Today, I didn't want to do any homework and I didn't want to feel guilty about not doing work the whole day so I decided to write a short reflection after reading an article on Geopolitics.
This article was taken from the July 23rd copy of news week and it is titled, " Divide and conquer". I'm not very sure how related it is to GP but nonetheless, its still general knowledge.
New, funny words/thematic vocab etc found:
resurgent
encroaching
notionally
kremlin
Black sea port of Odessa
antiballistic
nukes
Summary: Russia under putin, is engaged in this tug of war with the US over the eastern european states like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova etc. these countries are becoming closer and closer to the US due to 'common diplomatic values' but Russia is feeling the threat. some facts include Russia being able to shut down these countries' economies in a few days, the American guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook was welcomed into Ukraine, and Putin wanting Iran as an ally to counter american influence.
Reflections:
I feel that although the cold war is over and although i initially thought Russia has restored its democratic form of administration, there would be no more rivalry between the two old time rivals, but this is not the case, and the two are still trying to collect their own diplomatic chips around the world. Putin took advantage at the surge in the anti-americanism that followed after its occupation of Iraq by selling arms to those anti-american countries. last month putin even signed a $3 billion arms deal with venezuela. At this rate, a conflict bt these two superpowers and their allies might come sonner than we think.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
GP Essay for Common Test
7. The development of a country depends on its leaders, not its citizens. Is this a fair comment?
The development of a country, could be defined as a process of change whereby the people of a certain country improve their standard of living. It is usually measured by current healthcare standards, quality of goods and services provided to the people, and most commonly, the Gross Domestic Product, which is a measure of the annual income of an average citizen. Many countries, like India and China, are progressing at an alarming rate, while most of the countries today have achieved third-world status, I believe the role of leaders in the development of many countries is vital. Though it is true to think that the people of a country are the fuel that drives development, but we should also consider the spark that sets it ablaze and keep it going. I believe that the development of a country depends largely on its leaders, although the citizens do provide an essential supporting role in the process of development.
The development of a country requires strategic planning and careful decisions, two aspects which need forward-looking leaders at the helm. Citizens alone do not make such key/crucial decisions, which determine the course the country is taking. One example would be the Singapore government in the 1960s. By allowing foreign companies to set up business here, while the rest of South East Asia recoils in the frear of foreigners dominating their economy, Singpaore has managed to become a global city, an economic hulo which is a centre of business and industries. Such development would not have been possible if the PAP government had not opened up the Singapore economy, and this would have left us struggling helplessly as a small country with no viable resources. Hence, this example clearly illustrates the importance of leaders making key and vital decisions for a country's development.
The rallying of people's hopes and dreams into one common goal is another reason why leaders are so important in the development of a country. For progress in the country, people of different backgrounds, beliefs and wants must share a common desire. In the 1960s, the people of Singapore wanted independence very badly, and the newly elected PAP government united their hopes and dreams and pushed for independence. In some countries, like Singapore and Sri Lanka, racial conflicts can sometimes divide the country and impede progress. However, comparing these two countries, Singapore has made great development while Sri Lanka experiences its decline. The reason for the stark difference lies in their leaders, especially at a time when its citizens are divided. Leaders introduce measures to remove this straitjacket to growth. Here in Singapore we celebrate Racial Harmony Day and have introduced public holidays on the festivals of the various ethnic groups. It is in this light that I would like to exert my point that leaders play a vital role in the development of a country, not the citizens, as only the leaders can make the citizens proud to be countrymen and work together to attain greater heights instead of alowing internal strife to imped growth.
Moreover, in the context of development being a process of progression in terms of a country's economy and standard of living, it is mostly the leaders that take the initiative to intiate sound policies for the good of all. The citizens are, in fact, more focussed on the minor aspects of things - their own wealth and comfort. Many people claim that it is the citizens who work and improve their own lives: to each his own, some may say. This viewpoint is erroneous in a larger context as it is not true that the poor of the country who are caught in the cycle of poverty can automatically progress together with the rest, and thus this does not fit into the definition of development as the overall improvement of the standard of a country. In Singapore, the government provides handouts to the urban poor, allowing them to progress as well. Charity organisations are set up to help the needy, and this in turn, helps them develop together with the rest of the country. History has also proven this point, as illustrated in the reunion of East and West Germany after the Cold War, when the generally well-to-do people of West Germany were bogged down by the poorer East Germans, causing development barriers. The self-help sehcme introduced by many developing countries also prove that in order for overall development that is unimpeded to occur, leaders must help those in need. Citizens mostly help themselves, while leaders help the country as a whole.
On the whole we can see from the above examples that country's development depends on its leaders, not its citizens. Citizens merely play a supporting role and act as the agents of change. Where this change is directed, however, depends on the country's leaders. Hence, it is in this view that we should appreciate the leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving the needs of the people. Selflessly pragmatic and keen on progress, these leaders light the path and pave the way for a country's development.
