Perceptual Illusions Essays - Sensory Systems, Perception

Perceptual Illusions Many of us take our vision for granted. We seem to accurately use our properties of vision with little effort or thinking at all. At times we often see things with our eyes and wonder how can this be possible? Physicist Richard Feyman once wrote, Its quite wonderful that we can see or figure it out so easily. Someone whos standing at my left can see somebody whos standing at my right that is the light can be going this way across or that way across, or this way up, or that way down; its a complete network. Some quantity is shaking about, in a combination of motions so elaborate and complicated the net result is to produce an influence which makes me see you, completely undisturbed by the fact that at the same time there are influences that represent the guy on my left side seeing the guy on my right side. The lights there anywayit bounces off this, and it bounces off that all this is going on, and yet we can sort it out with this instrument, our eye (Introduction to Perception [Online]). As you can see by this quote, sight is a very complicated process that is easily controlled by our eyes. However, perceptual illusions need a little more explaining. Take an instant to observe the world around you. If you tilt your head, the rest of the world does not tilt along with you. If you close on of your eyes, you dont suddenly lose your depth perception. Shades of color seem to vary under different levels and types of illumination. When you move around an object, the shape you see changes, yet the object remains stable (Introduction to Perception [Online]). Just take a peek at the Perceptual Illusions on last page of this report. Even though you may know that you are being fooled, it does not stop the effect from continuing to trick you. This indicates a split between the sensation of seeing it, and the way in which you perceive it. In many cases your cognitive abilities can not influence your perceptions. For any given retinal image, there is an infinite variety of possible three-dimensional structures that can lead to it. Our visual system, however, usually settles for the correct interpretation (Introduction to Perception [Online]). I t is when a mistake is made in the interpretation that an illusion occurs. Perceptual illusions are anything that may seem to cause something to become perceptually confusing. These illusions have a distinct manner of confusing our normal perceptual processes. The Muller-Lyer Illusion and the Ponzo Illusion may be the two most commonly studied perceptual illusions in psychology. Stephen R. Jackson states in his Feb. 2000 article in Journal of Experimental Psychology that appropriate indications such as linear perspective and relative size can exert a powerful effect on the perception of objects. The illusory effects such as those of the Muller-Lyer and Ponzo illusions demonstrate this fact (Jackson 2000). In the Muller-Lyer Illusion (fig. 1), there are two objects, both having one line and two lined triangles at their ends. When the objects are placed parallel to each other, the line from the top object looks longer than the line from the lower object. Why does it appear to be longer when the two are actually the same length? This has to do with the direction of the two triangles or arrows at the end of the lines. On the lower figure, the open ends of the triangles are facing inward, causing the line to appear shorter than it is. And on the upper figure, the open ends of the triangles are facing outward, causing the line to appear longer than it actually is (Online. Retrieved on October 11, 2000 at http://www.epsychlopedia.net/concepts/sensationAndPerception/index.php?id=sensandperc8). The Ponzo Illusion (fig 2) has four lines. There are two horizontal lines parallel to each other and two diagonal lines approaching each other on either side of the parallel lines. The top line appears to be longer than the bottom line. This is a result of our perception thinking that the top horizontal line is father away from us, resulting in our brain telling us that the top line is longer than the bottom one. (Online.

Talking In Whispers Essays

Talking In Whispers Essays Talking In Whispers Paper Talking In Whispers Paper Essay Topic: Talk Talking In Whispers by James Watson is a view of the Chilean revolution in the 1970s through the eyes of 16-year-old Andres Laretta. Andres is having a hard time of it as his father, singer who is kidnapped by the secret police and most of his friends are also missing. Forced to run for his life, Andres comes upon twins, Isa and Beto with whom he becomes very good friends. Together, the trio set out to find Andres father and try to get photos of an assassination published, as an attempt to bring to light the sorry state their country is in. The characters and relationships between them develop throughout the story, displaying many examples of conflict and co-operation. The twins, Isa and Beto were on their way to market in San Miguel to perform one of their usual puppet shows when Andres flagged them down while running from the secret police. Though at first only taken on as a hitchhiker, tragedy strikes on their chosen route as the Silver Lion, an election candidate is assassinated. Isa decides to put Andres up for the night at the mill, from where the friendship grows. It isnt long before he sees the twins as his friends and considers them important in his decision making; common sense urged Andres to return to the mill and to his friends, Isa and Beto. Together they would decide what must be done A newspaper announces Andres death, meaning the best thing to do is to lie low for a few weeks. However, Andres being Andres, he insists on continuing to fight for his beliefs to the end. This proves Isa and Beto to be true friends as they agree to help him, whatever he chooses to do. They keep their word and stick by him throughout the story in his search for his father. Together, they manage to publish Don Chaileys photos to expose the CNI as the bloody-handed killers they are. In their quest, Andres and the twins come across many people who are on their side. Don Chailey asks Andres to publish photos for him as he is caught by the CNI. Chailey risked his life to get these photos, showing his pure courage here also was terrible danger. The American photographer had himself been snapped by the officer commanding the troops. The photos could prove to be crucial for the result of Chiles future; Don Chaileys photographs proved to be more sensational in content. Diego Rosales, a printer, agrees to develop the photos for Andres: I have an instinct, a feeling. Fact is friends, Im gettig- vibrations! . Diego is given shelter by Father Marino and was imprisoned and tortured after the overthrow of President Allende, leaving him with permanent spinal damage but not his spirit, not his humour. The main conflict of the story is between the good people of Chile and the CNI. They do not seem to have a care in the world for the people of Chile as seen by the way that they treat them. At the beginning of the story, Horacio is shot, Juan captured and battered, told You Laretta, will pay for your lies and youll suffer for your songs. Andres is badly tortured for trying to withhold information about his friends. Andres whole body convulsed as he was hit in the stomach. His arms blazed with agony. Electrocuted, almost to the point of destruction he is dumped on the side of a road, badly battered and bruised but escapes with help from a reluctant passer-by and his good-hearted daughter Although based on a very serious topic, Talking In Whispers contains some humour. Save the Junta time and bullets Shoot yourself! was written on the side of a wall in Santiago. Sadly, by the way some of the Chileans were treated, they probably would have preferred to die this way. Although the book itself is fictional, the events in the book were very much a reality. James Watson approaches the subjects cautiously and tastefully, while still exposing the brutal pain these people suffered. Human rights are still fought for in Bosnia, Indonesia and parts of China today and I know that this book has brought this to light for me, and others I am sure. He also showed the importance of friendships and relationships in the struggle for human rights as Andres depended on his to see him through. For in spite of you, tomorrow is another day

