Awake the Irish to the Physical Existence of Their Diabolic Environment

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift as a way to express the horrific conditions Irish people underwent throughout the 1700’s (McNeil, 2010). Swift describes the evil, unjust and cruel treatment Ireland experienced due to its tyrant the forceful England. He develops a persona, the fictional character, with the intention of leading the Irish towards the truth and reality of their deprivation. The persona alone is insufficient in making the narrator seem reasonable. Thus, the persona utilizes irony that serves the purpose of attacking, exposing and scorning the Irish people. Yet, in order to make cannibalism sound like a practical ironic solution the author wisely uses his wit to imply that cannibalism cannot be more savagely cruel and unethical than what the Irish are permitting their oppressor to do to them. Swift’s use of the persona, irony and wit awakens the Irish to the physical existence of their diabolic environment and convinces them that they should take action in order to cease the circumstances. Fictional persona conceals Swift’s true identity helping him portray to the readers the significance of Ireland’s problems and allowing them to see the truth and reality. The persona identifies a very intelligent, serious and concerned Irishman. He seems to be monstrous for proposing something cruel and evil very calmly as if it is a typical thing to consume the flesh of an infant. In general, the proposition to eat infants makes his proposal diabolic. He proposes: â€Å"at exactly one year old that I propose to provide for them, in such a manner as instead of being a charge upon their parents or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribu... ... and wit in order to influence the readers to approach his essay and his proposal with sincerity. However, all he really wanted the Irish to do is buy Irish goods, tax their absentees, become wiser and economical with money and be less indolent. Upon closing, his essay Swift asks the property owners to be more lenient on their people. Swift’s essay presents the Irish with a fanatical solution in order to make them realize the horrible and inhumane circumstances they underwent throughout the 1700’s. Works Cited McNeil Bertrand, Jennifer. "The Ireland of Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal." Suite101.com. 14 Nov. 2010. Web. Jan. 2012. . Swift, Jonathan. "A Modest Proposal." Masters of British Literature, Vol. A. New York: Longman, 2008. 1288-294. Print.

Proposal Online Banking

There has been a fundamental shift in the use of banking delivery channels toward self-service channels such the Internet [Hernandez-Ortega, 2007]. Internet banking, which was introduced in the early 1990s [Srivastava, 2007], makes it possible to replace the manual service functions provided by bank employees, along with the brick and mortar investment required of financial institutions [Dandapani, et al. , 2008]. It represents an electronic marketplace where consumers may conduct their financial transactions virtually [Reiser, 1997; Daniel, 1999].Today, financial service institutions that offer their services over the Internet are keen to accelerate the adoption process, knowing that the cost of delivering the service over the Internet is much less than delivering the same service over-the-counter [Polatoglu and Ekin, 2001]. In addition, Internet banking is an important innovation that presents institutions a vital distribution channel, which could act as a means of attaining compet itive advantage through cost reduction and better satisfaction of customer needs [Carrington, et al.  , 1997; Kassim and Abdulla, 2006; Mols, 1999].In response to the increased competition, banks in Malaysia are starting to leverage the Internet as a means to provide financial services. An empirical study by Sulaiman, et al. [2005] suggests that the adopters' perceptions of e-banking in developing countries appear to be very favorable. In Malaysia, however, despite the authorities? encouragement to the public to adopt Internet banking, traditional branch-based retail banking remains the most common method for conducting banking transactions.For example, Sivanand, et al.  [2004] found that, although more than 80% of their respondents were aware of Internet banking, less than 10% were currently using the services. With regard to information technology adoption, previous studies have suggested that the set of beliefs that influences an individual to adopt the technology may not be the same as the set of beliefs that leads to his or her initial adoption [Venkatesh, et al. , 2003]. According to Kruglanski and Klar [1985], each time a particular goal of an individual is achieved by a specific behavior, the cognitive link  between the behavior and goal becomes stronger.The result is a cognitive goal-behavior link that creates an automatic response behavior (i. e. , habit). This may suggest that factors that are considered by an individual in the initial stage of adoption may be different from the factors that are considered by him or her after using the technology. Repurchasing intention is one of the important constructs being studied by researchers [Soderlund and Ohman, 2003].Zeithaml, et al.  [1996] suggest that repurchasing intention is associated with a service provider?s ability to get its customers to remain loyal (i. e. , repurchase from the company), spend more with the company, and pay price premiums. In online business, the founder of Amazon. com, Jeff Bezos, noted that one way to build a relationship with customers is by observing their purchase behavior over time [Porter, 1998]. In another aspect, previous literature has highlighted numerous barriers to the adoption of Internet banking.One local finding suggests that the adoption of Internet banking is not so encouraging in Malaysia mainly because of factors such as lack of Internet accessibility, poor awareness, and security concerns [Suganthi, et al. , 2001]. Although there is sufficient evidence that the electronic revolution has commenced in Malaysia, Internet banking research, however, is still in its infancy, particularly with regard to the predictors of intention among current users to continue using the services.This study was undertaken, therefore, to better understand the predictors that may influence current Internet banking users to continue using these services. This paper attempts to determine predictors that may influence the current users of Internet banking to continue using the services. Based on the literature reviewed, we strongly believe that trust, compatibility, and ease of use are key predictors of their intention to continue using Internet banking services. The current users of Internet banking services in Klang Valley, Malaysia, were chosen as the population of this study.1.1 Research Question The objective of this study attempts to answer the following research question: Whether Internet banking services in Klang Valley Malaysia is accepted the Internet banking services for the country growth. Whether Internet banking services could improve the performance in Klang Valley in  Malaysia?1. 2 Problem Statement The explosion of internet usage and the huge funding initiatives in electronic banking have drawn the attention of researchers towards internet banking. (Yi-Shun Wang, Yu-Min Wang, Hsin-Hui Lin, Tzung-I Tang, (2003)) Point out the need for research to identify the factor that determine acceptance of internet banking by the user.  (Yi-Shun Wang, Yu-Min Wang, Hsin-Hui Lin, Tzung-I Tang, (2003))This study focuses on the adoption of Internet banking services by corporate customers in Malaysia and aims to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of Internet banking services by Malaysian, particularly in Klang Valley customers. (Syed Shah Alam, Rosidah Musa, Faridah Hassan, (2009))1.3 Objective of the StudyThe objective of this project is to study effect of Internet banking services in Klang valley Malaysia on determinant of user acceptance of internet banking. Based on this goal, I have come up with sub-objectives to find out the determinants. The main objective why this study is being undertaken is to analyze whether the internet banking is accepted by people at Klang Valley in Malaysia. To determine that people in Klang Valley can adobe and can used it to improve their bank performance in the future.1.4 Significant of the StudyThis information is at least be able to provi de knowledge to researcher and me as well whether there is effect of financial risk management on financial sector performance in Malaysia and also how far the correlation between it.1.4.2 Investor This knowledge can be used by investor about the impact of financial risk management on financial sector in Malaysia when they need to make a certain decision1.4.3 To Generate Further Research With this study and other thousands research, it would be best to generate more knowledge for the future. As done by past professors and researchers, which now are being updated and improved to adapt to new environment and modern civilization. Not all past research can be reliable in the future, that’s why it is important to continuously keep it updated.1.5 Scope of Study The scope of this study are consist of banks in Malaysia and will focus in major area which is in Klang Valley. These studies are based bank in Klang Valley Malaysia. The data is a primary data and will be gathered directly from customer at the area.CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW2.0 Introduction Basically, in this chapter will briefly explain in detail regarding the previous researches that have been done on overall topics about the determinants of user acceptance of internet banking ; an empirical study Klang Valley in Malaysia. There are several arguments favors and against on this debating issues that had been discover through previous studies.2.1 Previous studiesLichtenstein and Williamson from Australian (2006)Used mass media theories through individual and focus group discussion to determine the decision of internet banking adoption. Findings showed that Australian older people with low income reported themselves were lack of awareness towards internet banking and its advantage, lack of internet lack of internet access and internet confidence, inadequate knowledge and support to use or initial setting up procedure, lack of trust, security and privacy risks were among the reasons of not using inter net banking services.Aktas and Topcu from Turkey (2010)Found that security and reliability were among the important factor that influences the adoption of internet banking. This followed by infrastructural competencies and user friendliness among respondents with accessibility to internet, aged 20 to 45, higher level of education and socioeconomic class. The study used Multi-criteria decision aid-based (MCDA-based).Suganthi and Balachandran from Malaysia (2001)Focused on the factors of accessibility, reluctance to changes, costs, trust in one’s bank, security concerns, convenience, ease of use through online survey that potentially influence internet banking adoption. The results revealed that there were positive significant relationships between accessibility, reluctance to changes and awareness with internet banking adoption.Chung and Payter from Malaysia (2002)Study the information, legal statement, order, ease of use, aesthetics effects, performance and others elements of bank that provide internet banking. The study found that a negative significant relationship between age and internet banking adoption among Klang Valley adopters. Monthly gross income and job position level had positive significant relationship with internet banking adoption among Klang Valley adopters. Further, there was no significant relationship between gender, marital status, ethnic group, level  of education with internet banking adoption.Khalil and Pearson from Malaysia (2007)Applied theory of diffusion of innovation (IDT) (Rogers, 1995) that focused on five key belief (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trial ability and obeservability) and trust (Mayers et al., 1995) to explore the intention to use internet banking among university students. The results of structural equation modeling showed that trust, relative advantage and trial ability significantly influence attitude. The attitude was play as moderator that influences intention to use technology that is internet banking.CHAPTER THREE DATA AND METHODOLOGY3.0 IntroductionThis chapter will focus on the method that will applied, where the procedures is clearly stated and defined. The data section clearly elaborate on the process of collecting data that needs to be obtained in order to perform the tests while the methodology section elaborates on the types of methods or tests that will be performed in order to determine the effective results.3.1 QuestionnaireData that used in this study is by using the number of 300 executive level peoples with a questionnaire investigation. This is based on the primary data that been collect and obtain by the executive level people in the area.3.2 Research Model and Hypotheses1. Perceived usefulness 2. Perceived ease of used 3. Perceived credibility3.3 Computer Self-EfficacyIn general, prior research has suggested a positive relationship between experience with computing technology and a variety of outcomes such as an affect towards computers and comp uter usage (Levin and Gordon, 1989; Harrison and Rainer, 1992; Agarwal and Prasad, 1999). A related construct, called computer self-efficacy, has been examined in the IS literature (e.g. Compeau and Higgins, 1995; Compeau et al., 1999; Hong et al., 2001). Computer self-efficacy is defined as the judgment of one’s ability to use a computer (Compeau and Higgins, 1995).3.4 Research Framework The research framework in this study provides a picture regarding the relationship between Computer Self-Efficiency, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Credibility to Behavior Intention. The Computer Self- Efficacy is the main thing to develop to the three and becoming the Behavior Intention. The figure below will show the relationship of the variables.3.5 Research Model This section will briefly explain the research model and methodology related to this research on the determinant of user acceptance of internet banking : an imperial study Klang Valley in Malaysia. Th e research model will be used to find the relationship between the three factors and will achieved the objectives of this study.3.6 Method usedDescriptive statisticThe following definitions are vital in understanding descriptive statistics: C Variables are quantities or qualities that may assume any one of a set of values. Variables may be classified as nominal, ordinal, or interval. — Nominal variables use names, categories, or labels for qualitative values. Typical nominal variables include gender, ethnicity, job title, and so forth. — Ordinal variables, like nominal variables, are categorical variables. However, the order or rank of the categories is meaningful.For example, staff members may be asked to indicate their satisfaction with a training course on an ordinal scale ranging from â€Å"poor† to â€Å"excellent. † Such categories could be converted to a numerical scale for further analysis. — Interval variables are purely numeric variables. The nominal and ordinal variables noted above are discrete since they do not permit making statements about degree, e. g. , â€Å"Person A is three times more male than person B† or â€Å"Person A rated the course as five times more excellent than person B.