The Paradoxical Relationship Between Atheism and Communism Term Paper

The Paradoxical Relationship Between Atheism and Communism - Term Paper Example On the other hand, communism was a sociopolitical movement which was made famous by Karl Marx in the early 19th century. This movement was related by Marx as the solution to the problems which the world was facing back then, and still is, the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Marx suggested that there should be a system in which all material goods are owned by the entire community so that the poor are not working to make the rich even richer. The society would have no class and the resources would be used keeping in mind the best interests of everyone (Marx & Engels, 1948). The relation between communism and atheism emerges where Karl Marx states, â€Å"Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.† It needs to be noted here that communism, th e idea which was proposed by Karl Marx is the one which incorporates atheism into it. Atheism does not incorporate into it any kind of social or political belief or agenda. Thus the relationship which is being discussed here is of the involvement of the idea that religion is detrimental to the human in communism. While atheism negates the idea of a religion being in anyway beneficial to man, it itself provides a belief system along with a set of rules to follow, in short, it provides a religion. While religion may make a man secondary to a deity or a God, it makes every man secondary to a power which is far greater than man himself where as communism in giving man the power to make his own decisions, provides him with a system to which he is secondary, a system that is ultimately run by a human. And as someone so eloquently put it, as long as it is human, it is flawed (Markham, 2010). While supposedly giving humans who are poor the freedom to not be forced to bring up their children in less then desirable conditions, communism impresses upon them the importance of following the system, again, where it gives freedom in one way, it takes it away on the other hand. One can say, while looking at this, that atheism while denying religion and grading it the root of all evils, provides to the people a system of belief. One very much like a religion, that would give people hope that someone up their, whether in the skies or sitting on a chair is looking out for their freedom and betterment. Here, atheism in relation to communism contradicts itself. While it denies people the right to follow a deity of their choice, it forces them to follow one which it puts into place. And while it claims that the human mind is free and should be developed enough not to believe in a deity or anything supernatural, it also makes it very clear that there is indeed a higher power which is communism (Marx & Engels, 1948). The problem which arises when communism and atheism are discussed i n relation to each other is the fact that all definitions of communism are decidedly vague. While it explains very clearly why communism would work, it does not say how. It explains how religion could be detrimental, but does not say why. There are no set of rules which put communism into action, thus the derivations of communism were many and varied. And by co-incidence or by pure irony,

Chapter 3 Review and Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter 3 Review and Discussion Question - Essay Example While most manufacturing processes are automated, the service organizations cannot adopt this process. Lastly, manufacturing demands physical location for production of products, whereas service designers are least bothered about this aspect. For a good service, the designer should keep in mind factors like legitimacy of services, access to potential clients, competitors in the market, price ranges, cost of maintaining services and demand in the markets. Mass customization refers to the combination of two business practices commonly referred to as craft production and the mass production. Being directed at providing maximum satisfaction to the customers, the practice promotes the notion of providing individualized products to customers with mass production efficiency. Although the application of the notion of mass customization appears promising, there are a number of challenges related to this concept. The challenges that arise secondary to the application of this process may be regarded as being internal complexities or external complexities. External complexities arise when customers face difficulties regarding customization of their ordered products. The uncertainty associated with this process is often the cause of dissatisfaction for the client. Internal complexities on the other hand are related to the internal functions of the company regarding designing of products that are customizable enough to meet the customer’s demands. Due to wide product range and variety that results secondary to mass customization, the company faces internal complexities that may hinder its smooth

Relationship between self esteem, depression and anger

