Philippine Wildlife Essay

Introduction The Philippine Wildlife has a significant number of plant and animal species that are indigenous in the Philippines. The country’s surrounding waters reportedly have the highest level of biodiversity in the world. The Philippines is considered as one of the seventeen mega diverse countries as well as global biodiversity hotspot. The world’s second largest archipelago country after Indonesia, the Philippines includes more than 7,100 islands covering 297,179 km2 in the westernmost Pacific Ocean. The country is one of the few nations that, in its entirety, both a hotspot and a mega diversity country, placing it among the top priority hotspots for global conservation. But deprivation of the forests due to illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, and urbanization is stripping the Philippine animals of their natural habitats and sanctuaries. Hundreds of years ago, most of the Philippine islands were covered in rain forest. Deforestation, hunting, and a lack of wildlife management has led to the Philippines being described as conservation â€Å"hotspot†. Fewer natural wildlife habitat areas remain each year. Moreover, the habitat that remains has often been degraded to the wild areas which existed in the past. The country’s wildlife is listed as endangered, critically endangered or facing extinction. Fragile as they are, these wonderful creatures need support in the conservation effort for the environment to ensure that they will co-exist with us humans. Wildlife conservation efforts are aimed in several main areas. These include the creation of nature sanctuaries where wildlife can live protected and free from harm, and where scientific studies can be conducted to better understand the threats to various species and what solutions are needed to ensure their survival. Researchers conducted this research about Philippine wildlife protection because we want to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and to recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness lands to humans. Many government agencies are dedicated to wildlife conservation, which help to implement policies designed for wildlife protection. There are also numerous independent non-governmental organizations who also promote various wildlife protection causes. Researchers are also concerned because wildlife conservation has become an increasingly important practice due to negative human activities on wildlife. Why wildlife conservation is important? Aside from the fact losing the beauty of our country, Philippines, and destroying different creatures, it is important in order to preserve the diversity of biological life upon our country. Statement of the Problem. This thesis seeks to research the effectiveness of the Department of Environment and National Resources (Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau) in protecting wildlife. Philippines which is one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas has been described by some conservationists as being on the edge of a major wildlife crisis. However, this biodiversity is under threat. Islands once covered in undisturbed forest habitat are now under cultivation to feed the demands of the expanding population. Deforestation, hunting and a lack of wildlife management has led to the Philippines being described as not just as a conservation ‘hotspot’ – an area of concern – but the ‘hottest of the hotspots’. This study shall expound on the effectiveness of wildlife conservation, its significance, and the importance of wildlife in our ecosystem. In these aspects, the researcher seeks to establish an answer to the following questions: 1. Why is it important to conserve and protect wildlife in the Philippines? 2. How effective does the organizations in protecting wildlife? 3. What efforts are being taken to protect wildlife? Hypothesis and Assumptions The efforts exerted by the Department of Environment and Energy Resources- Protected Areas Wildlife Bureau are effective in protecting and conserving the country’s wildlife. The study rests on the following assumptions: 1. Protecting wildlife is important to maintain ecological ‘balance of nature’ and for economic value. 2. Conservation of wildlife is one of the projects that our nation works out. The conservation helps to balance the ecosystem in biodiversity. The efforts that exerted in the organizations tend to facilitate the extinction. 3. Much of the environmental protection that exists today is the direct result of the petitions and other activities of environmental organizations. 4. The efforts exerted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are sufficient to protect the wildlife. Scope and Delimitation of the Study The coverage of this study is about the conservation and protection of Philippine wildlife that is being lately mishandled or misused by humans due to negative activities. The study consists of advantage that is being taken to protect or conserve the endangered wildlife in the Philippines. This study is mainly focused on the effectiveness of efforts that are being taken to protect the Philippine wildlife. The study does not cover the climate change and sustainable uses of resources. The study will include the DENR’s ways to protect Philippine wildlife and how they work. It is focused on the study of wildlife wherein they care and conserve Philippine wildlife for future generations. Significance or Importance of the study At the conclusion of this study, the researchers aim to identify the efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in protecting the Philippine wildlife. This study is important for the researchers to be more knowledgeable about the Philippine Wildlife and to know the effectiveness of the efforts of the DENR in protecting the wildlife. It may also persuade some law Enforcers to specify part of their service such as implementing more laws to protect the Philippine Wildlife. This research informs the general public about the country’s wildlife and help them realize that it is important to conserve our environment. In general, researchers conducted this study for the benefit of the future generation, because the preserved wildlife has a big contribution to peoples’s lives. Definition of Terms Biodiversity – biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals Conservation– the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them Conservationist – a person who advocates conservation especially if natural resources Critically endangered species– refers to a species or subspecies that is facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future Ecosystem– a system that includes all living organisms (biotic factors) in an area as well as its physical environment (abiotic factors) functioning together as a unit Endangered Species – refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating Endemic Species – means species or subspecies which is naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country Exotic Species – means species or subspecies which do not naturally occur in the country Extinction – the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it Habitat – means a place or environment where a species or subspecies naturally occurs or has naturally established its population Indigenous– born or endangered in, native to a land or region, especially before an intrusion Indigenous wildlife- means species or subspecies of wildlife naturally occurring or has naturally established population in the country Introduction – means bringing species into the wild that is outside its natural habitat Threatened Species – a general term to denote species or subspecies considered as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction Vulnerable Species – refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically endangered nor endangered but is under threat from adverse factors throughout its range and is likely to move to the endangered category in the near future Wildlife – means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are being bred or propagated Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature and Studies This chapter presents various foreign and local materials associated with the subject of this research. These materials aid in the comprehension and analysis of the Effectiveness of Efforts that being taken to protect the Wildlife in the Philippines. State of the Art The literature and studies that were reviewed were found to have bearing on the present study. They served as bases for the conceptualization the study’s research problem, research design and research methodology. Local Literature Roberto V. Oliva, a Forest Law Enforcement Specialist, stated that the Philippines is one of the 17 mega diverse countries in the world in his book entitled, PHILIPPINE FOREST AND WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT: Situationer and Core Issues. In this book, Oliva describe that the number of species in a country is one measure of biodiversity. The Philippines has 204 species of mammals, of which 54% or 111 species are found nowhere else; 101 species of amphibians, 78% of which is endemic; 258 species of reptiles with 66% endemism; and 576 species of birds with 34% or 195 endemic species. On wild flora, the country has about 14,000 species representing five percent of the world’s flora. These include more than 8,000 species of flowering plants or angiosperms, 33 species of gymnosperms, 1,100 species of pteridophytes, and 1,271 species of bryophytes. According to Oliva, there are many more species that remain unknown to science. Per hectare, the Philippines probably holds more diversity o f life than any other country on Earth. He explained that because of the remarkable diversity in Philippine biological resources, the country is considered as one of the 18 mega diversity countries in the world. Unfortunately, with the loss of the country’s forest cover, the habitat of wild fauna has likewise been lost. In his piece of writing he stated that habitat destruction can be attributed to logging, both legal and illegal, mining and energy projects, land use conversion, kaingin, pest and diseases. While habitat destruction is considered as the reason for wildlife loss, other factors include weak institutional and legal mechanisms, domestication and hybridization, introduction of exotic species, and overexploitation for food and trade. In line with this situation, Oliva also discussed in his book that the government is the responsible for terrestrial and wildlife protection. The government implemented the REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. on July 30, 2001. In the pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the following objectives: (a) to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enha nce biological diversity; (b) to regulate the collection and trade of wildlife; (c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the Philippine commitment to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their habitats; and (d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological diversity. According to Oliva, RA 9147 is a good law insofar as it provides for the legal ordinance for wildlife protection. However, Oliva explained further that there are issues hindering its effective implementation. It might be caused by lack of resources for wildlife protection, lack of technical expertise in the DENR, Wildlife Enforcement Officers and LGUs in the proper identification of wildlife, Absence of institutional arrangements with other countries to fight the entry and exit of exotic wildlife species and lastly lack of wildlife rescue centers. In the last part of the book, he recommended some ways to strengthen wildlife protection. Among those recommendations are by setting up all the needed facilities and granting benefits for those who protect the wildlife. His book influenced the mind of all the Filipino readers that the government is ready to provide everything to protect the wildlife in the country. We can assure that if all the Filipino citizens and government or non-govern ment agencies work as a one team, we can prevent the extinction between different species and conserve wildlife for the next generation. Foreign Literature Based from the book of Renee Galang entitled â€Å"A Critical Review of Wildlife Conservation in the Philippines† published in Melbourne, Australia, The country’s marine biodiversity is equally spectacular. According to his previous research the Philippines is considered one of the 17 mega diversity countries which together contain 70% to 80% of global biodiversity (Mittermeier et. al. 1997; DENR PAWB et al.2002). The Philippine biodiversity therefore has global significance. The recent 12th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium titled â€Å"Biodiversity conservation: Learning from the past, working for the future† in Negros Occidental, Philippines was the best opportunity to experience the current conservation activities in the Philippines. . A total of 170 participants from the provincial congressmen and women, to foreign and local conservationists, international and national related foundations, Universities, NGO’s and conservation biology under-graduate and post-graduate students participated. The atmosphere was intensely passionate for the conservation cause and the flow of information and networking was friendly, akin to any collaborative activity of like-minded people. The challenge facing Philippine conservationists to stabilise and/or reverse the current grave ecological crisis is colossal. This is due to the recent acknowledgment that the country is the top of the list of â€Å"mega diverse countries†. â€Å"In relation to the size of its land mass, the Philippines is one of the world’s centres of biodiversity and endemism† (WCSP 1997). The country has 529 endemic vertebrates (DENR-PAWB et. al. 2002) for which many of the endemic mammals and aviafaunas are in endanger of extinction if the current crisis continues. Heaney (1999) asserted that â€Å"it is tragic that the biodiversity of the Philippines and the threat of its impending loss have been discovered simultaneously†. Due to this scenario, Heaney (1999) concluded that the nation is facing stark alternative: either a decline from the biologically richest place on earth to environmental devastation, or recover from the current brush with disaster to a point of stability. The decline of the Philippine forest is primarily due to the Philippine government failure to implement protective policies and the corruption of former administrations. This is especially true on the latter half of last century where the forest declined from 50% in 1950 to less than 20% at present, of which less than 3% is primary forest left. As the publication