Model Summary “Computers and the Pursuit of Happiness” Essay

In his article â€Å"Computers and the Pursuit of Happiness,† David Gelernter examines the impact of computers in the life of mankind. He addresses three questions: whether computers and the internet started a new information age, whether computers have been good for the human race, and whether they will have a positive impact in the next half century. For the first question, Gelernter’s answer is â€Å"no’ because, according to him, computers haven’t reduced our basic needs for things such as food, clothing, shelter and one another, nor has it decreased our need for physical stuff. He looks at the three arguments that people who claim that we are in a new information age make: we have new machines that can create, store and deliver information, that computer networks have conquered geography and that these are intelligent machines. He contradicts all three claims. First, he says computers are only the latest in a series of inventions that started us in the information age in the early 20th century. Second, mankind had already started to conquer distance through infrastructure and technology. Finally, there had been many other intelligent machines before computers such as the thermostat, the electrical system in a car, flying machines, radio, TV, electricity and so on. However, he concedes that computers have had a big impact in science and engineering since it is cheaper and more efficient to use computational models in research in those fields. Next, Gelernter addresses the question whether computers have been good for mankind. He contends that if human beings are poor or ignorant, they need more wealth and information. In this country, most people are above the threshold of poverty and ignorance; hence, what computers bring into their life doesn’t matter much except while people are in the process of acquiring more wealth and information. Despite the wealth and information computers have generated, human happiness hasn’t increased on the whole. Although technology does change social structures, the important question is whether those new social structures are better than the old ones. Gelernter says it is impossible to compare the two because the new ones have more â€Å"machine ingredients† whereas the old ones had more â€Å"human ingredients†. Finally, to the question whether computers will benefit human race in the next half-century, Gelernter responds by saying that computers and software are bringing in new possibilities and structures. Online schools make it possible for lessons to be presented and learned in ways that would not be possible otherwise. Although he would prefer face-to-face teaching by live teachers, he thinks due to the state of affairs in the American school system, software based teaching seems like the best hope. Gelernter concludes the article by saying that computers may be stronger, faster and more intelligent than humans, but the uniqueness of mankind â€Å"lie beyond strength, speed and intellect† and he hopes in the future computer technology will show us how human beings can build extraordinary machines and, ultimately, how meaningless these machines are.

A Rhetorical Approach to Interpersonal Communication File

In the theory of a rhetorical approach, three primary ways are identified in order to achieve the goals of interpersonal rhetoric. They are rhetorical reflector, rhetorically sensitive person and Nobel self. In this paper, the applicability of these three ways will be discussed since their applicability is different in Hong Kong culture. First, the way that works best in Hong Kong culture is the Nobel self, who is unwilling to change for others. This theory works best because of the way that parents taking care of their children. The average number of children in each family in Hong Kong has decreased compared to the families in the past, which have nearly doubled the average numbers of children in each family, so parents can pay more attention on each child. Also, parents tend to build up a positive parental relationship with their children by satisfying most of the wants of the children and putting their children at the first priority. Since the children are used to be the center of their parents, they become self-centered, that is they put their own feelings in the first priority, as a result, their abilities to change for others are reduced. The example to show that Nobel self works best in Hong Kong is a group of teenagers in Hong Kong who the society described them as â€Å"a group of people having the illusion of being a princess or a prince. † These teenagers believe that they should be treated as princesses or princes that they don’t have to do anything or to bear any responsibility. The main cause of this group is stated above. These teenagers are unwilling to change for others especially their relational partners because they think that everyone will change for them just like their families do. This type of teenagers shows that the Nobel self work best in Hong Kong. The part of the theories that does not work in Hong Kong is the rhetorical reflector, who is willing to change to please their partners. In Hong Kong, people are trained to possess a critical thinking skill, which means they should have their own judgment towards an issue, instead of influencing by others, for example, in the relationship of boss and employees, if the boss ask his employee to do illegal work, the employee will judge the situation using his value of right or wrong to decide doing it or not. He will not sacrifice themselves by changing their value and doing the work in order to lease the boss. This critical thinking skill enables the people in Hong Kong to think independently, so that their values and thoughts will be influenced by others. They are not willing to change to please their partners, but if there are strong evidences or supporting materials, they will change. Therefore, the rhetorical reflector theory does not work in Hong Kong. Finally, rhetorically sensit ive person works in modified way in Hong Kong. The theory is applicable in the situation that there is a difference in power, such as the teacher and student relationship, which the teacher is having a higher power. The student who has lower power will be rhetorical sensitive, for example, the student believes that he has done nothing wrong for being late to school, but when explaining to the teacher, he will change his discourse by not stating his judgment towards the issue. Instead, he will give excuses to blame it on other things. The hidden value of the excuses is that the student has done nothing wrong in this issue. However, if there is no difference in the power in the relationship, such as siblings, the student will not change his discourse. He will express his value directly to his siblings. This approach is the application of Nobel self. Since the student know that they have equal power in the relationship, that means they have equal control over the definition of the relationship, so the first priority, which is his own feeling, will come first. He is unwilling to change for others once there is no difference in power in the relationship. Hong Kong culture is a complex, so the applicability of the three primary ways in the rhetorical approach is different in Hong Kong culture even though they are developed from the same theory.

