Constructivism Theory Essay

Constructivism is a communication theory that seeks to explain individual differences in the ability to communicate skillfully. Jesse Delia and his associates at the University of Illinois initially developed the theory of constructivism in the communication discipline during the 1970s (Delia, O’Keefe, & O’Keefe, 1982). Those who developed the constructivist approach to human communication were interested in understanding how people’s interpretations of the social world influenced their communicative behavior. Much of our early theorizing was influenced by scholars such as the Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget (1896–1980), and the American philosopher, George Herbert Mead (1863–1931), both of whom believed that effective communication depended on the ability to â€Å"take† (or imaginatively construct) the perspective of others. Because we viewed communication as a skill—as a practical art for accomplishing social purposes—we were particularly interested in understanding how individual differences in the perception of people and social events were related to the use of more and less effective forms of communication. Constructivism is the ability of a person to communicate with other people in social situations that present proficient correspondence with others. Constructivists in general are more concerned with mental structures than mental processes. It is based on the ability to speak with other person, which also means that messages must be created. Constructivism builds on how individuals build meanings. It is how we make sense of the world, interaction and ourselves. It is a humanistic theory and deals with individuals processing impressions. It is concerned with the cognitive processes that precede the actual communication within a given situation. Measuring and observing these cognitive processes can be a difficult task. While I agree that people who are able to adapt their messages to particular situations and audiences are more successful than those who are not able, saying that those who are more cognitively complex are always more successful is probably misrepresenting the truth. It is also a theory which emphasizes different layers of cognition. It shares Ontological and Epistemological assumptions. Constructivism deals with the cognitive complexity of an individual. Those who are cognitively complex are understood to be capable of perceiving interpersonal messages better and forming more â€Å"elaborate impressions of others† (Waltman, 2002).