of the Philippine spotted dear it states that by the self funded nationwide survey of Roger C. Cox, 95% of its natural distribution in 1985 and 1987 is believed to have kick started the present intense conservation action is the Philippines. The Philippine government reacted by passing an Executive Order 192 through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to create the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) in 1987. The Bureau’s responsibilities are: to establish and manage the country’s Integrated Protected Area System (IPAS); to formulate policies of the preservation of biological diversity; and to serve as the management authority in the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES). PAWB has 4 divisions: Biodiversity management, Natural recreation and extension, protected areas commission, and Wildlife resources. DENR in 1989 established the sustainable development concept as its central guiding principle. The department also formulated the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development (PSSD) that incorporated the concept of the Triple Bottom Lines (i.e. economic viability, ecological sustainability and social responsibility) as its central them Related Studies According to Ceferino P. MAALA a visiting professor in Hiroshima University-Japan, the Philippine is high on the list of priority countries in the world for wildlife conservation because of its remarkable biological diversity, large number of endemic animal and plant species, inadequate wildlife protection measures, and high rate of deforestation What are endangered species? According to the definition given by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), endangered species are plants or animals that are being threatened with extinction due to excessive hunting and large scale destruction of their habitat. Conservationists all over the world are alarmed by the 1996 Report of the International Union for IUCN tating that the number of critically endangered mammals in the world has increased significantly from 169-180, primates from 13-19, fresh water turtles from 10-24, and birds from 168-182. Of the list for endangered mammalian species, nine ar e endemic to the Philippine islands. These are the Golden crowned flying fox, Negros naked-backed fruit bat, Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat, Panay bushy-tailed cloud rat, Ilin hairy-tailed cloud rat, Visayan warty pig, Calamian hog deer, Visayan spotted deer, and tamaraw. Among the critically endangered avian species in the report is the Philippine eagle. Although no endangered marine mammals were mentioned in the report, whale sharks are fast disappearing from Philippine waters (Esplanada, 2000). For example, the Rhicodon typus (also known as pating patola in Zambales, toko in Mindoro, balilan in Cebu and Bohol and butanding in Bicol and Palawan), which regularly visits the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon (located at the tip of Bicol Peninsula) from November to May are rarely sighted in Philippine waters now. These gentle, polka dotted whale sharks are widely hunted by local fishermen for its meat and fins, which are reported to command a high price abroad. To prevent the Richodon typus from completely disappearing from the Philippine waters, the Philippine government in 1998 declared the whale shark endangered; thus, banning poaching and exporting of its 2 Ceferino P. MAALAmeat, which is a delicacy in some Asian countries. Other non-governmental conservation groups such as the World Wildlife Fund Philippines (Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas) and large business conglomerates like Nokia Philippines, Megaworld Corporation and International Container Terminal Services Incorporated have supported the government’s campaign to protect the whale shark. The Philippine Daily Inquirer a leading Philippine newspaper also supports the save the whale shark campaign. Other endangered Philippine species are the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback turtle (Dermochyles coriacea), Philippine crocodile also known as Philippine freshwater crocodile and Mindoro crocodile (Crocodylus mindore nsis), Indo-Pacific crocodile or salt water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Mindoro bleeding heart (Gallicolumba platenae), Mindoro bleeding heart (Ducula mindorensis), lesser eagle owl (Mimizuki gurneyi), Philippine eagle owl (Bubo philippensis), silvery kingfisher (Alcedo argentata), Mindoro hornbill (Penelopides mindorensis), celestial monarch (Hypothymis coelestis) and Isabela oriole (Oriolus isabellae). The Philippines – Japan Crocodile Farming Institute (CFI) based in Palawan Island has successfully bred the Crocodylus mindorensis in captivity. Only the endangered terrestial mammals (cloud rats, fruit bats, deers, wild pig and tamaraw) and the Philippine eagle will be described in this paper There are many organizations in the Philippines that are implementing various ways to protect and conserve our endangered wildlife. They are ensuring the health and survival of the habitats, plants and animals, conserving natural areas, protecting vital ecosystem services and providing communities with economically sustainable alternatives to forest destruction. Through these organizations, they assess forestry and agricultural businesses to ensure that they are complying with different environmental standards, which include properly caring for water and soil, monitoring wildlife populations, protecting migratory pathways and prohibiting the hunting and trafficking of wild animals. Organizations help communities establish and support tourism businesses as an alternative to deforestation. Therefore, the different organizations for wildlife take an efforts and takes active part in forming to protect the wildlife. Chapter Three Research Design and Methodology This chapter discusses the research design and methodology of the study. It shows how the procedural operation of the research problem of this study. Research Design This study utilized the observational research design. An observational research is a type of co relational research in which a researcher observes ongoing behaviour. Through this research design, this study will describe the effectiveness of different protective efforts of the DENR-PAWB in protecting the Philippine wildlife. Sources of Data The study has two sources of data, namely; primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data are through from browsing the internet. The secondary sources of data include the information gathered from the interviews. Instrumentation and Validation This research used data procured from the interviews we conducted to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and details stated at the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Data Gathering Procedure The researchers sought the permission to interview the two different organizations who protect the endangered wildlife in the Philippines to procure data as regards to the effective efforts to protect wildlife. Chapter Four Presentation, Analysis, and Presentation of Data This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered in this study. Here are some information gathered from the questions that the researches made and answered by the respondents. 1.The primary reason of having wildlife in the country is for ecological balance and it is also to maintain the food web. Food web diagrams the interaction of multiple food chains within a certain ecosystem, showing the mutual dependency of species and the natural balance of habitats that sustain animal and plant life. 2.Because of harmful human activities, urbanization and climate change, some of the species in the country becomes threatened. Another reason is because of the Invasive Alien Species. These exotic species are plants, animals or microorganisms that have been introduced outside their natural distribution area. When IAS enters new habitats, the lack of predators and their ability to compete with native species over the existing food supply can allow them to dominate the local ecosystem. Local species can actually become a food source of the IAS, and drive the former to extinction. 3.The important reason of protecting the wildlife is to save its small population and to sav e them from extinction. 4.Some threatened species are can be found in some of the provinces in Visayas and in the region of MIMAROPA such as Negros, Panay, Leyte, Mindoro and Palawan. 5.There were only about one to two animals that are being rescued every day. These animals are not really endangered. Usually, animals like snakes, turtles and monkeys are being turned over by those who don’t know how to handle these animals. 6.There’s a circumstance that the rescuer are being harmed by the animals that they’re rescuing. Especially when those animals are not used to human activity. Accidents are inevitable in rescuing wildlife animal. 7.There are different ways on how modern technology helps these organizations to protect the wildlife easier. The Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is an effective tool for managing, analyzing, and mapping wildlife data such as population size and distribution, habitat use and preference, changes in habitats, and regional biodiversity. GIS offers an indispensable means of tracking threatened animals to help prevent further harm or even extinction. In the other hand, the Global Positioning System (GPS) device will normally record and store location data at a pre-determined interval or on interrupt by an environmental sensor. These data may be stored pending recovery of the device or relayed to a central data store or internet-connected computer using an embedded cellular (GPRS), radio, or satellite modem. The animal’s location can then be plotted against a map or chart in near real-time or, when analysing the track later, using a GIS package or custom software. But they don’t have enough number of these devices because these devices cost too much expensive. It can be afford if there were sponsors that are willing to help financially. 8.Medical health plans are provided for all the animals. Quarantine tests and annual health assessment are also given for all the animals that they are taking care of. 9. They only provide a temporary shelter. Their main objective is to rehabilitate the rescued animals and they will bring them back to their natural habitat. 10.There are many regional rescue centers all over the country. It is required to have at least one rescue center/sanctuary for the animals every region. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine flora has 101 critically endangered species, 193 endangered species and 240 vulnerable species. In the other hand, the Philippine fauna has 299 resident species, 203 migrant species, 421 endemic species, 22 indigenous species, and 7 newly introduced species. Chapter Five Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. This study determined the effectiveness of the different efforts exerted by the DENR in protecting and conserving the country’s wildlife. This sought to answer the following sub-problems. What is the total number of threatened species in the country as of year 2011? What are the factors that the organization does in conserving wildlife? I. Summary In spite of those harmful activities by humans, different organizations strive hard to protect and take care of the wildlife. There are gradually of animals are being rescued a day. Protectors of the wildlife are sometimes put in danger like being harmed by the animals that they are trying to rescue. The DENR- Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Rescue Center is established as a temporary shelter for donated, rescued, abandoned and confiscated endemic, indigenous and exotic wildlife from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. All wild animals brought into the center undergo the necessary health quarantine and rehabilitation period. Endemic and indigenous wild animals found physically fit are eventually released back into their natural habitat following standard protocol. Those unfit individuals as well as exotics are displayed in the Mini-zoo to promote public awareness, appreciation and support to the conservation of the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats. The center is also a source of display animals for legitimate zoological parks and research specimens for academic and scientific institutions. It is also a living laboratory for veterinary and biology students and wildlife enthusiasts. Nowadays, modern technology plays a big role in our daily lives to make our job easily. There are some devices that are being used by the DENR to track and detect the threatened animals. Unfortunately these devices are costly that can’t afford and can’t operate continuously. In spite of that, the organizations are trying to bring back the rescued animals to their habitats and also, they provide the entire medical health plan that the animals needed. The medical health plan depends if the animal is suffering from an illness or has been into a hazardous accident. They provide rescue centres all over the country who take temporary custody and care of all confiscated, abandoned and donated wildlife to ensure their welfare and well-being. DENR implemented rules and regulations on conserving the country’s wildlife resource and their habitats for sustainability. It is entitled â€Å"The Wildlife Act: RA No. 9147†. In general, the DENR-PAWB is the primary government agency responsible for terrestrial wildlife protection. They aim to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity. II. Conclusions From the analysis, interpretations and implications of the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. Unless the extinction doesn’t occur, the efforts exerted by the organizations are still effective. 2. There were many different organizations, different in objectives and efforts. But still they are striving for one goal, to take good care, protect and preserve the natural resources that our country’s can be proud of. 3. Protecting wildlife is to encompass plants and animals. Protecting wildlife will also protect the habitats and therefore help maintain ecological balance III. Recommendations In the light of the findings and conclusions, the following are offered as recommendations for possible action: 1. The government should develop and enhance the laws concerning the protection of country’s natural resources. 2. Increased support from state and central government agencies for the conservation of natural resources. 3. Proper planning of land and water utilization should be done to ensure the protection of wildlife in their natural habitats or in the manmade habitats such as zoos and botanical gardens.