The story The Machine Stops relevancy to today Essay

The story The Machine Stops relevancy to today - Essay Example Vashti, the main character of the story, made a phone call to her son Kuno in which she could see the image of the son while they talked. In today’s society such a phone call is possible though video chat such as Skype or with the assistance of a smart phone. The machine in the story had impacted the way people lived so much that human had become isolated from each other. â€Å"People never touch one another† (Forster, 1909). Due to the fact that people lived in an airship most of humans never had visited earth. The machine provided people with everything they need which ended up taking away part of the humanity of people. In today’s society the technological advance that has changed a lot the way people interact with each other is the computer with internet capabilities. The internet has changed the way people do things. For example people nowadays shop a lot online instead of going to regular stores. In 2010 in the United States there was $151.1 billion worth o f e-commerce transactions (Plunkett Research, 2010). People use the computer for their socializing needs through popular friendship websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. At the end of the first chapter of the story Vashti traveled outside the airship in a flying car that was in route to earth.

Reading assigment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading assigment - Assignment Example It is also a strategy that affirms the need for new business entities to tend to customers through the original ideas of the pioneer such as Halston. Overall, it ensures both the old and young can come together in terms of fashion. However, the initiative undertaken by the Net-a-Porter has a great impact upon copycat manufacturers and fast fashion retailers because they will find loopholes of exploiting the fashion market. This is through the use of less creative and innovative mechanisms such as reproduction and offering sales at cheaper prices to attract customers. On that note, the original business owner fails to attract his deserved royalties in that case causing infringement copyright issues. It is equally compounded by the blatant use of logos and designs that belong to Halston thereby aggravating the intellectual aspect of safeguard all creative materials of other artists. In other words, this strategy is wrought with different failures because both retailers and customers are not bound to get their bargains. One of the disadvantages to offering pieces of collection includes the fear of contravention of the existing intellectual and copyright laws. All materials displayed at the runaway show belong to Halston’s fashion empire the Net-a-Porter company. Another glaring disadvantage involves the wrapping, packaging, and eventual delivery that could fail to meet the targets of ideal customers in the market. This implies that Halston’s name could be misused to the demerit of his legacy and reputation in launching and re-launching new and old products respectively. Similarly, the designs will suffer integrity and authenticity issues during display because they lack a distinct collector after the presentation at the runaway shows or even galleries. It connotes the risks of engaging in second party merchandising. Consequently, from the Net-a-Porter perspective, there are various risks associated with this type of

My Contribution to the program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

My Contribution to the program - Essay Example ursing I believe I will provide an enriched contribution to the class by elaborating to them the unique perspective of management in the field of nursing. Assuming that the program will be composed of persons with educational background in management and other related business courses I believe I will enrich their knowledge during the group discussions by informing them about the functions of the management team in healthcare institutions and how a trained nurse is best fit to handle some of these roles. For example, I can explain to them how as a trained nurse am best suited to understand the management of medicine and other inventories within a health care facility. Secondly, considering that I already have 3 years of experience in a management position I will provide the class with diversity in the sense that from time to time I will share with them the practical experience of undertaking a management role in a healthcare

