Absolute Underezding Essays - Epistemology, Belief, Sren Kierkegaard

Absolute Underezding Essays - Epistemology, Belief, Sren Kierkegaard Absolute Underezding An elephant was brought to a group of blind men who had never encountered such an animal before. One felt a leg and reported that an elephant is a great living pillar. Another felt the trunk and reported that an elephant is a great snake. Another felt a tusk and reported that an elephant is like a sharp ploughshare. And so on. And then they all quarreled together, each claiming that his own account was the truth and therefore all the others false (traditional parable). None of the accounts that the blind men made about the nature of the elephant are absolute truths, nor are the accounts false. An absolute truth, or one that is true for all, can not be achieved because of the conezt motion of circumezces of who said it, to whom, when, where, why, and how it was said. Instead of absolute truths, the concepts or beliefs that the blind men claim are viewpoints that each one clarifies the nature of the elephant. Everybody has learned to see things from his or her own sense of reason and logic. The many things that people experience throughout their lifetimes, help to determine the judgments toward the different issues and objects that they encounter. Because individuals has his or her own sense of reason and logic, the perceptions that people encounter are ultimately true, and not false. Life does not contain one truth for any idea or object, but truths can be found in one's perception. It is difficult to determine that anything is the absolute truth. One should not prove that any object contains a true meaning, but should develop conceptions surrounding the object. Attempting to prove anything then would be difficult, if not impossible. Our senses from smell to values to reality may differ from person to person. What may be true to one person may be different for another. Because everybody has different perceptions about life, it is difficult to weigh the content of any concept. Every account, of its own, is formed to be the truth of the one individual who assumes it. The variety of concepts may have the virtue of being considered. This is how people develop a deeper sense of underezding for all objects. Truth is achieved through the concept and not the object itself. Because many individuals hold different perceptions, they have many truths to consider, or not to consider. For example, it would be impossible to determine, whether or not, the cutting of trees is either "good" or "bad." One might have the conception that cutting trees destroys homes for birds and other animals. Another person might have the conception that cutting trees is necessary to satisfy the need to provide homes for humans. Whatever concept is understood from the object, may be the truth. Just because there may be other viewpoints to this situation, does not mean that there has to be false statements. The tree can be used for many uses from medicine to paper to boats and none of these views would be wrong. The tree remains to be a tree, but the values of the tree can differentiate, depending on who is using it. The conception of God, or the non-conception of God, is another issue that many people make the mistake of trying to prove. A well recognized philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard states, "For if God does not exist it would of course be impossible to prove it; and if he [or she] does exist it would be folly to attempt it." Demonstrating the existence or non- existence of God only produces reasons for belief, not the actual proof that God exists. Kierkegaard also claims, "...between God and his works there exists an absolute relationship: God is not a name but a concept"( Kierkegaard 72). The relationship between man and God is a concept. A person with belief in God, cannot prove its existence through his or her own relationship with God. Kierkegaard adds again, "The works of God are such that only God can perform them" We have no basis of proving God's works, nor do we know what kind of works God uses on different individuals. Yet, some religious groups have made the mistake

Multiple Intelligences Essays

Multiple Intelligences Essays Multiple Intelligences Essay Multiple Intelligences Essay Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Multiple Intelligences Intelligence is an inborn ability that can be tested by specific assessment methods. One has to be intelligent to pass the tests given to them. Intelligence is a natural attribute that cannot be acquired from other human beings. An intelligent person is an all-rounded individual skilled in diverse subjects. It constitutes the ability to address specific problems that plague their community. An intelligent person finds methods and ways through which certain problems in society can be solved. The relationship between culture and intelligence is based on the notion that intelligence is aimed at solving specific cultural problems. Intelligence is used to identify the problem and then create solutions to that problem. Intelligence also creates culturally compatible ways to transmit ideas and problem solving knowledge to the community. There are certain cultural roles that require the problem solving ability of intelligent individuals. These cultural roles can however only be solved by a combination of intelligences. Society values logical or mathematical intelligence highly because it is considered more complex than other intelligences. Even though logical intelligence is complex and reserved to the knowledge of a few it should not be highly considered. Logical intelligence cannot exist alone. It is complemented by the other intelligences. Intelligence functions as a combined force and hence every single intelligence ought to be rated as high as the other. It should therefore be rated at the same level as the other intelligences. Intelligence enables an individual to solve complex cultural and societal problems. An intelligent individual identifies problems in society and creates solutions for these problems. Intelligence also enables people to find out ways through which they can convey the problem solving knowledge they possess to other members of society. It entails sharing vital information with those who are directly affected by the problem in order to prevent further problems from arising. Education on the other hand only measures one’s ability to solve logical and linguistic problems. The educated individual is devoid of problem solving qualities. They are only equipped with class-based knowledge in specific fields compared to the all-rounded intelligent individual. Education considers only particular skills while problem solving requires a combination of multiple skills. Education can enhance the seven forms of intelligence. The intelligence level of students can be enhanced through education when the appropriate teaching methods are used. Education should entail methods that incorporate all the seven intelligences. It should strive to develop students’ particular intelligences rather than concentrate only on logical and linguistic intelligences. Intelligence is not fixed. It can be developed to greater and more productive levels. An example is the students who gradually develop their performances in school and end up being better professionals after school. A student can work hard to develop their particular intelligences and in turn gain more knowledge from the experience they get. It is important to identify the skill combination that an individual to be able to suggest appropriate methods through which such skills can be further developed. Knowledge of all the skills and intelligences will allow one to create the best way to assess such an individual. The problem solving process is not a function of a single intelligence. It is rather the function of a collection of multiple intelligences. Assessing a person’s ability based on single intelligences is not an appropriate method of testing one’s ability. Thus, individuals should be assessed based on their multiple skills to prepare them for suitable careers in the future.

