The Taming of the Shrew Essay Paper Example For Students

The Taming of the Shrew Essay Paper Shakespeare a well known playwright throughout the 16th Century wrote many comedies and tragedy plays to entertain Elizabethan audiences. The plays were aimed at all classes and ages, after being performed in front of Queen Elizabeth, and approved of. Queen Elizabeth was very feministic and The Taming of the Shrew faired well with the monarch. One of the leading characters, Katherina, is very feisty and classes herself as better or at least equal to men, something unheard of in Elizabethan society. Men were seen as the superior sex, where as women were expected to be sub-dominant and weak. Their role was not to challenge the husband, but to support him; also women were seen as an asset to a married man. Reasons for this philosophy perhaps resided in The Great Chain of Being, a concept accepted and followed by society at the time. These stereotypical views of women were challenged by The Taming of the Shrew. The play revolves around four main characters and a whole host of involved background characters. There are two love stories running through-out, which become tangled and more complicated as the plot thickens and emotions run wild. We will write a custom essay on The Taming of the Shrew Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now One of the most complicated aspects of the play is that characters repeatedly dress up as each other a concept taken from Commedia dellArte. Amusement is also due to the dramatic irony because the audience know of the costume capers, where as the characters in the play do not. Modern audiences might not find some of the disguise antics comedic as they might see them as foolish and stupid. However Elizabethan audiences would have found this confusion amongst characters and visual antics amusing as most of the audience would not have been well educated. The more sophisticated wordplay and punning would also rely on exaggerated actions and the slapstick humour so often seen in Shakespearian plays something else taken from Commedia dellArte. This would help to explain why there are so many scenes involving exaggerated movements, and farcical actions such as when Katherina is fighting with Petruchio. Katherina is the plays antagonist. Widely reputed throughout Padua to be a shrew, Katherine is foul-tempered and sharp-tongued at the start of the play. She constantly insults and degrades the people around her, and often resorts to violence and wild displays of aggression. It is generally perceived that her erratic behaviour is genetic, however we sometimes see the real Katherina which could lead us to believe that her behaviour is the result of many different factors; one being her jealousy for the way Baptista treats Bianca. She may act like a shrew because she is miserable and desperate. However, she is still a very fiery character, a feminist. Katherinas character challenged the stereotypes withheld at the time, which women were nothing more than housewives, possessions to be owned by their husbands. This stereotype partly came about through The Great Chain of Being, which states that women are below men. However the monarch at the time Queen Elizabeth I was a very feministic queen. Katherinas independant stance would have faired well with the Queen as they followed the same principles. Katherinas behaviour would also startle Elizabethan audiences as it was unheard of at the time this could provide humour.