The development of a country, could be defined as a process of change whereby the people of a certain country improve their standard of living. It is usually measured by current healthcare standards, quality of goods and services provided to the people, and most commonly, the Gross Domestic Product, which is a measure of the annual income of an average citizen. Many countries, like India and China, are progressing at an alarming rate, while most of the countries today have achieved third-world status, I believe the role of leaders in the development of many countries is vital. Though it is true to think that the people of a country are the fuel that drives development, but we should also consider the spark that sets it ablaze and keep it going. I believe that the development of a country depends largely on its leaders, although the citizens do provide an essential supporting role in the process of development.
The development of a country requires strategic planning and careful decisions, two aspects which need forward-looking leaders at the helm. Citizens alone do not make such key/crucial decisions, which determine the course the country is taking. One example would be the Singapore government in the 1960s. By allowing foreign companies to set up business here, while the rest of South East Asia recoils in the frear of foreigners dominating their economy, Singpaore has managed to become a global city, an economic hulo which is a centre of business and industries. Such development would not have been possible if the PAP government had not opened up the Singapore economy, and this would have left us struggling helplessly as a small country with no viable resources. Hence, this example clearly illustrates the importance of leaders making key and vital decisions for a country's development.
The rallying of people's hopes and dreams into one common goal is another reason why leaders are so important in the development of a country. For progress in the country, people of different backgrounds, beliefs and wants must share a common desire. In the 1960s, the people of Singapore wanted independence very badly, and the newly elected PAP government united their hopes and dreams and pushed for independence. In some countries, like Singapore and Sri Lanka, racial conflicts can sometimes divide the country and impede progress. However, comparing these two countries, Singapore has made great development while Sri Lanka experiences its decline. The reason for the stark difference lies in their leaders, especially at a time when its citizens are divided. Leaders introduce measures to remove this straitjacket to growth. Here in Singapore we celebrate Racial Harmony Day and have introduced public holidays on the festivals of the various ethnic groups. It is in this light that I would like to exert my point that leaders play a vital role in the development of a country, not the citizens, as only the leaders can make the citizens proud to be countrymen and work together to attain greater heights instead of alowing internal strife to imped growth.
Moreover, in the context of development being a process of progression in terms of a country's economy and standard of living, it is mostly the leaders that take the initiative to intiate sound policies for the good of all. The citizens are, in fact, more focussed on the minor aspects of things - their own wealth and comfort. Many people claim that it is the citizens who work and improve their own lives: to each his own, some may say. This viewpoint is erroneous in a larger context as it is not true that the poor of the country who are caught in the cycle of poverty can automatically progress together with the rest, and thus this does not fit into the definition of development as the overall improvement of the standard of a country. In Singapore, the government provides handouts to the urban poor, allowing them to progress as well. Charity organisations are set up to help the needy, and this in turn, helps them develop together with the rest of the country. History has also proven this point, as illustrated in the reunion of East and West Germany after the Cold War, when the generally well-to-do people of West Germany were bogged down by the poorer East Germans, causing development barriers. The self-help sehcme introduced by many developing countries also prove that in order for overall development that is unimpeded to occur, leaders must help those in need. Citizens mostly help themselves, while leaders help the country as a whole.
On the whole we can see from the above examples that country's development depends on its leaders, not its citizens. Citizens merely play a supporting role and act as the agents of change. Where this change is directed, however, depends on the country's leaders. Hence, it is in this view that we should appreciate the leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving the needs of the people. Selflessly pragmatic and keen on progress, these leaders light the path and pave the way for a country's development.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The day before GP CTs
Tomorrow afternoon will be the time when we get grilled for 3 1/2 hours doing the GP paper. And so there is no better time than now to do some last minute GP stuff, just anything that will get me into the mood to do the paper.
Article:
Contemporary society generally views family as a haven from the world, supplying absolute fulfilment. The family is considered to encourage "intimacy, love and trust where individuals may escape the competition of dehumanising forces in modern society”, and providing love and protection from the rough and tumble industrialised world, and as a place where warmth, tenderness and understanding can be expected from a loving mother, and protection from the world can be expected from the father. However, the idea of protection is declining as civil society faces less internal conflict combined with increased civil rights and protection from the state. To many, the ideal of personal or family fulfilment has replaced protection as the major role of the family. The family now supplies what is “vitally needed but missing from other social arrangements”.
Social conservatives often express concern over a purported decay of the family and see this as a sign of the crumbling of contemporary society. They feel that the family structures of the past were superior to those today and believe that families were more stable and happier at a time when they did not have to contend with problems such as illegitimate children and divorce. Others refute this theory, claiming “there is no golden age of the family gleaming at us in the far back historical past”
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family#Contemporary_perception
Reflections:
This article gives a very neutral view of the contemporary family and whether families of today are being less and less important to people of today. But one takeaway i had from this article is knowing more about how the ideal family might look like. The loving mother, the protecting father, and the warmth and understanding from this societal arrangement all seemed to paint the picture of a perfect family, and might be useful in comparing with the families of today.