VALUE PRICING IN THE CPA INDUSTRY Research Paper

VALUE PRICING IN THE CPA INDUSTRY - Research Paper Example Additionally, coming up with a price is dependent on measurable factors that enable the supplier and the client to have transaction agreement. The key measurements of price include fixed price, unit price; commission fee; subscription fee; and reimbursable/time and material fee. For this paper, the discussion focuses on the fact that cost is essential in the determination of the price of any commodity. The discussion also elaborates the need for reasonable and competitive pricing over just mere pricing. The economic times (n.p), reveals that pricing is the process of attaching monetary value to a commodity. In order to attain a reasonable price for a commodity The Economic Times (n.p) further highlights that the value of the commodity for sale has to be determined using research, complex calculation sets, and understanding and taking risk ability. Additionally, the right pricing strategy has to be considered to ensure that conditions like product market segments; consumers’ ability to pay; conditions in the market; actions from competitors; costs of inputs; and trade margins are well evaluated and included. In this regard, costs should be determined by the market and the overall condition of the pricing control by the government. When considering the market, commodity prices are determined have to involve a costs analysis of every element that effectively works towards the final total price of the seller (Englebeck 290). This individual elements considered in cost analysis are labor, overhead, profit or fee, expenses, materials directly or indirectly used in the production of the commodity, and overheads. However, these elements depend on the type of purchase which then would mean that they increase the cost or reduce the cost and as a result, the price of the commodity in question increases or reduces respectively. Conversely, price analysis involves comparing

Globalization topic research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Globalization topic - Research Paper Example Hence, globalization has just made it simple. It is the change of thinking of the locals to open up their borders with a wider outlook of interconnections and interdependence to the rest of the world. (Baylis, Smith and Owens, 2013) They can exchange their capital goods at will while on the other hand; movement of labor is not prohibited. The measurements nonetheless, if not controlled can hurt the less developed economies. Thus, these seem not to bother the two countries as their economies are at par and have nothing to lose but just to maintain their superiority. The census from both countries shows that trade is the significant mutual benefits that the two countries enjoy. In fact, approximately 21% of the United States imports are from China making them the biggest trade partner in the early 21st century. A survey done by Yingyi, Qingguo,Chong’en, and Jisi, in (2014),in China on international politics and economy shows that both nations have enormous amount of capital goods and will be willing to exchange at their free will. China, on the other hand, has its primary essential from America that comprise of about 9% of their total imports, such is indeed a mutual relationship between the two countries. Baylis, Smith, and Owens, (2013) an educational study indicates that these ties will be long term benefits and is unlikely to end soon. It observes China has the largest population in the world providing the ready market for goods and services for the America economy. The population in China can help in the labor production that is requ ired in the America. Hence, Chinese are more than willing to partner the Americans since it provides for job destination to its millions of citizens reducing unemployment. Thus, the interdependence is just but the beginning of what mutual happenings are bound to happen between the two world economic giants. However, the interdependence between the

