Thomas Hardy Experienced Great Difficulty Believing In A Forgiving, Ch

Thomas Hardy experienced great difficulty believing in a forgiving, Christian God because of the pain and suffering he witnessed around him. He also endured some pain, with the loss of his wife and suffering during the five years he spent in London that made him ill. As a young man, Hardy wanted to become a clergyman. This vocation was quite a turn around of what he pursued--a career as a famous agnostic writer. He lost faith in his religious, Victorian upbringing. As such, he shared a belief with many modern poets in the futility and waste of human existence. Hardy did believe in a supreme being or as he liked to call him The Immanent Will, but he did not think of Him as a forgiving God like other Christians. Instead, Hardy believed Him to be portrayed as a vengeful God, which we learn from his poem, The Convergence of the Twain: (Lines on the loss of the 'Titanic'). Thomas Hardy wrote this poem with a very noticeable chronological disruption midway through the poem. Unlike most poets who keep their poems in chronological order to maintain suspense throughout the poem, Hardy believed that the subject of the Titanic was so well known that there was not any reason to keep the readers in suspense of what impending doom awaited the Titanic. Instead, he commenced his poem with a description of the Titanic at present: grotesque, slimed, dumb, indifferent(st III). Then he proceeds to the fashioning(st VI) of the famous ship and continues to that famous April evening where the consummation(st XI) of the two titanic masses occurred--the grand ship made from human hands and the silent iceberg made by the Immanent Will(st VI). Hardy does not confine himself inside the walls of set syllables per verse; every stanza has a different number of syllables in each verse. In the first part of his poem the rhythm is very alluring. With proper uses of caesuras, stresses and slacks, Hardy seems to capture the solitude of the sea that he is describing with his steady, gentle sway of words, a rhythmic tidal lyre(st II). While reading this poem, the words seem to move persistently slowly up and down like the tide: I In a solitude of the sea Deep from human vanity, And the Pride of life that planned her, stilly couches she. (lines 1-3) Hardy also numbers all of the eleven stanzas of his poem. The numbering indicates the separation of each one of the stanzas as if to imply that we have to look at this poem as eleven different poems in one. This method gives us a chance to understand the poem more efficiently by studying one stanza at a time. A first reading of the poem would reveal five stanzas describing the gilded gear(st V) at the bottom of the sea and six stanzas that refer to the ship and to the iceberg converging at a point so far and dissociate(st VII). However, an enjambment occurs between stanza VI and stanza VII, as if these two stanzas were meant to be one: The Immanent Will that stirs and urges everything / Prepared a sinister mate(lines 18/19). Ironically, these two stanzas describe both the creation of the ship and the creation of the iceberg that are destined to come together later in time. Hardy takes more of an antithetical approach toward the story of the Titanic than most people think of or 'chose' to think of when they hear of the tragedy. Most people want the story to be told through a tragic, yet romantic, point of view that relates the tragedy of the men, women, and children who were lost on that gruesome night. People relate emotionally to the story of the Titanic by watching the movie that was released in the past year because it is from the point of view of the people on the ship. We see a romantic mood portrayed be the people on the ship and the tragedy suffered in the loss of their loved ones. Consequently, Hardy does not want us to share in this travesty that they have experienced. Instead of a tragic poem of the people involved in this tragic event, Hardy distances himself from the picture, far enough

Russia in WW1 essays

Russia in WW1 essays What were the effects of World War One on Russia up to but not including February 1917? From 1914 through to 1917 Tsar Nicholas II made himself very unpopular among his people. This was due in big part to the First World War. World War One acted like a catalyst, magnifying Russias already bad problems. In 1914 Nicholas was very indecisive, this was because not expecting to be made Tsar so he had no training in decision making, diplomacy or how to rule. He showed this first on Bloody Sunday and again when world war one started. He ignored warnings of political danger and succumb to the pressures of the Duma. One of his first decisions upon entering the war was to order a partial mobilisation of troops against Austria; then when told by his generals that this was unworkable, he ordered general mobilisation. He then cancelled it and let it stand. A perfect example of how indecisive he was. The result of Nicholas inability to make decisions was that Russia was thrown into a war it was not prepared for. The lack of equipment, transportation and training left the Russian troops poised for defeat at Tannenburg and almost everywhere else. The war badly effected the lives of people in Russia. It made the poor even poorer. Millions of male peasants were being conscripted so this left lots of jobs in the factories, jobs that the war had created by needing supplies for the frontline (guns, ammunition etc.). Because there were fewer people and the factories had more needs, people were now working longer hours for the same pay. Conscription also meant there were not enough people to cultivate the land and Russia s poor infra-structure meant they cud not transport food. This meant there were food shortages so the prices of goods were continually rising but wages remained the same. This led to inflation. The standard of living in Russia went down as peoples living conditions decreased. People were going col...

The advantages and disadvantages of MoneyGuidepro Essay

The advantages and disadvantages of MoneyGuidepro - Essay Example Financial planning computer software such as the MoneyGuidepro have gained widespread popularity in the recent past (Drucker & Bruckenstein, 2003). The program has many benefits for financial planners and their clients. For instance, the software facilitates timely completion of financial planning. In essence, the software aids in saving the time spent on analyzing financial reports from various sources such as the financial statements and cash flow statements, thereby, easing financial planning procedures. In this regard, the financial planner can develop multiple plans simultaneously since the information required is configured in one location. The software has outstanding capability to handle complex financial planning problems faster and easier compared to manual planning. Multi-tasking With financial computer planning software, it is possible to perform many task at the same time. For instance, the MoneyGuidepro software facilitates calculations of various variables on the same page. In essence, the software supports combination of various problems on one platform and solving them simultaneously. In addition planning for activities such as retirement, college studies, asset allocation and estate planning is done more conveniently than using manual methods for financial planning (Updegrave, 2013). In essence, the software provides alternative solutions for the financial planner and the client in the planning process.

