Behaviorist Theory essays

Behaviorist Theory essays The human mind constantly responds to the environment or external stimuli. Thus, the social environment and culture that we are exposed to, especially as infants and in our youth, condition our very thinking and behavior. This is precisely why family environment and values play a key role in personality development, as do religion, educational institutions, peer groups, and the media. Indeed, in many ways we are very much a product of our environment, which explains the commonality in values, lifestyles, and even fashion that can be observed within communities. In addition, our interaction with the environment teaches us the consequences or rewards of certain types of behavior, which then further influences and shapes our future behavioral patterns. The truth of the preceding statements is evident in my own behavior. My family and education, for instance, have definitely shaped my values. Similarly, my peers and the media influence my preferences in dress codes, music, films and books, to name a few examples. However, I do not entirely agree with the behaviorist theory that conditioning is responsible for all human actions. For, I believe that I have free will, which reflects in the choices I make about my own life, including, for example, my choice of courses in college or future profession. The fact that our understanding of life deepens and changes as we grow and develop our cognitive skills, moral and logical reasoning is, in fact, proof that individual human beings exercise their free will in interacting with their environment. Of course, it is not always easy to tell if past conditioning has influenced an apparent "free choice." To do so would require conscious reconstruction of one's past in order to distinguish between its affect, cognition, and the manner in which it continues to influence action. However, it has been established that an individual can be liberate...