Compare and contrast Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Essay

Introduction The current essay focuses on two different therapeutic techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. The initial component of the essay outlines the therapeutic orientations of both approaches; then, the different approaches are related to a case study of a young lady called Linda who is seeking counseling due to feelings of hopelessness. The essay is then finished with some of the author’s personal opinions on the two therapeutic approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy While Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been in development since the 1980’s, it has only recently risen to prominence and is sometimes described as a ‘new wave’ therapeutic technique. ACT is a modern behaviour therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness interventions alongside commitment and behaviour change strategies to enhance psychological flexibility (Sonja, 2011). ACT differs from many modern therapies, in particular its approach to dealing with distressing emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Unlike many modern psychotherapies, ACT does not look to reduce the severity or frequency of unwanted thoughts and emotions; however, it instead focuses on helping people to live more rewarding lives even in the presence of undesirable thoughts, emotions and sensations. ACT is underpinned by a program of research on the nature of human language and cognitions know as Rational Frame Theory (RFT). RFT describes how normal human language processes dramatically change the human experience by resulting in the ability to readily and frequently evaluate virtually all of its experiences negatively (Flaxman and Blackledge, 2010). This verbal capacity allows humans to compare their ‘ideal’ to their ‘flaws’. Any discrepancies can be interpreted as unworthiness, and this can be a cause of psychological distress. RFT has led to the development of an empirically based model of human functioning that comprises six interrelated therapeutic processes. These are: acceptance, defusion, contact with the present moment, self as context, values, and committed action. While detailed descriptions  of these processes are beyond the scope of the current essay, a few elements can be explored. Cognitive fusion is a core process, which can lead to psychological distress. Cognitive fusion refers to when words themselves take on the properties of the things to which they refer (Flaxman and Blackledge, 2010). For example, if someone has gone through a violent attack, that individual may have thoughts about the attack, which can bring up in the present, all the thoughts, emotions and memories associated with that event, even if it was many years ago. In this example the individual may start to think that all people are dangerous, and therefore not go out. Thus the process of ‘fusion’, by which verbal processes come to excessively or inappropriately influence behavior, which may lead one to behave in ways that are guided by inflexible verbal networks. ACT would look at assisting the individual to not be governed rigidly by the thoughts in their head, working instead to find ways to more effectively interact with the directly experienced world, rather than the verbal ly constructed one in their mind (Sonja, 2011). Acceptance and commitment While the word acceptance may have associations for some such as â€Å"grin and bear it† or ‘soldiering on’, the word is used differently in ACT. In ACT the word acceptance refers to the willingness to experience distressing emotions and experiences that are encountered in the process of behaving in a way which is consistent with one’s values (Flaxman and Blackledge, 2010). Commitment refers to a public commitment to a specific value or value-consistent behavior, where the individual acts in accordance with their values. For example, a person whose value is to be ‘a caring partner’ may commit to taking their partner out for a meal each week. Solution-focused brief therapy Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) was developed by Steve De Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in 1986. SFBT believes that change can come from two primary  sources, firstly by getting clients to discuss their preferred future, for example what their lives might look like should therapy be successful and, secondly, by detailing their skills and resources that clients have at their disposal (Macdonald, 2011). SFBT holds that language and words are very important, and that helping clients talk about their lives in more useful language can lead to positive change. One of the major differences between SFBT and other psychotherapies is that while SFBT acknowledged that clients tend to come to therapy to talk about their problems, the SFBT will not encourage them to talk about their problems, but rather to talk about solutions (Rafter, Evans and Iveson, 2012). One of the central assumptions of SFBT is that the client will choose the goals for therapy and that the client themselves have resources which they will use in making changes (Macdonald, 2011). The therapeutic conversation aims at restoring hope and self-esteem, while reducing anxiety to a point where people become able to think more widely and creatively about solutions. SFBT holds that high anxiety can restrict cognition and attention to the surrounding environment and that, by reducing anxiety, it would allow for wider thinking about possible approaches to problems, as well as mobilizing their existing strengths and resources to address their desired goals (Rafter et al, 2012). Therapeutic relationship and goals The therapist adopts a non-expert or ‘not-knowing’ stance, in which the individual selects the goals and the means to get to the goals. Unrealistic goals may be negotiated with the therapist. Unlike other therapies no homework is given and no advice is given as to what should be done next. As Insoo Kim Berg said: ‘leave no footprints in the clients life’. The word ‘brief’ in SFBT means that therapy should not last ‘one more session than is necessary’. Research shows that the average client utilizes 3 to 6 and a half sessions (Macdonald, 2011). The therapist seeks to maintain respectful curiosity about the client’s situation. The therapist assumes that change is possible or even inevitable,  given the nature of the human existence, this philosophical stand point has its basis in Buddhist teachings, that change is a continual process and stability is only an illusion (Richard, 2011). Assumptions of SFBT De Shazer’s 3 rules which underpin SFBT 1 If it ain’t broke don’t fix it 2 Once you know what works do more of it 3 If it doesn’t work, don’t do it again, do something different (Rafter et al, 2012). All clients are motivated towards something. Clients do not lack motivation and it is the therapist’s job to uncover what they are motivated towards. Attempting to understand the cause of the problem is not helpful and, in some cases, can be harmful as clients get caught up in describing their situation in negative language. However fixed a problem pattern may be, the client will be engaging in some of the solution. Linda’s presenting problem Linda has come to counseling, as she appears unsure about the direction her life is heading. There appears to be a gap between what Linda wanted to be and what she perceives herself to be now. She has described issues with her partner, including arguments over marriage. Linda also describes some negative thoughts about herself such as feeling ‘hopeless’ and ‘not good enough’. These thoughts and feeling appears to be very distressing to Linda. Many of these thoughts appear to be related to her new job where is often feels inadequate. Linda has also stated that she has found social interaction less rewarding recently and describes it as ‘pointless’. Linda and ACT One of the first steps for Linda would be discussing with the ACT therapist  her chosen life values, that is the things that are most important in Linda’s life. For example, Linda might decide that being very successful in her work is an important value for her. Once the goal is established the therapist and Linda would look to commit to a pattern of behavior that is in line with the goal of ‘being successful at work’. Often avoidance and cognitive fusion issues can act as a barrier for clients in achieving their goals. Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Fusions and Linda Within ACT, the case formulation is that affective disorders are the result of unsuccessful attempts to escape from challenging private events that the individual is unwilling to experience (Zettle, 2004). This is also known as experiential avoidance, which can be defined as the process by which individuals engage in strategies designed to alter the frequency or experience of private events, such as thoughts and feelings, memories or bodily sensations (Sonja, 2011). For example, Linda describes herself as ‘conservative’ and not much of a ‘risk taker’; up to this point in her life Linda has taken jobs that are well within her comfort zone. As such, Linda may have avoided challenging work environments and avoided the pressure and criticism that comes along with these positions. The ACT therapist would focus on a course of work with Linda encouraging her to experience the full spectrum of thoughts, feelings and emotions so she does not feel the need to avoid or escape (Sonja, 2011). In this case asking Linda to experience the thought/feeling that ‘she is sometimes not good enough’. By facing this thought Linda may become more comfortable with it, and be able to function even in the presence of these distressing thoughts. As experiential avoidance is seen as the underlying cause to psychological distress it stands to reason that the solution would lie in engaging clients in the situations they find difficult. If we accept that life will inevitably have psychologically distressful events and that often these events cannot be avoided, then therapy should help clients accept the distress that arises during life. At the core of RFT’s account of language and cognitions is the assumption that the kind of abstract, evaluative words  we struggle with that claim to capture reality, in fact cannot. Thus, the acceptance part of ACT is not an acceptance of how an individually literally perceives it, but rather the acceptance of his experience as it is, and not how his mind says it is. In this instance ACT would look to reduce the hold of language on the situation. Linda may make the statement ‘I’m hopeless’, ACT would look to reframe this to ‘I’m having thoughts that I’m hopeless’ rather than ‘I’m hopeless’. Reframing the statement in this way would move Linda away from defining herself as being ‘hopeless’ to defining herself as a person who sometimes feels hopeless; this would hopefully lessen the psychological distress and help Linda be more able to move towards her chosen goals. Linda and SFBT SFBT holds that there are two powerful tools to assisting recovery. The first, that positive talk about an individual’s preferred future will result in positive change; and secondly, identifying and highlighting the resources an individual already has at their disposal will better allow the individuals to use those resources. The SFBT therapist may ask Linda ‘What are your best hopes for therapy?’ thus encouraging problem free talk which is used to enhance the therapeutic alliance (Rafter et al, 2012). Problem free talk can often reduce anxiety and guilt if the therapist enquires about their success and interest as well as the problem. For example Linda has stated that there is a gap between how she is and how she wants to be, the SFBT therapist may ask ‘Can you tell me about a time when your actual self and ideal self were closer together?’ Perhaps one of the most famous elements of SFBT is the ‘miracle question’; as such it is worth looking at the miracle question in relation to Linda. The miracle question is designed to bring a sense of optimism and play, allowing creative thinking to emerge and confirming the goals already identified at the outset (Richard, 2011). The miracle question is designed to encourage the client to talk about the potential positive results of successful treatment. The miracle question is as follows: ‘I’m going to ask you a kind of strange question now. Suppose [pause] you go to bed and to sleep tonight as usual [pause] and while you are asleep a miracle happens [pause] and the problem that bought you here today [look round all present] is solved [pause]. But you are asleep and don’t know that it has been solved [pause]. What will be the first small sign that this miracle has happened and that the problem is solved?’ When asked the miracle question Linda would be prompted to describe feelings, thoughts or emotions which she wants to have in the future. She may answer ‘Well I guess I might feel more confident in my abilities, I may be more comfortable with who I am and I wouldn’t feel so anxious’. The SFBT therapist would then seek to expand on this answer by asking ‘what else?’ while always focusing on the positive elements of the answers. In the above example we see that Linda says ‘I wouldn’t feel so anxious’ the SFBT therapist may respond ‘Well you say you wouldn’t feel anxious, so what would you feel?’ to which Linda would hopefully respond with something positive ‘I’d feel calm and satisfied’. ACT vs. SFBT The power of language Both ACT and SFBT hold language as a powerful influence on human distress. ACT argues that as human language has become more complex it has also presented humans with new challenges. Specifically how we use language to relate our own self to other people/stimuli. People learn arbitrary ways of evaluating themselves and their experiences in culturally agreed upon ways, for example ‘having no partner means that you are undesirable, being inadequate is bad’ and people hold these statements as rules or absolute truths (Sonja, 2011). Take, for example, the statement ‘being inadequate is bad’ this could lead an individual who has been inadequate to conclude that they themselves are bad, the individual may arrive at this conclusion without acknowledging the subjective and incomplete nature of the statement ‘being inadequate is bad’. Humans, according to ACT, come to place too much  value in the accuracy of language. Indeed language holds so much powe r that what is verbally believed is consumed as solid fact (Sonja, 2011). SFBT focuses on a different effect of language on the human condition. While ACT states that it’s how we relate language to ambiguous stimuli which is the cause of psychological distress, SFBT focus on the use of ‘problem free talk’ to improve an individuals psychological distress. SFBT holds that talking about solutions rather than the problem will in itself allow for positive change in an individuals life. The idea being that time is spent talking about individual’s strengths, rather than their problems, will reduce stress. When stress is reduced SFBT holds that clients are more able to access solutions for their problems, as when clients are anxious they have restricted cognitions. The therapeutic relationship Studies have indicated that the therapeutic alliance has a significant impact on the outcome of treatment (Lambert and Barley, 2002). ACT and SFBT share some similar ideas around what the therapeutic relationship should look like. Both approaches believe that the therapist should take a ‘not-knowing’ position which puts the therapist ‘in the same boat’ as the client. In ACT the therapist acknowledges that they themselves are human and struggle as well and thus they should be able to apply ACT principals to their own experiences in order to respond consistently and coherently with the model and to form an authentic relationship. If the therapist does not apply the principal to their life in and out of the session they may come across as disingenuous (Sonja, 2011). While ACT requires the therapist to buy into the principles they are preaching, SFBT requires the therapist to assume that change is possible and even inevitable, given the nature of human existence. The therapist needs to hold genuine optimism about the possibility of recovery. An SFBT Therapist also uses language matching or language tracking as a means to building a solid therapeutic relationship. Language matching refers to when the therapist uses the client’s word for events and situations. If possible the  therapist should use words or phrases the client uses in every statement. It is argued that renaming something amounts to contradicting the clients, which may not be helpful in building relationships. Personal preference Both ACT and SFBT have strong and affective therapeutic intervention styles. In my opinion, it is ACT’s unique approach to psychological distress that stands out as the most powerful. The idea that part of being human involves times of psychological distress resonates strongly with my own set of ideas. Indeed trying to restrict unpleasant psychological experiences seems in some ways to be unnatural, and against what it is to be human. Helping people to live and function in the presence of distressing emotions seems a more worthwhile pursuit than attempting to eliminate or restrict unpleasant experiences. In modern society there is an obsession with the idea that people should be happy all the time and this creates a situation whereby people who do not feel happy feel bad about not being happy and thus compound their misery. The central idea of SFBT, that the therapeutic session should be centered on solutions rather than the problems is a clever tweak on the traditional approach to therapy. In my opinion, it makes sense to spend more time talking about what resources an individual might have and engaging in positive speak rather than talking at length about what is going wrong. Psychodynamic therapists have long said if you name an emotion in a session, then soon that emotion will appear, often accompanied by memories and experiences connected to it, therefore it stands to reason that if the problem is discussed at length this will be accompanied by the negative thoughts and emotions experienced with it, equally if the solution is discussed the thoughts and emotions may be more positive and foster hope. I feel that this technique could be easily amalgamated into other therapeutic frameworks. It would also be personally more enjoyable to the therapist to be discussing positive solutions, rather than spen ding all the time listening to problems. Conclusion Both ACT and SFBT offer a unique take of traditional psychotherapies. ACT helps individuals in achieving their chosen life goals even in the face of psychological distress and difficulties, while SFBT approaches psychological distress in a unique way by focusing less on the distress itself but rather the solutions and resources the individual has available to themselves. For Linda, ACT would entail some exposure of her fears of criticism, in order for her to achieve her goal of professional success, ACT would help her deal with the inevitable professional criticism which occurs in high pressure jobs. While SFBT would lessen Linda’s anxieties with solution focused talk, which in turn would mean that Linda could more affectively assess her personal resources and apply them to achieving her goals. References: Batten, Sonja V. (2011). Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com Corsini, Raymon., Wedding, Danny. (2014). Current Psychotherapies. United States of America: Brooks/Cole. Flaxman, Paul E.; Blackledge, J.T.; Bond, Frank W. (2010). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy : Distinctive Features. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com Macdonald, Alasdair (2011). Solution-Focused Therapy : Theory, Research & Practice. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com McKay, Matthew; Lev, Avigail; Skeen, Michelle (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Interpersonal Problems : Using Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Schema Awareness to Change Interpersonal Behaviors. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com Nelson-Jones, Richard. (2011). Counselling & Therapy. London: SAGE publications. Ratner, Harvey; George, Evan; Iveson, Chris (2012). Solution Focused Brief Therapy : 100 Key Points and Techniques. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com

Compare the Presentation of Change in Yeats”Sailing to Byzantium’

