Confucianism and the west :: essays research papers

Throughout the course of the first half of the semester we have taken a broad scope of the major aspects of the phenomena that has been the recent history of China. When studying Modern China a common thread of ethical, cultural, religious, political, social, and economic aspects can be analyzed in relationship to Confucianism and its affect on international relations. These aspects show that historically (particularly the nineteenth century) China initially resisted the acceptance of Western influence in order to maintain its high level of uniqueness, isolation, and Confucianism which has bred its prosperity and demise. From its early to modern societies it was abundantly clear that China would be a largely Confucian-based society. Confucianism is a major system of thought in China. Developed from the teachings of Confucius and his disciples, their ideals centered on concern with the principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationships. Confucianism has influenced the Chinese attitude toward life, and set the patterns of living and standards of social value. The keynote of Confucian ethics is jen, variously translated as "love," "goodness," "humanity" and â€Å"respect for your neighbor† (http://www.formosa-kingdom.com/chinese/). Jen is a supreme virtue representing human qualities at their best. In human relations, jen is manifested in chung, or faithfulness to oneself and others. Other important Confucian virtues include righteousness, propriety, integrity, and filial piety. It is in this light that thoughts of Confucius can so la rgely affect all facets of life. Confucianism can affect and determine the ethical viewpoints of entire nations. The ideal social structure of East Asia was that of a Confucian hierarchy followed individually by a strong familial structure. Chinese society was modeled in a true Confucian structure with governmental workers being the elite, followed by the crop producing farmers, then the merchants, and finally soldiers. Chinese ethics place an enormous emphasis upon respect. It was my understanding from discussion and research that a Confucian society is primarily based on honor and the ideology that everything is done in the best interests of the family or society. Confucius states in the first article of his constitution that: â€Å"Harmony should be held a treasure, and the person who eschews selfish opposition should receive honor† (East Asia, pg. 64 from last year). This was the case in the book Thousand Pieces of Gold when a young girl named Lulu virtually sacrifices her entire life for the greater good .

French Lietenants Woman :: essays papers

French Lietenants Woman Existentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness, isolation and freedom upon and individual is a major theme in John Fowles’, The French Lieutenants Woman. Is our life ordained by the superior, or do we power our future? In chapter 13, Fowles interrupts the narration and notes the natural aspects of writing as a novelist, the freedom of the characters that he has created, and the time and structure o f the novel itself. Though awkward to incorporate the authors visions in their own literature, it is manipulated fiction, meta-fiction that is, which perhaps is a subject of major interest amongst the readers of The French Lieutenants Woman. At first, in chapter 13, it becomes evident that he himself, Fowles, is uncertain of his writings, â€Å"I do not know† he immediately confirms. By the third paragraph he has repeated the word â€Å"perhaps† five times, demonstrating Fowles puzzlement of whether he restrains his characters, or, they control him ? Fowles addresses on behalf of all novelists, and comments on the natural features of writing, that a novelist has no predetermined illustration from chapter one. Fowles also states, â€Å"We wish to create worlds as real as, but other than the world that is†(pg.81), which associates to how this novel is a classical Victorian one, but, from a a modern perception. Fowles tries to link the idea of a modern perspective with existentialism, that it is no longer like the pre-ordained Victorians, but the concept that his characters are free from authority. Although Fowles aims to attaining a point of focus in chapter 13, he repeatedly, violently and offensively comments on God and faith. He sates, that he â€Å"The novelist stands next to God†, which is an scarce feature amongst people in general, the suggestion of equating yourself to God. Not only does Fowles reveal this, but following that he concludes â€Å"He may not know all, yet he tries to pretend that he does,† which may well suggest also God â€Å"does not know all†. This comparison is again evident, â€Å"the novelist is still a God, since he createsà ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg.82). In addition, Fowles does not understand that in much of his views, he is speaking on behalf of thousands of authors, which possibly will find his comments rather offending.