Describe Both the Positive and Negative Impacts of Globalization to Singapore Essay

There are many definitions for globalization. With the rapid development of technical inventions and increasing economic bonding, most tend to regard ’’globalization’’ as a non-border platform, where the exchange of goods, resources, and information in all aspects take places vigorously in the present world. Apart from those materials, the movement of people also becomes frequent when the connection to every corner in the globe has been built up via advanced technology. In general, globalization not only breaks the obstacles of communication but also provides more profitable markets, which indicate a path to affluence. Without any doubt, every country tries to formulate and implement the suitable policies in order to utilize the advantages offered from globalization. Singapore is no exception. However, this unstoppable phenomenon can also be considered a double-edged sword. It could either improve or deteriorate the basic social issues. In terms of the education in Singapore, globalization indeed equips the students with strong competitiveness and international view. Since English become the language mainly used around the world, the government has started promoting English-learning environment in order to structure the track linking to the international stage. And it is proved afterwards that this strategy has successfully brought out the positive impact of globalization in Singapore. The evidence is that more and more famous universities from the West are drawn to establish branch campuses in Singapore. For instance, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore was founded in 2000 and Imperical College London-Nanyang Technological University was set up later on in 2010. These two premium schools provide opportunity and professional instruction in medical area. College of Medicine in NUS is no longer the only option for those who are keen to be a doctor. The students in Singapore are given diverse chances but equally well-trained. Meanwhile, the influx of foreign educational system not only pours in fresh energy but also opens a window for students to look further and widely. As for the country, the limited resources are expanded to nurture more elites, which is beneficial in a long-term. The structure of workforce is also changed as globalization sets in. Importing foreign workers has become one of government’s policies in attempt to maintain competitive labor. The foreign labor can be described as well-paid workers. The benefits that attach to the introduction of foreign workers are showed as advanced idea, skills, and experiences constantly flow into industries. Local workers can also gain international expertise and strengthened the capability via global network. Muti-National Corporations in Singapore render local employees workshops to further technical knowledge and personal development, and even send them abroad to other international branches. In this way, a steadfast foundation has been transplanted into Singapore’s workforce. Despite of all undeniable advantages of globalization, still, some downsides gradually slip into the society. For those at the bottom of social scale and unskilled worker, it becomes harder to survive in the society. With weak competitiveness, they are left far behind while Singapore’s economy as a whole places an impressive record in recent years. In other words, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. It is a sign revealing a crisis of M-Form Society. Middle class gradually disappears and remain two extremes in the society, poverty and affluence. Government also takes on the risk of investment in foreign companies. The investment takes large cost at very beginning and might not return profit in the immediate term. Subsequently, economic restructuring and uncertainty will accompany with the investment. On the other hand, as a result of global linked economy, the nation becomes more fragile. When ‘’September 11th terrorist attack’’ afflicted the economy leader, USA, it contributed to a domino effect around the world. Singapore also suffered from economic recession due to the close business partnership with USA. Some companies were forced to close or decided to lay off a part of employees. The fast rise of unemployment rate bombarded the society at that period of time. Nowadays, the world has been inevitably encountering the impacts of globalization although they are not fully positive. Government should weigh both advantages and disadvantages in order to find the balance in between. Therefore, the max benefits could be shared in society and minimize the potential problems derived from globalization.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hamlet by William Shakespeare - Essay Example In fact, the dramatists had significant meaning to convey to the audience of their dramatic productions which is much superior to the one which is conveyed to the modern readers. The dramatic productions constitute interpretations of plays, not at least when they delete a scene or scenes from play. Significantly, the dramatic productions of the Shakespeare plays go down their ultimate meaning if a single scene of the entire play is deleted from the production. This can be best illustrated by an analysis of Hamlet, one of the most popular tragedies by this master dramatist. If ACT IV scene 4 of Hamlet, for example, is deleted from a theatrical or cinematic production of the play, it affects the overall meaning of the play. Though apparently this particular scene does little to determine the meaning of the play, it is obvious that the scene mean a lot to the appreciation of the play by the audience of the dramatic performance. Thus, the scene places Hamlet, the protagonist of the play who is in great need of revenge against his uncle, in contrast to Fortinbras who leads his Norwegians troop toward Poland in order to conquer a worthless patch of land in Poland. The resulting soliloquy by the protagonist put across significant meaning to the audience in view of the ultimate outcome of the plot. Therefore, it is indubitable that the dramatic productions of Hamlet constitute significant interpretations of the play, not at least when they delete a scene or scenes from the play. An insightful analysis of Hamlet in terms of plot, characterization, discourse, and dramatic significance confirms that the ACT IV scene 4 of the play has a significant implication to the overall interpretation of its meaning. If a theatrical or cinematic production of the play chooses to cut this scene, the audience cannot completely comprehend the intricacies of the plot, characterization etc. Similarly, the scene is greatly important to the entire discourse or the attempt to create verbal meaning and to achieve poetic affects. Therefore, the audience realizes the beauty of the soliloquy uttered by the protagonist with superior feeling and determination. "How all occasions do inform against me / And spur my dull revenge! What is a man, / If his chief good and market of his time / Be but to sleep and feed a beast, no more." (Shakespeare) Shakespeare also succeeds to demonstrate his dramatic skill through his poetic language, verbal connotations, plot development and characterization in the scene. The final soliloquy in the scene exhibits the quality of poetic feeling in the Shakespearean drama, apart from confirming the development in characterization and plot. The scene, therefore, has a central value to the protagonist in framing his ultimate decision to take revenge upon his enemy. Here, the audience experiences the building up of the character of Hamlet who, by the end of the scene, is greatly determined about his future plans of revenge. Considering the development in the plot, the ACT IV scene 4 of the play may be considered greatly important and the scene is central to the ultimate result of the plot. Fortinbras and the troop have left their homeland "for an egg-shell" and Hamlet's need for revenge is more important than this. The following soliloquy by Hamlet may be considered as the nucleus of the plot development. This soliloquy reflects the turning point in the plot development as well as in the characterization of Hamlet. Ultimately, Hamlet realizes