As for the GP common test, I'm worried. We didn't do well for the essay on technology and the leadership compre as well. Lets hope we do better for CTs! Haha...
Article:
Contemporary society generally views family as a haven from the world, supplying absolute fulfilment. The family is considered to encourage "intimacy, love and trust where individuals may escape the competition of dehumanising forces in modern society”, and providing love and protection from the rough and tumble industrialised world, and as a place where warmth, tenderness and understanding can be expected from a loving mother, and protection from the world can be expected from the father. However, the idea of protection is declining as civil society faces less internal conflict combined with increased civil rights and protection from the state. To many, the ideal of personal or family fulfilment has replaced protection as the major role of the family. The family now supplies what is “vitally needed but missing from other social arrangements”.
Social conservatives often express concern over a purported decay of the family and see this as a sign of the crumbling of contemporary society. They feel that the family structures of the past were superior to those today and believe that families were more stable and happier at a time when they did not have to contend with problems such as illegitimate children and divorce. Others refute this theory, claiming “there is no golden age of the family gleaming at us in the far back historical past”
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family#Contemporary_perception
Reflections:
This article gives a very neutral view of the contemporary family and whether families of today are being less and less important to people of today. But one takeaway i had from this article is knowing more about how the ideal family might look like. The loving mother, the protecting father, and the warmth and understanding from this societal arrangement all seemed to paint the picture of a perfect family, and might be useful in comparing with the families of today.
As for the GP common test, I'm worried. We didn't do well for the essay on technology and the leadership compre as well. Lets hope we do better for CTs! Haha...
Friday, May 4, 2007
Inspire
Ms Koh recently asked me to take part in the inspire 07' national writing competition, and the story below is my piece! Haha.. i don't think i will win or anything but i'm proud that i managed to complete the essay myself. (although i feel it's a little short: 400 words) Short as it is, i still like it because i managed to express my thoughts through this. For those who happen to be reading this, this piece is for your reading pleasure! :)
INSPIRE
Inspiration is something people very often overlook when they take retrospect at their current paths. Many decisions, ambitions and even lifestyles are based on inspirations brought on by experiences or people we know. This ethereal concept of inspiration, which literary means ‘breathing upon’, is a powerful impetus to change, and growth. I, for one, can only name a few instances where I was truly inspired by something. Looking back at my footsteps, I could only think of one particular, I would say - adventure, one simple, yet bizarrely impactful experience that has changed my attitude and outlook towards life – scouting.
“Knock it down!” That is certainly one phrase that would haunt the memories of all scouts – past and present. These familiar words warrant the scouts in formation to switch to push up positions and this remains the peril of every member of the uniform group. Discipline – not that I ever liked or accepted the idea – is the main driving force to achieving targets and goals. Discipline inspired me to be a more unselfish person. It exists because people of similar circumstances and goals need to work together to maintain optimum efficiency. Scouting has undoubtedly made me a person who takes things seriously, and in a way has affected my attitude towards life.
Through scouting, I made friendships I never imagined I could meet. These people are the most dependable and most interesting people one can ever meet in their entire life. These friendships form in the grim of punishment, the stench of sweat, and the challenge of scouting, and these are the friendships that last even in the pyre of death. Friends made in scouts are friends made for good. No challenge is insurmountable with the help of friends that care and friends that share. Scouting has inspired my sense of responsibility towards my peers, and is what drove me to run for the student council in Junior College. "A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself." This statement certainly rings true in describing my friends.
This whole idea of scouting may seem simple and uninspiring, but it has indeed made me who I am today. Scouting has inspired me to play a more proactive in school, and has also moulded my dream of working in public service; a career which I believe will be as fulfilling and rewarding as scouting!
INSPIRE
Inspiration is something people very often overlook when they take retrospect at their current paths. Many decisions, ambitions and even lifestyles are based on inspirations brought on by experiences or people we know. This ethereal concept of inspiration, which literary means ‘breathing upon’, is a powerful impetus to change, and growth. I, for one, can only name a few instances where I was truly inspired by something. Looking back at my footsteps, I could only think of one particular, I would say - adventure, one simple, yet bizarrely impactful experience that has changed my attitude and outlook towards life – scouting.
“Knock it down!” That is certainly one phrase that would haunt the memories of all scouts – past and present. These familiar words warrant the scouts in formation to switch to push up positions and this remains the peril of every member of the uniform group. Discipline – not that I ever liked or accepted the idea – is the main driving force to achieving targets and goals. Discipline inspired me to be a more unselfish person. It exists because people of similar circumstances and goals need to work together to maintain optimum efficiency. Scouting has undoubtedly made me a person who takes things seriously, and in a way has affected my attitude towards life.