†Interval variables are continuous, and the difference between values is both meaningful and allows statements about extent or degree. Income and age are interval variables. C Frequency distributions summarize and compress data by grouping them into classes and recording how many data points fall into each class. The frequency distribution is the foundation of descriptive statistics. It is a prerequisite for the various graphs used to display data and the basic statistics used to describe a data set, such as the mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, etc. (See the module on Frequency Distribution for more information.)C. Measures of Central Tendency indicate the middle and commonly occurring points in a d ata set. The three main measures of central tendency are discussed below. — Mean is the average, the most common measure of central tendency. The mean of a population is designated by the Greek letter mu (F). The mean of a sample is designated by the symbol x-bar (0). The mean may not always be the best measure of central tendency, especially if data are skewed. For example, average income is often misleading since those few individuals with extremely high incomes may raise the overall average.  Ã¢â‚¬â€ Median is the value in the middle of the data set when the measurements are arranged in order of magnitude.For example, if 11 individuals were weighed and their weights arranged in ascending or descending order, the sixth value is the median since five values fall both above and below the sixth value. Median family income is often used in statistics because this value represents the exact middle of the data better than the mean. Fifty percent of families would have incomes above or below the median. — Mode is the value occurring most often in the data.If the largest group of people in a sample measuring age were 25 years old, then 25 would be the mode. The mode is the least commonly used measure of central tendency, particularly in large data sets. However, the mode is still important for describing a data set, especially when more than one value occurs frequently. In this instance, the data would be described as bimodal or multimodal, depending on whether two or more values occur frequently in the data set. C Measures of Dispersion indicate how spread out the data are around the mean. Measures of dispersion are especially helpful when data are normally distributed, i.  e. closely resemble the bell curve.The most common measures of dispersion follow. — Variance is expressed as the sum of the squares of the differences between each observation and the mean, which quantity is then divided by the sample size. For populations, it is design ated by the square of the Greek letter sigma (F2 ). For samples, it is designated by the square of the letter s (s2). Since this is a quadratic expression, i. e. a number raised to the second power, variance is the second moment of statistics. Variance is used less frequently than standard deviation as a measure of dispersion.Variance can be used when we want to quickly compare the variability of two or more sets of interval data. In general, the higher the variance, the more spread out the data. — Standard deviation is expressed as the positive square root of the variance, i. e. F for populations and s for samples. It is the average difference between observed values and the mean. The standard deviation is used when expressing dispersion in the same units as the original measurements. It is used more commonly than the variance in expressing the degree to which data are spread out.Pearson product-moment correlation coefficientDefinition Pearson's correlation coefficient betwe en two variables is defined as the covariance of the two variables divided by the product of their standard deviations. The form of the definition involves a â€Å"product moment†, that is, the mean (the first moment about the origin) of the product of the mean-adjusted random variables; hence the modifier product-moment in the name. For a populationPearson's correlation coefficient when applied to a population is commonly represented by the Greek letter Ï  (rho) and may be referred to as the population correlation coefficient or the population Pearson correlation coefficient. The formula for Ï  is:For a sample Pearson's correlation coefficient when applied to a sample is commonly represented by the letter r and may be referred to as the sample correlation coefficient or the sample Pearson correlation coefficient. We can obtain a formula for r by substituting estimates of the covariances and variances based on a sample into the formula above. That formula forr is:An equiv alent expression gives the correlation coefficient as the mean of the products of the standard scores. Based on a sample of paired data (Xi, Yi), the sample Pearson correlation coefficient is where are the standard score, sample mean, and sample standard deviation, respectively. Mathematical properties The absolute value of both the sample and population Pearson correlation coefficients are less than or equal to 1.Correlations equal to 1 or -1 correspond to data points lying exactly on a line (in the case of the sample correlation), or to a bivariate distribution entirely supported on a line (in the case of the population correlation). The Pearson correlation coefficient is symmetric: corr(X,Y) = corr(Y,X). A key mathematical property of the Pearson correlation coefficient is that it is invariant (up to a sign) to separate changes in location and scale in the two variables.That is, we may transform X to a + bX and transform Y to c + dY, where a, b, c, and d are constants, without ch anging the correlation coefficient (this fact holds for both the population and sample Pearson correlation coefficients). Note that more general linear transformations do change the correlation: see a later section for an application of this. The Pearson correlation can be expressed in terms of uncentered moments.Since ÃŽ ¼X = E(X), ÏÆ'X2 = E[(X − E(X))2] = E(X2) − E2(X) and likewise for Y, and since the correlation can also be written as Alternative formulae for the sample Pearson correlation coefficient are also available: The above formula suggests a convenient single-pass algorithm for calculating sample correlations, but, depending on the numbers involved, it can sometimes be numerically unstable.Linear regressionIn linear regression, the model specification is that the dependent variable, is a linear combination of the parameters (but need not be linear in the independent variables). For example, in simple linear regression for modeling data points there is one in dependent variable: , and two parameters, and : straight line: (In multiple linear regression, there are several independent variables or functions of independent variables. ) Adding a term in xi2 to the preceding regression gives: parabola:This is still linear regression; although the expression on the right hand side is quadratic in the independent variable , it is linear in the parameters , and In both cases, is an error term and the subscript indexes a particular observation. Given a random sample from the population, we estimate the population parameters and obtain the sample linear regression model: The residual, , is the difference between the value of the dependent variable predicted by the model, and the true value of the dependent variable . One method of estimation is ordinary least squares.This method obtains parameter estimates that minimize the sum of squared residuals, SSE,[17][18] also sometimes denoted