Literature as Knowledge for Living Essay

According to Vera M. Kutzinski in his introduction, Ottmar Ette was sent to the east of Germany after the reunification of Germany to strengthen academic institutions. There, universities were going to receive the so-called â€Å"Initiative for Excellence†, which would make German universities more competitive. But, when it came to application, a little percentage of humanities institutions were selected, because the focus was actually on science and technology. This fact was what fueled Ette to take a turn on his work and started to work on not trying to convince why literary studies were better or worth more attention or research, but to make skeptical see why society cannot do without literary studies. Ette’s official work on this matter is titled Lendemains, where he focuses on literary studies as something that society needs to survive and the relations established between human beings in literary terms. Below is presented a short review on his evaluation on this matter. Ette argues that literature and language do not seem to deal with language about life any longer. Instead, scientific and technological academic fields have taken over. So what has to be done for the humanities to deal with life again would be, according to him, reorientating the idea of life, which should be based on making society see how the humanities can improve how human beings live with one another, and this should be done together with the biosciences, creating an easily understandable language which allowed scientific and literary discourses to work together as equals. Ette also discusses how biotechnology and natural-scientific fields of study have become the â€Å"sciences of life† because it has been socially accepted, since their subjects of study have to do with life. And also how literary scholars do not pay attention to the humanities losing ground on this respect. So, according to the author, the concept of life should be changed from a bio-chemical, biophysical, and biotechnological and medical, to a cultural-literature-oriented one, as other scholars also maintained before (Leo Spitzer and his ideal of literature being the science that seeks to comprehend the human being to the extent to which he expresses himself in words and linguistic creations). Then, the author introduces the concept knowledge for living as the kind of knowledge inherent to literature, this is, literature having knowledge about or of life. But then, it comes the following question: how to acquire this knowledge for living? This could be answered (according also to Wolfgang Iser’s work) by the act of reading, this is: reading fictional literary pieces and having experiences through it that make the reader gain a kind of knowledge that he/she would not experience in their own life otherwise. This introduces the concepts of intratextuallity (the knowledge of living that characters of novels possess) and extratextuallity (the ways of acquiring certain cultural and sociohistorical knowledge for living), both of which influence the reader culturally, in their behavior, their life, etc. depending on what they read. These two dimensions of the knowledge for living constitute, at the same time, the knowledge for living together, which is acquired by the readers through literature as the conditions for people to live together which have been shaped all throughout history. In these terms, the author mentions Roland Basthers’ work Comment vivre ensemble, and how literary analysis could connect literature and life. This is, for example, how to live (in the novel), how certain people have lived (in biography), etc. In addition, these knowledges should take into account different contexts and cultures, gender and social differences, in order to be universal and valid. The conclusion of the author is that the humanities first need to realize the potential that they possess concerning knowledge for living which, in conjunction with the natural and social sciences, would give new perspectives for the exploration of art and literature as knowledge for living.

