity is comparatively lower than other developing economies. This indicates that the ‘science to production’ ratio is negligible with little indications of improvement. c. Scientific Output.The overall scientific output of Muslim countries, as indicated by the number of science research papers published together with the citations to them, indicates that we stand alarmingly low in comparison with others like India, Brazil, China and USA. Likewise, we find that 46 Muslim countries contributed 1. 17 % of the world’s science literature as against 1. 66% and 1. 48% respectively from India and Spain alone. Interestingly, 20 Arab countries contributed 0. 55% in comparison to 0. 89 % by Israel. Moreover, the scientific worth or quality of a fairly large number of these papers was not only below par but some were even plagiarized.A study by academics at the International Islamic Univer sity Malaysia showed that OIC countries have 8. 5 scientists, engineers, and technicians per 1000 population, compared with a world average of 40. 7, and 139. 3 for countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. [11] It is also a known fact that the number of Muslim Nobel Laureates is still in single digit in comparison to hundreds from Israel alone. This state of affairs does not augur well for the future of Muslim science. d. Scientific Enterprises.Over the last decade or so Muslim Governments have been steadily increasing their S & T budgets with a view to inducing greater scientific activity. The existing average spending of 57 Islamic countries on R & D is 0. 3% of their GNP which remains far below the global average of 2. 4%. [12] Nonetheless, the there is a perceptible trend of higher spending in major Muslim countries. But bigger budgets alone would not arrest the deteriorating standards unless the capacity to spend these monies is also built simult aneously on developing a critical mass of scientists, engineers and technicians besides improving their quality and professionalism.Recent surveys also indicate that spending on higher education has increased significantly resulting in a sharp rise in the number of institutions, students and infrastructural improvements. But these centers of learning still lack the qualitative edge that could make them rank amongst the foremost 500 in the world which is not the case at the moment. e. Educational Paradox – Pakistan’s Context. Ever since Pakistan’s independence no government has ever given education any status in the list of its national priorities.The public sector expenditure on this vital sector has remained abysmally low (i. e. ranging between 2. 16% to 2. 42 % of GDP from 2003-08 but was reduced to a paltry 2% in 2010 budget)[13] which compares poorly with other South Asian countries. This has left Pakistan’s literacy rates as the lowest in the region (i. e. 57% – which is 69% males and 45% females). [14] The poor quality of the learning environment is evident from the fact that a large number of schools lack basic infrastructure — 37. per cent of the schools up to the elementary level don’t have boundary walls, 33. 9 per cent lack drinking water facility, 37 per cent don’t have latrines and 60 per cent are without electricity. [15] Owing to the criminal neglect of various successive governments in formulating coherent and sustainable education policies for the people by investing in this vital sector, we have not only ended up losing precious generations to the vicissitudes of time but have also denied them the opportunity to improve their lot through acquisition and development of skills.Apart from this, the general apathy and indifference shown towards education by our rulers has led to the creation of a stratified system of educational prejudice. In that the ‘rich and the elite’ go to the private ‘English medium’ schools while the ‘commoner class’ attends the government run ‘Urdu medium’ schools. This puts the common citizen at an unfair disadvantage against the well to do child when both aspire and compete for admission into professional institutions. Recommendations In the words from Dr. Hoodbhoy borrowed from one of his recent papers, ‘Progress will require behavioral changes.If Muslim societies are to develop technology instead of just using it, the ruthlessly competitive global marketplace will insist on not only high skill levels but also intense social work habits. Science can prosper among Muslims once again, but only with a willingness to accept certain basic philosophical and attitudinal changes—i. e. shrug off the dead hand of tradition, reject fatalism and absolute belief in authority, accept the legitimacy of temporal laws, value intellectual rigor and scientific honesty, and respect cultural and pe rsonal freedoms.The struggle to usher in science will have to go side-by-side with a much wider campaign to elbow out rigid orthodoxy and bring in modern thought, arts, philosophy, democracy, and pluralism’. Within this forthright observation lies an abstract framework of our future plan of action based on common sense and principles of logic and reason. However, we would need to tread this path with farsighted prudence and devise our strategic thinking in harmony with the obtaining socio political realities of the Islamic world.Such an approach warrants a judicious and systematic execution but profound application so that the reform process permeates into the Muslim soul without agitating its impassioned sensibilities. The new model of our education philosophy should recognize and affirm that science and religion are complementary and not contradictory to each other. Therefore, the revised concept of scientific education should clearly state that both disciplines are separat e domains which do not overlap; and that there can never be a conflict between the two as long as their protagonists do not stoke public passions for self aggrandizement.The other areas where reform is proposed are listed below: †¢ Remodel the entire concept/ philosophy of general education at the primary /secondary levels with a view to developing the traits of inquisitiveness, empirical and deductive thought process and the ability to challenge/question precepts and assumptions. †¢ Basic education up to Matriculation (or equivalent standard) should be made compulsory for all citizens (both genders) in all Muslim countries. †¢ Budgetary allocation for education be brought at par with laid down UNESCO standards. Revitalize the tertiary and post graduate education system by improving the infrastructure and facilities, provision of high quality teaching staff and improving the quality/worth of scientific research. †¢ Current standards of vocational training for ski ll development