Islamic Teachings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Islamic Teachings - Essay Example Islam being a diverse religious, has crossed many cultural boundaries where people of various regions have been influenced by its doctrines and rituals and have adapted it to their specific contexts (Bassiri, 1997, p. 43). Islam, is a religion of peace that promotes equality and justice to humanity, and unlike what it is perceived in many cultures as 'a religion of spirituality', Islam has no room for the spiritual dimension. In fact, Islam teaches discipline and a balance in worldly affairs and believes in rationality. This has been the major distinction to what Islam is and what it is perceived in many countries, particularly Islam in South Asia. Similarly, the problem also arises with the discrimination factor of the religion. Koran says, to be one nation, believe in one God and do not discriminate. This notion is never followed, because there are two main sects in this religion, 'Sunnis' and 'Shiites'. Thus, the problem between Islamic teachings and practice is that it varies according to different cultural perceptions and practice. Such variation also occurs for the reason that since Koran is in Arabic, Muslims, who are unaware of Arabic language, often make a distinction between the Koran and a translation of the Koran. This variation has always been considered normal for the main teachings that Muslims are aware of, are commonly practiced in every region and culture. However, difference lies in their interpretation, due to distinct cultures and variations in practices. Translations into the local languages of the Islamic world, are not independent books, but rather interlinear commentaries on the meaning of the text and aids to make the teachings of Islam more simpler to understand. Islam - a monotheist religion recognizes the significance of correct practice, as this is what makes people Muslims and that, for most people, correct belief rests upon correct practice (Murata & Chittick, 1994, p. 9). This study centers around how Islam entered into cultural settings, and how it is perceived and to what extent the teachings are variated in countries like United States, Britain, Middle East, India and Pakistan, along with comparisons from Christianity and Judaism. To what degree Islamic teachings as perceived in various cultural settings contrast with other and what are the ways to assess the interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims communities Islam in the United States and Great Britain Islam in the U.S and UK reflects not only the values and particularities of indigenous cultures of the West, but also of almost all the Islamic communities of the world. By the turn of the fifteenth century, Muslims throughout the peninsula were forced to choose among the unfortunate alternatives of conversion to Christianity, emigration, or death. Many who chose the first, continued to practice their faith in secret, maintaining a hidden conclave of Islam for centuries. Others, when tried openly to rebel suffered through expulsion from the

The Relationship Between Trade Openness and FDI Literature review

The Relationship Between Trade Openness and FDI - Literature review Example This review of literature is directed at finding the measures leading to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) for a country. Although there is a whole range of factors that cause an increase in the foreign direct investment in a country, yet one of the most significant factors has been found to be the country’s openness towards trade. Openness as a concept, has been defined in a number of ways by the researchers in the past. A comprehensive definition of openness is presented below: (t)he concept of openness, applied to trade policy, could be synonymous with the idea of neutrality. Neutrality means that incentives are neutral between saving a unit of foreign exchange through import substitution and earning a unit of foreign exchange through exports. Clearly, a highly export oriented economy may not be neutral in this sense, particularly if it shifts incentives in favor of export production through instruments such as export subsidies. It is also possible for a regime to b e neutral on average, and yet intervene in specific sectors. A good measure of trade policy would capture differences between neutral, inward oriented, and export-promoting regimes. (Harrison, 1996, p. 20). Trade openness has conventionally been scaled by different researchers in different ways, but in a vast majority of cases, trade openness has been measured by its contribution to the overall gross domestic product (GDP) of a country. Factors that have conventionally been employed for the measurement of trade openness include but are not limited to intensity of import trade, intensity of export trade, intensity of trade, intensity of adjusted trade, and the intensity of real trade (Squalli and Wilson, 2006, p. 22). Three models of adjusted trade intensity have conventionally been tried to measure the trade openness. One of them is adjusted trade intensity in which the outliers having high import for the re-rexport are handled with the modification of denominator. This measure was first proposed by Andersen (1994). The second of them is adjusted trade intensity accompanied with the alternative technique to tackle the outliers as initially proposed by Frankel (2000). The third of them is adjusted trade intensity. This is a modified form of the model originally proposed by Frankel (2000). The modification was suggested by Li et al (2004). The seven measures of openness were also cited by the famous economists Kumar and Kandzija (n.d., p. 13) in their article in which they analyzed the integration and trade theory to evaluate the perspectives of trade in Western Balkans. For the purpose of this research, intensity of trade, the three models of intensity of adjusted trade as discussed before, real trade intensity, real world trade intensity (RWTI) and composite trade intensity (CTI) will be used. They will be evaluated with a view to identifying the one that is the most accurate as a measure of openness. Of all the measures, three of the most commonly employed ar e trade intensity (TI), import trade intensity (M/GDP) and export trade intensity (X/GDP). Trade intensity is obtained by dividing the sum of import (X) and import (M) by the GDP. According to Alcala and Ciccone (2004), the estimate generated by TI upon income is affected by the non-tradable on productivity, and is thus, biased downwards. Thus, in their opinion, it is advisable to divide the nominal trade by the real GDP. The different measures of trade openness lay the basis for a technique to find out the extent to which a country is open to the global trade as well as to the consequential advantages of income growth. For instance, the higher a country’s TI, the increased openness of its economy towards the advantages