Free Essays on American Dream

of the Declaration of Independence. â€Å" We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by God, creator, with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.† This is a great and universal dream but it was fantasy for minority groups. This dream does say another thing that separates our nation from any other nation in the world. Each of us have certain basic rights that are neither derived from or conferred by the state. These basic rights are given by God, gifts from his Holy hand. Never before has one single document expressed in such profound language the dignity and the wort... Free Essays on American Dream Free Essays on American Dream The American Dream: The Declaration of Independence versus the Narrative Works of Frederick Douglass The American dream is imbued with the concept of the self-made individual regardless of race. America is the land of the free individual, who carved his life with his own two hands and suffers the consequences of his failures. This does not imply that America is a permissive nation but rather an America that was regarded as the personification of the ideals of freedom that lie in the hearts of all men. In early American literature, the narrative works of Frederick Douglass reminds the common man that an important detail of the American dream is the realization of the basic God given right to pursue happiness and equality among all men. The founding fathers concentrated more on a sense of economic freedom rather than the freedom of the true American soul. In the times of Frederick Douglass, America was challenged to realize its dream, for the structure of the world did not permit our nation the luxury of an anemic democracy. The price that America could ultimately pay for the conti nued oppression of minority groups and the importance of the self-made man is the price of its own demise. The substance of the American dream can be found the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence. â€Å" We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by God, creator, with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.† This is a great and universal dream but it was fantasy for minority groups. This dream does say another thing that separates our nation from any other nation in the world. Each of us have certain basic rights that are neither derived from or conferred by the state. These basic rights are given by God, gifts from his Holy hand. Never before has one single document expressed in such profound language the dignity and the wort... Free Essays on American Dream The American Dream There are many definitions on how to define The American Dream. Some people see it as having wealth and freedom and not having to worry about financial stability. Others may say that it is working hard for what one has and being able to support his family. Many dictionaries define it as the aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did. No matter how an individual classifies it, every single one of us has some concept of what the American Dream is. For some, that dream is a reality, and for many more it is a work in progress. As for my parents, their dream changed over time as they grew as a unit. According to my father, their dream was to, â€Å"just be together.† At least that is what it started as in the infant stages of their relationship. Throughout the many years of trials, tribulations, gains and setbacks, their true dream was finally realized and then acquired. Both of my parents discontinued high school when they first married. Although neither of them had any formal education at this time, this may not have been the best decision as my mother also discontinued working and left my father to be the primary financial provider. My father continued his current job at the time which was picking peaches. He was only 16 years old at the time and would seize any opportunity for work he could find. In addition to picking fruit, he also picked cotton and pretty much anything that could be picked. After all, there was money to be earned, and he was going to bring in whatever he could. In addition to the tedious and pitiful field work my father did, he also was in pursuit of a music career. This time-consuming effort only caused problems at the current time. After long days of hard work in the blistering heat, and sometimes in the freezing cold, he would come home and rehearse relentlessly with his brothers. My father, being the perfectionist that he is, would not let out practice until things were ... Free Essays on American Dream Dream only if you aspire to achieve. If you analyze this statement, you will realize that dreaming will never get you anywhere, but acting upon those dreams will push you into a category above others. You and I, like many people, dream of having a fabulous job, a luxurious home, and chic automobiles. These are some of the most basic aspirations we work towards, according to the general assumption of the American Dream. Now ladies and gentlemen?let?s ask ourselves one thing; what are dreams really made of? In today?s upbeat and fast paced society, take sometime to ask yourself...is that big house and the nice car and that reputable job enough to give my life fulfillment, peace, and happiness? Let me tell you, we are missing the big picture of what the ?American Dream? really should be. In America today, nuclear families are very difficult to come across. In America today the divorce rate is higher than any known sovereign country. In America today alcoholism destroys homes and confirm s stereotypes of adolescents and their use of alcohol. Now tell me this, is this the Portrait of an American Dream? Is this portrait, a true reality of what lies behind the ?White Picket Fence Let us take some time to re-evaluate and redefine the true American dream as it should be, and what the American Dream means to a second generation American like myself. Picture this if you will, you are driving to a friend?s house in a posh neighborhood, where every house is one million dollars or more, there is an expensive luxury car in each driveway, the properties expand to a whopping six thousand square feet, and to perfect this picture, there is a white picket fence surrounding these estates. Now this may sound like a pretty alluring setting to the average American, where signs of success are pouring all over this affluent community like a monsoon rainfall. But before you let your imagination wander off too far, let?s add a few twists and turns to this accomp... Free Essays on American Dream How the American Dream can ruin a relationship in the text â€Å"African Passions† In every ethnic group there is what you may call and American Dream. The American dream some can define as the US ideal according to which equal opportunity permits any American to aspire to high attainment and potential success. In my opinion American dreams are more of a goal to where you would like to end up in the future. Most of the American dreams I have heard of were more like having a house with a white picket fence, wonderful husband with a great job, no fights, arguments and everyone in their family gets along. In reality some American dreams do not end up the way most people always envision them to be. In the story â€Å"African Passions† by Beatriz Rivera she has a different way of showing an American dream. The expectations that people bring to the United States regarding the American dream are very unrealistic to me because for example some ethnic groups think that when they come to the United states that everything will be alright. They also think that they will become wealthy in a short period of time and live higher than their means and that the United States has mountains of gold. The expectations that Armando, one of the main characters in African Passions, has for his life does not include Teresa, the other main character in the story. In some cultures the rank of class takes a very important role in the society. â€Å"†¦And even if his family didn’t quite approve because no matter how successful and intelligent she was they always saw her as lower-class Jersey City, New Jersey, Cuban girl whose family owned a Laundromat, Armando said he didnâ⠂¬â„¢t care, he adored her, he couldn’t takes his hands off her.†( Rivera 12) This quote shows how class can dictate how your life can end up. In the case of Armando the class has dictated his life because regardless of his love for Teresa he still wants what is family sees as an Ameri...

