Discuss lock-and-key theory of enzyme-substrate interaction giving Essay

Discuss lock-and-key theory of enzyme-substrate interaction giving specific example to illustrate theory. Include the effects of substrate concentration, pH cha - Essay Example Enzymes have active sites which interact with the substrate. The structure of the active site is unique for that respective substrate. Just as a uniquely shaped key will only fit in to and open a matching lock, so it is with enzymes and their substrates. The wrong key may fit in to the lock, but nothing can happen because the match of shapes is not correct. This fit is so specific that the change in a single hydrogen atom in a molecule makes it lose its specificity to a particular enzyme. This means that it may not bind to the specific site and even if it does, the enzyme will be unable to do anything chemically to it. The substrate always fits into the enzymes active site and the active site is always a fold or groove in the enzyme. Enzymes are always larger than the substrate and they are flexible so that they can move and fold around the substrate (Refer to Figure.1). This is facilitated by the weak bonds that hold the enzyme in its functional shape. The union between an enzyme an d its substrate is called the enzyme -substrate complex. When a substrate is bound to the active site, particular chemical bonds of the substrate are weakened and the substrate bends. This lowers the activation energy to the point where the heat in the environment is sufficient to supply the activation energy to initiate the reaction (Chapter 7, Metabolism and Biochemistry). If the amount of the enzyme is kept constant and the substrate concentration is then gradually increased, the reaction velocity will increase until it reaches a maximum. After this point, increases in substrate concentration will not increase the velocity. This means that when this maximum velocity had been reached, all of the available enzyme has been converted to the enzyme-substrate complex (Refer to Figure.3). Michaelis developed a set of mathematical expressions to

Deploying a WiFi Hook-Ups in Disaster Relief - what Are the Essay

Deploying a WiFi Hook-Ups in Disaster Relief - what Are the Considerations - Essay Example In fact, there are numerous examples related to high-end Mobile Phones that require no wires or device for establishing a connection between two devices or computers. Additionally, in the past few years, Wi-Fi has appeared to be a very useful technology that is used widespread either at home or in an office environment or in any disaster situation. In this scenario, the usage of Wi-Fi networks completely depends upon the needs of users. Moreover, it offers numerous benefits over wired networks for instance there is no aspect of Roaming (access to get connected even far away from home), without requiring any change in Wire from one place to another and also offers conferencing facilities (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005; WellOiledPC, 2011; Eogogics, 2011). At the present, Wi-Fi technology is commonly used in business organizations for performing business operations. In fact, one the significant features of Wi-Fi technology is the access from any place (inside network premise s). In this scenario, it facilitates a staff member to take a notebook or laptop from a place of work to the discussion room devoid of network connectivity. In addition, the access towards the resources of the network needs no hunting around for a computer. As we know that now Wi-Fi hotspots can be visualized in important places like that disaster situations, hotels, airports, coffee restaurants and shops. Moreover, a number of cities are installing community Wi-Fi networks to facilitate general public to complete their business related tasks when they are outside of the office. These services facilitate them to access wherever but within the city limits (Gallup, 2011). In addition, the Wi-Fi technology is currently believed to be a pervasive public service. For example the Mayor of London announced that they will probably deploy Wi-Fi communication infrastructure, near the Olympic Games. Additionally, they have completed the planning for this deployment and telecommunication firms are bidding in order to get tenders for Wi-Fi infrastructure. In this scenario, the deployment of Wi-Fi infrastructure will facilitate more than 120 London underground stations in June 2012. In this way over half of travelers believed that Wi-Fi technology may improve their living standards (Publicservice.co.uk Ltd, 2011; Robbins, 2011). Natural disasters are rising internationally because of the climate change and global warming. In addition, the destructions as a result of these disasters are ever-increasing at an alarming rate. In view of the fact that these disasters are mainly unpredictable and take place within a very short interval of time thus technology has to be designed and deployed to catch related signals with the smallest amount of monitoring interruption. In this scenario, Wireless technology is one of the advanced technologies that can rapidly meet quick variations of data and transmit the sensed data to a data analysis center in areas where wires are out of place. I n fact, the wireless technology has the potential to quickly capture, process, and transmit significant data in an instantaneous mode with high resolution. Wireless technology offers a significant advantage of deploying signals in a disaster situation with an uncovered least maintenance. As a result, it fulfills a vital need for any instantaneous monitoring, particularly

Impairments of intangible (including goodwill) Research Paper

