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Review of Founding Brothers A Revolutionary Generation

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Review of Founding Brothers: A Revolutionary Generation

What one discovers after reading this book are the six in- depth studies about certain events and relationships that took place or happened to the founding revolutionaries after the end of the war and after the establishment of the new governing body. The men involved realized that they were part of something extraordinary and also realized that their memories would live throughout the American history. The author points out in the first section of the book that these men usually took such stances because they knew by doing so they will be remembered throughout history. The book gives more and close attention to such history makers as Aaron Burr, Abigail and John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and James Madison. Further, the author describes in detail the issue of slavery was looming like a dark cloud over the founding of the American nation and how it was hidden and put away to pave way for the development of the new government.

These people knew that the issue of slavery could not be easily ignored, and they also knew that findings solutions and answers to the issue when the nation was forming its first governing body would not be ideal as it would split the country right in the middle. The author examines other political issues that became apparent at that time; for example, he looks at the financial plan developed by Hamilton to help the new economy flourish and the issue of where the permanent national seat was located. What one realizes and sees through the numerous war skirmishes described in the book are the struggles the nation went through in the period between the 1780s and 90s, both in the internal and the international fronts. The paper, therefore, will look at the main thesis of the book that becomes more apparent as the author describes the historical events that took place during this time.

The thesis of the author in this case seems to be that all of the founding fathers of the American nation were equally significant and each of them brought to the table a different set of ideas and skills that were useful in building the great nation. That they succeeded because they worked together so that we can view them as brothers rather than founding fathers. There are several supporting pieces of evidence that indicate that this is the thesis Ellis wanted to put across. For example he organizes the book in a set of segments, long ones though. For example, there is the segment on the duel between Burr and Hamilton and the consequences and implications of this duel. There is also another vignette about Adams and Jefferson letters that came during that time, another segment on the deal that conspired to bring and locate the capitol in DC, and another on non- discussions and discussions of the issue of slavery.

It is clear from the w hat these segments are arranged, and described, that the fathers were intended to be shown more of quarreling brothers rather than founding fathers, and it is quite clear that the author was impressed and held high regards of the individuals, and their ‘unity’ in working together t establish the American nation. To a limited extent, the author’s thesis that the founding fathers where more of brothers- in thought, philosophy, devotion to the new nation and revolution- is an appropriate semantic observation. What the author presents in the book are the numerous rivalries that exist between the founders, just like between siblings, as the founders in this period clashed and quarreled over what the revolution itself, the constitution and the nation meant twenty or so years later.

Generally, the founding fathers did not agree with most things, and to argue that they had any particular plan in mind when they came up with the constitution would underscore the facts laid down by history. Not only did they disagree on almost everything, most of them hated each other. For example, there was a major falling out between Washington and Jefferson, which led to them not speaking to each other. Also, Adams hated Hamilton with an intensity that is hard to understand. Madison was of the idea that Adams was a traitor to the American Revolution, and Hamilton and Burr eventually resulted to a duel. The author’s thesis comes apparent once more at this juncture. He explains that during most revolutions those who are quarreling or disagreeing about something usually lay aside their disagreement, and differences for them to combine forces and be able to overcome or overthrow some force that is oppressive or not popular with the regime. The author, however, points out that old differences and disagreements arise with a renewed abandon and in most cases usually result to violence that is horrific, after the revolution has been successful.

The brotherly rivalry that existed among the founding fathers is further asserted by the question the author puts across of how such a huge nation was able to survive its first 10 years. There was no nation that had ever tried or used the republican government to such a large scale, and the author indicates that the stage was set against the success of the newly founded nation and American government. prior to this experience, the thirteen American states had no history of cooperation that was sustained and, even though America had numerous resources, bringing them together and making it possible for these diverse groups of people who did not always agree on anything or get along to cooperate and work together was formidable.

For the author, it was the leadership that the founding fathers offered the nation that helped the American nation to overcome all of the challenges it faced. In his book, he points out that, ‘…..the revolutionary generation found a way to contain the explosive energies of the debate (over the role of the central government) in the form of an ongoing argument or dialogue that was eventually institutionalized and rendered safe by the creation of political parties….’ (Ellis 15). According to the author, there were four key factors that helped the nation survive its first ten years, through the founding fathers. These elements apparently were the ones that helped congeal the new American nation into a real nation rather than a mere experimentation by the republicans.

The first key factor was the men’s personalities. It is indicated that these personalities helped serve as a system of balances and checks, taken together in all the personality differences and diversities. The second element was that they all were familiar with each other and were at times surprisingly intimate. The third element or factor that is thought to have been significant is that they had mastered the ability to avoid real debates and discussions about the issues of slavery. This issue was solely capable of charging forces that could destroy the union, and thus the young nation. The fourth factor was that the founding fathers were aware of their responsibilities and roles and needed the experiment to work as planned as they knew that the whole world was watching. These are just a few pointers that indicate and assert that the founding fathers were as diverse in their personalities, thoughts, and actions as real brothers and they did not work as a monolithic body as many would have us believe, they were just as diverse in character as the American people the represented.

These are more than enough supporting pieces of evidence that point to the diversity of the founding fathers, and to the thesis of the book that the founding fathers should be treated more as brothers who worked together for the good of the nation and for the stability of the young nation, rather than founding fathers whose ideologies and characters were unified. As it is, the founding fathers were diverse and different and they only put aside their disagreements for the sake of winning the revolution and for the sake of supporting the establishment of the new governing body.

References

Ellis, Joseph J. Founding Brothers: A Revolutionary Generation. New York: Viking, 2002. Print

T’ien-an-men Square massacre

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Review of Diary of a Young Girl by Frank, Anne

This is an engaging real life story and account of and by a young Jewish girl who spend a lot of her time hiding in small and squeezed quarters from the Nazis during the Second World War. The author of the novel is Anne frank who begins putting together her diary on her thirteenth birthday when she receives it as a present and keeps on writing it for two more years until her story is shortened by her capture by the Nazi troops. At a level that is surprisingly intimate, the young writer reveals in her story how many people of Jewish descent tries to cope with the new reality of the oppressive Nazi regime.