The Naysayers Make the Most Noise

The Naysayers Make the Most Noise A writer wrote me about how distraught he was at the negativity about becoming a writer. He professed to being an introvert, and he felt I would understand his concerns because I profess to being an introvert. So we chatted. He has made his way through life via his writing more so than his verbal repartee. Oh boy, I can really relate to that. Every success I ever had in my life somehow originated from the written word. He fought to find his way in this writing mayhem out there, to see how he can make a partial living from his writing. Â  However, what upset him was the deluge of negativity. = Most people dont edit well enough to sell. Â   = There are too many writers so dont expect to sell much. = The agents take advantage of you. = The publishers take advantage of you. = Editors dont understand writers. = Vanity presses rip you off. = Editors rip you off. = Contracts rip you off. I could go on for the entire newsletter with that list. All the racket on the internet warns writers to watch out, be careful, demons await you around every turn and in every click to a how-to website. Well, let me tell you something, my sweethearts trembling in the shadows . . . those that screw up usually make the most noise. The people who struggled with their book and made no sales, who were taken advantage of Like I tell people in my classes . . . do your homework before publishing. Dont listen to the screamers who were taken advantage of or made bad decisions. Usually they are still uninformed, still stinging from being duped, and only have revenge in their sights. Dont get sucked into the drama. Take your time writing, then take your time editing, then take your time publishing. Know your options and know them well. I speak to writers each and every day about slowing down and educating themselves. But I can only shake my head at the ones who then reply (often sharply): = I found this one publisher who sounds good and wants my material (yet the writer cannot tell me if they are traditional or indie). = I trust this. (Sorry, but you dont trust a publisher . . . you have a business relationship sealed in a negotiated contract and you are NOT friends.) = The publisher will edit this for me. They wont let bad stuff get published. (Then I hear its a vanity press.) = I cannot afford an editor, website, or time to promote; so Ill put it up on Amazon and see what happens. = Im writing this book now, and my plan is to have it published = Im not writing/promoting/blogging like everyone else, so the rules dont apply to me (two of those this week). The noise isnt always the place to run too. Sometimes its what you run from.

Case analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Analysis - Case Study Example It provides financial benefits and rewards and fulfills the interest of its employees. It provides a unique training program and leads up to the expectation of the employees which is the most common and popular method of recruiting, retaining and empowering of the staff. The company has focused on exploration of new gas and oil reserves and also in the development of the main and important projects with the application of technology for adding value to the resource holders. The policy and procedures has been formulated for controlling the fluctuation in the price of natural gas and oil, minimizing the physical and environmental risk and for promoting legal, regulatory and financial developments. It has been striving hard to maintain its position of being considered as the largest integrated chemical and energy company and it is adopting the transformation program and development in technology for safeguarding the environment. Shell is involved in recruiting, training and rewarding its employees or the staff for developing the business capabilities which ensures that the business of the company has increased and developed the performance and the engagement level. The corporate culture that is adopted by the company has undergone remarkable changes in framing the culture of the organization. It has focused on the creation, research and development and utilization of the knowledge for building and developing corporate culture. The company mainly attempt to maintain leadership for innovation in case of the energy industry. The potentiality of the leader among the young workers is developed for maximizing the organizational culture. The strategy of corporate citizenship is mainly developed for understanding the positive and tangible influence in the United Kingdom and influencing the prosperity and economic growth of the company. And enhancing the efficiency and

Contemporary Disaster Management Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Contemporary Disaster Management - Term Paper Example The studies and researches done by Centre of Research of the Epidemiology on Disasters confirm that natural catastrophes such as flood, windstorm, surge, and other water-related disasters have killed approximately one million people in the past 20 years. Furthermore, these water-related disasters have affected the livelihoods of more than 300 million people. According to EM-DAT, these natural disasters have directly damaged the global economy and countries around the world have lost more than $US 800billion. Researches have also revealed that regions characterized by the monsoon climate are the most vulnerable. Disasters are also common in areas with large population and where economic development is quite rapid (Brown, & Duguid, 2000). Barton (1999) argued that disaster management has been a problem in most countries of the world hence the impacts of the phenomena are recurrent. Nations all over the world have joint efforts in aid to reduce the effects of these disasters on the livelihoods in the next coming years. Through Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and the Hashimoto Action Plan: Compendium for Action, countries have established strategic goals and the appropriate global actions that reduce the effects of disasters on the economic system. Asia is one of the countries among others which have been affected negatively by water-related disasters. Asian-Pacific countries have established Asia Pacific Water Forum, a body which is primarily concerned with policing water-related disaster management programs. There are very many bodies emerging all over which would diligently improve the quality of life of populations affected by disasters. These organizations are expected to facilitate disaster management strategies in addressing effective disaster reduction solutions in the most stricken areas (Epstein, 2000).  

