Adam in Miltons Paradise Lost Essay -- John Milton

Adam in "Paradise Lost": Fate's Ruler - and Subject A central problem in John Milton's "Paradise Lost" in the theological issue of free will versus fate, a traditionally much-debated question. Free will is the condition of having control or direction over fate or destiny; the individual shapes his life and future through his actions. The opposing view, complete lack of free will (made famous by John Calvin), is predestination, which expresses the idea that our futures have been foreseen long before our existences, so our actions are preordained, and our paths chosen for us. Milton's presentation of the character Adam wrestles with these ideas around free will throughout Paradise Lost; while he does in fact eat the apple of his own accord, the episode is foreseen by God, in advance. In this epic poem, Milton asserts that man, through Adam's example, exercises free will; but in doing so, he exposes contradiction, makes some absorbing inquiries and asks some engrossing questions. A cursory history of both views would be beneficial here. John Calvin, the famed apologist of predestination, defines it in this way: In conformity, therefore, to the clear doctrine of the Scripture, we assert, that by an eternal and immutable counsel, God has once for all determined, both whom he would admit to salvation, and whom he would condemn to destruction. We affirm that this counsel, as far as concerns the elect, is founded on his gratuitous mercy, totally irrespective of human merit; but that to those whom he devotes to condemnation, the gate of life is closed by a just and irreprehensible, but incomprehensible, judgment. In the elect, we consider calling as an evidence of election, and justification as another token of it... ...eversed in a moment of free will; else there is a paradox here that is unreconcilable: how can people both have free will and not have it, simultaneously? In "Paradise Lost", John Milton attacks the theme of free will versus predestination through the actions of Adam, the first man. Adam's actions are unclear -- thus he has free will to act on his own -- but at the same time he is governed by an overriding God who can see past, present, and future. Adam is both the subject and ruler of his fate, in a unique contradiction cleverly set up and expressed by Milton. The writing surrounding Adam evidence Milton's essential believe in free will, but also display his thoughtful treatment of the situation. In the epic poem "Paradise Lost", John Milton carefully weighs the two ideas of predestination and free will against each other, with profound and fascinating results.

The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses A functionalist analysis of deviance looks for the source of deviance in the nature of society rather than in the biological or psychological nature of the individual. Although functionalists agree that social control mechanisms such as the police and the courts are necessary to keep deviance in check, many argue that a certain amount of deviance can contribute to the well-being of society. Durkhiem (1895) believed that: * Crime is an 'integral part of all healthy societies'. This is because individuals are exposed to different influences and will not be committed to the shared values and beliefs of society. * Crime can be functional. All societies need to progress and all social change begins with some form of deviance. In order for change to occur, yesterday's deviance must become tomorrow's normality. Nelson Mandela, once imprisoned as a 'terrorist', eventually became president of South Africa. * Societies need both crime and punishment. Without punishment the crime rate would reach a point where it became dysfunctional. Durkheim's views have been developed by A. Cohen (1966) who discussed two possible functions of deviance: 1. Deviance can be a 'safety valve', providing a relatively harmless expression of discontent. For example, prostitution enables men to escape from family life without undermining family stability. 2. Deviant acts can warn society that an aspect is not working properly, for example widespread truanting from school. Merton (1938) explains how deviance can result from the culture and ... ... (taking advantage of 'insider' knowledge to make huge profits on the stock exchange). This is illegal, which suggests that capitalists do not always get the laws they want. 5. 'Left Realists' believe that Marxists put too much emphasis on corporate crime. Other crimes such as burglary cause greater harm than Marxists imply. Their victims are usually working-class and the consequences can be devastating for them. 6. Post-modern Criminology rejects Marxist criminology as being neither believable nor defensible. Despite these criticisms, Marxism has been an influence on a number of critical perspectives on deviance. Some have drawn their inspiration from Marxism and can be referred to as neo-Marxist approaches. Others owe less to Marxism and are better defined as radical approaches.