Relationship between self esteem, depression and anger The relationship between self-esteem, depression and anger has been an ongoing debate among researchers and theorists for years. In fact, self and identity are concerned largely with the question: Who am I? and self is blend by both personal and social identities. Self-hood is almost unthinkable outside a social context (Baumeister, 1998). When groups or social identities provide a person with stability, positive meaning or positive distinctiveness (us versus them distinctions), a sense of worth and direction, then this will typically have positive implications for that individuals psychological well-being/mental health (Kirmayer, Brass Tait, 2002; Reitzes Mutran, 2002; Scheff, 2001). Howevre low sense of worth can have negative implications for an individuals psychological and mental well-being. Paradise Kernis (2002) examined the extent to which self-esteem level and self-esteem stability predicted scores on multiple measures of psychological well-being. Many researchers like Kaplan, (1982); Rosenberg et al., (1989); Ross Broh, (2000) cited that, the level of self-esteem is widely recognized as a central aspect of psychological functioning and well-being and is strongly related to many other variables. White (2002) stated that If a problem is not biological in origin, then it will almost always be traceable to poor self-esteem. In fact, many psychotherapists have noted a direct relationship between self-esteem and mental health (Rogers, 1961; Coopersmith, 1967). Research has also shown that low self-esteem is associated with various psychological and behavioral problems. For e.g. Leary, (1999) suggests that, low self-esteem is related to a variety of psychological difficulties and personal problems, such as substance abuse, loneliness, academic failure, teenage pregnancy, and criminal behavior. People with low self-esteem tend to attribute any successes they have to luck rather than to their own abilities. Those with high self-esteem will tend to attribute their successes to qualities within themselves (Covey, 1989). Baumeister his colleagues (e.g., Baumeister, 1993; Baumeister, Smart, Boden, 1996) found that behaviors and outcomes are often more variable for people high in self-esteem than for people low in self-esteem. Previous literature suggests that low self-esteem is associated with possible risk factor like depression, low self-esteem, anger, and anxiety. Self- esteem is a complex, multi-dimensional construct with multiple sources, and has other facets as potential risk factors for depression (Kwan et al., 2009). Researchers such as, Carlson, Uppal, Prosser (2000) reported that low self-esteem, in general, is of concern because of its association with depression, suicide, delinquency, substance use, and lower academic achievement. Carpenito-Moyet (2008) suggests that low self-esteem may be an indicator of susceptibility to depression, which is an important predictor of suicidal tendencies. Harter Marold, (1994) suggests that low self-esteem has been associated with depression and suicidal ideas. Roberts Monroe (1994) proposed a general theoretical account of the role of self-esteem in depression. They acknowledged that low self-esteem has often been proposed as a risk factor that creates a vulnerability to depression, but concluded that in research, level of self-esteem has failed to emerge as a robust predictor of the onset of depression. They proposed that vulnerability to depression accompanies unstable self-esteem (i.e., self-esteem that is prone to fluctuate across time), as well as self-esteem based on relatively few and unreliable sources. It is well-established that high self-esteem is related to positive adjustment, general well-being and mental health in adolescence and also to fewer internalizing and externalizing problems (e.g. Ouvinen- Birgerstam, 1999; Steinhausen and Winkler Metzke, 2001; Ybrandt, 2008). Further literature suggests that, mental health problems of adolescents may be caused by a negative psychological trait, such as low self-esteem (Hurrelmann Losel, 1990). A Correlational data implicate low self-esteem in a host of social and academic problems, including poor school achievement, aggression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and teenage pregnancy (Dawes, 1994; Mecca, Smelser, Vasconcellos, 1989; Scheff, Retzinger, Ryan, 1989). Rosenberg (1985) pointed out that there is a relationship between self-esteem and depression. Adolescents with low self-esteem report more depression than those with a higher self-esteem. The evidence of the relationship between low self-esteem and a higher rate of depression in adolescents was further supported in subsequent studies (Byrne, 2000; Kim, 2003). Self-esteem is related to numerous emotional states. It has been linked to anxiety and depression in the clinical literature (Mineka,Watson, Clark, 1998), to pride and shame in the developmental literature (Tangney Fischer, 1995), to happiness and contentment in personality psychology (Diener Diener, 1995), and to anger and hostility in social psychology (Bushman Baumeister, 1998; Kernis, Grannemann, Barclay, 1989). Self-esteem provides a fundamental role in the behavior and mental health of adolescents. There is some evidence that the mental health problems of adolescents may be caused by a negative psychological trait, such as low self-esteem (Hurrelmann Losel, 1990). According to Bandura (1986) social adjustment, activity engagement, goal direction and self-confidence, and the presence of anxiety are all elements in a childs development and functioning that are influenced