The Rights Of Women In Afghanistan Sociology Essay

The Rights Of Women In Afghanistan Sociology Essay Majority of Afghanistans nationalities profess Islam as their religion. Originally Islam religion regards men more superior than women in every aspect of life. Due to civilization across the world, Islam reformed and some of its doctrines were changes in favor of women. Equality among human beings was included in Islam, regarding men and women equal in various ways. Since then Islam women acquired different rights that allow them to choose marriage partners, inherit, vote and work among other rights. In Afghanistan, women have experienced continued denial of such rights despite acceptance according to Islam doctrines (Mittra and Kunar 267). Fathers, husbands, brothers and government decrees are some of the factors that hinder women from enjoying their human rights in Afghanistan. Most of these restrictions were rampant during rule of Taliban who forced Afghan women to abandon their decent jobs such as teaching and remain indoors or when outside they ought to be in a mans escort. Since 2001, a new era began with end of Taliban reign; an improvement was recorded in regard to cultural and political position of women in Afghan. Human rights accepted under Islam law, so far are practiced in various parts of Afghan though in rural and remote areas many population regard women unequal (Zama and Sifton 25). For instance, cases of forced marriages, death threats due education matters and denial of chance to participate or enjoy public life are recordable according to research. Inequality and repressiveness of women in Afghanistan can be further be illustrated by statistics that show 75% of women are forced into marriages, 87% of women are illiterate, 33% of women experience sexual violence or physical assault, in every 30 minutes death occurs in relation to child birt h and only 30% of girls access education in Afghanistan. Literature review Introduction Afghanistan remains one of many Islamic regions where women are denied their rights and freedom. Despite acceptance by Islam Laws and governmental regulations and policies to uphold Afghan womans rights throughout in Afghanistan, many Islamic men have continued to oppress women. Most of womens rights have been upheld following intense campaigns by human rights activities from Afghan and other parts of the world (Thomsen 227). Also government efforts have helped in promoting equality by criminalizing oppression of women despite their originality and religion. Most of these changes are focused on matters that concern education, marriage and public life. In literature review section of this research, rights of Afghans woman in regard to freedom of live, dressing, education, marriage and expression will be discussed. Recommendations and conclusion will follow this discussion as part of this research work. Communication freedom Currently, Afghanistan is undergoing reconstruction after many years of war and reign of Taliban. During 1995-2001, Afghan remained under dictatorial leadership by Taliban who encouraged oppression of women and girls through out Afghan. Talibans brutality was to extent of denying women a chance to communicate with other women apart from family members. In most cases, women remained locked in their houses with small dark windows hence disallowing public intermingling. According to research, an Afghan woman could only walk to public with a company of a male counterpart who was supposed to be of the family (Osmańczyk and Mango 2708). These men act as a barrier to communication and information flow among women and men in public. Information could only be acquired from husbands, brothers and fathers who also were women oppressors according to Talibans regulations. Harsh circumstances under which afghan women lived in were not conducive for effective communication. Women associa tions that encourage information sharing in regard to social affairs are not allowed in most parts of Afghanistan. Information flow from one Woman to another is difficult in such situations hence hindering effective communication. As much as right of expression is among rights upheld by Afghan government, many women are denied such rights by men close in their lives. Womans opinion is regarded inferior and a chance to speak out is not availed to many women willing to do so. Rising of voices is made difficult due to widespread of discrimination against female gender in other major areas that contribute towards information flow. Lack of education for girl-child is a major hindrance to free flow of information. Many Afghan women can only converse in their vernacular languages due to illiteracy (Mittra and Kunar 143). Lack of access to education continues to pin many women down in decision making even those concerning their own plight. Lack of ideas coupled with fear is a key factor that makes Afghan women lag behind in raising their voices beyond their homestead. Freedom of communication by women is also prevented their lack of voting freedom. Many women are hindered fro acquiring voting cards to prevent them from taking part in political decisions. Instances of murder of electoral commissioners who tried to register women for voting processes show how far brutalism and discrimination against women has extended in Afghanistan (Thomsen 270). Such situations block womens effort to communicate their views in regard to type of governance they want. Similarly, women candidates can not be enrolled easily for similar positions to those held by men due to repression in association to voting rights. Women representatives in other parts of the world represent other women opinions therefore ensuring plight of female gender is communicated to authorities. In Afghan such chances are not provided hence continued lack of communication freedom. Additionally, lack of media freedom is another obstacle that contributes to communication problems in Afghanistan. Widespread violence coupled with political wrangles in Afghanistan prevents media efforts in steering women in fighting for their rights by speaking out loud. For instance, many journalists have been killed including and others such as Kambakhsh imprisoned for exercising their expression rights (Afkhami 179). Such situations leave women threatened and in fear of going against their male counterparts hence remain silent and oppressed. A country without freedom of expression by non-Taliban has efforts by women to communicate their views to governing bodies. Such strictness by rulers and men in the society has hindered efforts for free communication among women and men. This situation is changing as women with the support of their men, actively create awareness in regard to human equality across Afghanistan. Formation of RAWA in 1977 was an effort to eradicate violence against women and air their voices to the world. RAWA is an organization established by women and its goal is to promote Afghan women rights (Silkenat and Shulman 64). The organization major objective is to create awareness throughout Afghanistan concerning plight of girl-child and women. It also aims at reaching as many women as possible by communicating benefits of treating women with equality. Organization airs womens voices through conferences, public campaigns, internet and demonstrations. RAWA efforts have been realized over the years though right of expression by Afghan women is yet to be gained fully. Freedom of women and girls lives Since the seizure of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan, over 9 million women and girls have been denied basic human rights. This government has imposed laws against women citing religious purity while in the real sense it is persecution against women. For instance, Afghan women are not allowed to either go to school or work away from home a move which has led to closure of several schools owing to shortage of teaching staff as prior to the invasion of the Taliban about 70% of the teaching fraternity comprised of women (Afkhami 201). Devastating effects have been advanced