Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Traditional Marketing Perspective

Question: Which viewpoint do you concur with? Why? Answer: Out of both the points of view, I for one concur with the conventional advertising viewpoint of items being the reason for financial trade and administrations being the auxiliary advantage which is related with the substantial items. The entire reason for the financial trade is the trading of money related assets to fulfill specific needs or necessities (Vissa, 2012). The people associated with the trade procedure, start the buy dynamic procedure dependent on their necessities and prerequisites. This thus drives them to locate the potential venders present in the relating market alongside the potential choices of the comparing item. The third stage in the purchasing dynamic procedure recommends that the purchaser gauges all the potential choices present in the relating market as far as their capacities of fulfilling their necessities or prerequisites (Shore, 2006). This recommends the significant goal of the money related exchange is the fulfillment of the necessities through the uti lization of the materialistic item. The fourth phase of the purchasing dynamic procedure permits the purchaser to break down the choice of picking the item over the other options and getting it. Along these lines the whole procedure of settling on the purchasing choice of the purchaser depends on the fulfillment of their needs. After the acquisition of the items, the associations offer different types of assistance to the clients to keep up their fulfillment of the item. Henceforth the items are the reason for the financial trade and the administrations are the auxiliary advantages related with them to improve their utilization experience (Mitchell, 2012). References Mitchell, J. R., Mitchell, R. K., Mitchell, B. T., Alvarez, S. (2012). OPPORTUNITY CREATION, UNDERLYING CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC EXCHANGE. Shore, L. M., Tetrick, L. E., Lynch, P., Barksdale, K. (2006). Social and monetary trade: Construct improvement and approval. Diary of Applied Social Psychology, 36(4), 837-867. Vissa, B. (2012). Organization in real life: Entrepreneurs' organizing style and commencement of monetary trade. Association Science, 23(2), 492-510.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Defining concept of design thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Characterizing idea of configuration thinking - Essay Example an a part of vocation study which applies the affectability, inventiveness and ingenuity just as thinking of executions and usage procedure so as to bring out fulfillment of the shoppers who plans to utilize the item and to adapt up to the market rivalry. 3. Pick models investigating the present writing on configuration thinking, its persuasions and its scrutinizes and relate it to genuine utilization of configuration thinking utilized as a vital device in business authority. Some innovative organizations, for example, Google and Apple have in the ongoing past given space for about 20% of their representatives to think and come out with their thoughts in improving their administrations and the merchandise for the instance of Google. For some purchasers in the market the need is full fulfillment in which customers need new items with improvement in tasks. Configuration thinking has a lot of impact on the gainfulness of the organization. Taking for example telephone applications, most purchasers will go for those telephones with numerous highlights when contrasted with those with less highlights. These highlights are a portion of the results of thoughts which for this situation is configuration thinking. Also configuration considering rivalry among the organizations in this way bringing about top notch items. Obviously there is part of pundits originating from the social side. A large portion of the structure believing are related with the decimation of the earth, abuse because of popularity of the information place in executing these thoughts. At the point when we take for instance the engine vehicle industry, for example, the Lamborghini which is a present plan thinking item is pricey when contrasted with different vehicles which are not profoundly planned however it is astounding to take note of that the crude materials are only the equivalent. This makes us to accept that the expansion in cost is because of the structuring administrations. The vast majority of business vital plans depend on the uses of the thoughts from the administration and different representatives. After delineate of clear

Saturday, August 1, 2020

Your Name in Flashing Lights

Your Name in Flashing Lights Did you ever try to call in for radio shows? Ever want your five minutes of fame? Well heres your chance to be a blogger. Last year, I piloted an effort to capture CPW through the eyes of a prefrosh, and this year, the bloggers are inviting YOU to join us as guest bloggers. This will be a great opportunity to share your CPW experiences as well as audition for those coveted blogger spots that will be open next fall! Wed love to share as many of your stories as possible because youll experience the MIT lifestyle firsthand. There will be too many things to do at any one time and you will have to make choices, so the probability that you and anyone else will have a similar experience is 1 in a bajillion. If youd like to write an entry, just email the Paul, Snively, and myself at snively [at] mit [dot] edu ask-paul [at] mit [dot] edu bryanblogs [at] mit [dot] edu and we can discuss. Basic blog guidelines: Attend CPW Visuals are a plus pictures AND video Keep it rated PG13 (my younger brothers are reading this) Balance try to highlight the facts as well as your own experience and thoughts Fun, energy, and voice we want to hear you and hear what CPW is like for you and the friends you meet along the way Timeliness we dont want to post CPW entries in July just saying I think thats all hopefully, well hear from you soon! See you in 9 days! CPW is a blast tips for conquering CPW coming Thursday.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Essay on The Life of Frederic Douglass - 1087 Words

