Critical Thinking and Perception Essay

What is real? Our perception of reality is often a product of the environment in which we live. In general, we formulate ideas of reality based on our own experiences as well as the experiences of the people around us. Our lives are influenced constantly by our surroundings. I truly believe that perception is a learned skill and not instinctive. Outside of our communities, television, radio and movies sculpt our perception of the outside world. I think most of my thinking at the ordinary level is based on perception, language, and information. At the most there is one logic step: If this than that. I think most thinking takes place in the perceptual stage. These are the questions that arise, How much do I take in? and how do I look at things? This perception is based on habits of perceptions and what I hear, what I read and how I express myself. I understand that we do not need to use much explicit logic because we have already built the logic into our language. For example, killing is ‘bad’ unless justified by war or self-dense. I know that with decisions I followed what was recommended and what my friends were doing and then rationalized it with the following rationalization: Everyone does this and the stock rises for a while and when the market eventually gets a severe correction I rationalize that as well. This rationalization is based on information–not all-available information but a selection that fits what I was inclined to do anyway. I think that logic can be used to reinforce perceptions (and prejudices) but logic and argument will not change perceptions. Perception is more than sensing; it is processing, reacting, and interpreting. Faith Bryne describes perception as, â€Å"detecting the nature of both outer and inner worlds. In many cases, it also means responding in some way, either consciously or unconsciously.† (Perception, 57) Perception is the way we look at things and I think processing is what we do with that perception. In my view if we take processing for granted then perception becomes even more important, because the way we look at a situation will determine what we can do about it. The influences (family, teachers, religion, race, environment, and economic level) that have shaped or conditioned my identity by instilling values, beliefs, viewpoints or a ttitudes that I have accepted without challenge serves as a perceptual block. The situations in which I am less of an individual because of these influences occur when I refuse to understand someone else’s opinion or look for other points of view because of something I have been conditioned to believe is true. I am not one who handles others opinions without asking for them. I am not very consistent in ensuring that my opinions are informed. Often times I have not taken careful consideration of the evidence and have treated opinions as facts especially if I have expressed it to the point that I have begun to believe it as truth. At times, in what matters most I am inclined to assume too much and take too much for granted. I feel the strongest urge to conform when someone is a positive role model and conforming to this type of behavior I believe adds value. However, a situation in which this conformist tendency has interfered with my judgment is following others because it seemed the lesser of two evils. All to often at the workplace this is how some decisions are made just to close an issue that ultimately will recycle. Additionally, I tend to jump or make hasty conclusions more often than I would like. This occurs more so in the area of personal relationships. I have learned that there ar e some errors and bad habits that can lead to shallow or uncritical decisions instead of careful judgments. I have gained the most insight from the following errors and bad habits, which are: Resistance to change (habits), Conformity, Rationalization, Stereotyping, common sense, Oversimplification, Hasty conclusions, and unwarranted assumptions. I think the real key to each the of errors and habits mentioned above is my being conscious of the tendency to do them and to get into the habit of applying and practicing the different ways or approaches to avoiding the blocks to critical thinking. This will be an ongoing process if I am to be in control of my own beliefs, and to somehow gain an understanding of the truth, then I must know what good reasoning is, and be aware of the ways in which my reasoning (and that of others) can go astray. How I tend to perceive certain situations in my life and how others may see it may not always agree with my thinking. This is a big obstacle that I will have to work on being better at and learning how to understand others perceptions. References Brynie, Faith Hickman. (2001). Perception. Blackbirch Press, Inc. (p 57

