Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Mullen, Hard Thinking About Values Essay

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Mullen, Hard Thinking About Values - Essay Example However, to this end Aristotle argues that the action of living, which consists of elements like nourishing and providing nutrition to the body, goes the same as that of other living matters like plants. Again, the skill of perceiving different senses, which the human beings think that they are capable enough, does not also constitute the acts of ‘proper function’. It is because as Aristotle argues that even nomadic creatures like animals also possess such skill sets. Aristotle states that apart from the previous two conditions of simple living and the ability to perceive the external world through the sense organs human beings possess the power of rational thinking. This rational thinking links up the individual with a host of different activities. Human beings to sustain themselves must use their rational thinking for performing effectively. Effective performance of an activity by a human being signifies that the person desires to set defined standards in the work done . The individual must optimally use one’s own strength in performing the actions with considerable efficiency to maintain the standards previously set. Optimal utilization of one’s own strength and knowledge to perform the tasks assigned hold that the performance is accomplished in conformation to one’s soul.

Life Cycle Assessment Essay Example for Free

Life Cycle Assessment Essay This Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) aims to evaluate the environmental impact of the production of candlesticks. All the different materials and processes required to manufacture candles need to be taken into consideration to determine the impacts on the environment. The most common material used to manufacture candles is paraffin wax. Each candle comes in some type of individual packaging most of the time. Candle wicks are made using various natural fibers, such as reeds, rushes, or cotton. An important refinement in wick technology introduced the plaited wick, which burned more than unplaited wicks. Currently, twisted or plaited cotton makes up most of the wicks. The candlestick is made of steel, or could also be made of metal. The functional unit will be a 125ml candle able to generate up to 25 hours of light. Each steel-made candlestick can only hold one candle, and can be used several times. Inputs: †¢Paraffin wax †¢Cotton †¢Metal †¢Materials for packaging Outputs: †¢Gas emissions: when candles burn, paraffin wax emits greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide. †¢Depletion of natural resources: paraffin wax is derived from crude oil. Paraffin candles are petroleum products, a non renewable resource. It could increase pollution due to oil spills and the processes needed to extract petroleum. At the same time, the extraction of metal needed for the candlestick causes large volumes of solid waste, requires large amounts of energy, and produces air, soil, and water pollution. †¢Chemicals toxicity: some candles might have lead or zinc in their wick, which release harmful gasses when they burn. Also, scented candles can release toxins from the chemicals used to give them scent. Question 2 of 3 (10 points) Corporate Environmental Management Tools †¢Ecolabelling: Swan eco-label was developed for candles by the Nordic ecolabelling. The main purpose is to reduce the emission and effect of substances harmful to users’ health and the reduction of gases that have and impact on climate change. According to this scheme, 19 out of 28 are environmental requirements, such as description of the candle, description of chemical additives, among others. †¢Design for the Environment: Enabling consumers to quickly identify products that are safer and that can help protect the environment will make them choose a certain product more frequently. If manufacturers start focusing on producing candles that are made from the safest possible ingredients, consumers, producers, and the environment will benefit. †¢Sustainability reports: Keeping track of environmental performance and the capacity of a company to use and maintain resources in a way that prevents depletion, will improve economic, and social performance. If candles can be produced in a more sustainable way, that is, using substitutes sources that are renewable and less harmful, the final product will be more successful in all the areas. Therefore, reporting this information will allow constant improvement of all the processes. †¢Integrated supply chain management: It is important to know which stages in a supply chain are the ones that are being less efficient, and negatively affecting the production of a good, in this case, candlesticks. Determining these processes can enable their improvement to have a more environmentally friendly supply chain. †¢Carbon footprint: As we need metals for producing a candlestick, we depend on large amounts of energy and, if the energy is generated using fossil fuels, it has a large carbon footprint. Measuring carbon footprint allows the whole manufacturing process to be analyzed, realizing which stages have a stronger impact and how can they be improved. †¢Cleaner production: improvement of the machinery used in each stage of production can decrease the environmental impact of producing candles, as it will decrease waste created after different processes. It can also make the processes more efficient, benefiting the company. Development of technology has made these improvements possible. †¢Stakeholder analysis: every single company must consider all the interested parts in a product as they are the ones that decide how successful