by his/her self-esteem. Many other researchers like Bolognini, et al., (1996); Harter (1999); Hoffmann, Baldwin, Cerbone, (2003); Kaplan, (1996); Stacy, et al., (1992) also emphasized self-esteem is an important indicator of general well-being and adolescents with lower levels of self-esteem often experience negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and dissatisfaction with life. According to Piko Fitzpatrick (2003) consistent with a resilience framework, scholars suggest that self-esteem serves as a protective factor by insulating youth from stress that stems from negative life events, and specifically, protecting against depression. Melnyk et al. (2006) found that adolescents with high self-esteem have a strong belief in their ability to engage in a healthy lifestyle. People with high but unstable self-esteem score higher on measures of hostility than do people with low self-esteem (whether stable or unstable), whereas people with high but stable self- esteem are the least hosti le (Kernis, Grannemann, Barclay, 1989). It may be important to emphasize that apart from General Well-Being, personality constructs, like high self-esteem have been shown to act as protective factors against psychopathology in adolescents (McDonald OHara, 2003). Dew Huebner (1994) found that well-being forms significant positive associations with self-esteem measures. In Pakistan, Riaz, Bilal Rizwan, (2007) found that self-esteem is significant predictor of aggression and specifically physical aggression and anger were significantly predicted by low self-esteem. With respect to emotional and social consequences, anger has been associated with increased anxiety, reduced self-esteem, damage to social relationships (Deffenbacher et al. 1996), and depression (Picardi et al., 2004). Many researchers have explored ways that socially structured inequality shapes an array of emotional/mental health outcomes, usually depression or anxiety (McLeod and Nonnemaker 1999; Turner et al. 1995) and, more recently, anger (Ross and Van Willigen 1997; Schieman 1999). One of the major reasons of psychological problems like low self-esteem, depression, and anger among adolescents of minority status is due to prejudice and discrimination of the society. Sociologists who study emotions have sought to document and describe the emotional correlates and consequences of social stratification (Smith-Lovin 1995). Adolescents of minority status are subjected to an array of derogatory and unpleasant experiences. All these experiences result in negative self-evaluation. According to Jacques Chason, (1977) minority or low status groups judge themselves as a group less positively than the member of the majority or high status group. All the researches cited in the literature review of the study, however, indicate that a Western evaluation of adolescents self-esteem, depression, and anger is hard to replicate for the indigenous adolescents minority population of Pakistan. Research on minority adolescents in Pakistan is negligible and hardly provides any basis for valid assertion about the state of affairs and the remedies, if ever adapted by authority figures, to improve the mental well-being of the target population. This study will highlight issues related to minority adolescents self-esteem, depression, anger, and will shed light on the ways mental well-being of the target group can be improved.

Leadership and Groups: FMC Green River Essay -- Business Leading Essay

Leadership and Groups: FMC Green River Background FMC is and has been a successful company for the last fifty-six years. First originated in 1948 and produced 1.3 million tons of various grades of soda ash a year. The success of the first business brought about a second refining plant in 1953, which was completed in 1970. FMC Aberdeen, located in South Dakota with a population of 30,000 is also a successful subsidy of FMC. FMC Aberdeen employs one hundred people, produces one product, which is a missile canister for the U.S. Navy. FMC Green River managed by Mr. Dailey, produces various chemicals, has over 100 domestic and international customers, 1,150 employees, creates several products and works closely at times with the United Steel Workers of America. Situational Awareness Aberdeen has a great structure for the ability to create quickly various small work teams such as informal groups or self managed work teams that allow the group to focus on improving a specific process. At Aberdeen the small groups gather, choose their own leader, poll together ideas and come up with a solution to specific problem. Once a solution is found the team disbands. Since Aberdeen’s company is smaller and its employees create a family atmosphere, the role relationships between the people in the groups have a strong personal bond. This basic idea will also work at FMC Green River but will require some modifications. At Green River, if they follow the same concept, then the small groups that gather to solve a specific problem must also remember that what effects one decision in the process they are improving may have a devastating impact on another division of the same company since the company produces different products. Quickly creating teams on the spot for resolut ions to specific problems as done at Aberdeen is much easier when only dealing with one product for one customer. At FMC