Impairments of intangible (including goodwill) - Research Paper Example Under the USA GAAP principle, the methodology used for the determination of the impairment of long lived assets is based on the two step approach. In the two steps approach, the first step requires test of recoverability. In this test, the comparison of the carrying amount and future amount of discounted cash flows from the using and disposing. In case, the assets are determined to be not recoverable than impairment testing conduct becomes mandatory. Contrary to this, in the IFRS system one step approach is employed. Under this system, the existence of the impairment indicators makes it mandatory for the application of the impairment testing (EY, a). The second major difference in the treatment of intangible assets in US GAAP and IFRS exist in calculation of the loss in the impairment of long lived assets. Under the system of US GAAP using FAS 157 entitled Fair Value Measurement is employed and the loss calculation is difference between the carrying amounts to the fair value amount. On the other hand, the IFRS system of financial reporting, the calculation of the loss is conducted by measuring the difference between the carrying amount and the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is measured as either the fair value net of cost of selling or value in use or value indicating future value of discounted cash flow including the amount received after disposal. ... Additionally, the reporting unit can also be accounted in the level under operating segment or the component. In the IFRS financial reporting of corporate accounts, the allocation of goodwill is conducted differently. Goodwill in the IFRS system is allocated either in the group of Cash Generation Unit (CGU) or CGU itself. Allocation of the Goodwill in the group of CGU represents lowest level from which the internal management monitors goodwill for internal assessment IAS 36.6. Importantly, this group, by law of IFRS 8 (Operating Segment) cannot larger than operating segments (EY, a). In addition to the goodwill allocation carrying differences in the two internationally followed systems of reporting of corporate accounts, methodology for the determination of impairment of goodwill also varies. Corporate accountants using US GAAP system of reporting has to imply the two step approach or methodology for the determining the requisite impairment. Under two-step approach requires performin g the recoverability test at the level of reporting unit in which the allocation of goodwill is conducted. In this initial test, the net amount of difference of the reporting unit’s carrying value to the reporting unit’s fair values is conducted. Positive difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting unit makes it mandatory to perform the impairment test for the goodwill. Companies using IFRS system of developing the financial accounts apply the one step approach. Under the IFRS system it is simply mandated to conduct the impairment test. The impairment test of goodwill is conducted at CGU unit. Under this approach, the comparison of the carrying amount at CGU level with recoverable amount is conducted while carrying amount

Biochemistry involves Essay Example for Free

Biochemistry involves Essay Biochemistry involves the study of biological processes and chemical analysis which include living organism’s reactions, chemical compounds and elements. Historically, biochemistry gained prominence in the early 20th century when research on origin of living organisms began, various forms of scientific methods where used toward the success the makeup, several questions raised where; how biochemists seek to know how the brain works, the effectiveness of molecular compounds on the immune system. Furthermore, they are interested in cellular replication, differentiation and the interconnecting relationship between cells and organs. They deal with the chemical explanation of inheritance (traits, character, etc. ) and disease. Apart from this, biochemist also determines how certain molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, vitamins and hormones function and their involvement in metabolic processes. Mostly on regulation of chemical reactions in living cells because this shows the complex chemical reactions that occur in a wide variety of life forms. It provides the basis for advancement of medicine practically such as veterinary medicine, agriculture science and biotechnology and exciting new fields such as molecular genetics, bioengineering etc. The developed knowledge and methods are applied to in all fields of medicine, agriculture, chemical and health related industries. Biochemistry also provides a unique research on protein structures and functions, genetic engineering and the two basic components of the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology. Being the vastest of all biological sciences, biochemistry has many fields namely neurochemistry, bio-organic chemistry, immunochemistry, physical biochemistry, molecular genetics, biochemical pharmacology and clinical biochemistry. Recent progress in these areas have developed a relationship between technology, chemical engineering, computer engineering. Reference: †¢ Biochemistry. (2008). ISCID Encyclopedia of Science and Philosophy. Retrieved April 07, 2008 from http://www. iscid. org/encyclopedia/Biochemistry †¢ Mendoza, H. M. , Shen, L. N. , Botting, C. , Lewis, A. , Chen, J. , Ink, B. , et al. (2003). NEDP1, a highly conserved cysteine protease that deNEDDylates Cullins. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278, 25637-25643.