Briefly Explain the Idealist Approach to International Relations

Topic: Briefly explain the Idealist approach to International Relations. To get an insight of what realism and liberalism is all about four (4) questions must be asked and answered and before asking- What is Liberalism/Idealism? Those questions are: what is a theory? Why theories are necessary? What is hypothesis? And how many types of theories are there? All these questions will give basic knowledge about the three theories of international relations; but the topic sets a limit to how many theories to cover and that theory is liberalism/idealism. What is a theory? According to gavilan, a theory simplifies reality.It is a perspective which tells you where to look. A statement of cause and effect/outcome- what correlates? Why does this regularity occur? The cause and effect underlined above implies the independent or explanatory variable and dependent variable respectively. Why are theories necessary? (1) Too much information available to be able to process it without guidance about w hat is relevant or irrelevant. (2) No rational action without hypothesis about cause and effect. What is hypothesis? Every theory brings out hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable implication of a theory. Evidence supports a theory but does not prove it.How many types of theories are there? There are three major theories; these theories are: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. Constructivism is divided into Marxism and Post- modernism and Post- structuralism. After knowing all these, the question- what is idealism/liberalism? Can be asked, but, due to the relation of liberalism/idealism with reciprocity principle the definition of collective goods problem should be stated. Collective good problem is how a group of nations serve the/its group interest or collective interest by doing so members to forfeit their individual interest.In other words, it is the problem of shared interest versus competing interest. It solves the problem of how to provide something that benefits every m ember regardless of what each member contribute. Idealism/liberalism: According to Goldstein et al, â€Å"like any other international relation theory has no general definition, but it sees the rules of IR as gradually evolving through time and becoming more passive- such advancement results chiefly from the gradual build up of international organizations and mutual cooperation (reciprocity) and secondarily from change in norms and public opinion (identity). The definition in the continuing note is in accord to gavilan â€Å"According to Kegley and Wittkopt (2006: pg28), ‘liberalism is known as a paradigm anticipated on hope that the appliance of reason and universal principles to international relations can lead to a more organizes, impartial, and cooperative world, and that international anarchy [lack of world government] ad war can be supervised by institutional reforms that empower international organizations and laws’† Liberal theories of IR try to explain how peace and cooperation are possible.It gives instances of how realism offers mostly the principle of dominance to solve the collective goods problems of IR, while it (idealism) draws its solution mostly on the reciprocity and identity principle. Assumptions of Liberalism/Idealism According to jefferyfields (n. d) [Online], the following are assumptions of idealism. 1. â€Å"Human nature is effectively good or humane: People are capable of mutual aid and collaboration through reason and ethically inspired education. † Jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 2. â€Å"The fundamental human concern for others’ welfare makes progress possible. jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 3. â€Å"Bad human behaviour, such as violence, is the product not of flawed people but of evil institutions that encourage people to act selfishly and to harm others. † jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 4. â€Å"War and international anarchy are not inevitable and war’s frequency can be reduced by s trengthening the institutional arrangements that encourage its disappearance. † jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 5. â€Å"War is a global problem requiring collective or multilateral, rather than national, efforts to control it. jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 6. â€Å"Reforms must be inspired by a compassionate ethical concern for the welfare and security of all people, and this humanitarian motive requires the inclusion of morality in statecraft. † jefferyfields (n. d) [Online] 7. â€Å"International society must reorganize itself in order to eliminate the institutions that make war likely, and states must reform their political systems so that self-determination and democratic governance within states can help pacify relations among states. † jefferyfields (n. d) [Online]Prisoners Dilemma Giving an example of two prisoners who are incarcerated; noting that they are meeting for the first time- the options given to them would either be to turn on each other or coope rate with each other. The two prisoners are likely to turn on each other or not cooperate with each other because of the condition of their meeting. The given example displays the nature of countries in the international system when approached with similar problem or decision. The self protecting nature of states renders cooperation impractical.This is in line with the prisoners who decline to cooperate with one another because they either do not trust one another or want to protect their interest. Conclusion In conclusion, the international relation theory called liberalism is an argument against the realist view. According to Goldstein et al (2012 pg86)A, if dominance solution is offered mostly by the realist or realism to solve the collective goods problems of I. R. , alternative theories draw mostly on the reciprocity and identity principles. These theories are more optimistic than realism about the prospect of peace.Goldstein et al (2012 pg86)B said, â€Å"realist see the law of power politics as relatively timeless and unchanging, while liberal theorists view I. R. rules as gradually evolving through time and becoming more peaceful- such advancement results chiefly from the gradual build up of international organizations and mutual cooperation (reciprocity) and secondarily from change in norms and public opinion (identity). Liberal theory among others holds that we are not doomed to a country of recurring war but can achieve a more peaceful world. † In addition, in accord with Goldstein et al (2012 pg86) liberal theory eviews domestic politics and foreign policy making, unlike realism, which places importance on domestic and individual levels of analysis in explaining state behaviour. All this display the peaceful nature/motive of the liberal theorist. BIBLOGRAPHY Goldstein, S. J. Pevehouse, J. C. (2012) International Relations (Tenth Edition) United States: Pearson. http://hhh. gavilan. edu/mturetzky/pols4/TheoreticalPerspectivesLiberalismRealism . htm http://jeffreyfields. net/427/Site/Blog/3C90C230-B47B-4894-8E8E-F4C5078BDD88_files/Rourke-Realism,%20Liberalism,%20Constructivism. pdf http://www. princeton. edu/~amoravcs/library/preferences. pdf