and efficient a good will is. If the manufacturing of candlesticks is for example affecting the surroundings of a plant, people, that are consumers too , can generate social impacts that will worsen the company’s performance and image. Question 3 of 3 (4 points) Challenges and limitations Candles can be made of different types of wax that have different impacts on the environment. Some of the raw materials that could be used to produce a candle can be less harmful than others. The candleholder life span could vary depending on the quality of the metal that is being used. Therefore, changing the life span of the candlestick. Transition from a â€Å"Cradle to Grave† to a â€Å"Cradle to Cradle† Steel has high scrap metal recycling value. Old metal material can be reused to make new products. Recycling old metal products uses 95% less energy than manufacturing it using new materials. Metal recycling processes require using a lot of energy. If we recycle metal products we only have to use a low percentage of this total energy, decreasing the use of our natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To minimize wasteful wrapping of candles, the material used for packaging can reduce the environmental impact by choosing more recyclable materials. Aluminum, for instance, could be used as a base for the candles, or even to manufacture a candleholder, considering it can be easily recycled. Glass, can be recycled too, reused, and even upcycled into new materials or products. Avoiding candles with extra plastic packaging can also decrease the negative impacts on the environment. In addition to packaging decisions, considering the materials used for manufacturing of candles can benefit the producers, consumers and the environment. For example, soy and beeswax candle emit fewer harmful chemicals when burned. Another way to reduce pollution is to buy from local candlemakers. This reduces wasteful packaging, and there is no need to transport raw materials to a farther manufacturing plant, and to consumers at longer geographical distances. Thus, reducing fuel usage and supporting local bus inesses as well.

Workplace Bullying and Victimisation on Productivity Impact

Workplace Bullying and Victimisation on Productivity Impact TASK 1: BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO FORMULATE A RESEARCH SPECIFICATION Evaluating how workplace bullying and victimisation can affect productivity. Introduction Any effective and successful business understands the importance of productivity in the workplace. Being productive can help the firm increase and utilize the capacity of the human resources it has. Most productive companies have happy and healthy employees, which are the basis of a successful organization. Customer Benefit Productivity in the workplace will often translate into good customer service and interaction. This total client experience is the key to satisfying customers and clients, and almost all highly productive companies use this to gain customer loyalty. When a customer is loyal to your business, they will share their experience with others, which is a marketing advantage coming out of high levels of productivity. The Company The employees themselves are an investment, and like any investment, they should yield a healthy or worthwhile return to the company. Therefore, when employees are highly productive the company achieves its goals of investing in them in the first place. Productivity also helps to motivate the workplace culture and boost morale, producing an even better company environment. The Work Force More often than not, when a firm is highly productive, it eventually becomes successful, and because of this, incentives are bound to be made available to the employees. These include pay raises, bonuses, medical insurance and so on. This will also motivate employees and gives them more job opportunities as the company grows. Productivity in the workplace is an important aspect of every company and when top management understands this concept, success is just around the corner. However, if your company doesnt give you the incentive to increase productivity, you may want to start looking for another job because the lifeblood of your company is running out. I have chosen this research proposal because I have heard of cases of bullying at work and it also happened to me in one of my previous roles. I believe its a topic that can be viewed from different perspectives and I have tried to tackle it as best as I could. In order for me to understand this research I will be using different methods of evidence of primary research conducted by using the questionnaire methodology and including secondary data that will be derived from literature and other sources related to bullying and victimisation. This research will be conducted in the Private sector specifically in the IT field. Literature review Various literatures support the belief that bullying falls into one of four forms of behaviour: verbal, non-verbal, physical and subtle. Townend (2008) examined each of these to identify how they are reflected in practice. In relation to verbal behaviours, the author reported that bullying would often occur through the aggressor/bully making unpleasant, sarcastic comments, with the intention of humiliating the individual.The strongest verbal bullying behaviour refers to the deliberate andrepetitive exclusion of an individual from conversation; for example, asking all members in a team meeting for a contribution, except for the targeted individual. Non-verbal bullying behaviours were reported to be initiated through factors such as the avoidance of eye contact. Technological advancements have significantly impacted upon non-verbal bullying, with the potential to use emails, text