Through her story, the readers are able to see how members of the well- educated and affluent Jewish families are forced to spare their lives with the rest of the Jewish people in cramped quarters. Facilities become rare, food becomes scarce and the environments outside become inaccessible. In such scary and bleak circumstances, the young writer attempts to stay spirited occupying herself with several activities. This paper will analyze and review the major themes in this book to indicate whether it is worth reading or not.

Several themes become evident upon reading of this book. Some of the main ones include suffering, war and duty. Suffering is an obvious theme in this book. All of the residents of the annex struggle with guilt feelings for those of them they have left outside to suffer under the persecution of the Nazi troops. While some of them try to forget or ignore it like Mrs. Van Daan. Other feel bad and suffer for it but choose to remain cheerful like the young writer, the issue of how these residents deal with their feelings about the suffering going on outside of the annex is intimately associated with their own fear of suffering the same fate as the others who have been captured.

All of these residents also struggle with the idea of duty, the duty they have to their country, fellow residents, and friends. Life in the annex is marred with petty conflicts most of which have to do with feelings of sense of duty towards fellow residents. War is also another major theme in the story. Though most of the Jewish families try hard to ignore politics, they are eventually caught up in the war. The war is responsible for the way the annex residents are living. The phrase ‘after war’ is repeatedly used by the adults to indicate a wish of the annex residents that is never fulfilled.

When I read this book, I could not help it but empathize with the Jewish families caught up in the war. The book has a voice of itself and it gives one a new perspective or view of the happenings of the Second World War, other than the one we know. This is a true story of a number of individuals living in unspeakable fear and hoping that soon the war will be over. Although the writer is young, her observations are also intelligent and mature. The book is highly recommendable especially for those individuals with an interest in the events that happened during this war. The book is a firsthand retell of experiences of people who lived those events, it could, therefore, be extremely knowledgeable and intriguing.

Response to Peer Articles

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Response to Peer Articles

The first article on western and eastern educational philosophies implies that both the eastern and western sides differ greatly in their educational philosophies. The author implies that the eastern educational philosophies are mainly based on the role of the teacher being built on power and authority. Schools in the western side do not necessarily require their students to comply with the authority and power of their tutors and school. I agree with the author when he says that teachers are in a position and power to conform societies through education. What the author did not add is that teachers must not focus on this power and authority rather they should focus on the ability to instill knowledge in their students.

The second response is by Suzan who writes in response to an article by Ford whose main argument is that education in the west is the best. The author uses the kind of discrimination that occurred between the poor and the rich in the past to make a point. She argues that the eastern and western cultures are still divided by the fact that many people usually deem the west to have the best of everything from education to food to lifestyle than the east. I agree with the argument she makes that though the wall that divides these two cultures has been brought down, there still remains an imaginary wall that indicates that the west is better than the eastern cultures. I agree with the argument made in this response that prejudice can be done with if people did not view each other in the light of wealth, and if people viewed each other as equals. It is extremely true that the gap can be closed through education, though the probability of discrimination and prejudice being reduced to zero is extremely low.

Laura responds to an article on differences in culture and gender in Internet use, which explores the differences in ways in which students from China and Britain utilize the Internet. The article concludes that there are differences in the way the British and the Chinese students use the Internet. The British students were found to have more Internet experience, usage, attitude and self confidence than the Chinese students because they had been using the internet for a longer time. The boys in Britain were found to utilize the Internet more. I agree with the author when she concludes that different individuals have different expertise and experiences when it comes to the Internet.

The forth article is by Cassandra which indicates that the education system in the US has several shortcomings. The country was ranked 19 out of 24 nations in a study that aimed to find out the educational standings of various countries. The author expresses concerns that the future generations might be affected by the current educational standing of the country. I agree with the argument of Cassandra that more focus should be put on education because if children perform poor then adult learners will not be available at the post- secondary education levels. I also agree with her argument that it is the responsibility of educators to ensure that children have a renewed interest in studies. Cassandra argues truthfully that it is there is a communication gap between the homes of the students; the schools and the students which make the student perform poorly.

Response Paper. Why believe Mary Toft

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Response Paper: Why believe Mary Toft

In the 1720s, a number of authors took part in a pamphlet disagreement over the power maternal imagination had on the outcomes of a pregnancy. Some of these authors were James Blondel and Daniel Turner. Turner agreed with the traditional conviction that the imagination of a woman with child could be reflected in her unborn child, imprinting the resulting fetus with numerous deformities. Blondel, however, did not see how this would happen, and, as a result, tried hard to refute this argument with anatomical and rational arguments (Wilson 63-85). The issue that sparked this argument and brought it to a new level was the matter of Mary Toft, and her claims of birthing rabbits. Mary Toft was a pregnant woman who lost her child in a miscarriage. The woman managed to convince a number of physicians including the surgeon to the King that she had given birth to various body parts of a rabbit and a cat. The woman craved fortune and fame, which she eventually achieved from her, accounts (The several depositions of Edward Costen 6- 10).

Mary’s story came up in 1726, and King George the first was the king then. The woman was aided by her accomplices to insert the body parts of a rabbit and a cat in her womb after her miscarriage and summoned John Howard, a local surgeon to witness the events. The surgeon was completely fooled and was convinced that he had participated in an extraordinary medical occurrence worthy of widespread fame. Eventually, the events that followed made the king sent his surgeon St. Andre to investigate what was happening. Toft told them of her story and how she had given birth to rabbit parts after she became obsessed with the animals. She told the king’s surgeon and secretary how she craved of rabbit meat; how she dreamed of them and the time, she spent trying to catch them in the garden (The several depositions of Edward Costen 6- 10).

To fully carry out such a hoax apparently did not require a lot of technicalities just immense ingenuity, and the ability to act, on the part of Mary. She kept on lying even after she was brought to London for further examination, but eventually she admitted to her lies and was later sent to prison for lying and fooling people (The several depositions of Edward Costen 6- 10). Though this is a strange and an extraordinary story, one is inclined to believe in it. There are numerous reasons as to why one might be inclined to believe the story of Mary Toft.