towards widowed women who were the only source of livelihood for their families. In case women and girls want to leave their homes, then they must be escorted by a male relative. A whole body covering known as burqa must be worn. Instances of killings and beatings of the women have been witnessed due to failure of the women to be fully covered or escorted. Specific aspects of life on which Afghan women are oppresse d and to be discussed under this heading include education, marriage and dressing Education A large percentage of women in Afghanistan are illiterate due to banning of schooling for all women and successive wars in the nation had completely paralyzed the Education system. During the reign of the Taliban, community schools were opened and ran by women where girls were taught literacy skills, numeracy skills and such like subjects as Biology, English, cooking, and knitting (Zama and Sifton 27). Unfortunately instances of torture and killings of women teachers by the Taliban were witnessed. After the overthrow of the Taliban administration, substantial aid was advanced to the Karzai administration in order to restore the girl-child education. Lack of funding poses major setbacks to girl-child education with many girls opting to drop out as the facilities are not conducive. For instance, the learning facilities under unprotected structures like tents. Lack of women teachers means that majority of the girls do not attend school as their parents fail to place the care of the girls under men teachers. Since most of the girls schools were destroyed during the Taliban administration, girls and boys learn in the same facilities: a move which has caused massive criticism especially from high ranking government officials (Thomsen 184). This largely translates to discrimination and lack of freedom. Several Afghanistan women have consistently risked their lives by running clandestine schools for the women population. From 2001, Education facilities have recorded increased numbers of female students though persistent attacks by the Taliban as well as other forces present in the area continue to demean the progress achieved in the female Education sector. Cases girls dropping from schools before completing primary level education have been witnessed due to early marriages and family obligations Dressing The Afghanistan women have continually suffered turmoil especially in the type of dressing they are supposed to constantly wear. A specialty made traditional garment known as the Burqa which covers the whole body with a small grind for seeing and breathing must be worn by the women. The Burqa is extremely uncomfortable especially during hot weather (Silkenat and Shulman 58). The excessive covering may instigate illnesses such as asthma due to the discomfort of the dress as dust sticks thus enhancing dampness during breathing. The visibility of the wearer is largely limited as the size of the mesh opening does not provide adequate perceptibility. Afghanistan women claim that when they are wearing the burqa, total invisibility is exuded. It is impossible to know the kind of emotion displayed by a woman during normal conversation. Marriage In this patriarchal society, decisions are largely made by men fraternity. Women do not have the freedom to choose their marriage partners. Arranged marriages are largely advanced in this country based on economic and political reasons. Instances of girls being engaged before they are born are widespread (Zama and Sifton 54). The authority of who should marry a girl lies with the father who can opt to wed his daughter to a person who may be very old but rich. In areas badly hit by poverty, girls are sold off or exchanged for meals. Women are treated as properties as once the marriage contract is signed the girl cannot marry another man. In case she dies a suitable replacement must be offered. Violent cases have resulted when multiple betrothing is done so as to collect dowry from several men. Dowry payment is regarded as compensation for the care and upbringing of the bride. A married Afghanistan woman is controlled by the mother-in-law who makes such critical decisions on her behalf as whether to attend hospital or not and the activities to undertake (Thomsen 130). Women do not receive custody of children in case of a divorce. Though obtaining a divorce is largely difficult for women who are in abusive marriages, the divorced Afghanistan women are regarded as outcasts especially due to the Islamic beliefs and traditions. Recommendations Afghan women should fight for a chance to speak out and join others international women who are fighting against women oppression. By communicating their views to their spouses, brothers and the public will be a major start step towards their social life improvement. Freedom of expression is known as an effective tool for resistance against practices that oppress women. Lack of such freedom, means Afghan women may continue to tolerate discrimination by men under religious grounds which are used for personal political benefit. Social oppression can be overcome through speaking out in any context cultural, political or religious. Granting of women rights in education, employment , leadership and other roles in public life come as a primarily result of women expression against discrimination. Opening of communication channels in Afghanistan is a basic step in eliminating injustices that surround lives of many women and girls. Of importance is the right to vote, that has been used by many countries in defining future of women in those countries. I recommend Afghan women to retain and utilize their rights to vote intelligently as it is part of decision making. Through voting women elect leaders in support of their rights therefore acquiring access to equal opportunities similar to those awarded to men. Continued efforts by women by speaking out, eventually leads to liberation of girls and women from oppressive societal rules. Again, society starts to appreciate need to uphold plight of women and girls hence creating a balanced society that pays attention to both genders. International community should offer greater support to women organizations working with minority women at the grass roots. Awareness creations through educational programs are essential effort towards liberation of Afghan women from social, cultural, religious and political injustices in Afghanistan. International support through funding and enlightenment of few educated afghan women should be upheld as away of developing strong women leaders in Afghanistan. Conclusion In conclusion, Afghanistan is a region known for oppression of women and girls in various aspects of life. Existence of connection between Islam and governance of Afghans facilitates dehumanization among Afghan women. Most life rights and expression freedom are denied to female gender despite acceptance by Islam doctrines. Afghan constitutional rights are not upheld due lack of commitment by authorities concerned and political instabilities hence impacting on women by denying them their legal and human rights. International intervention has calmed Afghanistan human situation but majority of Afghan women and girls remain discriminated and repressed. Work-cited Afkhami, Mahnaz. Faith and freedom: womens human rights in the Muslim world. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1995. Mittra, Sangh and Kunar, Bachchan. Encyclopaedia of Women in South Asia: Afghanistan. New Delhi, India: Gyan Publishing House, 2004 Osmańczyk, Edmund and Mango, Anthony. Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: T to Z. London, UK: Taylor Francis Press, 2003 Silkenat, James and Shulman, Mark. The imperial presidency and the consequences of 9/11: lawyers react to the global war on terrorism. Westport, U.S.A: Greenwood Publishing Group. 2007 Thomsen, Natasha. Womens rights. New York. U.S.A: Facts On File publisher, 2007 Zama, Coursen-Neff and Sifton, John. We want to live as humans: repression of women and girls in western Afghanistan. Washington, D.C: Human Rights Watch, 2002