Pestle analysis for hybrid cars in US Coursework

Pestle analysis for hybrid cars in US - Coursework Example Politicians, in as early as 1990, have put emphasis on better environment; and thy showed concern for environmental pollution. The Clean Air Act was revised in 1990 and became tougher on emission norms (Wilson and Dilulio, 2008 p.561). Today, fuel is not only related to environmental issues, but also a concern for national security. In 2007 president Bush showed concern on America’s dependence on foreign petroleum. The present president, President Obama too is concerned. He wants to reduce the America’s ‘Addiction to foreign oil’. In 2009 Obama revised climatic policies and forced car makers to build more fuel efficient and pollution free cars (Tan et al, 2012, p.3). Presently the government provides tax benefits to the buyers of hybrid cars (Boone and Kurtz, 2013, p 75). From the above facts it is clear that political opinions and activities in the USA are very favourable for Hybrid cars. Tougher policy on vehicle emission means increased opportunities for zero or minimum emitting vehicles like hybrid cars. Economic Factors: There are some economic factors that can influence the hybrid car industry in the USA. America is largely dependent upon other countries for petroleum. If domestic fuel consumption is reduced US’s oil import will reduce. This will surely lessen US’s trade deficit (Tan et al, 2012, p.4). ... As hybrid cars are more fuel efficient people can save money on fuel (Miller and Stafford, 2020, p.38). However, a hybrid car costs more than a conventional car. Therefore, the initial high purchasing cost might discourage potential buyers of hybrid cars (Miller and Stafford, 2020, p.38). The government has made special budgetary allocations for new generation vehicles. This money is being spent on development of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles. This fact is an excellent encouragement for hybrid car industry (Tan et al, 2012, p.4). Therefore, it is clear that most of the economic factors can positively influence the US hybrid car industry. However, high price of hybrid cars might be a deterrent. Social Factors: The hybrid car industry could be influenced by several social factors. The environmental pollution is linked with social issues like health. Conventional cars that emit more harmful gases cause more damage to human health. Hybrid cars emit a negligible amount of these gases. Therefore they are seen as more human health-friendly. Moreover, hybrid cars are silent. Noise has negative impact on health. In this aspect too, hybrid cars promote better health (Tan et al, 2012, pp.4-5). Hybrid cars are now linked with social status. Reports show that US consumers buy greener products to improve social status. Consumers are even ready to ‘sacrifice luxury and performance to benefit from the perceived social status that comes from buying a product with a reduced environmental impact’ (Vaughan, 29 March, 2010). As hybrid cars are greener, owning a hybrid car will improve the owner’s social status (Vaughan, 29 March, 2010). Another social fact worth mentioning here is: women prefer electric cars.

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Report - Essay Example In particular, report discusses the result of the experiment and includes their meaning within the context of chemistry. The first experiment dealt with the observations when a candle is lit. On lighting the candle, only its wick burnt. However, after about 5 seconds, the heat from the burning weak melted some candle. This had the effect of increasingly brightening the flame from the candle. It seemed like the molten candle was acting as the flame’s source of fuel. The experiment aimed at establishing if oxygen was necessary for the sustenance of a burning process. When the burning candle was covered with a 400ml beaker, it burned for about 10 seconds before going off. A repeat of the procedure produced a similar result. The candle went off after 10 seconds. The third experiment involved testing for carbon dioxide. This entailed collecting the contents of the overturned beaker then testing its content with limewater. When limewater was immediately swirled inside the 400ml beaker, the contents immediately turned cloudy. The fourth experiment entailed the examination if water was a by-product in the burning candle. When the 400ml beaker was held upside down over the candle. The bottom of the beaker became immediately moist. However, when the beaker was held longer over the candle, the moisture like substance dried leaving behind a round patch. According to O’Hare (2007), when a candle burns, combustion takes place and both carbon dioxide and water are the resulting products. Reportedly, the candle is a type of fuel called a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are rich in carbon and hydrogen molecules. Additionally, its weak structure means that it has a lower melting point. That is why in the first experiment, it was observed that the candle immediately began to melt when the wick was lit. The brightening of the candle was due to an exposure to a substantial amount of fuel. O’Hare (2007) denotes that when a hydrocarbon like a candle burns, it follows

Man versus Nature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Man versus Nature - Essay Example On the contrary sometimes it becomes like a foe of man in the form of the grim harshness of the rough oceans, thundering and sometimes deadly lightning, earthquakes, tsunamis, violent blizzard and fatal frozen climate. The nature proves its valour through various such disasters and calamities which in a moment destroy the human existence. Famous English poet, William Blake shows two contradictory forms of nature one is innocent (Lamb) and another is fierce, violent (Tiger) in his collection of poems â€Å"Songs of Innocence,† and â€Å"Song of Experience.† Through it the nature always shows the fragility of human existence. Nature is neutral. It is the man, whose perception is different. While discussing on the topic â€Å"Man v/s Nature,† The theory of naturalism is important to be discussed to understand the relationship between nature and its inhabitants. Key words: Naturalism, nature, man, harmonious, indifferent The Theory of Naturalism: The theory of Natura lism can be defined as a theory in literature which highlights the role of environment upon human characters. The writers between the age of 1880 and 1940 were influenced by the theory of Naturalism. ... The Application of the Naturalism theory in â€Å"Open Boat,† and â€Å"To Build a Fire† The same theory of Naturalism is the base of many writers of the age of 1880 and 1940. Among them were the two major writers, Stephen Crane and Jack London. Their short stories have been taken into consideration for the discussion. The first one is â€Å"Open Boat,† written by Stephen Crane, and another is â€Å"To Build a Fire,† by Jack London. Both of these stories are based on the eternal struggle of man against nature and their partial or complete defeat to fight with against nature. These stories depict man’s fight for survival against extreme adverse conditions of nature. â€Å"The Open Boat† is a true story based on the actual incident happened in the writer’s life when he was travelling to Cuba to work as a newspaper correspondent. He was caught in the fierce ocean and was fighting for life for 30 hours along. He had been accompanied by his three companions. His four characters of this story include the Captain, the oiler, the correspondent, and the cook. These are the human character and one more character appears throughout the story which is non human and abstract, and it is nature. Nature has played the role of an antagonist of this story. It can be described as a revenge story in which the revenge is being taken by nature according to Crane’s point of view. At least the tone of the story expresses the enmity between man and the nature. All of these four men are ceaselessly trying to save their boat from the menace of swamping. The writer wants to indicate that nature has a lack of concern of what is happening with the man and thus behaves like a retaliating antagonist. Indifference of Nature towards Man The birds are sitting comfortably and they

Capturing memorable moments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Capturing memorable moments - Essay Example The author, Bill McKibben, in his work â€Å"Year One of the Next Earth,† writes about how the frequency and the intensity of all the hurricanes are increasing year after year. Initially he describes the hurricane by explaining what it actually is and then goes on to talk about a research paper which was presented by a scientist named, Kerry Emmanuel, who had researched on the intensity of all the hurricanes had had shockingly discovered their rising intensity with each passing year. Just after Emmanuel had presented his paper, he saw the nature itself approving it by the incident of the hurricane Katrina. His paper was the proof that the old extreme was the new norm. The author after providing this shocking discovery goes on to discuss about the reasons why the intensity of the storms and hurricanes are increasing. He says that the humans themselves are the reason for the rising intensity of the natural disasters. This is because the destructive activities such as production of smoke leading to overall global warming are accountable for the rise of the natural disasters. He says that global warming leads to natural rise of temperature, which is leading to thwarting of the ice in the Polar Regions, and rise in sea level. Moreover, the overall rise in temperature is leading to rise in temperature in the tropical areas. Even the area where the temperature was unfit for breeding of mosquitoes filled with them now due to the absurd rise in temperature. All these disasters are accountable to the malpractices practiced all over the world. The writer states in the end that we are living in a different world than the world our parents or grandparents use d to live in. Although we do not realize it apparently but the pictures that the writer has provided along with the text proves it. The writer finally concludes that we could call this the Earth that we are living in is the first year of the New Earth and therefore in this way the writer

Which step in the communication process do you consider to be the most Essay

Which step in the communication process do you consider to be the most important - Essay Example The reason a message is created is to get to the receiver (Krizan et al. 2011). Arguably, without the receiver there would be no message and no sender as well. The sender has to deliberate everything revolving around the receiver. The sender has to deliberate on who the sender is, the message to be communicated to the receiver and how the message will get to the receiver. It is only after deliberating on the above mentioned issues that the communication process can begin. The most uncomfortable step of the communication process is transmitting the message. The sender has to relay a message through a channel that will get to the right receivers. It goes without saying that an inappropriate channel can result to ineffective communication process (Krizan et al. 2011). Therefore, in order to certify that the process is comfortable and that the message reaches the right recipients, it is crucial to ponder on the attributes of the communication since the efficiency of some of the communication networks vary with the attributes of the