Parody Through Counter Examples Essay Example for Free

Parody Through Counter Examples Essay Counter examples are used throughout this play, and is a key role in the parody of the play. On both male and female sides of the dynamics in the play the first one is right from the start. â€Å"the streets are absolutely clogged with frantic females banging on tambourines. No urging for an orgy!† (727) In the â€Å"Classical Age† of Athens upperclass women assumed the role of a housewife, where their duties were to either clean up the house or organize the slaves of the house to do it for them. It was unheard of for women to be out in the streets like this period much less at night. The women of Athens formed together to plot against the men to bring them home from the war. As the women were gathering to plan against the men, Lysistrata said, â€Å"Im on fire right down to the bone. Im positively ashamed to be a woman—a member of a sex which cant even live up to male slanders! To hear our husbands talk, were sly: deceitful, always plotting, monsters of intrigue†(728) this quote makes me laugh, because while she is saying this her and multiple women are plotting a way to get back at the men. This quote plays off the stereotype that a woman is always out to make a mans life miserable in everything they do, but this is exactly the thing they are trying to do. While the women are out in the streets they continue to show how ridiculous they are when they are complaining on how much they do for their men. This quote by Kleonike is a prime example, â€Å"Theyll be here. You know a womans way is hard mainly the way out of the house: fuss over hubby, wake the maid up, put the baby down, bathe him, feed him† (728) Kleonike goes on and on about how much work they have to do, but she mentions that she gets up the maid, which does the work for her. This quote plays of the stereotype that women do a lot of house work, but in the play they have maids so obviously they are not doing too much. Counter examples are a huge part of the parody that is within the play, all of my previous quotes had stereotypes in them, but they all counter themselves. Parodys are still very popular today, for example the movie Space Balls which is a parody of Star Wars. Space Balls makes fun of everything that is taken very seriously in Star Wars, which gives the movie that comedy feel a parody comes with. Throughout the play, parody is seen in both the men and the women. The stereotype that men are strong and tough is presented towards the beginning of the play at the gates of the treasury. â€Å"Never been confronted with such backtalk. Cant allow it. Somebody pick up a log and pulverize that brass.† (740) Immediately following this the men are easily silence by nothing more than a bunch of women carrying water. These rough and tough men seen in the previous quote were defeated by nothing more than water. â€Å"[Shivering, the CHORUS OF MEN retreats in utter defeat]† (742) After the mens defeat they run away to the Commissioner, and he is sent home packing after several attempts to â€Å"out man† Lysistrata. â€Å"Gross ineptitude. A sorry day for the Force.†(745) This also relates to a parody in our modern day times with our own military. I here people complain about so many things our military does and stands for, yet the majority of the people criticizing are too afraid to join the military to begin with. So this â€Å"manly† stereotype applies to modern times as well, men are quick to jump up to fight someone, but do they go through with it most of time, no. This quick battle also shows how brutal these Athenian women are, when women of the classical age were to only be seen not heard. Women were used as trophies most of the time, to be seen only and never heard. In this quote you get a typical stereotype of the women of this time, â€Å"Glamor is our only talent. All we can do is sit, primped and painted made up and dressed up,† (729). Women were never known to be violent, but in this quick battle with the men and the commissioner we see how brutal these women are, â€Å"INTO THE FRAY! Show them no mercy! Push! Jostle! Shove! Call them nasty names! Dont be lady like!†(745) In no way, form, or fashion are these ladies being lady like in this scene, which is another perfect example of parody runs wild throughout this play making it out to be the comedy it was made to be. All of these counter examples play favor to my leading argument which is the fact that the women in this play use parody the most through abstinence by withholding sex. This is the biggest parody of them all. This play revolves around sex, but the whole goal of the womens tactics is to refrain from it. Its easy to see with my following examples that this play uses parody around every turn. The parody in this play does not come without a type of counter example of a stereotype that is either assumed or given throughout the play. In this time frame, women would have never been allowed to do this. If you can put your mindset in the classical age of Athens its easy to see how funny and how much parody is actually used.

growaw Kate Chopins The Awakening - Edna Pontellier’s Awakening :: Chopin Awakening Essays