RSS: Minimization of this function results in a set of normal eq uations, a set of simultaneous linear equations in the parameters, which are solved to yield the parameter estimators, . Illustration of linear regression on a data set. In the case of simple regression, the formulas for the least squares estimates are where is the mean (average) of the values and is the mean of the values. See simple linear regression for a derivation of these formulas and a numerical example.Under the assumption that the population error term has a constant variance, the estimate of that variance is given by: This is called the mean square error (MSE) of the regression. The standard errors of the parameter estimates are given by Under the further assumption that the population error term is normally distributed, the researcher can use these estimated standard errors to create confidence intervals and conduct hypothesis tests about the population parameters.General linear modelIn the more general multiple regression model, there are p independent variables:  wher e xij is the ith observation on the jth independent variable, and where the first independent variable takes the value 1 for all i (so is the regression intercept). The least squares parameter estimates are obtained from p normal equations. The residual can be written as The normal equations are In matrix notation, the normal equations are written as where the ij element of X is xij, the i element of the column vector Y is yi, and the j element of is . Thus  X is nÃâ€"p, Y is nÃâ€"1, and is pÃâ€"1. The solution is For a derivation, see linear least squares, and for a numerical example, see linear regression (example).3.7 HypothesisThe null hypothesis of the study is developed to cater for the pooling regression model. The null hypotheses are: 1. (A) H01: Computer self-efficacy will not have a positive effect on perceived usefulness of the Internet banking systems. H11: Computer self-efficacy will have a positive effect on perceived usefulness of the Internet banking systems. (B ) H01: Computer self-efficacy will not have a positive effect on perceived ease of use of the Internet banking systems.H11: Computer self-efficacy will have a positive effect on perceived ease of  use of the Internet banking systems. (C) H01: Computer self-efficacy will not have a negative effect on perceived credibility of the Internet banking systems. H11: Computer self-efficacy will have a negative effect on perceived credibility of the Internet banking systems. 2. H02: Perceived ease of use will not have a positive effect on perceived usefulness of the Internet banking systems. H12: Perceived ease of use will have a positive effect on perceived usefulness of the Internet banking systems.3. H03: Perceived ease of use will not have a positive effect on perceived credibility of the Internet banking systems. H13: Perceived ease of use will have a positive effect on perceived credibility of the Internet banking systems. 4. H04: Perceived ease of use will not have a positive effect on behavioral intention to use the Internet banking systems. H14: Perceived ease of use will have a positive effect on behavioral intention to use the Internet banking systems.3. 8 Expected OutcomeUsing the technology acceptance model as a theoretical framework, this study introduced â€Å"perceived credibility† as a new TAM factor to reflect the user’s security and privacy concerns in the acceptance of Internet banking, and examined the effect of computer self-efficacy on the intention to use Internet banking. Provide evidence of the significant effects of the individual difference variable (i. e. computer self-efficacy) on behavioral intention through perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived credibility.

Aristotle’s Virtuous response to Plato’s Theory of Forms

Two men, facing a wall, where they delight themselves watching shadows of figures that flit in and around their sight; they are happy and content, yet they do not notice chains in their arms and legs. They have been prisoners of their own room since childhood. A door stand open as sounds of people chattering and making noise go along with the shadowy puppets brought about by a large fire. The two men continue to be amused, until such time the one of them breaks away from the chain. His curiosity takes him around the room, exploring things he had never seen, touched and felt before. And then, he ventures outside. He is immediately blinded by the sun, but he regains focus and sees lakes, valleys, mountains and tree; the very things he had seen through the shadow puppets illuminated by light. He feels obliged to return to the room and tell his experiences with his partner. But his partner refuses. He is content. He is ignorant, yet happy. On the other hand. The two chained individuals have no sense of goal or purpose. They rely on their sensual perception of the world and immediately base it as source of their own knowledge. Unknown to them, the outside world of the ideal exists, and they have no sense of duty to overcome their ignorance and to further inquire into the ideal world. This, in a nutshell, is the basic premise of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave which is a part of his dialogues in The Republic. Plato argues in one his tenets on the Theory of Forms that the outside world remains unknowable; that man is compelled to view the ideal or the eidos when he is fed with already subtle images of the real. Man’s contentment is bordered with ignorance that enables him to sit placidly and watch the ‘images’ or shadows that do not ultimately give a perception of the outside world. In contrast, Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics provide a clear and definite understanding on the nature of man itself, where man’s ultimate purpose is directed toward the attainment of the good or eudaimonia, which is a state of happiness and greater understanding. The existence of virtue necessitates the individual to conceive of a state which provides personal and wilful understanding of the self in order to ‘know. This state of knowing, in Aristotelian terms, is focused on the idea of happiness. In response to the question, the paper will first discuss the notions brought about by Plato on the subject of Scepticism through an enumeration and explanation of his Theory of Forms, specifically on the Allegory of The Cave that brings about the sceptical challenge posed by Plat o whether the individual has the capability of attaining true knowledge. Consequently, Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics will attempt to deliver arguments that may answer the challenges posed on scepticism through a monistic approach on the Theory of Forms contrary to the dualistic conception of the world of Forms and Ideas. In addition, Aristotle’s virtue-based ethical system will also provide explanation toward the individuation of man in making his own choice and achieving true knowledge or happiness. Plato and the Cave As narrated in the aforementioned passages, one of Plato’s main philosophies is on the theory of Forms and Ideas. The Allegory of the Cave sums up one of his numerous epistemological assertions on universals; that is, the complete reliance of a universal tangent in the universe that remains unchanged, thus the existence of the ideal world or the eidos. As narrated in the passage, the work itself is an allegory, meaning that the objects and characters of the story act as symbols that represent one of Plato’s philosophies. The two men in the story (originally described as prisoners) are in a cave since childhood. This implies that man is born ignorant of true knowledge and the world around him. This also reflects Plato’s stewardship with his