The Islamic Concept Of Charity And Security Religion Essay

The Islamic Concept Of Charity And Security Religion Essay The contemporary debate of the charity has been long in the literature Melvin 2009, Ferrari and Khan 2010, Shirazi 1996, Scott 1987 and Waldron 1986. Specifically, the religious zeal and zest revolves around the notion of charity (Iwobi 2009). Islamic concept of charity is not exception for that debate of social welfare and the security (Scott 1987). It emphasizes on the moral values and the contribution to the neglected segment o f the society. However, Islamic concept of charity and social security has never been debated in the light of the moral economy. This paper is intended to give a comparative view about the different notions of the Islamic charity (zakat, sadqah and donation). The concept of charity, in general, is not new because every religion of the world preached that charity. However, the focus of this paper is to highlight the forms of charity in Islam, their differences and their impact on the multiculturalism and the formation of the moral economy. The definition of charity in Islamic tradition differs and it is context specific. However, its aim and goals remain the same. The Quran states: And be steadfast in your prayer and pay charity; whatever good you send forth for your future, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah is well aware of what you do (Al-Quran: Al-Baqara 2:110). Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: No wealth (of a servant of Allah) is decreased because of charity (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2247). Charity is the fifth pillar of Islam and its reward will be given in the after world. The charity is not reciprocity for this world, but the world after. The Quran declare the five basic concept of the zakat. These concepts included: infaq (spending benevolently), ihsan (kindness), zakah (purification), sadqah (charitable deed) and khayrat (good deeds). However, Islam does not force anyone to give charity. It is obligatory in the form of zakat and voluntary in the shape of sadqah (charity) and donation. 2. Basic concepts of charity in Islam Islamic charity has three basic concepts: zakat, sadaqah and donation. 2.1 Zakat (alms giving) The zakat (Ø ²Ãƒâ„¢Ã†â€™ÃƒËœÃƒËœÃ‚ ©Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½) is extracted from the word zaka to be pure that denotes purification. The Quran highlights to the purification of wealth and states: Of their wealth take alms to purify and sanctify them (Al-Quran, Al-Tawbah 9:103). The zakat is obligation on a Muslim. It is moral duty of a Muslim to pay zakat at the rate of 2.5% per year. A Muslim cannot deny the zakat. The Quran lists recipients of Zakat: Zakat is for the poor and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and for those whose hearts are to be won over, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and for those who are overburdened with debts and for every struggle in Gods cause, and for the wayfarers: this is a duty ordained by God, and God is the All-Knowing, the Wise. (Al-Quran 9:60). The zakat is given individually to the relatives, neighbors and vulnerable communities. It is also administered collectively: Muslim charity organization, some of the Muslim states regulates the departments which are responsible of the charity (for instance Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr in Pakistan) and Muslim associations. Nevertheless, zakat is mandatory to every Muslim (who can pay), but it is willful to pay individually or collectively. 2.2 Sadaqah (charity) The word sadaqah (Ø µÃƒËœÃ‚ ¯Ãƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ÃƒËœÃ‚ ©Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½) is derived from the Arabic root sadaqah which means to be truthful and hence sadaqah implies engaging in any virtuous and moral act in order to earn happiness of God. The sadaqah has certain principals which a Muslim must follow. One, sadaqah is given in the name of God. Second, the money or the donation should be from the legal sources. Islam discourages the illegitimate (stolen or unethically gained) money or resources. Third, surplus money (beyond the need of a person) is the money of God and Muslims are custodian of it. Therefore, they should spend and return the money to the needy, poor and spend on the ways of God  [4]  . The Quran outlines the charity: Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Al-Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:274). The Quran further highlights: And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, O my Lord! Why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good. But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come; and Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do. (Al-Quran, Al-Munafiqun 63: 10-11). Further, the Quran states: And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive. We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. (Al-Quran, Al Insà ¢n 76:8-9). In another statement, the Quran states: For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward (Al-Quran, Al Hadà ®d 57:18). Sadaqah is important for a number of purposes. It reduces the sins and increases the virtue of a Muslim. It compensates for shortcoming in any negligence in the payment of zakat. For instance, if a person forgets to pay zakat in the past or was guilty to pay the zakat, the sadaqah reduces the burden of the past. Sadaqah give a sense of protection not only the giver but also to the receiver of falling victim of disaster. God pleasure is received through the sadaqah. It is pleasure of the giver of the charity. The person feels happiness and fulfills his/ her obligation to the betterment of the humanity. Model of Islamic Charity Sadqah and donation: Volunteer charity No specification of rate or time Depends upon the capacity of an individual capacity Zakat: Obligatory charity Wealth: (income, earnings and savings) at the rate of 2.5% per anum Agriculture product: Crops (around 10%). Islamic Tresury (Fund): Bait-ul-Mal Spending: Needy, poor (orphans, widows), employees to administer and collect zakat, for those whose hearts are to be won over, captive (prisoners), in debts and scholars, and for the wayfarers. Social Security: Marginalized persons, communities Moral Economy: Good faith, fairness, justice, equality Fig 1.1 Fig 1.1 indicates that Islamic notion of charity is mainly based on the zakat, sadaqah and donation. These donations are collected at the Islamic funds. The fund is used to look after the marginalized community. This welfare is a form of social security. Everything related to the Islamic charity is based on the moral economy. The notion of moral economy is main crux of the charity. 2.3 Donation Third term which is often used is the donation. The donation refers to give money, gift or compensate the person, organization who is in need. A donation is typical a charity and it serves the purpose of humanity. Different words are used for the donation: khairat (Ø ®Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Ø ± Ø Ø ª) or attya (Ø ¹ÃƒËœÃ‚ ·Ãƒâ€ºÃ…’Û ). These words denote the charity collectively and individually. Islam appreciates the donation to the cause of the humanity. It is normally given at the time of disaster, emergency, people in need, to save a human being, construct an educational institution and to feed the hungry people. 