Bloodlines and Backgrounds: Heredity vs. Environment in Herodotus’ Histories and Xuanzang’s Si-Yu-Ki
«Perhaps the current debate surrounding the importance of genetics and upbringing on behavior is not as “current” as many are apt to believe. Though our society has developed specific jargon to discuss more scientifically the abstract concepts of...» Document abstract
$3.95
4 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
02/06/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryPerhaps the current debate surrounding the importance of genetics and upbringing on behavior is not as “current” as many are apt to believe. Though our society has developed specific jargon to discuss more scientifically the abstract concepts of “genetic predisposition” and “cultural reinforcement,” the same notions and ideas perplexed ancient scholars and writers who did not have the convenience of genetics or neurobiology. In Herodotus’s Histories and Xuanzang’s Si-Yu-Ki, the authors’ early conceptions of hereditary and social influences (i.e. ‘nature’ vs. ‘nurture’) on a person’s development inform the accounts and narratives that constitute their otherwise historical, geographic, and ethnographic works. In analyzing the texts for these conceptions, we find that the authors do not agree on the issue. Herodotus’ historical narratives, royal genealogies, and geographies reveal his stance in favor of societal and environmental determinism, while those of Xuanzang imply the dominance of heredity and innate traits.
Table of Contents
- Much of the author's personal biases are present in their historical narratives.
- One important historical narrative in Si-Yu-Ki (which involves reincarnative carryover) describes a master.
- Conversely, many of Herodotus' stories are subtle treatises on social and environmental dominance over natural and inherited traits
- Another way to understand their notions of heredity is to follow the genealogical trajectories that Herodotus and Xuanzang map out in their volumes.
- Xuanzang surprisingly does not completely avoid environment-population metaphors.
«Dante’s Divine Comedy is a political work as much as it is a religious one. Amongst the imprecations against Florence, the Papacy, and the French monarchy, there is a dominant political philosophy that shapes how Dante characterizes the political...» Document abstract
$4.95
5 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
02/06/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryDante’s Divine Comedy is a political work as much as it is a religious one. Amongst the imprecations against Florence, the Papacy, and the French monarchy, there is a dominant political philosophy that shapes how Dante characterizes the political bodies that threaten his vision of universal imperial power. He believes that the goal of humanity is to attain its full intellectual potential. This is only possible if mankind lives in a state of order and peace, or buon comune. In the Commedia as well as his other works he argues that the only way to establish this buon comune, which is the will of God, is through the intervention of the Holy Roman Emperor. Neither the pope nor other strong secular rulers such as the French kings could fulfill the precise role ascribed to the emperor – to Dante, only empire was the way to peace.
Table of Contents
- Dante's Monarchia outlines his arguments for supreme monarchy.
- This power over all cannot be in the hands of the church. Imperial power over the whole world is the right of the Roman Empire.
- The Commedia is rife with examples of how the power of the papacy is destroying buon comune in Florence.
- Canto XIX of the Inferno demonstrates the way recent popes had misused their papal power in the interests of simony and nepotism.
- Dante objected to France's actions of debasing the papacy and working against the Holy Roman Empire.
- Dante denounces Florence throughout the Commedia as the ultimate corrupt city, symbolized by the sinfulness of the Inferno.
- Dante recognized the problems that plagued Italy were those of disunity and disorder, exacerbated by the papacy, the French, and the Florentines.
«The issue we are presented with here is a complex one at the best of times. It brings us back to the dilemma of “which came first – the chicken or the egg?” because while it is widely accepted that the Irish education system may lead to social...» Document abstract
$2.95
3 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
30/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryThe issue we are presented with here is a complex one at the best of times. It brings us back to the dilemma of “which came first – the chicken or the egg?” because while it is widely accepted that the Irish education system may lead to social inequality, I maintain that this view is a debatable one. I believe it is possible to argue the case that social inequality in Ireland influences and shapes our education system because, in general, most Western education systems are commonly based upon societal values and customs. However, for the purposes of this essay I will accept the education system as being the determinant of social inequality, looking specifically at secondary-level education and using Goldthorpe’s model of class categorisation (Breen and Whelan, 1996) as a discriminator between the various social classes and as a basis for my definition of the different social groupings, however I will mainly be concentrating on the working-class (groups IVc through to VIIb) and the middle-class categories (groups I through to IVb.)
Table of Contents
- I am inclined to agree with this definition and will therefore be concentrating specifically on the issue of equality of access to secondary and higher education systems.