Suicide among adolescents and young adults Essay Example for Free

Suicide among adolescents and young adults Essay The cause of suicide has long been the focus of many psychological research studies. Suicide is generally the result of people’s beliefs and reactions to particular situations and experiences. Most people commit suicide out of depression and hopelessness that a person cannot handle anymore. The members of the society who have the highest rate of suicide and suicide attempts are the adolescents and young adults. Suicide has become the second or third leading cause of death among adolescents 13 to 18 years old (Bondora Goodwin, 2005, p. 6). Suicide is also among the top three causes of death among adults 18 to 24 years old (Malone et al, 2000, p. 1084). Suicide among these particular groups has been the â€Å"driving force behind increases in the overall suicide rate, and rates are rising fast† (Bloch, 1999, p. 26). A study of Gould et al (2003) shows that about five to eight percent of adolescents, or approximately one million teenagers, attempt suicide. Out of these one million, only about 700,000 receive medical attention. Due to these alarming statistics, the objective of this research study is to find out the causes behind suicide cases and suicide attempts among young people under the age of 25 using an interdisciplinary approach. Identifying potential causes helps determine the appropriate solutions or medical remedy for a particular cause. The research also helps to evaluate the possible ways on how to prevent suicides among adolescents and young adults, helping decrease the morbidity rate among this population. Lastly, the research is important for the purpose of understanding what specific aspects of society can be shown to trigger adolescents and young adults to commit suicide. For many reasons, knowledge must be utilized from multiple viewpoints as determined by various disciplines in order to fully understand these stressful experiences (Repko, 2005). Moreover, suicide is a complex issue that can no longer be confined in the domains of mental and medical health. According to Goldsmith (2002), â€Å"suicide is a consequence of complex interactions among biological, psychological, cultural and sociological factors†. Thus an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to achieve the objective of this study. For this particular research study, the perspectives of psychology, sociology and religion disciplines are investigated and analyzed in relation to suicide. Psychology helps determine the relationship between suicide and the state and characteristics of the human mind and behavior. The field of psychology helps understand why certain groups like adolescents and young adults have high suicide potential and tendency of having suicidal behavior. Sociology, on the other hand, assists in the understanding of several sociological factors of committing and attempting suicide. Psychological pains are commonly caused by sociological factors such as exposure to suicide or suicide attempts, relationships, and interactions among the member of the society and may increase the potential of having suicidal behaviors. In view of that, psychology and sociology are interrelated disciplines when it comes to determining the causes of suicide. Sociology encompasses several issues such as culture, media, peer, family, demographics, ethnicity, and socioeconomics that may influence the behavior and thinking of adolescents and young adults. Investigation of the religion perspective discipline shows how moral values, religious beliefs and practices influence the behavior and thinking of most people including the young adults. In the United States alone where ninety-five percent of Americans believe in God, more than fifty percent of them pray daily, forty percent attend church weekly, and almost seventy-five percent of Americans say their approach to life is grounded on their religious faith (Matthews et al, 1998, p. 118). Religion is considered as a significant part of people’s way of living, resulting to various beliefs about issues. It is perceived that the more a person is religiously committed, more likely he or she is to avoid suicide for suicide is considered to be a mortal sin for most religions. To accomplish the objective of the study, various secondary sources such as peer-reviewed journals, earlier research studies and books pertaining to the disciplines involved are reviewed and serve as the basis for any claim this paper will make. These sources also include interdisciplinary research studies that have already simultaneously discussed suicide in the disciplinary perspective of psychology, religion or sociology. The behavior of adolescents can be studied through the discipline of psychology. Adolescence is considered as a crucial stage because it is the time a person experiences a lot of changes and challenges including: biological and sexual maturation, development of personal identity, development of intimate relationships with an appropriate peer, and establishment of independence and autonomy in the context of the socio-cultural environment (Christie Viner, 2005, p. 301). It is also the stage when abstract thinking, law of morality, and ideology are developed (p. 301), thus adolescents have the tendency to reject or accept ideas, react, and resist to situations during this stage. Adolescents, since they are searching for identity, are easily influenced. According to Resnick et al (1997, p. 823) â€Å"adolescent well-being is largely the product of interactions among multiple contexts in which adolescents are embedded†. Media exposure, peers and family are all included in these multiple contexts that have psychological effects on adolescents. They are also easily influenced because of their idealism that has made adolescents vulnerable to sad and disappointing situations that may result in depression and consequently, suicide. According to Bennet (1994), adolescents and young adults with history