3. Difference between zakat, sadaqah and donation Zakat, sadaqah and donations are different kinds of charities in Islamic ideology. Zakat is the obligatory annual alms-giving which is determined on the basis of the value of ones own wealth. It is calculated 2.5% as per Islamic traditions in an year. The zakat is calculated at the beginning of the Islamic month Ramadan. According to the Islamic scholars, the zakat must be collected from the Muslims. This principal does not apply to the non- Muslims living in a Muslim state. It is mandatory and has strict verdict to pay the zakat, however, without any penalty for it. Zakat is responsibility of the only person who owns wealth. It is liable on the individual and the family. However, the sadaqah is a charity that is given beside the zakat contribution over the surplus wealth. It is volunteer act and without any percentage. Sadaqah is not specified as only monetary terms (feeding the poor and the needy), but also given support to the orphans, widows in the form of advising or counseling. It also includes the volunteer activities for the befit of the community at larger: teaching to the poor, giving sense of good faith and advising them to excel on the right path, the path of God. Similarly, some of the Islamic scholars believe that to form charity organization, construct educational institutions (mosque, school, college, universities) and construction of well (to clean water supply to the community) are the different forms of sadaqah. It can be given on the name of any relative (parents or children), if a person wishes to do so. Nevertheless, the sadaqah is volunteer act of the person and depend upon the capacity and surplus wealth of the person. On the other hand, the donation is neither time specific nor it is mandatory or obligatory. It is volunteer activity of a person. It significantly differs from the zakat, but close to the sadaqah. Nevertheless, these three types of the charity contribute to the welfare of the humanity altogether. 4. Comparative view of charity: Development of moral economy Islamic notion of charity (in its different forms) generates a moral economy. This is the economy which is based on the good faith and welfare of the humanity. In line with Bollig (1998) and Thompsons (1971, 1993) notion of moral economy. Islamic charity gives the following notion of charity. 4.1 Islamic charity: Moral injection Benthall (1999) highlights the Quranic injection of charity. According to Benthall the Islamic system of almsgiving (zakat) is more organized than other societies. For him, the zakat is closely associated with the prayers and the worship of God, therefore, the Muslim are morally obliged to pay the zakat to the poor, to the needy as per Islamic conception. He argued that Zakat can be distributed in poor, needy, orphans, widows, divorcees, prisoners and their families, unemployed and homeless people, students, those who cannot afford to marry. It is also for the disasters victims and those in need of free medicine or dignified funerals of a person who need it (Benthall 1999:31). Therefore, the Islamic charity is a moral injection to work for the betterment of the humanity. 4.2 Zakat: Powerful instrument to poverty eradication Zakat denotes growth, extension and purification and it is a donation on wealth and agriculture product. The zakat is collected as per nature of the wealth. It is collected to fulfill the tire needs of the marginalized segment of the society. The zakat is fundamental creed of Islam: It obligatory act of worship (Mohammad 1991). According to Mohammad (1996), the zakat is a system that has potential to eradicate poverty and inequalities (1991:1119). The zakat system is well organized system for the development of a country but it can be more organized for poverty eradication and for the maintenance of a society like Pakistan (Mohammad 1991). Similarly, a survey was conducted in 1990/91 of the household Integrated Economic Survey in Pakistan and findings revealed that the zakat and usher were the significant to contribute the lives of the people (Shirazi 1996). According to the survey, 39000 zakat committees were working with 250 thousand volunteers (Shirazi 1996:166). The zakat contribution on 1981/1982 from 845.85 million Pakistani rupees to 4655.9 million in 1993/94 (Shirazi 1996:170). The money was spending to substance allowance for poor (708.622 million), rehabilitation (245.669 million Pakistani rupees) and 1738234 people benefited from the zakat contribution (Shirazi 1996:185). However, the latest figures on the issue are not available. The development of the Islamic charity and its faire distribution could lead to alleviate and then eradicate poverty in the Muslim countries. However, the institution either do not exist or unable to deliver the services effectively. At some places, this institution was suppressed due to the fear of the dominance and power politics. Nevertheless, the Islamic charity has potential to contribute to the welfare of the humanity. 4.3 Charity: Road towards the social justice According to Bremer (2004:1) the development of any society local resources are necessary. Islamic societies developed over a range of charity organizations to in order to address the needs of the needy and poor. These organizations are zakat boards, wakf (endowment) and diverse local structures reflecting the richness of Islamic culture from Dakar to Davao (Ibid). For her, a strong civil society is now widely recognized as an important pillar supporting democratic institutions in the West (Bremer 2004:2). The strength of the civil society leads towards the development of the democratic institutions. According to her, foreign aid and a government is not enough for development in Muslim societies. Bremer outlines that in recent years USAID has funded the creation of an NGO service center that provides technical assistance and training to civil society organizations, and has granted financial support directly to NGOs ranging from business associations to community development groups (B remer 2004:3). For her, this development contribution can be significantly increased with the assistance of Islamic charity in Muslim societies. Ultimately, this charity leads towards the establishment of the social justice system (Bremer 2004). The whole notion of charity revolves around the notion of social justice in the Muslim world. The charity is the strong instrument to bring in the social justice. It helps the marginalized population within the society and tries to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich. 4.4 Charity: Funding for free education According to Blanchard (2007) religious school work as a charity organization in Muslim countries. They are source of providing education to the vulnerable groups, especially to the madrasas (religious schools). Madrasas offer a free education, room, and board to their students, and thus they appeal to impoverished families and individuals. On the whole these religious schools are supported by private donations from Muslim believers through a process of alms-giving known in Arabic as zakat. The practice of zakatone of the five pillars of the Islamic faithprescribed that a fixed proportion of ones income be given to specified charitable causes, and traditionally a portion of zakat has endowed religious education (2007:4). Blanchard (2007) provides information that in Pakistan Madrasas are being observed by the government regarding their finance sources after 9/11 attack in the United States. He reveals that the madrasas are contributing to provide the education to the poorest. He found that madrasas are registered in Pakistan and their financial assistance is observed by the Government of Pakistan since August 2006 (Blanchard 2007:5). Nonetheless, the charity could fill the gap of the education. 