Edna's Awakening in Kate Chopin's The Awakening      Ã‚  Ã‚   The society of Grand Isle places many expectations on its women to belong to men and be subordinate to their children. Edna Pontellier's society, therefore, abounds with "mother-women," who "idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it to a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals".   The characters of Adele Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz represent what society views as the suitable and unsuitable woman figures. Mademoiselle Ratignolle as the ideal Grand Isle woman, a home-loving mother and a good wife, and Mademoiselle Reisz as the old, unmarried, childless, musician who devoted her life to music, rather than a man.   Edna oscillates between the two identities until she awakens to the fact that she needs to be an individual, but encounters the resistance of society's standards to her desire.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Kate Chopin carefully, though subtly, establishes that Edna does not neglect her children, but only her mother-woman image.   Chopin portrays this idea by telling the reader "...Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman.   The mother-woman seemed to prevail that summer at Grand Isle".   Edna tries on one occasion to explain to Adele how she feels about her children and how she feels about herself, which greatly differs from the mother-woman image.   She says:   "I would give up the unessential; I would give my money; I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself.   I can't make it more clear; it's only something I am beginning to comprehend, which is revealing itself to me."   This specifically contrasts the mother-woman idea of self-sacrificing for your husband and children.   Also, the "something . . . which is revealing itself" does not become completely clear to Edna herself until just before the end, when she does indeed give her life, but not her self for her children's sake. Although Edna loves her children she does not confuse her own life with theirs.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Similarly to Edna's relationship with her children is that with her husband, Leonce.   The Grand Isle society defines the role of   wife as full devotion towards their husband and to self-sacrafice for your husband. Edna never adhered to the societies definition, even at the beginning of the novel.   For example, the other ladies at Grand Isle "all declared that Mr.

External Environment Analysis Essay

The Coca-Cola Company owes the success of its internal operations to its principles of corporate responsibility. The firm has incorporated an apt ethics program; this will guide their employees, and ensure them growth, achievement, and satisfaction for their jobs. In order to make this possible, The ideology of corporate responsibility is moderated and promulgated by the Public Policy and Corporate Reputation Council. The Council is comprised by a group of senior managers from each beverage and bottling company in the industry. It ascertains the risks and opportunities that each company in the industry encounters. The PPCR Council advises beverage companies in their employee management and operations. Feasible business strategies are generated in order to achieve growth and progress for beverage companies like the Coca-Cola Company (The Coca-Cola Company,2008). The firm believes there is no Coke without the presence of its prolific employees, which is the major force behind more than satisfactory results for the growth and progress of the company. Its operations are bolstered by innovative thinking, unique perspectives, and operational excellence of the workforce, which sustains profit margins of the firm as well as its image. With this in mind, the company recognizes the crucial role of its workforce plays in its worldwide operations. The Coca-Cola Company puts a premium on job satisfaction. The firm ensures that the Coca-Cola workplace is an environment where people can generate excellent input and augment their performance while enjoying what they do (The Coca-Cola Company,2008). Porter’s Five Forces Analysis Supplier Power Coca-Cola’s suppliers have been clamoring for increased prices for raw materials used in manufacturing their products. Usually, these suppliers are responsible for the prices of raw materials to increase. Suppliers have gained the notoriety of manipulating the cost of raw materials, which generates a deliberate effect on the firm’s part. Suppliers are more manipulative whenever the number of suppliers is low. This gives the handful of suppliers to raise the price of raw materials, which in turn leaves firms line Coca-Cola’s no further options to purchase commodities of lower cost. An international brand like Coca-Cola’s is usually responsible for improving the working conditions within their factories (Foust, 2006). The firm provides the much-needed technical assistance, which help augment the performance of both factory workers and shop floor employees. Buyer Power Buyer power is also considered the spending capacity of the consumer. In the athletic shoe industry, the buyer power is strong. This aspect simply states that the buyer or the consumer has always has a â€Å"say† on the price of particular good. Furthermore, buyer power is considered crucial due to the fact that it has a deliberate impact on the industry. However, softdrink companies like Coca-Cola’s has a discreet mutual arrangement regarding the aspect of buyer power. These intangible mutual contracts between the firm and its consumers have been apparent for quite some time now (Foust, 2006). Firms have been empowering consumers to augment their buyer power. Buyer power has a relationship with supplier power as well. A firm like Coca-Cola’s opines for the cost of raw materials it acquires from its suppliers. Buyer power is quite a delicate matter to elaborate on. The asymmetry between the buyer and the industry generates a bevy of discrepancies, which contributes to an inconsistent market condition and prevents forward integration. Barriers and Threats of Entry Perennial rival companies like PepsiCo and RC Cola are not the only ones who pose a threat for the company. Neophyte softdrink companies both domestic and international are always attempting penetrate the industry will also have a deliberate effect in the industry. The outcome will be a fluctuation in percentage of the market share of softdrink companies. Coca-Cola’s does its part through studying potential market segments to entice. Firms that tend to enter and exit a market are subjected to nominal profits (Foust, 2006). Competitive Rivalry Coca-Cola’s always strives to survive in a competitive industry through the aid of its competitive advantage. For the plethora of softdrink companies, competition always matters in order to bolster profitability. Coca-Cola’s augments their advertising and marketing strategy by its charismatic approach to its advertising. The global softdrink industry is highly competitive (Foust, 2006). The company has to compete with national and domestic retailers such as discount store chains, department stores, independent retail stores, and internet retailers that cater to a particular market segment of similar merchandise. The company has encountered stiff competition in Asian markets, which range from regional to national chains. Threat of Alternative Products & Substitutes The apparent threat of alternative or substitute products is a common adversity for Coca-Cola’s. A number of softdrink companies have always attempted to overwhelm Coca-Cola’s ‘s market share through attempts in cheaper price movements in order for consumers to consider other brands aside from Coca-Cola’s. The subject of price elasticity surfaces whenever the price change of an alternative product affects as the demand for such product. The industry where Coca-Cola’s thrives is saturated by a bevy of substitute products, which to tend to constrained the ability of these companies to make an increase in prices. The softdrink industry is always sporadic and innovative in terms of manufacturing products, which can draw consumers to purchase their products. The outcome is a letdown in sales for the Coca-Cola Company (Foust, 2006). Reference The Coca-Cola Company. (2008). Governance & Ethics. Retrieved June 29, 2008, from http://www. thecoca-colacompany. com/citizenship/governance_ethics. html The Coca-Cola Company. (2008). Engagement. Retrieved June 29, 2008, from http://www. thecoca- colacompany. com/citizenship/engagement. html Foust, D. (2006). Queen of Pop. Business Week. New York: Aug 7, 2006. , Iss. 3996; pg. 44 Foust, D. & Byrnes, N. Gone Flat. (2004). Business Week. New York: December 20, 2004, Issue 3913: page 76