Through scouting, I made friendships I never imagined I could meet. These people are the most dependable and most interesting people one can ever meet in their entire life. These friendships form in the grim of punishment, the stench of sweat, and the challenge of scouting, and these are the friendships that last even in the pyre of death. Friends made in scouts are friends made for good. No challenge is insurmountable with the help of friends that care and friends that share. Scouting has inspired my sense of responsibility towards my peers, and is what drove me to run for the student council in Junior College. "A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself." This statement certainly rings true in describing my friends.
This whole idea of scouting may seem simple and uninspiring, but it has indeed made me who I am today. Scouting has inspired me to play a more proactive in school, and has also moulded my dream of working in public service; a career which I believe will be as fulfilling and rewarding as scouting!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Something to ponder about
"When the life of people is unmoral, and their relations are not based on love, but on egoism, then all technical improvements, the increase of man's power over nature, steam, electricity, the telegraph, every machine, gunpowder, and dynamite, produce the impression of dangerous toys placed in the hands of children."—the diary of Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910)
Technology in Teaching
This is a very good article about arguements against the use of technology in schools and how some of them are rebutted. (adapted from:http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te600.htm) :)
1. Some critics attack technology use in schools for physiological, psychological, moral, and physical reasons, and those critics and their opinions may never change.
The main criticism is that computers are not as cost effective as other interventions.
- obsolescence factor of computers
- ongoing costs of upgrading both hardware and software
2. Some critics indicate a belief that many hardware and software companies purposely design products to become quickly obsolete and thus require updates that educators must buy. It is their belief that educational technology is too much in its infancy and not yet reliable enough for use by most students.
3. Some critics such as Kirkpatrick and Cuban (1998) indicate that technology equipment requires extensive support structures that require districts to take money away from basic expenditures for other and better uses in the classroom. They believe this money should be invested in the arts, science laboratories, shops, and anything else that involves more hands-on ways of learning. Technology literacy, some believe, is highly overblown in its importance and that people who need to use technology will learn by using task applications that involve "real" work.
4. The criticism is especially strong for computer use by younger students. Some critics believe that with the exceptions of assistive technologies for students with special needs, students below the third grade should not use much, if any, technology.
5. Other critics are concerned that technology reduces socialization opportunities. Some parents are concerned about the effect that children are gaining so much of their world knowledge from a virtual, rather than the real, world.
6. Other critics are concerned that the sexual and violent content accessible on the Internet challenges or prevents character education necessary for development of moral citizens (Rifkin, 2000).
7. Some critics think that technology use is a wasteful and negative use of scarce resources and give examples of visiting schools where uses of computers are actually making education worse. They note that in many cases, teachers use computers to entertain students with irrelevant and unconnected activities because it makes their teaching lives easier and not because it benefits students as they learn important content.
Subsequently, several people have written very enlightening responses to such critics. Kleiman (2000) indicated that there are realities to some of the criticisms but that many of the points of objection are due to poor implementation of technology. He noted:
The central theme underlying all these myths is that while modern technology has great potential to enhance teaching and learning, turning that potential into reality on a large scale is a complex, multifaceted task. The key determinant of our success will not be the number of computers purchased or cables installed, but rather how we define educational visions, prepare and support teachers, design curriculum, address issues of equity, and respond to the rapidly changing world. As is always the case in efforts to improve education, simple, short-term solutions turn out to be illusions; long-term, carefully planned commitments are required
No doubt, technology will always have critics. Some believe that technology reduces hands-on experience and student engagement in active participation. Others believe technology reduces important human contact. In the final analysis, one can conclude that identified uses of technology can have different critiques depending on one's personal values and perspectives of what is good and bad in education. The single most important factor for reducing criticism of technology use in instruction is to have teachers who are competent and knowledgeable about appropriate and effective use of technology to improve student learning.
1. Some critics attack technology use in schools for physiological, psychological, moral, and physical reasons, and those critics and their opinions may never change.
The main criticism is that computers are not as cost effective as other interventions.
- obsolescence factor of computers
- ongoing costs of upgrading both hardware and software
2. Some critics indicate a belief that many hardware and software companies purposely design products to become quickly obsolete and thus require updates that educators must buy. It is their belief that educational technology is too much in its infancy and not yet reliable enough for use by most students.
3. Some critics such as Kirkpatrick and Cuban (1998) indicate that technology equipment requires extensive support structures that require districts to take money away from basic expenditures for other and better uses in the classroom. They believe this money should be invested in the arts, science laboratories, shops, and anything else that involves more hands-on ways of learning. Technology literacy, some believe, is highly overblown in its importance and that people who need to use technology will learn by using task applications that involve "real" work.
4. The criticism is especially strong for computer use by younger students. Some critics believe that with the exceptions of assistive technologies for students with special needs, students below the third grade should not use much, if any, technology.
5. Other critics are concerned that technology reduces socialization opportunities. Some parents are concerned about the effect that children are gaining so much of their world knowledge from a virtual, rather than the real, world.
6. Other critics are concerned that the sexual and violent content accessible on the Internet challenges or prevents character education necessary for development of moral citizens (Rifkin, 2000).