Compare the presentation of change in Yeats’ ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ and ‘The Second Coming’ Both of Yeats’ poems express his opinions and viewpoint of the changes in society and people’s beliefs. Through the poem ‘The Second Coming’ Yeats highlights his belief that the twentieth century had seen the beginning of a new darker era, full of violence and struggles for independence and the effects of the Great War. The second poem ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ expresses Yeats’ observations of old age and the comforting idea of travelling to Byzantium.Through the poem ‘The Second Coming’ reflects more than just society and politics within Ireland, but expresses Yeats’ turn of attention towards larger scale graphical and spiritual events such as The Great War in 1919. The Christian idea of the ‘Second coming’ that Christ would return is featured as the centre pin to Yeats’ poem a s questions what has become of his present day society, and how it had mutated and evolved from the more traditional, biblical times featured in religious stories and beliefs.The poem showcases Yeats’ acute understanding that a potentially dark time is ahead. The poem ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ features the theme of aging, a popular writing topic of Yeats’ also used in other poems such as ‘Wild Swans at Coole’. The idea of escaping the unaccommodating world and society of youth, and journeying to a calm Island of Byzantium appears a comforting thought. The poem written in when Yeats was around 60 years old provides insight into his thoughts of what it means to be old. The Second Coming’ contains links between how Yeats views society and the birth of Christ and the belief he would return. The first stanza of the poem contains imagery of violence and a lack of order. The phrase ‘mere anarchy’ highlights the main subject of the po em, the loss of a culture or civilisation, this dark imagery is used throughout the poem, ‘ Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold’ implies that the things at the heart of Yeats’ modern culture are literary and metaphorically broken.This change is described using natural imager of water; ‘the blood-dimmed tide’ and ‘the ceremony of innocence is drowned’ create a sense of fear as the natural power of water is uncontrollable, like the change Yeats is experiencing in the society of his time. This idea that the current society is not appropriate is shared in ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ as it is explained that it is ‘no country for old men’ and that ‘an aged man is but a paltry thing’, both phrases express the feeling of being out of place and unwanted ue to aging. Through the development of imagery such as ‘ the salmon- fall’ evoke the energy of youth whilst later ‘ a dying animalâ€⠄¢ contrast youth with age allowing Yeats to highlight the change from youth to experience with age. In the poem ‘The Second Coming’ Yeats uses the line ‘ the falcon cannot hear the falconer’ to give the worrying sense that nature is inverted and things are not as they should be, triggered by the coming change at the birth of a new era.The lines ‘The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity’, built on opposites ‘best and worst’ again support the theme that the change has inverted life for the worst. The religious imagery of the birth of the ‘rough beast’, as it ‘slouches towards Bethlehem’ lacks an hint of human qualities, making it a stark contrast to the biblical, gentle saviour of Christ, but as a dehumanised monster. The use of stark contrast is also used within ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ between the differences of being young and old, ‘the young in one another’s arms’ carefree and ‘sick with desire’ of an aged man jealous of the youthful.The word ‘gyre’ in both poems is used as a common link to highlight to the reader that the changes occurring in both ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ and ‘The Second Coming’ are unavoidable and uncontrollable. While the technique of alliteration, ‘Bethlehem to be born’ in ‘The Second Coming’ supports the momentum and inevitability of change and the new era. Also ‘Fish, flesh, or fowl’ in ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ has a powerful effect as it recaptures all fish, youth and birds and brings them once again to the attention of the reader, as these three species are examples of youth and support the change experienced by the old.In conclusion through both poems Yeats expresses different types of change and the extent they have on people and society. While in ‘The Second Coming’ Yeats fo cuses on the worrying and almost threatening change in society through the twentieth century he highlights the also worrying, for different reason, inevitability of aging and the want to escape from the struggles of modern, youth controlled society.

Tactical Medicine in EMS today Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tactical Medicine in EMS today - Term Paper Example actical medicine is focused and highly discerning endeavor that necessitates intensive training, control, regulation and distinctive association with law enforcement. Tactical medicine encompasses the principal accountability of giving medical care to the SWAT team, although their duties extend far ahead of such undertakings. The present article observes the progression and current tactical medical beliefs and methods engaged by military and LEAs specifically SWAT teams (Morrissey, 2013). The concept of tactical medicine is in existence since the dawn of medicine and combats. In early battles the treatment was given only to the royal individuals like Kings and other important people. Although outcomes were not significantly promising and caused mortality at times or else the victim suffered with the serious infections which may cause death. Over the centuries, advances in tools, techniques and medical facilities drastically enhanced the understanding towards injury management (Morrissey, 2013). Conflicts witnessed in the last decade displayed controlling extremity hemorrhage as well as aggressive airway management, resulting in a significant decline or drop in casualty fatality rate (CFR), the percentage of individuals who got injured in the battle and expire. A closer examination of CFR highlights the fact that a remarkable reduction in fatality occurred after 2004. The CFR for World War II was recorded as 19.1 percent, in Vietnam War it was recorded to be 15.8 percent while in Iraq/ Afghanistan conflicts CFR was recorded to be 9.4 percent. However, earlier than 2004, a considerable percentage of deaths of American soldiers during the Global War of Terror (GWOT) involved numerous kinds of injuries such as hemorrhage from extremity injure; junctional hemorrhage involving high traumatic amputation; gunshot injury to the abdomen resulting in non-compressible hemorrhage; airway problems and tension pneumothorax (Morrissey, 2013). Introduction of tactical medics

The development of language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The development of language - Essay Example Today, millions of people speak one of the twenty-eight Mayan languages as their primary language. Apart from for the Waxtek speakers of Veracruz, Mayan languages occupy a large geographical zone in eastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, western Honduras, and western El Salvador (Sharer & Traxler 23). Mayan language family includes 31 languages spoken in Guatemala, Belize and southern Mexico. According to general classification, it has five major branches. It is frequently believed that Huastecan split off in the very beginning, followed by Yucatecan and then all other groups branched out (Campbell 71-72).Most of the Mayan speakers are partially bilingual and their second language is Spanish or English in case of Belize(Sharer & Traxler, 23). Other languages have great influence on all Mayan languages. For instance, there is grammatical evidence for prehistoric connections between the Mayan and the adjoining language family, MixeZoquean. Borrowing words started between these groups in the Pre-classic age and was generally from Mixe-Zoquea to Mayan. For instance, in addition to ajaw (lord) and kakaw (cocoa or chocolate), quite a few basic Mayan kinship and body-part terms came from Mixe-Zoquean. Most of the Mayan languages have few numbers of loanwords from Nahuatal. Nahuatal is the language of native peoples from Central Mexico, particularly post-classic Mexica, or Aztecs. Most probably these loanwords refer to the rising importance of the Central Mexican states in the Post-classic era. The Maya not only borrowed but also influenced other languages. For instance, more or less extinct language of southeastern Guatemala, Xinca does not belong to Mayan language family but it has a large number of loanwords from Mayan. Since European contact, the process of this exchange continued with Spanish and English. A very good example is the word kakaw that has entered English as cocoa just like Mayan word xook as the

Business process management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Business process management - Essay Example A charter can be used for understanding. Like any appropriate contract, the charter should specify all details including dates, costs , and clears statement of expected finding and implications. Six sigma teams focus on the target market and means of satisfying them. The emphasis on the customers is its most attractive feature. It is always good for a project team to begin by focusing on their services and product quality in order to satisfy their customers.The Six Sigma approach to process definition is summed up in the acronym SIPOC, which emphasizes Supplier, Input, Process, Output, and Customer ( Harmon). Next step is â€Å"Measure†. During this phase relevant data is collected and analysed. It ]involves measurement of important aspects of the current process and so forth( Understanding The six Sigma methodology,sixsigma.net). George Eckes, suggests three measurement principles: measure only what is important to the customer, only measure process outputs that you can impro ve, don’t measure an output for which you have no history of customer dissatisfaction. There are three things that every Six Sigma team should follow to determine the measurement of the process effectively and efficiently.

Influences of My Career Choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Influences of My Career Choice - Essay Example For one thing, having a job only means that I have an activity through which an individual can earn money. It is a regular activity in exchange of payment. It is not the same as having a career since having a career means that I would essentially be pursuing a lifelong ambition or the general course of progression towards lifelong goals. (Career vs. Job) So, I now knew that although I had a job, I may not want to be doing the same job for the rest of my life. Therefore, I needed to make plans that included developing a career plan for myself that I would follow until the day I retire. I need the career in order to give myself a sense of direction and financial motivation. By choosing a career for myself, I would finally be able to tell people that I knew what I would be doing for myself in the future. Techniques in career management Planning for my future career requires a more-or-less systematic approach, following those models and theories that management experts and practitioners have designed. While these are not hard and fast rules, they are advisory in providing a structure to how I am to plan out my career and work life. We will be using the Wheel of Life, the Greenhaus et al. Career Management Model, and Bolles’ (2008) Flower Diagram. Wheel of Life There are several conceptual tools which are helpful in defining our life goals and aspirations so that we could make a better choice among the possible career paths we could take. The diagram following provides a visual depiction of the theory. The wheel of life is made up of concentric circles showing graduated levels of each part. In applying this wheel in the course of deciding and building a career, it is important to balance our lives according to each part that makes up the wheel. I am aware that work and career, which is of such great importance to me, should also serve to balance personal growth and need for money against love life, hobbies and recreation, and of course family and friends. We must not also pursue career so intensely as to forget our health and fitness, particularly managing the stress that tends to build up at work. In my case, the overbearing influence of family, to be discussed later, has to be moderated by my desire for personal growth, earning money, and work and career. Even while growing up, due to our dire circumstances I was overly occupied with working due to our lack of money that I did not have a healthy balance between study, friends and recreation like other children. Over-emphasizing any of these aspects and neglecting the others will surely lead to my eventual frustration and unhappiness. The Greenhaus, et al. Career Management Model The following diagram depicts the Greenhaus, Callanan & Godshalk (2000) model. I find this model a good tool to use in trying to feel through what career path I choose for myself, and I believe I will continue to refer to it as a framework for gaining my bearings as I reach crucial junctures in my work life. T he model appears to be complicated, but I realize that I had been subconsciously doing the steps during my career planning. An instinctive awareness of my aspirations and capabilities and awareness of the desperation as well as opportunities in my environment have guided me to want better things and perceive a way to do them. Everytime I try out