Science and Religion

Science and Religion (SRP 420) Science and Religion–two disciplines that at first glance seem to be completely separate modes of thought. After more careful examination one comes to realize that they bump into each other often. Indeed, science and religion seem to have a complex history involving both conflict and resolution. Many theologians, philosophers, and scientists have developed theories on how science and religion can coexist. One such man is John Polkinghorne a scientist and philosopher; he has developed his own theory on the relationship between science and religion.In the first chapter of his book Quarks, Chaos, and Christianity Polkinghorne lays out his theory for the coexistence of science and religion. He begins by discussing the impressiveness of science and its many accomplishments. Next he goes on to discuss the truth of religion and challenges the claim that religion is simply a personal truth or an opinion, while science is fact. He quickly claims this stat ement is false, because making this conclusion would be a, â€Å"fundamental mistake of the most disastrous kind† (Polkinghorne, 2).This faulty conclusion about the integration of science and religion, according to Polkinghorne, has is often made because of two mistakes: about the basis of scientific knowledge and the other about religious belief. The general mistake that has been made about science is that it is a simple process in which a prediction is formulated, an experiment is performed, and presto a new discovery is made. In actuality there is much more involved in the art of scientific discovery. For instance, scientists often do not have pure facts, but rather they are dealing with knowledge that they must interpret for themselves.To interpret knowledge, according to Polkinghorne, is often quite difficult and requires one to formulate a point of view or an opinion in order to reach a conclusion. Choosing a point of view or having an opinion requires people to be bold and brave because they are betting things happen in a certain way. Therefore in science fact and opinion are constantly mixed up with one another. The major mistake people make in religion is that is that it involves a kind of â€Å"leap into the dark† (Polkinghorne, 10). While religion does involve faith and faith does sometimes require a leap, it is in no way a leap into the dark.Polkinghorne criticizes this theory by asking a variety of questions such as: what would be the purpose of religion if this were true? Why would anyone be religious if it involved such blind trust? (Polkinghorne, 2) Therefore, he concludes religion must be a leap of faith, but it is a leap into the light. The main point Polkinghorne is making here is that religion can only be of real value if it is actually true, otherwise he claims religion would simply only be a, â€Å"technique for whistling in the dark to keep our spirits up† (Polkinghorne, 14).The conclusion reached at the end of the a rgument is that science and religion are â€Å"intellectual cousins,† (Polkinghorne, 11) in that they are both searching for truth, but neither can say that they have achieved it and each must base its conclusions on an interaction between interpretation, experience, and opinion. They both also must always be open to corrections if mistakes are found, because they are part of a kind of wonderful human journey to understand and be in sync with the physical and spiritual world around us.Nevertheless, there are major differences between science and religion that cannot be overlooked, and Polikinghorne points out these differences. Essentially science is dealing with a physical world that we are able to poke and prod even if we cannot always see exactly what is happening. However, religion cannot be put to an experimental test in the same way that science can. Although science and religion are different in this way they are still both attempts to understand even if they go about in different ways. Overall, I think Polkinghorne offered a solid argument for the coexistence of science and religion.As a science major I really appreciate the fact that Polkinghorne is an inhabitant of both the scientific and religious community. Like Polkinghorne I agree with the argument that neither science nor religion can offer an ultimate understanding of the world around us, but if they work together in harmony it is possible that they will eventually be able to achieve a greater understanding. In considering science and religion one must understand that neither can tell you everything and believing that one form of knowing can tell you everything forces a person to take a very diminished view of life.In conclusion, Polkinghorne offers a simple and straightforward argument for how science and religion can exist together without contradiction. While the argument if fairly simple it is also effective and the main point is that science and religion are just different attempts to answer the same questions. Neither can answer these questions on their own to achieve greater understanding of the physical and spiritual world around us, both science and religion must be considered. Works Cited Polikinghorne, John. Quarks, Chaos, & Christianity. NY: Crossroads, 1994.