former mentor, Socrates, wherein the first method of gaining true knowledge is through a clear reaffirmation of own self-ignorance in order to know; I know nothing and therefore I must question to know. In relation to the allegory, the men are also chained to their places; that is, ignorance prevents them of exploring the outside world, to know the ideal. Yet they remained imprisoned to their own ignorance. Second, the images cast by a large fire in the back of the cave symbolize the form; the unreal objects of reality that merely provides a distorted perception of what is real. These images are reflected by the fire and cast into shadows onto the walls in which the two men happily watch. This symbolization means that the individual only perceive his world as a mere representation of the ideal. For example, to view a plain object, like a chair or an apple, is not to view it as it is; meaning that these objects are mere representations of the ideal world, thus they are only forms of the ideal. Next, there are also ambient noises of shouts and screams that the two prisoners immediately attribute it with the images they are seeing. This implies that sensual experience cannot entirely determine what is real. In order to know, one must question and therefore this precept establishes the foremost principles of rationalism, which is knowledge based on question rather than experience. Further, these men, fed with sounds and images, remain ignorantly happy, and therefore establishes continuity with regards contentment. The chains represent ignorance as it hinders both men of establishing real knowledge. Plato then presents a scenario where one of the men breaks free from his bondage. It takes time though, to walk in and about his place because it is the first time to do such. Man then explores things that he had not seen before – the real of objects of the representations he used to see in the cave. Outside the cave, he is blinded by the sun, yet regains his focus to see things as they are. He is then compelled to tell his fellow of his experiences. However, his companion is hopelessly happy and content with his ignorance that he refuses to free himself from his bondage. The implications of the following symbolisms represent the hopeless refusal of the chained man from knowing ‘what is real. Instead, he focuses his attention toward the petty illusions of the form; he had hopelessly chained himself with ignorance that provides him with happiness and contentment that he refuses to venture into a whole new different realm. On the other hand, the free man extricates himself from the illusions brought about the form and ventures hesitatingly toward the id eal. Plato notes the level of unease and difficulty in facing such since man has long been ignorant of the ideal world. Yet through difficulty, the attainment of true knowledge should be the sole reason of overcoming such obstacles. The symbolism of the sun, which blinds the free man as soon he leaves the cave, represents the intellectual illumination brought about by the ideal. This can also be related to a theistic interpretation of Plato’s view on God. The blinding illumination represents ‘greatness’ of the Thus, Plato’s scepticism is unidentified through the notion of man in search of the ideal. Taking from the philosophies of Socrates, Plato’s Theory of Forms argues for a search using rational thought and the mode of questioning in supposition with the sensual experience in attaining knowledge. This thought lies with the notion of sceptical assimilation of knowledge whether it can be attained or not. For Plato, the notion of the Good or the Ideal remains speculative since man’s ignorance prevents him from seeking such. A life in the Golden Mean On the other hand, Aristotle argues ethics is the search for the chief end and final goal in life. Ethical knowledge is not precise compared to mathematics and sciences, but it is a practical discipline in a way that in order to be good or virtuous is not to quantify it as a study but to actually become good or virtuous. Aristotle conceptualized that the highest good is happiness – the universal end of human life. Contrary to Plato's self-existing good, happiness should be practical rather than abstract or ideal. The Highest Good must be desirable in itself and not for some other good. Happiness is found in the experience of life and work that is unique to humans or the rational soul. The function of human beings is then to do what is inherently human, because to be good is to individuate oneself through the use of reason or logos. To achieve happiness, according to Aristotle, is line with the fulfilment of the natural purpose of the human soul. In addition, Aristotle states that an ethical virtue is a condition between what is in excess or deficient. However, Aristotle did not espouse moral relativism as he assigned certain emotions (hate, envy, jealousy) and certain actions (theft, murder) as intrinsically wrong in spite of different circumstances. In his work, the Nichomachean Ethics, the process to achieve happiness is to find a mean or middle ground between the two polar opposite of a particularly subject. For example, modesty is a middle ground between two emotions. Too much modesty leads to bashfulness and the lack leads to shamelessness. The foundation of the mean between the opposites of behavior is the Golden Mean. Aristotle’s ethics is goal-oriented; that every being has a definite purpose or end. In line with Plato’s thought, both philosophies center itself on the individual and choice. The difference lies with Aristotle’s ethical system wherein his virtues give the character its purpose, as opposed to Plato’s aim of achieving knowledge. As mentioned from book one of the Ethics, â€Å"every art and inquiry, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has been rightly declared to be that at which all things aim† (Pojman 2007, p. 375). Thus, Aristotle’s primary aim is for the attainment of the good, which all behaviour and action is directed to such. Plato argues for an assertion of knowledge as implied in the allegory, but Aristotle contradicts this argument that the ideal or the ‘good’ is not otherworldly and unattainable but can be achieved through the direction of happiness in an individual’s life. Aristotle defines virtue as excellence, not only in the material, bodily part of man but also of the soul: â€Å"for the good we are seeking was human good and the happiness human happiness. By human excellence we mean not that of the body but that of the soul; and happiness also we call an activity of the soul† (Pojman 2007, p. 382). For Aristotle, the concept of the good is not metaphysical, but rather attainable; a state of excellence motivated by virtue of the soul. This contrasts sharply with Plato’s notion of a self-existing good or the universals (the ideal, eidos). The human mind, according to Aristotle, naturally aligns its thinking toward abstraction and the conception of the form and ideal does not necessitate a separation of these two ‘worlds. ’ Rather, he argues that the attainment of the ideal is equated with the good or happiness and that it can be practically achieved through a life practiced with virtue. On the concept of virtue, Aristotle defines these as excellence on the part of the human soul. However, these virtues may either be in excess or defect that ultimately harms both the body and soul. Let us consider this, that it is in the nature of such things to be destroyed by defect and excess, as we see in the case of strength and health; both excessive and defective exercise destroys the strength and similarly drink or food which is above or below a certain amount destroys the health† (Pojman 2007, p. 384). The same