7. Some critics think that technology use is a wasteful and negative use of scarce resources and give examples of visiting schools where uses of computers are actually making education worse. They note that in many cases, teachers use computers to entertain students with irrelevant and unconnected activities because it makes their teaching lives easier and not because it benefits students as they learn important content.
Subsequently, several people have written very enlightening responses to such critics. Kleiman (2000) indicated that there are realities to some of the criticisms but that many of the points of objection are due to poor implementation of technology. He noted:
The central theme underlying all these myths is that while modern technology has great potential to enhance teaching and learning, turning that potential into reality on a large scale is a complex, multifaceted task. The key determinant of our success will not be the number of computers purchased or cables installed, but rather how we define educational visions, prepare and support teachers, design curriculum, address issues of equity, and respond to the rapidly changing world. As is always the case in efforts to improve education, simple, short-term solutions turn out to be illusions; long-term, carefully planned commitments are required
No doubt, technology will always have critics. Some believe that technology reduces hands-on experience and student engagement in active participation. Others believe technology reduces important human contact. In the final analysis, one can conclude that identified uses of technology can have different critiques depending on one's personal values and perspectives of what is good and bad in education. The single most important factor for reducing criticism of technology use in instruction is to have teachers who are competent and knowledgeable about appropriate and effective use of technology to improve student learning.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
"Modern Technology has created more problems than solutions"
Stand: Against
Argument 1: Science and Medicine
- Healthcare
- More sophisticated machinery: X-ray, ultrasound, blood tests, vaccines, keyhole operations
- Longer life expectancy
- Allows for more in-depth research into unknown fields: e.g. microbiology
Argument 2: Communication and Travel
- Transport
- Email, internet
- Telecommunications
- globalisation
Argument 3: Convenience and Leisure
- Fuel
- Materials (e.g. glass, plastics)
- Entertainment: TV, computer, radio)
- electricity
Rebuttal: Terrorism and Nuclear Threat
- more extensive warfare: nuclear weapons threaten world peace today
- aided terrorism
- But when considering this compared to the solutions, these problems are manifestations of man’s misuse of technology, and not technology causing the problem.
- Far more backward should technology not have impacted our lives.
Argument 1: Science and Medicine
- Healthcare
- More sophisticated machinery: X-ray, ultrasound, blood tests, vaccines, keyhole operations
- Longer life expectancy
- Allows for more in-depth research into unknown fields: e.g. microbiology
Argument 2: Communication and Travel
- Transport
- Email, internet
- Telecommunications
- globalisation
Argument 3: Convenience and Leisure
- Fuel
- Materials (e.g. glass, plastics)
- Entertainment: TV, computer, radio)
- electricity
Rebuttal: Terrorism and Nuclear Threat
- more extensive warfare: nuclear weapons threaten world peace today
- aided terrorism
- But when considering this compared to the solutions, these problems are manifestations of man’s misuse of technology, and not technology causing the problem.
- Far more backward should technology not have impacted our lives.
Friday, April 20, 2007
transformation of technology on values and beliefs: information
DEFINITIONS:
Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment. In human society, it is a consequence of science and engineering, although several technological advances predate the two concepts. (Wiki)
Values may be grouped into categories, but each are up to debate:
Healthy values and habits - Sensual and Operational Values -- Sensual values are individual values and are functional or dysfunctional to an individual's emotional survival. They are sensitive or insensitive depending upon an individual's emotional maturity. Operational values are indiviudal values and are functional or dysfunctional to an individual's physical survival. They are active or inactive depending upon an individual's physical development. Healthy values and habits are acquired through personal satisfaction, practice and personal experience.
Moral values and norms - Social and Religious/Traditional Values -- Social values are family/group values and are functional or dysfunctional to the survival of the family/group. They are nurturing or aggressive depending upon the family/group's social maturity.
Religious/Traditional values are are interpersonal values and are functional or dysfunctional to impersonal survival outside the family/group. They are tolerant or intolerant depending upon the religion's/tradition's maturity. Moral values are acquired through encouragement, instruction and interpersonal experience.
Ethical values and behavior - Economic and Political Values -- Economic values are national values and are functional or dysfunctional to the survival of the nation. They are productive or unproductive depending upon the nation's economic development. Political values are national values and are functional or dysfunctional to national surival. They are progressive or regressive depending upon a nation's political development. Ethical values are acquired through rewards, education and impersonal experience.
Historical values and conduct - Aesthetic and Theoretical Values -- Aesthetic values are human values that are functional or dysfunctional to human survival. They are are beautiful or ugly (meaningful or unmeaningful) depending upon human artistic development. Theoretical values are human values that are true or false (purposeful or irrelevant) to human survival depending upon human scientific development. Historical values are acquired through inspiration, cognition and creative experience.
All values are based on subconscious feelings and conditioning
Belief is the psychological state in which an individual is convinced of the truth of a proposition. Like the related concepts truth, knowledge, and wisdom, there is no precise definition of belief on which scholars agree, but rather numerous theories and continued debate about the nature of belief.