messages and social networking websites as a means of distributing abusive messages, and further excluding individuals. Physical bullying is fairly obvious, with the behaviour often involving physical violence, such as striking the victim, or d amaging their property. Regarding subtle bullying behaviours, Samnani (2013) defined these behaviours as negative acts which are not immediately obvious, but undermine the individual. This is often the most popular choice of bullying behaviour, with actions being open to interpretation, making it difficult to detect from a neutral perspective. Subtle bullying behaviours include actions such as withholding important information, persistent criticism, excessive supervision, being assigned menial tasks, excessive workloads, gossiping and insults (Samnani, 2013); actions which through not being immediately obvious, may not always be perceived by victims as bullying. In defining workplace bullying, Einarsen et al (2011: 22) put forward the definition that bullying at work revolves around harassing, offending, socially excluding someone or negatively affecting someones work. In order for the label of bullying to be applied to a particular activity, interaction or process it has to occur repeatedly and regularly over a period of time. Bullying is an escalated process in the course of which the person confronted ends up in an inferior position and becomes the target of systematic negative social acts. Elaborating upon this, it is important to differentiate workplace bullying from workplace violence. The former is primarily psychological and persistent, whilst the latter is primarily physical and irregular (Cooper-Thomas et al, 2013). Your literature review has to incorporate both literature of the importance of productivity in a work setting and the effects of bullying and victimisation. Purpose of the research This aim of this research is to examine workplace bullying from a theoretical perspective; providing an insight into the prevalence of workplace bullying and how it might affect staff and productivity and the implications and suggest effective ways organisations could use to tackle this phenomenon. The objectives that will be used to achieve that are as follow; To assesses gender differences and ethnicity in a given work place To identify perceptions of work bullying and victimisation To analyse implications of work bullying and victimisation To determine the response of organisations in cases of bullying. Rationale of the research: In determining the extent to which workplace bullying can detrimentally impact an organisation, appropriate response is required. It is reported in the United Kingdom, that approximately only 80% of organisations have anti-bullying policies in place (Harrington et al, 2013); thus, suggesting there is still a sizeable population allowing the issue to go uncompromised. This is not the case for all organisations, with data suggesting workplace bullying costs upwards of  £2 million a year, and 18 million in lost working days, organisations understand the need for action (CIPD, 2006). Bullying is typically a problem faced by Human Resource departments (HRM), and thus it is their role to be at the forefront, introducing eradicative methods. Khan and Khan (2012) proposed four key strategies that HR departments can implement in attempting to manage workplace bullying; education and training, corporate responsibility, possession of the right machinery and support. The collaboration of these four items, form an organisations anti-bullying policy. Scope and limitations I believe my research project is suitable for all employees and employers out there who deal with such situations where work bullying and victimization may occur. By reviewing some of the literature available online and the questionnaire I have put together to see some real views from individuals who have experienced bullying a work, I hope to raise more awareness of this phenomenon prevalence. I expect this research to take up to 1 month in order to get the best of the resources that need to be analyzed and acknowledged for optimal results. As a disadvantage, I would mention that if I would have more time to look into more cases of bullying I may get more results that would add help in enhancing my research. Ethical implications The implications and ethical issues involved in my research affects safety, engagement, productivity, trust, and the workplace culture. It poses the question to leaders, just how important is a healthy work culture to business and long-term success. Research methodology The method of primary research utilised a questionnaire methodology. However, emphasis was placed on asking open-ended questions, so to attain qualitative data. This focus was assigned, as I sought to obtain in-depth responses, outlining individual exposure to bullying. The sources used for this research project include: questionnaires, books and internet pages. ADD QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFO. (DATA USED) ADD WEBSITE USED Evidence research proposal Word count: 800/1000 words TASK 1 part 2: Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification (AC1.5); Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification Here, you need to set an action plan using the key objectives(see above) and your research methodology (e.g design questionnaire, do a survey, gather secondary information, arrange interview etc) of your research question of hypothesis. Research objective By when Resources to be used (2.1) Milestones (when do you know this objective is achieved) Review dates (which is after the by when to ensure that you have actually achieve the objective ) How will you monitor this objective is being achieved? method of monitoring To assesses gender differences and ethnicity in a given work place 25/12/2016 Books, internet information 25/01/2017 03/02/2017 To ensure that I have met my target To identify perceptions of work bullying and victimisation 25/12/2016 Books, internet information 25/01/2017 03/02/2017 To ensure that I have met my target To analyse implications of work bullying and victimisation 25/12/2016 Books, internet information 25/01/2017 03/02/2017 To ensure that I have met my target To determine the response of organisations in cases of bullying. 