A Research On Nutrition And Weight Loss Essay -- Nutrition, Obesity, Die

We know that just because something sounds good, it doesn 't mean that it is. This New You in 22 review will take a look at his program and what it offers, as well as whether or not it will be worth your time. What Is New You in 22? Just as it sounds, it 's about creating a new you in 22 days. Not only will you experience physical changes on the outside, but you will find yourself having more energy and even slow down aging in those 22 days as well. This program is meant for people whose metabolism has crashed and burned and won 't help them burn off the fat that used to come off so easily. In fact, anyone who has a hard time maintaining weight, is experiencing mental fogginess, has stress and anxiety, feels tired all the time, has body aches and pains, and has nasal issues that won 't go away, will benefit from the New You in 22 according to Jonny. Your metabolism is responsible for how much fat you burn off or put on, but it also plays a big part in your overall health and energy. If it is slowed down, you will feel slowed down both physically and mentally. It is a fat loss program that helps you boost your metabolism in just 22 days. It helps you get rid of cravings, burn off fat, stabilize your appetite, improve your mood, and get rid of brain fog, among many other things. I rsion only, or you can get a digital and printed version. In either case, you will get instant access to the digital information so that you can get started tomorrow if you want. The Guarantee There is a 60-day money back guarantee with this 22-day program. In other words, try it out and if you don 't experience the results you expect, then ask for your full refund - no questions asked. Will This Really Work? If you are going to listen to someone for weight loss and nutrition advice, then Jonny Bowden is the guy. His face and information is all over the Internet, making him one of the best-known experts on living a healthy life, and he wouldn 't create a program that doesn 't live up to his name. The chances are very good that you will experience the results you are looking for within 22 days, and that those results will carry forward for the rest of your life.

Noble Energy, Inc Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Noble Energy, Inc - Research Paper Example Global oil and gas industry includes global presence of extraction, refining, exploration, marketing and transporting the oil and gas products. The largest volume manufactured and distributed products of the industry are gasoline and fuel oil. Petroleum is also used as the raw material for several chemical products, such as solvents, pesticides, plastics, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. The global oil and gas exploration and production industry is divided into three major parts, such as downstream, midstream and upstream. Midstream operations are generally considered under the downstream category. Description of the Industry Oil and gas energy sources are very much important for several industries. Oil and gas energy resources are considered as the large global energy resources. Middle East is the largest consumer of oil and gas energy resources across the globe. This global region consumes almost 53% of total energy sources. On the other hand, Asia and Europe ranks last in ter4ms o f consumption of oil and gas energy resources. The consumption rate of oil and gas energy of Middle East is higher comparing to other global regions due to several reasons. First of all, the leading number of oil reservoirs is located in the Middle East countries. These countries can consume the oil and gas products in low price range comparing to other global countries. In addition to this, Middle East oil and gas extraction organizations act as cartel regarding pricing and distributing the crude oil to the global market. Strong oil process control is the major reason behind the economic growth of several Middle East countries. Central and South America consumes 44%, North America consumes 40%, Africa consumes 41%, and Europe and Asia consumes 32% of total extracted and produced oil. The world consumes approximately 30 billion barrels on yearly basis (Li 22). The economically developed nations are the largest consumers of oil. In the year 2007, The United State consumed 25% of tota l produced oil which is impressive oil consumption figure. Recent financial crisis and global economic recession affected the global economic environment. People are trying to reduce the consumption level of expensive products due to their low disposable income and limited purchasing power. Especially, the people of middle class income level are trying to find substitute energy resources of oil and gas due to hike in oil and gas price (Shelley 27). Apart from economic issues, the global oil and gas exploration and production industry is suffering from several global political issues. Several under developed and developing countries have to pay high petroleum tax to the oil and gas producing countries in order to improve the crude oil. High tension and critical political conflicts between several countries are affecting the growth of this global oil and gas exploration and production industry. In addition to these, several countries have developed strict regulations regarding the ext raction of oil and gas. Extraction of oil and gas from oil mine requires the uses of several deadly chemicals. It can affect the global ecological balance. Looking into this issue, the government of several countries developed strict rules and regulations regarding the extraction of oil. It is expected that the number of total oil reservoirs and mines