I-function and AI :: Biology Essays Research Papers

I-function and AI The idea of creative and intelligent nonhumans is at once exciting and extremely useful. Wouldn't it be great to have a computer assistant that could anticipate your needs, or come up with novel solutions on its own? Scientists have often compared the function of the nervous system to computer programming, but does this comparison translate to an actual causal relationship? The way physics describes communication between computer parts in a binary system remarkably resembles the communications between neurons in the body. When considering the brain, science only looks at the physical components. If this physicality is sufficient to explain behavior then we can recreate this mechanism artificially in a computer. Thus, on the surface creating a computer that also shares the human behavior of intelligence and functions of the mind seems possible. To explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence, AI, this paper will consist of four sections. First, we will examine how computer programs and AI systems work. Then, the possibility of comparing these to the mind will be explored. A criterion for intelligence and consciousness will be derived with which to evaluate AI. Finally, the standards will be applied to current AI programs and tests. In conclusion, future for AI will be explored. Computers and Programming Computer programming breaks down to a simple code of on and off circuits, 1's and 0's-- binary code. AI addresses the cognitive skills of solving problems, learning and understanding language (4). Researchers use weak AI as a tool for merely modeling mind systems, whereas strong AI is a mind itself and presents its own set of cognitive explanations (6). AI systems of artificial neural fields compose response rules for themselves based on notions of the present situation. Expert systems, another branch of AI, consist of a knowledge base and a reasoning engine. Systems perform specific tasks by applying the built in knowledge to the task with an interference engine, a reasoning structure (4). Processing relies on rule-based system of if-then statements to form a line of reasoning. The programming of chess programs such as Deep Blue uses this type of limited intellectual mechanisms (5). Other AI programs try to mimic human understanding in language. Weizenbaum's ELIZA program models human communication by engaging in conversation, through asking questions based on responses of a user (6). Another program by Schank simulates human understanding of a story and answers implicit questions about it given a representation of the information presented in the story. I-function and AI :: Biology Essays Research Papers I-function and AI The idea of creative and intelligent nonhumans is at once exciting and extremely useful. Wouldn't it be great to have a computer assistant that could anticipate your needs, or come up with novel solutions on its own? Scientists have often compared the function of the nervous system to computer programming, but does this comparison translate to an actual causal relationship? The way physics describes communication between computer parts in a binary system remarkably resembles the communications between neurons in the body. When considering the brain, science only looks at the physical components. If this physicality is sufficient to explain behavior then we can recreate this mechanism artificially in a computer. Thus, on the surface creating a computer that also shares the human behavior of intelligence and functions of the mind seems possible. To explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence, AI, this paper will consist of four sections. First, we will examine how computer programs and AI systems work. Then, the possibility of comparing these to the mind will be explored. A criterion for intelligence and consciousness will be derived with which to evaluate AI. Finally, the standards will be applied to current AI programs and tests. In conclusion, future for AI will be explored. Computers and Programming Computer programming breaks down to a simple code of on and off circuits, 1's and 0's-- binary code. AI addresses the cognitive skills of solving problems, learning and understanding language (4). Researchers use weak AI as a tool for merely modeling mind systems, whereas strong AI is a mind itself and presents its own set of cognitive explanations (6). AI systems of artificial neural fields compose response rules for themselves based on notions of the present situation. Expert systems, another branch of AI, consist of a knowledge base and a reasoning engine. Systems perform specific tasks by applying the built in knowledge to the task with an interference engine, a reasoning structure (4). Processing relies on rule-based system of if-then statements to form a line of reasoning. The programming of chess programs such as Deep Blue uses this type of limited intellectual mechanisms (5). Other AI programs try to mimic human understanding in language. Weizenbaum's ELIZA program models human communication by engaging in conversation, through asking questions based on responses of a user (6). Another program by Schank simulates human understanding of a story and answers implicit questions about it given a representation of the information presented in the story.

My Favorite Holiday Destination Essay

I have been going to Lumina resort my entire life. Even though my teenage years, where it seemed nothing could entertain my adolescent attitude, I looked forward to vacationing on the lake of bays every summer. As a child, I recall Petticoat. For a few hours every day my parents got a break to do as they pleased, as my sisters and I made crafts, learned songs, played games, and heard stories. It was also a great way to make friends with other children visiting the resort. Lumina always has great Petticoat leaders. The children just adore them; always sitting on their laps, waving at them in the dining room, or dragging along their ankles when the week is over and it’s time for goodbyes! Returning as a teenager never seemed like a lame family holiday. With all the returning friends I had made in years previous, the activities and fun seemed endless. Tubing became a sport to us. Lounging in the sun never seemed so relaxing – with the waves licking the shores and the breez e coming off the bay. I learned how to wakeboard at Lumina; the staff spent countless years helping me stand up on the wake, and never grew tired of my mistakes. Movies in the TV room, playing cards on the deck, eating junk food in the beautifully preserved cabins. All great memories. Every night we would sneak to Frosties – the on-resort convenience store – and get a little something sweet to enjoy. As a young adult, I can’t say I’ve ever had such a great time. The lake of bays club always promises something fun. Wine and Cheese night starts everyone off at the beginning of the week to meet new guests and reconcile with old friends. Poker, pool, and darts allow for good fun with fellow vacation-goers. Live entertainment is my family’s personal favourite. Tobin – the artist that has been recruited for the past few years – is amazing, and keeps the audience dancing, drinking, and having fun. Karaoke night is the night to let loose and show all your new and old friends your talent. Of course, the beach, water activities, sports, tournaments, and excursions are just as much fun in adulthood as they were in childhood. The chef, Shawn, makes some of the best dishes I’ve ever tasted. Whether it’s a classic Caesar salad, or a new recipe, Shawn always promises taste and quality. One of the best benefits to Lumina is the food is included in the price. For your vacation period, you do not have to cook once (this is a great thing for mothers!). The staff are some of the most sociable, and helpful individuals. Tec and Vicky (the owners) can always be found if something needs to be done, or assisted with.