25/12/2016 Books, internet information 25/01/2017 03/02/2017 To ensure that I have met my target TASK 2: BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE RESEARCH PROJECT WITHIN AGREED PROCEDURES AND TO SPECIFICATION 2.2 Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures. Primary data collection The primary research revolved around the adoption of a questionnaire methodology. The purpose behind this research was to provide and source first-hand accounts from individuals that have been exposed to incidents of workplace bullying. Questions were formed with consideration being allocated to the items highlighted in the literature review. These included questions referencing how the respondent was bullied, by whom, whether it impacted upon their intention to leave the organisation, the short-term and long-term implications, and how the individual structured their response. Qualitative data was selected and in turn open ended questions posed, providing contexts, like one-to-one interviewing, that allow a participant to express their beliefs, assumptions, desires and understandings (Horn, 2012, p103). The questionnaire was created using the Likert scale. This method was used instead of alternative methods, such as face-to-face interviews, as according to Dayan et al (2009) when responding to sensitive questions, methodologies that reduce the level of question administration by human interviewers, such as online questionnaires, increase responses to sensitive personal questions and yield more honest, candid answers. This belief is formalised as researchers suggest that without the presence of an interviewer, online questionnaires are able to attain higher levels of personal disclosure and reductions in responses being affected by social desirability. Online questionnaires also allow respondents to remain anonymous. This is critical in two ways; firstly people are more willing to theoretically open up and disclose information if they feel free from further repercussions, and secondly, anonymity has been proven to reduce social anxiety and social durability when divulging information . For this methodology, the author elected to adopt a self-selective sample. This was selected as the author wanted to obtain responses from individuals that met the specific criteria of having experienced exposure to bullying first-hand, but in doing so placed no pressure on individuals to participate and divulge information. Although this is not high, emphasis was placed on quality rather than quantity. Please be more specific as to what you intend to prove Advantages and disadvantages of the methodology used Although this research question addresses an important topic of discussion in literature, there are a number of limitations and benefits that can be associated towards the chosen methodology. As mentioned the method used is questionnaires, with open ended questions. In evaluating these, the methodologies will be discussed separately. Regarding the questionnaire, it can be recognised that this methodology is faced with the limitation of only having obtained a very small sample size in the form of n=4. The problem this inflicts in respect to the relevance of the data is that through the attainment of such a small sample, it raises questions regarding the generalisability of the results. Although the author hoped that this would not be the case, through the research conducted having very specific and sensitive criteria, in the form of having been bullied and willing to disclose their account, the author acknowledged that the potentiality of an undergraduate finding and sourcing willing respondents would be slim. As such, in an attempt to counter this and make the most of the sample size obtained, the author sought to compensate the limitation through ensuring the responses were in-depth. The intention was to ask a magnitude of questions, which would result in the attainment of individual detailed accounts, addressin g the various elements highlighted and discussed in the literature review. However, the rich data yielded by this small sample group offered important insights into the effects of bullying in the immediate and longer term, that now warrant further investigation through wider sampling. The benefits attached to this methodology, refer to the provision of sensitive and personal data. Dayan et al (2009) stated that online questionnaires have the strength of obtaining honest answers, as through the removal of question administration by human interviewers, participants are made to feel more comfortable in the relative anonymous environment of the internet. This in turn yields greater detailed and candid answers as participants feel comfortable and free from judgement; although the danger associated with online participation runs the risk of whether the information disclosed is indeed factual, or ultimately a positive contribution towards the discussion. Secondary data used- sources from online website Advantage and disadvantages of the methodology used 2.3 Record and collate relevant data where appropriate. DEFINE ANOVA AND EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF USING IT. ANOVA One-way completely randomized       Workplace bullying Male Male Female Female 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 5 4 4 4 4 6 4 4 4 4 7 1 1 1 1 8 2 2 2 2 9 1 1 1 1 10 2 2 2 2 n 10 10 10 10 X 2.300 2.300 2.200 2.300 s 1.252 1.252 1.317 1.337 Xave 2.275 source df SS MS F P-value treatments 3 0.075 0.025 0.0150 0.9974 error 36 59.900 1.664 total 39 59.975 INTERPRET THE DATA AND WHAT YOU THINK OF THE DATA ANALYSIS MEHTOD USED-ANOVA! 