IMPACT ON VALUES:
The implementation of technology influences the values of a society by changing expectations and realities. The implementation of technology is also influenced by values. There are (at least) three major, interrelated values that inform, and are informed by, technological innovations:
Mechanistic world view: Viewing the universe as a collection of parts, (like a machine), that can be individually analyzed and understood (McGinn). This is a form of reductionism that is rare nowadays. However, the "neo-mechanistic world view" holds that nothing in the universe cannot be understood by the human intellect. Also, while all things are greater than the sum of their parts (e.g., even if we consider nothing more than the information involved in their combination), in principle, even this excess must eventually be understood by human intelligence. That is, no divine or vital principle or essence is involved.
Efficiency: A value, originally applied only to machines, but now applied to all aspects of society, so that each element is expected to attain a higher and higher percentage of its maximal possible performance, output, or ability. (McGinn)
Social progress: The belief that there is such a thing as social progress, and that, in the main, it is beneficent. Before the Industrial Revolution, and the subsequent explosion of technology, almost all societies believed in a cyclical theory of social movement and, indeed, of all history and the universe. This was, obviously, based on the cyclicity of the seasons, and an agricultural economy's and society's strong ties to that cyclicity. Since much of the world (i.e., everyone but the hyperindustrialized West) is closer to their agricultural roots, they are still much more amenable to cyclicity than progress in history. This may be seen, for example, in Prabhat rainjan sarkar's modern social cycles theory. For a more westernized version of social cyclicity, see Generations : The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 (Paperback) by Neil Howe and William Strauss; Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (September 30, 1992); ISBN 0-688-11912-3, and subsequent books by these authors.
IMPACT ON ETHNICS:
Winston provides an excellent summary of the ethical implications of technological development and deployment. He states there are four major ethical implications:
Challenges traditional ethical norms. Technology often enables beyond traditional ethical boundaries. Consider the boundary conflicts caused by the implementation of abortion technology, Internet pornography, Internet file sharing, stem cell technology, among others. In each case, society's traditional ethical values are challenged as technology enables new abilities and activities.
Creates an aggregation of effects. Aggregation of effects occurs when small, seemingly harmless byproducts combine together to create great harm. The ethical dilemma is that the assignment of responsibility for the harm is difficult. For example, the burning of hydrocarbons creates very small amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. However, millions of hydrocarbon burns create very large accumulations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, creating large scale pollution. The resolution of this pollution problem, however, reaches across individual, societal and international responsibilities.
Changes the distribution of justice.
Provides great power. Technology empowers its users, sometimes at the expense of others. For example, as digital technology becomes more ingrained in our lives, the advances afforded by technology enlarges the gap between the technological haves and have-nots; the same gap that exists between those that have or can get access to information, and those that suffer for lack of that access.
Philosophical debates
Philosophical debates have arisen over the present and future use of technology in society, with disagreements over whether technology improves the human condition or worsens it. Neo-luddism and similar movements criticise the pervasiveness of technology in the modern world, claiming that it alienates people and destroys culture; proponents of ideologies such as transhumanism and techno-progressivism view continued technological progress as beneficial to society and the human condition. Indeed, until recently, it was believed that the development of technology was a concept akin and restricted only to human beings, but recent scientific studies indicate that other primates and certain dolphin communities have developed simple tools and learned to pass their knowledge to other generations.
Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment. In human society, it is a consequence of science and engineering, although several technological advances predate the two concepts. (Wiki)
- Values:
Values may be grouped into categories, but each are up to debate:
Healthy values and habits - Sensual and Operational Values -- Sensual values are individual values and are functional or dysfunctional to an individual's emotional survival. They are sensitive or insensitive depending upon an individual's emotional maturity. Operational values are indiviudal values and are functional or dysfunctional to an individual's physical survival. They are active or inactive depending upon an individual's physical development. Healthy values and habits are acquired through personal satisfaction, practice and personal experience.
Moral values and norms - Social and Religious/Traditional Values -- Social values are family/group values and are functional or dysfunctional to the survival of the family/group. They are nurturing or aggressive depending upon the family/group's social maturity.
Religious/Traditional values are are interpersonal values and are functional or dysfunctional to impersonal survival outside the family/group. They are tolerant or intolerant depending upon the religion's/tradition's maturity. Moral values are acquired through encouragement, instruction and interpersonal experience.
Ethical values and behavior - Economic and Political Values -- Economic values are national values and are functional or dysfunctional to the survival of the nation. They are productive or unproductive depending upon the nation's economic development. Political values are national values and are functional or dysfunctional to national surival. They are progressive or regressive depending upon a nation's political development. Ethical values are acquired through rewards, education and impersonal experience.