In 1845, when the start of America was in effect, Fredrick Douglass wrote an autobiography called, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass’s was an abolitionist and his impact upon the antislavery movement in America remains his crowning achievement. Although he wasnt a leader of some violent rebellion, his literature and renowned public speaking helped solidify his accomplishments towards the abolition of slavery. Fredrick Douglass was so prominent in the 19th century that he advised the current president at the time, Abraham Lincoln, to let former slaves fight for the North, during the Civil War. His suggestion to let former slaves fight was granted all because Douglass ´s astounding figure head in the battle†¦show more content†¦Auld when she has that type of power given to her. Douglass also mentions how Mrs. Auld transformation is the same way that Douglass describes how slaves are brutalized. I feel Douglass uses this term many tim es in his narrative to make a meaningful exclaimer to the readers. The more common meaning of brutalized is straightforward, to treat someone poorly and cruel. It also means to transform someone into a beast, like Mrs. Auld. Douglass also refers to Mrs. Auld changing character by stating, Slavery proved as injurious to her as it did to me. When I went there, she was a pious, warm, and tender-hearted woman. There was no sorrow or suffering for which she had not a tear. She had bread for the hungry, clothes for the naked, and comfort for every mourner that came within her reach. Slavery soon proved its ability to divest her of these heavenly qualities. Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger-like fierceness. Where she used to have sympathy for any one that was in misery from being beaten and treated poorly, to being a slave master that hardened her heart into pure sin. Her new demeanor towards Douglass shows how peo ple can lack responsibility towards holding that type of total power. This goes to show that having this type of tyrant ruler-ship can change any human beings gentle disposition and change them to the worst. Douglass illustratesShow MoreRelatedEssay on Education: Causes Effects584 Words   |  3 Pagesfamilies, social backgrounds, and cultures. This often causes mixed emotions, awkward feelings, and other conflicts. Some of these conflicts are described in works such as quot;Ariaquot; by Richard Rodriguez, and quot;The Right to Writequot; by Frederic Douglass. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;quot;Ariaquot; comes from the biography of Richard Rodriguez, the son of two Mexican immigrants. He describes his struggle to grow up in a primarily white, English-speaking area. As a young child knowing lessRead MoreEvolution of the dichotomy Self and Other Within American History600 Words   |  3 Pagesliterature shows the power exerted by the white Americans against African American slaves. The superiority of white Americans over blacks population forms part of American heritage and it is reflected in American literature. The â€Å"Narrative of The Life† by Olaudah Equiano, who witnesses the power that white Americans exert against people of color, not only presented his story to the reader so people could learn the reality about slavery, but also shows how American literature was influences by factualRead MoreDouglass Example Essay1877 Words   |  8 Pages100 million people, equivalent to 1800s of the total population Africa.    5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Did Southerners treat their slaves well?  Ã‚  They loved to sing.  Ã‚  What was Douglass’  perception about the songs?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Southern  slave owners treated their slaves no good. Most of the slaves worked in the plantation. The slave was born black leaders - Frederic, said in his autobiography, the average person is happy, when the slaves sing songs of grief and sadness. 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In the 15th century, Europeans brought horses, cattle, and hogs to the Americas and, in turn, took back to Europe corn, potatoes, tobacco, beans, and squash.[11] [edit] Spanish colonization Coronado Sets Out to the North (1540) by Frederic Remington, oil on canvas, 1905.See also: New Spain Spanish explorers came to what is now the United States beginning with Christopher Columbus second expedition, which reached Puerto Rico on November 19, 1493.[12] The first confirmed landing inRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesPerspectives on the Past, edited by Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. 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Sunday, May 10, 2020

John Locke And John Chaffees Theory Of Philosophy