occurrence happens with virtue; a virtuous act cannot be considered if it is in defect or in exces s. For example, fear is a polar opposite of rashness while courage is the mediated virtue. Both defect and excess are considered vice and therefore follows a certain amount of pain. Vice only exists in the bodily understanding of the mind while virtue (courage, temperance, justice) is nobler and man’s duty is to attain such. Moral excellence or virtue is then a mediation between virtue and vice and it through such that man achieves happiness. The Golden Mean, on the other hand, is a mediated state which enables the individual to achieve eudaimonia through virtue, which is a moderate state that separates excess and deficiency. As explained in the aforementioned passages, this balance relies on the understanding of excess or defect. The proper virtues, according to Aristotle, are courage, temperance, truthfulness, among others. These are the mediated forms of vice (courage as a middle ground between foolhardiness and fear). Scepticism Response In relation to the sceptical problems posited by Plato in his Theory of Forms, the arguments is the nature in which knowledge is acquired, which according to Platonic philosophy, is man’s goal – to break free from ignorance and to attain true knowledge. Plato slightly deviates from Socrates’ methods through the conception of the world of the ideal and forms. His challenge of scepticism lies primarily with the senses as explained in the allegory. The sensual experiences of individual cannot entirely guarantee a clear perception of what is real or not. Thus, the sensory images that man experiences everyday represent an ideal form on some outside world. The problem lies with the method of achieving such; that is, actually conceiving of perfect idea of a represented object. For Aristotle on the other hand, he answers this challenge through the conception of his own ideal end of man – achieving happiness. For Aristotle, the dualistic conception of the realm of the form and ideal, though abstract, does not necessarily mean that it is apart. Rather, he argues that both worlds are unified into one stratified substance and the ideal (eudaimonia, happiness) exist in the sensory world that the individual lives around. Thus, he categorizes the different factors of the world that the individual lives around through the conception of virtue and vice. Aristotle’s ethical system solely rely on the individual to conceptualize or to practice virtue in order to achieve happiness. Contrary to Plato’s theory, the assimilation of virtue is entirely attainable through a more practical practice rather than a metaphysical understanding. However, both philosophers share the same ‘struggle’ in achieving the desired state of human consciousness: â€Å"That moral excellence is a mean, then, and in what sense it is so, and that it is a mean between two vices, the one involving excess and deficiency. Hence, it is no easy task to be good. For in everything it is not easy task to find the middle† (Pojman 2007, p. 388). The same amount of effort, as characterized in the allegory, needs to be equally powerful or in this case, needs to have complete understanding on what it is to be in the ‘middle ground. ’ As Aristotle’s goal-centered ethical system, it contrasts with the implication brought by Plato’s allegory wherein there is only an imagined state of ‘escape’ from ignorance rather than a self-proclaimed attempt of defining one’s life. In the allegory, it is clearly presented from the symbolisms that the reader must ‘imagine’ the man escaping from the chains of ignorance in order to view the world of the eidos. Based from this premise, it can be assumed that this freedom of ignorance is through an understanding of the unreal; that one must question in order to know what real knowledge is. Plato’s problem on scepticism lies on the idea whether the ignorant man has the capability to question or understand the unreal objects of impression and further realizes the ideal that which represents it. Aristotle addresses this through the Nichomachean Ethics wherein the individual character and disposition of man is necessary in directing his own life to an objective state of happiness. Contrary to the dualistic notion of the form and ideal, both worlds, according to Aristotle, exists as one and are the world of forms is represented with the vice. Vice is considered a material, worldly state, something that opposes happiness through its polar opposites. Excess of happiness is indulgence and pleasure while the lack of it is melancholy. Both states however, follow a certain amount of pain since it neither provides balance, always an excess or lack. Through the practice of virtue and mediation, the individual experiences eudaimonia through a careful re-examination of action and the application of virtue. The virtuous life does not have pain, defect or excess, since it is mediated in the middle that is carefully suited to one’s individual needs. Aristotle’s idea of happiness is similar to that of Plato’s ideal world. However, Plato’s conception of the ideal remains unachievable, since the individuals response to their own ignorant states already provide them a sense of satisfaction and happiness. For Aristotle, this mediocre sense of happiness is not the final end or purpose of man. Rather, the application of the Nichomachean Ethics provide another greater purpose or end. The theory of forms merely presents a sceptical approach to man’s choice to break free from ignorance. Aristotle answers this problem through a character-oriented approach – that which gives purpose to the individual to totally break away from sensory experience and to question the world around him. A mediated knowledge Therefore, we conclude that Aristotle’s arguments opposing Plato’s Theory of Forms practically answers the sceptical problem of knowledge in Plato’s allegory. The question whether man has the capability to break free from ignorance is answered through an evaluation of personal character and moral beliefs in attaining a redirected good – happiness. Through the valuation of an end object, the individual is then given purpose. This purpose, applied with Plato’s ideologies, gives the ignorant man a sense of responsibility to know and redirect action toward a much nobler purpose. The individual is then not forever condemned with his own ignorance as he has a purpose to fulfil. Thus, the imagined state of freedom from bondage is gone from a wilful acknowledgement of purpose. In Aristotle’s notion, this purpose is directed toward happiness which individuates the being through purpose. These notions can also be based on the succeeding theories on rationalism and existentialism where Aristotle’s ethical systems give importance on the individual to question his own existence and surroundings in order to know, contrary to a sensual perception of the world. It is important for an individual to know a middle-ground between excess and deficient moral attitudes and characters in order to fully realize the illusions brought about by materialistic objects. Wilful ignorance poses a problem on the understanding of true knowledge since there is no courage to face new objects or truths. Both philosophers mention a certain level of difficulty in attaining virtue or intellectual illumination. It is then necessitated in the individual to fulfil such roles and break away from the ignorant perception of illusionary objects and to find a greater purpose in life. These finite states of worldly objects always posses a cycle of unending pain and only through a mediated understanding of happiness is when man can break away from such trivial cycle and achieve a complete state of understanding.