An Evaluation of Fossil Fuel,Hybrid Energies Alternative Fuel Essay

An Evaluation of Fossil Fuel,Hybrid Energies Alternative Fuel - Essay Example It concludes by recommending an amalgamation of the two energy forms, and increased development of the hybrid energy sources, so that an endless supply of cheap and clean energy can be provided. Harris Kamran Environmental Studies Research Paper 11 August 2011 An evaluation of fossil fuels and hybrid energies as alternate fuel Background: The availability of abundant, cheap, and clean energy is a prerequisite for the advancement and progress of any country, both in terms of technology and society (Eltawil, Zhengming, & Yuan, 2009). This means that energy supplies make the bedrock of development. The most commonly used forms of energy come from the traditional sources, which are termed fossil fuels due to the process of their development; these fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas (Glaser, 1968), and originate from the fossilized remains of plants and animals. Hence, they are organic in nature, and widely available around the world (Glaser, 1968), since their availability does not depend upon artificially generated raw materials or rare minerals. These fuels have been widely used all over the world for energy production, not only because of their rampant availability, but also because of their cheap production costs and low cost of the yield (Glaser, 1968). However, the produce is often not well-refined, or even if it is refined, it is not entirely clean, so that these forms of energy are associated with phenomena such as greenhouse gases and global warming (Glaser, 1968). Owing to their organic composition, these fuels give off copious amounts of carbon, sulfur, and other chemicals when burned, leasing not only to the destruction of the ozone layer (Glaser, 1968), but also to human medical conditions and the destruction of ecosystems (Keatinge & Donaldson, 2004). These threats to the well-being of the geo-sphere at large have resulted in a concern about their continued and increased used by the growing population (Glaser, 1968), and experts have expressed d oubt about the safety and practicality of these fuels in the present day society (Glaser, 1968). Another issue is the limited, albeit abundant, supply of these fuels, which is threatened to run out anytime in the future (Glaser, 1968). Due to these reasons, there is an increased research into hybrid forms of energy as alternate energy sources. These energy sources include, but are not limited to, solar power, hydropower, hydrogen fuel cells, techniques such as MED, MSF, and Reverse Osmosis, wind energy, tidal energy, biofuel, and other techniques that offer a relatively clean and unlimited supply of energy (Eltawil, Zhengming, & Yuan, 2009). This paper purports to discuss some of these alternate energy sources, especially as they compare to the traditional fossil fuels, to determine the worth and value of these hybrid energy sources in the mainstream market and their application both industrially and domestically. It begins with by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of both energy forms, discussing the infrastructure and policies of the government with regard to the development of these energy forms, a comparison of the impact on the environment of these energies, both the traditional and hybrid forms, comparison and discussion