Organizational Ethics Issue Resolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Ethics Issue Resolution - Essay Example However, in today's world, where the scientific world has come of age in its standing vis--vis organization ethics and prevention, subsidiary issues have emerged that are considered to be of prime importance in the realm of ethics. The changes in society and life all around the world have brought about considerable changes in the lifestyles of people. Similarly, the provision of norms has seen its development through the ages, and many additional factors like ethical, legal and professional concerns need to be understood better. The learning outcomes associated with this course are crucially linked to the integral understand of organizational issues and practice. Understanding the domain of every prong individually is of vital importance. As was mentioned earlier, knowledge of ethical issues to the cause of organizational practice has now become imperative. Though universal laws for humanitarianism and morality remain constant for humans, yet there are certain legal implications that are different for certain countries and even states within countries. It must be understood by a professional, that the legal clauses are not a matter of burden, but actually a facilitating and binding factor that ensures that the provision of ethics would be unequivocal and just for all. ... However, despite the magnitude and quality of work that was done at that time, the obvious constraint due to the war was that a systematic procedure for providing ethics cannot be established. Much has changed since then, and the corporate face of the organizations in the changing world has brought about a new shape to the domain of organizational practice. With the inception of concepts like quality and the ISO standards, what the world of today has realized, is that documentation, for any system of work, is not only essential, but is a must. Specifically focusing on the legal and professional issues, it has enabled to understand all the paraphernalia that are associated with the direct management of ethics. Documentation is as important as giving of training to the organization. No scientific analysis in the contemporary world is possible with out the necessary documentation throughput the process. Archival record, current and past medications, and future preventions, all are possible simply because of efficient records. Values Identification Though the importance and significance of the major issues has been established, yet appropriate working with these concerns in minds is still easier said than done. For a new professional, it is extremely important to properly identify with the issues. The ethical and legal concerns are very similar to the organizational ones in their dynamics. For one, the first thing that needs to be done with a organization is appropriate identification with respect to the symptoms. Only a sound knowledge of the traits of a organization and its patterns can help identity for the professional as to what is to be done with it. Similarly, with legal and ethical concerns, the first step is to identify any anomaly in the

The Contemporary American Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Contemporary American Dream - Essay Example The development of suburbia ‘starts’ with a farewell to Rosie Riveter as transition from World War II to the suburbs of the 1950s. The female factory worker needed to be sucked back into the home to make way in the factories for the returning soldiers. This is brilliantly portrayed through the innovation of the television set, which played a large role in reinforcing to women the concept that their proper roles were those of wife and mother. Rosie is sucked into the screen, losing her wrench while the well-manicured lawns and white orderly house fronts of the suburbs can be seen below her as she is overwhelmed by the messages of TV advertisements and popular shows such as Leave it to Beaver. To be sure this point isn’t lost by the mural viewer, the stereotypical white suburban family can be seen standing behind the television. The rows of suburban houses are divided in the middle by a column of moving trucks, presumably bringing more blonde, blue-eyed suburban per fect families away from the distant city to the white-washed neighborhoods. Finally, a deep ditch separates these perfect neighborhoods from the poor, rural black people that pass by heading in the opposite direction in broken down cars and on bare feet heading into the city. They are allowed to look, but not to stop or stay. While the American Dream is being defined for and realized by the white people, the only hope of achieving it for the black people is to head into the inner city slums in the hopes of finding work.

Million Dollar Baby Tragedy Essay Example for Free

Million Dollar Baby Tragedy Essay She’s younger, she’s stronger, and she’s more experienced. Now what are you going to do about it? † Next round starts, Maggie knocks her out in a few seconds. Maggie being seven years older than a normal fighter is not as quick on her feet and is inexperienced. But after this fight Maggie shows that she is dignified and a serious fighter. Maggie demonstrates that she is courageous and dignified which is part of what makes a movie, a tragedy. Maggie also shows Million Dollar Baby is a tragedy because her downfall is caused by a human emotion, her competitiveness. After a bunch of fights in a row the narrator concludes, â€Å"Maggie always did like taking ‘em out in the first round†. This illustrates that Maggie does not like making it a good long fight where both competitors gain experience. Maggie likes to win, hitting them hard and quickly, letting her competitiveness get in the way. The narrator later says, â€Å"boxing is an unnatural act. ‘Cause everything in it is backwards. You wanna move to the left, you don’t step left; you push off your right toe. To move to the right, you use your left toe. Instead of running from the pain like a sane person would do, you step into it. That’s what Maggie did, all the way to the World Championships†. Instead of backing away from the pain she turned into every hit because backing away from the pain means she loses. Getting hit multiple times a fight, Maggie reveals a bad hit will not keep her from winning. Maggie’s competitiveness is a key part in Million Dollar Baby being a tragedy. Million Dollar Baby is a tragedy because after her downfall, Maggie learns she can achieve more than she knows; if she works hard enough. Maggie has been constantly trying to get Frankie to train her since day one. Frankie after watching Maggie on the speed bag says, â€Å"If I take you on† interrupting Frankie, Maggie says â€Å"You won’t regret it. † Frankie sighs and continues â€Å"God this is a mistake already.. I’m going to try to forget the fact that you are a girl. † Frankie does not train girls, ever; Maggie was persistent and got Frankie to train her, an impossible task. She worked hard enough and was able to get an incredible trainer to train her. Maggie is in the hospital after her downfall, getting punched after the bell and now being paralyzed, she is going to lose her legs, has to breathe out of a breathing tube and will never fight again. Maggie says to Frankie, â€Å"I can’t be like this, Frankie. Not after what I’ve done. I’ve seen the world. People chanted my name. Well, not my name†¦ some damn name you gave me. I was in magazines. You think I ever dreamed of that’d happen? † In this quote Maggie exhibits that she is ready to die, she has achieved more then she could ever dream of. Maggie learns that she can do anything if she puts her mind to it. Since Maggie is courageous and dignified, has a human characteristic which amplifies her downfall and learns she can achieve more than she knows; Million Dollar Baby is a tragedy. Being an excellent fighter, Maggie was so thankful for the life she and Frankie made for her. Maggie clearly displays that working hard pays off and anyone can do the impossible, who would have thought a 37 year old, who has had zero training, would train less for a year and be a world champion contender? Like Eddie Dupris, the narrator of million dollar baby says â€Å"It’s the magic of risking everything for a dream nobody can see but you. †

Reliance Industries Limited Business Environment Analysis

Reliance Industries Limited Business Environment Analysis Business environment is the constraints and opportunities that surround our businesses. This is about exploring the nature of the business in which it is being carried out. The analysis in this essay will be on business environment in which Reliance Industries Limited operates. Reliance Industries Limited or RIL is commonly known as Reliance. The company was founded by Shri. Dhirubhai H. Ambani in 1977 the company was initially started as a textile company and led its evolution as a world leader in materials and the energy value chain The Companys operations can be classified into four segments namely: Petroleum Refining and Marketing business Petrochemicals business Oil and Gas Exploration Production business Others There are two types of business environment INTERNAL and EXTERNAL environment Before coming on to the external forces, the internal forces should be made clear. The internal forces are those forces which are controlled by the organisation itself such as the resources knowledge and decision making Reliance in the above context has a wide variety of resources such as well qualified employees and infrastructure As far as knowledge and decision making is concerned Because Reliance recruits very well qualified persons thereby it reflects when it comes to the decision making process of the company External business environment comprises of Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors. These factors can have appositive as well as a negative impact on the company. There are two types of external business environment i.e. micro and macro External micro factors are companys suppliers, transporters, agents, distributers, and wholesalers. External macro factors comprises of Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors. The external micro factors can be influenced by the organisation whereas macro factors cannot be influenced by the organisation Polypropylene market in India Over the past forty years polypropylene growth has exceeded that of other major plastics and has become the largest volume commodity resin. Throughout the history of PP through research efforts of various companies, PP has continued to rapidly evolve with new generation of catalyst and post reactor technology. Because of the improvements made to process and application technology, this polymer has developed into one of the cost-effective bulk thermoplastic. Polypropylene is the worlds fastest growing polymer with an average growth rate of about 7-8%. It is very important for a company to understand and try to manage the external micro factors i.e. PEST forces as discussed above (P)OLITICAL FACTORS Political factors include government policies relating to the industry, tax policies, laws and regulations, trade restrictions and tariffs etc. As in any part of the world, political influence is highly essential to start a business in India. Especially if you are planning to start a multi-billion business, some sort of political patronage is an absolute necessity. Not only for safeguarding the interest of the company but even to begin the process of getting the required sanctions, one requires hold in the high echelons of politics and administrative circles. Reliance industries also hold a high echelon of political and administrative circles so as to safeguard the interest of a company and for getting the required sanctions. (E)CONOMICAL FACTORS The economic factors relate to changes in the wider economy such as economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and inflation rate, etc. These factors comprise of Government intervention in the free market, infrastructure quality, economic growth rate, availability of labour, wage rate of labour. (S)OCIAL FACTORS Social factors often look at the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, changes in tastes and buying patterns, etc. Safety of a person overrides all the production targets is the Health, Safety and Environment Policy of Reliance. Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) have been established to provide education on health and awareness issues, diagnostic camps and health exhibitions are also arranged. RIL also offers periodic medical examination of all the employees (including Contractors employees) along with their family members. In case of any hospitalisation RIL employees are supported by consistent co-operation and cashless hospitalisation amenities from one corner of a country to another. The company also provides fully equipped hospitals in all its major townships. The company also helps conduct Periodic potable water sampling analysis and health audits for the canteens and guest houses. A new initiative was launched by RIL called (CASHe) programme i.e. Change Agents for Safety, Health workplace Environment. This initiative was launched to promote healthy workplaces and reduce health and safety risks. It has also facilitated the Syndicate to advance its enactment on the occupational health and safety front. The companys long term objective is to address all environmental initiatives as they want to become more positive about water conservation, carbon neutral and conduct the maximum possible recycling and reuse of wastes. The company has further been reinforced in context of companys management framework with roles responsibilities, group standards and defined structures. RILs Patlganga plant has changed over to use of a cleaner fuel. This resulted in substantial reduction of suspended particulate substance and sulphur dioxide releases in the air. RIL has indoctrinated a practice to be in coordination with nature and in this circumstance, afforestation, upkeep of green belts and promoting lush green surroundings as they have decided to planted around 1,00,000 plants at the OT, gardens, vermin-compost of waste and its use as manure, they also reuse treated water for horticulture activities as a routine. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS The technological factors relate to the application of new inventions and ideas such as RD activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. RIL has always laid emphasis on RD, technology development and innovation. The reliance Group (RTG) undergoes various research and technology functions which help them produce improved value supply by leveraging all the abilities, and creating new prospects at the interfaces. At the time of recession also RIL did not even step back their zeal to innovate helped them convert the adversity into an opportunity. The company launched a ground-breaking initiative called mission kurukshetra which was aimed at emerging the organisation to rise to the occasion and also help the company to emerge stronger. This initiative not only helped in combatting the challenges with a win but also identified serial ideators; the enterprise facilitated them by rewarding them for their leadership. The Leading Expert Access Programme (LEAP). The people at RIL are inspired by leaders and also provide them access to global thought. The RIL draws an agenda on innovation with the help of The Reliance Innovation Leadership Centre (RILC) which helps the company to stay amongst one of the most innovative companies in the world. RIL continues its journey to make improvement a way of life and want to confirm that the growth of the next generation are led by innovation. Advantages of PEST analysis: PEST analysis is an effective and efficient tool, which provides a framework to an organisation for effective decision making. By making effective use of PEST analysis, one can ensure affirmative orientation of the business organisation. PEST analysis also helps an organisation in avoiding decisions which should not be taken. PEST analysis helps in making lawful decisions for the companies which are willing to enter into a new market. Disadvantages of PEST analysis: PEST analysis considers only the external business factors, but in reality all the factors should be considered in order to make effective decisions for an organisation. Most of the data gathered through this analysis is based on assumptions, which sometimes may not prove to be fruitful for an organisation. The rapid changes in the world economy can also make it difficult in analysing PEST factors for an organisation. Another factor which comes under consideration is the SWOT analysis of the company SWOT stands for strengths weakness opportunities and threats. RILs SWOT analysis is as follows: (S)TRENGTHS Consolidations: There are only two main players of in petrochemicals and a solid consolidation has been seen in last few years as 85% of polymer capacity is with these companies namely reliance and haldia (W)EAKNESS Low bargaining power from the suppliers: The input prices form nearly 50-60% of the raw material costs. Reliance being a petrochemical player does not have much of a negotiating power counter to the suppliers. Therefore they always remain unprotected to the prices of the raw material. Low bargaining to from the customers: As there is an increase in the input cost therefore the companies are not able to offer any price reductions or bargains to the customers. (O)PPORTUNITIES Low per capita income: Currently, domestic per person polymer consumption is nearly 4 kgs while if we see the global average it is nearly 20 kgs. This tells the fact that there is huge scope of volume expansion in INDIA as the market to be selected is very massive.therefore there is a massive scope of product development. Also, currently, India has a chemicals trade deficit of about US$ 1.5 bn a year, which leaves enough investment opportunities in the industry. (T)hreats Customs duties: The polymer industry has a protection from overseas competition by leveraging high import duties imposed by the government. However, of late, Import duty on polymers has been steadily reduced and is currently at 20%. As part of its commitment to various multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, the government is likely to reduce duties.