Canadas Northwest Passage and the Issue of Sovereignty Over these Waters

Canadas Northwest Passage and the Issue of Sovereignty Over these Waters Canada’s Northwest Passage and the Issue of Sovereignty Over these Waters A country’s sovereignty must be established early on because it gives the citizens and its leaders the right to know not only where they geographically speaking but also what is rightfully theirs, to use and to protect.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Canada’s Northwest Passage and the Issue of Sovereignty Over these Waters specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is therefore fitting that sovereignty can only be achieved if a country, its people and its government are able to demonstrate that there are able to occupy and use that particular geographic location. In the case of the Northwest Passage located in Canada’s northernmost border the Canadian government is forced by circumstances and recent events to assert their sovereignty over the said region. As a matter of fact over the past three years, Prime Minister Harper has made it repeatedly clear that he will do everything in his power to protect Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. But truth to be told, the Canadian government does not have the resources to back up Harper’s rhetoric, at least not enough to convince the United States and Russia that they are serious with their claim. Overview It has to be clarified that the arctic lands â€Å"presently claimed by the U.S., Canada and Denmark are considered secure† (Grant, p.11). In other words there has never been any dispute with regards to these lands. The sovereignty disputes related to foreign rights of transit in adjacent waters specifically the Northwest Passage (Grant, p.11). The Northwest Passage is the term given to a sea passage that allows for a shorter trip between East Asia and Europe. It is specifically â€Å"a water route through the islands of northern Canada connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans† (CBC News, 2006, p.1). It is a potentially significant region in terms of logistics, however, it is a passageway that is frozen most of the year. No shipping vessel can actually traverse this route except for a few heavily reinforced icebreakers. This explains why since the discovery of the Northwest Passage no one bothered to determine the sovereignty of Canada and as a matter of fact Canada does not need to assert sovereignty because the place is inhospitable and inaccessible. But the current weather phenomenon called global climate change is changing the way the words sees this sea route. Global climate change is said to cause the rapid and pervasive melting of Arctic ice. Scientists are saying that in a few more decades the Northwest Passage will experience long periods of time wherein it will be ice-free. This is not a small thing because using this route will reduce the distance traveled between London and Tokyo by more or less 7,000 kilometers or two weeks of travel time (CBC News, 2006, p.1). Commercial vessels can therefore fi nd it lucrative to use the Northwest Passage.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, there has been much speculation – based on discoveries made in adjacent areas – that the Arctic holds vast reserves of oil, gas and precious stones. This means that the United States, Russia, and even Denmark may find it this region to precious to ignore. In this regard, the lands above the North Pole belong to no country. There seems to be an unwritten rule that most countries around the world are in agreement. Nevertheless, there were recent developments that may change this view. For instance, a Russian scientist went there and placed a Russian flag under the seabed, stating that â€Å"the Lomonosov ridge connects its Arctic territories with the North Pole (Pilkington, 2007, p.1) Political analysts scoff at the idea pointing instead to Russia’s depleted oil re serves as the real reason why they are interested in the Arctic region (Pilkington, 2007, p.1). Aside from the Russians, the Americans have much to gain in the event that sovereignty over these waters cannot be established. The recent news of a piece of arctic land that became highly-valuable overnight because of costs of building oil rigs is one reason why the Americans would love to control this area. Furthermore, the United States is a military power and therefore additional passageway could increase their logistical advantages over their foes. One major point of contention is not only the ease at which U.S. icebreakers can cross the Northwest Passage but also the fact that U.S. submarines can travel subsurface and virtually undetected by the Canadian government. The Law First and foremost sovereignty is established through international law. Nations must agree of some specific set of laws in order to maintain stability. Thus, the law concerning sovereignty can be consulted to re solve this issue once and for all. According to law experts sovereignty is the power or title over a specific territory can be achieved by various means such as: â€Å"discovery, cession, accretion, subjugation, prescription or contiguity† (Grant, p.12). But there is one important thing to consider with regards to this rule, â€Å"If title was based on discovery alone it was considered inchoate† in other words it is undeveloped and temporary† (Grant, p.12). This means that sovereignty could lapse â€Å"if not followed within a reasonable time by effective occupation† (Grant, p.12). This is a real challenge for the Canadian government who is faced with the prospect of patrolling and managing not an ordinary piece of real estate but the Arctic where ice is a perennial fixture in the landscape.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Canada’s Northwest Passage and the Issue of Sovereignty Over these Waters specifically for you for o nly $16.05 $11/page Learn More The law seems to be on the side of the Canadians but there is one problem, they still have to convince other nations that indeed the Northwest Passage is theirs to control. The United States is one of them. According to one commentator, â€Å"Washington classifies the passage as neutral waters because it claims that Canadian sovereignty only extends a limited distance from the shore and it has outraged Canadian opinion by sending nuclear submarines through the strait† (Pilkington, 2007, p..1). The Canadian government must clearly demonstrate their intention to control the Northwest Passage and therefore gain sovereignty over this region. Harper’s Rhetoric Prime Minister Harper made a commitment to the Canadian people that he will safeguard their future especially when it comes to their claim in the Arctic region where the Northwest Passage belongs. Harper