CASE STUDY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CASE STUDY - Essay Example m to 199 ?m). Between 1999 and 2000, the profits before tax decreased slightly from 421 ?m to 360 ?m although there has been no change in the same. But the profits before tax payments has decreased considerably for the company between 2000 and 2001, from a profit of 360 ?m to a loss of 534 ?m. Further, during the same five year period, the company’s investment in infrastructure almost doubled from 4,625 ?m to 8,841 ?m, its credit value increased almost 3 times from 420 ?m to 1,356 ?m but its provisions almost halved and its debt increasing by almost 7 times from 522 ?m to 3,480 ?m in the same period. These values and trends indeed represent a complex economy as it can be seen that in addition to the company’s sliding profitability at the end of the five year period, the regulatory constraints too seem to have taken a toll on its profitability, in turn affecting its provisions and its capability to invest in future by banking on its capital market. Lack of effective stra tegies to tackle the changing market environment in terms of capital, infrastructure, innovation, operations, etc. have also affected the company’s profitability in the long run. ... In 2001 the company made a loss but the dividend was paid. Why should the company feel it necessary to make such a payment? The company has maintained a dividend payment of 26.9 p through 2001 from 2000 although it made a loss of 534 ?m during the same period. First, the decision of the board to pay the dividend was to keep both its stakeholders and shareholders happy as this could help the company become more competitive in the market place while still attracting capital in spite of its poor performance in the recently concluded year. Also, considering it to be the end of the first five year control period, the company needs to cater to the interests of its shareholders as much as there is a need to attract passengers and freight to sustain in the long run. And with the company running short on investment and poor performance leading to more regulatory constraints and lesser competitiveness, the company runs the risk of alienating its investors in the second five year control period . Also, the company needs to attract more capital to be able to improve its assets, performance, and rail network maintenance, foster innovation and competitiveness among its franchisees and sustain the positive trend in the passenger and freight incomes. Giving a dividend of 26.9 p is also necessary to project a positive impression and a sense of control among its shareholders as well as its other stakeholders particularly after the fatal accidents in 1997, 1999 and 2000. In spite of the under investment, poor performance and the lack of effective strategies, the company still required to pull on into the next control period as the agreed government grants and the ?2 billionn facility loan availability give it scope to adjust its debt record and improve its

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Philosophy - Essay Example The film depicts the class difference in the society where the powerful manipulate the less fortunate for social and economic gains. The three categories describe human nature which Plato asserts consists of the appetite, the spirit, and the reason. The most skeptical members of the society are those who govern the rest. As portrayed in the film, they seek to manipulate their kind for the economic gains, which contravenes the dictates of ideal coexistence in the society. To achieve this, they seek mechanisms to manipulate others. The film depicts those who develop computer programs that compel the rest of the human population to be at their mercy. The programs have the ability to manipulate everyone, yet the inventors do not employ that on themselves but on others that they deem secondary (Plato, Ferrari, and Griffith 34). However, Plato and Desecrates concur that everyone possesses a quality of opposition especially on issues that they do not concur in. This is what led to the liber alization of most contemporary democracies. Regardless of their positions in the society, humans will always oppose any idea that seeks to subordinate their existence. Additionally, in his description of the state, Plato observes that the workers are always the majority in any society. They may not always have much wealth or capital, but their large number is their greatest power. The ruling class consists of a select few who often, as per the dictates of democracies, promise to protect the interest of the rest of the population. When united in an opposition, the workers topple states and governments. The film depicts this and uses the zeal to oppose oppressive regimes to develop an effective conflict... This paper approves that Plato and Desecrates concur that everyone possesses a quality of opposition especially on issues that they do not concur in. This is what led to the liberalization of most contemporary democracies. Regardless of their positions in the society, humans will always oppose any idea that seeks to subordinate their existence. Additionally, in his description of the state, Plato observes that the workers are always the majority in any society. They may not always have much wealth or capital, but their large number is their greatest power. The ruling class consists of a select few who often, as per the dictates of democracies, promise to protect the interest of the rest of the population. The film depicts this and uses the zeal to oppose oppressive regimes to develop an effective conflict that sustains the story. This paper makes a conclusion that Descartes explains the origin of science which the film also exhibits. He emphasizes the use of reason to develop science; the developers of the film employ extensive reasoning to help stretch the limits of science. Descartes asserts that philosophy is like a tree with metaphysics as the roots and physics as the trunk. All other branches of science such as physics, medicine, and ethics thus stem out of the trunk. In this assertion, Descartes explains that ethics should always govern human curiosity and result in the determination of ethical knowledge. The lack of ethics in any of such endeavors is likely to meet resistance from the disadvantaged just as the film depicts.