Alchohol as a Fuel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alchohol as a Fuel - Essay Example The burning characteristics of methanol entail bright blue flame. Methanol is also a colorless liquid, which is very volatile. The odor of methanol is unique and distinctive. The burning characteristic of methanol is bright white flame (Yant, 2012). The paper also studies the physical effects between ethanol and methanol. Ethanol is the main ingredient of fermented beverages and also distilled alcoholic drinks. People who ingest ethanol experience the intoxication feeling. However, the consumers of ethanol can vomit or suffer from alcohol poisoning after taking large volumes of the substance. On the contrary, methanol must never be inhales, ingested or contact the skin. Small doses of the substance are very harmful. Ingesting small doses can highly cause blindness, and in worse scenarios be fatal. Ethanol is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. This is due to its intoxicating effects. The substance is also utilized as a category of alternative fuel. The alternative fuel is mainly produced using sugarcane and corn by products. Specially designed cars, mostly in the United States, utilize approximately 85% ethanol fuel. Ethanol fuel is also used in rocket fuel. Antiseptic characteristics of the substance ensure its usage in the production of hand gels and antibacterial wipes. Ethanol is a god solvent, hence greatly used as a base for different categories of paints and perfumes (Smith & Snyder, 2008). On the other hand, methanol is mainly used in the generation of other chemicals like formaldehyde. The substance is very desirable as fuel for the stunt and race vehicles. This is because it is not as flammable as gasoline, and water can distinguish its flame easily. Small quantities of methanol are used in the manufacture of denatured alcohol, plus also the production of solvents. The two substances react differently with water. Ethanol and water easily combine to produce homogeneous solution; hence miscible in water. But methanol

Knowledge management Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Knowledge management - Annotated Bibliography Example d that KM is supported as a means of harnessing and utilizing intellectual resources to address challenges, as well as improving innovation, business performance and client approval. This paper aims at providing annotated bibliography for the topic of knowledge management. After careful selection, five articles have been found from the online library, and these have been discussed here in the paper. A common format has been used for summarizing the articles to be able to cover the major aspects of the paper. The main aim of the article is to identify the nature of the methodology employed by top business and management journals and to analyse the aspects that are considered while creation of the management knowledge. This article has used a very different approach and completes its sampling from the various other management articles that have been presented in the past. Based on this, the following information: Sample: A hundred and twenty articles have been chosen from leading management journals between the periods of 1991 to 2000.Instrument: Secondary Data collection (Desk Study) Analysis: The analysis of the article focuses on the characteristics of the authorship and also focuses on the research methodology adopted by the sample articles. The research findings clearly provides detailed explanation of the authorship profiles, where it has been found that majority of the contributors are senior academics and only as low as 6% of the total papers were actually by lecturers or assistant professors. The major contributors were the associate professors and the professors. The findings also find that majority of the authors were male with around 35% of the authors as female. This research although not directly related to the topic, proves to be very helpful and impactful in the field of research as in knowledge management. This article helps the students and the readers identify with a various set of important aspects like the reliability, and validity of the

The effect of reactant concentration Essay Example for Free

The effect of reactant concentration Essay Then pour the amount of Sodium Thiosulfate using a measuring cylinder to the conical flask, the amount will vary depending on the sample. 4. Rinse the measuring cylinder in water under the tap to clean it of excess sodium thiosulfate. 5. Pour the water from the measuring cylinder into the conical flask (already containing the Sodium Thiosulfate), the amount of water will vary depending on the sample. 6. Draw a cross on a blank piece of paper. 7. Place the conical flash containing the water and Sodium Thiosulfate mixture directly on top of the cross on the paper. 8. Collect 5 ml of Hydrochloric Acid using the clean measuring cylinder. 9. Keep the stop watch ready to time the reaction time once the Hydrochloric Acid is added to the conical flask. 10. Transfer all of the 5 mL of Hydrochloric Acid into the conical flask and swirl the conical flask to start the reaction and begin timing. 11. Stop timing and record the time taken, when you can no longer see the cross drawn on the paper. 12. Repeat steps 2-11 for each sample while changing the some of the variants. Variables: Independent Variable: The variable that changes in the investigation is the amount of Sodium Thiosulfate in the solution. Â  Dependent Variable For this experiment the measured variable is the time taken for the reaction to conclude. This was measured in seconds. Â  Controlled Variables: o The amount of water in solution this was added to ensure that 50 mL of mixture was contained within the flask for each sample case. o Temperature o Amount of Hydrochloric acid 5 mL each time. Results: We observed that when the HCL was added into the conical flask that a murky perception formed in the solution thus the clear solution turned unclear. This can be explained by the following chemical reaction taking place; 2HCL (aq) + Na2S2O (aq) S(s) + SO2 (g) + H2O The table below captures the results we obtained; Table 1 Sample 2M HCL Amount of Na2S2O Amount of H2O Concentration of Na2S2O Time mL mL mL M Sec Graph 1 Graph 2 Discussion: By collecting the results from the investigation we were able to come to a conclusion on the affects of varying the amount of Na2S2O and water has on the reaction of a solution. Graph 1 and Table 1 above shows the amount of Na2S2O and the amount of water in each sample. This graph also shows the time taken for the reaction to finish, this being the time when we could no longer see the cross on the paper below the conical flask due to the solution becoming too murky in colour. It can be observed by looking at Graph 1 that, the lower the amount of Na2S2O that is present in the solution, the longer the time taken for the reaction to finish. This occurs because there is a reduced amount of Na2S2O concentration present in the mixture which can react with the HCL. This can also be seen in Graph 2 which shows the relationship between the amounts of Na2S2O concentration to the time required for the reaction to finish. Graph 1 also shows that the greater the amount of water present in the solution the longer it takes for the reaction to finish as the concentration of Na2S2O to HCL is further diluted. Thus it can be concluded that our results support the hypothesis; that more concentrated solutions react faster than diluted solutions do. The affect on the reaction rate when varying the amount of water and Na2S2O is that; more concentrated the Na2S2O and HCL mixture is, the faster the reaction occurs, i.e. the less water that is present to dilute the mixture the faster the reaction occurs. Evaluation: Overall the investigation was completed successfully and we achieved our aim of investigating how a change in the concentration of a reactant affects that rate of a chemical reaction. There are a number of factors that can be changed and controlled so that to improve the accuracy of the results. The following things done in the future will help to ensure that more reliable data is obtained; Using a rubber stopper in the conical flask: when the HCL was transferred into the conical flask, gas escaped form the top of the flask. If in future tests, this gas was trapped inside the flask with the use of a stopper the reaction may have completed faster. Â  Reducing human error: Starting the timer at the same time in all the reactions would have helped to increase the accuracy of the results. The timer should have been started either once the full amount of HCL was transferred in the conical flask or should have started when the pouring started. Another variable which could have been controlled was the number of times the conical flask was swirled after the HCL was added. This would have further helped with the accuracy of the data if all the samples were swirled at the same speed and the same number of times. Â  Using distilled water: this would ensure that the water is pure There might have also been errors with reading the scales on the measuring cylinder as we were reading these to the best of our ability. To be certain that the exact amount of solution was added an electronic weighing scale could have been used.