of technicians should be refined, upgraded and rejuvenated to match the ongoing technological advancement. †¢ The syllabi of Deeni Madaris (religious schools) should be suitably revamped and harmonized with the current trends in modern education. †¢ The existing disparity between the standards of education/syllabi of Public and private schools be minimized at priority.BIBLIOGRAPHY †¢ Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books , 1991) †¢ Bernard Lewis , â€Å"What Went Wrong? † (Perennial Harper Collins 2002) †¢ Jacob Bronowski, â€Å"The Ascent of Man† (1973) †¢ Carl Sagan, â€Å"Cosmos† (1980) †¢ Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Science and the Islamic World – The Quest for Rapprochement† , â€Å"Physics Today† August 2007 pg 49 < http://ptonline. aip. org/journals/doc/PHTOAD-ft/vol_60/iss_8/49_1. sh tml? bypassSSO=1 > †¢ â€Å"Muslim World Education – Falling Behind†, ‘Khilafah. Com’ , 24 Feb 2008 < http://www. khilafah. com/index. hp/the-khilafah/education/2019-muslim-world-education-falling-behind > †¢ Dr. Ahmad shafaat, â€Å"a review of Pervez Hoodbhoy, Islam and Science: Religious Orthodoxy and Battle for Rationality† November 2002 < http://www. islamicperspectives. com/ReviewPervezHoodbhoy. htm > †¢ Khawar Ghumman, â€Å"Only two percent of GDP Spent on Education†, Dawn. Com, (5 Jun 2010) , < http://www. dawn. com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/21-only-2pc-of-gdp-spent-on-education-560-sk-09 > ———————– [1] â€Å"Muslim World Education – Falling Behind†, ‘Khilafah. Com’ , 24 Feb 2008 < http://www. khilafah. om/index. php/the-khilafah/education/2019-muslim-world-education-fallin g-behind > [2] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991) pg 2 &161. [3]Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991),pg 115 – 141. [4]Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991) pg 145 – 149. [5] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991), pg 149 – 154. 6] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991), pg 154 – 156. [7] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books ,1991), pg 157 †“ 160. [8] Bernard Lewis , â€Å"What Went Wrong? † (Perennial Harper Collins 2002), pg 18 – 34. [9]Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books , 1991), pg 161. [10]Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Muslims & Science – Religious Orthodoxy and the Struggle for Rationality† (Vanguard Books , 1991), pg 34 – 37. 11] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy(2007), â€Å"Science and the Islamic World – The Quest for Rapprochement† ,Physics today’ August 2007 pg 49 < http://ptonline. aip. org/journals/doc/PHTOAD-ft/vol_60/iss_8/49_1. shtml? bypassSSO=1 > [12] Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, â€Å"Science and the Islamic World – The Quest for Rapprochement† ,Physics Today’ August 2007 pg 49 < http://ptonline. aip. org/journals/doc/PHTOAD-ft/vol_60/iss_8/49_1. shtml? bypassSSO=1 > [13] Government of Pakistan – Ministries of Finance and Education –

Dorian Gray Essay

The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay There are certain aspects of Dorian Gray’s personality that make me think he is schizophrenic, such an example is multiple personalities. In the beginning of the story, Dorian was a young, attractive boy with cunning wit and a semi-feminine charm. It was just an ordinary day and all of the sudden, Dorian meets Basil Howard. Infatuated with his good looks, the beauty of Dorian hit Basil like a Mata bus. As Basil began painting a picture of Dorian, he met Lord Henry, a close companion of Basil and he too was struck by Dorian in a different way. He had interests of studying him instead of admiring him. Finally, Basil finishes the picture and in the first two chapters of the book and in one paragraph, you have met three contributions of Dorian’s conscience: the painting, Lord Henry Wotton, and Basil Howard. The painting was an obvious representation of Dorian’s conscience in my opinion because as his soul grew weaker, as did his conscience. As Dorian aged, he became evil and he never thought for himself, he either adopted Lord Henry’s views or Basil’s. Dorian clearly listened to Lord Henry more because in the long run, he became evil. â€Å"It had, perhaps, served often as a pall for the dead. Now it was to hide something that had a certain corruption of its own, worse than the corruption of death itself– something that would breed horrors and yet would never die† (Wilde 122). According to the bible, your soul is immortal and I think Dorian is expressing this in his thoughts. In this quote, Dorian wants to cover up his conscience and his soul to avoid listening to it. The portrait represents his constant nagging conscience and bad decisions he has made in the past. Lord Henry and Basil Howard were the good angel (Basil) and bad angel (Lord Henry) on Dorian’s shoulder. Lord Henry always tried to speak aphorisms and spoke of himself as a higher power, such as: â€Å"My dear boy, no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals† (Wilde 51). Lord Henry was always trying to force his opinions into Dorian’s head and the sad thing was, he ate every word and practiced it in his life. Lord Henry represents the bad angel/conscience and it was also the side he listened to more often than any other. On the other hand, Basil represents the good angle/conscience. Throughout the book, Basil always tried to steer Dorian in the right direction. Dorian looked up to Basil in the beginning but, as his infatuation became stronger with Lord Henry, the respect dwindled and Dorian listened less and less. The prayer of your pride has been answered. The prayer of your repentance will be answered also. I worshiped you too much. I am punished for it† (Wilde 162). Even in a time of horror, Basil stood behind Dorian and tried to help him in a hard situation but, Dorian did not listen and turned to the dark side when he said: â€Å"Each of us has Heaven and Hell in him, Basil! † (Wilde 161). Dorian had finally shut the door on his good conscience and killed him within minutes. In Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde is telling his readers it is harder to follow the better side of your conscience. There are many temptations to do the right and the wrong thing and this story is an example of when you always make the wrong choices. The ending of this story also showed the final bad decision when a change is presented right in front of you and yet the weak character still follows a bad influence. Wilde is teaching us a lesson in life, to always follow your heart as you take in bad and good influences. Works Cited Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2003.