said, â€Å"Canada has a choice when it comes to defending our sove reignty over the Arctic †¦ We either use it or lose it† (Pilkington, 2007, p.1). Then he added, â€Å"And make no mistake, this government intends to use it† (Pilkington, p.1, 2007). Harper also made the announcement that his administration will build six to eight armed Arctic patrol vessels and a deep-water naval base on Baffin Island in order for Canada to assert control over the said passage (Dyer, 2009, p.1). But these projects remain the drawing board. Aside from the cost of maintaining a significant presence in the Arctic there is probably another reason why Canada will not commit a major portion of its resources to patrolling the Northwest Passage. The reason perhaps is that no one can be sure what exactly they are trying to safeguard. This is because talk about oil reserves and the profitability of Arctic shipping remains just like that, pure talk. According to one scholar who spend time analyzing this subject matter, â€Å"there is profound uncertainty su rrounding the search for hydrocarbons in the Arctic† and he added, â€Å"Arctic oil and gas will always be expensive to produce† (Griffiths, 1987, p.117). Due to the extreme weather in this region it is understandable why it is expensive to extract gas or oil and transport through long distances. Ambitious Plan It is easy to understand why Prime Minister has for the past three years engaged in rabble-rousing speeches with regards to the Northwest Passage. The Russians came tantalizingly close to provoking the Canadians while the United States seems to behave like a school bully every time their submarines using this particular sea route without permission.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Harper is just doing his job as the elected leader of the Canadian populace he has the responsibility to think about the future of the Arctic region and Canada’s stake in it. He had to show the Russians and the Americans that he meant business and that they must think twice if they believe that the Canadians can be easily intimidated or ignored. But there is more. Harper is very much aware of the legal implications of dereliction of duty when it comes to asserting their sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. Harper know so well that if the Canadian government cannot show proof that they are actively patrolling and making investments in securing the area then country’s right to rule over this area can be lost. More importantly the neighboring nations will be emboldened to try to take away this precious possession. It has to be guarded and it has to be subjugated. However, there are many political analysts and scientists who are also aware of the fact that what the Cana dian government intends to do is something that is beyond their capabilities. First of all patrolling the Northwest Passage is not the same as patrolling a river, lake or shoreline. The men and equipment sent to this region will have to work under harsh conditions. This is just the beginning because one way to achieve active occupation is through â€Å"acts by government such as the provision of basic services, administrative structures for governance and enforcement of a nation’s laws and regulations† (Grant, year, p.12). These are activities that the Harper administration cannot afford to finance. One researcher who made it her life’s mission to study this region has this to say about the difficulties that they the Canadian government will face if ever they will support Harper all the way and she did it by describing life in the High Arctic and she wrote: The compelling beauty of the scene slowly gave way to one of incomprehension. How could three young men as sisted by two Greenlandic Inuit families possibly protect Canadian sovereignty in this remote and barren land, which has never been occupied by Inuit and rarely, if ever, been visited by hunting parties? Even the whalers had long departed. With a small wooden skill and rifles used for hunting, how could they do anything of greater significance than raising a flag on Beechey Island? Was it just symbolic? (Grant, year, p.ix) The picture that Grant painted is an inhospitable area that at present Canada is unable to subjugate and administer. But Grant is not talking about the North Pole, she is talking about a territory under Canadian rule and yet the government cannot even secure it without the help of Greelandic Inuits. How much more if the government mobilizes its troops towards the Northwest Passage where everything is covered in ice? In the past, plans to created sophisticated defence and monitoring systems were abandoned (McRae, 1994, p.1). Aside from monetary considerations the e nvironmental factors best explains why it is difficult to claim sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. It is not an exaggeration to say that Harper’s plan to assert sovereignty is simply too ambitious. Conclusion The Canadians may have discovered the Northwest Passage and therefore they can lay hold of it and assert their sovereignty. However, legal experts are quick to point out that sovereignty as a result of discovery alone is undeveloped or temporary. There must be active demonstration of subjugation and administration over these territories. This is the dilemma of Canadian Prime Minister Harper. He knows the rule of law and the need for the government to show the world that they have the capability to assert control over the Northwest Passage. This requires the building of sophisticated facilities that can effectively function under extreme weather conditions. This requires the mobilization of men into barren landscapes and sea routes frozen for the most part of the yea r. In the past these plans, including the use of submarines to patrol the subsurface traffic under the strait had been abandoned, obviously because of monetary reasons. Harper must continue his rhetoric but the Canadian people must be realistic when it comes to securing sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. They could only hope that climate experts are wrong in their predictions or else they can do nothing if other countries will challenge their claim. CBC News. The Arctic Grail. CBC Canada News, 2006. Web. Dyer, Gwynee. Northwest Passage will never be commercially viable. Straight.com, 2009. Web. Grant, Shelagh. Polar Imperative: A History of Arctic Sovereignty in North America. Quebec: Douglas McIntyre, 2010. Griffiths, Franklyn. Politics of the Northwest Passage. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press, 1987. McRae, Donald. Arctic Sovereignty: Loss by Dereliction? Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, 1994. Web. Pilkington, Ed. Canada flexes its muscles in scramble for the Ar ctic. Guardian News and Media, 2007. Web.