Human resourse development (HRD) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human resourse development (HRD) - Essay Example However, in order to incorporate a new approach it is essential for organizational leaders to direct the efforts of teams towards the same. This highlights the need for an effective leadership development program. Customer Service Training A customer centric training must necessarily include quality aspects of services, after sales services, feedback and complaints, repeated purchases or even expansion or reduction of customer base. However, it must be understood that this training is not meant only for the customer service executives only. It must be aimed at both customer service executives as well as other employees of the organization. The focus must be towards enhancing the quality aspects of the services so as to expand customer base of the company substantially. The program must begin with training on soft skills. This would includes aspects like effective communication, call control, phone etiquette, maintaining rapport with customers, conflict resolution etc. Often soft skil ls play a major role in attaining the confidence, trust and loyalty of customers. Researchers like Schneider and Bowen (1995) have particularly shown a relevance of customer loyalty and profitability of firms. They have found that customer satisfaction not only influences the purchase intensions of customers but also their post purchase attitude towards the service provider. The positive relationship between customer loyalty and organizational profitability was also established by the research result finding by Nelson (Hallowell, 1996, p.28). The training can be delivered in a classroom environment in which both the extrovert and introvert learners would benefit. The initial classes on information sharing and exchange would benefit the introvert learners, and the practical sessions would benefit the extrovert learners as per the respective qualities of extrovert and introvert learners presented by Myers. One of the most crucial aspects of the training program must be quality. It is important that the quality of services must be maintained at all costs so as to maintain the loyalty and support of customers and enhance repeat purchase behaviour from them. If the customer support executive in the company makes a commitment to a customer he or she must abide by it under all conditions. This can be in terms of time, quality and even after sales services. Customer service training must be directed towards the creation of a business culture which is customer specific and aimed towards attainment of greater customer loyalty and satisfaction of customers. After sales service is another important aspect in which executives must be trained. This is particular important for enhancing repeat purchase behaviour of customers from the company. Failure of performance of a product or service creates dissatisfaction or discontentment among customers in which they might not consider purchase from the company the next time. In such cases, after sales services plays a crucial role in restoring the confidence of customers in the company all over again. Effective after sales services help to overcome potential flaws of the services and retain loyalty of customers too. Thus employees can be trained on ways to cater to customer needs and requirements. Training on etiquettes, politeness,