If winter comes can spring be far away Essay

The quotation referred to is the last line of shelley’s famous poem, â€Å"Ode to the West Wind†. In the poem, the poet identifies himself with West Wind, which, to him, is both the destroyer and the preserver. The poet has dead thoughts which he would like to be scattered by the West Wind like dead leaves. In place of these dead thoughts, he wants new and fresh thoughts to be born in him. As from an extinguished hearth, ashes and sparks are spread by the wind so the poet wants his message of hope to be delivered to the frustrated mankind. As winter is sure to be followed by spring, in the same way, dark and unhappy days of life are bound to be followed by a period of happiness and joy. Winter is the symbol of desolation and barrenness whereas spring stands for joyousness and fruitfulness. The quotation assumes significant application to the present state of affairs. The man today is passing through a period of miserable existence. The days of darkness and frustration constitute the life of man. The world today is collapsing into a helpless state of boredom. The weariness, fret and fever of life have made man to deduce, â€Å"where but to think is to be full of sorrow†. We are crumbling under the mounting pressure of defeatism and self-frustration. Today various factors of life have made man morbidly tired of himself. In the midst of intellectual, moral and spiritual bankruptcy, the forces of optimism though bleak, appear to be the only sustaining force. We in our frustration are made to think that life is not entirely devoid of joy and happiness. It is wrong on our part to lose faith in the ultimate goodness of things. We must realize that in the course of life good and evil days follow in succession. Each follows the other as night follows the day. Indeed, it is human nature to welcome joys and condemn sorrows. But we must bear sufferings with patience and fortitude in the hope that as spring follows winter, joy will follow sorrow. To be able to be the streak of silver lining that edges the threatening clouds of despair is the prerogative of only a few. Most of us only concern ourselves with the present and blink at future. Our vision is circumscribed by the difficulties and problems which confront us. The limits of the immediate cripple us. We wish but dare not hope. We work but dare not expect. We are apologists in anticipation and defeatist in our performance. The buoyant spirit of hope and happiness is lacking in us. It is essential that we cultivate the spirit of hopefulness. Optimism is the attitude of life which must be formed. An optimistic attitude is the healthy sign of life and struggle. It makes us self- reliant and grant fixity of purpose. It infuses a new spirit in our timid hearts and injects a vitalizing energy in our veins. Instead of being mere puppets in the hands of chance, faded notions and sordid illusions, it makes us persons of indomitable will and, lofty aspirations. It takes away passivity and grants pertinacity of efforts. It teaches fortitude, patience and perservance. It is rightly said, â€Å"Practice begets facility† therefore, it is better to wear out than to rust out in inactivity. Victor Hugo rightly said, â€Å"People do not lack strength, they lack will†.

Disucssion question about teaching ELL learners in their own langauge, Essay

Disucssion question about teaching ELL learners in their own langauge, and do i - Essay Example In practice, this is a complicated question. Too often, students are taught exclusively in their native language, and never encouraged to learn the new language. Research bears out, it takes years to develop an understanding of a new language, so it is beneficial for the student to continue learning in their home language and allow time to solidify knowledge in the new language. One has to ask, does bi-lingual education mean teaching all ELL learners in predominant ELL language of the geographical area? If not, then how could students of more obscure languages find adequate instruction; surely, not all public schools can accommodate Vietnamese or Russian students without greatly sacrificing the quality of instruction. In theory, I don’t think there should be a question of whether it’s necessary. A democratic society doesn’t have to ask if it â€Å"believes† in multi-culturalism, as pluralism is inherent in the very foundation of our republic. What I know, is that by not encouraging bi-lingualism and progressively defined education, our nation will distinguish the flame of creativity that has carried America to international prominence over the last two

Principal of Finance 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Principal of Finance 4 - Essay Example Since a section of the bondholders is in retail investment, they might sell the shares and cause a temporary drop in the General motors’ stock price. This is according to David Whitson, who is an analyst with Morningstar Inc. based in Chicago. He also says that the investors have probably factored in the dilution that would result from the sales and therefore, General Motors’ value in the long term will remain unchanged. He reiterates that he values the shares at $48 each because of their release to bondholders. The promise to the bondholders was made to help them cover some ground financially and investment wise, since they had made losses when the old version of the company declared themselves bankrupt (Welch, 2011). The warrants that were issued to the bondholders for the new General Motors stock are currently in the funds. This is according to Kirk Ludke, CRT capital group’s vice president’s report. This displays the edge bonds have over its peers in the financial market today. Welch, David. "Old GM Bondholders Getting Shares in New General Motors May Depress Price - Bloomberg." Bloomberg - Business, Financial & Economic News, Stock Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2012.