4.5 Charity: Belief and health seeking behaviour A study highlights the importance of the sadaqah in health seeking behaviour in Pakistan (see Midway, Tabasco, Hani, and Khan 2010). This study revealed those patients who strongly belief and practice sadaqah (charity) feel better and believe that they can recover their health after giving charity to the poor. According to this research, almost 85% of the respondent thought and gave charity. The study reveals that the sadaqah is usually giving in the form of money (85.2%) clothes (49.2%) and sacrificing an animal (65.5%). Almost 92% of the respondents relate the belief and practice of sadaqah giving in the hope of recovery from illness. Nevertheless, charity gives internal strength to the patients and they believe that they can have better health recovery after giving the charity. 4.6 Islamic charity is universal or specific notion of welfare: There are two views about the Islamic charity. One, it is localized notion of welfare and limited to the only Muslims and the Muslim societies. The Muslims are contributors as well as consumer of the charity. This perspective is under criticism among a large segment of the Muslim scholars (see Benthall 1999). However, the second point of view is that Islamic charity is universal and every human being without border, creed and dogma can benefit from the charity. However, the charity contribution is applied only on Muslims. The Muslim contributes to the charity and gives equal importance to the whole human being in order to disburse the charity (Benthall 1999). However, they do not impose on the non- Muslims. Nevertheless, only Muslims are contributor of the Islamic charity. However, it is equally important to give the charity to the non-Muslims. There is no specification of creed or dogma in the Islamic charity (except zakat). The zakat is limited to the Muslim societies. The donation are without any religious affiliation or association. 5. Discussion There is wide spread opportunity to get resources in order to feed the marginalized segment of the society, as per the notion of Islamic charity, then why the Muslim countries are dependent upon foreign aid is a question which is often raised. In fact, there are two major reasons of the dependency of the Muslim societies on the foreign aid and remain in the vicious cycle of poverty and under development. 5.1 Collapse of the charity institution: Change in the charity institutions Muslim countries depend upon the foreign aid because they were unable to maintain their institutions. Such institutions were collapsed during the colonization or soon after (Bremer 2004). In the eyes of the colonial masters, the Muslim charity institutions were the symbol of Muslim legacy and they were a source of the rise of the Muslim power. Therefore, it was necessary to abolish such institution from the Muslims societies (Bremer 2004). Especially, the zakat institution was under strong scrutiny during the colonial era because it was believed that this institution supports the freedom struggle. The colonial powers developed the institution of welfare instead of the zakat institution. However, this welfare institution, developed by the colonial powers, was perceived as not ones own. It was considered as a symbol to get money, but without any legacy (Bremer 2004). It was just perceived as the symbol of the colony and soon after become the source to collect the money by hook or by crook. People wanted to get benefited from the social welfare but not were ready to pay it back. Therefore, it was not much institutionalized as the zakat was spread during the Muslim era in the Middle East and in the Muslim countries before the 19th century. However, the Islamic charity institutions are believed as part of the worship of the God. Therefore, there were rare cases of the unfairness or corruption. They have strong check and balance to maintain the charity among the Muslim charity organizations. Nonetheless, the change in the charity institution brought mistrust and unfairness in the charity. Many of the Muslims societies became the prey of it and remain in the vicious cycle of poverty and under development. 5.2 Collapse of morality: Change to develop a new morality based on materialism Islam appreciates the giving hands (charity giver) and discourages the charity recipient. According to Islam, giving hand is better than the receiving hand. However, current scenario does not reflect the basic ideology of the charity of Islam. Despite of the fact that the zakat remain as an institution among the Muslim societies at individual level. However, it was not developed at the state level after the colonial era. It was perceived that state is in the hands of someone else (colonial masters or their local representatives) and there was not any institutionalized method of the zakat collection and its distribution. This mistrust or non-confidence led to collapse the real notion of the moral economy among the Muslims. In Islamic morality, there are two sets of rights and obligation for a Muslim: the rights to worship God and the right to serve the humanity. In Islam, the right of God may be put aside by the God, if He wants to do so. However, the right to serve the humanity cannot be neglected until unless the fellow human beings do not forgive it. It is exclusive related with the people and their rights. They (people, especially poor and the needy) have to forgive their rights to the fellow Muslims. So the Islamic moral values exclusive emphasize on the welfare and social security of the humanity and the marginalized group of the society. However, the collapse of the Islamic morality of charity is dominated phenomenon in the current era. It does contradict on the basic philosophy of the Islam that spends everything to the humanity which is surplus. However, the materialism and greed for wealth is dominant in the current culture of the Muslim societies. It is depicted in the life style and in the emerging value system. Consequently, it is affecting the basic notion of the Islamic charity and changing the moral economy of the Muslim in the contemporary era. 7. Conclusion Islamic concept of charity is much associated with the Muslim societies. It forms a moral economy and moral value systems (give charity and worship to the God). It also strengthens the notion of close social networking of the Muslims. However, it does not neglect the humanity at large. It gives a due share to provide the help to the people of the world. The charity is given to the needy, poor, scholars, charity organizations and welfare of the society at large. However, criticism to retain the Muslim charity among Muslim is not exclusive from the discussion of the charity. Dominant point of view, however, is in favour of the humanity rather than the welfare of the any specific community. Islamic charity begins from the individual level. It creates the space for the state. However, it does not exclusive involve the state to regulate the charity. The charity in Islam is equally important to the worship of God. Islam emphasize the worship of God (right to obey the God) and the service for the humanity (the rights of the poor and the needy). The charity is the right of the fellow human beings who are in need and it cannot be neglected as per Islamic moral economy. The Islamic charity is grounded in the concept of the moral economy.