The Impact of Wal-mart Essay examples -- Business, Low Prices

Wal-Mart, the multi-billion dollar corporation and the second largest employer in the world, is the most controversial corporation in the world. Wal-Mart stands as a global powerhouse and affects countless individuals around the world. This company is constantly receiving criticism from unions, human rights groups, small towns and small businesses. There are accusations of Wal-Mart treating workers poorly and driving small businesses out of business. However these accusations are false and over exaggerated. Wal-Mart offers families and low income individuals quality products at affordable prices. Their workers are paid competitive wages and are treated with respect. Wal-Mart opens their stores in rural and under developed areas. Wal-Mart improves the lives of the folks who live rural area and improves their lifestyles. Wal-Mart provides low prices for people to afford more of these great products and to stretch their dollar more. Wal-Mart opens their stores in rural areas that are destitute. These people don’t have the ability to buy the latest and finest products around. That lifestyle of buying and getting the modern item is foreign to them. Thanks to Wal-Mart these people are able to grasp this lifestyle and experience for themselves (Coster 1). People are saving hundreds of dollars and these savings really add up. According to a study by the New England Consulting group, U.S. consumers save $100 billion annually, or $600 for the average America family (Maich 6). These savings for consumers and families are astounding. This data is not only about those who shop at Wal-Mart but this data is about all consumers. This is so because â€Å"Wal-Mart sells for less, it forces competitors to cut prices in order to compete† (Maich 6). A s... ...pplications for their jobs. Every time a new store opens, Wal-Mart receives 6 to 10 applications for each job that is available (Maich 5). If Wal-Mart was horrendous and a poor employer, there will be no applying for these jobs. This shows that Wal-Mart is a great employer and not what critic says it is. Wal-Mart is beneficial to many types of people. Wal-Mart is good for the economy and good to it workers. Wal-Mart hires many people from different walks of life and offers their workers many benefits that others retailers don’t offer. Wal-Mart with their low prices benefits consumers and help consumers to save. Wal-Mart is a positive to local economies and improves profits of local businesses. Wal-Mart is not a monster as critics’ states and all these attacks by critics are incorrect. Wal-Mart is not perfect but it is better than most of the other corporations.

Classification Essay - PTA Personalities -- Classification Essays

PTA Personalities Many public institutions rely on the generosity and help of volunteers in order to run smoothly. One of the more important institutions is the school, and one of the most visible volunteers in the school is the PTA volunteer. These volunteers fulfill a necessary role, especially for the elementary schools, by augmenting the work of the principal and teachers with extras that the school ordinarily would not have. The people who do the volunteer work are varied, but the PTA seems to act as a magnet for three types of personalities: the power seeker, the eager beaver, and the dependable worker. Dominating Dora, the "power seeker," usually starts off as a committee chairman and almost always ends up as the PTA president. She feels she must run the PTA her way because only she knows the best way to do it. She calls board meetings often and is incensed and hurt if someone misses the meeting. All jobs must be done her way, and she frequently organizes half of the job before it is delegated. She then checks up to see if it is being done precisely as she organized it. On the other hand, she may not delegate anything at all, preferring to do most of the work herself. Not delegating the work ensures that it will be done properly, namely her way. Dominating Dora usually follows an unacknowledged personal agenda to gain status, prestige, influence, and authority; she often has no idea that she is following a personal agenda. The school personnel are wary of her since she is very bossy in her dealings with everyone. She even goes so far as to tell the principal and teacher s how to go about their own jobs. Dominating Dora also promotes programs within the PTA that the principal often ... ...ant to what she is doing. The "dependable worker" like Normal Nancy does not burn out because she paces herself, works steadily, and fills in the gaps where needed. Doras and Ritas may come and go, but Nancys "keep going and going and going." The interesting thing about the "power seeker," the "eager beaver," and the "dependable worker" is that they are all necessary to run the PTA organization. Their quirks are what make them important in getting the activities planned, the prizes made, the playground equipment ordered, and the book fair organized. Another noteworthy fact is that, when necessary, any PTA volunteer can become any one of these three types of people. The fact that a "power seeker," an "eager beaver," and a "dependable worker" can fit together like a puzzle to form a bigger picture is the miracle of the PTA volunteer organization.

Essay --

1.0 INTRODUCTION This report will attempt to critically analyse and assess the internal and external factors which effected the strategic decisions made by eBay. These strategic decisions consisted of the acquisitions with Skype and PayPal coupled together with an analysis on why eBay failed may have failed in expanding their online presence in eastern parts on the globe such as China. 2.0 BACKGROUND EBay is an American internet based co-operation with its main headquarters in California. It was first set up in 1995 and has become one of the world’s most successful companies ever with ebay.com being the company’s main area of focus. Ebay.com is an online auction and shopping website where people and business have the opportunity to sell and buy goods and services worldwide. 3.0 THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT E-marketing is a fast growing and rapid platform for any form of business. EBay has been highly successful over recent years and this is a perfect example of an online business. The internal and external environments are constantly changing and in order to keep up with these changes, businesses and organisations must make relevant changes, and generate new strategies to keep up with contemporary developments in e-marketing and to also maintain their position in their market in comparison to their competitors. The strategic decision to form an acquisition with Skype in 2005 was made and the deal was said to be worth $2.6 billion. It is argued by eBay that with Skype it is able to create an â€Å"un-paralleled e-commerce engine†. This acquisition was a follow up of purchasing PayPal in 2002. Acquiring these prominent companies has allowed eBay to forge greater links on order to dominate specific regions of the world. Thes... ...ount of untrustworthy and reliable sellers. EBay could counteract this problem by implementing a strategy where eBay would have the authority to terminate a user’s account if their rating in percentage dropped below 60%. This strategy may help the organisation to reduce the amount of unreliable seller resulting in a much more safer and reliable market platform where people would be able to purchase products at ease without any hassle. 6.0 CONCLUSION In light of the analysis made above; an attempt has been made construct a critical analysis of the internal and external environment which influenced eBay’s strategic decision to form acquisitions with Skype and PayPal along with its performance in eastern countries. These factors were supported through various forms of research and background reading in order to support the validity of the points raised in this report.