Personnel Profile Plan Essay

There are several steps an organization should take in order to change its personnel profile and there are different ways in performing this change. First and foremost what needs to be done is to project personnel needs. In projecting personnel needs the company or human resource department depending on the size of the organization, would design a profile of job expectations and qualifications for each position. This will give the company a tool to project vacancies and current staff demographics. The second step would be to develop a plan for achieving the desired personnel profile. In this step there are many different smaller steps and goals to achieve the ultimate goal. There are changes that need to be made internally such as; changing the organizational structure, changing the job design, using human resources to make personnel changes (performance appraisals, career planning, new positions), and using internal options with integrity (meaning that change is needed and not being manipulated). The third step in changing a personnel profile is implementing changes necessary to achieve the plan’s goals and objectives. In this step the human resources department should have their goals and objectives documented and their activities should be written out in full detail. In the final step monitor and evaluate the effects of change one should think this would be a self-explanatory rule however, in any company or organization when implementing new rules and making significant changes the company as a whole should want the progress monitored and this is why human resources have ways of collecting data and information in order to monitor and evaluate any effects the changes have had if any.

How to be a good student Essay

To become a good student, you need to get motivated! Motivation can come from seeing the situation of many poor children around the world who are not lucky enough to get a proper education. This is a good thing to keep in mind when you find yourself not wanting to attend class or study at home. Another reason to get motivated to study is that you will enjoy a better quality of life as an educated person. You can go to educational websites, like this one, and surf them with interest. You must not force yourself to study, as this will make learning a chore and you will not feel like even opening your books. You will have many academically good students in your courses. Try becoming friends with them (or encourage your current friends to be better students), and you’ll be immersed in an academic environment which will help you feel motivated! Above all, you need confidence! For that, we need to feel that we are working for ourselves and not for others! Good luck! Chapter 2 – Concentration On Studies Concentration follows eagerness. This section provides you with the basics of â€Å"Concentration† and also provides you with advice as to how to get aroused with concentration. You need to pay attention in a class. Don’t start chatting with your peers/friends when the teacher turns their back to you. Even better; don’t associate with distracting people. You should realize that the people in your class play an important role in how everybody progresses. However, if you are a good student you will do better and achieve your goals. Your friends will be there for you at that time, if they are trustful and of a good reputation. At home, study and do your homework in a place that doesn’t make you sleep. It is advisable to have a dedicated study table or desk. Don’t do your study work on the bed or in front of the TV, radio, stereo, etc. That would be pointless because you are meant to be thinking about your studies.

Phi-105 Week Five Checkpoint – Moral Character View Points

CheckPoint: Moral Character View Points PHI/105: Intro. To Philosophy Due Date: 10/05/2011 Instructor: Geth Allison Moral Character View Points Referencing week four discussion concerning moral character, one viewpoint my discussion group overall agreed upon including me is that habits develop from repeatedly doing something and can reflect on a person of good or bad moral character. For example, if a child was taught to say yes sir while growing up by the time he or she becomes an adult they have developed a habit of responding as yes sir without thinking twice because of saying it repetitively as they grew up, which can appear to be a reflection of a person with good moral character, although that is not always the case in my opinion. In contrast, a person of bad moral character also could have been taught as a child to respond as yes sir as they grew into an adult developing a habit, but overall his or her moral character is bad. In addition everyone agreed that habits, whether morally good or bad is formed from repetitiveness, which does not always result in the person being of bad or good moral character. On the other hand, quite a few classmates disagree on the viewpoint concerning habit and moral character being linked; as some of them argue that the two have no connection what so ever. In contrast, my perspective is that habit and moral character is connected to a certain extent based on the circumstances. For example, habits whether good or bad, are apart of every individuals moral character; I have a bad habit of purchasing shoes, although I do not need them, but I have a urge to purchase a pair or two if I go into shoe store. This is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember, but I must say it has gotten better because I intentionally stay out of the shoe store. Nevertheless, it is apart of who I am, that is, an individual with a shoe fetish, which I actually do not believe to be a bad habit, as most would say the opposite. But, â€Å"Does that make my moral character bad? † Not hardly; therefore I would say my viewpoint and those in opposition to it follows the modern form of ethical thinking because from a modern perspective the act of purchasing one, two, or how ever many pair of shoes repeatedly is not wrong it is something that I have a passion for, and does not result to anyone getting hurt.