2.Advantages and disadvantages you found for the data analysis methods? Points to be considered forData analysis and interpretation (you can use at least 2 for advantage and 2 for disadvantage); qualitative and quantitative data analysis interpreting transcripts; coding techniques; specialist software; statistical tables; comparison of variable; trends; forecasting. Evidence: record and completed evidence of data collected Although this research question addresses an important topic of discussion in literature, there are a number of limitations and benefits that can be associated towards the chosen methodology. As mentioned the method used is questionnaire, including open ended questions. In evaluating these, the methodologies will be discussed separately. In reference to the questionnaire, it can be recognised that this methodology is faced with the limitation of only having obtained a very small sample size in the form of n=4. The problem this inflicts in respect to the relevance of the data is that through the attainment of such a small sample, it raises questions regarding the generalizability of the results. Although I hoped that this would not be the case, through the research conducted having very specific and sensitive criteria, in the form of having been bullied and willing to disclose their account, I acknowledged that the potentiality of an undergraduate finding and sourcing willing respondents would be slim. The intention was to ask a magnitude of questions, which would result in the attainment of individual detailed accounts, addressing the various elements highlighted and discussed in the literature review. However, the rich data yielded by this small sample group offered important insights into the effects of bullying in the immediate and longer term, that now warrant further investigation through wider sampling. The benefits attached to this methodology, refer to the provision of sensitive and personal data. Dayan et al (2009) stated that online questionnaires have the strength of obtaining honest answers, as through the removal of question administration by human interviewers, participants are made to feel more comfortable in the relative anonymous environment of the internet. This in turn yields greater detailed and candid answers as participants feel comfortable and free from judgement; although the danger associated with online participation runs the risk of whether the information disclosed is indeed factual, or ultimately a positive contribution towards the discussion. D3 Justify the choice of data collection methods used for 2.3. Why did you use the collection methods that you chose? Evidence: report. TASK 3: Be able to evaluate the research outcomes 3.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques. How was the project planning? Explain how you met your aims and objectives from the proposal by stating each objective and explain on how you met this (please link to useful research). What were your research methods effective? How valid and reliable were you findings? e.g. successes and failure What are the benefits of your research results? linked to the usefulness of the research. What were the difficulties you encountered? e.g. people not willing to talk, time consuming, working on excel , not enough literature review, not experienced with regards to research. Discuss about methods of data analysis used and why? Please add conclusion. Evidence: a report on how you used the research evaluation techniques. Please demonstrate the use of the techniques with the aid of statistical or any other relevant tools. Please make sure that you are linking the above to your research. The purpose of this research has been to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying, whilst addressing the experiences of how people responded to their personal experiences of workplace bullying. 1. Prevalence Considering the data obtained in evidence the questionnaire, it can be identified that of the population surveyed were classified as exhibiting bullying behaviour; owing to their responses, whilst some were classified as exhibiting victim behaviour. Referring back to literature findings regarding prevalence rates, similarities can be recognised with the study conducted by Einarsen et al (2011), where empirical evidence suggested that around 5-10% of the European population had at some point been a victim of workplace bullying. Although, the actual rates differ to an extent, they do not drastically juxtapose; supporting the overwhelming theme that workplace bullying remains a continuous and prominent issue in organisational culture. This is further supported through the basic comprehension of the questionnaire, with the four participants each accounting for how the bullying they had experienced had taken place, and the factors that facilitated its continuation. In seeking to generalis e these findings however, difficulties would be faced as no unilaterally agreed prevalence rates could be established. The only conclusion that could be formalised was that the issue remained a threat to both individuals and organisations. 