- So it makes sense that vocational schools are more commonly found in working-class areas as secondary schools are in middle-class areas.
- Financial Concerns.
- There is also the issue of the 'hidden curriculum', that is, the policies and intentions that lie behind the making of the curriculum itself.
«Studies show that there are various illnesses which have been discovered of late and majority of these can be healed through the use of drugs and other hospital treatments. However, there are also those which remain in the body for an uncertain...» Document abstract
$5.95
6 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
29/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : Advanced
requested 0 times
SummaryStudies show that there are various illnesses which have been discovered of late and majority of these can be healed through the use of drugs and other hospital treatments. However, there are also those which remain in the body for an uncertain period of time and can only be treated to prevent its spread. These are referred to as chronic illnesses or chronic diseases (Holetzky, 2008). People with unhealthy living conditions are common targets for these kinds of diseases. Another possible cause is through heredity or genetic transfer but never through contagion or contact with other people. (Holetzky, 2008). Patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses cope with their situation through a series of treatments such as medicine intake, frequent check-ups, surgery, support groups and many more. Many are fortunate to have adjusted to their states without affecting their daily lives (Holetzky, 2008). In line with chronic illnesses, this paper shall focus on type 2 Diabetes and provide an overview on the said disease. Its effects on the physical, emotional and psychological state of the patient shall be discussed.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Description of Clinical Situation
- Discussion of Relevance of Clinical Situation
- Identification, Discussion, and Analysis of Issues within the Clinical Situation
- Obesity and Lifestyle Change
- Financial Issues
- Discussion/ Analysis of How Future Practice May be Influenced
«When President Bush revealed his plan to overhaul Social Security in his speech at the Republican convention, it was received with mixed reactions. President Bush wants to overhaul Social Security and put it on sound financial footing. (Christine...» Document abstract
$2.95
3 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
29/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryWhen President Bush revealed his plan to overhaul Social Security in his speech at the Republican convention, it was received with mixed reactions. President Bush wants to overhaul Social Security and put it on sound financial footing. (Christine Dugas, 2004) According to Henry J. Aaron (1999, p55) Social Security has been the most successful domestic government social program of the twentieth century. In addition to providing income support to 44 million aged, disabled, and survivor beneficiaries it provides the majority of income for more than half of elderly beneficiaries.
Table of Contents
- Should the government choose to phase out Social Security, the income of a significant number of the elderly may fall below official poverty thresholds.
- Since privatization will not increase the aggregate rates of saving or investment, it will not raise productivity gains.
- Contrary to Aaron's and Niggle's views, a large number of people support the privatization of the program, which would allow workers to invest some of their own Social Security contributions.
- In summary, reserves held in Social Security trust funds are projected to exhaust in future.
«Women feminists everywhere have been, “shouting for years and are still shouting whenever they hear it said that the subordination of women is caused by the inferiority of our natural capacities.”(Delphy 23). This shows that many women feel as if...» Document abstract
$2.95
3 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
29/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryWomen feminists everywhere have been, “shouting for years and are still shouting whenever they hear it said that the subordination of women is caused by the inferiority of our natural capacities.”(Delphy 23). This shows that many women feel as if they are constantly subject to discrimination. Discrimination against women can be described as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex, which has the effect or purpose of impairing of nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, by women, irrespective of their marital status on a basis of equality of both men and women. "Discrimination is a symptomatic of a situation where patterns of structural inequality are maintained by rules, norms and procedures that dictate a subordinate role for women in all spheres of society."(Landrine et al.17)
Table of Contents
- Discrimination against women can be described as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made.
- Women can face a very costly split within themselves because they have double roles, work and family.
- Discrimination is relentless and widely tolerated.
- Women are also less likely to get promotions in their job or pay raises.
- There is also sex discrimination in advertisments.
- There is no use in denying the atratomical differences between males and females.
«The human genome has twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, genes of each intricately woven into the fabric of our beings. Their amino acid constituents are programmed to function and because they determine particular characteristics of organisms, they...» Document abstract
$3.95
4 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
27/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryThe human genome has twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, genes of each intricately woven into the fabric of our beings. Their amino acid constituents are programmed to function and because they determine particular characteristics of organisms, they control who we are. Are we thus compelled by these fragile bodies to fulfill what’s written inside of them—our biological inheritance—more than what we want in life? If so, humanity would be the world’s homogeneous mixture, but if we look around, no two people are the same. The reason why rests in an age-long phenomenon: choice. The epitome of this pseudo-blessing defines the human condition, which encompasses both positive and negative aspects of our existence. God made us to live for ourselves therefore we process the ability to think and process. His gift of choice let Adam name each living creature, and made him “free to eat from any tree in the garden [of Eden]” (Genesis, 2:16). However, though God gave us the potential to do good, the choice He gave us lets us choose equally between good and evil thereby rendering the human both of these things.