Green River, where there are several products being produced and over 1,150 employees, trying to incorporate small teams when the need arises will work but some restrictions may have to be applied. I would suspect more division of labor and command groups would be better suited due to the possible impact of a decision by one team, which may significantly influence another part of the organization. The culture created at Aberdeen in terms of the small groups gathering ... ...llow up on the new process on the results and make a final report or provide information on additional improvements. I’m not sure if this is done at Aberdeen. Since the number of managers should be limited, it would be advisable to allow the leaders of groups (if the leaders rotate) to counsel in a positive or negative way the group members performance. This will better and more accurately document performance to be used for yearly reviews for pay increases or promotions. Also by allowing the leaders to counsel it will build on their management skill and confidence. But, all members of the teams should have this opportunity by rotating the leaders as done at Aberdeen. Green River could use the advances of technology to create virtual teams to support the overall mission of Green River. I think the managers of the different areas and not for the small work teams should use it. Works Cited: J. M. George and G. R. Jones, â€Å"Organizational Behavior,† 3rd ed. (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001) J. G. Clawson, â€Å"FMC Aberdeen from Practical Problems in Organizations: Cases in Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Human Resources,† Custom ed (Prentice Hall, 2003)

Empiricism & human knowledge Essay

Empiricism is a notion that is derived from epistemology studies in philosophy that is centered on nature and limitation of our human knowledge (Kenny 36). The proponents in empiricism school of thought assert that the main source of human knowledge is through our sensational experience. In other words, what a man may claim to know is purely from experience with environment (Kenny 218). However, approaching this argument holistically need to consider some fundamental questions that prove worth informing the argument: What is the nature of propositional knowledge? How can we gain knowledge? And what are the limits of our knowledge? These question though less informative and may not give the full parameters and modality of the argument, it help to move further and creates a well investigative argument. In this regard, the paper central thesis shall be: Does all our knowledge come from experience? If not, where does it come from? And how can we prove that as necessary truth? The question of human knowledge derivation in field of epistemology has been a controversial issue with both rationalists and empiricists pulling toward each others side. However, as the paper shall be concluding it shall be quite evident that no side can stand alone in the proving ground for human knowledge. Since upon exploring each side of the competing explanations, it comes out clearly that human experience is necessary component in attaining knowledge yet at the same time its insufficient condition that can facilitate knowledge gaining. Therefore, this validates the essence that empiricism can not be self explanatory subject content without input and insight from rationalism school of thought (Kenny 41). In regard to Philosophical argument of empiricism, two juxtaposing positions do assist to answer this question. I find it difficult to neither accept nor deny the fact that empiricists assert that our knowledge comes from our experience because we are born as a ‘tabula rasa’. This is the light that some phenomenon experience can not be affirmed by sense experience alone. For instance, when a blue candle is placed on the table and observes with eyes and affirmed that it is a candle since the sense tells and confirm its solid and hard; then when the same candle is placed close to the flame and melts down; using the same sight observation it is difficult to affirm that the liquefied wax is the same blue candle. Basing on this example, it becomes challenging to entrust the experience as a source of understanding that strange phenomenon that challenges our senses to derive knowledge (Bonjour 273). Therefore, in such case rationalist gain a score in the sense that is only through reason that the individual observing the instance can affirm that the liquid was is the same candle in liquid form. Contrary at the same time the knowledge of changing states of wax shall be gained through sight and not reason, though reason facilitate construction and conceptualization of such concept. Evidently the two competing positions have a problem. According to Aune’s (1970) presentation of Plato’s dialogue â€Å"meno† give me an interesting position in his attempt to support rationalism that instead gives insight to validity of empiricism. Plato gave an example aimed at asserting that he met a slave boy who had mathematical knowledge (basic arithmetic); this should be innate. This is because according to him, knowledge from reason is eternal and do not change while that fro experience does. Using that example it is not true that lack of mathematical knowledge to that slave boy validates lack of mathematical experience. This is in the sense that