2. Prosocial Recognition regarding the prominence of these behaviours brought into focus the hypotheses, particularly hypothesis one; that a negative relationship existed between the variables of prosocial behaviour and bullying behaviour. In relation to the response obtained from the questionnaire and the subsequent ANOVA analysis, it could be identified that this hypothesis was proven, with the relational significance being obtained. Comprehension of this analysis, in reference to the research question, would seem to suggest that the adoption and implementation of prosocial behaviour directly correlates with a reduction in bullying behaviour. Based upon this finding, it can be suggested that the creation of a culture that promotes prosocial behaviour would be an intellectual move, and one that would be likely to obtain success in diminishing the incidence and effects of workplace bullying. Relating these findings to the literature review, it can be met with support, with Griese (2013) speaking of it as possessing the potential to be utilised as a resilience tactic. By this, the author suggested that prosocial behaviour would reduce incidence of bullying, as the aim is to assist others and to attain social needs; something that would be severely hampered by acts of bullying. In respect to what has been identified thus far, the statistical evidence would seem to support the suggestion, as it shows firstly that bullying remains a predominant issue, and secondly the importance prosocial behaviours can play in eliminating workplace bullying. In applying these findings to the questionnaire, it can be acknowledged that the evidence gathered from the qualitative data supports the creation of a prosocial culture. The interviews conducted with participants via questionnaires, for example, highlighted that in many cases, failure to create prosocial behaviours and positive leadership from management was instrumental in allowing bullying to occur, and in some cases actually led to it being instigated by those in management. This in turn had an effect upon other people within the organisation, with bullying escalating from one-on-one to the creation of a climate of bullying where people felt compromised in their position. The perceived vulnerability that this inflicted upon workers, and in particular victims, reduced their ability to report their experience, as the appearance of bullying as an organisational wide issue resulted in the feeling that their claims would not be listened to; suggesting either nothing would change, or t he risk that the issue would potentially even intensify. This has important implications for both the organisation and management, with the recognisableneed for training to be put into place, setting behavioural boundaries and guidelines that promote the implementation of prosocial behaviour as a form of organisational strategy. The adoption of such training would have to extend itself towards raising awareness amongst workers, regarding the mechanisms available to them to report any grievances. This would be an integral component of the training programme, as in both the literature review and qualitative questionnaire, the findings outline a common perception held by victims, that there is either a sense of non-existent, or limited knowledge of the mechanisms available. Referring to the implications identified, in particular the need for training programmes to promote prosocial behaviour and counter the wider spectrum of workplace bullying, Branch et al (2012) expanded upon existing literature to provide support. The authors (2012) claimed organizational training designed to educate employees about bullying behaviours, the nature of its influence and equipping them with skills to address incidence of bullying, had been found to incur long-term, positive benefits, with improvements in attitudes, knowledge and behaviour. In particular, emphasis would be placed on equality training amongst management. This is important as reflection of the qualitative data highlighted that participant one had been victimised whilst on pregnancy leave, with a job offer being sent by management as a subtle technique of pushing her towards the exit. Equality of opportunity would not do this, but it does depict the necessity for organisations as a whole to create a culture, whereby managers are not capable of displaying such negative acts. What the collaboration of the data shows is that whilst it does occur, it is important the organisation itself implements training for managers, to create a line to be answered by management/organisation. The creation and implementation of the prosocial culture will helporganisations raise awareness and possess knowledge regarding how workplace bullying takes place, so that it can be identified efficiently and appropriately handled if an incident were to occur. Further support for the creation of a prosocial culture originates from the qualitative data. Participants claimed during their negative experiences, other employees had approached them and shared that they had noticed what was going on, but did nothing about it out of fear of being personally targeted. This outlines the importance for the creation of a prosocial culture, as the concept of looking out for the well-being of others and promoting positive behaviour would enable employees to acknowledge the sense of duty to report any acts which pose a threat to the elected culture. 3. Reporting and Long-term effects Examination of the qualitative data identified that none of the four participants reported their experience, citing that neither felt comfortable doing so. The participants highlighted the cause for this as being a lack

Babies with Special Disabilities :: Teaching Education