Tlaltecuhtli - The Monstrous Aztec Goddess of the Earth

Tlaltecuhtli - The Monstrous Aztec Goddess of the Earth Tlaltecuhtli (pronounced Tlal-teh-koo-tlee and sometimes spelled Tlaltecutli) is the name of the monstrous earth god among the Aztec. Tlaltecuhtli has both feminine and masculine attributes, although she is most often represented as a female deity. Her name means The one who gives and devours life. She represents the earth and the sky, and was one of the gods in the Aztec pantheon most hungry for human sacrifice. The Tlaltecuhtli Myth According to Aztec mythology, at the origin of time (the First Sun), the gods Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca began to create the world. But the monster Tlaltecuhtli destroyed everything they were creating. The gods turned themselves into giant serpents and wrapped their bodies around the goddess until they tore Tlaltecuhtlis body into two pieces. One piece of Tlaltecuhtlis body became the earth, mountains, and rivers, her hair the trees and flowers, her eyes the caves and wells. The other piece became the vault of the sky, although, in this early time, no sun or stars were embedded in it yet. Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca gave Tlatecuhtli the gift of providing humans with whatever they need from her body, but it was a gift that didnt make her happy. Sacrifice Thus in Mexica mythology, Tlaltecuhtli represents the surface of the earth; however, she was said to be angry, and she was the first of the gods to demand the hearts and blood of humans for her unwilling sacrifice. Some versions of the myth say Tlaltecuhtli would not stop crying and bear fruit (plants and other growing things) unless she was moistened with the blood of men. Tlaltecuhtli was also believed to devour the sun every night just to give it back every morning. However, the fear that this cycle could be interrupted for some reason, such as during eclipses, produced instability among the Aztec population and was often the cause of even more ritual human sacrifices. Tlaltecuhtli Images Tlaltecuhtli is depicted in codices and stone monuments as a horrific monster, often in a squatting position and in the act of giving birth. She has several mouths over her body filled with sharp teeth, which were often spurting blood. Her elbows and knees are human skulls and in many images she is portrayed with a human being hanging between her legs. In some images she is portrayed as a caiman or alligator. Her open mouth symbolizes the passage to the underworld inside of the earth, but in many images her lower jaw is missing, torn away by Tezcatlipoca to prevent her from sinking beneath the waters. She often wears a skirt of crossed bones and skulls with a great star sign border, symbol of her primordial sacrifice; she is often depicted with large teeth, goggle-eyes, and a flint-knife tongue. It is interesting to note that in the Aztec culture, many sculptures, particularly in the case of representations of Tlaltecuhtli, were not meant to be seen by humans. These sculptures were carved and then set in a hidden place or carved on the underside of stone boxes and chacmool sculptures. These objects were made for the gods and not for humans, and, in Tlaltecuhtlis case, the images faced the earth they represent. Tlaltecuhtli Monolith In 2006, a huge monolith representing the Earth Goddess Tlaltecuhtli was discovered in an excavation at the Templo Mayor of Mexico City. This sculpture measures about 4 x 3.6 meters (13.1 x 11.8 feet) and weighs about 12 tons. It is the largest Aztec monolith ever discovered, larger than the famous Aztec Calendar Stone (Piedra del Sol) or the Coyolxauhqui. The sculpture, carved in a block of pink andesite, represents the goddess in the typical squatting position, and it is vividly painted in red ochre, white, black, and blue. After several years of excavation and restoration, the monolith can be seen on display at the the museum of the Templo Mayor. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the guide to Aztec religion and the dictionary of archaeology. Barajas M, Bosch P, Malvaà ©z C, Barragn C, and Lima E. 2010. Stabilization of the Tlaltecuhtli monolith pigments. Journal of Archaeological Science 37(11):2881-2886. Barajas M, Lima E, Lara VH, Negrete JV, Barragn C, Malvez C, and Bosch P. 2009. Effect of organic and inorganic consolidation agents on Tlaltecuhtli monolith. Journal of Archaeological Science 36(10):2244-2252. Bequedano E, and Orton CR. 1990. Similarities Between Sculptures Using Jaccards Coefficient in the Study of Aztec Tlaltecuhtli. Papers from the Institute of Archaeology 1:16-23. Berdan FF. 2014. Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory. New York: Cambridge University Press. Boone EH, and Collins R. 2013. The petroglyphic prayers on the sun stone of Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina. Ancient Mesoamerica 24(02):225-241. Graulich M. 1988. Double Immolations in Ancient Mexican Sacrificial Ritual. History of Religions 27(4):393-404. Lucero-Gà ³mez P, Mathe C, Vieillescazes C, Bucio L, Belio I, and Vega R. 2014. Analysis of Mexican reference standards for Bursera spp. resins by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and application to archaeological objects. Journal of Archaeological Science 41(0):679-690. Matos Moctezuma E. 1997. Tlaltecuhtli, seà ±or de la tierra. Estudios de Cultura Nhautl 1997:15-40. Taube KA. 1993. Aztec and Maya Myths. Fourth Edition. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas. Van Tuerenhout DR. 2005. The Aztecs. New Perspectives, ABC-CLIO Inc. Santa Barbara, CA; Denver, CO and Oxford, England.

Weapons of Mass Destruction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Weapons of Mass Destruction - Research Paper Example encompasses activities, agencies, authorities and resources required to respond once it is recognized that Anthrax has been released as a result of terrorist activities. A. Immediate contact and consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Relevant samples of identified Bacillus anthracis will be isolated and prepared for evaluation to determine strain and potential lethality in coordination with CDC officials. E. Cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment will be considered and coordinated using the Principles of Standard Precautions guidelines. Immediate procurement of germicidal agents should be coordinated with relevant supply chain vendors and through consultation with local and state government actors. F. Pathology departments and laboratories providing clinical services must be informed of the relevant infectious dangers of post-mortem services, inclusive of procurement of eye protection instruments and masks. B. Coordination with the Food and Drug Administration to receive approvals to procure Anthrax vaccinations under the Emergency Use Authorization legislation for victims 18 and older. For children, approvals generated by the FDA under the Investigational New Drug protocol. A. Local law enforcement officers will maintain responsibility for coordinating isolation procedures, establishing barricades which prevent access into and outside of Anchorage during the disaster period. B. State authorities will declare a state of emergency, temporarily halting operations of the city public transit services, the Alaska railroad, and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Coordination with the Department of Homeland Security will ensure that air traffic is properly re-routed and all waterway transport re-directed to other non-affected ports of call. A. Assign relevant health personnel to provide routine medical exams for injured responders or those illustrating symptoms of Anthrax exposure, consisting of