Answer the question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 10

Answer the question - Essay Example Better services translate upon the overall satisfaction level of the clients. This in turn leads to the positive impact on the staff’s career. Six Sigma is a quality enactment scheme that is mostly applied towards better performance execution. Under this concept the margin of error is highly minimized. The benefits of this mechanism are improved performance, overall satisfaction of the clients and good working relationship between the two ends. Under six sigma principles the error percentage is reduced to less than one percent in total (Chase & Aquilano, 2006, p. 326). Although both the systems are incorporated for quality maintenance and development , yet the two differ on the account of mode of application. Six Sigma may find its limitation of implementation to a more technical and analytical domain of work. T.Q.M in contrast may find its application in a more generic manner. Six Sigma may also differ on the grounds of specialization required towards understanding and implementing it to

Business Systems Development and Implementation Essay

Business Systems Development and Implementation - Essay Example Many of the projects became a failure due to lack of proper skills in order to undertake these projects successfully. On the other hand the companies which initiated and successfully implemented these projects enjoyed the hyper growth. In order to make these projects different tools and techniques were introduced by the management gurus in order to increase the success rate of these projects. The implementation cost of the new information system often have some hidden costs which cannot be calculated at the beginning of a project (Anderson and Dawes, 1991). Often workers are required to be trained to effectively use the technology being implemented but this training reduce the working hours. Currid (1995) states the same fact as: When a new system is introduced, it rocks day-to-day activity so much that some people don't adjust quickly. They stay less productive than they were without the new computer. And, if this situation goes unchecked, they may never recover. In Standish Group's CHAOS Report, the group analysed 8380 Information projects that were underway in 365 companies and reported failure and success rates. The report used some indicators and divided the companies into following three categories which are as follows: Resolution Type 2 is "Project Challenged." These were completed, but were over cost, over time, and/or lacking all of the features and functions that were originally specified. 52.7% of all studied projects fell into this Resolution Type 2 (Challenged) category. Resolution Type 3 is termed "Project Impaired/Failed." These projects were abandoned or cancelled at some point and thus became total losses. A disturbing 31.1% of all studied p

Financial Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Project - Assignment Example The extra amount of $ 121,000 was to be taken in form of a loan for repayment in monthly installments. In the event that the loan is to be repaid for 20 years a total of $ 849.52 per month is to be remitted. If the loan is to be repaid in 25 years, a total of $761.22 in form of principal and interest is to be remitted. This means an addition of $ 88.3 would be needed for this increment to result in the repayment being reduced to 20 years. The increment of $ 88.3 means that this figure will be deducted from the extra amount in the pay slip. This will not be on advisable thing to do in the event that one meets his/her monthly expresses with less than $100 left over. A good organization in one`s financial aspects require some money left to cater for emergencies (Roberts and Ralph 2009). This would mean a surplus of $ 11.7 will be what one would be left with. This will not be good especially within a family setting. It is possible for the loan to be repaid in 20 years. The current balance is $ 112,242.47. Refinancing means that one has decided to pay off the accrued loan balance which includes both the principle and interest (Roberts and Ralph 2009). Paying off this loan in 20 years would mean a change in the interest rate or monthly installments. At an interest rate of 5.75%, the total interest to be paid at the end of 20 years would be $ 82,885.05. This means the total amount to be refinanced at the end of 20 years would be 203,885.05. At an interest rate of 4.05%, the total amount in interest to be repaid amounts to $ 55,742.73. Refinancing would require an upfront payment of $ 2,000; this figure would be added on both of these final amounts. This translates to $ 205,888.05 for 5.75% interest rate and $ 178,742.73 for 4.05%. Credit rating is assumed to be the credit worthiness of an individual (Roberts and Ralph 2009). There are specific agencies that are charged with the mandate to judge whether an