Babies with Special Disabilities Babies with special disabilities are portrayed by society to be below average in learning potential than a normal healthy baby. Scientists have proved that this assumption is not correct because babies process information from the instant they enter this world. Philosopher John Locke said that, "Babies with special disabilities are viewed as blank tablets by society, however, babies with special disabilities are like computers." These special babies are special to our society and need to be nurtured in their early years of childhood development with the right tools that will be essential for them in the future years of their life. At birth, a baby's brain is only one forth of an adult's normal brain size in regards to special and regular babies. The difference is not that big, which leads to the question of how much a baby can really learn if they are given the essential nurturing in learning strategies at an early age? These children can excel if they are taught on a contin uous basis from birth to their adult years. Babies are learning how to count at birth now according to John Piaget who is an early childhood scientist of evaluating babies with disabilities. I watched a television show recently called "Mysteries of the Genius", this show explained that people who are defined as genius' are specially classified at birth, and are mainly portrayed as mentally retarded with a gifted sense of knowledge. My thoughts on the matter was that children with disabilities cannot be mentally retarded if some of these kids are being classified as genius', How can a genius be mentally retarded just because they have a special disability? Many recent studies in the study of early childhood brain development have shown that neuroscience have revolutionized our ideas about brain development. Babies can do much more than people thought they could do ten years ago, and they are not blank tablets as society and other experts have assumed for centuries. These babies have a keen sense of adaptation in the environment that they are more accustomed to. Their brains are designed to take advantage of multiple opportunities for development and I cannot understand why people would be so harsh on the way that these babies are gifted.

How does the writer make you sympathize with one of the following characters in the Yellow wallpaper? Essay

In the story, â€Å"The Yellow Wall Paper†, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, a woman tells her story. It is told by a narrator in first person who we do not know the name. She has been diagnosed with a temporary nervous depression. The setting is around the early 1900’s in a colonial mansion that the narrator and her husband have rented. She spends most of her time in her bedroom, writing, where there is also a mysterious wallpaper. In this story, there are many points where I would feel sympathy for the narrator which I will now bring to light. First of all, back then in Victorian times, the relationship between men and women were very different compared to present time. Today, most women desire equality with their partner. The reader never even learns the name of the narrator, possibly to give the illusion that she could be any woman. On the very first page, Gilman illustrates the male dominating society and relationship. It was normal for men to think that they were the gender who knew when, what, how and why to do things. The narrator’s husband, John is a doctor who’s words and actions reflect the stereotype I previously mentioned: â€Å"John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that in marriage†. This statement illustrates the way gender, at that time, was relevant. This makes me feel pity for the narrator who is oppressed by the circumstances of that time making her illness get worse. Another factor is that John doesn’t believe that his wife is sick, while she is really suffering from her illness. He neglects to listen to his wife about her thoughts, feelings and health. According to him, there is not anything wrong with his wife except for the temporary illness, which should not be serious. The narrator says that the house â€Å"Is quite alone, standing well back from the road†. It is an isolation which John is having her to suffer. By closing her off from the rest of the world, he is taking her away from things that are important to her mental state, such as her ability to read and write, her need for human interaction and to make her own decisions. All of these are important to people. This also makes me feel sympathy towards the narrator who is not given the right to live the way she should. John treats her like a child and infantilises everything. â€Å"The windows are barred† and also when John says â€Å"What is it little girl? †¦Don’t go walking about like that – you’ll get cold.† are both quotes which show this child-like way of treating the narrator. This makes me feel again pity for her because it is as if John was superior to everything and that crying, for a girl in those times, was a sign of weakness. Throughout the beginning of the story, the narrator tends to follow the idea that men are always right: â€Å"It is so hard to talk to John about my case, because he is so wise and because he loves me so.† In a good relationship, each partner should be able to express one’s own thoughts and feelings. In this case though, the narrator feels that she can not tell him what she feels so as not to upset him and make him mad. When the narrator does attempt to have a discussion with John, she ends up crying and not being able to express herself. This shows how at that time, men were supposed to be respected and that women were somehow considered useless. This is very upsetting and irritating, making the reader want to change the story. This is a few ways that the writer makes me sympathise with the narrator. The period she is living in and especially her husband highly contribute to this. You notice that they are not a really good couple and that John is careless with her.