Book Smart vs Street Smart Essay

In the article, â€Å"Hidden Intellectualism,† Gerald Graff discusses the topic of book smart versus street smart. Being street smart means having interest in other activities more than in school work, while being book smart is the complete opposite of that. Graff believes that having the personality of a street smart person can benefit society if one knows how to channel their potential correctly. He persuades his views to the readers by using his personal experiences and displaying the positives of being street smart. During his childhood years, Graff lived in a middle class neighborhood, while being a block away from what would be classified to some people as the â€Å"hood. † He would encounter people from that part of the hood daily. He would have to hide his intelligence in the fear that he would get beat up or robbed. He loved sports more than school, so he thought he was in the street smart crowd. â€Å"It was in these discussions with friends about toughness and sports, I think, and in my reading of sports books and magazines, that I began to learn the rudiments of the intellectual life†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Graff 10). In this quote, Graff explains how being street smart was actually helpful for him. He was learning elements of argumentation without even meaning to do so. He later explains the different kinds of components he learned in his arguments, â€Å"†¦how to make an argument, weigh different kinds of evidence, move between particulars and generalizations, summarize the views of others, and enter a conversation about ideas† (Graff 10). He did not think it would have been this easy to do all of these things without reading something to do with Shakespeare. When he realized that loving sports and being able to argue over this subject was actually helping him, he started doing some research on how schools should use relatable subjects to help the street smart students connect like the other students do. This way they would be able to learn in a way that is most understandable to them. He explains that if a student would rather choose a sports magazine over a novel to write about, then it is only smart enough to assign them to write from the magazine. This way they are interested in what they are writing about, and also they are bettering their writing skills. â€Å"Give me the student anytime who writes a sharply argued, sociologically acute analysis of an issue in Source over the student who writes a lifeless explication of Hamlet or Socrates’ Apology† (Graff 18). In this ending statement, Graff is confident about his views and is openly challenging anybody to contradict whatever he has previously stated. Graff’s personal experiences assist in conveying why he felt so strong about this topic. Also, he gives ideas to schools and universities on what teaching material they should use for the street smart students. Not only does he provide help, but he is also confident of its success. There is a way to use the street smart in a book smart type of way.

A Field Trip to Dell, Inc. Website

This is one business in the United States where IT is the center of commerce, and people are in constant interaction with technology.Background & PurposeThe writer has made a field trip to Dell, Inc.’s business website early at around 6 am on the 7th day of August 2007.   I chose this site because Dell, Inc. has basically been one of my favorite brands when it comes to computer hardware products like personal computers, servers, software, data storage devices, and personal digital assistants.   Dell manufactures even my PC, so instead of going to Round Rock, Texas where its headquarters are presently located, I used IT and the media to connect to the company and make a ‘virtual’ field trip.My purpose here is to evaluate five things: first, the purpose of the website; second, the assumed user profile; third, the psychological and social human habits that are reflected in their website design; fourth, the advanced technology or technologies that they use; fifth, the way media visitors interact with technology; sixth and last, whether the technology affects cultural and social interactions.   What I should be careful to observe are the physical and human environments that are good precursors of interpersonal relationship.FindingsFrom my virtual field trip on Dell, Inc., my findings can be described as follows:1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The purpose of the website is multi-faceted, although the overall function of the site is to inform people about their company, their business, their products, the events that they have, and the benefits of choosing them as a computer manufacturing company.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The assumed user profile revolves around high-tech visitors of big suburban cities around the world (the Western, most especially).   It appears from its website design that the major group of people that are being invited to enter are those that are from the middle age, middle class society mainly because of the simplicity of design, some picturesque views, and a group of middle-aged, middle class people that are shown interacting.   Business investors are also included in this virtual user profile.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The psychological and social human habits that are reflected in their website design constitute the concepts of simplicity, brotherhood, purity or creed (The Soul of Dell), being environmentally friendly, and the magnitude of technology.4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The advanced technologies that the company use can be subdivided into the following categories: first, the high-tech marketing information systems; second, the ultra-modern system of computer product manufacturing; third, the use of digital equipment for customer and human resource management; fourth, the use of ‘virtual integration’ and ‘fast-cycle segmentation’;[1] fifth and final, the ongoing use, innovation and improvement of Dell computer and its digital technology.5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Media visitors of t he Dell, Inc. website interact with technology from the start of the virtual tour up to the end.   Each buttons that they use in their personal computers bring them to a different tab or window in their screens, and all these can be labeled as interactions with technology.6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on my virtual tour at Dell, Inc. website, it is very obvious that technology affects cultural and social interactions.   Companies have the power to reflect cultural, social, and psychological views in the designing of their websites, in the laying out of fundamental ideas and codes, and in the types of information that are being shown.ConclusionsBeforehand, it was my preconception that Dell, Inc.’s physical and human environments would only revolve around the higher-class society of the Western world.However, based on the front picture on their website, the city that is shown does not necessarily pertain to the Western world but any city around the globe that is high-tech and vi rtual.   From brown hairs to black, the only thing that is similar among the people that were shown in the web pictures was that they were all high-class and contemporary.   Human habits depict one that is globally interconnecting, with a concern for earth and brotherhood.This visit changed my views by revealing that IT does not simply interact with people as a whole but that it connects with every viewer by reflecting significant psychological and social human habits that are most appealing for a given time and environment.   As of now, the environment covers the global spectrum because we are in the digital age, and the only American emblem that we see is the small flag of the USA.   Technology has the power to affect cultural and social interactions by affecting interpersonal relationship at best.SpeculationIt is my speculation that cultural and political wars do not help virtual companies like Dell, Inc..   This is because the overall concept that is readily seen in th eir website is one on concord and brotherhood.   The company has to ignite a very positive aura in the media, yet with all these they should also be true to their country as well.   To be a virtual company is to be clever both in social and interpersonal relationships inside and outside the country.ReferencesDell, Inc.   (2007).   Company: about Dell.   Retrieved August 7, 2007, from http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/en/home?c=us&l=en&s=corp&~ck=mn.Magretta, J.   (1998).   The power of virtual integration: an interview with Dell Computer’s Michael Dell.   Harvard Business Review, March-April, 73-84.[1] This makes use of the most sensible timesaving devices, such as customer focus, supplier partnerships, mass customization, and just-in-time manufacturing.