The bad advice

The bad advice The thirty-fourth president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, famously stated, You do not lead by hitting people over the head thats assault not leadership. Although, in modern times this statement may seem quite logical, it is interesting to note that in todays world there are still nations that are lead by power hungry politicians who have no interest in the well being of the people that dwell in their impoverished nations. These dictators main leadership tactic is simple: they rule by injecting fear into the masses. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, explores the complicated world of leaders and in the end comes to its main argument that says, it is much more safe to be feared than to be loved, when you have to choose between the two. (Machiavelli, The Prince) While in many cases this may be true, it shouldnt be overlooked that Machiavelli wrote this work hundreds of years ago and as Bob Dylan had so perfectly put it, The times they are a-changin. With modern advanceme nts and the whole world trying to push itself in a new direction, Machiavellis ideas may now become out-dated and flawed. Machiavelli believes that if a leader is loved too much, this allows for the people to have too much power which eventually will result in revolt. Nevertheless, in todays world where democracy in many nations is the norm, being loved by the people has more benefits than being feared; by analyzing recent history one will be able to prove that leading with a more open mind is significantly better then leading people through fear. When referring to the word peace, a few instant political figures come to mind and one of these people is none other than Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Not only was Gandhi the political leader of his native nation India during the Independence Movement, but he was also regarded as the spiritual leader. His famous nonviolence practices had inspired independence movements not only in India but in countries all over the world. Gandhi is hailed to be Father of India and his leading practices did not involve any form of force or violence. Instead of using his fist, Gandhi would use his calm personality and persuasive public speaking techniques in order to win over the hearts of the people and lead a nation that was on the course of total destruction to salvation. Machiavelli urged that a leader should have some sort of physical control over the people, but little did he know that hundreds of years later a man by the name of Gandhi would completely shatter the foundations of former leading p rinciples. Gandhi, had famously stated, When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall- think of it, always. This inspirational quote proves that societies created by tyrants will eventually crumble and democracy and peace will forever prosper. In addition, Gandhi was not the first person to introduce the theory of non-violence but he was the first to practice it on such a large scale. By advocating non-violence Gandhi directly contradicts Machiavellis beliefs through the following quote: The science of war leads one to dictatorship, pure and simple. The science of non-violence alone can lead one to pure democracyPower based on love is thousand times more effective and permanent than power derived from fear of punishment.It is a blasphemy to say non-violence can be practiced only by individuals and never by nations which are composed of individuals. Gandhi message to the world is clear and simple: love and peace are far stronger and more effective then fear. Although, Machiavelli wrote in a completely different time period it is clear how Gandhi disproves his theories. (Http://www.mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/bio_5000/bio5.htm.) If there was a man that was the complete anti- Christ of Gandhi that man would have been named Kim Jong-Il. Kim Jong-Il is the dictator of North Korea which was a country that was founded by his father in 1994. Although, his image inside the North Korean borders may be depicted as saintly, in reality it is the fear of the people he leads that actually give him his prestigious status. Many North Koreans officially refer to him as Great Leader, but if they werent pressured by his tyrannical rule they would most likely come up with different names for him; some of which would not be as pleasant as the name he holds now. Due to his strong grasp and negative influence he holds over his people, his country will never be able to prosper like many powerful democracies around the world. If one were to take a look at some of the most powerful modern nations they would realize that all of them are held together by a strong democratic backbone. The only nation in the modern era that seemed to pr osper even though it was ruled by a dictator was the Soviet Union, but like Gandhi had predicted it eventually collapsed just like all the other tyrannies that came before it. Once again, Machiavellis advice seems to have many flaws if it were to be used in the modern world. Kim Jong-Il is tirelessly trying to create a more powerful nation but is failing to do so because of his corrupt leading techniques. (http://asianhistory.about.com/od/profilesofasianleaders/p/BioKimJongil.htm) Machiavelli had mentioned that a leader can either implement harsh rule or be loved by the people but most likely he cannot be both, however the former ruler of China, Mao Zedong, may have disproved this theory. Mao Zedong was a Chinese revolutionary and at the same time communist leader. With any communist nation, harsh rule and strict policy is a given which makes it difficult for a communist leader to be popular with the people, but Mao Zedong somehow was able to be adored by his followers. To this day Mao is regarded in China as an incredible revolutionary, political mastermind, military genius and overall the savior of China. Many people give Mao credit for taking Chinas mainly agricultural society and transforming it into the economic powerhouse that is today. Although, many people praise him for his revolutionary genius, Mao didnt achieve all his accomplishments through the love of the people. He was in fact still a dictator more interested in the prosperity of his nation rath er than the prosperity of his people. Mao had implemented several political policies and purges which were now estimated to have caused the deaths of roughly sixty million people. Nevertheless, most Chinese people still hailed them as their hero because without him China would have ended up much worse without him. Mao again illustrates how Machiavellis advice does not apply to the modern world. (http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/) Many different leaders have their own leading styles, but what most modern and successful leaders have in common is that they lead democratic countries where the voice of the people is heard. Of course, there will always be exceptions to the norm such as Mao Zedong, but even he doesnt follow Machiavellis advice. All three figures presented in the earlier paragraphs disprove the idea that Machiavelli created years ago. Works Cited Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. Hertfordshire: Wordsworth Editions, 1997. Http://www.mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/bio_5000/bio5.htm. MAHATMA GANDHI ONE SPOT COMPLETE INFORMATION WEBSITE. Web. 24 Feb. 2010. . Kim Jong il Biography North Korea. Asian History History of Asia. Web. 23 Feb. 2010. . Reference Archive: Mao Zedong. Marxists Internet Archive. Web. 24 Feb. 2010. .

