Tuesday, January 28, 2020

On Why Hobbes Is More Reasonable Than Locke Essay Example for Free

On Why Hobbes Is More Reasonable Than Locke Essay KeOf all the social contract theories that have been put forth, the most influential perhaps have been John Locke’s and Thomas Hobbes’. While both are Natural Law theorists, they have completely different views of man’s state of nature. John Locke thinks of man in a natural state as a peaceful, social being while Thomas Hobbes thinks of man as an aggressive and greedy man. Both theorists also showed that man doesn’t live in a state of nature, social contracts will be formed to govern the populace. It is, however, the reasons for the formation of these social contracts that are of relevance to this essay. I believe that neither of these theories are accurate depictions of man but Hobbes seems more practical in his theory than Locke. In a state of nature, as perceived by ALL these theories, each man will live a solitary life. Therefore, when resources are scarce and each man is trying to get the best out of the environment, there has to be a way to resolve the conflict that is bound to occur. A social contract has to be made. Thomas Hobbes Thomas Hobbes lived in an era when wars were being waged all over Europe. Hobbes saw Spanish Armada, 30 Years War, First Second Bishops’ War, Scottish invasion of England, Irish Rebellion and English Civil War. It is no wonder, then, that he has such a dim view of mankind. Locke starts off by proposing, in his treatise On the Citizen that all men are born with more or less equal faculties of body and mind. There are no natural disparities so great as to give one man exclusive claim to some benefits. People, egoistic as they are, will always try to make their life as comfortable as possible. In a state of nature, it is possible for everybody to live a comfortable life in a certain society. This, however is in the event that the natural resources are too vast to be exhausted. When resources are scarce, which was the case in Europe at Hobbes’ time, men will resort to force to get what they want. The stronger man will live the most comfortable life. This would inevitably lead to the establishment of a kratocracy. In an effort to promote peace and equality, the people will cede their power to the Leviathan, who will proclaim laws that none of the governed will have the power to go against. For this social contract to subsist, the cession of power has to be mutual between the members of the society. In this respect, he endorses our modern view of a constitution as deriving power from the people. Any further explanation of Hobbes’ theory is pointless as far as this essay is concerned. The relevance of Hobbes’ Social Contract theory Most people wrongly get stuck at the point where life is described by Hobbes as â€Å"solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short†. I have no authority to describe what life was without a social contract as I have never known man to exist in a state of nature for long enough to study. More important to me is what man’s reaction to being in a state of nature is. Man strives to remain peaceful and maintain equality with his fellow man. According to Hobbes, the Leviathan ought to maintain this state by punishing those who unjustly exceed the limits of their power as per the contract. A modern view of the Leviathan is the government, which will enforce the laws that the citizens (through their legislative representatives) have agreed upon (a social contract). Hobbes’ view that the Leviathan should be a monarch is, no doubt, influenced by European politics at the time, which was dominated by monarchies. Hobbes does not argue that man is not a social animal, his argument is based on an economical point of view (self-preservation and development in the Commons). In support of the argument put forth in class, I believe that when faced with a problem that affects many people, the people will come together in an effort to solve it. Hobbes’ problem is maintenance of peace, which is essential for man to live a comfortable life, is solved by appointing an authority (the Leviathan) to ensure that this happens. The biggest argument I could draw from the argument in class was that Hobbes saw man as unable to form any relationships with another so as to achieve a common good. This, I would like to point out, is a state of nature, which I am yet to witness. Hobbes’ biggest undoing perhaps, is his infatuation with preservation of the power of the Leviathan. He says that the Leviathan has the power to punish all who undermine its authority. Elinor Ostrom’s view What I took from Ostrom’s discussion on â€Å"Economics, the State and the Third Sector† is that we should not always look to the state as the solution to all our problems. Furthermore, institutional diversity should be embraced because you cannot have a one-size-fits-all solution for some issues. Where land is a scarcity e. g. The People’s Republic of China, there is a much more urgent for land law than there is in such sparsely populated areas such as Chad’s rural lands. This part of Ostrom’s views I totally agree with. Furthermore, in her treatise, â€Å"Governing the commons†, she demonstrates man’s apathy to a state of nature, coming together to create a law that will govern their use of common property. Conclusion I believe that while man in a state of nature (and otherwise) is greedy and egoistic, being a rational being, man will look for a solution to a common problem by coming together to solve it. The solution to the tragedy of commons as per Hobbes is the establishment of a Leviathan. This eliminates indecision, which is an inherent characteristic of human beings. Clans, tribes, states, empires and monarchies are all headed by a Leviathan of sorts and it is no wonder they are so successful.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Savanna Theory Versus Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Evolution :: Anthropology Essays Paleontology Papers