even abstract mathematical concepts are centered on real figures or objects that does exist. For instance, the relationship given by Pythagoras’ theorem is a proposition that expresses a relation between the sides of a right angled triangle. Thus, the knowledge of these kinds of propositions can be discovered purely by thinking but an individual must in his or her earlier stages of learning been exposed or seen the figure of a right angled triangle, which is something that actually exists in the universe. On the contrary, the propositional knowledge about relation of sides of height, base and hypotenuse can be discovered purely by thinking, without the need to attend to anything that actually exists in the universe. This implies that empiricism is the basis on which reason can advance the knowledge gained primary to other higher understanding forms in such arenas as the sciences of geometry, algebra, and arithmetic. On the other hand, matters of fact as a second category object of human reason cannot be established like matters of relations as individuals lack strong grounding to think them as true. Instead, the opposite of every matter of fact is possible since it does not imply a contradiction and is easily conceived by our minds. For example, saying â€Å"the sun will rise tomorrow† is logical and has no more contradictions to saying â€Å"the sun will not rise tomorrow†. Basically, saying that the sun will not rise tomorrow is no less logical a proposition and implies no more contradiction, than the assertion that it will rise. As a result, it will be futile to try and prove its falsehood. If it can be proven false, it would imply a contradiction, and could never be clearly conceived by the mind. Thus, empiricism scores in knowledge that regards maters of fact as opposed to the knowledge of the relational of ideas. Human knowledge acquisition does not need prior reasoning to acquire, but comes from our experience of finding, connecting and inferring that particular objects are constantly associated with one other. For example, if a man is presented with an object that is new to him, no amount of reasoning about its perceptible qualities will enable him to discover it rather than observing, touching and smelling it so that he can conform to already formed knowledge base, or accommodate it as a new object discovered (Hume 173). If next time the same person comes into contact with this object again, thinking can help to connect the object to the past event and claim to know the object. This can be demonstrated by a stranger to fire and moving water; from the light and warmth of fire, one cannot assume that they can be burnt or cannot infer that the fluidity and transparency of water can drown him or her respectively. Thus, such knowledge can only be established if there are incidences that an individual was burnt by fire or drawn fast moving water, which forms the basis of knowledge which is taught. Based on this example, it follows that the qualities of an object that appear to the senses cannot reveal the causes or effect nor can reason, unaided by experience, ever draw any conclusion about real existence which constructs our knowledge. Consequently, it can be seen that experience enables us to know the cause-effect relation which enables us construct the knowledge base. For example, when burnt by fire, one will know its effect and when seeing someone light a fire, one will understand the cause. The reasoning faculty should be seen as the tool that aids in connecting past and present events and facilitate the making of inferences to already existing knowledge derived from experience. From the arguments it is however increased my difficult to neither assert nor deny the thoughts that emanate from empiricism school of thought. Thus, it is evident that experience is necessary to our knowledge acquisition but insufficient mechanism in knowledge gaining and application to different situation. It is in this line of thought that I assert that experience is truly a source of our knowledge for instance language acquisition which a basic foundation of other knowledge acquisition. In conclusion, from various argument discussed and exemplary illustrations the proposition that knowledge discoverable not by reason but by experience is true. Firstly, there are past examples of objects that were once unknown to us and from experience, we now know what would arise from those objects. This is totally in contrast to the objects we have never been in contact with. Secondly, events that are not much like the common course of nature are also known only by experience. For example, without prior knowledge, nobody could guess that magnets attract or gunpowder explodes. Thirdly, when an effect is believed to depend on a secret structure of parts, we tend to attribute all our knowledge of it to experience.Yet, we highly depend on the reason for the connecting, construction, affirming and making inferences. Work cited Aune, B. , Rationalism, Empiricism and Pragmatism: An Introduction, New York: Random House, 1970. Bonjour, L. , In Defense of Pure Reason, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Hume, D. , An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding: Indianapolis, Bobbs- Merrill, 1955 Kenny, A. , Rationalism, Empiricism and Idealism, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986.

