The Politics of Development Looks Different at the Grassroots than at Essay

The Politics of Development Looks Different at the Grassroots than at the National Level - Essay Example This paper highlights that in many developing countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, governments are ruled by a few elite members of society. Since these government officials do not truly represent the majority of the people, they tend to have narrower visions of development. In most cases, their visions of development do not really go past their own personal interests and the interest of the group where they belong to. For many politicians and government officials in both Vietnam and Malaysia, politics and governance is but a means to stay in power and protect their own interests. On the other hand, although there are also a number of people in the Vietnamese and the Malaysian governments that are for the development of the country as a whole, the efforts of these people are often misguided and do not really produce the desired impact into the lives of the people at the grassroots level. For instance, in Malaysia, the thrust of the government to unify the country resulted in the degra dation of culture and diversity among its people. This study outlines that international forces play a big role in the policies that the national governments formulate. In past years, the demand for integration and globalization forces the national governments of developing countries to rethink their priorities and come up with policies that will make their countries globally competitive. The idea that a country could not survive if it does not conform to the requirements of globalization sent the governments scrambling for national development frameworks that will user changes especially in the countryside.  

Philosophy Functionalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosophy Functionalism - Essay Example Its core idea is that mental states can be accounted for without taking into consideration the underlying physical medium (the neurons), but instead attending to higher-level functions such as beliefs, desires, and emotions. For (an avowedly simplistic) example, a functionalist theory might characterize pain as a state that tends to be caused by bodily injury, to produce the belief that something is wrong with the body and the desire to be out of that state, to produce anxiety, and, in the absence of any stronger, conflicting desires, to cause wincing or moaning. According to this theory, all and only creatures with internal states that meet these conditions, or play these roles, are capable of being in pain. Suppose that, in humans, there is some distinctive kind of neural activity (C-fiber stimulation, for example) that meets these conditions. If so, then according to this functionalist theory, humans can be in pain simply by undergoing C-fiber stimulation. But the theory permits creatures with very different physical constitutions to have mental states as well: if there are silicon-based states of hypothetical Martians or inorganic states of hypothetical androids that also meet these conditions, then these creatures, too, can be in pain. ... satisfy the descriptions - then it's also logically possible for non-physical states to play the relevant roles, and thus realize mental states, in some systems as well. So functionalism is compatible with the sort of dualism that takes mental states to cause, and be caused by, physical states. Still, though functionalism is officially neutral between materialism and dualism, it has been particularly attractive to materialists, since many materialists believe (Lewis, 1966) that it is overwhelmingly likely that any states capable of playing the roles in question will be physical states. If so, then functionalism can stand as a materialistic alternative to the Psycho-Physical Identity Thesis, the thesis that each type of mental state is identical with a particular type of neural state. This thesis, once considered the dominant materialistic theory of the mind, entails that no creatures with brains unlike ours can share our sensations, beliefs, and desires, no matter how similar their behavior and internal organization may be to our own. This is a consequence that many regard as implausible. Thus functionalism, with its claim that mental states can be multiply realized, is widely regarded as providing a more inclusive, less "(species-) chauvinistic" (Block, 1980) - and thus mo re plausible - theory that is (at least arguably) compatible with materialism. Within this broad characterization of functionalism, however, a number of distinctions can be made. Functionalism has three distinct sources. First, Putnam and Fodor saw mental states in terms of an empirical computational theory of the mind. Second, Smart's "topic neutral" analyses led Armstrong and Lewis to a functionalist analysis of mental concepts. Third, Wittgenstein's idea of meaning as use led to a version of

Learning Biometry and Statistics Personal Statement

Learning Biometry and Statistics - Personal Statement Example Over the years, I have been inspired to do an excellent job in my academic achievements and leadership. As a result, I received a 2210 on my SAT, and I received an 800 in Math II, 760 in Chemistry, and 750 in Biology on my SAT II. I have taken 5 AP exams include AP Calculus, AP statistics with 3 others this school year. Also, my GPA was 4.0, with a top 10% ranking in the most competitive school in New York City. Moreover, my interest in statistics has always been strong. In addition, I have had various experiences to help prepare me for a career in biometry and statistics including, but not limited to, helping people establish healthy lifestyles to obtaining social and scientific achievements. I love to study and perform research with statistical analysis. As a result, I completed a research project along with several of my friends using probabilistic modeling aimed at diminishing or removing atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries with robotic nanotechnology to improve heart function. During my past three summer vacations, I performed scientific research in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. This summer, I worked at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University. During that time, I grew passionate about data analysis using statistics.