Death how should we think of death and dying Essay

Death how should we think of death and dying - Essay Example He is especially interested in the dark side of life: guilt, death struggling and suffering. So I will argue in favor of Jasper and believe that death should be faced with courage by human as his inner nature is eternal. Death sets a limit on our time in this life, urging us on to do something productive with that time as long as it is ours to use. If one begins to see death as an invisible, but friendly companion on one’s life journey – gently reminding not to wait until tomorrow to do what one mean to do - then one can learn to live life than passing through it. To rejoice at the opportunity of experiencing each new day is to prepare for one’s ultimate acceptance of death. We must allow death to provide a context of our lives, for in it lays the meaning of life and key to our growth. Jasper mentions death should be faced with courage Death is an integral part of life and is a process which cannot be avoided by any creature on earth. If one is born then he is de stined to die. This is an endless cycle a never ending process. Jasper is right in saying that death should be faced with utmost courage. Death is a hard truth of our life and one who sees death as a suffering or evil indeed is a coward. It is a transitional phase of man and this should be understood by human beings, in order to face it with courage. Everything ordained by our creator should be accepted by us with wholeheartedness. Just like life, death is a reality and should be faced with full acceptance. Generally, it is the misconception and ignorance of people that lead them to think of death as a suffering or evil. It should be understood by human that they are not just a physical being but an entity with transcendence quality. The journey of a human being is not short lived but an endless cycle of birth and death. Jasper does not believe in surrendering to death but embracing it with joy. It should be regarded as an entrance to new phase of life as life is an unending journey . Japer believed that human beings have an inner nature which is eternal. Since his soul is eternal, he should not be feared of death as nothing can kill him. Every man is feared of death Although Jasper is right in suggesting death should be faced with courage, every man on the face of earth fear death. It is a fact that, human being by the very name of death fears and it can be termed as instinctive .It could be his urge to survive and protect himself which has led to the generation of a fearful feeling of death. Many a time’s practical life is different from theoretical and philosophical life. It might seem easy to articulate theories about death, but in reality when once face death then he is feared utmost. In so far, death means not only a termination, an end but a consummation as well. Death is absolutely universal in human life. Everyone accepts it as natural and obvious that he must die. At the same time, a secret protest and an undistinguishable horror before this en d abides him. In every means, metaphysical anthropology cannot explain this fact. If a man is an immortal being, then why he should be afraid of death. May be it could be the feeling of pain and abandoning his body is the reason for the fear. One could say that death is punishment given to man by God to which make man understand that this material life in not eternal.A man who does not have a spiritual understanding can consider death as evil and unwelcoming. And a fear of death is also a warning to man about

Macroeconomic Theory ECON302 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Macroeconomic Theory ECON302 - Essay Example The effects of government intervention, primarily in the form of fiscal policy, works towards stabilizing the business cycle, through government spending (G) or flat rate tax (t). This helps to avert the effect of either recession or inflation. According to The Keynesian Income Model, the effect of government spending (G), is to stimulate economic activities through increasing the money available in circulation, which enhances the purchase of goods offered by businesses and thus uplifts the business cycle from recession back to boom (Salant, 69). On the other hand, the effect of a flat rate tax (t) is to reduce the rate of inflation, through the government reducing the money that is in circulation. This serves to reduce the prices charged for goods, since there is not much money circulating in the economy. The marginal propensity to import (f) is yet another factor that can play a role in correcting the imbalance on the business cycle. While there is much income within an income, an increased marginal propensity to import takes away income from the domestic economy to a different country, thus reducing the income. Alternatively, where there is low monetary circulation within an economy, a reduced propensity to import will serve to reduce e the money moved out of the economy, and thus increases the money circulating domestically (Carbaugh, 204). Question 2 The concept of short analysis refers to the economic aspect of analyzing the likely outcome of the production decisions by a firm in the near future, with the intention of explaining the likely future firm supply and its implications (Salant, 63). This analysis is pitched fundamentally on the law of diminishing marginal returns, where a firm experiences a decrease in marginal returns, on the event that variable inputs are added in larger amounts to a fixed variable (Carbaugh, 144). In this case, a short run analysis can take the form of assessing the impact of adding large amounts of variable inputs such as la bor, which can be added to a fixed variable such as capital. The effect is that the productivity of that firm will continue increasing as the quantity of labor is increased, until after a certain level of productivity, when any additional unit of labor to the fixed capital will result to corresponding reduced production units (Carbaugh, 236). The effect of expansionary fiscal and monetary policy is to increase the money that is circulating in the economy. Thus, the Impact of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policy in the SR under a closed economy is to lower the interest rates, increase the money supply and thus increase the quantity of goods and services demanded at a given price (Salant, 79). Question 3: The relationship between Balance of payments (BOP) and the foreign exchange markets There exists a relationship between the Balance of payments (BOP) and the foreign exchange markets in that; it is the foreign exchange rates that affect the prices at which a country trades its commodities (Carbaugh, 491). The Balance of payments accounts for the transactions that are made between a country and the rest of the world. The exports that a country makes to the rest of the world form the credit of the BOP, since they increase the mone