of depression, a previous suicide attempt, a family history of psychiatric disorders, family disruption, and certain chronic or debilitating physical disorders or psychiatric illness are at higher risk of committing or attempting suicide. Among these factors, depression was found out to be the most common clinical syndrome of suicidal behavior (Petrie Chamberlain, 1983) and approximately 66 percent of those who attempted suicide have depressive symptoms (Rich et al, 1990). There are also life stressors that some young adults cannot handle yet like parental separation, parental alcoholism, parental abuse and related family problems, death of a loved one or close friend, and personal injury or physical illness (Finch Poznanski, 1971; Marcus, 1996; Pfeffer, 1986). For those who have the potential to have suicidal attempts or commit suicide, the most common reactions to these stressors are revenge, anger, hurting one’s self, smoking, drug use, alcohol abuse and suicide (Hepfler, 1998). Sociology is essentially about the society and the interactions of its members. Adolescents are part of the society and the interactions occurring in it. One of these interactions is friendship. Friends and peers are parts of the social network and is one of the central contexts for adolescents (Bearman Moody, 2004, p. 89). Adolescents who are still at the stage of finding their identity needed strong association and belonging and that isolation from peers leads to lower estimations of self-worth and self confidence (Tani et al, 2001). Media, on the other hand, is a strong influence on adolescents and young adults. Young people are very much exposed to popular media such as television, radio, movies, Internet, and reading materials. Rustad et al (2003, p. 121) found out that viewing films, listening to music, and other forms of media usage can have negative psychological impact on adolescents including: emotional arousal; activation of aggressive thoughts, emotions, expectations, and memories; weakening inhibitions against aggressive behavior; desensitizing reactions to violence; reducing empathy toward victims; and providing model of specific techniques. Curran (1987, p. 108) and Patros (1988, p.43) find that television, movies, books and some reading materials often portray suicide as a positive act, resulting to adolescents showing more acceptance to death including their own death. Some of the ways in which media have portrayed suicide to adolescents include: â€Å"a peaceful sleep that will make everything better; a means of punishing someone; a way of forcing someone to express their love for them; a way of being reunited with a deceased other; a way of expressing great love; and an escape from feelings of helplessness and hopelessness† (Bondora Goodwin, 2005, p. 9). Demographics were also found out to have significance on young people’s tendency of having suicidal thoughts or committing suicides. Gay youths, for instance, are more likely to commit suicide; the stigma, verbal and physical abuse they experienced leads to lower self-esteem, making them a high-risk population (Romero, 1999, p. 117). The same study was conducted by Russell and Joyner (2001) who found out that sexual minority youth are more likely to have suicide ideation and attempt, reflecting that sexual orientation can be a cause or a determinant of the causes of suicide among young people. In a study conducted by Molina Duarte (2006), it was found out that female adolescents are more likely to attempt suicide compared to their male counterparts. On the same study, ethnic minorities like American Indians or Alaskan Native adolescents are more probable to attempting suicide. Such study strongly suggests that demographic characteristics such as race and sex are determinants of risk factors. Religion is by far the discipline that has been the topic of many research studies about suicide. There are few literatures suggesting the relationship between religion and suicide like that of Kendler et al (2003) which concluded that some dimensions of religiosity are related to reduced risk of particular psychiatric disorders. In relation to suicide, this study suggests that religious beliefs can affect the thinking of people, reducing suicide ideation. The study conducted by Malone et al (2000) also suggests that religion can provide ‘reasons for living’, allowing people experiencing depressive episodes to be more optimistic about life, reducing the feeling of hopelessness and thus reducing the risk of committing suicide. This study is supported by the study conducted by Dervic et al (2004) which suggests that religious affiliation is associated with less suicidal behavior in depressed patients and that religiously affiliated subjects may function as protective factors against suicide attempts (p. 2303). Moreover, religious commitment was reported to promote social and family ties and reduces alienation, a social network provided by religion provide emotional support, nurturance and a sense of belonging (Koenig et al, 2001; Walls Zaritt, 1991). Religiosity is also associated with behaviors such as lower hostility, less anger, and less aggressiveness, behaviors opposite to suicidal behavior reflecting that religious people are less likely to commit suicide (Storch Storch, 2002). The purpose of this research then is to identify the causes of suicide and suicidal attempts among the adolescents by describing suicidal behaviors and the underlying causes behind such behaviors which are commonly due to stressors and sociological factors. Religious affiliations and commitment also serve as determinants on the possibility of committing suicide. Religious and moral beliefs commonly shape the behavior of a person, thus less commitment or more commitment and affiliation to religion may also be a cause of suicidal behavior. That is, it is expected to determine, through this study, if the people who are more committed with their respective religion are less likely to commit or attempt suicide.