A Comparison of how To His Coy Mistress and The Flea Present and Develop the Poets Arguments Essays

A Comparison of how To His Coy Mistress and The Flea Present and Develop the Poets Arguments Essays A Comparison of how To His Coy Mistress and The Flea Present and Develop the Poets Arguments Paper A Comparison of how To His Coy Mistress and The Flea Present and Develop the Poets Arguments Paper Essay Topic: Arguments Literature The poems To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell and The Flea by John Donne are both written with the same idea in mind, for the authors to get their women or mistresses to be less shy with them. This was a common idea of which poems were based in Marvells and Donnes time due to when a pretty woman was to find herself interacting with a man, it was conventional for her to be shy or unwilling, or at least for a small time at first. With this in mind it is easy to see that both poems include the idea of carpe diem, this means seize the day, in other words make use of the time we have and do not let it go to waste. This was common in the poems written by the metaphysical poets, which both Donne and Marvell were included in. The most obvious comparison of arguments is what the persona is trying to get from his mistress, it is clear that all that the persona has on his mind in The Flea is sexual intercourse, yet in To His Coy Mistress the persona is more interested in love in general not just sex. These arguments set an almost funny theme of the personas persuading their mistresss. There is also a sense of desperation in The Flea because the persona knows that if the flea is squashed that his chances of having sex with his mistress are also squashed. As well as the sense of desperation in The Flea, it is also very humorous. It satirises how the persona cannot get his mistress to have sex with her but she is willing to give up her virginity to something as insignificant as a flea. The poets argument in The Flea is that the flea, an insignificant object, bit his mistress after biting him, therefore mixing their two bloods together, this is Donnes time was considered as forming a bond, the mixing of their bloods bonded the couple together almost like marriage : It suckd me first, and now sucks thee, And in this flea, our two bloods mingled be; This frustrates the persona because the flea has done what his mistress has resisted against performing with him; this shyness is also what Marvells argument is based on. The persona in To His Coy Mistress shows a sense of irritation that his mistress is so coy. The main idea of the poem is that if the persona and his mistress had time then her coyness would be acceptable but they dont have all the time in the world, so must therefore make use of what time they have, the phrase carpe diem is used to describe this. Marvell wrote To His Coy Mistress in three stages. The first stanza talks about if they had all the time in the world, An hundred years should go to praise is an example of the persona stating what they could do if they had an eternity, then his mistresss coyness wouldnt be a problem, the second stanza then brings them back into reality and brings the idea that they dont have all the time in the world into the readers mind: But at my back I always hear Times winged chariot hurrying near; And yonder all before us lie This is describing how time, in other words ultimately Death, is racing towards them and that they dont have long until they will be dead, lying on the ground. Its an interesting use of personification, giving the chariot wings, this creates an image of a chariot of time flying towards them, coming down to get them, in other words take their lives. The final stanza suggests what they should or could be doing now to rectify the problem of coyness: Now let us sport while we may, And now, like amorous birds of prey, Rather at once our time devour The sport which the persona suggests is suggesting let us love each other while we can before our time is devoured. The amorous birds of prey is a good image. It creates an image of them being passionate about their love like a bird of prey would be towards its food. It also creates a sense of urgency because birds who are hunting their prey are viscous and attack very quickly, so it could be interpreted that the persona is using the image to suggest how they need to get over his mistresss coyness urgently. Ultimately To His Coy Mistress was written to get the authors mistress to love him while they still have the time. Similarly The Flea is also written trying to get the authors mistress to do something, perhaps marriage, unlike To His Coy Mistress the persona isnt really bothered about love just sex. The poets argument is that if the flea, and insignificant object can mingle their bloods then why cant they do it, Findst not thyself, nor me the weaker now, this is the persona stating that after the flea had bitten both of them neither of them feel weaker so why should she feel different about losing her virginity to him. And in this flea our two bloods mingled be, Donne uses the word mingled to represent the union of blood between the persona and his love. This reflects the 17th century view that man and woman became one blood in sexual union, the word mingled being indicative of the completeness of their mixing together. The mistress in The Flea however tries to counter his argument by killing the flea. One of the main differences between the two poems is how the mistress is conveyed to the reader. In To His Coy Mistress the mistress isnt given a voice you arent told anything about her or her actions. However you can guess that because the persona describes her as coy, she is perhaps stubborn and plays hard to get, apart from that you dont find anything else out about her and because she isnt given a voice in the poem you never find out her views only his. However in The Flea the mistresss actions are described, she still isnt given a voice so you will never find out exactly what she thinks but you can tell by her actions what she thinks of the personas argument. In the 17th century the idea of mingled blood means marriage, such as Donne said: Oh stay, three lives in one flea spare, Where we almost, yea are more married are. Although the mistress is passive you can tell she obviously doesnt like this thought, so when she kills the flea it isnt just against religion but it shows that the thought of being married to the persona is a preposterous idea. This is fascinating because the persona accuses his mistress of committing suicide by killing the flea: Though use make you apt to kill me, Let not to that, self murder added be, And sacrilege, three sins in killing three. The thought behind this idea is that the flea contains a part of three people, the persona, his mistress and the flea itself. So killing it would be killing a part of all three of them and probably in the personas eyes it is killing his chance of ever having a sexual union with his mistress. Donne used a flea to describe this because fleas were very common in the 17th century. The flea is small insignificant and very unromantic, so using a flea to suggest that the persona and his mistress are married because their bloods are united inside the flea, this is an example of a metaphysical conceit. Both poems are filled with metaphysical conceits, this is when something spiritual, such as love, is turned into a physical image or a surprisingly verbal picture, an example of this is My vegetable love should grow, this is a good example of metaphysical conceit because Marvell describes love, which is definitely not physical, as a physical picture. This is also an example of personification because love cant grow. Another example of a conceit in Times winged chariot hurrying near, this is a conceit of death. Death isnt