Joan Robertson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Joan Robertson - Essay Example This paper will look at some of her contributions, and how they impact the lives of modern economists presently. One of the main contributions by Joan Robinson in economics was made in monetary economics. In this contribution, it is believed that Robinson showed a deep understanding of the complexities that face the financial world. In her works in monetary economics, she provided the world, and especially developing worlds, with a comprehensive and original analysis on the links that envelop the macroeconomy and the financial system (Thomas 34). Economists and people studying the economy are able to learn a lot about money, finance, and the credit system that is present in every economy. The structure of interest rates is described in most of her works which allow even the most average of person(s) to comprehend the nature of the financial system, hence; become better at dealing with money and the financial sector. In another area, she is attributed with starting a battle against neoclassical economics. In this war, it is believed that Robinson led people to understand microeconomics and the functioning of the capital theories that existed. The reason why she decided to start this was because of the manner in which the much younger economists in the region could alter their models to suit the political desires and moods present in the different regions. In this contribution into the field of economics, Robinson led people into understanding the Keynes school of thought by trying to bring out the aspect of employment during the Great Depression in the 1930s (Aslanbeigui and Oakes 46). She immersed herself in the works of Keynes, bringing to life Keynes’s General Theory despite having had success in her previously done works. Lastly, it would be worthwhile to mention that Robinson’s love for economics led to the origin of countless books that discuss the nature and standing of the

Choose one promt to write about Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Choose one promt to write about - Essay Example The shrink convinces the mother that she is in danger from her husband who wants to kill her and therefore, must leave him before she gets killed. The mother and son’s living arrangements were decided by the psychologist, the mother was to stay at a motel while her son stays with her shrink’s family. The doctor manipulated the main characters in the story for them to be live lasciviously and become dependent on drugs, limiting their developments in life. The mother had an illicit affair with a female friend while the son had sexual relationship with a male patient of the doctor. After so many struggles, the mother finally had her works published and was starting to stand strong however, she found out that she was deceived by her own doctor with the money her husband sent to support their son. Consequently, she stayed away from her shrink while his son went away from her to start his own new life. The aforementioned film exemplifies the making and breaking of a mother an d son relationship which this paper will further discuss, expounding on how relationships are developed and destroyed. Relationships are very important because as social beings, people cannot avoid building relationships. More importantly, family relationships are valuable to every human being because it is in the family that basic principles about relationships are established. In the film Running with Scissors, the relationship of the mother and son was initially good. The mother was adored by her son because she has shown how much she cared for the child and the mother in turn loved and cared for her son. However, the mother and son did not quite have a good relationship with the workaholic husband and father although this seemed to draw the two together as confidants and allies. The boy grew to empathize with his mother as the abused partner so that he did little things such as preparing tea to serve her mother and show his fidelity and care. The mother influenced her son even f urther by sharing with him her every dream and involving him with her plans (Murphy). The relationship of the mother and son is obviously good in the beginning because the mother worked hard to maintain good communication between them despite their circumstance with the father. The mother shared her career plans with her son which might have been good for his learning. The son in turn looked up to her mother. The two became encouragements to each other even during tough times. As a result, they formed a strong bond. When the mother and father fought in front of the boy and the father was knocked off and fainted as he attacked his wife, the father was never seen as a victim in the eyes of the son. Instead, of getting shocked with how the mother spoke against her husband, the son instead feared for his mother’s life than his father (Murphy). This only shows how he supported and protected his mother as a result of the relationship that they formed. On the contrary, the relations hip of the mother and child could also be considered not very normal, at least on the part of the child. The mother sharing her problems with her son at a very tender age somehow made the child feel the strain that she was going through. Therefore, the son did not have a normal childhood. Instead, he seemed to have grown extremely emotionally attached to the woman so that he imitated her in most of her actions, including how she dreamily delivered her speeches. As the