It strategy vs business strategy Essay Example for Free

It strategy vs business strategy Essay In most organizations IT expenditure is considered as one of the larger if not the largest contributor to capital investment and expenditure. Technology has a significant effect on the business landscape of most organizations and the market place they operate in. The goal of IT as such should be directed toward the alignment of IT strategy with an organizations overall business strategy (Mulcay, 2001). It is argued though that the inability to successfully derive value from IT investment is, for the most part due to a lack of alignment between IT and business strategies. Johnson and Scholes cited by Riley (2012) define strategy as follows Strategy is the direction and scope of an organization over the long-term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a challenging environment, to meet the needs of markets and to fulfill stakeholder expectations. In unpacking the definition, simply the business strategy that the business has decided to follow needs accurate configuration of resource human resource, technology resource, financial resource etc., so as to gain competitive advantage, meet objectives and stakeholder expectation. Henderson Venkatraman (1999) argue that there is no IT application or system, regardless of how cutting edge or sophisticated it maybe, that will build and sustain a competitive advantage for an organization for a sustained period of time. Organizations, in order to sustain competitive advantage should continuously endeavor to exploit its IT functionality and resource to maintain an advantage. In my opinion this is achieved by out of the box, evolutionary thinking by both business and IT leaders. Furthermore, both business and IT leaders need to understand fully the role that IT can support and re-shape business strategy decisions and improve IT effectiveness and ultimately improve business performance. SHOULD A COMPANYS IT STRATEGY FOLLOW ITS BUSINESS STRATEGY OR SHOULD IT LEAD ITS BUSINESS STRATEGY? WHY In my opinion IT is vary rarely the core business unless of course we mention Microsoft or Google and the like where technology is the primary focus area  but it must noted that the actual business process for each is different and intellectual property is what is regarded most valuable. Hence, I agree with (Abate 2009, Henderson Venkatraman 1999, Skriletz 2013) and many other researchers and commentators, that ITs role should be regarded as the enabler or driver of the business strategy. ITs strategy, investment; architecture even projects all need be dictated by overall business strategy, but should be part of process that helps the formation of the overall strategy. IT leaders need to possess the knowledge of new enabling technologies and how these technologies can be integrated into the business. Very often the business strategy is formed and developed in isolation and IT is seen as a support function only, rather than as function that can contribute to forming the strategy itself. IT leaders need to be part of the process that delivers the direction the business chooses to follow. Luftman Brier (1999) echo this sentiment in that just as HR and marketing are important parts of strategy so to should IT. Venkatraman and Henderson (2000) assert that business strategists cannot be seen to take the leading role whilst the IT strategist is seen as a support role. It is imperative both take the lead in designing the business platform. Business and IT strategists working together to shape new business; IT is not subordinate to business strategy but an extricate part of it. FACTORS TO CONSIDER Technology is seen as one of key elements that drive change and transformation. Intelligent use of technology can deliver a competitive advantage, streamline processes create cost efficiencies and optimization for most organizations and as organizations strive for these competitive advantages and efficiencies it would really not be prudent to exclude the technology people from the process of strategy development as those organizations that do include them, will certainly claim the competitive edge and advantage. Regardless of what industry youre in, its hard to think about a business  that couldnt exploit IT for competitive advantage if they chose to, says Barbara Gomolski, an analyst at Gartner cited in an article by Moore (2011). The industries that have seen growth by aligning IT and business strategy and have used it as a driver and an enabler include the airline industry that has leveraged IT and now allows customers to book directly with carriers rather than involving third party agents. The banking industry has really embraced technology with the likes of online banking and transactions, which show true alignment and involvement of IT in business strategy and goal setting. Technology drives their growth. The sentiment shared and one that I agree with is that by including IT in the formulation of business strategy will certainly assist the organization in achieving its goals. The exploitation of technology as a means is key and if you dont necessarily feel that, then I guarantee IT is treated as being outside of the core business strategy and as a result the organization is not deriving value from one of its most if not the most valuable resources. References Venkatraman N Henderson JC. 2000: Business platforms for the 21st Century, in Mastering Information Management, edited by DA Marchand, TH Davenport T Dickson. Great Britain: Prentice Hall: 283-289 Mulcay K. 2001: The IT Dilemma. World Trade, 14(4): 48-48. Henderson JC Venkatraman N. 1999: Strategic Alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organisations. IBM Systems Journal, 38(23): 472-484. Luftman J Brier T. 1999: Achieving and Sustaining Business-IT alignment. California Management Review, 42(1): 109-122. Abate R, (2008) IT should be an enabler to business [Available online at] http://www.information-managem e nt.com/blogs/IT_business-10015571-1.html (Accessed 18 June 2014) Skriletz R (2013) How to make IT a business enabler [Available online at] http://www.b-eye-network.com/view/16788 (Accessed 18 June 2014) Moore J (2011) Make It part of your Business Strategy [Available online at ] http://www.cnbc.com/id/44818677 (Accessed 18 June 2014) Riley J, (2012) What is strategy [Available online at] http://tutor2u.net/business/strategy/what_is_strategy.htm (Accessed 18 June 2014)

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The Law and Communist Manifesto In the 1800’s, the social structure of Europe was changing. The industrial revolution brought new technologies and techniques that lead to more production, and a more prosperous European society. With these great changes to society and the way things were produced, changes in the government and how the society was run was imminent. Both The Law by Frederic Bastiat and Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx present new and fresh ideas on how society should be governed, Bastiat going into the concepts of liberalism and Marx the concepts of communism, both of which are oriented to the individual rights of people in these European societies. Both Bastiat and Marx believe that every person has individual rights and that every person should have an equal opportunity to lead a successful life. They believe that people should have the right to lead whatever life they chose to. Class structure and how individuals are placed into these classes is the biggest concept that Marx speaks about in Communist Manifesto. Marx believes that there should not be different social classes of people. During his time, there were two main classes of people; the bourgeois and the proletariat. The bourgeois were the modern Capitalist’s, who owned means of production and would employ wage-workers to operate these machines, generating huge profits for themselves. The proletariats were the wage-workers, who could not afford their own means of production, therefore relied on the bourgeois for work and income. The bourgeois had all the power in society. Marx believed that centralizing the means of production would take away the social power that the bourgeois had over the proletariats. He believed in the abolition of private property ... ...ety. Both authors believe that all people should have an equal chance to pursue the life that they want to lead. They believe that society should not be run by the wealthy. Marx argues against social classes, the sense of nationality and the idea that private property lead to social power and the bourgeois dominance in society. They had all the control. Bastiat believed that all people had a God given right to defend themselves, their property, and their liberties. He believed that law was necessary, but that it should be fair and consistent to all of the individuals in a society, no matter their economic stature. He argued that law was changing, and that it was actually going against what it was designed to uphold in the first place. These two authors presented ideas of government that at the time were unheard of, but are still very present across the globe today.