Achievement of Modern Bureaucracies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Achievement of Modern Bureaucracies - Essay Example In an extreme form bureaucratic organizations fail to do what they are supposed to because rules and regulations are applied so rigidly that employees lose sight of what their job is. Bureaucracy, as a sociological concept, was originally developed by Max Weber, one of the first sociologists to consider the role of individuals in relation to the structural determinants of social action. Much of his work was concerned with the notion of â€Å"rationality†, which he used to explain the development of Western society which was increasingly based on science and calculation. Bureaucracy, combined with the growth of large organizations throughout the nineteenth century, led Weber to conclude that the decisive reason for the advance of bureaucratic organization was its purely technical superiority over any other form of organization. In short, it was a description of an ideal type of organization. Not ideal in the sense that it was perfect or one that should be aimed for, rather that its structure contained specific elements that characterized it as a bureaucracy and which were necessary to manage the organizations of the day. This occurs in part because public bureaucracies sometimes perceive themselves as guardians of the national interest: there is the idea that they embody ideals that transcend the policies of particular government: they can develop a character of their own and become set in their ways and difficult to change. In these circumstances professionals can be more concerned with their own survival than with the broader aims of providing for needs of the consumers of their service. This can be observed in the barriers that can exist between the different wards and departments and the lack of co-operation that ensues. The study of spatial separation is called proxemics; it involves the exploration of different practices and feelings about interpersonal space within and across cultures. In the United States, general practice allows intimate communications between close friends to occur at very short range. Conversations with acquaintances are often held at a 3-4 feet personal distance. Work-related discussions between colleagues may occur at a social distance of 4 to 12 feet with more impersonal and formal conversations in public occurring at even greater distances. Not only it is important to know and observe common practice with regard to the nature of the underlying relationships (intimate, friendly, work-related or casual) between two parties; it is also imperative that these practices be adapted for cultural differences. In some societies, sharply different practices prevail. For example, Latin America and Asian cultures generally favor closer distances for personal conversations; and workers in Arab countries often maintain extremely close contact. Therefore, sender should be aware of cultural norms and the receiver's preferences, and make an effort to understand and adapt to them. Bureaucratic Power Political conflict does not end after a law has been passed by Congress and signed by the president. The arena of conflict merely shifts from Capitol Hill and the White House to the bureaucracy - to the myriad departments, agencies, and bureaus of the federal executive branch that implement the law. Despite the popular impression that policy is decided by the president and Congress and merely implemented by the federal bureaucracy, in fact policy is also made by the bureaucracy. Indeed, it is often remarked that "implementation is the continuation of policy making by other means." The Washington bureaucracy is a major base of power in the American system of government - independent of Congress, the president, the courts, and the people. Indeed, controlling the bureaucracy has become a major challenge of democratic

FMRI ( T) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

FMRI ( T) - Essay Example Therefore, it is needed to be avoided for preventing the future banking crisis. For this purpose, the proposals have been suggested in the second part of the paper. It is suggested that the division of bank into commercial and investment banking has fewer risks and it is a desirable option in contrast to the unified banking which is more risky but fostered more growth of the banks. The paper is meant to discuss the serious issue of banking crisis and suggest ways to mitigate the chance of future economic crisis globally. For this purpose, the paper covers two major sections in which the first part explains the term systemic risk and systemically important financial institutions. However, the second part describes and evaluates various proposals for introducing banking reforms concerned with the separation of the commercial banking and investment banking sector. The systemic risk can be defined as the condition in which the entire financial setup receives a major setback (Cox, & Larsen, 2011). It can be contrasted to the risk of damage done to the one financial aspect only and implies the collapse of a whole financial system. In other words, it is the major financial downfall which results from the various external and internal causes. It has also been described as the financial instability or disruption of a financial system which is generally catastrophic in nature. Hendricks (2009) has defined systemic risk in following words: "A systemic risk is the risk of a phase transition from one equilibrium to another, much less optimal equilibrium, characterized by multiple self-reinforcing feedback mechanisms making it difficult to reverse." The definition given above used theoretical terms to explain the concept of systemic risk and does not include economic terms in it. However, it suggests that systemic risk is the type of risk which can occur when a particular change occurs in terms of a transition from one phase to