Historical values and conduct - Aesthetic and Theoretical Values -- Aesthetic values are human values that are functional or dysfunctional to human survival. They are are beautiful or ugly (meaningful or unmeaningful) depending upon human artistic development. Theoretical values are human values that are true or false (purposeful or irrelevant) to human survival depending upon human scientific development. Historical values are acquired through inspiration, cognition and creative experience.
All values are based on subconscious feelings and conditioning
- Belief:
Belief is the psychological state in which an individual is convinced of the truth of a proposition. Like the related concepts truth, knowledge, and wisdom, there is no precise definition of belief on which scholars agree, but rather numerous theories and continued debate about the nature of belief.
IMPACT ON VALUES:
The implementation of technology influences the values of a society by changing expectations and realities. The implementation of technology is also influenced by values. There are (at least) three major, interrelated values that inform, and are informed by, technological innovations:
Mechanistic world view: Viewing the universe as a collection of parts, (like a machine), that can be individually analyzed and understood (McGinn). This is a form of reductionism that is rare nowadays. However, the "neo-mechanistic world view" holds that nothing in the universe cannot be understood by the human intellect. Also, while all things are greater than the sum of their parts (e.g., even if we consider nothing more than the information involved in their combination), in principle, even this excess must eventually be understood by human intelligence. That is, no divine or vital principle or essence is involved.
Efficiency: A value, originally applied only to machines, but now applied to all aspects of society, so that each element is expected to attain a higher and higher percentage of its maximal possible performance, output, or ability. (McGinn)
Social progress: The belief that there is such a thing as social progress, and that, in the main, it is beneficent. Before the Industrial Revolution, and the subsequent explosion of technology, almost all societies believed in a cyclical theory of social movement and, indeed, of all history and the universe. This was, obviously, based on the cyclicity of the seasons, and an agricultural economy's and society's strong ties to that cyclicity. Since much of the world (i.e., everyone but the hyperindustrialized West) is closer to their agricultural roots, they are still much more amenable to cyclicity than progress in history. This may be seen, for example, in Prabhat rainjan sarkar's modern social cycles theory. For a more westernized version of social cyclicity, see Generations : The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 (Paperback) by Neil Howe and William Strauss; Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (September 30, 1992); ISBN 0-688-11912-3, and subsequent books by these authors.
IMPACT ON ETHNICS:
Winston provides an excellent summary of the ethical implications of technological development and deployment. He states there are four major ethical implications:
Challenges traditional ethical norms. Technology often enables beyond traditional ethical boundaries. Consider the boundary conflicts caused by the implementation of abortion technology, Internet pornography, Internet file sharing, stem cell technology, among others. In each case, society's traditional ethical values are challenged as technology enables new abilities and activities.
Creates an aggregation of effects. Aggregation of effects occurs when small, seemingly harmless byproducts combine together to create great harm. The ethical dilemma is that the assignment of responsibility for the harm is difficult. For example, the burning of hydrocarbons creates very small amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. However, millions of hydrocarbon burns create very large accumulations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, creating large scale pollution. The resolution of this pollution problem, however, reaches across individual, societal and international responsibilities.
Changes the distribution of justice.
Provides great power. Technology empowers its users, sometimes at the expense of others. For example, as digital technology becomes more ingrained in our lives, the advances afforded by technology enlarges the gap between the technological haves and have-nots; the same gap that exists between those that have or can get access to information, and those that suffer for lack of that access.
Philosophical debates
Philosophical debates have arisen over the present and future use of technology in society, with disagreements over whether technology improves the human condition or worsens it. Neo-luddism and similar movements criticise the pervasiveness of technology in the modern world, claiming that it alienates people and destroys culture; proponents of ideologies such as transhumanism and techno-progressivism view continued technological progress as beneficial to society and the human condition. Indeed, until recently, it was believed that the development of technology was a concept akin and restricted only to human beings, but recent scientific studies indicate that other primates and certain dolphin communities have developed simple tools and learned to pass their knowledge to other generations.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
how to link to others?
hello everyone who came. i just realised i am not the only one who cant figure out how to link my blog to other people's. haha.. seems like minghan also has this problem. anyway, i found this in the help section:
How do I edit my link list?
Note: This article only applies to blogs using a classic template. If you are using the new Layouts template, please see our Help article here to learn how to add or edit a link list.
Many of Blogger's default templates have a link section in them already. To see it, log in to your blog and then click on the Template tab. Scroll down through the code until you see something like this in the sidebar section:
You can see there are a few links already in there to get you started. You can delete or edit these as you like. You can also add as many more links as you want.
If you have a template without a links section, you can simply copy the code above and paste it into your template. You'll probably want it in the sidebar, perhaps next to the archives or previous posts list.
To change a link, paste its URL in place of "http://EDITME" in the above example, or in place of one of the default links that comes with your template. Then change the "Edit-Me" text to say what you want to appear on your blog. Finally, save your changes.
How do I edit my link list?
Note: This article only applies to blogs using a classic template. If you are using the new Layouts template, please see our Help article here to learn how to add or edit a link list.