“Remember The Titans” Directed by Boaz Yakin Essay

In the film â€Å"Remember the Titans† an important scene is at the Gettysburg battle location. Here, Boone makes an impacting speech to the players on overcoming their racism. Boone is the head coach of the mixed coloured football team he is speaking to. The film is set in the 1970’s, when racism is common. The Gettysburg scene has some visual techniques which helps one understand why it is important. One example is the silhouette with Boone the background. A verbal technique is the Boones voice is serious. Gettysburg is the turning point in the film, where the players over come their racism. At the football training camp in Gettysburg, the head coach Boone, takes them on a run at three o’clock in the morning. He takes them to the scene of the Gettysburg battle. The weather is foggy and damp. The mist from the fog, gives a softening effect on the cemetery behind Boone, when he gives his speech. The gravestones in the cemetery resemble the men killed in the battle. The gravestones also give the scene a serious effect. When Boone is speaking, one knows that what he’s saying is important because Boone is talking in a very serious and flat tone. â€Å"50,000 men were killed fighting the same fight you’re fighting.† The fight is the fight of racism. The men in the battle fought over political issues, including the use of the black slaves. The quote means that the players are fighting over racism, when the fight has already been fought with a drastic outcome. The tone of Boone’s voice is very serious, because it is clear and does not change tone. His voice impacts one because the only thing that can be focused on is the words. His voice helps me understand why it is important because he asks rhetorical questions and the words are powerful. â€Å"I don’t care if you don’t like each other, but you will respect each other.† When Boone speaks at the scene, he is standing in front of everyone, and the assistant coach, Yoast is standing with the players. This shows that Yoast connects with the players. During Boones speech there is a silhouette of Boone and the cemetery behind him. This gets the viewer to focus on the words he is saying, and the cemetery behind him, not on what he looks like saying them. â€Å"Did the die for nothing?† When he says this, the viewer is taking in what he says because one is focused on Boone himself and his words. When they get back to the camp, during a training session, the two captains shout the mantra, â€Å"left side† â€Å"strong side† to each other. This shows a new understanding and respect towards each other. They impact the rest of the team, which then come together as well. On the bus ride too the camp, the players are not talking to each other. In comparison to this, the bus ride on the way back to school, the players are all singing together. This is the turning point which shows me that Gettysburg is important. Overall I think that Gettysburg is an important scene because through Boone’s speech, the cemetery and the reactions after the speech, it shows that it affected the players because they changed from disliking and not trusting each other, to trusting and respecting each other. This shows that it must be important because of the result.