Create a Problem Statement Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Create a Problem Statement Paper - Essay Example To offset this problem the company is taking advantage of economies of scale by having three establishments, but in the business world three establishments is not really that much, thus the firm is not truly reaping the benefits of lower material costs achieved by economies of scale. The company has to improve its advertising and marketing function. The current pricing structure of the company is unknown. The company’s pricing point might be off. It could either be too low or too high. To further research this possibility as a business analyst I would request the corporation’s financial statements. The problem statement at for Kudler Fine Foods can be: The Company needs to improve its profitability and sales volume due to its boutique type business model. Another important variable the Kudler has to place emphasis in order to achieve a higher level of business success is superb customer service. When a client pays a premium price for service its expects the store to treat them like kings so that the person will feel good about the experience and become a returning client. Customer retention is one of the most important objectives of the marketing function of a company (Kotler, 2003). A third area in which the company could improve its operations is in its procurement process. The company has a very large variety of exotic and unique food products. The firm is probable buying most of raw material from a small group of suppliers located in California. The business model at Kudler has potential for further expansion, but in order to do so the enterprise has to making a concerted effort to find other quality suppliers in alternate locations. Also if the firm seeks an expansion plan the current human resources capabilities are not adequate. The company has to create a systematic training system developed by a professional human resources consulting firm so that if the company decides to sell franchises

Explain the paradox of slavery and freedom, and how slavery and ideals Essay

Explain the paradox of slavery and freedom, and how slavery and ideals of freedom could coexist in North America - Essay Example Though, all these practices have now been legally eliminated but it still remains in the form of racial discrimination, which is quiet apparent in the American Society1. These marginalized groups of people now face the harsh treatment even in the hands of legal systems in America. White policemen are let of for killing a black youth, while a black person is severely punished for a small crime. There are other racist activities carried out at workplaces, schools and institutions where they are not given equal treatments and are looked down upon. Hence, it can be concluded that the concept slavery and freedom paradox is evident in American Society. The black president of white America, President Obama recently reacting to a comment to a white Coach of Basket Ball Team, said, â€Å"United States continues to wrestle with legacy of race and slavery and segregation. We have made enormous stride but you are going to continue to see this percolate up every so often2.† This comment was made recently when the coach showed a discriminatory behavior against the blacks. breitbart.com. Obama On Nba Owners Comments: Us Continues To Wrestle With Legacy Of Race, Slavery And Segregation. April 27, 2014. http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2014/04/27/Obama-on-NBA-Owner-Comments-US-Continues-To-Wrestle-With-Legacy-Of-Race-Slavery-and-Segregation (accessed 2014 30,

Micro-organisms and Diesease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Micro-organisms and Diesease - Essay Example They are colonial or unicellular. Role- cause disease to organisms. There are also useful plants pathogens that play various roles such as restricting plant distribution, regulating population, increasing/reducing diversity and creating canopy gaps. Direct contact- organisms are transmitted from one individual to another (For instance, when there is the physical contact of closed or open body or through a skin opening, sexual contact and through directly breathing in pathogens from an infected individual). Indirect contact- organism transfers from an object to the other, either an intermediate host or a vector. For instance, the organism can be transferred through contaminated substances like air, soils, feces, equipment and clothing. Penetration areas- skin, sebaceous glands or hair follicles to cause boils and sties or teat canals and lead to staphylococcal mastitis, arthropod bites, conjunctiva, through respiratory tract’s mechanism, microorganisms or urinogenital tract. First, there is the existence of the pathogenic or infectious agents such as fungus, virus, bacterium, protozoa or prion. Microorganisms exit from the reservoir through the skin, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract and blood and across the placenta and take a mode of transmission to the next host. The transmission occurs either indirectly or directly. Infection definition- a process by which bacteria, fungi or other organism enter a host and attach to a cell and multiply. To do this, the organisms should overcome or evade the body’s natural defense at every step; though mostly the infected individual does not get sick. Often not all infections cause illness. Treatment- tests for the diagnosis including Chest X-ray, Mantoux skin test, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test and sputum testing and treatment should be done outside the hospital and takes long because the disease organism grows and die