Project management tools and techniques

Project management tools and techniques Project management tools and techniques are available to assist project managers and their teams in successfully delivering the project. Some popular tools in the time management knowledge area include Gantt charts, network diagrams, critical path analysis Critical Incidence 2- Perceived Failure Of The Project A critical incidence during the project was the perceived failure of the project by the University administration due to the amount of time it was taking to register all the students. This was 10 weeks in to the project and the university claimed that with their manual process they completed registration in 3 weeks. As the on-site member of the project team, I was responsible for utilizing all available resources to successfully complete the project within a reasonable time. The time frame was not stated and my aim daily was to register as many students as possible. Gantt charts Gantt Chart is one of the popular information presentation tools in a project plan for graphically scheduling and budgeting. This tool makes it possible to have a quick look at all the tasks names and timings, and shows the current schedule status and progress. (Schwalbe 2006). It is also a good technique to identify parallel and sequential tasks, estimated time required for each task and an overall project timeline representation (McFarland  Ã‚   ) Schwalbe K. 2006, â€Å"Introduction to project management† Publisher: Cengage Learning Avoiding Project Management Pitfalls Allison J. McFarland With the availability of various Project-Management applications, like MS Project, smartdraw-Easy Project Chart, etc., Gantt Chart can be easily made. According to Pankaja Pradeep Kumar one of the biggest problems, the project managers have to face, is project-scheduling. With Ms. Projects Gantt Chart, an effective scheduling plan can be put in place for providing the necessary information, required by the project team members, for measuring the actual performance with the planned performance. This will enable the projects to be delivered within the time constraint with pre-defined quality standard. There are many literature and reading material available expressing the usefulness of the Gantt Chat (see appendix 1). Unfortunately Gantt charts, despite having various advantages faces various criticism. Asaravala (2006) highlights that some critics argue that Gantt Chart distracts the project managers attention from the project and towards perfecting pretty graphs, while others argue that charts are created only to satisfy the higher-ups and act as a distraction for the project team. Asaravala, A. 2006, â€Å"Defending the Gantt Chart†,   Resource: Academic Search Complete (EBSCO) , Citation: Software DevelopmentJan2006, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p14-15 Luz (2009) Also criticises that, besides the benefits, Gantt charts have many weakness which includes lack of details and inefficient utilization of screen space when displaying large number of parallel tasks, each of which requires its own representation space. Maylor (2001) extends the criticism and considers Gantt Chart as a â€Å"blunt instrument†, that encourages a one-step approach to planning. As a result of the presentation capabilities of modern planning packages, the visual quality of colour charts means that they gain an implicit credibility. This can result in staff being unwilling to challenge the charts, and so they gain a momentum all of their own. Furthermore Maylor (2001) states that charts obliges the project manager to over-control the project instead of delegating the project responsibilities to the team members. Increasing use of the project-management applications, project managers become not only the ‘keeper of the charts but also a computer operat or. This might lead the virtual project plan not being updated, as frequent change occurs. Asaravala (2006) defends the charts approach by reasoning that Gantt chart is a communication tool in helping stakeholders in understanding the tasks and the tasks relations with each other Pritchard (2004) affirms that Gantt charts helps the stakeholder to have a good view of the project and also act as a communication tool to the project clients and the stakeholders involved. Furthermore it helps project leaders focus their attention on critical tasks and resources as the project moves forward and allow them to keep track of how the project is progressing and using its available resources. Pritchard C. 2004, â€Å"The project management communications toolkit†, Publisher: Artech House Asaravala (2006) concludes that one the major reasons for criticism against Gantt charts might be that project managers, most often, find it difficult to get Project Management Applications, like Microsoft Project, to do what they want it to do. This might lead to confusion in the project tasks and delays in delivering the project Since Gantt Chart is not the only tool for time management in a project management. Literature mentions that there is an alternative approach to Time management. Therefore, Kendrick (2004) and Ribeiro (2009) suggest that an alternative to the Gantt chart would be to use a Critical Path Analysis CPA (Network Analysis) whereas Field et al. (1998), Johnson et al. (2007) and Davis T. and Pharro R. 2003 suggest Gantt Chart should be used along with Critical Path Analysis. Critical path networks provide a powerful notation needed to show all the local interdependencies between different tasks. Furthermore, it also ensures completion of the project in a timely manner by quantifying the priorities, based on an analysis of all the task duration estimates, with efficient utilization of