Essay on Introduction to Nehemiah

Essay on Introduction to Nehemiah Essay on Introduction to Nehemiah NOTES FROM NEHEMIAH - INTRODUCTION â€Å"Separating life into distinct categories of â€Å"sacred† and â€Å"secular† damages, sometimes irreparably, any attempt to live a whole and satisfying life, a coherent life with meaning and purpose, a life lived to the glory of God. â€Å" – The Message Bible Nevertheless, the practice is widespread. Where did we get the notion of and the habit of separating the created of God and the world around them into these two camps? It surely wasn’t from the Bible. The Holy Scriptures, from beginning to end, resists such a separation. It is common for us to refer to the work of pastors, priests, and missionaries as â€Å"sacred,† and that of farmers, engineers, military, carpentry and homemaking as â€Å"secular†? Work, by its very nature is holy. It is talent, passion, and creativity given by God to do the work intended to complete the tasks and conquer the challenges of one’s calling. Nehemiah was one of these. He started out as a government worker in the employment of a foreign king. Then, according to his memoirs, he was a building contractor, called to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem. While Nehemiah worked with stone and mortar, his co-worker, Ezra, was a scholar and teacher. The stories of these two men are woven together in vocational holiness to accomplish the great challenge of rebuilding the walls of the city. Neither job was more or less important. Nehemiah needed Ezra, Ezra needed Nehemiah. God’s people needed them both. The plan of God has not changed. He incorporates the gifts of all to accomplish the greater good. The work of the kingdom of God is highly detailed and it cannot be accomplished solely on the work of one calling. This incredible plan of God’s interweaving of life callings unfolds itself in the book of Nehemiah. Although Nehemiah was the leader, every person’s contribution was necessary to see the task to completion. Nehemiah is quick to give accolades to all who contributed to the work of God. As a worthy leader, Nehemiah organizes and structures one of the greatest Old Testament accomplishments and God is glorified. OBSERVATIONAL NOTES FROM NEHEMIAH, CHAPTER ONE Nehemiah’s opening comments in chapter one create for the reader a setting and a timeframe. These first thoughts take place in the month of Kislev, which is in November – December of the Gregorian calendar. The month of Kislev is often known as the â€Å"month of dreams. â€Å" The dream of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem seemed such a far- fetched idea to many. The walls lay in ruins and were a constant reminder of defeat, pain and complete exposure to the enemies of God’s people. When Nehemiah first heard the news of the condition of the walls of Jerusalem, he sat and wept. The overwhelming news of God’s city lying in crumbles and its gates being burned was most disturbing. It is interesting that Nehemiah heard this news where he lived in the beautiful city of Susa – or the citadel of Susa. This was the place where most of the story of Esther took place. Esther saved her people, the Israelites, from certain death and destruction. It was also there in the palace of Susa that Daniel would have a vision of the future events. Nehemiah lived in a period of time between the two great events. The rebuilding of the walls, which parts of still stand today, lend to the events told in the book of Daniel. In the midst of all the beauty of Suza, Nehemiah’s own home, he wept for the city of God, Jerusalem. In Nehemiah’s time of distressful news, he began to pray. His prayer is interesting and instructive. He did not immediately begin to ask for favor or for answers to prayer. Instead he asked for forgiveness, not only for his sin, but for the sins of his father, his father’s father, and for the sins of the people of Israel. It was the sin of disrepair of the Israelites own hearts that led to the disrepair of their great city. Nehemiah did not ask for