Philosophy is defined as the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It has been studied by well-known philosophers such as Aristotle, John Locke, and David Hume. Aristotle is famous for his belief in the golden mean which is the Greek philosophy believing in the desirable middle between two extremes. John Locke developed his own theory of mind, which is often mentioned as the origin of modern conceptions of identity and self. Philosophers over the stretch of time have developed, and fine-tuned, their theories and conceptualized their own ideas on how and why all things in the universe work. From these different theories three examples of these ideas that stand out are determinism, compatibilism, and†¦show more content†¦In the environment, determinism is defined by their environment and are conditioned to be the people they are. With this explanation, it depends on the life experiences an individual encounter that affects their behaviors. With the psychological development explanation, people are governed by psychological forces, many of them unconscious, that cause them to think, feel, and act in certain ways. With this explanation, the actions that humans perform are the result of psychological impulses that have been formed by people’s earliest relationships and experiences. With the social dynamics explanation, people are social creatures and are influenced by the people around them. Compatibilism, as described by Chaffee, is the â€Å"view that all events, including human actions, are caused. However, we can consider human actions free if they are the result of internal motivations, not the product of external influences or constraints† (2016, p. 160). Compatibilism can be compared to hard determinists, and has often been called soft determinism, in that both agree that all events are caused by some force. The compatibilists agree with the determinists that all human behaviors are caused by a previous event. One difference between the two is that compatibilists argue that humans can still distinguish between actions that are, and are not, external constraints. As Chaffee put it in his words, â€Å"Actions that are externally compelled-for example, as the result of threats-are

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension Free Essays

string(72) " treatment of high blood pressure are thiazides \(Bullock et al 2007\)\." Abstract An academic edit of an essay concerned with the physiology and pharmacology of hypertension. The ‘flow’ and sense have been improved, references added where necessary, and the style amended to an appropriate academic one. 1. We will write a custom essay sample on The Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension or any similar topic only for you Order Now Introduction The following essay looks at the physiology and pharmacology of hypertension. First, the nature of the condition is examined, together with risk factors and current statistics on its occurrence. Next, the possible ways of treating the condition, particularly through drugs, is considered. 2. Hypertension: its Physiology and other Aspects The definition of hypertension has attracted controversy over the last 50 years or so, but is currently generally seen as blood pressure which is over 140 over 90mmHg (Gotto and Toth 2006). This can be translated as the heart beating pressure or systolic pressure being 140 mmHg and the relaxing pressure or Diastolic pressure at 90mmHg. Blood pressure can vary considerably from person to person (Brubaker et al 2002). There is a concern to reduce high blood pressure, as it has been associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious conditions (Edlin and Golanty 2009).In terms of diagnosis, this is done over several readings at a given period, and these must be give regular high readings to confirm that there is a problem. These readings should be taken during and after normal activities, and also when relaxing (Bricker et al 1994). The cause of high blood pressure in most cases is unknown, but it is widely thought that the pressure in the arteries depends on how hard the heart pumps blood and how much resistance there is in the arteries. A slight narrowing of the arteries will increase the resistance of blood flow. Many factors will contribute to this occurrence (Sherwood 2012). Whatever the cause or causes might be, the condition is common: in the UK well over half the people aged 65 or over suffer from high blood pressure, and 25% of those in middle age (Woods and Clare 2008). High blood pressure is particularly common in the following groups: People with diabetes (type 1 and type two) People of Afro-Caribbean descent People from the Indian subcontinent Those with a family history of high blood pressure Heavy smokers Heavy drinkers People who consume a lot of salt The overweight People with a high caffeine and alcohol intake People who consumer Insufficient fruits and vegetables or do not take enough exercise (Patient.co.uk [online] 2012) High blood pressure is not always apparent to the sufferer. It might be years before the condition is discovered, and by then a considerable amount of damage may already have been done. Therefore, regular checks are important, to ensure that any excess strain on the arteries is detected and risk reduced (Rhoden and Schein 2010). At some point, most people develop atherosclerosis, so the aim is to slow it down and halt any acceleration.While a number of causes associated with high blood pressure cannot be altered, including: Family history Heart disease or strokes before 55 Being Male Early Menopause in females Ageing Ethnicity (Condon 2004) For people falling into these categories, there is extra reason to take extra precautions and deal with any lifestyle risk associated with high blood pressure. By doing so, the development of hypertension can be slowed down considerably reducing the chances of cardiovascular disease