Savanna Theory Versus Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Evolution The evolution of man is constantly in question. While we are reasonably sure that modern humans and primates are both related to the same common ancestor, there is constant debate over what initially caused the two species to split into early hominids and apes. According to some, our longest and most popular theory on the division of man and ape is profoundly wrong. However, those same individuals usually offer an equally controversial theory as a substitute, one that is almost impossible to scientifically test or prove. Both the Savanna Theory and the Aquatic Ape Theory offer solutions to how and why humans evolved into bipedal toolmakers. But with enough questioning, each loses its accountability to rhetorical science. It was commonly believed that early hominids left the jungle to live on the open plains of Africa. Called the Savannah Theory, it was strongly promoted by Professor Raymond Dart, after he gained recognition for discovering the Taung skull in 1925. The Taung skull was the first admitted link between man and ape, and Prof. Dart based his theory on the modern location of the discovered fossils. However, a report in 2000 by Marc Verhaegen claims that a savanna evolution is extremely improbable. Based on biological and physiological data, he tries to disprove the savanna theory and suggests that our evolution would more likely occur in a humid and wet setting than the dry heat of the grasslands. Humans have almost nothing in common with any surviving mammals of the savanna. Most mammals of hot, dry climates do not rely heavily on water for survival. They have a high tolerance to heat, and their body temperatures can fluctuate more than 6oC between day and night. They can bear a dehydration of 20%, whereas 10% or more would be fatal to humans. What little they do drink or consume naturally through food, is conserved because they do not sweat. Hair and fur keeps the sun off their direct skin, while humans would have to sweat 10-15 liters of water to physically cool down. (Verhaegen) Even structurally, humans and African land mammals don’t have much in common.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Project Proposal Essay

1. Recommend a project portfolio management method for your selected project. Provide a rationale for your recommendation. Note: Be sure to align your project with the strategic efforst of the organization. 2. Create an outline of an executive summary that includes the type of problem, requirements, and proposed business problems solutions. 3. State the vision and the goal of the project. Note: Be sure that the goals are specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (SMART). 4. Determine five (5) major deliverables of the project, and explain the importance of each one. 5. Provide the timeframe for delivering the solution to the project. 6. Create a table which contains the generic resources, including people, equipment , and materials needed to undertake the project. 7. Estimate the total budget for the project based on the cost of the resources specified in the table that you have created . Next, add contingency and any other additional costs (e.g. intangible cost, the cost of a change in culture or process within the the business etc.). Support your response. 8. Determine the key success criteria for your project. Provide a rationale to support your response. 9. Assume that your project is delivered on time, within scope, and budget. Justify your stakeholders’ satisfactory level with three (3) key success criteria, against which the project will be measured. 10. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