Prevalence and impact of alcohol misuse in the American, British and Dissertation

Prevalence and impact of alcohol misuse in the American, British and Canadian Armed Forces - Dissertation Example I am really thankful to them. In addition, I would also like to thank my parents and friends for their help in the execution and finishing of this project within the limited time. I am making this project not only for academic purposes but also to increase my knowledge on this public health issues. DECLARATION: I DECLARE THAT THIS DISSERTATION IS MY OWN WORK AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN PRESENTED AT ANY OTHER UNIVERSITY OR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING. List of Tables Table 1-Nationality of participants Table 2-Region of service Table 3-Element Table 4-Work Status Table 5-Gender Table 6-Nature of deployment Table 7-Causes and Effects of Alcohol abuse in armed forces Table 8-Summary of participant remarks Abstract Alcohol misuse has been part of military life since historical times. Study findings and literature reviews attest to the high prevalence of this problem not only among active-duty soldiers but also among veterans returning home. Studies also show several disparities in the preval ence and effects of alcohol abuse among military officers. First, younger officers of age 18-25 are found to suffer more alcohol abuse and related disorders than their older colleagues. Second, male soldiers are more likely to indulge in binge drinking compared to their female colleagues. Third, soldiers on active combat duties report more cases of alcohol abuse that their non-combat experienced colleagues do. This latter disparity could be explained by the traumatic experiences and events encountered in wars. For the US, UK, and Canada, veterans of the Iraqi and Afghani wars are outstanding examples of samples used to establish the extent to which traumatic combat and non-combat experiences and events promote alcohol misuse in armed forces. Although these countries’ defense departments have initiated various interventions and designed policy statements to curb alcohol abuse in military camps and among veterans, a lot still need to be done since the responses to this problem have been rather lackluster. In fact, recommendations by concerned agencies and individual researchers have largely been ignored by authorities. The negative effects of alcohol abuse on soldiers, their friends, families, and the profession in clued mental health disorders, violence, marriage breakages, unproductively, cardiovascular diseases, and death. These effects highlight the efficiency and the urgency with which alcohol misuse should be addressed. As the authorities seek answers to this problem, soldiers are also encouraged to seek alternative treatments to the disorders that military life expose them to rather than resorting to binge drinking for immediate and short-term solutions but never really solve the underlying issues. Introduction In the current society, many people are reported to keep their consumption of alcohol within the confines of the recommended levels. These drinkers have rather low risks of alcohol-related metal, physical, physiological, and

Environment Hormone Mimics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Environment Hormone Mimics - Assignment Example They may result in developmental disorders such as birth defects and cancerous tumors. Scientists and medical experts have established that environmental hormone mimics cause cognitive and brain developmental problems, such as severe attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. They can also cause physical deformations of various parts of the body such as limbs, and can cause sexual, developmental problems including the feminization of males or producing of masculine characteristics in females (Colborn, Saal & Soto, 1993). Hormones control most of the human body’s functions. They range from the maintenance of body heat, to growth and reproduction. For example, the pituitary and adrenal glands each secrete several hormones. Once released, these hormones travel to their target cells through the blood, where they bind to their receptors in a ‘lock and key’ fashion. Their binding triggers intracellular machinery, which brings about the desired response from the cell. Although hormones are quite large and complex molecules, they interact with their receptors in a rather simple way which simpler chemicals can emulate. However, only the hormone can elicit the normal response that result from binding to its receptors. The mimicking molecules only bind to the receptors, but do not trigger the desired response associated with the hormone. Thus, it prevents the hormone from binding to the receptor and elicits an undesired response. Some hormone mimics act by latching onto the hormone receptor and triggering a spurious response which may send associated body functions into overdrive. Consequently, the essential body function the hormone mediates alters in an adverse way. Ultimately, pathological states result which interfere with the life of the affected person or may even be lethal. The first of such hormone mimics to be identified had a tendency to