Government in England between 1649-1653 Essay

Why did the Rump Parliament fail to provide lasting and stable government in England between 1649-1653? The Rump was created by the purge of the Commons by the Army (Pride’s Purge, 6th December, 1648). It was the name given to the Parliament that sat after the execution of Charles I. it moved towards setting up a Republic buy abolishing the House of Lords (6 February 1649) and then abolishing the monarchy (7 February 1649). The Council of State became the executive governing body of the Republic and replaced The Privy Council on the 14th of February 1649. With such early changes to the political system of government, why did the Rump Parliament fail to last longer? The early changes did appeal to many radical reformers but fell short to many of their other aims. While the Rump was not entirely succesful in the short-run, it did manage to tackle the majority of its obstacles in the long-run, especially in Ireland and Scotland. After that, it did begin to attract support in 1652-1653. Unfortunately in the long-run the Rumpers remained too busy and too conservative to deal with the revolutionary interests of the minority in a through-going reformation. While it did manage to provide continuity and a modicum of stability and security at a difficult time (especially after the regicide), Oliver Cromwell finally lost patience claiming â€Å"the Lord has done with you†. The Army took action after it was disillusioned with the Rump for many other reasons besides the failure to bring a greater number of reforms. The Rump became increasingly unpopular in the long-run because of unpopular reforms and the lack of reforms as well. However, the Rump had difficulties ever since an estimated 100 MPs who were predominantly conservative, were readmitted after being absent from Pride’s Purge. They were not convinced republicans and could sway general opinion in the Rump. This was one major criticism it faced early on. It wasn’t radical enough for those who wanted political, social and religious changes. The Rump’s nucleus of radical members were soon out-numbered with the return of many conservative MPs. Many MPs were not prepared to accept a government that was associated with regicide (the murder of the King). This was seen as an act of crime. This was increasingly made more difficult in The engagement where 22 MPs refused to sign it and accept the abolition of the House of Lords, the abolition of the Monarchy along with the acceptance of Pride’s Purge as being legal. They would simply not swear an oath to this. They would not accept the legitimacy of the Rump to carry out reforms and they saw the Rump as a temporary expedient that would not last long. There was no consensus for reform. Given its conservative majority it is clear that the Rump was not going to make far-reaching parliamentary or social changes. Another criticism it received was that it was a minority regime with virtually no popular support. It was just a tool of the Army. It was also thought to be republic in name only with no real commitment to democracy. However there were even more obstacles it had to deal with in 1649 besides the barrage of criticism it received. This would make it undoubtedly more difficult for the Rump to provide lasting and stable government in a time when there were serious economic problems, because bad harvests took place during 1649 and 1650. Not only did this cause social distress, but at the same time the regime was in serious debt. Legislation was a major obstacle to reform. It was a complex subject. The Rump was responsible for both the planning and debating of necessary legislation and the daily maintainance of government. This was a massive task that made progress to constitutional refroms a laborious process because of the increased workloads. In addition, after the new republic was declared, it faced many enemies. Royalists had no real love for it and Presbyterians had very little. The Rump was pressurised by the army but even the army was a potential enemy because many soldiers were still owed large sums of back pay. Many regiments mutinied until arrears were eventually paid by 1650. The Army also wanted to see reforms. They wanted laws to be more accessible and break the monopoly in the legal profession. Given that there were fourty-four lawyers in the House, there would not be drastic changes to the legal establishment. Also, given that the Rump represented commercial interests, it was unlikely they would abolish the privileges of big corporations or monopalies that the radical elements of the army and the Levellers hated. This would cause increased frustration to the Army who also desired a new constitution and social reforms to include a more representative form of government. There were 211 MPs in the Rump. 70 would attend the sitting, but the composition and number of MPs who were active meant it was unrepresentative at that level. On 14 May Cromwell and Fairfax took a body of mutineers at Burford by surprise, captured 300 in the night. Only three mutineers were shot. This shows the army helped to deal with particular incidents to provide a stable government but it was still an obstacle to the Rump because of its demands for reform. Furthermore, there were external problems including the rebellion in Ireland. Many Irish Anglicans and Catholics formed a united opposition to the execution of King Charles I. This enhanced the possibility of an invasion of Charles II with foreign help. The Irish Rebellion had continued since 1641, after Sir Thomas Wentworth who governed Irelaand using the ‘rule of thorough’ came back to England to advise Charles I. During this time the attrocities and emotions had escalated . By September 1641 there was a threat of a second army plot. Irish Catholics massacred protestants and there was a fear that they could make their way to England and join English Catholics. In February 1642, the Long Parliament issued the Adventurers Act in which parliament would gain military support to control the problem and in return give land in Ireland. There was every reason for Cromwell and the Rump to be concerned with Ireland. There were also problems in Scotland and the threat of a Royalist invasion. Both these posed a security threat to the Rump in England. Later, there would be a war with the Dutch ( for commercial reasons ) on 19 May 1652. With many campaigns being executed during the time of the Rump, reforms would have to take a back seat. Charles II was a threat right until September 1651. Closer to home, the Levellers who feared being denied influence launched a bitter attack on Oliver Cromwell and Henry Ireton. They accused them of being ambitious and deceitful. The Levellers aimed to also use the army as a power base which was very dangerous. The Rump had to try and resist pressure for changes of a politically radical nature to avoid instability. The Levellers wanted the parliamentary franchise extended to the ‘middle sort of people’, a more representative distribution of seats and recognition of certain fundamental human rights and freedoms. Therefore the Rump ordered the arrest of its leaders, and they were imprisoned in The Tower of London. A Leveller-inspired rising resulted in its Leveller leader, William Thompson being shot. This created some discontent amongst radicals. In October 1649 John Lilburne was tried for treason, but acquitted later. The Rump then ordered him to be exiled. By 1649 more radical left-wing groups such as the True Levellers or Diggers and religious sects such as the Fifth Monarchists, Ranters and Quakers seemed to overshadow the Leveller cause. They overrode all considerations of law, conventional morality and religion. This could be a barrier to sustainable progress for the Rump who were alarmed at the situation. Fortunately for the Rump Parliament, though these groups attracted many people, they were too fragmented to prove any effective threat to the regime. It is argued their existence made the Rump more conservative. The establishment of the republican Commonwealth in 1649 would cause a more godly society to emerge and justify the revolution had caused a multitude of radical religious and secular proposals which eventually fell on deaf Rumpers ears. The Rump wanted to contain the spread of radicalism. This would mean the Rump would not authorise complete religious toleration. With such a vast number of obstacles to deal with, the Rump did have achievements. This is because the Commonwealth government functioned successfully-collecting taxes, upholding property and keeping the peace in very difficult circumstances. England became powerful in European politics and trade and colonial interests flourished under the republic. The Rump also successfully ‘reinvented’ the English political landscape. There were many administrive chnages and the civil aervice was founded. The Rump buiilt up the navy and by 1652 there were 100 warships. The wars forced the governments to modernize and in 1649 the Rump needed force to deal with Ireland and Scotland.