physical but using it with chariots makes it into a physical image. Conceits can also be described as using something common, such as a flea, to describe something such as a powerful feeling such as love or something absurd. The flea is also a conceit because it is used describe love when it is very common. Another example of Metaphysical Conceit: Let us roll all our strength and all Our sweetness up into one ball, This conceit is describing how the persona and his mistress should collect their strength and their sweetness into a ball; this is one of the many examples of flattery in both of the poems. The first stanza of To His Coy Mistress is filled with examples of flattery: But thirty thousand to the rest. An age at least to every part, And the last age should show your heart. This is a powerful quotation because the persona is suggesting he could spend over thirty thousand years admiring her, only however if they had eternity, thirty thousand years is a very long time so the persona must truly love his mistress to suggest this, however they dont an eternity, so therefore Marvell wrote this poem to try and get his mistress to get her to enjoy what time they have. All the flattery in the first stanza sets the theme and mood of the poems. I think the mood in The Flea at the start of poem is quite depressing; the persona seems to feel rejected that the flea mingled their bloods before he did and that even now his mistress wont have sex with him. There is a sense of not tongue-in-cheek, that the poem isnt very serious, the argument of a flea mingling their bloods before they did it themselves is a humorous idea. In the second stanza the mood of the poem changes because the persona becomes desperate for his mistress not to squash the flea, the personas attitude and approach to his argument chances as well. As his argument develops the pace of the poem also increases. Donne uses religious images and ideas in the hope that they will lull the lady into a submission which she will be comfortable with. Though use make you apt to kill me, Let not to that, self murder added be, And sacrilege, three sins in killing three. Committing suicide is completely against religion so Donne uses it as a last ditch effort to persuade his mistress. The Flea reaches its climax at the end of the second stanza when the flea is squashed. In the third and final stanza the poems pace slows down creating an anti-climax. The personas attitude is almost of disbelief that his mistress was cruel enough to kill the flea which contained part of her and him in it. The mood in To His Coy Mistress, I think, is quite different to that of The Flea. I think the mood is calmer and therefore the personas attitude is more reasonable. The personas argument is split into three parts, the first stanza describes what they could do if they had all eternity, the second stanza brings the poem back into reality and explains how they dont have the all eternity. The third at final stanza suggests what they should do now, again on the theme of carpe diem. However the mood is similar to The Flea because the first stanza is slow paced and calm with the second stanza increasing in pace with an anti-climax in the third stanza when the poem is brought into reality. The persona, although is desperate to get his mistress to love him, I dont think is very forceful, he is relaxed and calm. I think he is like this because he is trying to be understanding with his mistress and try to win her heart that way rather than forcing her into something which she doesnt want to do. For the persona to achieve this in To His Coy Mistress without sounding too forceful, he compliments his mistress a lot and uses a lot of flattery: An hundred years should go to praise Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze, Two hundred to adore each breast, But thirty thousand to the rest; The persona is suggesting that if they had all eternity he could spend over thirty thousand years showing affection towards her. This is a very powerful thing to say and shows a huge amount of affection for his mistress. It is ironic that after the first stanza being so flattering that the second stanza is filled with the idea of death. Deserts of vast eternity is a powerful images which combines space and time which suggests that there is nothing once they have died, a large open nothingness. The next two lines, Thy beauty shall no more be found, / Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound, is an interesting choice of words. Again, it is a use of flattery calling the mistress beauty but it suggests that her beauty will go to waste in her tomb. The persona continues then to go on and that worms will try her long preserved virginity. This is very similar to the flea, they are both very unromantic beings, which is likely to be the main part behind the poets arguments. The worm is also a metaphysical conceit because the it isnt romantic yet it is suggested to do something which is considered to be the climax of romance. To His Coy Mistress follows some biblical references. The flood is an important time in religion because it supposedly rid the world of sin, however the persona is suggesting that he could physically love his mistress from ten years before that. Another religious phrase is conversion of the Jews, this would require a substantiated second coming for the son of God, or in other words, it will never happen. This suggests that the persona and his mistress have all of time to love each other, so h er coyness wouldnt be a problem but they dont have much time, so her coyness is a big issue. There are some religious ideas in The Flea. The first obviously religious idea in the poem is the reference to its intention, persuading his mistress that giving up her virginity would not be sin, nor shame, Donne suggests this religion order to argue that it doesnt apply in this case. Another religious strain follows the logic This flea is you and I, this suggests that there are three souls in one body, this is meant to echo The Trinity of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit all being together. The final religious idea is one back to the idea of killing the flea, not only would it be committing suicide which is against the Christian Religion but the way in which it is described, the nail which the personas mistress killed the flea with is purpled with blood of innocence, this is how Christ is described, killed for no reason and completely innocent. The Flea and To His Coy Mistress have similar rhyme schemes, both in iambic tetrameter, however The Flea alternates metrically between lines in iambic tetrameter and iambic pentameter, a 4-5 pattern with two pentameter lines at the end of each stanza. The Flea has a regular rhyme scheme, in couplets, with the final line rhyming with the previous couplet: AABBCCDDD. To His Coy Mistress also rhymes in couplets. Having a regular rhyming pattern makes the poem more enjoyable to read and it drives the development of the argument, which might be another idea of the poets because it makes their arguments more easily read. Although The Flea and To His Coy Mistress dont have exactly the same meaning; one to get love, the other to have sex; they are similar poems. Both poems are filled with metaphysical conceits and ideas about religion. The language used is similar in both with it being persuasive. I think that To His Coy Mistress is the stronger poem of the two because it is a lot more reasonable and it goes at love in the more conventional, traditional way, complementing the person you love rather than being forceful like in The Flea. I think that the poets both have different views on love, I think that Donne considers women to be objects, purely for enjoyment, whether it is sexual or not. However Marvell wants marriage and a long term relationship.