For instance, Mary managed to fool medical professionals who also became convinced that the woman had conceived and given birth to rabbits. Howard, the local surgeon was the first to see the woman giving birth to body parts of a rabbit. He later reviewed this in his letters in which he wrote that he had delivered the woman of other three rabbits from the fourth instance to the sixth. He claimed that the last of the rabbits leapt in the woman’s belly for about 18 hours before it died and that after it was taken away, another was struggling for birth (Saint André 9). Though the act of a human being giving birth to a rabbit is utterly unlikely, one is likely to believe Mary’s story because the rabbits were coming out of her womb as if she was giving birth to them. She gave birth to rabbit parts. Another reason why we are inclined to believe her story is the fact that the authorities let her go without prosecution after a short while. She was not prosecuted for her crimes, and for this one might argue that the authorities would not have let her go if there had been any reason to prosecute her. These two arguments show how one might be tricked into believing Mary’s story.

Works cited

Saint André, Nathanael. A short narrative of an extraordinary delivery of rabbets, perform’d by Mr. John Howard surgeon at Guilford. Published by Mr. St. Andre. The second edition. London: Printed for John Clarke, 1727. Print.

The several depositions of Edward Costen, Richard Stedman, John Sweetapple, Mary Peytoe, Elizabeth Mason, and Mary Costen; relating to the affair of Mary Toft, of Godalming in the county of Surrey, being deliver’d of several rabbits. London: Printed for J. Pemberton, 1727. Print.

Wilson, Philip K. “‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind?’ The Daniel Turner-James Blondel Dispute Over the Power of the Maternal Imagination,” Annals of Science 49.1 (1992): 63-85. Print.

Religious Studies- TRS

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Religious Studies- TRS

Chapter 2 Questions:

Totem

According to the author, a totem is a living thing or an object like an animal, bird, or plant that a certain group views with a special reference awe, and respect. It can also be said to be a symbol, an expression through material of something. It is an object of worship.

Taboo

Something that is forbidden or should not be done

Polytheism

Believe in more than one Supreme Being. The religion believes in more than one god.

Animism

This is the belief that every nature has life and is filled with spirits that are unseen that may be placated and even worshipped. Followers of this belief see self or soul- existing in stones, trees, heavenly bodies and rivers.

Shaman

A term derived from the eastern Siberia language that refers to one who is possessed by spirits of gods and can even foretell the future.

Monotheism

This describes the belief in one god. Believers’ belief is that there is only one supreme god.

Monism

Describes the view that there is unity in any field of inquiry; it is opposed to pluralism and dualism.

Polytheistic monism

Describes the view that there is unity in any field of inquiry; it is opposed to pluralism and dualism.

Rites of passage

Any kind of ritual that is used to mark the passage of an individual from one stage of life to another; for example, puberty rites, circumcision, death rituals.

Chapter 2 Questions

Can you name the elements found in common when studying Native American religion?

There are numerous elements commonly found when studying the Native American religions. They include the spirit world, animism, sacrifice, taboos, ceremonies and rituals

Can you explain each of them?

In the Native American religion it is believed that all nature is made alive by the presence of spirits. In general Native Americans are polytheistic when it comes to religion; they believe that numerous god levels exist and also in the presence of spirits in the world.

Animism is used to describe the belief in the spirits that are in existence in nature; these spirits have the power to harm or help individuals. Native American religions, therefore, view the world, stones, trees, animals and land with a different view from other religions.

Sacrifice is also important in these religions as it is used to show thanks or to please the gods.

Taboos and applying them in everyday life is the way these religions protect themselves from potential danger from the spirits. Taboos are circumstances, actions, objects or persons who because of their dangerousness fall outside the normal way of life. Ceremonies and rituals are also essential in these religions together with taboos. Native Americans usually look for ways to control the spirit forces in the world through these rituals and ceremonies. They are used for renewal of the associations between humans and spirits as well as for worship.

Can you explain some of the problems in studying Native American religion and what cautions must be exercised when making conclusions about these religions and the elements they seem to have in common (i.e., why can’t we say that all native American people have all these elements in religion?

One of the main problems when it comes to studying the Native American religions is discrimination and racism as well as modernism. Because of the past history some generalizations about these individuals must be avoided as they can be taken as elements of discrimination or racism. Some Native Americans have also modernized and adopted other religions with some elements of their cultures still present. Care should be taken not to generalize all people.

Chapter 3 Vocabulary

Ancestor veneration

This can be defined as the veneration of a member of family who has passed away. This process frequently involves care of and upkeep of graves, name memorization of people from the past, sacrifices and prayers to honor those who have passed on.

Orisha

This is used in African mythologies that are used to describe lesser deities who participated in the world’s creation.

Chapter 3 Questions

Can you name the elements found in common among African native religions?

There are a few elements related to African religions like high God, lesser spirits, ancestors, rites of passage, sacrifice, and religious leaders.

Can you explain them?

The high God in African religions is extremely essential. Hey believe that there is one Supreme Being in control of all forces. They also believe that there were lesser spirits who were involved in the creation story. Ancestors form a big part of the religion as well. They believe that the departed have power to help and control them. Rites of passage are also valued in the religion; they mark the passage of an individual from one stage of life to another. Sacrifice is used to appease gods and to ask them for more blessings or help. Religious leaders are highly respected and they are regarded as the closest connections to gods and spirits.

Can you explain some of the problems in studying African native religions and what cautions must be exercised when making conclusions about these religions and the elements they seem to have in common?

Just like in Native American religions, studying African religions can also have several problems which also have to do with discrimination, racism and modernization issues. Because of the history, studying African religions has to be done carefully so as to avoid looking discriminatory or racist. Influence from colonizers has also affected African religions and caused many to modernize. Therefore, generalizations should not be made.

Chapter 4 Vocabulary

Mohenjo- daro and Harappa

A term used to describe the religious events and rituals of Hinduism.

Aryans; monism

Aryan is a Sanskrit term that is used to mean those who are noble and it is applied to migrants who migrated from Persia to the Indus valley in BCE, the second millennium.