Performance Management Seminar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Performance Management Seminar - Essay Example Discussion Introduction to the Concept of Performance Management Performance Management "Performance Management is an ongoing communication process" (Bacal, 1999, p.3). It is being executed through the participation of the employee and the immediate supervisor. Performance management has a benefit to both employees and management. For employees, it helps them determine the status of their present performance and further develop it to do better in the future. For the organization, it helps in boosting employee retention (Martin & Jackson, 2004, p.172). It is crucial to employ this concept to help the business grow at the same time allowing employees to develop and discover skills that will be helpful in achieving the organization's targeted goals. II. Discussion Component of Performance Management System Performance Planning Performance planning marks the beginning of the process of performance management. At this point, the manager explains to the employees what they will do in the o rganization, how it will be done, and the reason why that responsibility was given (Bacal, 1999, p.28). On Going Performance Communication It would we be inappropriate to assume that all things will be done smoothly after the performance planning phase. For the manager, it is necessary to consider the possibilities of encountering problems and so, for that reason, ongoing communication is extremely needed (Bacal, 1999, p.29). Performance Diagnosis and Coaching This is one very important component of performance management system. This gives the employees the chance of asking questions making it easy for the manager to remedy any problems that an employee is facing. This is so because employees are able to tell the manager all concerns or questions, thus giving the manager an idea of what measures are to be taken in order to solve or address these concerns (Bacal, 1999, p.36). III. Ice Breaker -Game- Charades - Six Participants divided into two groups -------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Part IV. Discussion Motivation, Performance Management, and Performance Management Theories: Interrelationships Frederic Taylor's scientific management theory aims to uncover "the best way of doing things" (Weightman, 2003, p.50). In relation to employee motivation, Taylor's theory emphasises the vitality of finding the most effective tool that will motivate employees to become motivated at work. Once employees are motivated, performance management will no longer be hard since employee performance is deemed excellent due to motivation. Another theory formulated in relation to motivation is Elton Mayo's Hawthorne effect. According to this theory, the level of employee’s motivation rises when additional attention is being given by management to their employees (Weightman, 2003,

Movie comment Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Comment - Movie Review Example As Robert Levin reviews, â€Å"La Mission is a quiet, authentic movie about life in the hardscrabble Mission District of San Francisco. It features a charismatic lead performance by Benjamin Bratt, while writer-director Peter Bratt depicts the neighborhood with a keenly observed sense of the close-knit macho culture at its core.† (Levin) Therefore, it is significant to realize that the drama film makes a perfect portrait of the old-world style milieu in order to present the interracial and other lifestyle issues in today’s urban environment. The major contribution to this effective handling of the social issues is made by the characters and themes of the movie. The characters in the movie such as Che Rivera, Jesse, Lena, Rene, and Smoke represent the various aspects of the interracial and lifestyle issues of the contemporary world. In fact, the story is narrated in the background of a father’s love for his son turning out to be his disgust for the son’s ga y relationships. However, themes such as interracial and lifestyle issues of the modern urban environment predominate the entire movie and the characters of the movie also contribute to the successful portrayal of these themes. In Emily Wilson’s interview with Benjamin and Peter Bratt the issues of Latino masculinity, power, community pride, and identity emerged and it is fundamental to realize that the filmmaker effectively merges these elements to produce a wonderful film of concurring themes. Thus, it becomes evident that the entire movie focuses on the life and social issues of the Mission and it remains as the merging force. â€Å"The brothers grew up in the neighborhood and have always wanted to make a film about the Mission, which they say had a big influence on them†¦ For Peter Bratt, movie making is about social justice, and in La Mission he wanted to explore the presence and acceptance of violence in our daily lives.† (Wilson) It is, therefore, essential to comprehend

Philosophy Sections 7.1 & 7.2 Essay Example for Free

Philosophy Sections 7.1 7.2 Essay 1. What are the requirements for knowledge? 4.What is Plato’s allegory of the cave supposed to demonstrate? Plato’s allegory of the cave is supposed to demonstrate not only the human situation in general but Socrates’ life in particular. Socrates glimpsed the true nature of reality and tried to convince the inhabitants of Athens that they didn’t know what they thought they knew. The objects that cast shadows on the wall represent what Plato considers to be the truly real objects: the forms. 5.What is Descartes’ dream argument? Descartes’ dream argument is as followed: 1) We can’t be certain that we’re not dreaming. 2) If we can’t be certain that we’re not dreaming, we can’t be certain that what we sense is real. 3) If we can’t be certain that what we sense is real, we can’t acquire knowledge through sense experience. 4) Therefore, we can’t acquire knowledge through sense experience. According to Descartes, you can’t rule out the possibility that you’re dreaming so you’re senses can’t give you knowledge of the external world. 8. Why do empiricists believe that there are no synthetic a priori truths? Empiricists believe that there are no synthetic a priori truths because they believe that sense experience is our only source of knowledge of the external world. 9.How does Kant explain the possibility of synthetic a priori truths? Kant explained the possibility of synthetic a priori truths by examining the method of inquiry used by mathematicians. Kant found that what makes it possible for mathematicians to discover such truths is that they study the principles the mind uses to construct mathematical objects. Section 7.2 (3 and 4) 3. What is representative realism? Representative realism is the doctrine that sensations are caused by external objects and that our sensations represent these objects. 4. What is the distinction between primary and secondary qualities? The distinction between primary and secondary qualities is that while secondary qualities exist in the mind not in the actual object, primary qualities are possessed by material objects.