Many of Blogger's default templates have a link section in them already. To see it, log in to your blog and then click on the Template tab. Scroll down through the code until you see something like this in the sidebar section:
Links
You can see there are a few links already in there to get you started. You can delete or edit these as you like. You can also add as many more links as you want.
If you have a template without a links section, you can simply copy the code above and paste it into your template. You'll probably want it in the sidebar, perhaps next to the archives or previous posts list.
To change a link, paste its URL in place of "http://EDITME" in the above example, or in place of one of the default links that comes with your template. Then change the "Edit-Me" text to say what you want to appear on your blog. Finally, save your changes.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
First Post: Family
This is my first post on family. Its not an essay, just a long winded opinion piece.
To what extent is a stable family vital for a successful society?
I think that a stable family is very vital for a successful society. This is because the family is the basis of a community and the community is the basis of society.
A stable family would be a family that has its members at peace with each other. It is where family members can trust one another and support each other. Finally, should there be children in the family, older members of earlier generations should ensure the proper development and the provision of food, shelter and love to the children.
What is a successful society? I believe a successful society is one that is virtually crime free, has no internal strife, and can thus pave the way for economical and lifestyle improvements. A successful society is like the ideal state of life whereby everyone lives in harmony with each other and share meaningful experiences in nation building.
Now, I feel that such a society cannot exist without a stable family, and I shall attempt to link these two aspects here.
A family is very important because children first learn about the world through their parents and family. The words they speak, the perception of the world, and how they relate to relatives or strangers are all affected by how much their parents have taught them. When these children grow up, they carry with them what they have learnt from childhood, their, outlook and thus their behavior are images of their experiences as a child. Since a family has the greatest impact on a person during his/her earliest years, a stable family is very important. One cannot expect a broken family or a family where each and every of its members quarrel everyday to leave a positive impact on the children. As statistics show, many parent child abusers were abused as a child themselves. As you can see, the family does have a large impact in moulding a person into what he/she is today.
If there are many individuals that come from unstable families, they are likely to act and behave in a manner that is beyond social norm. And this sort of behavior is often undesirable and casts a bad light on society. Such ‘social problems’ include drinking and smoking and even consumption of drugs. These problems arise when children become adolescents and try to exercise their independence from the family, especially their parents. The result is that they become bound to peer pressure, which essentially means that they have not achieved independence at all.
The social problems as mentioned earlier may include crime, as some people who come from families that are not stable may not ‘grow up’ and shed their tainted perceptions of life. They may be uneducated and thus, most likely unemployed and may resort to crime such as robbery in order to feed their hunger.
If the number of such cases should spiral upwards due to a lack of stable families, this would have detrimental effects on our society. Violence and crime can present huge losses to a country’s economy by scaring away potential investors to the country. People become poor when the country has no money, and ultimately the society gets caught in the vicious cycle of poverty.
To what extent is a stable family vital for a successful society?
I think that a stable family is very vital for a successful society. This is because the family is the basis of a community and the community is the basis of society.
A stable family would be a family that has its members at peace with each other. It is where family members can trust one another and support each other. Finally, should there be children in the family, older members of earlier generations should ensure the proper development and the provision of food, shelter and love to the children.
What is a successful society? I believe a successful society is one that is virtually crime free, has no internal strife, and can thus pave the way for economical and lifestyle improvements. A successful society is like the ideal state of life whereby everyone lives in harmony with each other and share meaningful experiences in nation building.
Now, I feel that such a society cannot exist without a stable family, and I shall attempt to link these two aspects here.
A family is very important because children first learn about the world through their parents and family. The words they speak, the perception of the world, and how they relate to relatives or strangers are all affected by how much their parents have taught them. When these children grow up, they carry with them what they have learnt from childhood, their, outlook and thus their behavior are images of their experiences as a child. Since a family has the greatest impact on a person during his/her earliest years, a stable family is very important. One cannot expect a broken family or a family where each and every of its members quarrel everyday to leave a positive impact on the children. As statistics show, many parent child abusers were abused as a child themselves. As you can see, the family does have a large impact in moulding a person into what he/she is today.
If there are many individuals that come from unstable families, they are likely to act and behave in a manner that is beyond social norm. And this sort of behavior is often undesirable and casts a bad light on society. Such ‘social problems’ include drinking and smoking and even consumption of drugs. These problems arise when children become adolescents and try to exercise their independence from the family, especially their parents. The result is that they become bound to peer pressure, which essentially means that they have not achieved independence at all.
The social problems as mentioned earlier may include crime, as some people who come from families that are not stable may not ‘grow up’ and shed their tainted perceptions of life. They may be uneducated and thus, most likely unemployed and may resort to crime such as robbery in order to feed their hunger.
If the number of such cases should spiral upwards due to a lack of stable families, this would have detrimental effects on our society. Violence and crime can present huge losses to a country’s economy by scaring away potential investors to the country. People become poor when the country has no money, and ultimately the society gets caught in the vicious cycle of poverty.
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