in the future (Edlin and Golanty 2009). Estimates show that a reduced diastolic blood pressure by 6mmHg can reduce the risk of having a stroke in the future by 35-40% and heart attacks by 20-25% (Warrell et al 2003). The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk. However, there are several treatments and therapies to help reduce high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes including weight loss, increased physical activity, change of diet cutting down on alcohol intake, less smoking, low salt and caffeine consumption can all help (Kaplan et al 2002). If lifestyle changes are not effective, medication can help. 3. Medical Treatment of High Blood Pressure There are several classes of medicines used in the treatment of lowering blood pressure, and each class contains many different drugs. For the purpose of this essay l will use a couple of examples in each section, to give a picture of what is currently available on the market, which are in use, and the available research about them, class by class. It should be noted that all drug therapies normally have side effects. Calcium-channel blockers, for example can sometimes cause dizziness, swollen ankles, facial flushing and constipation (Ascheim and Ascheim 2009). 3.1 Calcium-Channel Blockers Calcium-Channel blockers include the drugs amlodipine and felodipine, which are also used in the treatment of angina (Hughes and Hughes 2001). They act through selective inhibitors of calcium influx through the cell membrane or on the release and binding of calcium in the cells (Frishman and Sica 2011). They are also referred to as inducers of vascular and other smooth muscle relaxation (Raffa 2004). They are used in the drug therapy of hypertension and cerebrovascular spasms as myocardial protective agents, and for the relaxation of uterine spasms (McKenzie and Porter 2011). Amlodipine and Valsartan is a drug of this class, a single–pill combination which is used in hypertension management in the US. Valsartan is an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (Alexander 2008). The combination pill is used in the management of patients with mild to moderate blood pressure over trials of 8-16 weeks. Results showed the combination therapy is more effective than the monotherapy of amlodipine and Valsartan solely (Sureshkumar 2008). This combination pill is more acceptable, and also works well for the many who will need more than one drug to help th em reach their target of lowering their blood pressure. 3.2 Diuretics Diuretics, or water tablets, work by promoting the excretion of salt and fluid through the urine. This brings about reduced circulation of fluid and a reduction in blood pressure. The blood vessels within the circulatory system relax, which has an effect on blood pressure. The most commonly used diuretic in the United Kingdom, for the treatment of high blood pressure are thiazides (Bullock et al 2007). You read "The Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension" in category "Essay examples" Examples of this class are bendroflumethiazide and hydrochlorothiazide. A low dose of these is often prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, with the proviso that blood and kidney tests are advisable before treatment is started, with follow up tests at 4-6 weeks to check potassium levels, then an annual blood test is normal (Rubin 2007). Diuretics have a number of side effects, including gout in a small number of users, and impotence in others (Souhami and Moxham 2002). These drugs are also often used in combination. Combining them with other drugs is often preferred, as it allows a more rapid and intensive control of high blood pressure, for example the combination of a diuretic and an Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and thiazides. Zofenpril, for example, is a strong ACE inhibitor and the combination of Hydrochlorothiazide given to patients with acute myocardial infarction over long term improves the risk of major cardiovascular disease (Khan 2005). The fixed combination of Zofenpril and Hydrochlorothiades (HCTZ), 30/12.5mg/ day has been approved for mild to moderate management in several Europeans countries (Borghi and Cicero 2006). 3.3 Beta Blockers Beta blockers come in various brands and types, typical examples being are propranolol and atenolol. They work by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of the heart. They are also used are used to treat angina and some other conditions. They are not recommended for asthma sufferers, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Arcangelo and Peterson 2006). They do have some side effects, including cold feet and hands, poor sleep and tiredness. Propranolol is also used in the treatment of Haemangioma related high blood pressure. Haemangioma is , a vascular swelling forming a tumour- like mass which forms anywhere in the body (Stedman 2002), and has shown to be effective for this in a study of 39 children, where Propranolol therapy showed a reduction of haemangioma within 2 days to 2 weeks.. Propranolol therapy has been proved more effective for infantile head and neck haemangioma, provided it is given to the patient early, when it first appears (Stedman 2002), and more patients are now being treated with propranolol therapy rather than corticosteroid therapy, although the best dosage and age when to stop treatment is still under discussion. 