Breaking with the Continuum

In this paper I’m going to discuss how both Modernism and Postmodernism represented a paradigm shift in the traditional art and thinking. I’m going to list the characteristic features of these eras, providing relevant evidence, where necessary. In the closing part f my paper, I’m going to investigate the effects Modernism and Postmodernism had on the creative process in the wider context. Following the chronology of events, I’ll discus Modernism first. The revolutionary nature of this artistic movement is noted for all the scholars researching the History of Art.If we discuss the definition of Modernism, we’ll see that it reflects the innovative and experimental nature if it: â€Å"The term Modernism applied retrospectively to the wide range of experimental and avant-garde trends in the arts that emerged from the middle of the 19th century, as artists rebelled against traditional Historicism, and later through 20th century as the necessity of an in dividual rejecting previous tradition, and by creating individual, original techniques. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 1) Indeed, the first and foremost characteristic feature of Modernism is the rejected tradition.While the majority of previous artistic developments tried to find a place within the general context of the artistic realm, Modernism rejected all the previous principles and practices. The very term â€Å"Modernism† implies the dichotomy and struggle between tradition and modernity. In a limited number of cases, â€Å"Modernism was not merely defined by its avant garde but also by a reforming trend within previous artistic norms. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 2) In a word, Modernism aimed at rejecting, transforming, or reforming previous artistic experience – but nothing can be left untouched.But what tradition Modernism rejected? â€Å"The second half of the 19th century has been called the Positivist age. In the visual arts this modernistic or p ositivistic spirit is most obvious in the widespread rejection of Romantic subjectivism and imagination in favor of the faith in the positive consequences of the close observation and the accurate and apparently objective description of the ordinary, observable world. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 3) Another characteristic feature of Modernism is experiment.From my personal point of view, in the majority of cases Modernism represented experiment for the sake of experiment: Modernists wanted â€Å"to create forms for no other purpose than novelty. † (Keep, McLaughlin & Parmar, n/d, â€Å"Defining Postmodernism,† â€Å"What is postmodernism? †, para. 1) The tension between dispositio and eloqutio was often decided in favour of form. It’s much easier to produce a revolution in form than in meaning. As for other revolutionary innovations, â€Å"Modernism's cutting edges, to this point had been the exploration of subjective experience and the clarificatio n and simplification of structure.† (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 6) By way of all these changes and modifications, art was ascribed a new function. Modernism â€Å"introduced the increasing number of works which either radically simplified or rejected previous practice. Underlying strand of that thinking can be called the shift from idealistic to critical. This tendency mirrors that art is to communicate clearly. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 9) Modernism pioneered new forms of artistic expression, offered by rapidly developing technology. â€Å"This feature would in future unite both Modernism and Postmodernism.The rise of cinema and ‘moving pictures’ in the first decade of the 20th century gave the modern movement an artform which was uniquely its own. The use of photography, which had rendered much of the representational function of visual art obsolete, also strongly affected Modernism. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 7) Indeed, Modernism, especially in s pecific forms, offered an up-to-date response to the changing reality. â€Å"The pressures of communication, transportation and more rapid scientific development began placing a premium on search for simplification of diction in the work of various art forms.One example was the movement towards clarity, and the embracing of new technology, found in Futurism. † (HuntFor. com, n/d, para. 12) So we can conclude that there were objective preconditions for the rejection of tradition advocated by the representatives of Modernism. When I thought of bringing a relevant example to illustrate how Modernists rejected the tradition, I found out that each movement – from De Stijl to Art Deco – offered their own response. This again proves the innovative nature of Modernism: while the tradition is singular, the deviations from it are multiple.The situation with Postmodernism isn’t that crystal clear. The very term â€Å"Postmodernism† suggests the continuation o f modernists’ tradition. The concept of Postmodern was first used with regard to architecture at the middle of the last century: â€Å"Firstly, postmodernism was a movement in architecture that rejected the modernist, avant garde, passion for the new. † (Keep, McLaughlin & Parmar, n/d, â€Å"Defining Postmodernism,† â€Å"What is postmodernism? †, para. 1) Generally, the movement was born as a rejection of the previous tradition of the adoeation of novelty. The definition of Postmodernism is as follows:â€Å"[Postmodernism is a] rejection of the sovereign autonomous individual with an emphasis upon anarchic collective, anonymous experience. Collage, diversity, the mystically unrepresentable, Dionysian passion are the foci of attention. Most importantly we see the dissolution of distinctions, the merging of subject and object, self and other. This is a sarcastic playful parody of western modernity and the ‘John Wayne’ individual and a radical , anarchist rejection of all attempts to define, reify or re-present the human subject. † (Keep, McLaughlin & Parmar, n/d, â€Å"Defining Postmodernism,† â€Å"What is postmodernism? †, para. 5)We see that Postmodernism rejects not only the previous tradition of Modernism, but also all the previous artistic tradition. It focuses on a different meaning and method of creation. Assuming that no new knowledge can have been produced at the end of the 20th century, Postmodernism concentrated on synthesizing the available element of art and thought. Postmodernism is a paradigm shift that can’t yet be defined by comparison with the artistic method that will chronologically follow it. As for the meaning of these two innovative trends, Modernism opened a new era in the Western art at the beginning of the 20th century.It opened way for constant experimentation and search for new forms of artistic expression. Postmodernism with its stress on collective and anonymous e xperience changed the nature of relations between the author and artistic product. Both trends offered a highly needed response to the rapidly changing world. References Modernism. HuntFor. com. June 11, 2005. www. huntfor. com/arthistory/c19th/modernism. htm Keep, C. , McLaughlin, T. and Parmar, R. Defining Postmodernism. The Electronic Labyrinth. June 11, 2005. http://www. iath. virginia. edu/elab/hfl0242. html