Introduction to personality

Introduction to personality The manner in which a person acts and interacts is a reflection of his personality. Personality is influenced by hereditary, cultural and social factors. Regardless of how its defined, however, psychologists generally accept certain principles: Personality is an organized whole; otherwise, the individual would have no meaning. Personality appears to be organized into patterns that are to some degree observable and measurable. Although personality has a biological basis, its specific development is also a product of social and cultural environments. Personality has superficial aspects such as attitudes toward being a team leader and a deeper core such as sentiments about authority or the Protestant work ethic. Personality involves both common and unique characteristics. Every person is different from every other person in some respects, while being similar to other persons in other respects. (Sources from James L Gibson, John M. Ivancevich, Jams H. Donnelly, JR and Robert Konopaske, (2003). Organisational Behavior, Structure, Process, New Yoke: The McGraw-Hill Companies). Part of the pleasure of getting to know someone is the fascination of learning who they are and how they think. Each person has a unique pattern of thinking, behaving, and expressing their feelings. In short, everyone has a unique personality. Without doubt, personality touches our daily lives. Falling in love, choosing friends, getting along with co-workers, voting for a president, or coping with your zaniest relatives all raise questions about personality. What is Personality? Personality could be further explained by the following theories by various writers: Personality can be defines as an integrated part of an individual it is something a person does or has. People bring their personalities to situations and take them away with them when they leave (Davey, 2004). Personality defines as a stable set of characteristics and tendencies that determine commonalities and differences in peoples behavior (James, 1994). Personality defines as a persons unique pattern of thinking, emotions, and behavior (Funder, 2001). Personality defines as the structures inside a person that explain why he or she creates a particular impression on others (MacKinnon, 1969). Personality refers to the consistency in who you are, have been, and will become. It also refers to the special blend of talents, value, hopes, loves, hates, and habits that makes each of us a unique person (Coon, 2006). Personality defines as an individuals personality is a relatively stable set of characteristics, tendencies and temperaments that have been significantly formed by inheritance and by social, cultural and environmental factors. This set of variables determines the commonalities and differences and differences in the behavior of the individual (Gibson, 2003). Personality defines as the distinctive impression a person makes on others (Goldberg, 1993). Personality defines as a dynamic organisation, inside the person, of psychophysical systems that create a persons characteristic patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings (Carver and Scheier, 2000) (Allport, 1961). Personality defines as the combinations of the psychological traits that characterize that person (Robbins and DeCenzo, 2005). Personality defines as a dynamic and organized set of characteristics possessed by a person that uniquely influences his or her cognitions, motivations, and behaviors in various situations (Ryckman, 2004). Determinants of Personality Personality is the outcome of a continuous personal quality development process. The role of personality becomes clear in a particular situation. Personality is recognised in a situation. It is the results of personal quality interaction in a particular condition. The major determinants of personality of an individual are given below: Biological factors Heredity: Heredity refers to those factors that were determined at conception. Physic stature, facial attractiveness, sex, temperament, muscle composition and reflexes, energy level, and biological rhythms are characteristics that are generally considered to be either completely or substantially influenced by who your parents were; that is, by their biological, physiological, and inherent psychological makeup. The contribution of heredity to personality development is vividly clear for developing external appearance, behavior, social stimuli, self inner awareness, organizing traits, etc. Environment: Exerts pressure on personality formation. Culture, religious practices, family groups, friends, social groups and experience play a part in shaping personality. Culture establishes norms, attitudes, and values that are passed over generations. Situation: Personality changes in different situations. Different situations demand different types of behavior. Situations restrict or cause us elicit certain types of behaviors. We behave differently when attending funeral. We display different behavior when attending employment interview. Personality Types Personality type refers to the psychological classification of different types of people. Personality types are distinguished from personality traits, which come in different levels or degrees. According to type theories, for instance, there are two fundamentals types of people, introverts and extraverts. According to traits theories, introversion and extraversion are part of a continuous dimension. Extraverts energy is directed primarily outward, towards people and things outside of themselves. Introverts energy is primarily directed inward, towards their own thoughts, perceptions, and reactions. Therefore, extraverts tend to be more naturally active, expressive, social, and interested in many things, whereas introverts tend to be more reserved, private, cautions, and interested in fewer interactions, but with greater depth and focus. Below Figure 1 is the characteristic of Extraverts and Introverts (Tieger Barron, 2003). Even though types tend to oversimplify personality, they do have value. Most often, types are a shorthand way of labeling who have several traits in common. One well known example of personality types is Type A theory. According to this theory, impatient, hostile people are classified as Type A, whereas calm, laid back individuals are designated as Type B. Type A In Type A personality, people belonging to such category are hard driving, ambitious, highly competitive, achievement oriented, and striving. Type A people believe that with enough effort they can overcome any obstacle, and they push themselves accordingly (Niaura, 2002). Types As seem to chafe at the normal pace of events. They hurry from one activity to another, racing the clock in self-imposed urgency. As they do, they feel a constant sense of frustration and anger. Feelings of anger and hostility, in particular, are strongly related to increased risk of heart attack (Niaura, 2002). Characteristics of Type A people are summarized in the short self-identification test presented in Figure 2 below. Characteristics of the Type A Person Have a habit of explosively accentuating various key words in ordinary speech even when there is no need for such accentuation. Finish other peoples sentences for them. Always move, walk and eat rapidly. Quickly skim reading material and prefer summaries or condensations of books. Become easily angered by slow-moving lines or traffic. Feel an impatience with the rate at which most events take place. Tend to be unaware of the details or beauty of your surroundings. Frequently strive to think of or do two or more things simultaneously. Almost always feel vaguely guilty when you relax, vacation, or do absolutely nothing for several days. Tend to evaluate your worth in quantitative terms (number of As earned, amount of income, number of games won, and so forth). Have nervous gestures or muscle twitches, such as grinding your teeth, clenching your fists, or drumming your fingers. Attempt to schedule more and more activities into less time and in so doing make fewer allowances for unforeseen problems. Frequently think about other things while talking to someone. Repeatedly take on more responsibilities than you can comfortably handle. (Shortened and adapted from Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosenman, Type A Behavior and Your Heart, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc, 1983). As our society places a premium on achievement, competition, and mastery, it is not surprising that many people develop Type A personalities. The best way to avoid the self-made stress this causes is to adopt behavior that is the opposite of that listed in Figure 2 above. It is entirely possible to succeed in life without sacrificing your health or happiness in the process. Type B The converse, the Type B individual, mainly is free of the Type A behavior pattern characteristics and generally feels no pressing conflict with either time or persons. The Type B may have considerable drive, want to accomplish things and work hard, but the Type B has a confident style that allows him or her to work at a steady pace and not to race against the clock. The Type A has been likened to a racehorse; the Type B, to a turtle. Type B individual appear more relaxed and easy-going. They accept situations and work within them rather fight them competitively. Type B individual are especially relaxed regarding time pressure, so they are less prone to have problems associated with stress. Still, Type B individuals can be highly productive workers who meet schedule expectations; they simply obtain results in a different manner. Characteristics of the Type B Person Patient Relaxes Easy-going, mellow May avoid confrontation Not quick to anger (Shortened and adapted from Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosenman, Type A Behavior and Your Heart, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc, 1983). Personality Traits Five specific personality traits have proven most powerful in explaining individual behavior in organizations. These are locus of control, machiavellianism, self-esteem, self-monitoring and risk propensity. Locus of Control Some people believe that they control their own fate. Others see themselves as pawns of fate, believing that what happens to them in their lives us due to luck or chance. The Locus of Control in the first case is internal. In the second case, it is external; these people believe that their lives are controlled by outside forces. A manager might also expect to find that externals blame a poor performance evaluation on their bosss prejudice, their employees, or other events outside their control, whereas internal explain the same evaluation in terms of their own actions. Machiavellianism The second personality trait is called Machiavellianism. An individual who is high in Machiavellianism is pragmatic, maintains emotional distance, believes that ends can justify means, and is found to have beliefs that are less ethical. Jobs that require bargaining skills (labour negotiator) or that have substantial rewards for winning (a commissioned salesperson), high Machiavellianism are productive. In job in which ends do not justify the means or that lack absolute standards of the performance, it is difficult to predict the performance of high Machiavellianism. Self-Esteem People differ in the degree to which they like or dislike themselves. This trait is called Self-Esteem. The research on Self-Esteem offers some interesting insights into organizational behavior. For instance, Self-Esteem is directly related to expectations for success. High Self-Esteem believed that they possess the ability to succeed at work. Individuals with high Self-Esteem will take more risks in job selection and are more likely to choose unconventional jobs than are people with low Self-Esteem. Low Self-Esteem is dependent on positive evaluations from others. As a result, they are more likely to seek approval from others and more prone to conform to the beliefs and behaviors of those they respect than are high Self-Esteems. Self-Monitoring The third personality trait is called Self-Monitoring. It refers to an individuals ability to adjust his or her behavior to external, situational factors (Snyder, 1987). Individuals high in Self-Monitoring can show considerable adaptability in adjusting their behavior to external, situational factors. They are highly sensitive to external cues and can behave differently in different situations. Risk Propensity The final personality trait is called Risk Propensity. A preference to assume or avoid risk has been shown to have an impact on how long it takes individuals to make a decision and how much information they require before making their choice. For instance, 79 managers worked on a simulated human resources management exercise that required them to make hiring decisions (Taylor, 2000). High risk-taking managers made more rapid decisions and used less information in making their choices than did the low risk-taking managers. Interestingly, the decisions accuracy was the same for both groups. The Big 5 Models The Big Five represents taxonomy (classification system) of traits that some personality psychologists suggest capture the essence of individual differences in personality. These traits were arrived at through factor analysis studies. The five factors are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. The following are some of the important characteristics of the five factors. The factors are dimensions, not types, so people vary continuously on them, with most people falling in between the extremes (Soldz Vaillant, 1999). The factors are stable over a 45-year period beginning in young adulthood (Soldz Vaillant, 1999). The factors and their specific facets are heritable (McCrae, 1998). The factors probably had adaptive value in a prehistoric environment (Buss, 1996). The factors are considered universal, having been recovered in languages as diverse as German and Chinese (McCrae Costa, 1997). Knowing ones placement on the factors is useful for insight and improvement through therapy (McCrae Costa, 1992). The Big Five factors and their constituent traits: Openness Appreciation for art, Emotion, Adventure, Unusual ideas, Imagination, Curiosity and Variety of experience Conscientiousness A tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement; planned rather than spontaneous behavior. Extraversion Energy, Positive emotions, Surgency, and the tendency to seek stimulation and the company of others. Agreeableness A tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. Neuroticism A tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, or vulnerability; sometimes called emotional instability. (Source adapted from J. S. Wiggins (Ed.). The five-factor mode of personality: Theoretical perspectives. New York: Guilford). Openness Openness is a general appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity, and variety of experience. The trait distinguishes imaginative people from down-to-earth, conventional people. People who are open to experience are intellectually curious, appreciative of art, and sensitive to beauty. They tend to be, compared to closed people, more creative and more aware of their feelings. They are more likely to hold unconventional beliefs (Buss D. M., 1996). People with low scores on openness tend to have more conventional, traditional interests. They prefer the plain, straightforward, and obvious over the complex, ambiguous, and subtle. They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion, regarding these endeavours as abstruse or of no practical use. Closed people prefer familiarity over novelty. They are conservative and resistant to change (Buss D. M., 1996). Conscientiousness Conscientiousness is a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement. The trait shows a preference for planned rather than spontaneous behaviour. It influences the way in which we control, regulate, and direct our impulses (Buss D. M., 1996). The benefits of high conscientiousness are obvious. Conscientious individuals avoid trouble and achieve high levels of success through purposeful planning and persistence. They are also positively regarded by others as intelligent and reliable. On the negative side, they can be compulsive perfectionists and workaholics (Buss D. M., 1996). Extraversion Extraversion, also called extroversion, is characterized by positive emotions, surgency, and the tendency to seek out stimulation and the company of others. The trait is marked by pronounced engagement with the external world. Extraverts enjoy being with people, and are often perceived as full of energy. They tend to be enthusiastic, action-oriented individuals who are likely to say Yes! or Lets go! to opportunities for excitement. In groups they like to talk, assert themselves, and draw attention to themselves (Buss D. M., 1996). Introverts lack the exuberance, energy, and activity levels of extraverts. They tend to be quiet, low-key, deliberate, and less involved in the social world. Their lack of social involvement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression. Introverts simply need less stimulation than extraverts and more time alone (Buss D. M., 1996). Agreeableness Agreeableness is a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. The trait reflects individual differences in concern with for social harmony. Agreeable individuals value getting along with others. They are generally considerate, friendly, generous, helpful, and willing to compromise their interests with others. Agreeable people also have an optimistic view of human nature. They believe people are basically honest, decent, and trustworthy (Burger, 2008). Disagreeable individuals place self-interest above getting along with others. They are generally unconcerned with others well-being, and are less likely to extend themselves for other people. Sometimes their skepticism about others motives causes them to be suspicious, unfriendly, and uncooperative (Burger, 2008). Neuroticism Neuroticism is the tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or depression. It is sometimes called emotional instability. Those who score high in neuroticism are emotionally reactive and vulnerable to stress. They are more likely to interpret ordinary situations as threatening, and minor frustrations as hopelessly difficult. Their negative emotional reactions tend to persist for unusually long periods of time, which means they are often in a bad mood. These problems in emotional regulation can diminish a neurotics ability to think clearly, make decisions, and cope effectively with stress (Burger, 2008). Individuals who score low in neuroticism are less easily upset and are less emotionally reactive. They tend to be calm, emotionally stable, and free from persistent negative feelings. Freedom from negative feelings does not mean that low scorers experience a lot of positive feelings. Frequency of positive emotions is a component of the Extraversion domain (Burger, 2008). Application The test that I had just taken is based on the Five Factor Model of personality. There is a broad consensus amongst personality theorists that this model, which describes five major domains or traits, is the best current description of the structure of personality. The five major dimensions, and my scores on them, are described below. Factor I: Extraversion (AKA Surgency) This trait reflects preference for, and behavior in, social situations. People high in extraversion are energetic and seek out the company of others. Low scorers (introverts) tend to be more quiet and reserved. Compared to other people who have taken this test, my score on this dimension (25) is about average. Factor II: Agreeableness (AKA Friendliness) This trait reflects how we tend to interact with others. People high in agreeableness tend to be trusting, friendly and cooperative. Low scorers tend to be more aggressive and less cooperative. Compared to other people who have taken this test, my score on this dimension (25) is about average. Factor III: Conscientiousness (AKA Will or Dependability) This trait reflects how organized and persistent we are in pursuing our goals. High scorers are methodical, well organized and dutiful. Low scorers are less careful, less focused and more likely to be distracted from tasks. Compared to other people who have taken this test, my score on this dimension (29) is relatively low. Factor IV: Neuroticism (AKA Emotional Stability) This trait reflects the tendency to experience negative thoughts and feelings. High scorers are prone to insecurity and emotional distress. Low scorers tend to be more relaxed, less emotional and less prone to distress. Compared to other people who have taken this test, my score on this dimension (25) is about average. Factor V: Openness (AKA Culture or Intellect) This trait reflects open-mindedness and interest in culture. High scorers tend to be imaginative, creative, and to seek out cultural and educational experiences. Low scorers are more down-to-earth, less interested in art and more practical in nature. Compared to other people who have taken this test, my score on this dimension (21) is relatively low. (Sources adapted from Paul D. Tieger Barbara Barron (2000-2003) retrieved on 21 December 2009, from www.personalitytype.com). Conclusion In conclusion, personality types group people into categories on the basic of shared traits and traits are lasting personal qualities that are inferred from behaviour. People who have traits of the hardy personality seem to be resistant to stress, even if they also have Type A traits. People with Type A personalities are competitive, striving, hostile, impatient, and prone to having heart attacks. Personality variables, such as Locus of Control, Machiavellianism, are associated with behavior and performance. Although difficult to measure, these variables appear to be important personality facets in explaining and predicting individual behavior. Reference Funder D C. (2001). Personality. Annual Review Psychology Coon, D. (2006). Psychology: A Modular Approach to Mind and Behavior, (10th eth). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. James L. Gibson (1994). Organisational Behavior, Structure, Process. USA, Von Hoffmann Press Inc. Niaura, R. (1994). Hostility, The Metabolic Syndrome, and Incident Coronary Heart Disease. Health Psychology. Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosenman (1983). Type A Behavior and Your Heart, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Soldz, S., Vaillant, G. E. (1999). The Big Five personality traits and the life course: A 45-year longitudinal study. Journal of Research in Personality. McCrae, R. R., Costa, P. T., Jr. (1996). Toward a new generation of personality theories: Theoretical contexts for the five-factor model. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed.). The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives. New York: Guilford. McCrae, R. R., Costa, P. T., Jr. (1997). Personality trait structure as a human universal. American Psychologist. Buss, D. M. (1996). Social adaptation and five major factors of personality. In J. S. Wiggins (Ed.). The five-factor model of personality: Theoretical perspectives. New York: Guilford. James L Gibson, John M. Ivancevich, Jams H. Donnelly, JR and Robert Konopaske, (2003) Organisational Behavior, Structure, Process, The McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc New York. Goldberg, L. R. (1993). The structure of phenotypic personality traits. American psychologist. Hall, W. B. MacKinnon, D.W (1969) Personality correlates of creativity among architects. Journal of Applied Psychology. Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F. (2000). Perspectives on personality (4th eth.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Paul D. Tieger Barbara Barron (2000-2003), Personality Type.com. LLC. Stephen P. Robbins and David A. DeCenzo (2005). Fundamentals of Management. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. Ryckman, R. (2004). Theories of Personality. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Jerry M. Burger (2008). Personality (Seventh Edition). Website Reference: www.personalitytype.com www.wikipedia.com