Way of Life in Nicaragua Essay -- Geography

Way of Life in Nicaragua Most Nicaraguans are mestizos. That is that they have white and Indian ancestors. Their way of life is somewhat similar to that of Spanish Americans in other Central American countries. Most people belong to the Roman Catholic Church and speak Spanish. Most of Nicaragua's people are poor farmers. Many of those in the Pacific Region are peasants who work on their own farms, cooperatives, state farms, or large private farms. In warmer areas, agriculture workers live in metal roofed houses. In the colder areas of the Central Highlands, they live in adobe houses with tile roofs. The only Indian groups in Nicaragua that follow their own languages and their old ways of life are in the thinly populated Caribbean Region. In the early 1980's some of these Indians became involved in anti-government things. Because of this, the government moved some Indian groups from their homes near the border to areas in the interior of Nicaragua. Education Nicaragua has a law that requires children to go t... Way of Life in Nicaragua Essay -- Geography Way of Life in Nicaragua Most Nicaraguans are mestizos. That is that they have white and Indian ancestors. Their way of life is somewhat similar to that of Spanish Americans in other Central American countries. Most people belong to the Roman Catholic Church and speak Spanish. Most of Nicaragua's people are poor farmers. Many of those in the Pacific Region are peasants who work on their own farms, cooperatives, state farms, or large private farms. In warmer areas, agriculture workers live in metal roofed houses. In the colder areas of the Central Highlands, they live in adobe houses with tile roofs. The only Indian groups in Nicaragua that follow their own languages and their old ways of life are in the thinly populated Caribbean Region. In the early 1980's some of these Indians became involved in anti-government things. Because of this, the government moved some Indian groups from their homes near the border to areas in the interior of Nicaragua. Education Nicaragua has a law that requires children to go t...