Brahaman

The term used by Upanishads to show and define their impersonal god who is taken as the total reality.

Atman

Souls

Maya

This is a term used to define false knowledge used by Upanishads. It describes all that which is not Brahman, all individuality, all perception.

Samsara

The term is used in Buddhism and Upanishads to describe the continuous cycle of life, death, birth and rebirth that all humans experience.

Karma

In Indian culture this word is used to mean that which connects or binds one to the continuous life cycles like rebirth and death.

Dharma

This is a term used to describe duties given to a person in the traditional life of Hindus, and is based on station and caste in life; the teachings of Buddha in Buddhism.

Brahma

A term used in the Indian society to mean one of the three significant gods in the worship of the Hindu. The god is seen as the world’s creator.

Vishnu

It is a term used in Hinduism used to describe one of the most popular deities in postclassical Hindu, called the god of love.

Shiva

This term describes the most popular god in the period of postclassical Hinduism that regarded the god of destruction and death but also of reproduction and rebirth.

Avatar

This can be used to mean the deity’s incarnation. In Hinduism, a god named Vishnu is believed to have often assumed other forms in life like human form and other types of forms.

Vedas

A collection of Aryan gods’ hymns; the entire collection of the sacred literature of Indians

Upanishads

Vedic literature philosophical material

Bhagavad gita

This is a poem in the religion and culture of Indians called the song of the blessed lord.

Krishna

This term is used to refer to the incarnation of Vishnu, who is a god in Hinduism who appears as a key contributor and participator in Bhagavad Gita.

Arjuna

This is a term used to describe a god. It is a name given to a key character in the event of Bhagavad Gita.

Trimurti

This describes the three most significant gods in Hindu; Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Yoga

A philosophical system used to teach a world view that is dualistic in postclassical Hinduism.

Moksha

It describes the process of releasing individuals from the death cycle and also rebirth in Indian religions.

Bhakti

This word is used to define the devotion Hindus have in their religion.

Puja

Describes the view that there is unity in any field of inquiry; it is opposed to pluralism and dualism.

Harijans

A word used to describe those who participated in the Muhammad migration.

Chapter 4 questions

Can you name each of the 3 main periods in the historical development of Hinduism?

The large Hindu community’s emergence outside India, huge numbers of untouchables convert to Christianity and Buddhism; independence of India, partition into Pakistan and India; and growth of Hindu nationals which leads to growth in Hinduism/Christian/Muslim tensions.

Can you give the dates for each

19th and 20th, 1947, late 20th and early 21st centuries respectively

Can you explain what took place in each of them that significantly shaped the modern Hinduism?

The large Hindu community’s emergence outside India, huge numbers of untouchables convert to Christianity and Buddhism; independence of India, partition into Pakistan and India; and growth of Hindu nationals which leads to growth in Hinduism/Christian/Muslim tensions

Can you identify which set of scriptures was developed in which periods and explain why that is important in the religious development of Hinduism?

Vedas are the oldest sacred books in Hinduism. There is dispute over the period when these books were written. Some believe that they were written before 2000 BC while others argue that they were written between the periods of 1500 and 400 BC. These books are important in Hinduism because they help Hindus form an understanding of the universe.

Can you explain the concept of Brahman?

The Upanishads believe that only one reality exists, and that the impersonal god- being is referred to as Brahman. They believe that anything that is considered not Brahman is not real.

Can you name the three main gods who together manifest Brahman?

Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu

Can you explain the significance of each of these three main gods and explain why they must be seen as working together?

Brahma is the creator, Shiva is the destroyer and Vishnu preserves. The three works together to bring about balance in the world

Can you explain what Samsara is?

This is a term basically used to mean wandering across. To Hindus, the force of life of a person never dies when a person die, rather it wanders across.

Can you explain why the gods are also subject to the laws of samsara

Because their spirits as well wonder across to possess other bodies or objects.

Can you name the three main paths which Hinduism teaches are ways to salvation?

Middle way which lies between the extreme forms of asceticism and worldly life, salvation based on individual efforts, and salvation through Vedas

Can you explain each of them?

Middle way which lies between the extreme forms of asceticism and worldly life, salvation based on individual efforts, and salvation through Vedas

Can you define moksha and explain how one could eventually achieve moksha on each of these paths?

Moksha is breaking away from life. One can achieve this through the middle path by getting to the place in this path, through Vedas by reading and fulfilling the scriptures, and by individual fighting towards moksha.

A philosophical system used to teach a world view that is dualistic in postclassical Hinduism.

Can you explain what yoga means and how it is connected to each path?

Can you explain what dharma is and how it is connected to each path?

This is a term used to describe duties given to a person in the traditional life of Hindus, and is based on station and caste in life; the teachings of Buddha in Buddhism.

Can you explain what moya is and how it can keep one from achieving moksha?

This is knowledge that is false. Having false knowledge can make one not obtain moksha because it prevents one from breaking away from life.

Comparative Analysis

A). can you name and explain elements which native American and African native religions have in common and which are greatly similar?

The two religions have several elements in common such as sacrifices, rite of passage and religious deities.

B). can you name and explain elements which native Americans and African native religions have in common but which they approach in different ways and explain how they are unique in each group?

Rites of passage are different in the two cases. The African religions have such rites of passage as passage to womanhood and manhood through circumcision. Native Americans approach these rites differently; they do not practice circumcision.

2. Can you compare the Apache Girl’s rite of passage and the Fulani Initiation rite, i e., the videos we watched in class in the areas of

a). symbols used in each

The Fulani community has marks, tattoos, while the apache has white dresses, pollen

b). who participates

In the apache community girls and religious leader participate while in the Fulani community girls and boys’ initiates participate together with tattooing artists

c). actions

In the Fulani community tattooing, marking of the skin, beating of boys happens while in the apache community painting face with pollen, dancing, is practiced

1. Done by individuals

Dancing, and getting blessed by elders, enduring the beating

2. Done by groups

The cooking, celebrating and celebrations, beating boys

Specifically performed by each gender

The men in the apache bless the girls while women cook and prepare for celebrations. In the Fulani community the men beat the initiates while the women watch and cheer the initiates on

D. the underlying connections to spirituality and culture

These rituals all have underlying connections to spirituality and culture through a number of symbols and actions. The spilling of blood shows connection to spirituality while the beating indicates connections to culture. In the apache initiation the covering of the girls face with pollen shows connectivity to spirits, while dancing is a connection to culture.