Du Bois vs. Cox Essay -- essays research papers

Du Bois vs. Cox Everyone has a different technique of evaluating the concept of race. The question that I wanted to ask is how these writers are using their experiences to development their own opinion. How did this concept of race develop into the immense issue we are facing now? According to Oliver C. Cox, the origin of race relations starts with ideas of ethnocentrism, intolerance, and racism. W. E. B. Du Bois said that if what want to find the truth out about race we need to look at the history of the world past the last centuries. The origin of race in my judgment as resulted from both history and the concepts mentioned in Cox’s opinion. He was an African American sociologist. He has born on August 24, 1901. From Port of Spain, Trinidad, Cox was one of eight children and was raised by his uncle Reginald who was a teacher. He came to the United States and earned a degree in history and economics in 1927 at Tuskegee Institute. The environment in Alabama frustrated him and he then joined the faculty of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1949. He stayed there until 1970, when he joined the faculty of Wayne State University in Michigan. Cox is best known for his attack on the â€Å"caste school of race relations,† in later years he argued his Marxist views of capitalism and race in three books: Foundations of Capitalism (1959), Capitalism and American Leadership (1962), and Capitalism as a System (1964). His final work was Jewish Self-Interest and Black Pluralism (1974). Oliver Cromwell Cox died September 4, 1974. Compared to Cox one can tell how W.E.B. Du Bois’ life influenced the way he thinks and acts. William Edward Burghardt (W.E.B.) Dubois was born on February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was one of the most influential black leaders of the first half of the 20th Century. Dubois shared in the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, in 1909. He served as its director of research and editor of its magazine, "Crisis," until 1934. Dubois was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1896. Between 1897 and 1914 Dubois conducted numerous studies of black society in America, publishing 16 research papers. He began his investigations believing that soc... .... To define racism we have to look at history and see where the idea of difference all started. In Theories of Race and Racism edited by Les Back and John Solomos, essays by Oliver Cox and W.E.B. Du Bois address the question about race. Cox in his essay stated that ethnocentrism, intolerance, and racism are the guideline to follow to see the origin of races. However, W. E. B. Du Bois said that history presents the facts about the origin of races. I thoughts combine Cox and Du Bois’ ideas if these two concepts were examined together I bet that we could find a little more about racism and races. Work Cited Back, Les, and Solomos, John, Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader, (New York: Routledge, 2000). Lewis, David L., W.E.B. Dubois: Biography of a Race, 1868-1919, (New York: Owl Books, 1994). Lewis, David L., W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century 1919-1963, (New York: Henry Holt and company, LLC, 2000). Reed, Adolph Jr., New Introduction: â€Å"The Life and Career of Oliver C. Cox,† (USA: 2000). ISBN: 1-58367-006-8

Epic of Gilgamesh and Book of Genesis of the Holy Bible Essay -- Epic

Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Genesis    History tells us that since we have been able to write, our human race has had the habit of recording historical tales, or stories.   Most of the first stories were tales of heroic men, scouring their land in search of some noble prize.   These stories are known as epics, and they give us an excellent idea of the lifestyles and basic thought processes of early humans.   Along the lines of these epics are the accounts told in the Bible, especially those in the Old Testament.   As with the epics, these legends give us some spiritual idea of the beginning of time and the accounts of early man.   If we compare the stories and characters of the first epic, The Epic of Gilgamesh, with those of the first chapter of the Bible, Genesis, we not only discover some striking similarities, but also some notable differences.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If there is one thing that all early accounts revolve around, that is the idea of a divine being or, in other words, god.   Early humans were extremely religious, holding the belief that their very lives were in the hands of their god.   This holds true for both the people of biblical times as well as those of the epic era.   However, even as both groups believed in a supreme being, they harbored different feelings and beliefs about the subject.   In the epic, many gods are mentioned and worshiped, such as Ninsun and Shamash.   These gods can give birth to mortals, and can communicate with these mortals, usually through dreams.   In Genesis, there is mention of only one God, a being that created the earth and skies, as well as huma... ...nces; in the Bible it rained for forty days, and in the epic only seven.   In Genesis, Adam and Eve try to become god-like by eating the forbidden fruit.   In the epic, Gilgamesh attempts to be a god by gaining everlasting life.   In both cases, neither succeed.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Genesis are two of the earliest accounts of human civilization.   In their own way, they set an example of how the population of the past lived.   They also set guidelines for the way that we could live our lives.   By reading of the commitment that Abraham made and the mistakes that Gilgamesh and Adam made, we can shape our own lives.   Through the differences and similarities, both accounts hold as much value for the people of today as they did for the people who wrote them.

Reviewing the Necessity of Punishment Essay -- Essays Papers

Reviewing the Necessity of Punishment "From 'On Crimes and Punishment'" by Cesare Beccaria is an excerpt from On Crimes and Punishment. In his address to the public, particularly those in political positions, Beccaria discusses the way we as a society choose to carry out the law. What he calls "useless severity" of punishment encompasses his thoughts on extremes such as capital punishment and the cruelties that we allow our government to inflict upon its own people in a failing attempt to bring order to our society. The death penalty has plagued our society for centuries, perhaps beginning with the idea of human sacrifice that has been turned around as a cycle of never-ending death and cruelty. The writing techniques employed by Beccaria effectively convince his audience that our forms of criminal punishment are nothing more than an unnecessary bad habit. In a debate, one can easily bring their opposition to silence by asking them a question that they cannot answer. Beccaria uses this method to his advantage in his work. He asks a series of questions that can't be easily answered. The lazy reader would much rather have faith in Beccaria's beliefs than sort through the questions and find answers themselves. He asks, "What is the best way of preventing crimes? Are the same penalties always equally useful? What influence have they on social custom?" (64). These questions only lead to more questions. The reader may be able to ponder situations that both promote and discredit any solutions they may have for these questions, leaving them more confused about their own stance. The reader is so wrapped up in trying to answer these questions, that they don't realize that Beccaria himself never answers them. This sly technique encoura... ...lthough the work was written at a time when numerous crimes were punishable by death, Beccaria's work has exceeded his time because his convincing work can still provoke thought on current forms of punishment. His manipulation through questions, lists, and especially word choice effectively convince the reader to give more thought about his position, if not change their own opinion altogether. Beccaria not only gives reasons to oppose extreme punishment, but his gives a solution: "the surest but most difficult way of preventing crime is to improve education(70). So in the end, the reader not only has his propositions to think about, but they are left the idea of education being the end to crime. Works Cited Beccaria, Cesare. "From 'On Crimes and Punishment."' In R. Cosgrove (Ed.), Readings in Western Civilizations (pp. 63-71). Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing.