There is no such thing as a rational decision. Discuss this assertion, Essay

There is no such thing as a rational decision. Discuss this assertion, and carefully justify the arguments and claims that you m - Essay Example This study aims at discussing rational decision-making and its existence from the roots. In order to throw light on every dimension of rational decision-making, the discussion would begin from understanding rationality, and will further assist in understanding what does rational decision signify. It will also include what elements assist one in understanding that the particular decision is rational enough. Apart from this, theories in relation to types of rationality would be discussed. The conditions considered for effective decision-making need to be understood in order to conduct a comprehensive analysis for stating whether rational decisions exist or it is just a myth. Rationality is considered to be a normative concept, which signifies any belief, desire or action. It signifies any conviction or concept, which is derived through proper reasoning (Adler, 1991). Rationality can be considered the characteristics of decisions which are supported by motives. Max Weber, a German socio logist proposed a theory of rationality, which explains four types of rationality. The first type of rationality put forward by him is purposive or instrumental rationality. This explains the expectation regarding the behavior of the other objects and the human beings present in the society. The second type of rationality is value or belief oriented. In this case the action is assumed to be essential for the person, such as ethics, religion, motives, etc. The third type of rationality is affectual, which assist in determining the specific affect of emotions or feelings. Weber considered this type of rationality to be meaningfully oriented rationality. The fourth type was habituation, which is traditional. Weber emphasized on these four types of rationality because he considered rationality and rational decision making to be the outcome of one of these types or a combination of these types of rationality stated by him. However, Weber’s point of view for rationality has been cr iticized by Habermansian, whose proposed theory was devoid of any social power or context, whereas Weber’s theory of rationality was strongly supported by values and power (Berg, & Hoffrage, 2004). A rational decision-maker actually chooses among the different alternatives or courses of action that are based on the ability of the decision-maker. This is because this process includes rational decisions that are not only backed by reasons but are also appropriate enough for achieving goals, and solving problems. While discussing the concept of rational decision-making, elements like rational choice and rational behavior of individuals needs to be also discussed. Rational choices are considered to be economic principles which are assumed to be made by those individuals who make logical and prudent decisions that benefit them and provide them satisfaction. This concept of rational decision-making is based on the rational choice theory. Rational behavior is the decision-making pro cedure which depends on the choices that would offer optimum level of utility or benefit. According to conventional theories of economics all those individuals who take part in any activity or action are rational. Rational decision does not always assist in generating profit because it is considered that sometimes

An Introduction To Distance Learning

An Introduction To Distance Learning Distance learning is a form of education which has been created with the aim of delivering education among those students who are not able to attend regular school due to various reasons. It can also be defined as a education system to create as well as offer access to learning in a situation where the source of education and learner are away from each other because of time and distance. In brief, we can say that distance learning is an ideal way to offer education of equal quality to meet the educational requirement of a learner outside the classroom. This method of education is being adopted by a huge number of universities and institutes around the world. If the status of distance learning is considered then we will find that though it is not as such very old phenomenon here but there is no doubt to the fact that it has been accepted wholeheartedly here and a great number of students in India are getting themselves enrolled for numerous course via distance learning. Roughly, we can count about 11 universities and about 54 institutions which are offering distance learning programs and the number is still on increase. Types of Technologies Used in Distance Education: One of the best ways to categorize the different types of distance education is by deciding whether the teacher and learner are present at the same time irrespective of the distance of time and place. In other words, when teaching and learning take place simultaneously, then this situation is termed as a synchronous which means at the same time. On the other hand, when the teacher and learner participate as per convenience of his time, then it is termed as an asynchronous situation which as the situation indicates means not at the same time. The term hybrid course is often used in distance learning programs. Actually, this term is the blend of both synchronous and asynchronous which means that it includes distance learning and face to face meeting as well. This situation is organized in a way that the teacher offers certain hours to his disciple where the latter is available at the same time by different means such as email, instant messages, telephone or video calling. Different Technologies Used in Synchronous Situation: Interactive Television: This method is often offered by the teacher and the student can join some nearest facility and be a part of a group using television as a means of connecting them. Web Conferencing: Here the learners make use of computers with web cam and microphone attached. In this technology, the teacher and the learner are not only able to see and talk with each other but they can also share documents as well. A good range of proprietary systems make it successful means of studying like Blackboard, WebCT, Adobe Connect and OnSync. Video Chat: It can be said as a shrink version of Web conferencing as it has fewer features available compared to the former. Different Technologies Used in Asynchronous Situation: In this situation, the teacher prepares his own time and the students take part in time when the time is suited to them. However, at times one has to be there within a specified time frame. This objective is achieved by using various means such as: There are certain online learning platforms like Ed2go where students are required to complete the work told and at times they have to perform self-assessment too. The teachers can be available via Ed2go but it is not so via all systems. Correspondence Courses: This method is in use before the other methods of distance education appeared in India. These courses can be done using email or Fax and also the postal service. But the idea remains same here too which is the work is completed by the student and sent to the teacher for assessment. Types of Distance Learning Courses: Internet conducted course which is based on ones choice for synchronous, asynchronous or Hybrid Broadcast Course: Here television or radio is used as means. Usually television programs are included into curriculum other than educational program which take place when the teacher and student are present face to face. For example: taped demo of the content etc. students are helped by the teachers and the project report are sent to the teachers. Courses Based on Internet: These types of courses are evolved in the internet environment using various means such as e-books, e-mail chats, asynchronous forums or mailing lists to name few. Moreover, the internet based courses can be easily blended with other distance learning courses mentioned above. Thus, we can conclude the distance learning courses in the under mentioned basic forms: Authors Course in Varying Topics Postgraduate Programs as well as Varying Staff Evolvement Programs University Course for Campus Students University Course meant for the students at the secondary and high school level Course in Specialized Fields Business Oriented Courses The Most Eligible Students for Distance Learning: Learners in different situations can take advantage of distance learning. Some fo these situations include: People who find it hard to leave home due to various reasons can be benefitted from distance education. It allows them to get the degree even in their confinement. Workers for those it is not possible to attend the local class which is scheduled for a fix time. By distance learning, they can arrange their timings are per their convenience. Home schoolers who though are enrolled in a school but who wish to increase their local opportunities by option for educational classes by taking the help of distance education. Distance learning is best for would-be students. It means students who live away from an institution offering t he course of their choice or in other words, the course/program they are willing to take is not offered by college or institution near their home. Even prisoners might be able to access to studies using different types of distance learning programs. Students who are not able to attend physical schools because of huge expense will also find it cheaper way to get their degree in distance learning. There are students who remain in search of just refresher on a specific subject but not complete course. Reasons to Opt for Distance Learning Education: Almost all students around the world are well-aware of the huge benefits of getting their studies done via distance learning. Some of the prominent benefits of distance learning include: Study is Not Restricted by Time and Place: Distance learning allows you to study wherever you wish. As we all know, internet is the basic need of todays education and it is an integral part of distance learning. So, if you have got internet connection then it means that the entire world is your classroom and your education objectives are no more restricted in geographical boundaries. You can study from your home or even office to as per your choice. No Time Restrictions: Similar to eddy where you wish, you can also study at any time whenever you find it convenient. Due to asynchronous learning, you can make use of your computers at any time of the day and have access to your study material that is in the form of videotaped lectures, research materials, chat rooms etc. it must not be amusing if you are able to get your Masters or even PhDs done via distance learning programs. Customization of College Degree as Per Ones Specific Needs: No doubt, education is very important but there are a huge number of students who have to juggle with other commitments too. Students who are working to meet these commitments such as caring for others or traveling frequently find it hard or almost impossible to join some local school or college with scheduled time. In addition to this, those who like to learn independently also find distance learning appealing. Someone-else can Pay on Your Behalf: Distance learning programs get more attractive when many employers are ready to pat a certain part or even all of their tuition fees. In this situation which better be termed as win-win situation, on one side employers are able to hire employees with increased knowledge or skill and employees are able to get higher degree without spending with a meager amount or no money at all and also are not required to reduce their working hours. Getting Degree Faster: Generally, it is possible to obtain degree faster in online course or programs compared to campus counterparts. It is due to the fact that online classes are often take place hurriedly and thus enabling one to finish their classes in less time. Also, if you have transferable credits in your favor from some other institution, you can easily make your course completion time via distance learning even lesser. Obviously, the faster you will have your degree in your hand; the chances will be more to grab a job or salary of your choice. Allow you to Build New Skills: It is certain that you get your degree via distance learning program; you must have to build certain skills which are needed to meet the requirements of distance learning programs. You are supposed to have a great deal of motivation, responsibility and making best of your time available. So, you get the skills like self-discipline and the ability to learn on your own and these skills thereafter transfer to your work place. In case, your course work is too be submitted through computers, then it will also result in your improved writing skills. Courses Offered in Distance Learning in India: The universities offering distance learning in India is administered by the Distance Education Council of India (DEC). This organization is based in the capital. The distance learning course offered in India can be divided under the number of disciplines such as Arts, Science and Commerce. Both undergraduates and post graduates can be pursued via distance learning programs in India in addition to numerous diploma courses. List of Undergraduate course which have been included in distance learning programs in India include: Bachelor of Arts (English, History, Psychology, Hindi, Sanskrit and Sociology) Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology and Economics) Bachelor of Library Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) In addition to these courses, students can also get Advanced Diploma, Diploma, Post Graduate Diploma and Certificate Courses at a number of institutes offering the option of distance learning in Indian States. Indian States Offering Distance Learning Programs/Course: Some of the prominent Indian states which offer distance learning comprise New Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat just to name few. In real, often it is open universities that provide distance learning programs/courses. In addition to open universities in the country, there are other leading state universities which offer distance learning course. some of these universities comprise University of Delhi, University of Mumbai, Punjab University and Hyderabad University. Other universities also have separate department for distance education in Indian states. In upshot, it can be said that the trend of getting higher education or degrees is on increase day by day and it is expected to keep on going in future too with much more option available to the learners with more advanced technologies included in it. It is also crystal clear that distance learning is not an option of getting education for those only who cannot afford physical schools or campuses but it is equally famous among urban people too. It is due to the fact that distance learning offers them various opportunities to polish their skills and get higher degrees needed to move on to the higher designations. They can move on to the higher post without leaving their current job and are able to carry on their studies without quitting their jobs. In addition to this, most of the course or programs available in distance learning are related to current industry, so these courses prove highly beneficial with simple method of taking admissions into these courses no matter where you are.

A Modest Proposal Essay -- essays research papers

Have You Eaten Yet?: Swift’s Final Solution As a lately favored eighteenth century essay, Jonathan Swift’s "Proposal" has been canonized as a satirical model of wit. As will be discussed shortly, Swift’s essay is often seen as an allegory for England’s oppression of Ireland. Swift, himself and Irishman (Tucker 142), would seem to have pointed his razor wit against the foreign nation responsible for his city’s ruin. Wearing the lens of a New Historicist, however, requires that we reexamine the power structures at work in Swift’s society. We must delve into not only Swift’s "Proposal," but also into other of his correspondence, and even into discourse of the epoch in order to gain a thick description of the many levels of understanding present in Swift’s "Proposal." As a model of rhetorical discourse, Jonathan Swift’s "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Public" is unique among the plethora of pamphlets which circulated Ireland in the early eighteenth century. However, it is imprudent to think of the work as having emerged purely isolated from the pressures of the society in which Swift wrote. While propositions such as "A Modest Proposal for the More Certain and yet More Easie Provision for the Poor, and Likewise for the Better Suppression of Theives†¦Tending Much to the Advancement of Trade, Especially in the most Profitable Part of It," (Author Unknown, Cited in Rawson 189) were commonly circulated in order to postulate solutions to the crises of the day, Jonathan Swift’s "Proposal" has been read as a parody of this sort of pamphlet (Rawson 189). There can be no solid support for such a thesis, and it would be wrong to infer that what is at work in Swift’s "Proposal" in any important sense is a burlesque on project concerning the poor or on the titles of certain types of economic tracts. The mimicry of these things which Swift employs is but seasoning, and not the main point. Likewise, to suggest that Swift was radically attacking the notion of economic planning of human affairs, or even that his attitude on certain central questions was humane or liberal is misleading. The majority of interp... ...ocaust becomes a close analogue to the "proposal," since the problem, whose formulation and very existence might elsewhere seem preposterous, underwent a Final Solution with hideous efficiency. This comparison reinforces the point that the "proposal" is not a sheer fantasy, nor a sardonically frivolous gesture of despair. With a New Historic lens, we must examine the interplay of interpretations of the history we have been taught. As Tyson puts it, "had the Nazis won World War II, we would all be reading a very different account of the war." (Tyson 282) We cannot be satisfied with any interpretation of history which relies on subjective information. It is not surprising that the targets of Swift’s satire cannot be, and are not meant to be, clearly distinguished from one another, nor that Swift’s allegiances between the English, the Anglo-Irish, and the natives are blurred and fluctuating things. These confusions provide essential energies of Swift’s style. The "Modest Proposal" clearly is an embodiment of the complexities and contradictions of the English-Irish relationship in the eighteenth century.

History of Western Society Ch 13 Outline

History of Western Society Sixth Edition Chapter 13 Outline I. The Evolution of the Italian Renaissance A. Economic growth laid the material basis 1. Cultural achievements of the 14th to 16th centuries 2. Northern Italian cities led the way 3. Advances in ship construction greatly increased the volume of goods that could be transported; improvements in the mechanics of sailing accelerated speed 4. Italian renaissance appeared in Florence 5. The economic foundations of Florence was so strong that even severe crisis could not destroy the city 6.Driving enterprise, technical know-how, and competitive spirit saw Florence through the difficult economic period of the late 14th century B. Communes and Republics 1. The Northern Italian cities were communes, sworn associations 2. Groups tied by blood, economic interests, and social connections 3. A properly qualification, years of residence within the city, and social connections 4. In the 15th century, political power and elite culture enter ed on the princely courts of despots and oligarchs C. The Balance of Power Among the Italian City States 1. Passionate attachment to their individual city states . The kingdom of Naples had long been disputed by the Aragonese and by the French. 3. In the peace treaty signed at Lodi in 1454, Venice received territories in return for recognizing Sforza’s right to the duchy 4. Renaissance Italians invented the machinery of modern diplomacy 5. In a number of fiery sermons between 1491 and 1494, Savonarola attacked what he considered the paganism and moral vice of the city 6. The invasion of Italy in 1494 by the French king Charles VIII 7. In 1508 his cousin and heir, Louis XII, formed the league of Cambrai II. Intellectual Hallmarks of the RenaissanceA. The Renaissance was characterized by self-conscious awareness among the 14th and 15th century Italians 1. Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) considered the first two centuries of the Roman Empire to represent the peak in the developme nts of human civilization 2. The Renaissance manifested itself in a new attitude toward men, women, and the world B. Individualism 1. Middle Ages had seen the appearance of remarkable individuals 2. Large literature with the nature of individuality emerged, represented the flowering of distinctly Renaissance individualism C. Humanism 1.Humanism emphasized human beings, their achievements, interests, and capabilities 2. Renaissance humanists approached the classics differently D. Secular Spirit 1. Secularism involves a basic concern with the material world instead of with the eternal world of spirit 2. Humanist Lorenzo Valla (1406-1457) defends the pleasures of the senses as the highest good 3. Papal interests, which were far removed from spiritual concerns, fostered, rather than discouraged, the new worldly attitude III. Art and the Artist A. The subject matter of art through the early 15th century as in the Middle Agrs, remained overwhelmingly religious 1.In the 14th and 15th centu ries, a large, intricately carved wooden bed, a chest, and perhaps a bench served as its sole decorations 2. Florentine Masaccio (1401-1428) inspired a new style, realism, the new international style B. The Status of the Artist 1. The Renaissance artist was considered a free intellectual worker 2. The social status of the artist of genius was immortally secured IV. Social Change A. The Renaissance changed many aspects of Italian, and subsequently European, society 1. Renaissance culture witnessed a shift in the status and experience of women B. Education and Political Thought . One of the central preoccupations of the humanists was education and moral behavior 2. In the 16th and 17th centuries, The Courtier was widely read 3. No Renaissance book on any topic, however, has been more widely read and studied in all centuries since its publication (1513) C. The Printed Word 1. By the middle of the 15th century, paper was no problem 2. Gutenberg’s Bible of 1456, movable type had b rought about radical changes 3. Since books and other printed materials were read aloud to illiterate listeners, print bridged the gap between written and oral cultures D. Clocks . The English word quantification was first used in 1840 2. Mechanical clocks, usually installed on the cathedial or town church, were in general use in Germany by the 1330’s, in England by the 1370’s, and in France by the 1380’s 3. The status of upper-class women declined, in terms of the kind of work they performed 4. Laura Cereta (1469-1499) illustrates the successes and failures od educated Renaissance women 5. Women, of course, continued to perform economic functions 6. In the years 1338- 1358, rape was not considered a serious crime against either the victim or society 7.In the 11th century, William the Conqueror had decreed that rapists be castrated E. Gender and Culture 1. The term homosexuality was coined only in 1892 2. On April 17th, 1432, the Florentine government set up a s pecial magistracy, the Office of the Night F. Blacks 1. The beginning in the 15th century, sizable numbers of black slaves entered Europe 2. In 1491 Isabella of Este, duchess of Mantua, instructed her agent to secure a black girl between four and eight years old V. The Renaissance in the North A. Last quarter of the 15th century, Italian Renaissance thoughts inspired northern Europe 1.There More found the time to write Utopia (1516), which presents a revolutionary view of society. 2. Francois Rabelais (1490? -1553) possess a distinctly secular flavor and have attracted broad readership among the literate public 3. Many of Bosch’s paintings reflect the confusion, and anguish often associated with the end of the Middle Ages VI. Politics and the State in the Renaissance (CA 1450-1521) A. Louis XI, Henry VII, and Ferdinand and Isabella in Spain had been labeled as â€Å"new monarchs† B. France 1. In 1438 Charles published the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges 2.In 1516 the new treaty, the Concordat of Bologna, approved the pope’s right to receive the first year’s income of new bishops and abbots C. England 1. Between 1455 and 1471, adherents of the ducal houses of York and Lancaster waged civil war, the Wars of Roses 2. The council dealt with real or potential aristocratic threats through a judicial offshoot, the court of Star Chamber D. Spain 1. The centuries-long Reconquista- the wars of the northern Christian kingdoms to control the entire peninsula 2. In the administration of Castile, â€Å"New Christians† held the royal secretary ship

20th Century World Literature a Madman’s Diary Essay

In this paper we will research the Chinese Revolution of 1911. Talk about how is Lu Xun’s A Madman’s Diary a reflection of China’s revolutionary history, explain how In Diary, who the madman was and what he represented. Also we will look at and explain what cannibalism represented. And then we will discuss how this can be applied to our lives. The Revolution of 1911 was a period of time during Chinese history which overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty, and established the Republic of China. It was made up of many fights and uprisings. What changed it all was the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911, which was the result of the Railway Protection Movement. This ended with the resignation of the â€Å"Last Emperor† on February 12, 1912, which marked the end of the Imperial rule and set up the China’s Republican era. A Madman’s Diary promoted China’s education and progress similar to the style of Western civilization thorough first-person fiction that is obscenitively satirical. At the end of the piece, the madman says,† Perhaps there are still children and future generations who have not yet fully adopted Confucian values are the likely candidates for social change. The have not yet read the history books pounding in the ideas of age-old morality and piety and social cannibalism. Their parents have not yet corrupted their belief system. Save the children, and save China. The exact words from the book says that the madman: was one of two brothers: Two brothers, whose names I need not mention here, were both good friends of mine in high school; but after a separation of many years we gradually lost touch. Some time ago I happened to hear that one of them was seriously ill. pg. 131 The Longman Anthology World Literature 2nd Ed The brother that was seriously ill was considered the madman and the only illness he was suffering from was a persecution complexity issue within himself. The madman’s ideas represents the changes sought by the Revolution of 1911 which were a spirit of progress and reform at both social and personal levels; the rejection of an tyrannical traditionalism, conformity and ignorance. The madman respects writing as the source of apparent truth but is trying to gain true wisdom through the making of this novel literary. As cannibalism is metaphor for the unfeeling nature of Chinese feudalism, the madman is Lu Xun’s ideal persona. Furthermore, Lu Xun personifies his own ideals through his career choice to pursue writing in an effort to bring about the spiritual awakening that he believes the Chinese are in need of. In the end, Lu Xun effectively places himself as the â€Å"madman† and revolutionary of modern Chinese literature. This story has taught me a lot and I am glad that it was a piece of literature that we had to read. It taught me that no matter how crazy we think we are sometimes we are really the smartest ones in the bunch and it generally is just a persecution complex issue that we have with ourselves which we need to find a way to overcome.