3.3 Angio Tensin Receptor Blockers These are known as receptor antagonists drugs. The brands available include Candesartan and Eprosartan. All work by blocking the Angiotensin 11 on the walls of the blood vessel, and hence reduce the amount of this substance in the bloodstream. They are similar to the ACE inhibitors (Moini 2004). The chemical effect narrows the blood vessels forcing it to relax and widen which reducing the blood vessel in the process. The most popular of these are captopril and Cilazapril, however these are contra-indicated where the patient has underlying kidney problems. Captopril was first discovered in 1898, however it was only used for treating high blood pressure fairly recently. An ACE inhibitor is beneficial to patients with heart failure and diabetes (Johnson and Morgan 2000) 4. Conclusion While the mechanisms whereby high blood pressure is caused are not fully understood, it is associated with a number of hereditary conditions as well as lifestyle factors. If moderating consumption of salt, alcohol and other changes to lifestyle are ineffective in bringing down blood pressure, a variety of medical approaches are possible. The exact type of treatment suitable for individual patients depends on a number of factors including medical history, ethnic origin and age.The UK guidelines set out suitable treatments for various classes of patients. However it should be remembered that individuals vary a great deal in regards to blood pressure; occasionally treatment does not work and may have side effects too, in such cases switching to a different class of medication is recommended. Generally, high blood pressure treatment is for life, but some individuals may respond so well that treatment could stop after three or so years. 5. References Alexander, I (2008) PDR Nurse’s Drug Handbook, Physicians Desk Reference Inc, USA Ascheim, D and Ascheim, R (2009) Heart Health Your Questions Answered, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, UK Borghi, C and Cicero, A F G (2006) ‘Fixed combination of zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide in the management of hypertension: a review of available data’, Vasc Health Risk Manag, 2:4, 341–349. Bricker, S L and Langlais, R P (1994) Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, and Treatment Planning (2nd edn), PMPH-USA, USA Brubaker, P H, Kaminsky, L A and Whaley, M H (2002) Coronary artery disease: essentials of prevention and rehabilitation program, Human Kinetics, Illinois Bullock, S, Galbraith, A, Manias, E, Hunt, B and Richards, A (2007) Fundamentals of pharmacology: an applied approach for nursing and health (2nd edn.), Pearson Education, Harlow Essex Condon, M C (2010) Women’s health: body, mind, spirit : an integrated approach to wellness and illness, Prentice Hall, USA Edlin, G and Golanty, E (2009) Health and Wellness, Jones Bartlett Learning, USA Frishman, W H and Sica, D A (2011) Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapeutics (3rd edn.), Cardiotext Publishing, USA Gotto, A M and Toth, P P (2006) Comprehensive management of high risk cardiovascular patients, CRC Press, NY Hughes, W and Hughes, J (2001) Clinical Pharmacy (2nd edn), Macmillan Education AU, Australia Johnson, M and Morgan, R (2000) Pharmacology for podiatrists, John Wiley Sons, USA Kaplan, N M, Lieberman, E and Neal, W (2002) Kaplan’s clinical hypertension (8th edn), Lippincott Williams Wilkins, USA Khan, M I G (2005) Encyclopedia of heart diseases, Academic Press, Burlington MA McKenzie, G (2011) Clinical Companion: Medical-Surgical Nursing (2nd edn.), Elsevier Australia, Australia Moini, J (2004) The pharmacy technician: a comprehensive approach, Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA Patient.co.uk (2012) ‘High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)’, [online] (cited 11th March 2012) available from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/High-Blood-Pressure-%28Hypertension%29.htm Patient.co.uk (2012) ‘Medication for high blood pressure’, [online] (cited 10th March 2012) available from http://www.patients.co.uk/health/Medication -for-High-Blood-Pressure.htm Peterson, A M and Arcangelo, V P (2006) Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: a practical approach (2nd edn) , Lippincott Williams Wilkins, USA Raffa, R B (2004) Quick Look: Pharmacology, Hayes Barton Press, USA Rhoden, C A and Wiley, S (2010) Bringing Down High Blood Pressure, Government Institutes, USA Rubin, A L (2007) High Blood Pressure for Dummies (2nd edn.), John Wiley Sons, USA Sherwood, L (2012) Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (8th edn.), Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA Souhami, R L and Moxham, J (2002) Textbook of medicine (4th edn.), Elsevier Health Sciences, UK, USA Sureshkumar, K K (2008) ‘Renin inhibition with aliskiren in hypertension: focus on aliskiren/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy’ Vasc Health Risk Management, 4:6, 1205–1220 Warrell, D A, Cox, T M and Firth, J D (2003) Oxford textbook of medicine (4th edn), Oxford University Press, Oxon. Woods, B and Clare, L (2008) Handbook of the clinical psychology of ageing (2nd edn.), John Wiley Sons, USA How to cite The Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension, Essay examples

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Neil Postman Responses Essay Example