National Cranberry Cooperative Essay Example for Free

National Cranberry Cooperative Essay As one of the largest cooperatives for cranberry growers in North America, the National Cranberry Cooperative (NCC) encompasses operations in five states as well as two locations in Canada. Last year, sales from the United States alone reached upwards of $138 million, making 1995 NCC’s most productive season to date. The development and increased use of cranberry bogs in particular—commonly known as â€Å"wet harvesting† as opposed to the more traditional practice of â€Å"dry harvesting† by hand ­Ã¢â‚¬â€has brought higher yields to the NCC while creating new challenges for its receiving plants to keep pace. One such site, Receiving Plant No. 1 (RP1), experienced unprecedented levels of overtime costs during the 1995 season due to delivery backups at the plant’s loading docks. These additional costs have caused significant frustration among the cooperative members, and growers have demanded that RP1 identify the cause for these delays within the plant and implement a solution before the new season begins.

Apush Constitution Essay Example for Free

Apush Constitution Essay The Federalists, on the other hand, maintained as broad constructionists who argue that government should do whatever that is not forbidden on the Constitution. However, throughout the course of 1801 to 1817, both parties failed to stay consistent with their original principles and adopted whichever interpretation of the Constitution that serves them best. Politically, the War of 1812, also known as â€Å"Mr. Madison’s war† with Britain, stirred the most controversy in Federalist and Republicans. Madison supported the war because of the seemingly auspicious terms he can get out of the war. War of 1812 promised several things: more land for settlement, completely elimination of Britain’s presences in America and Canada, and most importantly, it promised to restore unity in U. S. Federalists, now acting as strict constructions, demands word by word justification of declaring war on Britain. For example, Daniel Webster argued that â€Å"†¦Where is it written in the Constitution, in what article or section is it contained, that you may take children from their parents, and parents from their children, and compel them to fight the battles of any war in which the folly or the wickedness of the government may engage it? † Many Federalists felt declaring war with the country of their origin is unfaithful to the Canon Laws which they obey in churches. Furthermore, they view France as America’s real enemy since it seized more cargo from American merchants than Britain. Economically, both Jefferson and Madison shift their constructionist policies and contradict with their former ideologies about the interpretation of Constitution. For example, prior to Jefferson’s presidency, he firmly addressed his belief that the power of government comes from what is given from the Constitution in lines â€Å"I believe [we] shall obtain†¦a majority in the legislature of the United States, attached to the preservation of the federal Constitution, according o its obvious principles and those rights unquestionably remaining with them;† (Doc A). However, he contradicted his belief in strict constructionism with Louisiana Purchase, since Constitution didn’t grant him the power to make such purchases. Many Federalists now shifted their stances to strict constructionist who demands justification of whether such expenditure is constitutional or not. Jefferson, acting as loose constructionist now, supports the purchase because it opens lands for settlement and strengthens his popularity in South and West. The loose constructionism of the Jeffersonian Republicans is also shown in the Embargo Act of 1807 and Non-intercourse Act. Both acts restricted American ships from engaging foreign trade between the years of 1807 to 1812 especially to England and France. To Federalists in New England, who profited from supplying Britain and French during Napoleonic war, the two acts placed by Jefferson is an abuse of power by the Federal government. They felt the constitution did not provide government the power to place embargo, and believe that the government is dragging the nation’s economy back (Doc C). Jefferson once again loosely interprets and Constitution and validates these acts by claiming these acts as protection of American interests and avoid warfare. The Protective Tariff of 1816, which designs to benefit domestic economy, further accentuates the Jeffersonian Republicans’ shift from strict constructionism. Several strict constructionists in Democratic Republican Party pointed out that â€Å"†¦ the present government renounces the true republican principle†¦ its principle now is old Federalism†¦it would be unjust, to aggravate the burdens of the people for the purpose of favoring manufactures†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Many Democratic Republicans felt the imposition of tariffs on citizens overrides the original republican belief that the government shall have no power to interdict actions that Constitution didn’t specify (Doc. B) and therefore, the strict constructionists in the Republican Party felt cheated by Jefferson and Madison. In general and Jeffersonian Republicans and Federalists are more than willing to compromise their originals principles for national and sometimes self-serving interests whenever they feel necessary. Jefferson, later in 1816, addresses that â€Å"†¦the laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightens, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also and keep pace with the times. † (Doc. G)