Reflections of the Old Testament

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Reflections of the Old Testament

The two sources of information to be reviewed in this paper are the session 6 audio class and the class text by Barry Bandstra. The two sources of information are about the Old Testament and the periods defined in the texts. As the audio lecture makes it clear, there are two sides of scholars who argue about the events narrated in the Old Testament. According to the lecture, some scholars on extreme believe that the stories narrated in the texts of the Old Testament are true reflections of what happened during those times, as evidenced by the bible. On the other extreme, are the other scholars who believe that the stories narrated in the Old Testament are fabrications that have no truth in them. Some examples of the stories the lecture gives that are the basis of argument in this case are the stories such as women who got married to their close relatives, something that society treated as taboo, and women providing servants to their husbands in case they were barren for the purposes of reproduction. The lecture gives examples of women like Sara who were not able to give birth to children, and as required by law, had to provide their husbands with maids with whom they would reproduce (Prof. Hayes).

The lecture also gives a timeline of when these vents happened, and I realized that they took place between all throughout the middle bronze period to the three phases of the middle bronze era. The bronze period, as it becomes clear, has three periods. The class textbook confirms this accurately by providing us with a timeline of when these events took place. According to the author of the textbook, Abraham lived in the first phase of the middle bronze period, and so did his wife. Rebecca and Isaac existed in the same period, with Jacob being born at the beginning of the second phase of the middle bronze period. Joseph came much later, almost after Jacob. The Hebrew in Egypt existed from the second phase of the bronze era to the late bronze era.

According to the text, the Egyptian 12th dynasty existed in the second phase of the middle bronze period, with the Hyksons rule coming in the third phase of the middle bronze era. The new kingdom of Egypt is shown to have come during the late bronze period and it lasted to the second phase of the late bronze period (Bandstra 78- 80).

Generally, as the two course materials indicate, the ancestral story does not have the same timeline or history as the primeval story. The ancestral story, which we learned in this course, has three main saga sets. Scholars refer to each of the three sets as a cycle because all of the ancestral stories of that period revolve around a key figure in the history of these individuals, Abraham, Joseph, and Jacob. Individuals see these three cycles as separated by short genealogical notices of the two main ancestral off springs that came from the Israel trajectory, called Esau and Ishmael (Bandstra 78- 113).

As I later discovered from the audio lecture, the literary shape of this story is less complicated to establish than the relationship these individuals had with history. There clearly are not any references about these historical figures anywhere in the bible so individuals have to fill up in the voids for themselves. The course was extremely informative and enjoyed learning new, ancestral subjects immensely (Prof. Hayes).

Works cited

Bandstra, Barry L. Reading the Old Testament: an Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. (4th Ed.). New York: Cengage Learning, 2008.

Prof. Hayes, Christine. RLST 145- Lecture 6. Web. 4 November 2011.

Reasons for Transferring and Objective

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Reasons for Transferring and Objective

United States is a realm that upholds the truths that all men are to be treated equal as they are created equal, that all men were given by their creator different kinds of undisputable rights, and that among these rights are the rights to pursue happiness, the freedom of liberty and the rights to life. It was always one of my imaginings that, in the future, I will be able to obtain my higher education in the United States of America, a country packed with numerous opportunities. So when I moved from Indonesia to the US, the first thing that I took in was the seemingly infinite amount of opportunities and chances that this nation had to offer. Coming from a relatively underprivileged background, I realized that my life had turned for the better and that I was fortunate enough to exploit all the opportunities my new country gave me I found myself wanting to explore one of my childhood dreams, to get a bachelor degree in communication, majoring in public relations.

Since my childhood, I had watched one of my increasingly successful aunt become an excellent public relations expert, and I promised myself that public relation was to be my vocation when I came of age. So I enrolled in Shoreline Community college for the degree. As time went by, I realized that though the community college was doing as best as it could to offer us the best education, it did not have enough resources to mould me into a successful person I wanted. I looked around for options and found that the only place I could get such molding was at the university. I am a second year student at the community college now and am looking to transfer to the university as a third year student. I am sure with the opportunities and resources the university commits to this department I will become the successful individuals I dreamt of, and eventually own my own public relations agency.

Statement of Intent

Back home, I always watched the most successful people around me for inspiration and for motivation. As I mentioned before, opportunities for success back in Indonesia are quite rare, and, therefore, becoming a successful person in such conditions is quite an achievement. One of my aunts was one such successful individual who had worked extra hard to achieve a lot of accomplishment in the turf of public relations. As a child, whenever I went visiting I could see a lot of affluence around her, and her home and she always looked extremely sophisticated. I vowed to myself that I wanted build myself and reach her level one day.

I would work hard and go to whatever lengths to attain a degree in public relations so that I become successful and in the end open an agency of my own. It was not just looking up to my aunt that enticed me to the career. During my school holidays back home after high school, I worked for awhile at my aunt’s agency and I liked everything about the career. I found that I enjoyed the work immensely and that I was excellent on the job. This motivated me, and I realized that I could work to be successful at something that I liked to do. So here I am in the US trying to fulfill that dream.

Operation Management

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Operation Management

Question 1a: using examples discuss customer influence on performance objectives in operations and explain how different competitive factors imply different performance objectives.

Of all the influences on an organization’s priorities offers to its objectives of performance, the most significant and immediate are its customers. Operations in any organization seek to satisfy and meet the needs of the customers through the development of the organization’s five performance objectives. For instance, if customers specifically value products and services that cost less, the operation will impose more emphasis in its performance of cost. On the other hand, if they insist on products and services that are free of error, then an organization will focus more on its performance of quality. An emphasis of customers on rapid delivery will make speed essential with the organizations quality, while an emphasis from customers on delivery that is reliable will make dependability an essential operation to a company. The factors that define the requirements of a customer are what are referred to as competitive factors. How well a company meets the requirements of its customers is depended on how well its functions of operation excel at the performance objectives, which also determine the competitive factors (Pycraft, 2000).