The Buddha Vairocana And Buddhism - 1598 Words

Buddhism was introduced into Japan in Nara Period through Korea, with only some scripts in Chinese writing. At the time, Japanese find their country in lack of civilization like writing and cultural religion. By sending people to China to accept more doctrine from foreign countries, different Buddhism schools are developed later in time. During the end of Heian Period, one of the popular sect is dedicated to Shingon, which is established by a monk named â€Å"Kukai†. Buddha Vairocana is one of many Buddhas revered by this particular sects of esoteric Buddhism, also among the Chinese school of Hua-Yen(Ã¥ Å½Ã¤ ¸ ¥). This essay will be focusing on the Buddha Vairocana, the meaning behind this Sanskrit name, his wisdom and doctrine and his characteristic Mudra (hand gesture, a major practice in esoteric Buddhism) will be explained. The essence on how this Buddha is introduced into Japan, along with traditions and activities that are relevant to Buddhism in general will be also st ated in this essay. Shingon, (Japanese: â€Å"True Word†) a branch of Vajrayana (Tantric, or Esoteric) Buddhism is one of the three main schools of Buddhism in Asia, most widely practiced today in Tibet. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the concept of Five Dhyani Buddhas (Skt. for concentration), also known as the Five Wisdom Buddhas, are representations of the five wisdom aspects of Buddha. With Amitabha presented in the West, Vairocana sits at the centre turning the Wheel of Dharma (teaching). (Vairocana, 2016) Over the time,Show MoreRelatedThe Avatamsaka Sutra ( Flower Ornament Sutra )856 Words   |  4 Pagessutra) is particularly representative of Buddhism in China, which followed primarily the Mahayana and centered various schools on particular Mahayana Sutras. The period is reflected in the valuable metals and gilding in gold as the Ming dynasty was a time of material prosperity and was particularly noted for its fine artists and artisans reflected in the beauty of the sculpture. In the Avatamsaka Sutra, the central sutra of the Flower Garland School Vairocana Buddha resides at the center of the cosmosRead MoreTÃ… daiji: The Eastern Great Temple in Japan956 Words   |  4 Pagespeople should become directly involved with the establishment of new Buddha temples throughout Japan. He believed that such piety would inspire Buddha to protect his country from further disaster because at the time the Japanese suffered from a series of disasters and epidemics. Shomu traveled the provinces asking for donations and according to records kept by TÃ… dai-ji, more than 2,600,000 people in total helped construct the Great Buddha and its Hall. (Official Todai-ji Homepage) The making of the statueRead MoreWomen s Influence On Female Powerlessness : Harriet Hosmer And Empress Wu Zetian, A Song Dynasty Ruler829 Words   |  4 Pagesright to the throne and used faith and the religion of Buddhism to legitimize that claim. She financed numerous pieces of Buddhist art during her rule. Most notably, the Vairocana Buddha at Longmen and refashioning of the city of Luoyang into a ‘divine capital’.5 She transformed the imperial palace into a center for the greater Buddhist world.5 The Vairocana Buddha is so distinguishable because it is very likely that she had the image of the Buddha carved in her likeness. This idea is supported by theRead MoreThe Production And Iconography Of A Choson Buddhist Painting1870 Words   |  8 Pages 231730 AHRAM LEE Discuss the production and iconography of a Choson Buddhist painting. Fig. 1 Sakyamuni Buddha and Attendant Bodhisattvas, 1565. Korea, Choson dynasty (1392-1910). Hanging scroll, colors and gold on silk, 69.5 x 33cm. Production of the painting When observing this painting, Sakyamuni Buddha is seen seated on a tall throne, surrounded by two standing bodhisattvas. All three figures have similar small sharp features such as elongated faces, small mouths, highRead MoreThe Fourth And Fifth Centuries B.c Essay2169 Words   |  9 Pagesage of great thinkers, thinkers like Socrates and Plato, Confucius and Lao Tzu. In India, it was the age of the Buddha Shakyamuni, or simply the Buddha, after whose death a religion emerged that eventually spread far beyond the reaches of its homeland. In order to understand Buddhism and its art we must first know who the Buddha was. Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, was born as a prince to the royal family of Kapilavastu, whose kingdom was located in the Himalayan foothillsRead MoreConfucianism in Journey to the West31834 Words   |  128 PagesProtocol†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 14 4.2. Data Selection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 15 4. 3. Used Material†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 16 5. Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 17 5.1 Content Selection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 17 5.1.1. Omitted Content: From Evil Monkey to Holy Buddha†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 18 5.1.2. Added Content: The Victim Called Sun Wukong†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 21 5.1.3. Altered Content: Mischief or Sins?............. 22 5.2. Differences in Referential Methods†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 24 5.2.1. The Decrease in