HPE †Tennis Research Assignment Essay

By using my knowledge and understanding of skill acquisition principles, psychology of learning and biomechanics, I have produced a six-week tennis training program. Incorporated in this report are the types of feedback used, the research laboratories carried out, and the design, analysis and evaluation of my coaching program.  Research Laboratories  Three research laboratories (See Appendices A, B and C) were carried out to assist in the development of my coaching program. These laboratories were on different types of feedback, the importance of accurate feedback and the use of feedback in mental rehearsal. The results from these labs provided me with a guide as to which type and the amount of feedback needed for a successful coaching program. Background Overview  Types of Feedback  There are many different types of feedback that can be used to enhance one’s performance. Generally, â€Å"the more precise the feedback, the more accurate the performance will become.† (Amezdroz, G., Davis, D., Dickens, S., Hosford, G., 1999, 2001. Queensland Senior Physical Education, Macmillan Education Australia, South Yarra, Australia.) The types of feedback used in my coaching program were: Knowledge of performance-general performance – this was used for the early stage of my coaching program when I needed a clear picture in my head to compare my actual performance with, eg. correct stance when serving. This type of feedback was provided to me by the coach, teacher and/or fellow participants in my program. I also watched my performances on video so I actually saw where I was going wrong and could then work on my motor skills. Positive feedback – this was given when I successfully completed a task. Positive feedback encouraged me to try again and persevere with the learning. This was used throughout the whole duration of the coaching program.  Knowledge of performance-specific – this was used in the later stage of my program. When I completed executing a movement or skill I was told on what I was doing wrong, and what to do to improve on my performance, eg. my ball toss was too low and I would therefore rush to hit the ball or simply miss it. By throwing the ball higher I give myself ample time to raise the racquet to hit the ball. Knowledge of performance gave me more detailed technical information to improve my skills. Concurrent (continuous) feedback – this was, as the name states, a continuous form of feedback given throughout the coaching and practice sessions.  Augmented (external) feedback – this type of feedback was provided both visually and verbally. I viewed a video of my performance and analysed what I was doing in/correct.  Design and Analysis of Coaching Program  At the beginning of my training I was at the late Cognitive stage of learning. I had little experience and knowledge of the game of tennis. During the six weeks of training I learnt and began to understand the skills needed and the rules of the game. I have now progressed through to the early Associative stage as demonstrated by my ability to effectively serve in both courts. The coaching program was based on distributive practice. This is where I would have short, practice sessions of a skill followed by a short break. For example, after doing 10 serves in both right and left court I was given a 2 minute break. During the break I would visualise in my head, the skills I had just learnt, and then the correct way to execute it. After the rest interval I would then carry out the skills. Improvements could be seen by me placing 50% of first serves and 75% of second serves in court. Whole-part learning was incorporated into the coaching program. This is when I would learn the whole skill at once, then break it down and concentrate on certain components that I was having difficulty with. Eg., learning to serve in tennis:  1. An explanation and demonstration on how to serve the ball was given  2. I carried out the serve like I had been shown  3. The serve was broken down into each skill associated with it that I was having problems with. Ie, stance, ball toss.  4. Each skill was then learnt and completed with success  5. All skills were then put together and a full serve was executed Mental rehearsal was also a very important factor in improving my tennis performance. By ‘zoning out’ before a training session I would allow myself to block out all factors including spectators, noises, etc., and concentrate fully on the task at hand. An example of one of the main mental rehearsal activities I undertook was bouncing the tennis ball 2-4 times before serving. The research laboratories carried out gave an indication on why the types of practice and feedback I incorporated in my program would be more useful than any others. For example, a lab indicated that the more precise feedback we were given, the greater improvement we made on our performances.

Achebe vs. Conrad essays

Achebe vs. Conrad essays In a critical essay of Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, Chinua Achebe accuses Conrad of being a terrible racist, and points out places in the novel where Conrad is very biased and prejudiced. Based on Achebes points, and my reading of the book, I have to agree with him. Heart of Darkness is about Marlow, and his journey up the Congo river, to meet a famed man named Kurtz. Marlow receives a job as a boat captain with a Belgian company which specialises in trade in Africa. After arriving at the Central Station in Africa, he finds that his ship has been sunk, and waits several months for the parts needed to fix it. During this time his interest in Kurtz grows, and as he is rumoured to be ill, the delays in fixing the ship are made even more costly. Eventually Marlow does get the parts needed to repair the boat, and he and a crew of Pilgrims and Cannibals set out on the long and laborious journey up the Congo. During their journey, Marlows ship is attacked by a tribe of natives, but only one person is killed. They finally arrive to Kurtzs camp expecting to find him dead, but instead they are greeted by a crazy Russian trader, who assures them that everything is great and that Kurtz is fine. He claims that Kurtz has made him smarter, and that he can not be judged the same way a regular person would be. He sais that Kurtz has made himself a god to the natives, and has gone on murderous raids in search of Ivory. The large number of severed heads around Kurtzs cabin prove to Marlow of Kurtzs methods. Then a bunch of natives carry Kurtz out of his cabin on a stretcher, and a group of natives surround the camp. Kurtz speaks to them and they leave. Kurtz is carried on to the ship because of his illness. The Russian tells Marlow after swearing him to secrecy that Kurtz is planning an attack on the ship so as to convince the Company that he is dead. The Russian then flees in a canoe, fearing Kur...