Tips For Writing An A+ Worthy Essay

Tips For Writing An A+ Worthy Essay Tips For Writing An A+ Worthy Essay If you are a student, you know it can be difficult to write a powerful essay. It can also be daunting if you don’t comprehend the content of the research you read. Here are some tips for writing an A+ worthy essay: Topic is Key Having a firm understanding of your topic is important in order to convince the reader. To get an A+, though, the essay needs to stand out from the crowd. If you can add some originality to how you address the topic, this can improve the final grade. Creating the Thesis First, concentrate on the thesis, as it’s through line of thought that holds your essay. Brainstorm ideas that will become your arguments. Dont buy into the myth that having three arguments is necessary. Having one strong argument can be enough to convince your reader. But if you have developed several good, convincing arguments, by all means, use them. The Hook The hook (also known as the attention grabber) is included in the introduction and is used to spark a readers interest. Your hook is also used in the conclusion. The attention grabber can be in the form of a question regarding the topic, but should cover a broader thought which then leads into the thesis. By adding the hook to the conclusion, you provide an answer to the initial question that got your readers attention. Giving a thorough answer will allow your reader to fully understand the writer’s point of view. Research, Research, Research Research plays a crucial role in an essay, so make sure you have all of the facts to help explain your arguments. The library or internet are great places to begin seeking information to back up your thesis. While researching and using the information, create a bibliography to recognize the resources you used. Transition Statements Connect each section of your essay with a transition statement. These allow your essay to read smoothly from beginning to end. Do you have an essay that you are having difficulty putting together? Are you confused about a particular section of your essay? Contact today toll-free at 1-800-573-0840.

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

Mandatory Vaccines - Research Paper Example Parents in the US have, for many years, been reluctant to have their children vaccinated because of the supposed link between Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. This fear can partly be attributed to the fact; despite the overarching research on autism, there are still gaps in the identification of its causal factors. Parents are inclined toward suspecting MMR vaccine as the causal factor for autism because vaccination will have some impact on the child’s health over the passage of time. However, there is plentiful evidence from research that suggests that there is no valid reason or evidence that supports the consideration of MMR vaccine to be a cause of autism in children. In their research, Neal A. Halsey, Susan L. Hyman, and the Conference Writing Panel (2001) reviewed all information presented on the link by the parents, physicians, and scientists and found that there is no scientific cause-and-effect relationship between MMR vaccine and autism. The board further discussed the actual causes of autism and emphasizes a need for the pediatricians to ensure the reception of immunizations (Halsey et al., 2001). Gerber and Offit (2008) found more than 20 studies from researchers from all across the globe that could not find any evidence that would suggest the existence of a link between vaccines and autism. These scientifically incorrect theories are misleading and undermine the true causal factors of autism, substituting them with vaccination in the early childhood. Not only has vaccination found to have no cause-and-effect relationship with autism by a number of studies, but also certain studies have shown how not vaccinating can induce motor developmental abnormalities in children. Chelsea Flowers Anderson shares the story of Jennifer Russo discussing how her experience with her daughter transformed her from being anti-vax

Gutai as critique of the traditional concept of Modernism Research Paper

Gutai as critique of the traditional concept of Modernism - Research Paper Example This damage and destruction took place in the course of centuries and it was described as the beauty of decay. I believe this concept is valid in many people’s imaginations today and by looking into the artworks of the Gutai movements it becomes evident this technique expressed the true art. In the modern art world, it seems to be very difficult to understand the relationship between society and art. Gutai was one of the movements that took place in Japan after the post-war chaotic situation. This movement had specific intentions and purposes which is why it is the most important art movement of this time. This art movement has many characteristics which make it relevant in the media art today. ‘Electric Dress’ was a work by Tanaka which helps in examining and understanding the current media art in Japan (Berghuis 21). The work of Tanaka was remarkable and revolutionary which still holds importance. It was in 1945 after the World War II that the Japanese society h ad come under desperation and chaos. It was then when the artists tried to bring a revolutionary movement which would promote different art works and activities to make a new world. Yoshihara declared that the liberal position of the people was the most important thing which was conveyed through the medium of art. The liberal position of the people who were currently living in the desperation and chaotic time was focused because they believed that the freedom is the main source for human development. The art movement described the position of the people as free. Thus, the main idea behind this movement was to bring out the reality of the society and overcome the situation (Tiampo 84). Tanaka was an artist involved in the Gutai movement and she produced the ‘Electric Dress’ which was stage clothes. The concept was that she changed her clothes frequently during the performance and the colours of the dress were bright and blinking from the electric light bulbs. This showed the attractive beauty from the light bulbs which the human hand could not create. This was the time after which the stage performances became more attractive and pleasing to the audience’s view. Tanaka worked with bringing the newest technology to application by experimenting and using the electric media to promote her artistic work. Her work and skill leaves a huge impression on the Western arts and to the modern arts. However, despite such efforts, Tanaka did not receive appreciation by the Japanese art scene because of her highly skilful work for the newly started art movement. I believe that Tanaka’s efforts left a mark on the art world and even though it was later recognized and encouraged, initially it was seen as a threat to the traditional modernization. The Gutai movement had new and different ideas because all the members of the movement were young artists, who were raised under traditional values of religion and spiritual importance. These artists knew the artistic traditions of Japan but through this movement they decided to completely overrule the past attempts and approaches. Their vision towards this movement was rather different. They aimed to create a relationship between art, body, space and time. The Gutai movement was a revolutionary movement and it started in Japan almost ten years after the World War II had ended. The roots of the Gutai movement