Free Essays on Roosevelts New Deal

Roosevelt's New Deal On July 2, 1932, at the Democratic National Convention, the crowd listened intently to the phrase,† I pledge you, I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people.† The New Deal name was soon applied to the program of reform and recovery instituted by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During the early part of the Great Depression, the economy had ground to a halt as a result of the stock market crashing and the unemployment rates skyrocketed as businesses shut down. Only a very small portion of the population actually held stock. The cause of the Great Depression was really a result of shallow economical prosperity. Most of the farmers and other industries struggled in the 1920’s. Low prices, suppressed wages and production material prices, and lopsided distribution of income all influenced the spiraling effect of the Great Depression. The relative greed of businesses in terms of profit margins and little interest in the increase of wages and positive working environ ments also played a role. By not making allowances for increasing wages, businesses essentially reduced the spending power of the workforce. This made the products these workers helped to produce unavailable to them. The banking industries were also involved by reacting inappropriately to economical trends right before the crash. An increase in credit flexibility might have helped reduce some of the dramatic effects of the stock market crash. The relative reduction in disposable income as well as an inflexible credit system created a dramatic reduction in spending and effectively promoted a drastic reduction in the value of the dollar. When the market crashed, all of these factors that were hidden by a general belief in permanent wealth and prosperous trends sent the economy into a tale spin. Many believed that the United States would decline into dissolution and little faith was placed with the current policies of Herbert Hoover’s administratio... Free Essays on Roosevelt's New Deal Free Essays on Roosevelt's New Deal Roosevelt's New Deal On July 2, 1932, at the Democratic National Convention, the crowd listened intently to the phrase,† I pledge you, I pledge myself to a new deal for the American people.† The New Deal name was soon applied to the program of reform and recovery instituted by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During the early part of the Great Depression, the economy had ground to a halt as a result of the stock market crashing and the unemployment rates skyrocketed as businesses shut down. Only a very small portion of the population actually held stock. The cause of the Great Depression was really a result of shallow economical prosperity. Most of the farmers and other industries struggled in the 1920’s. Low prices, suppressed wages and production material prices, and lopsided distribution of income all influenced the spiraling effect of the Great Depression. The relative greed of businesses in terms of profit margins and little interest in the increase of wages and positive working environ ments also played a role. By not making allowances for increasing wages, businesses essentially reduced the spending power of the workforce. This made the products these workers helped to produce unavailable to them. The banking industries were also involved by reacting inappropriately to economical trends right before the crash. An increase in credit flexibility might have helped reduce some of the dramatic effects of the stock market crash. The relative reduction in disposable income as well as an inflexible credit system created a dramatic reduction in spending and effectively promoted a drastic reduction in the value of the dollar. When the market crashed, all of these factors that were hidden by a general belief in permanent wealth and prosperous trends sent the economy into a tale spin. Many believed that the United States would decline into dissolution and little faith was placed with the current policies of Herbert Hoover’s administratio...