Matching Cube Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Matching Cube Analysis - Essay Example The matching cube depicted above shows the comparison of different personality traits which are common or different in me and my spouse. We are living a very healthy life because of the fact that we have inculcated the fact that the trust and sacrifice are the most important traits in any relationship. If we will become itchy and problematic in every matter, there will be no coexistence and the relationship will come to breakup very soon. Me and my spouse have been living a healthy life for past two years and despite of all the problems that are common in every relationship, we have dealt with every issue and there is no serious problem that is challenging our relationship. There are many factors that are matching in our relationship. Physical attraction is the first and foremost common trait that is increasing our love bond. My spouse has a very healthy body and a good height of 5’ 10†. She is weighing around 132lbs which is totally perfect according to her BMI. I have a height of around 6’2† and my weight is around 165lbs which is almost according to the BMI. There is also a great love bond between me and her because of the perfect physical matching. Our needs are satisfied and we both look forward to increase the love relationship. Physical attraction with each otter gives us a chance to be confident all the time and my attention never deviates from her to other women because of her beauty. Similarly she is also very happy because of my physical attraction and we always feel sexually attracted to each other even after years of relationship with each other. The political ideology and interests are also a great match between us because of the fact that I am also of the favor of the secular system in which the religion and politics don’t have to overlap and my spouse is also of the view that the religion and politics must be segregated. This gives us a great chance to work for the same cause because we spend our time together di scussing these issues with each other and we also work on a website t promote this ideology. There is also an increased love bond between each other because of the social thinking we have developed for the political system in our country as she is also from a well educated background. Spiritual factor is also a great match between me and my spouse. we both belong to Christian background ( catholic) and we go to church every now and then to refresh our faith. This gives us chance to come close to God and each other. The spiritual factors give a great sense of responsibility and soothing to us. Me and my spouse are from well educated background and this gives a great advantage for us to come close to each other. There is no communication gap between us and put thinking perspectives are matching most of the time. Educated background gives us a chance to share the same feelings and thoughts about different events happening around us. As far as the differences are concerned, there are ma ny, and differences are a beauty of any relationship because humans are prone to get bored of the monotonous routines. If there will be no differences, we will not get any chance to learn new things and ideologies. Me and my spouse have different interest for example when I am watching cricket on TV, She always insists to change the channel and switch on different soaps and talk shows whereas I get always bored of the talk shows. But we never tend to