resources but all this depends on the accuracy of the information used. (Lock 2007) Lock D. 2007, The Essentials of Project Management, Edition: 3, Publisher: Gower Publishing   Ltd. Field M. and Keller L. 1998, â€Å"Project management†, Publisher: Cengage Learning EMEA Ribeiro J. M. 2009, â€Å"Procurement of Goods, Works and Services in Development Projects: With an Overview of Project Management†, Publisher: Presses inter Polytechnique Johnson L. K., Luecke R. and Austin R. D. 2007, â€Å"The essentials of project management†, Publisher: Harvard Business Press Kendrick T. 2004, â€Å"The project management tool kit: 100 tips and techniques for getting the job done right†, Publisher: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn for project of a long duration, or where the details associated with future stages of he project are unclear, the completion of detailed network or Gantt chart can be meaningless. An alternative approach for projects of this nature is to agree and set metilestones or target dates fro akey events some way into the future. Detailed plans are then produced on a rolling programme as work is completed. Milestone charts are a very useful way to represent the project schedule. The activities leading up to the next milestone are developed in detail (using the processes outlined above), but the future stages of the project are shown simply by apporiate milestones. The detailed activities associated with the work leading up to those future milestones are developed as the project draws near. This approach provides a realistic representation of the project as events some way into the future are inevitably less well known and clearly defined. Planning the schedule in detail as the work is approac hed provides more accurate detailed plans. Davis T. and Pharro R. 2003, â€Å"The relationship manager: the next generation of project management†, Publisher Gower Publishing, Ltd Personal Reflection In the trans Himalayan mountain bike race project, the use of Gantt Charts for delivering the project has been empirical. For me Gantt chart acted as a key planning and controlling tool for addressing the project management in terms of time, scheduling and cost. It is easy to understand, embodies the WBS and enables monitoring the progress against projected estimation. I do not agree with Maylor (2001) criticism for considering Gantt Chart as a â€Å"blunt instrument† because it is either the projects milestones that are not executed in the way it is scheduled for or the Gantt Chart is not consistently aligned with the reality of the project. Blaming the Gantt Chart for being useless is just absurd. I have observed that Gantt Charts are not as good as a Critical Path Analysis Flow Diagram for identifying and showing interdependent factors. Although some of the literature, as mentioned above, mentions using the Critical Path Analysis as an alternative to Gantt Chart but after experiencing and using both tools in the Himalayan mountain bike race project, made me realized their importance and compels me to agree with Field et al. (1998) and Johnson et al. (2007) CPA flow diagram should be used with the Gantt Chart as a secondary tool. and Davis T. and Pharro R. 2003 Highlights the critical path and shows project logic (flow). Introduction To Project Management By Kathy Schwalbe For this reason many good organizations stopped using chart approach to plan projects like the top level management of Hewlett Packards UK plants uses whiteboards and Post-It notes with individual sub-project managers using the project management application at the task level Kuta points out that the key success factor for project rely on the project decisions which are based upon cost, risk, procurement and contracting, and other issues but are not addressed in the traditional Gantt Chart can oftenbe the timing and tn Although Gantt chart act as a key planning and controlling tool for addressing the project manamgent in terms of time, schecdule and cost but in support of this argument by In this argument

The Things They Carried Philosophy Essay

The Things They Carried Philosophy Essay The Things They Carried is author by storyteller Tim OBrien and addresses truth through fiction. He has taken the acts of the Vietnam War and told them through a series of stories. The characters listed in the book may actually be true but their actions may not be or not in the way OBrien tells the stories. He does not write in this book a historical account of the war but instead tells us about experiences that the soldiers had. In the chapter How to Tell a War Story (64) OBrien tells us that the truth is ugly and that war is not always about the glory or bravery of the soldiers. The stories are more about the soldiers feelings than the actual acts of war. I came to realize quickly that the book was about what the soldiers carried such as guilt, sadness, mental anguish and self doubt over acts of war and not the actual possessions. I believe people carry burden every day. I carry the guilt over my divorce and the fact that I wanted it so badly. I know that I will carry that guilt the rest of my life even though my life today is much better. Could I have tried harder? Did the divorce truly harm my son in anyway? The Things They Carried was a difficult book for me to read and I have to admit that reading the book actually has increased my concern for my son who is currently serving in Iraq. Once of my greatest fears is what he carries home with him after he has completed his mission. I understand that he may experience things thing that no one can image much like what OBrien wrote about. I am sure his experience is much different than what is referenced in OBriens book since we are not fighting the same kind of war. Those men had no choice they had to serve when called upon. My son has chosen to serve of his own free will and is actually enjoying his deployment even thought silently I worry about him. Human behavior is very strange especially in the act of war. Soldiers will do things that most human beings would not think of. In the normal routine of our day we do things that are strange. At work we may act a certain way so we can keep our job. Soldiers do the same thing; they act a certain way to stay alive and deal with the issue of war. In the chapter How to Tell a True War Story OBrien explains how war affects the soldiers minds. They hear voices, music, talking but there is nothing there. The soldiers call in fire power and there still is nothing there. The soldiers mind played tricks. The human mind can affect human behavior. Pre-Socratic Greek Philosophers Thales Thales was known as a first Greek philosopher and mathematician and introduced the idea of geometry. He was a successful business man and started his own school of philosophy which taught math and astronomy. Thales is also known for his thoughts on natural rather than supernatural views for events such as earthquakes. Looked upon as a man of knowledge and wisdom, Thales was named one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece. Thales was one of the founders of math and applied geometry but made a name for himself by establishing the need for deductive reasoning and proof for demonstrating a statement. Before Thales, geometry was focused on measuring surfaces and solids. He focused on lines, circles and triangles and is known for the five basic theorems of geometry. Besides his interest in geometry and math, he enjoyed astronomy. He is most noted for astronomical observations when he predicted a solar eclipse. It is thought he learned to predict the eclipse while in Babylon where they kept detailed records of astronomical events for years. With well kept records, Thales was able to calculate when an eclipse would occur and in what year. Thales believed the earth was flat and floated on water. Water was the origin of all life and was the one element needed to grow and nurture all things. He also believed that supernatural events could be explained by natural events. That an earthquake was caused when the earth was rocked by waves. It is thought Thales died sometime around 546 BC and was the only one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece to be declared wise multiple times. His philosophy became to be known as the Ionian School of Philosophy (Thales of Miletus, 2005). Heraclitus Heraclitus lived from 540-ca to 480 BC and tried to explain the nature of the universe by using logos or reason as the guide to all things, specifically fire. Heraclitus was born in Ephesus and is thought to have renounced his social status, probably king, to his brother. He was a lonely man who looked for the truth within himself and his works were similar to the writings of other philosophers. Much of Heraclitus work, On the Nature of the Universe, exists today but the work is difficult to interpret due to the use of abbreviations and style of writing. The basis of Heraclitus philosophy is the world of appearance, all things are constantly changing. Change is due to the idea that opposites guide all changes such as hot and cold, day and night, good and bad. He also believed that things that are inconsistent through conflict or tension are a type of harmony. Heraclitus thought the cosmos had always existed but did not come to existence at some specific time; that fire is the basic substance in the cosmos and all elements are changed because of it. He thought that the human soul may come to understand the truth of the cosmos even though humans understanding may only be child like. He commanded humans to learn the nature of the universe through the understanding of their own souls and was considered to be one of the first mental philosophers. Heraclitus was one of the first Greek philosophers to focus on the problem of knowledge and was the first to note the importance of an understanding of the soul as the beginning to understanding the world (Heraclitus, 2005). Empedocles Empedocles was a philosopher, poet, politician and visionary. He developed a philosophy around four elements in the universe and defined matter as the various ratios of these elements. Empedocles was born in Sicily to a wealthy family and named after his grandfather. His sharp intellect allowed him to combine his talents in philosophy, natural history, poetry and politics to accomplish popular status in his day. He was thought to be the inventor of rhetoric which is used in politics. He was popular because of his support of democracy. His scientific exploration included mysticism but his philosophies contained the basic laws of physics which included atomic theory. Empedocles followed the Greek philosopher Parmenides in the belief that matter is indestructible. He stated that matter made up all things and the four elements of the universe air, fire, earth and water made up all things according to various ratios of these four elements. Empedocles thought that love and hate controlled how the four elements came together or moved apart. Empedocles introduced the theory of reincarnation because nothing that comes into being can be destroyed only transformed. Later in his life he wrote a poetic piece called On Nature which contained ideas of evolution, the circulation of the blood and atmospheric pressure. He was the first to state the moon could be seen due to the reflection of light and thought the moon to be one third the distance from the earth to the sun. Empedocles made significant contributions to the philosophy