Founding and History of the New Jersey Colony

Founding and History of the New Jersey Colony John Cabot was the first European explorer to come into contact with the New Jersey shore. Henry Hudson also explored this area as he searched for the northwest passage. The area that would later be New Jersey was part of New Netherland. The Dutch West India Company gave Michael Pauw a patroonship in New Jersey. He called his land Pavonia. In 1640, a Swedish community was created in present-day New Jersey on the Delaware River. However, it is not until 1660 that the first permanent European settlement of Bergen was created.   The Motivation for Founding the New Jersey Colony In 1664, James, the Duke of York, received control of New Netherland. He sent a small English force to blockade the harbor at New Amsterdam. Peter Stuyvesant surrendered to the English without a fight. King Charles II had granted the lands between the Connecticut and Delaware Rivers to the Duke. He then granted land  to two of his friends, Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, that would become New Jersey. The name of the colony comes from the Isle of Jersey, Carterets birthplace. The two advertised and promised settlers many benefits for colonizing including representative government and freedom of religion. The colony quickly grew. Richard Nicolls was made the governor of the area. He granted 400,000 acres to a group of Baptists, Quakers, and Puritans. These resulted in the creation of many towns including Elizabethtown and Piscataway. The Dukes Laws were issued that allowed for religious tolerance for all Protestants. In addition, a general assembly was created. Sale of West Jersey to the Quakers In 1674, Lord Berkeley sold his proprietorship to some Quakers. Carteret agrees to divide the territory so that those who bought Berkeleys proprietorship were given West Jersey while his heirs were given East Jersey. In West Jersey, a significant development was when the Quakers made it so that almost all adult males were able to vote.   In 1682, East Jersey was purchased by William Penn and a group of his associates and added with Delaware for administrative purposes. This meant that most of the land between the Maryland and New York colonies were administered by Quakers.   In 1702, East and West Jersey which were joined by the crown into one colony with an elected assembly.   New Jersey During the American Revolution   A number of major battles occurred within the New Jersey territory during the American Revolution. These battles included the Battle of Princeton, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Monmouth.   Significant Events New Jersey is divided into East and West Jersey in 1674. It is reunited in 1702 when it becomes a royal colonyNew Jersey was the third state to ratify the ConstitutionNew Jersey was the first to ratify the Bill of Rights

Cloning Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cloning Issues - Essay Example Before any arguments can be discussed, we have to understand certain terminology involved in cloning. There are essentially three types of cloning techniques, DNA cloning, Reproductive cloning and Therapeutic cloning. While DNA cloning has been used in the laboratory for many years as an essential tool in Molecular Biology, it is Reproductive Cloning (Dolly the sheep was created using this technique) and Therapeutic Cloning (technique used to create stem cells) that are really the problem children of cloning. First let us look at therapeutic cloning which basically involves creating human embryos for use in research. The process involves the extraction of stem cells from blastocysts (fertilized eggs that have undergone divisions for around 5 days). From these blastocysts, scientists extract Embryonic Stem Cells which are Pluripotent i.e. they have the ability to form any type of cell given the right set of conditions. Many opponents to cloning say that the embryo represents a human being and that if it had undergone complete development, it would have produced a life, and thus the extraction was akin to murdering the unborn. The question here is, should the embryo be considered as a human being even though technically it is just a collection of cells And if not, then at what stage in its development can we consider that the embryo has life Then there is reproductive cloning which is the most debated of all cloning topics. Through reproductive cloning there is the possibility of creating human clones. Many arguments against human cloning involve the fact that the process of cloning has a low success rate. And should a clone be produced, then can the birth of such an individual be considered as unnatural Of course one could also argue that IVF is an unnatural form of reproduction, but then it has helped thousands of infertile couples. Another issue to be looked at is that the majority of animal clones that are created today have very low survival rates, with many of them having poor health and thus leading a short and compromised life. So if one were to create a human clone, that individual need not necessarily lead a normal and healthy life and instead may end up living a short and maybe agonizing life. Who should then be held accountable for the individual Also the concept of creating human clones for human farms where organs can be harvested for transplant patients is another area that has to be looked at. Can we really create human beings whose sole purpose in life is for their organs Don't these clones as individuals also have the right to live But the buck does not stop there; today rudimentary genetic screening is used on fetuses to determine whether they have any of the identifiable incurable genetic diseases and whether to abort the pregnancy. Though this technique has many benefits, one can also say that as individuals, do we have the right to decide who has to right to live and who doesn't And with such technology getting more sophisticated, where can we draw the line Very soon parents may look at other genetic traits and determine whether to abort a pregnancy, leading to a whole new form of discrimination. The thoughts put forward here are just some of the many topics that have to be debated by society as such to determine what is acceptable to the society