Question 1b: using examples explain what is meant by ‘operations strategy’ and how it differs from operations management.

Operations strategy is a term used to refer to the business strategies in operations to make them efficient, successful and competitive. This term is different from operations management in that management of operation is used to mean the processes, tactics, and strategies a firm uses to make sure that its operations run smoothly (Chase et al., 2001).

Questions 2a: using examples discuss the application of inventory management tools in operations management.

Inventory management utilizes network definition information and other tools like local configuration databases, vital product data, and in other cases discovery applications for the purposes of arriving at inventory data and information. There are numerous ways these tools can be utilized in operations management to make processes efficient and effective. There is also a number of inventory management tools used in management operations. Some of these include VTAM and Net View, which are responsible for maintaining those linkages that are necessary to physical assets, whether they are within the system or out of the level of the server on the network. Another tool commonly used in operation management is centralized databases, which are used to store all the assets of an organization and their related information. The tool offers the user browsing and editing capability through a front end that is driven by an online menu, and it offers the user security access that is restricted. Network configuration application is another inventory tool that is used for moving stand- alone databases for inventory control to format that are based on the host. These are just a few examples of the available inventory management tools useful in operations management (Piasecki, 2003).

Question 2b: explain what vendor Management Inventory means and discuss fully how the application of VMI can help in reduction of demand implication.

Vendor managed inventory is a term used to mean a set of business models which are used by companies to derive information from their customers about a certain product after which the supplier assumes the full responsibility for maintaining an agreed material inventory, usually at the consumption location of the client. The vendor managed inventory makes the chances lesser for a business to become out of stock unintentionally, and at the same time decreases the available inventory in the business’ supply chain (Franke, 2010). Additionally, the supplier or the vendor representatives in the company benefit the supplier by making sure that the product or service is appropriately displayed and the sales staffs are familiar with the characteristics and features of the product, all while helping in the organization and cleaning of the product line in the business. It has been indicated that the key to making this inventory work is through shared risk. In certain cases when the inventory fails to sell, the supplier or the vendor can repurchase the product from the retailer or the customer. In some other cases, the product might be with the retailer but the ownership is never complete until purchases happen (Tempelmeier, 2006).

Question 3a: discuss the role of 4PL companies in supply chain operations. Critically examine how they differ from 3PL companies.

A 4PL can be defined as an integrator that uses its own technical expertise and capabilities in human resource, and technology solutions to leverage those of other companies, like providers of logistics that are third- party, so as to manage and design supply chains for their clients.4PLs have evolved to become alternatives for outsourcing in business process. These service providers make it possible for firms to manage a crucial part of their supply chain by offering them integration and visibility across a number of enterprises. These logistics service providers manage with three major elements of people, process and technology. Users of this service can emphasize on main competencies and better utilize and manage company resources and assets, as to personnel and inventory (Bauknight & Miller, 1999).

These are different from 3PL logistics service providers in that 4PLs are considered non- asset based, which is they are more of consultants as opposed to operators. They are also different from third party logistic providers because the 3PLs are considered to be experts in management of operations, transportation and warehousing services. In addition, using a 4Pl logistics services provider is different than using a 3PL one. The 4PL is a business process outsourcing provider. It will bring a new approach and value to the needs of the customer. The provider is neutral and has the ability to manage the process of logistics, regardless of the kind of forwarders, carriers and warehouses are utilized (JSI Logistics, n.d).

Question 3b: using examples discuss the factors for success and failure in outsourcing in the manufacturing and the service sector operations to Asia.

Asia to Us is considered the dominant lane or path of trade. One of the more complex and troublesome issues in logistics is Asia’s inbound supply chain. The question of how this critical supply chain can be managed and how the suppliers who are miles away can be managed is a challenge that has been limiting success of outsourcing. Managing this essential part of the supply chain can consume a lot of time and can be frustrating. Changing and expending orders, shipping dates of vendors, giving directions to the 3PLs and to consolidators as to the requirements of delivery are just some of the issues that can affect the success or failure of outsourcing processes. Suppliers from Asia often seek inexpensive rates of freight without necessarily coming into terms with the supply chain, as well as, the time demands of the purchasers of order – to- delivery. This is usually a challenge for most companies in the US with such complex, critical and dynamic part of their business processes. The difference in time limits communication through emails, brief calls, and faxes made at night made by either one of the parties, and this can lead to failure of outsourcing process. However, pulling of inventory, management of suppliers and purchase orders, management of forwarders of freight and ocean carriers of 3PL can proof to beneficial in enhancing the success of outsourcing processes (Bauknight & Miller, 1999).

Question 4: using examples discuss the recent trends in operations and supply chain management.

Supply chain management is continually changing and there usually are new issues and trends that must be of interest to businesses. There are a number of trends that constantly undergo changes, and, as a result, cause essential effects, and alter the design and performance of the supply chain. The main ones include planning of demand, increase in price pressures and competition, globalization, outsourcing, product life cycles that are more complex and shorter, and closer collaboration and integration with suppliers (Pilkington & Meredith, 2009). Manufacturing, developing and selling products can be complex and difficult even to the best-accomplished businesses in the best of the times. As the business drivers of a company change, as well as, processes in business, the general approach to the management of the supply chain in companies must also change. This is because a supply chain that is poor in functioning and one that is inefficient can jeopardize the performance and success of a company in long- term (Hitachi Consulting, 2009).

Part 2

Question 1a: discuss how products and services are differentiated in operations management. Using examples discuss the use of batch processing and continuous processing in operations.