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Disease concept note: polycystic ovary syndrome A lot of females worldwide tend to naturally shy off the topic of their genital health. They only come out of this devastating cocoon when the situation is far out of hand and beyond control, deeper analysis into this matter will add water to the myth that mortality rates in females are higher become they are ignorant of the most basic diseases. In matters pertaining reproductive health; the general public usually has very small information of the diseases that affect them (dunaif-1997). The general public is usually satisfied with knowledge of the most common sexually transmitted diseases; gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes and chancroid. This information is so trivial in such a vital topic. Apart from the general genitalia disease symptoms, females should be more cautious about their general health as their bodies are prone to bacteria and viruses compared to men.In this concept note I will be dissecting a not so common disease with very common symptoms that females ignore and only speak out when the symptom worsens. This note is meant to help doctors and nurses remedy the situation. To give it an authentic touch I did a web search from reputable institutions and contrasted the findings with one medical analysis I did on a patient. Signs and SymptomsIrregular menstrual cycleIrregular cycle means there is a delay in the monthly periods or having more than one menstrual cycle in a month. A female's regular cycle is usually 28 days. This statistic may differ a little bit in women as their bodies function differently despite having the same genetic traits and metabolic systems. When a patient highlights missing periods after her pregnancy test was negative most doctors are left with a wide range of diseases to ponder on. Among the common diseases that can cause delay of the menses are urine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and thyroid cancer. Polycystic ovary syndrome is always denoted by delayed menstrual cycles.Acne breakoutThis is one of the most outstanding symptoms as it is accompanied by an increase in body temperature. The acne appears and disappears sporadically on the body. If a woman above 40 years complains of severe acne breakout then polycystic ovary syndrome should be tested first.Excess hair growth on the faceWomen faces are normally less hairy than men's' faces so a woman should be really alarmed when she notices rapid hair growth on her ears, nose and most of the time chin. This mostly affects women that have just hit 30 years and have contracted the disease.Restlessness and Sleepless nightsThis usually happens as patients having this disease exhibit high stress levels and cannot willingly focus on sleep or concentrate clearly. A slight interruption when the patient is sleeping makes her lose sleep completely. Rapid weight gain or weight lossDue to irregular hormone supply and imbalance, the metabolism in women will tend to change. The change will vary among the lot as they have different metabolic systems. No matter the case, drastic change in weight always mirrors unseen effects of a disease. Causes Withdrawal effects of family planning methods affect women hormonal systems and this in turn distorts the regular ovulation breakdown cycle. The effects if not medicated can be severe to the point of making the woman in question barren.MedicationFemale Patients under intense medication for long term diseases like cancer, diabetes and tuberculosis often experience delayed menses as their systems have to counter the effects of their prescribed dosages. Stress This is among the most ignored cause of polycystic ovary syndrome yet it holds bearing to a major symptom; restlessness and lack of sleep. A female's frequent exposure to stress prone environments alters the functionality of her limbic system and further her stress then menstrual pattern. Remedies There are natural and medical remedies to this disease.The natural remedies should be tested first then medical to follow later if the later has not helped relieve the symptoms. A keen analysis should be done on the patient to ascertain which Medicine prescription is suitable for her. This will prevent further severity of the underlying symptoms. Natural remedies Eating a balanced diet will help stabilize the metabolic system hence restore the females menses cycle. Pineapple and papaya fruits are a recommendation as they have bromeliad that breaks down uterus walls and flashes out any blockages along the way. A patient should also consider eating small quantities of food regulaly.Regular exercises like yoga and crossfit are good for kick starting the brain. Any workout is good as long as it is regular and comfortable.Distress and self-care will help activate the brain cells. One should at least take time and break from her regular routine. Even a 30 minute break can be very relieving. Reduce salt and caffeine consumption. These two food stuffs inhibit the production of hormones and if not moderated they tend to alter the female reproductive system Medicine recommended are tranexamic acid systematic popularly known as Lysteda. It is a miscellaneous coagulant modifier that helps in restoring back damaged cells in the body. Ethynyl estradiol commonly known as Drospirenone is a drug meant to reverse the withdrawal effects of contraceptives in women.Mineral and vitamin supplements can also be prescribed as their role is to stabilize the production of hormones in the body. References Source of remedies for polcystic ovary syndromehttps://www.drugs.com/condition/menstrual-disorderSource of detailed symptoms to the diseasehttps://rubycup.com/all-about-your-periods/irregular-periodsSource of other genital diseaseshttps://www.healthcommunities.com/menstruationInsulin resistance and the polycystic ovary syndromeEndocrine review by A Dunaif