of science. He is credited for founding the Italian school of medicine and was known to have a style for self promotion and public relations which is seen in his writings (Empedocles of Acrages, 2005). Apology-Justice and Duty (i) and Socrates Speaks at his Trial in Plato: The Last Days of Socrates Skillful Speaker with Speaking the Truth Socrates contrasts being a skilled speaker with speaking the truth (17b). Today in the media we are exposed to a great deal of false advertising. The commercials or print ads are produced and skillfully done. They are colorful, pleasing to the eyes; cleaver and many times catch our attention. Americans spend a great deal of money on these items and many times they are worthless. In the example of the toy company advertising a dancing ballerina, it was determined the television commercial through video made the ballerina dance, not the doll itself. Today in politics, Americans are exposed to very skillful speakers running for political office. When they speak of their platforms, what they believe in, many times it is thought to be what we want to hear and not what it necessarily the truth. Americans are exposed to their cleaver speeches and many times make decisions based upon those skillful speeches. Many times when a political race is about to end and individuals are expected to vote, the ads and political speeches begin to contain damaging information and again, this damaging information is skillfully delivered but is not always the truth. We then make a last minute decision based upon this questionable information and find out later it was a bad choice. In Socrates the Apology, Socrates, much like the skillful advertisers, used rhetoric to attempt to sway his accusers. He professed to be a plain main who speaks only simple truth yet he uses cleaver rhetoric and uses words in such a way as to manipulate them to serve a different purpose. Socrates claims he is not a cleaver speaker but the Apology tells us otherwise (The Interplay of Influence: News, Advertising, Politics and the Mass Media, 2001). Socrates was not afraid of Death Socrates continues to tell the accusers that he will not be the formal charges which will destroy him but the prejudicial gossip and slander. He does not fear death because he is concerned about acting right or wrong. Socrates argues that those who fear death show ignorance, that death is a blessing but those who fear it as an evil thing cannot know it to be such. He points out that his wisdom lies in the fact that he is aware that he does not know (29a, b). Socrates thought that man should be evaluating his actions as being right or wrong, just or unjust. This is because the value and justness of our lives count. He also thought that man should not be afraid of death, because we do not know what it is. To be afraid of something we do not know is to assume we know and Socrates felt that was unwise. He was not afraid of death because he realized it is a peaceful sleep and you meet those who have died before you, so how can this be evil? Socrates also thought that man should not stop fighting for what he believes in, even if it leads to death. He felt that he would rather die than give up his philosophical life. Socrates died for a righteous cause, the belief that one should never change their beliefs because of the fear of death. When Socrates declares to the jury, Wherefore, O men of Athens, I say to you, do as Anytus bids or not as Anytus bids, and either acquit me or not; but whatever you do know that I shall never alter my ways, not even if I have to die many times, he is giving up his life as an example for the future generations. He thought that if he died for a great cause it was justified. Once Socrates was found guilty, he insisted that a just person will not allow anything to count against doing the right thing, no matter the cost. If he chose ordinary good instead of the just course of action he would be choosing an action that was not good for him and he refused to do this. He did not propose an alternative to the death penalty. Socrates chose to accept his fate and becomes known as the greatest hero in the history of philosophy. His main concern in life was excellence in moral character of the soul which has set the foundation for ethics and philosophy today (Encyclopedia of Ethics, 2001). The Last Words in the Apology and Socrates Defense God and gods play a huge role in the Apology. The last word in Socrates defense is God (42a) and is placed there on purpose. In addressing the charges against him, charged with believing in other gods and corrupting the youth, Socrates does a good job of making the charges seem ridiculous. When Plato wrote the Apology he emphasizes the importance of the gods in agreement with Socrates wisdom. It was the Oracle of Delphi that proclaims that he is the wisest of the wise (20c) not Socrates. He is not defying the gods but trying to reach some truth and meaning. By asking questions he is gaining knowledge and truth which challenges the accuser to think beyond what they have always known. Socrates accusers try to prove him to be an atheist but fail by establishing Socrates teaches men to acknowledge some gods and that he believes in spirits or demigods (26a). This proves Socrates is not guilty of teaching the youth to not believe in gods of any kind but of introducing the youth to other ideas of god. In the defense of Socrates he delivers the argument that he believes in the spirits or demigods which establishes the fact that he has not corrupted the minds of the youth with ideas of not believing in God, when he himself believes in gods. Socrates tells us in the Apology that we should strive to be like God if God is considered to be the supreme entity.