Globalization Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Globalization - Research Paper Example The new globalized economy has become dependently structured on modern and digitized culture (Passaris, 2006). This paper will assess the benefits and detriments of information technology in significant areas of industrial structure, workforce, financial markets, healthcare, education, journalism and media. Moreover, the Digital Divide caused by IT access inequalities will be explained. Globalization: Its Benefits and Demerits Globalization is the process of producing a net of linkages through a stream of information, technology, populace, and goods and services. In economics, globalization creates worldwide free market and capital flows, employs international transactions, encourages foreign direct investments, and aids in fast and extensive dispersal of technology (Smith & Doyle, 2002). Pro-globalists affirm that globalization speeds up economic development, thus providing worldwide quality-living; promotes higher profits and presents larger options for low-cost goods and services; raises employment and salaries and assists in the upgrading of working status and defends workers’ rights; and aids in environmental protection and conservation through national funding of ecological development. Moreover, globalization gives assistance and support to second and third world nations through increased economic expansion; alleviates poverty and hunger in the developing nations; safeguards civil rights; and promotes democratic governance. A century ago, today’s experience of modern quality life brought about by the global digitized economy was beyond imagination. The new globalized world created improved health, longer life span, computer literacy, comfort, and higher living standards (Batterson & Weidenbaum, 2001). From an anti-globalist’s standpoint, globalization brings financial disasters and poverty for the sake of greed and power; amplifies global income gap between the rich and poor nations; affects the cross-border displacement of US jobs t o below minimum salary factories unprotected by workers’ rights; and abuses ecology and environment for financial greed, thus worsening environmental conditions. Additionally, a globalized economy subjects developing nations to unjust trade and extra financial burdens; sustains world commerce in mass oppression and slavery; pressures the independence of nations by weakening their national policies on world trade; and risks the health, economy, and social status of the developing nations (Batterson & Weidenbaum, 2001). The Globalization of Information Technology Information Technology (IT) is a motivating channel in global integration through efficient information flow and distribution. The early expansions in computer and telecommunications technology in the nineties have caused extensive upgrading in information access and economic prospects that improved competence in every economic zone. IT system of communication assists the development of manufactured goods, designs, and reserves among nations and their population despite distance (Information Technology and Globalization, 2006). Today, IT products are common and used in virtually all transactions of business and interactions of mankind. The fast development of IT and its applications have redefined global experience. Three decades ago, prior to the introduction of personal desktop computers, people used the typewriter which allow simple paper documentations devoid of text manipulation and storage. Two decades ago, there was

Scientific article review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scientific article review - Essay Example The immune system is one of the bodies most important functions, as well as one of the bodies still most mysterious. However, great scientific advancements are being made, as can be read about in several different articles.One article deals with the immune system and its part in MS. It discusses several new important breakthrough in figuring out why the immune system attacks the brain and spinal chord, and how this can be contained.One important new breakthrough is the discovery of "T-regs", a cell that regulates T-Cells (Inner Conflict). These cells stop T-Cells from jumping to attack, and can be helpful in stopping T-Cells from attacking body self cells. The Tregs of people with MS don't function as well as those of people who do not have the disease. Currently, research is being done as to why this is, and what can be done about it( Inner Conflict).Another filed of research is in using hormones to help slow down the advancement of the disease. Using estriol, a form of estrogen on women, and Androgel, a testosterone gel on me, seems to help slow down the brain tissue loss from the disease, as well as improving in bodily functions(Inner Conflict).Another huge development in the immune system field was the discovery of a Orai 1, a protein that controls the immune system's calcium channel(An Immune). This protein has been looked for for decades, and finally finding it has sparked great interest. If drugs were developed that could block this protein for example, a drug could combat the effects of many different types of autoimmune diseases