Neil Postman Responses Paper Part I On page 11, Postman quotes Niels Bohr as saying, The opposite of a correct statement is an incorrect statement, but the opposite of a profound truth is another profound truth. What does this statement mean? Do you agree with it? Why or why not? Opposition creates two points of view and provides a stronger meaning for both sides. A correct statement, â€Å"I like ice cream,† is opposed by the incorrect statement, â€Å"I don’t like ice cream. If I only observe the correct statement, I have no reason to justify my liking of ice cream, but if I am challenged with the incorrect statement, I am forced to consider why I like ice cream—I like it because it’s cold, sweet, and creamy. A profound truth, deep and unyielding, cannot be proven false; therefore, the opposition to it can only be another profound truth that acts as any opposition would, creating another point of view that provides a force to clarify or strengthen both truths. When one can find greater clarity in opposing truths, it allows one to gain perspective to widen and justify one’s own beliefs. I agree with Postman’s claim, â€Å"it is better to have access to more than one profound truth†¦to hold comfortably in one’s mind the validity and usefulness of two contradictory truths is the source of tolerance, openness, and most important, a sense of humor†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1996, p. 11). I consider Economic Utility, a profound truth that defines the purpose of education to â€Å"prepare children for competent entry into the economic life of a community† (Postman, 1996, p. 27). To oppose it, I consider the profound truth of Consumership that defines the purpose of education to provide students with the means to acquire goods. What does the former mean without the latter? It means simply that students should have jobs when they finish school. What does the latter mean, without the former? It means simply that students should be able to purchase goods when they finish school. When I considered both in opposition, Economic Utility became more about contributing to the productivity of the community, being able to provide the goods and services necessary for the well being of family and neighbors. We will write a custom essay sample on Neil Postman Responses specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Neil Postman Responses specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Neil Postman Responses specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Consumership became more about individuals consuming goods for the sake of independent wealth. â€Å"The similarity between this god [of Consumership] and the god of Economic Utility is obvious. † (Postman, 1996, p. 33). First glance reveals this much, but observing the opposition of the profound truths, reveals much more of the truth in each of them. I would agree with Bohr’s statement because I value the opportunity to observe differences in points of view, and to explore meanings beyond face-value. It is the recognition of another profound truth as the opposition to another that allows me to do this. If I accept a profound truth only because I’m told that it is a profound truth, I have not gained any perspective to make that profound truth worth following. Opposing it is the only way to create meaning in it for me. Part II Later on that page, Postman states, Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly better to have one profound truth, one god, one narrative, than to have none. Postman admits that all gods are flawed. Why is it better to have a flawed god than no god at all? I would analogize Postman’s view of a flawed god to being dropped in a forest with nothing but a compass. The compass is minimal, and hardly useful without a map. It doesn’t tell you where you are, where you came from, or where you’re going. It is flawed in many ways, especially if we hold it to the standard to which we have grown accustomed—the GPS device. Despite its flaws, the compass is a resource, something that provides orientation and ensures that the wanderer isn’t merely traveling in endless circles. While a compass can’t promise that the wanderer won’t be lost, it still affords him a sense of direction by which he may somehow choose a path to lead him out of the forest. Without orientation, North, South, East and West have no meaning. Without a god, right and wrong, good and bad, love and hate have no meaning. When faced with a choice or decision, we weigh the options with a sense of what our god expects and are able to align the outcomes with the goals we seek. Not having a god generates internal conflict whereby any decisions made would be arbitrary, void of meaning, or irrelevant. Even if a narrative places one in hell, it is better to be there than to be nowhere. To be nowhere means to live in a barren culture, one that offers no vision of the past or future, no clear voice of authority, no organizing principles. † (Postman, 1996, p. 12). Gods are necessary to give us reason and purpose for doing what we do. While a flawed god may sometimes have us confus ed or misguided, we can still count on that god to have at least created enough meaning in our lives to give us the ability to re-organize or find a new god. Consider a hypothetical story: If I were following the god of Science and were to discover its flaw in that too many of its progressions were made by accident, I may be at a loss for what my purpose is if scientific discovery occurs as often by chance as it does by decisive action. How is Science to guide my choices if every choice is just as likely as it is not to move me forward? I am not completely lost if I discover this flaw and abandon the god of Science, for the god of Science has already shown me that, even if discovered by accident, there is reason for why things are. Up until now, I have aligned my decisions with the path of discovering reason, but that past can still orient me on a new path, should I choose a new god to follow, say The Spaceship Earth. The Spaceship Earth god leads me to consider how my