Table of Contents
- Man was created in God's image.
- The outcome and consequence of her subsequent actions may or may not be of good intention.
- Good and bad are two distinct paths.
- Cal only wants to make his father proud.
- When the choice to do good and help others is so strong, it can sometimes be overwhelming.
- It is Aron's naïveté that causes him to choose to be a part of the ministry.
«Same-sex couples and families face many additional challenges in the United States, whether it be from cultural views on their lifestyle or any number of legal barriers that interrupt the function of their daily lives. This paper seeks to focus on...» Document abstract
$1.95
2 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
16/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummarySame-sex couples and families face many additional challenges in the United States, whether it be from cultural views on their lifestyle or any number of legal barriers that interrupt the function of their daily lives. This paper seeks to focus on one particular legal hurdle that homosexual families face, one that often has the most severe consequences on their futures. In the medical world, emergency medical decisions and other health-related choices are often entirely blocked off to homosexual families, putting the family at risk of sacrificing some of their well being. How particularly does this lack of medical law inequality affect same-sex couples with their interaction with the health care system? Below, several points will be discussed that outline particular challenges that have arisen from a lack of legal status surrounding same-sex families.
Table of Contents
- At the heart of medical care in the United States is the privatized health insurance business.
- Even when homosexual individuals are financially able to seek treatment or preventative care, they are still at a disadvantage.
- Manuel Hernandez and Shawn L. Fultz directed some of their research to specific barriers that same-sex couples face in the medical community.
- Same-sex couples and homosexual individuals also face barriers when dealing with their own health care providers in private settings.
«Violence is everywhere. People see it in movies featuring Vin Diesel, in many video games, and read about it in books. Many people argue that television should not feature violence since it may affect young children in undesirable ways. Children can...» Document abstract
$2.95
3 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
13/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryViolence is everywhere. People see it in movies featuring Vin Diesel, in many video games, and read about it in books. Many people argue that television should not feature violence since it may affect young children in undesirable ways. Children can grow up to be desensitized to violence and commit the acts themselves. Others state that violence does not affect young children as long as parents are there to supervise them. With proper guidance and teaching, children can watch violence and not develop the aggressive tendencies. Violence should not be removed from television because viewing such behavior does not necessarily lead to violent behavior in children, parents are ultimately responsible for supervising what their children are watching on TV, and the only foreseeable solution is to let the networks know what people deem excessively violent and act on it.
Table of Contents
- One reason why violence should not be taken off the air is because watching violent content does not necessarily lead to violent behavior in children.
- Parents have several technologies in place to help regulate what their children watch on TV.
- A solution to violence on television is to communicate with the networks about the issue.
- A lot of people will argue that violence is absolutely bad for children.
- Violence has always been a problem in television's history, but it should not be removed from the air.
«Video games draw plenty of criticism these days. Parents and politicians alike look at video games as a bad thing in society; it's a time sink that prevents families from bonding and schoolwork from getting done, in their eyes. Others view video...» Document abstract
$2.95
3 word format
Language : english
social sciences
presentation
date published
13/05/2008
review : not yet assessed
level : General public
requested 0 times
SummaryVideo games draw plenty of criticism these days. Parents and politicians alike look at video games as a bad thing in society; it's a time sink that prevents families from bonding and schoolwork from getting done, in their eyes. Others view video games as a way to socialize and meet other people, or even make it their career as gaming professional John Wendel, also known as Fatal1ty, has, winning various international tournaments in games like Quake 3 Arena. Other people look at the artistic value of video games, and that is what Henry Jenkins addresses in his article “Art Form for the Digital Age,” first appearing in the September 2000 issue of Technology Review.
Table of Contents
- Video games have started to influence various aspects of peoples' daily lives, whether it is education, the movies they see in the theater, or even exhibits at the museum.
- The way Jenkins structures his argument legitimizes his argument because it makes reading the article easier for the reader.
- Not only is the structure of his argument good, the examples and support he uses also back up his argument that video games should be considered an art form.
- Jenkins wrote a convincing argument for why video games should be considered an art form.
knowledge network
Sort by
Results 61 - 70 out of a total of 151
Subject :
Type :
Extension :
Language :
Size :
Document>social sciences