Extra Credit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Extra Credit - Essay Example From roughly 9,000 B.C. to approximately 6,000 B.C. livestock was a popular medium of exchange. However, as agriculture developed later on, people used their crops to acquire goods they desired (â€Å"Thinkquest†). For example, I could ask another farmer to trade a pound of potatoes for a pound of sugar. These exchanges, which started at the beginning of humankind, are still used today. Not too long ago, I came across the story of Kyle MacDonald. On his blog, oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com, Kyle posted a picture of a small, red paperclip. There was nothing special about this paperclip; just a regular old run-of-the-mill paperclip. The post stated that he would travel anywhere to meet the person who wished to trade him some item for his paperclip. After a while, a woman contacted Kyle regarding a wooden fish pen that she wished to trade him for his red paperclip. Obviously, she could have picked up a red paperclip at any office supply store or big-box retailer, but Kyle had added value to this particular paperclip. By â€Å"added value,† I mean he drew attention to the paperclip making it seemingly more than just a regular paperclip. If this woman were to trade him, she would, at the very least, be mentioned on his blog. Thus, she wanted to participate in the trade, exchanging her wooden fish pen, which in my opinion was far cooler than the red paperclip. Kyle stated his goal in the very first post, with the red paperclip. He was to up-trade, from that single, red paperclip, to a home. So, with wooden fish pen in hand, Kyle posted photos of the woman who he had traded with, along with photos of the pen on his blog. Again, he stated that he would travel anywhere to trade someone another item for his pen. He was contacted not too long after posting the fish pen, by a woman named Annie Robbins in Seattle, WA, who wanted to trade a handmade doorknob for the fish pen. This was not just any doorknob. It was handmade, and looked like an old, bald man;

International Finance - financial stability Essay

International Finance - financial stability - Essay Example According to the Deardoff's Glossary of International economics, "International finance is the monetary side of international economics, in contrast to the real side, or real trade. Often called also international monetary economics or international macroeconomics, each term has a slightly different meaning, and none seems entirely right for the entire field. "International finance" is best for the study of international financial markets including exchange rates. To explain international economics, it is the interaction among countries with respect to financial transactions, trade relationships, organizations and policies that govern them. The handbook written by Hal S. Scot named "An overview of International finance Law and Regulation" states "For economists international finance has traditionally meant the study of exchange rates but or policy makers and lawyers it meant much more. Generally, it involves the study of financial transactions, transaction that have some cross-border element with respect to payment, credit or investment, or a financial contract." History of International Finance: In order to understand the history of 'International finance, we have to know the emergence of large scale money lending, stock markets, the credit and debt of countries across the globe. International markets and money lending traces back to the medieval Europe in the twelfth century. Stock markets rose simultaneously in Sweden and London and the London stock exchange was formally inaugurated in 1801. In 1946, the Bretton woods system the gold standard and set limits on foreign exchange However; it collapsed in 1971 when the USA discarded this standard. International finance came into prominence only after a proper gold standard and aggregation of exchange rates among countries was established. Moreover, it played a vast role in the determination of trade relationship between countries. So what is International finance Is it a regulatory body or an inter-governmental organization No, it is the combined activity of all the bodies, which regulate trade and foreign exchange, and the relation of borrowing and lending of capital between countries. Organizations in International finance: Let us look at some of the organizations that play a key role in International finance Below is a table which lists clearly all global organizations that stand as pillars to International trade and finance:- Organization name Location of headquarters Year created Description World Bank Washington DC, USA 1945 Made up of two institutions focused on development: the International Bank for Reconstruction, Development, and the International Development Association. The bank provides loans and grants to developing countries to assist their economic development. International Monetary Fund (IMF) Washington DC, USA 1945 Exists to promote stability in the world's economy, particularly the avoidance of monetary crises and the maintenance of a system of currency exchange. Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Basel, Switzerland 1930 Seeks to ensure consistency, co-operation and co-ordination of reserves by member countries (mainly European, and North/South American states). Group of Eight (G8) No HQ - group consists of the member states only 1998 (predecessors G6 and G7 began earlier) Collaboration between governments of USA, France, UK, Germany, Italy,