actions affect the planet. However, I would know very little about how those actions affect the well-being of the planet had I not known any of the scientific reasons for the current state of the planet. Despite the flaws in the god of Science, I was able to find reason and purpose in a new god because of my orientation with the god of Science. I could still have adopted a new god without having a former god, but the point to make is that even if the god chosen to follow is flawed, it still serves to create an origin and give us a sense of direction for our future. Therefore, it is better to have a flawed god than to have no god at all. Part III Postman describes several false gods. Technology is one of them. Why does Postman believe that technology is a god? What is flawed about the technology god? Can the technology god still be a god that serves? Why or why not? Be sure to think about the difference between a god that serves and something that serves but is not a god. A god is a story that â€Å"tells of origins and envisions a future, a story that constructs ideals, prescribes rules of conduct, provides a source of authority, and above all, gives a sense of continuity and purpose. † (Postman, 1996, p. 5). Having spawned from the Science god, the story of our origins would be shared as â€Å"Probably an accident† (Postman, 1996, p. 9). Of our future, the god of Technology suggests that our â€Å"Our destiny is to replace ourselves with machines† (Postman, 1996, p. 0). Postman believes that those who follow the path of the technology god â€Å"must shape their needs and aspirations to the possibilities of technology. † (1996, p. 10). With this statement, he assigns authority to the god of technology. These represent just a few of the ways that Postman defines technology as a god. The god of Technology is flawed be cause as it has come to be, the god of Technology has primarily served us with an influx of information, but has given us little purpose for the information acquired. Technology seems to have only increased the rate at which information is sent and received, but has not given us much use for the information. Technology has served us â€Å"the radio and the Victrola†¦16-millimeter film†¦closed-circuit television, then 8-millimeter film, then teacher-proof textbooks. Now computers. † (Postman, 1996, p. 50). It was at one point thought that these developing technologies would one day replace teachers, and that vision may have been realized if it were ever the purpose of schools to simply disseminate information. Postman reminds us of the more important functions of our schools—teaching socialization, responsibility, and civility. He emphasizes that the nature of computers places students in isolation, the exact opposite of the environment that we envisioned for our schools. The technology god cannot be a â€Å"god that serves,† for it doesn’t serve us with reason and purpose. Though we may let our lives revolve around technology, we don’t let it dictate matters of true value. Instead, we use it as a tool to assist us in making decisions that are served by other gods. I would deem technology as something that serves but is not a â€Å"god. As Postman restates Alan Kay’s sentiments, â€Å"any problems the schools cannot solve without computers, they cannot solve with them. † (1996, p. 45). If Technology were a god to serve, it would lead us with greater direction and provide us with deeper insight to solve the problems we face. Instead it serves us wi th the means to acquire the information we need to solve our problems. The technology itself doesn’t orient us toward the decisions that have to be made—technology is just a tool to serve us. Part IV How would Postman classify the difference between a flawed god and a false god? Do you agree with the distinction that Postman makes? Why or why not? A flawed god could be any god, as Postman remarks, â€Å"all gods are imperfect† (1996, p. 11). A false god is one that guides its believers toward an unjustified end. It has its followers driven by a common belief in a goal that is not certain to be realized. The primary difference is that a flawed god can provide means that direct one toward a justified end, while a false god provides means that lead to a dead end. I understand Postman’s subtle distinction between flawed and false gods, but don’t agree that the two are worth distinguishing. Postman makes little distinction between the two, but despite the differences he does point out, I don’t see the rationale in making a point to distinguish the two. In either case, they both have the potential to serve us in some way or another. If all gods are flawed, and even if some are false, being able to identify any god for one’s own sake is worthwhile in creating meaning in one’s endeavors. Whether flawed or false, the determination that a god inspires has the capacity to set its followers in an â€Å"auto-drive† mentality that blinds them from the flaws or falsehoods that may be observed by others. While a bystander might be able to perceive the bumps along the path or the void at the end of the path, the followers who have committed themselves to the god will be so determined as to not notice what’s wrong until further down the path. Regardless, people will find direction and motivation. Even if followers fall upon the misgivings of their gods, the result is not necessarily tragic, as discussed above in Part II. After all, it is better to have a god, flawed or false, than to have none at all. Resources Postman, Neil. (1996). The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School. Vintage Books, New York, NY.