Freud and Maslows theory of motivation will be discussed as explanations of consumer behaviour Essays

Freud and Maslows theory of motivation will be discussed as explanations of consumer behaviour Essays Freud and Maslows theory of motivation will be discussed as explanations of consumer behaviour Paper Freud and Maslows theory of motivation will be discussed as explanations of consumer behaviour Paper It is the differences within people that make life interesting. However, the diversity in human behaviour often causes us to overlook the fact that people are really very much alike. It is these similarities that serve to explain consumer behaviour, and psychologists would suggest that most people tend to experience the same kinds of needs and motives, but simply express these motives in different ways. (Shiffman Kanuk 1994:93) Freud and Maslows theory of motivation will be discussed as explanations of consumer behaviour. Motivation is the basic concept in all human and consumer behaviour. It is described as the driving force within individuals that impels them to action, (Shiffman Kanuk 1994:94) this driving force is produced by a state of uncomfortable tension, which exists as a result of an unsatisfied need. Thus, behaviour is the need to reduce the tension to bring about a more comfortable state. One theory in motivation of human behaviour is based on internal instincts and drives that are mainly innate physiological processes. (Evans, Moutinho Raaij 1997:21) Sigmund Freud was one of the father figures of the study of personality, and gave us the notion of an unconscious element to our thinking. : He developed the Psychoanalytic theory, in which the personality consisted of three interacting parts the id, ego and superego. The id, which acts in the unconscious mind, is the infantile part of the personality. It is present from birth, and is dominated by all-impulsive drives. Thirst, hunger, and sex are the physiological needs of the individual in which immediate gratification must be sought I want it and I want it now! In an adult, these tensions maybe experienced with the inability to identify the source. (Glassman 1995:192) Opposing the demands of the id is the superego. This is a conscious drive that restraints or inhibits the impulsive forces of the id. It is the conscience, and represents the moral demands of family and society. Mediating between the demands of the id and the moral requirements of the superego is the ego. The ego is the individuals conscious control that includes our self-image. Its function is to balance the impulsive demands of the id and the sociocultural constraints of the superego, the way in which it does so, is what determines behaviour. An important part of Freuds theory was the notion that the id, ego and superego are in frequent conflict with one another. Because the ids demand for instant gratification clashes with the superegos standards of moral behaviour, results in the individual experiencing anxiety. So the ego is left to spend most of the time trying to resolve these conflicts. Thus defending itself using a number of defence mechanisms. (Gross Mcilveen 1998:569) An alternative to Freuds psychoanalytic theory is offered from a humanistic approach. In contrast, the humanistic approach is not a theory of personality, but instead looks at individuals as interpreters of themselves. Their behaviour is understood in terms of their own experiences. (Gross Mcilveen 1998:15) Abraham Maslow was concerned with viewing the person as a whole, and not just single innate responses as Freud had done. Although he was influenced by psychoanalysis, he believed in free will and that people had the ability to choose how they behaved, and so were not driven by unconscious forces beyond their control as Freud suggests. Thus, Maslow became disillusioned with innate influences and therefore rejected the determinism of Freud. (Glassman 1995:247) Again, in contrast to Freuds theory, Maslow saw a whole constellation of needs that could influence consumer behaviour. This behaviour was motivated by the conscious desire for personal growth; and was not a result of unconscious drives for bodily pleasure as Freud suggested. (Gross Mcilveen 1998:142) Maslow recognised the complexity of motivation, and sought to describe it in terms of a hierarchy of needs a ladder of motivation. Maslows theory proposes five basic levels of human needs, which rank in order of importance. At the bottom of the hierarchy are the basic physiological needs such as food, water, air, shelter, clothing and sex. When these needs are unfulfilled, nothing else matters. This level has echoes of Freuds psychoanalysis; the id would represent these physiological needs. After the first level needs are satisfied, safety and security needs become the driving force behind the individuals behaviour. These needs refer to physical safety such as freedom from danger, and psychological safety such as stability, routine and control over ones life and environment. Health can also be seen as a safety concern. When these needs are being met, one begins to focus on social needs, the need for love, affection and belonging, and assuming these needs are fulfilled, then the individual will go on and experience esteem needs. This level is concerned with egoistic needs that can take either an inward or an outward orientation, or even both. Self-acceptance, esteem and success are all examples of inwardly directed ego needs. Whereas reputation, status and recognition can all be seen as examples of outwardly directed ego needs. According to Maslow, most people do not satisfy their ego needs sufficiently to ever move to the fifth level of self-actualisation. Maslow believed that few people achieve this level because most are stalled along the way by insurmountable social or environmental barriers. (Gross Mcilveen 1998:143) But it remains a goal to strive for and could be one of the most significant motivators of all, the need to fulfil ones potential to become everything one is capable of becoming. The way, in which these needs are expressed, will differ from person to person. In summery, Maslows five level hierarchy suggests that higher-order needs become the driving force behind human behaviour as lower-level needs are satisfied. In effect, it is saying that it is dissatisfaction that motivates behaviour. Whereas Freud believes that satisfaction and gratification are the driving force behind motivation. Although both theories are widely thought of, both theories have been widely criticised. Freud was criticised for being deterministic. He suggested that all behaviour is determined, and that people are driven by unconscious forces beyond their control. (Gross Mcilveen 1998:14) Therefore neglects the concept of free will suggested by Maslow. Free will he implied, was just an illusion. (Gross Mcilveen 1999:46) Maslow was also criticised. Shiffman and Kanuk (1994) said that Maslows concepts are too general and the problem with the theory is that it cannot be tested empirically. There is no way to measure precisely how satisfied one need must be before the next higher need becomes operative. p113) He was also criticised for the sample of people he chose. They exhibited the traits he hoped to find; therefore the process was biased. (Glassman 1995:255) Despite these criticisms, both theories have been useful tools for marketers and advertisers in understanding consumer behaviour. For those researchers who apply Freuds psychoanalytic theory to the study of consumer personality suggest the idea that human behaviour is ple asure seeking, and that the id is the source of energy, drive and motivation. As this source is unconscious, individuals are unaware of their true reasons for consuming the way they do, and so this concept is used as the basis for motivational research. They tend to focus on consumer purchases and/or consumption situations, treating them as a reflection and an extension of the individuals own personality. (Shiffman Kanuk 1994:130) In other words, how we look and what we wear reflects our personality. In advertising terms, Freud provides productive grounds for image making, suggesting that the products purchased will make the individual more popular, interesting or sexually attractive. Rice 1997:247) Although personality may be consistent, consumption behaviour often varies because of psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors that affect behaviour. Thus, personality is only one of a combination of factors that influence how a consumer behaves. Maslows hierarchy of needs theory has been very useful in offering an understanding of consumer motivation. It is readily adaptable to marketing strategy, primarily because the goods one consumes often serve to satisfy each level of need. I. e. ne buys houses, food and clothing to satisfy physiological needs, locks and insurance for safety needs, almost all personal care products are bought to satisfy social needs, luxury products such as flash cars and jewellery etc are bought to fulfil ego needs, and college training and banking services are sold as ways to achieve self-fulfilment. (Schiffman Kanuk 1994:113) Although both theories have proved to be very influential in marketing and advertising, there has been no solid evidence to support either. Whether ones behaviour is innate, or a result of the outside world has proved to be the most contentious dispute in psychology.