In operations management, the main difference between services and goods is based on their tangibility nature. As a result, if there is a characteristic of tangibility in manufacturing, then the outcome becomes a good or a product. However, when the outcome of a business process has an intangible aspect, then it is said to be a service. Tangibility of the outcome of a business process is the main way in which businesses differentiate between a good and a service. In production, there are two methods of production used; the continuous production and the batch production processes. The continuous manufacturing process is the process used to produce, manufacture, and process raw materials continuously, without interruption. On the other hand, batch production involves interruptions. There are a number of uses for each. For example, continuous manufacturing is used in cases where the products are needed in bulk, or in large amounts, or when the demand for a product is insatiable. Batch production, however, is used only when the market for a certain product is low, and when the products needed are lesser (Wilson, 1995).

Questions 2a: using examples discus the applications of mass customization and postponement in supply chain management

The objectives of mass customization are to produce goods that are customized at a cheaper cost. Postponement strategies, on the other hand, emphasizes on delaying processes of customization as near to the consumers as possible. The extent to which postponement and customization processes of products are rooted in the modulation of the architecture of the product design. The customization of products can take place either depended on a platform that is common with amore options or depended on mixing and matching and combining modules to attain a wide variety of product attributes. It also needs a strategy in supply chain to facilitate logistics, assembly and outsourcing decisions. For companies to satisfy the increasing demands of customers for product offerings that are more diverse, companies are revising their structures of supply chains to allow mass customization. These new structures usually involve the delaying of the product delivery until after the orders of the customers arrive, known as time postponement; or delaying of the product differentiation until later stages in production called form postponement (Su, Chang. & Ferguson, 2005).

Question 2b: explain what is meant by factory gate pricing and discuss its application in the retail sector

The term factory gate pricing can be used to mean a basic price that uses the gate of the factory as the point of pricing that is the product’s price made available at the factory, exclusive of any delivery or transport that is charged or billed separately. One of the major applications of the concept is within the grocery sector. Starting in 2001, it is one of the series of initiatives in the past few years that have resulted to the transformation in the operation and organization of the distribution of groceries in most markets. The focus of the concept and other related concepts has led to the increase in transport efficiency, and a further reduction in costs. Some examples of the strategies involved include improvement in transport scheduling and consolidation of loads (Potter, Mason & Lalwani, 2006).

Question 4a: discuss the reasons for imbalance between the rates of supply and demand at different points in any operation. Using examples discuss how bullwhip effect can be reduced in supply chains.

Inventory only exists because of the difference that occurs between the rate or timing of demand and supply. Therefore, when the rate of supply increases and surpasses the rate of demand, increases in inventory are seen. Inventory decreases with an increase in demand and decrease in supply. However, imbalances do occur between the rates of demand and rates of supply at different points in business operations. Some of the reasons that affect those balance by affecting supply include the number of suppliers, costs of production, the production technology used, the prices of associated goods, and the expectations of the firm about prices in the future. Factors that affect demand can also cause imbalances in the rates of demand and supply. Some of the factors might include income, preferences and tastes, number of possible customers, prices of associated goods and the expectations of the customers of the prices in future (Slack, Johnston & Chambers, 2007).

If these imbalances are not controlled then the bullwhip effect results, this is a phenomenon that arises in the management of supply chains when customers overbuy, products and services, regardless of the needs and wants they have of the good and services. This can be reduced through better knowledge and information either through forecasts or from the supply chain. Another way one can reduce the effect is through the elimination or reduction of the delays that occur in the supply chain (Cannella & Ciancimino, 2010). This ensures that customers are well supplied with goods and services such that they do not feel the need to overbuy. Other solutions include allocation of demand between customers based on past purchases and orders, and maintenance of stable prices for goods and services. These solutions ensure that customers do not feel that the supply of the products and goods are threatened, and, as a result, they will not need to buy extra products for bad days (Lee, 2010).

References

Bauknight, D. & Miller, J. (1999). Fourth Party Logistics: The Evolution of Supply Chain Outsourcing. CALM Supply Chain & Logistics Journal.

Cannella S. & Ciancimino E. (2010). On the bullwhip avoidance phase: supply chain collaboration and order smoothing. International Journal of Production Research, 48 (22), 6739-6776.

Chase, R. F. et al. (2001) Operations Management for Competitive Advantage. New York: Wiley.

Franke, P. D. (2010). Vendor-Managed Inventory for High Value Parts. Results from a survey among leading international manufacturing firms.

Hitachi Consulting. (2009). Six trends changing supply chain management today. Choosing the optimal strategy for your business. Hitachi Consulting Corporation.

JSI Logistics. (n.d). 4P – A business process outsourcing option for international supply chain management. JSI.

Lee, H.L. (2010). Taming the bullwhip. Journal of Supply Chain Management 46 (1), pp. 7–7.

Piasecki, D. J. (2003). Inventory accuracy: people, processes & technology. New York: OPS Publishing.

Pilkington, A. & Meredith, J. (2009). The Evolution of the Intellectual Structure of Operations Management. Journal of Operations Management, 27(3), 185-202.

Potter, A., Mason, R. & Lalwani, C. (2006). Analysis of Factory Gate Pricing in the UK Grocery Supply Chain. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management.

Pycraft, M. (2000). Operations management. Cape Town: Pearson South Africa.

Slack, N., Johnston, R. & Chambers, S. (2007). Operations management. New York: Prentice Hall.

Su, J., Chang, Y. & Ferguson, M. (2005). Evaluation of postponement structures to accommodate mass customization. Journal of Operations Management 23 (3-4), 305- 318.

Tempelmeier, H. (2006). Inventory Management in Supply Networks—Problems, Models, Solutions. Norderstedt: Books on Demand.

Wilson, M. (1995). An historical perspective on Operations Management. Production and Inventory Management Journal.

What is the Categorical Imperative and What Role does it play in Kant’s Moral Philosophy

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What is the Categorical Imperative and What Role does it play in Kant’s Moral Philosophy?