Spinoza vs Descartes on God

Abstract and Referential Ontology: Descartes Versus Spinoza on the Existence of God. The concept of God is central to the development of Cartesian and Spinozan philosophy. Although both philosophers employ an ontological argument for the existence and necessity of God the specific nature of God differs greatly with each account. While Descartes suggests a Judeo-Christian concept of God, Spinoza argues a more monistic deity similar to that of the Hindu tradition. The most significant difference however, lies within the basis and structure of each argument itself.Considered from an analytical standpoint through the lens of Gotlobb Frege, Descartes' proof of God possesses both sense and reference and is therefore capable of expressing the truth. Spinoza's argument however, employs sense alone, thus rendering it neither true nor false but quite literally meaningless. A detailed analysis of Descartes' Meditations of First Philosophy in conjunction with Spinoza's Ethics will help elucidate these claims. Before an analysis of Cartesian and Spinozan theology can occur, an understanding of each theory must first take place.The Cartesian proof of God is outlined in Meditation Three of the Meditations. Within this work Descartes suggests a causal argument for the existence of a supreme being. This argument can be broken down as follows: 1. Everything has a cause 2. We have an idea of the infinite 3. An idea of an infinite could not be caused by a finite thing 4. God is infinite 5. Only an infinite God is adequate to cause this idea 6. God exists An argument such as this implies a specific understanding of Causation. According to Descartes, everything from object to idea must have a determinate cause.That is, finite existence is not self-generating but rather the product of something else. The cause in question depends upon the degree of formal and objective reality it possesses. Formal reality refers to existence within this world. For example, a tree has formal reality a s an empirical object just as an idea has formal reality as a mode of thought. Objective reality refers to existence as represented via ideas. That is, an idea of a tree possesses both formal reality as a mode of thought and objective reality as a representation of a specific tree.According to Descartes, a cause must possess â€Å"at least as much formal reality as [its effect] contains objective reality. † (Descartes 16) For example, the idea of a tree must be caused by something of more formal existence within this world than objective existence via its representation. Therefore, the idea of tree must be caused by a specific tree rather than the idea of a specific shrub. Descartes applies this reasoning to the idea of God in the argument above. Regardless of whether or not we think God actually exists we cannot deny that an idea of God is indeed within our mind.If we have an idea of God then this idea must not only have a cause but a cause with more formal reality than obje ctive reality of the idea itself. That is, that which the idea of God is referencing must be more substantial than the finite idea of the mind. The only cause more formally real than finite existence is infinite existence. Since the only conceivable infinite existence is that of God, Descartes' concludes that â€Å"†¦ In creating me, [God] placed this idea within me to be like the mark of the workman imprinted on his work. (Descartes 19) Therefore, God must necessarily exist as the infinite cause of our finite idea of Him. Once Descartes has argued the existence of God via causation he proceeds to prove God's existence via essence: 1. The concept of God is one that is infinite and perfect 2. To not exist would be an imperfection 3. Therefore God exists The general form of this argument is a testament to Descartes' understanding of an attribute. Of attributes there are only two, an Attribute and an Omni-Generic Attribute.An attribute refers to that which is necessary to the ess ence of a specific substance, as perfection is necessary to the essence of God. That is, in order for God to exist it is essential that perfection and infinitude are attributed to this existence. An omni-generic attribute, refers to that which holds of any substance but does not contribute to its essence, such as existence, duration, or number. According to Descartes, to not possess this kind of attribute is a kind of privation or lack of the attribute itself. For example, if a ball is not red it lacks the color red.Therefore, if it is essential that God is both perfect and infinite then non-existence would imply that a perfect being suffers some kind of privation. Clearly this is preposterous, for if a perfect being were to lack anything it would essentially cease to be perfect. Ergo, God exists by virtue of His perfection. Given the above arguments one can begin to understand the nature of the God Descartes is endeavoring to prove. For Descartes, God is infinite and perfect existe nce. God is â€Å"eternal, immutable, independent, supremely intelligent, supremely powerful, and [the creator of] everything else†. Descartes 20) Not only does God possess this nature but it is necessary that He does so. If God is not infinite or perfect God could not exist as these attributes are essential to God's existence. Furthermore, if God is not the ultimate creator the innate idea of God we experience would cease to be innate but adventitious (externally caused) or imaginative (caused by the mind) which is again impossible given its content. Given these qualities one can draw a connection to the omniscient, eternal, creator God of Judeo-Christian interpretation.That is, Yahweh or God is responsible for the creation of all existence, Ex nihilo, or out of nothing. The world is created as an existence separate from that of the Divine and as such exists finitely, or limited by, God's infinite existence. (Van Voorst 212) Given this parallel, one can easily understand the sense in which Descartes understands God as eternal, immutable, independent existence outside of space and time. Now that the Cartesian argument for the existence of God is understood an outline of that of Spinoza must also take place.Spinoza presents his proof for the existence of God within the The Ethics via one precise proposition. Proposition 11 states: God, or the substance consisting of infinite attributes, of which each one expresses eternal and infinite essence, necessarily exists. (Spinoza 91) This proposition is best explained through the use of three arguments. Each argument, while unique in itself, illustrates an aspect of Spinozan philosophy contrary to that of Descartes. The first argument supposes that God exists as it is necessary given the essence of God itself.Before one can understand this argument one must first understand what is meant by essence. For Spinoza essence is that which is necessary for something to exist. That is, it is that without which a substan ce ceases to be. Spinoza employs this idea of essence in a negative proof for the existence of God: 1. Consider the idea that God does not exist 2. This consideration would mean that God’s essence does not possess existence 3. This is absurd since Substance (God/Nature) necessarily exists 4. Therefore, God necessarily existsWith this argument, Spinoza is suggesting that existence is an attribute of God's essence. By attribute, Spinoza is referring to â€Å"what the intellect perceives of a substance, as constituting its essence†. (Spinoza 85) This differs slightly from Cartesian philosophy in that for Descartes existence is an omni-generic attribute and therefore does not contribute to the essence of a substance. Regardless, what Spinoza is actually saying is that we perceive existence to be essential to God. If existence is essential to God, then it is in God's nature, as substance, to exist. Therefore, God necessarily exists.Thus, this proof not only argues the exist ence of God but the nature of the Spinozan substance as well, in that a substance is that of which existence is its essence. That is, â€Å"it pertains to the nature of a substance to exist†. (Spinoza 88) Spinoza's proof of the existence of God can be further represented via an argument of causation: 1. There is a cause for existence and non-existence 2. The cause of existence or non-existence is internal or external of the thing 3. If nothing can hinder the existence of a thing internally or externally then it exists necessarily 4.There is no cause internally or externally hindering God’s existence 5. Therefore, God exists Like Descartes Spinoza believes anything that exists must have a cause, however Spinoza takes it one step further to suggest that anything that does not exist so too must have a cause. The cause for this existence, or lack thereof, must originate from within or without a substance. If there is nothing within or without the substance that limits its existence then it must necessarily exist. Here, Spinoza is discussing finite and infinite existence. If something is finite then it is limited in existence by something less finite.That is, there is something that limits the finite to its finite existence. Thus all finite things are hindered by the existence of something else, eg, the infinite. The infinite exists in essence as something that admits of no limit. There cannot be more or less of an infinite substance as it is limitless, complete, and whole and thus internally and externally unhindered. Therefore in the above proof, Spinoza is not only saying that God exists because there is nothing within or without of God to hinder its existence, but moreover that God and substance are infinite.If this is the case, then finite existence cannot be possible as this would imply its hindrance in some fashion, deeming it non-existent. If there is no finite existence, then â€Å"every substance is necessarily infinite†. (Spinoza 88) Thus, there can be but one substance: the infinite, unhindered, God. Spinoza's proof of the existence of God as well as the nature of the God he is describing can be further explained through the representation of this final argument: 1. Ability to exist contains power 2. Inability to exist demonstrates a lack of power 3.If an infinite being does not exist a finite being would have more power than an infinite being 4. This is impossible 5. An infinite being exists Similar to Descartes, Spinozan theology can be described via the idea of privation and used to establish a specific understanding of God. For Spinoza, the ability to exist contains some kind of power. This power refers to the ability of a substance to exist independently of anything else as a self-generating substance. A substance possesses the power to essentially spring into being unaided by anything else. Hence, existence implies power.Therefore, to not exist would imply a lack of this power. If we are to go back to th e previous proof we can deduce that God is an infinite substance, meaning that it is unhindered or unlimited by anything else. Given the present argument, if God were to not exist then it would be somehow limited by that which does exist. That is, God the infinite substance would be limited in power by finite substance. According to Spinoza, this concept is absurd as it is impossible by the very essence of an infinite substance to be hindered by anything of the finite, including power.Therefore, God must exist. With the above explanation one can not only deduce that God must necessarily exist but that God must necessarily exist as one, complete, infinite, substance. It can be said then that Spinoza employs a kind of monism to his understanding of God similar to that of Eastern theology. That is, the existence of only one infinite substance, or God, draws a strong parallel to the Brahman or â€Å"divine breath† of Hinduism through which existence was created Ex deo or out of t he substance that is God.Therefore, there is no actual separation between God and human existence rather a perceived separation caused by human ignorance of the divine nature. (Van Voorst, 23) Therefore, although Spinoza will agree with Descartes that God is infinite and all-powerful, both philosophers differ radically in their interpretation of this infinite, all-powerful substance. Significant to both Cartesian and Spinozan philosophy is the fact that God must necessarily exist in order to support the philosophy in question. That is, if God did not place the idea of God within the mind then any analysis of this idea is useless.Similarly, without the existence of an infinite substance, the Spinozan theory of substance is irrelevant. Therefore, God must exist if either theory is to succeed. Despite this fact as well as the above differences, the most significant contrast within Spinozan and Cartesian theology lies within the basis and structure of each argument. From an analytical p erspective, specifically from that of Frege, Descartes argument differs radically from that of Spinoza in that the former possesses the most truth value. Truth value, is determined via the criteria of sense and reference.With regards to a particular proposition, such as â€Å"Aristotle exists† the sense is that which the subject â€Å"expresses†. (Frege 210) That is, sense is the way in which the subject is considered or described. For example, the subject â€Å"Aristotle† could express many senses ranging from â€Å"Citizen of Athens† to â€Å"Philosopher†. The reference is that which is â€Å"designated† by its subject or that which the subject â€Å"stands for†. â€Å"Aristotle† stands for or designates Aristotle himself. (Frege 210) Thus, the reference is that knowable and concrete object from which the subject draws its credit.For Frege, a proposition must contain both sense and reference in order to possess any truth valu e. That is, in order to say anything whether true or false about the world we must first know to what within the world the subject is referring and how exactly it is referring to it. Otherwise we would have no true way of knowing what the proposition means. Given the above description, Descartes' understanding of God describes the Judeo-Christian sense of the term in that it is infinite, immutable, eternal, and responsible for the creation of all existence.According to Spinoza, God is best described in a monist sense as one infinite substance similar to the Brahman of Hindu thought. However, in order to determine the reference of each subject a precise pedigree of Cartesian and Spinozan thought is necessary. The reference of the Cartesian God can be traced back to Descartes' theory of existence in the Cogito. According to Descartes, all that we believe to be true is ultimately subject to doubt as it is provided via the senses which are commonly deceived. This is easily illustrated g iven the perceptions of a single piece of wax.If our senses illustrate a ball of wax as both in a solid and liquid state how is it that we can know anything concrete about the wax? In order to determine what it is that we actually do know we must purge ourselves of all former beliefs and methodically build our collection of knowledge based on that which is beyond a shadow of a doubt. Once purged of these beliefs Descartes determines that regardless of the valid existence of anything else, he cannot deny that he is indeed doubting. If he is doubting he is clearly and distinctly thinking.Therefore, Descartes concludes that there must be some thing that exists as a thinking thing. Cogito ergo sum, I think therefore I am. By the same token, body and mind must exist in that regardless of the validity of the empirical world one cannot doubt that something exists to sense it. Thus, with regard to reference, existence refers to the experience of thinking just as the concept of the body refe rs to the experience of sensation. Next Descartes categorizes the thoughts within his mind as ideas, volitions, and judgments.Of his ideas Descartes distinguishes between those that are innate, imaginative, or adventive. Given that an adventive idea is caused by a bodily sensation and an imaginative idea is caused by the mind itself, Descartes determines that an innate idea, such as God, must be caused by God itself by virtue of the theory of causation. If one is to carefully trace each discovery back to its point of reference one would conclude that the existence of God draws its reference from the existence of innate ideas which in turn draw their reference from the experience of the phenomenon of thought.Thus the proposition that God exists possesses the knowable experience of thinking as its reference. Since Descartes' proposed existence of God contains both sense and reference it is indeed capable of saying something meaningful about the world because it both refers to somethin g knowable and expresses something about it. If one were to analyze Spinoza's proposition of God's existence the origin of reference is not so clear. Proposition 11 states that God, or the substance consisting of infinite attributes, of which each one expresses eternal and infinite essence, necessarily exists. Spinoza 91) This proposition is the conclusion of the ten propositions before it which are in turn based on seven axioms and eight definitions. Of each of these concepts, proposition 11 refers most ardently to Spinoza's definition of Substance. That is, substance is â€Å"what is in itself and conceived through itself†¦ †. (Spinoza 85) It is self-generating and its existence depends upon nothing else. The definition of essence, as that which is necessary for the existence of a substance, then refers to the above substance.Similarly, the definition of an attribute, as that which the intellect perceives as the essence of a substance, directly refers to the definition of essence which is itself based on the definition of substance. Once these three definitions are proposed Spinoza uses the theory of causation and privation outlined above to help reach the conclusion of God's existence in proposition 11. While logically this lineage is sound, upon closer inspection one must notice that the original idea of substance which forms the foundation for the entire Spinozan theology has no reference!That is, the concept of substance as independent and self-generating does not refer to anything within the world that contains these qualities. While Descartes' theory rests on the experience of thought as its original reference, Spinoza has no concrete, knowable reference to hinge his theory upon. One does not experience self-generating, independent substance in a way in which the construction of knowledge is possible because a self-generating, independent substance is unknowable. The only substance the human mind can make reference to is that which is finit e and graspable as this is what we are in contact with.Therefore, Spinoza's definition of substance may express substance in the sense that it is self-generating and independent but this substance does not refer to anything concrete and knowable. To make this proposition is much like claiming â€Å"The present King of France is bald†. Although, the statement expresses the present King of France in the sense that he is bald, there is no King of France to be bald. Therefore, the present King of France. like the Spinozan substance, is but a concept with no real reference with which to draw its meaning.Since the definition of substance holds no reference, the subsequent definitions of essence and attribute refer only to a concept. If this is the case, the culmination of these definitions in proposition 11 is also based on a concept. Therefore, the entire Spinozan proof of God is but an idea abstracted from a series of underlying empty concepts. Thus, although the Spinozan proposi tion for the existence of God is logically sound it is incapable of saying anything, true or false, about the world. Therefore, the entire proposition is meaningless.Despite its' empty nature, Frege does not mean to say that propositions lacking reference should be dismissed. Rather, propositions such as these comprise the world of art. Take for example a poem. To say that â€Å"Odysseus landed on the shores of Ithaca† is not to say anything true or false regarding the world because although the subject â€Å"Odysseus† describes â€Å"the fictional character of myth† this subject holds no real reference as this character has never existed. This is not to say that the proposition is any less euphonic or pleasing to the intellect. A proposition doesn't have to say anything of value to be beautiful and artistic.Therefore, Spinoza's proposition for the existence of God, albeit meaningless, is still an outstanding artistic accomplishment. In conclusion, both Descarte s and Spinoza argue for the necessary existence of God. Although each argument is similar in execution, the Cartesian idea of God is more aligned with the Creator of the Judeo-Christian tradition whereas the Spinozan concept of God is similar to the monistic Brahman of Hinduism. Although this difference is indeed important the most significant difference lies within the logical structure and foundation of each argument.Given Frege's criteria of sense and reference, the Cartesian proposition for God's existence possesses both sense and reference and is therefore capable of saying something meaningful about the world. On the contrary, Spinoza's proposition for the existence of God possesses sense but no reference and is therefore built upon an empty concept. Despite its inability to say anything meaningful, true or false, about the world the Spinozan proposition for the existence of God is nonetheless an extraordinary artistic achievement. Works Cited Descartes, Rene. Meditations of F irst Philosophy. Blackmask Online, 2002. Blackmask. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. lt;http://www. blackmask. com>. Frege, Gotlobb. â€Å"Sense and Reference. â€Å"The Philosophical Review 57. 3 (1948): 209-230. JSTOR. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. . Spinoza, Benedict D. â€Å"The Ethics. † A Spinoza Reader: The Ethics and Other Works. Ed. Edwin Curley. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1994. 85-265. Print. Van Voorst, Robert E. â€Å"Hinduism† Anthology of World Scriptures. 7 ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2011. 21-27. Print. Van Voorst, Robert E. â€Å"Judaism† Anthology of World Scriptures. 7 ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2011. 209-217. Print.