Whiskey Rebellion and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Essay Example

Whiskey Rebellion and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Essay Example Whiskey Rebellion and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Paper Whiskey Rebellion and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Paper Although the power of the national government increased during the early republic, this development often faced serious opposition. Compare the motives and effectiveness of those opposed to the growing power of the national government during TWO of the following: The Whiskey Rebellion, the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, or the Hartford Convention. The Federalist dominated government displayed power like that of Great Britain. Once the people of the United States noticed this power through various sectionalized rebellions, letters in the newsprints, and resolutions written by several of our founding fathers, the people came to a mutual conclusion that a Federalist dominated congress was one that they need to oppose. The Whiskey Rebellion was an uprising in 1794 by 3,000 settlers in the backcountry of Pennsylvania who opposed the tax on distilled whiskey. Alexander Hamilton can be credited for the passing of this tax in 1791. The purpose of the tax was to help decrease the national debt; however, the western settlers thought the tax was discriminatory, and they objected it. For many of them, whiskey was the only medium of exchange. Once the rebellion had commenced, George Washington called to the militia to suppress the rebellion. Fifteen thousand troops were sent to Pennsylvania. Alexander Hamilton was at the head of the troops. The uprising ended almost immediately, and without bloodshed. This incident turned the frontier people into Jeffersonian followers or Anti-Federalists, but showed the strength of the Federal government. Throughout 1798, Jefferson conferred with James Madison about a strategy to oppose the Alien and Sedition Acts. Knowing that all branches of the national government were in Federalist hands, they turned to the states. Jefferson, secretly, wrote up a set of resolutions to be introduced into the next session of the Anti-Federalist Kentucky legislature, and Madison did the same for the Virginia legislature. One reason they kept their roles in the drafting secret was fear of being indicted under the sedition law, especially since Jefferson was the vice president. In suggesting the means for restoring rights abused by the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions questioned the very nature of the federal union. The documents affirmed that the federal government was created by the states and that the states must be superior. On that note, the resolutions declared that a state should be able to nullify a federal law. Kentucky and Virginia eventually adopted Jeffersons resolutions, denouncing the Sedition Act and other recent unconstitutional acts and asserting that the government was a compact of states, not of individuals; however, when the resolutions were submitted to the other states for approval there was no real result. The Whiskey Rebellion was the first significant opposition to the Federalist government; demonstrating the lack of power to the minority and the majority (the people of the backcountry), but the rebellion unfortunately failed after being confronted with the force of the government. The importance of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions lie in the fact that they were later considered to be the first notable statements of the states rights of government, a resolution that opened the way for the nullification controversy. Another note to be kept in mind is that the Alien and Sedition Act were written by the Federalist Party in order to maintain power in congress. The Whiskey Rebellion and The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions were two contributing forces to the ultimate opposition of the Federalist dominated government.

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 17

Reflection Paper - Essay Example As per the release of the movie, most evident aspect of the happening is the music. The music is an evolvement from the past and tends to grow over time. There is the Broadway sound that the film creates that goes by the name of Tin Pan Alley. The term represents the structure of music that was the result of talented singers and composers such as Richard Rodgers. Besides, there are other notable types of songs that also appear in the film that are also remarkable. The other aspect of the film is the lyrics. The instance relates to the words that create the music. The words tend to graduate from the position of songs to more of works of poetry. The evidence to the fact is that the works of some of the song composers such as Cole porter’s lyrics that are quotations in many works of poetry anthologies around the globe. The songs tend to catch all the catchphrases, the sentiments, the words, as well as the stanzas. The music is also patriotic in some instances, rhapsodic in other cases, witty and risquà © in other instances. The time of production of the material in the film relates to a time when there was a need for the songs to be catchy and also provide service for the comedians and the dancers. However, by the 1930s, the role of the music was shifting towards greater significance that suits their lyrics. The music in turn took a different structure that would accomplish a more serious role. The primary structure would constitute a narrative that would form the backbone of the particular piece. The term that would describe the structure was libretto. As a result, the music had a great influence on the artistic field and the cultural practices. The film illustrates the importance of the music at to appoint where there is the need of a music director. The primary task of the director was to give shape to the production of quality music, and the also design the whole concept that each song reflects. Moreover, the director’s work is to

Explain how you have prepared for the academic challenges of the MMH Essay

Explain how you have prepared for the academic challenges of the MMH program - Essay Example While working for Okinawa’s public destination marketing organization, I learnt a lot about the relevance of knowing about the local history, culture and economy, so as to have a holistic perspective of the available opportunities and markets. I am also actively involved with Okinawa Society of Tourism Education, a professional organization that comprises of teachers, researchers and tourism associated executives. The organization holds regular meetings to discuss the issues facing the hospitality sector. My struggle to crack GMAT was a real humbling and insightful experience. The overall preparation for GMAT turned out to be a positive reinforcement in more than one way. It made me realize the value of language skills in everyday business. Therefore, I have taken ample pains to improve on my language skills and have gained much in the area of correct grammatical construction and composition. With sincere practice, my proficiency in all the language skills, that are reading, writing, listening and speaking has become much better than before. Strategic and analytical reading has become a habit with me. I am an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Economist and the contemporary English fiction. Not to mention, I have access to supportive, understanding and well qualified friends, family and colleagues, who are always willing to lend a helping hand.