It is difficult for any philosopher in any given century to make a significant influence on any particular issue in philosophy. For a philosopher to influence as numerous areas in philosophy as Kant did is, therefore, impressive. His theory on ethics is as influential as his work in metaphysics and in epistemology. In most of his works, the philosophy is decidedly against what is commonly referred to as deontology in ethics. Deontology is a term used to refer to the study of duty. On the view of the philosopher, the sole trait that gives an action some worth in morality is not the result that the action achieves, but the motive guiding the action. The categorical imperative is the philosopher’s famous stance of the duty. He argues that individuals should only act according to that dictum by which they can similarly will that individuals should understand it as a law that is universal to all. This paper, therefore, will look at what this categorical imperative really is and try to show what role the notion plays in the rest of the philosophy of Kant.

The categorical imperative is the key philosophical concept in Kant’s moral philosophy. There are a number of ways through which the categorical imperative can be defined, and one is that it is a way of assessing the driving forces behind human actions. According to Immanuel Kant, human beings are special among all the other creations. To him, one can sum up or understand morality as one ultimate imperative or commandment of reason, from which all obligations and duties derive. An imperative, to the philosopher, is any kind of proposition that declares or defines both an action and inaction to be crucial. Therefore, hypothetical imperatives drive actions in certain circumstances. For instance, one has to learn if he wishes to add to his knowledge, and just the same, one has to have a drink if they need to quench their thirst. On the other hand, a categorical imperative denotes or defines a requirement that is both unconditional and absolute, one that asserts its authority in every circumstance, both justified and required as an end to itself.

Kant felt extremely dissatisfied and discontent with the common moral philosophy of his time, and he believed that this moral philosophy could never pass over the level of hypothetical imperatives. The utilitarian, for example, practiced one of these moral philosophies. To them, when one committed a murder, they thought it was wrong because it did not maximize good for the largest groups of people. This philosophy, however, does not apply to individuals who are only worried about themselves and in benefiting themselves. As it follows, Kant pointed out that systems of hypothetical morals cannot persuade any actions in morality or be seen as moral judgment bases against others, as the imperatives driving them depend too much on considerations that are subjective. As an alternative, he came up with a deontological moral system that categorical imperatives determined, and guided.

The categorical imperative has a number of duties to play in the philosophy developed by Kant. For instance, it helps us understand which actions are forbidden and which are obligatory. Hypothetical imperatives are usually conditional; if I want something then I must engage in a certain action. To Kant, these imperatives are not moral or ethical, as to him, the only moral actions and imperatives are those that are categorical; I have to do something, without referring to needs or desires. He came up with three types of categorical imperatives. The first is the universal law, which points out that all moral statements ought to be general laws, which apply to all individuals under all circumstances.

This category suggests that there should not be any time under which a person makes any exception. The other the category of categorical imperative is that people should treat all people as ends to themselves. The philosopher argues here that individuals should not treat others as a way to some end. To him, people must be treated and seen as ends in themselves, something that ensures that there is equality. The final category that Kant came up with is that people should act as if they live in a kingdom made up of ends. He assumed that all agents who are rational had the ability to deduce whether an argument is moral, and not only through reason, and that all humans who are rational should have the ability to come to the same conclusion on moral laws.

The categorical imperative, therefore, plays an essential role in the development and conception of the rest of the philosophy developed by Kant because with it comes the guiding principle of ethics and morality, the categorical imperative becomes the driving force for determining whether an action is ethical or not. At this point, it is essential to understand that the categorical imperative is concerned only with abstract and general moral actions. Therefore, it determines whether an action is wrong or right. In general, Kant’s philosophy relies on the critical realization of moral law that is present in the subject or agent, and this moral law is best defined by his categorical imperative.

There is no Hope of Doing Perfect Research, the very essence of the process is imperfect

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There is no Hope of Doing Perfect Research, the very essence of the process is imperfectResearch is a term commonly used to refer to the fetching of information and investigations carried out on a certain topic from different sources such as books, people, the Internet, journals, newspaper articles, among other sources of information. As it follows, knowledge and the information present on a certain matter is far from perfect, and that is the reason why it is necessary for new innovation, inventions, discoveries, and up- gradations after studies have been completed and published. Research involves searching for information that is already available in the minds of researchers or in print. Researchers have to find this information through a number of ways, and they have to depend on a numerous sources, but all in all, most studies are accomplished under the basis of trial and error, and this is what is commonly referred to as the research process. As the name indicates, this process is marred with numerous inaccuracies, errors, misunderstandings and mistakes, without which the essence of a real process of research can never be attained. As one develops a subject from scratch; therefore, the process in its development encounters notable failures. As it is, saying that it is possible to conduct a perfect research is absurd and even incorrect because the very essence of the process is imperfection.

One thing that we are all aware of and that has caused much controversy and furthered doubts that perfect studies can ever exist is the controversy that relates to the third law of motion formulated by Newton. This controversy came about after the Bernoulli, another scientist, carried out a similar study but came up with different results. Newton’s study was on principles guiding motion while Bernoulli’s was on the principles governing the conservation of energy, which is also controversial to the third law of motion by Newton. Both of the researchers through their surveys have gotten results and formulated theories that justifies why airplanes are able to fly and stay in the air without falling. The third law of motion by Newton states that, for any act, there is a reaction that is either opposite or equal (Dole and Lewis 143). On the other hand, the theory of conservation of energy by Bernoulli states that air that moves faster creates a pressure that is low and that the converse also applies (McCormick, Papadakis and Asselta 46).

The Bernoulli principle is controversial to the law of motion, and this is enough proof that research is never perfect. Research, therefore, is a process that never ends. It is also a process that is continuous and evolves in a manner that one researcher uses the conclusions made by another to conclude and make some entirely new findings. There happenings that have taken place that have proven numerous studies wrong. Had such researches been perfect and complete, there is a possibility that a necessity would not occur to repeat the same study. In fact, one of the main reasons why I conclude that there can never be a perfect research or study is that research usually makes use if a conclusion that was in existence and that which had been formulated by another researcher to make or base the conclusions of a present research. As such, there is no and there, can never be a perfect research.

Works cited

Dole, C. and Lewis, J. Flight Theory and Aerodynamics: a Practical Guide for Operational Safety. New York: Wiley- IEEE, 2000. Print.

McCormick, B., Papadakis, J. and Asselta, J. Aircraft Accident Reconstruction and Litigation. New York: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, 2003. Print