Learn About Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Learn About Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio de Janeiro is the capital city of the state of Rio de Janeiro and is the  second largest city in the South American country of Brazil. Rio as the city is commonly abbreviated is also the third largest metropolitan area in Brazil. It is considered one of the main tourist destinations in the Southern Hemisphere and is famous for its beaches, Carnaval celebration and various landmarks such as the statue of Christ the Redeemer.The City of Rio de Janeiro is nicknamed the Marvelous City and has been named a Global City. For reference, a Global City is one that is considered to be a significant node in the global economy.The following is a list of the ten most important things to know about Rio de Janeiro:1) Europeans first landed on present-day Rio de Janeiro in 1502 when a Portuguese expedition headed by Pedro lvares Cabral reached Guanabara Bay. Sixty-three years later, on March 1, 1565, the city of Rio de Janeiro was officially founded by the Portuguese.2) Rio de Janeiro served as the capital city of Brazil from 1763-1815 during the Portuguese Colonial Era, from 1815-1821 as the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal and from 1822-1960 as an independent nation. 3) The City of Rio de Janeiro is located on Brazils Atlantic coast near the Tropic of Capricorn. The city itself is built on an inlet in the western portion of Guanabara Bay. The entrance to the bay is distinct because of a 1,299 foot (396 m) mountain called Sugarloaf.4) Rio de Janeiros climate is considered tropical savanna and has a rainy season from December to March. Along the coast, temperatures are moderated by sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean but inland temperatures can reach 100 °F (37 °C) during summer. In the fall, Rio de Janeiro is also affected by cold fronts advancing north from the Antarctic region which can often cause sudden weather changes.5) As of 2008, Rio de Janeiro had a population of 6,093,472 which makes it the second largest city on Brazil behind So Paulo. The population density of the city is 12,382 persons per square mile (4,557 people per sq km) and the metropolitan area has a total population of around 14,387,000.6) The City of Rio de Janeiro is bro ken down into four districts. The first of these is downtown which consists of the historic downtown center, has various historic landmarks and is the financial center of the city. The south zone is Rio de Janeiros tourist and commercial zone and it is home to the citys most famous beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana. The north zone has many residential areas but it is also home to the Maracan Stadium, which was once the worlds largest soccer stadium. Finally, the west zone is the farthest from the city center and is thus more industrial than the rest of the city.7) Rio de Janeiro is Brazils second largest city in terms of industrial production as well as its financial and service industries behind So Paulo. The citys main industries include chemicals, petroleum, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, clothing and furniture.8) Tourism is also a large industry in Rio de Janeiro. The city is Brazils main tourist attraction and it also receives more international visits per year than any other city in South America with around 2.82 million. 9) Rio de Janeiro is considered the cultural capital of Brazil because of its combination of historic and modern architecture, its more than 50 museums, popularity of music and literature, and its yearly Carnaval celebration.10) On October 2, 2009, the International Olympic Committee selected Rio de Janeiro as the location for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It will be the first South American city to host the Olympic Games. Reference Wikipedia. (2010, March 27). Rio de Janiero. Wikipedia- the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro

An report for the subject Contemporary Developments in Business and Essay

An report for the subject Contemporary Developments in Business and Management - Essay Example The problem does not finish here. In fact, it emanates from here. There is an array of internal and external influences cast upon any contemporary business organization. Economic conditions fluctuate, systems and processes undergo changes, competitors launch fresh assaults and shareholders pressurize. But the organization explores specific ways to deal with all these crests and troughs. In fact, organizations develop strategic approaches to adapt and flourish with the constantly changing internal and external environment. There are various external and internal factors that influence the functioning of a business enterprise. Researches and studies have brought forth the following major parameters that affect the business process: These are broad outlines. Different factors interact with one another to give rise to a complicated business management problem. For instance, analysis of contemporary organizational and people management issues in the context of change, innovations and imitations brings forth issues of leadership style, facilitation of creativity and the systemic management of complex change. Similarly, the role of technology has to be analyzed as both a source and enabler of change. All this implies that different factors affect the overall business environment. Therefore, it becomes important to analyze them both from a larger and a specific perspective before adopting a new approach to deal with a situation. The tasks of crafting, implementing and executing company strategies are the heart and soul of a business enterprise. Therefore it is imperative to strategize keeping into consideration the gamut of external and internal factors that affect the business on the whole. Successful companies recognize and respond profitably to all these factors, which actually are a host of unmet needs and trends. These companies realize that the business environment presents a never-ending series of opportunities and threats. Consequently, the

Public Policy Initiative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Public Policy Initiative - Essay Example Another important factor is the rapid population growth which contributes more to the economic problem of scarcity and towards the selection of a public policy that has to fairly deal with all the related aspects. The next major aspect to be considered while designing a policy is the context of job development in the ever increasing global society. This containment should not only fulfill the white collar attitude instead it should look forth on a relatively larger scale thus improving upon efficiency and equity. The main critic on this approach is that in a perfectly competitive environment there can be a case that a firm might enable itself to drive away all other competitors thereby becoming a natural monopoly is an exception owing to the absence of the required many sellers that would set the so-called invisible hand of competition in motion1. To our concern and knowledge Adam Smith's laissez faire theory relies on this hidden hand to attain efficiency in markets. Why it is important is just because in an ideally competitive economy every firm tries to maximize social profits i.e. the concept of deriving maximum utility out of each resource or profit maximization, this could be called as the net benefits consumers and producers receive from participation in markets. Why to support Weimer and Vining is because there are a number of factors that make the Free Market approach much more effective than (government) regulated markets. They are; Production-motivation/Capital-attraction this means that there are just adequate monetary remunerations that make these economic agents to fulfill the customer demand at a desired price and this is well termed as the production-motivation. Through this approach, the supplier tends to keep on producing the desired product and eventually he tries to expand the scale for further remuneration thereby adding more to his incentives for profit maximization that is achieved by "economies of scale". Efficiency2 ensures that goods & services are provided at the lowest possible cost. Again, the concept is that the supplier tries to minimize cost and maximize sustainable profit. Demand Control & Consumer Rationing is essential to avoid waste of resources, this means that the market system can effectively limit consumption by individuals and only those who can afford enjoy the fruits. But this well leads to a failure as well because the market system fails to provide with some necessities that are termed as public goods as these do not provide with any fruitful remuneration to the producer so they are avoided within the market constraint. The rationing mechanism however allows the level of prices to achieve what economists call as the only real economic function of prices that have the ability to influence the