Gandhi, King and Mandela: What Made Non-Violence Work?

All through history governments and empires have been overthrown or defeated primarily by the violence of those who oppose them. This violence was usually successful however, there have been several situations, when violence failed, that protesters have had to turn to other methods. Non-violent protesting never seemed to be the right course of action until the ideology of Mohandas Gandhi spread and influenced successful protests across the world. Non-violent methods were successfully used, most notably, by Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela. Mohandas Gandhi’s methods not only led to India’s independence from Britain but also had victories over racial discrimination in South Africa. Gandhi saw, upon his return to India from South Africa, that Britain had run India’s people into poverty and subordination. Indians were not allowed to manufacture or own their own salt. This affected the poor population most because of how often they used salt. Gandhi began by writing to the English Governor in India describing his plan to â€Å"convert the British people through nonviolence and [to] make them see the wrong they have done to India† (Document 1). He felt that the â€Å"British rule [was] a curse†. Even though Gandhi spent a total of 2.338 days in prison, he â€Å"did not feel the slightest hesitation in entering the prisoner’s box† (Doc. 7). People followed Gandhi in his protests and many followed him into jail feeling â€Å"firm in [their] resolution of passing [their] terms in jail in perfect happiness and peace† (Doc. 7). While he was in jail, Mme. Naidu, an Indian poetess, filled in his position in leading protests. She encouraged the protesters by reiterating that â€Å"[they] must not use any violence†¦ [they would] be beaten but [they] must not resist†¦not even raise a hand to ward off blows† (Doc. 4). The author felt that â€Å"the western mind finds it difficult to grasp the idea of nonresistance†, but this was not the case. Just 25 years later Martin Luther King, Jr. found his own kind of victory using Gandhi’s techniques. King began his career of peaceful protests as a follower, not a leader. In 1960, he â€Å"toke part in the lunch counter sit-ins† in order to â€Å"bring the whole issue of racial injustice under the scrutiny of the conscience of Atlanta† (Doc 2). King hoped to help not just the African-American population but the white population as well. By 1963, King had been chosen as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference which sought to aid in the efforts to put an end to segregation. He accepted â€Å"volunteers to serve in [their] non-violent army† knowing that they would have to â€Å"accept and endure violence without retaliating† (Doc. 5). Their will to fight was from â€Å"the conviction that [they] were right†. King’s followers were so empowered that, for their participation in the Montgomery bus boycott, â€Å"people had rushed down to get arrested†¦ [they] were now proud to be arrested for the cause of freedom† (Doc. 8). King got white and blacks to work together for the â€Å"March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom† (Doc. 11). He wanted them to ‘b able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood†. Nelson Mandela used the same â€Å"Gandhian principles of nonviolence†¦that seeks to conquer through conversion† (Doc. 3). He lived under the strict laws of apartheid that separated the white Dutchmen from the native African population. In similar circumstances as M.L. King, Mandela supported the same acts of nonviolence in order to gain rights for South Africans. He knew that â€Å"attempts at violence†¦would be devastatingly crushed† under the power of the state. At his protests in Johannesburg in 1952, he knew that â€Å"the authorities would seek to intimidate, imprison, and perhaps attack [them]† (Doc. 6) however, like Gandhi, he encouraged the volunteers not to retaliate. Mandela spent 26 years and 8 months in jail as punishment for his protesting however, he felt that â€Å"no sacrifice was too great in the struggle for freedom† (Doc. 9). He spent time in jail with other protesters that all felt that â€Å"whatever sentences [they] received, even the death sentence†¦ [their] deaths would not be in vain† (Doc. 9). Freedom for the South African people from apartheid finally came in 1993. To Mandela this was not just the freedom of his people but â€Å"the freedom of all people, black and white† (Doc. 12). â€Å"South Africa’s New Democracy† rose after years of continuous nonviolence from the populace. Gandhi, King, and Mandela each fought for their causes with a method that was very rarely used but even less rarely successful. Their efforts at peaceful protest without retaliation to attacks were successful in overthrowing trans-continental rule and ending segregation of races. Gandhi transformed the idea of non-violence into a way to fight for freedom and justice which would ultimately end in success and peace.