Epistemology and the Legend of the Sphinx in Oedipus Rex Research Paper

Epistemology and the Legend of the Sphinx in Oedipus Rex - Research Paper Example The idea of pharmakos in Oedipus Rex is embodied in the interaction between the sphinx and Oedipus and how the sphinx guards and reveals knowledge. Pharmakos is the idea that there is a duality to things; that an item can be both a cure and a poison. The sphinx is used as a pharmakos in Oedipus Rex because not only does her physical appearance portray a duality, but also her riddles conceal knowledge in their ambiguity, but also in a sense, reveal truth concerning Oedipus and the Greek society. Epistemology Epistemology can be defined as the branch of philosophy that looks at the nature, origin, methods, as well as limits of human knowledge. It seeks to answer the question of how to distinguish true knowledge from false knowledge. One of the outstanding epistemological problems in Oedipus Rex is the ambiguity presented in terms of the nature and extents of Oedipus’ knowledge about his true origins (Carel 103). Many philosophers have argued that Oedipus may have been too ignora nt to figure out facts about his past. However, at the beginning of the play, his intelligence is well portrayed when he is the only man who has the ability to solve the riddle of the sphinx. This ambiguity brings forth the vagueness of the extent to which Oedipus can and should be held responsible for his actions, which are: killing his biological father and marrying his own mother. Sophocles tells the story of Oedipus in reverse: he starts with the ending and goes to explain how it happened. According to the oracle, the plague that has befallen Thebes will find no cure until the person responsible for the murder of King Laius is found and expelled from the city. Oedipus starts an investigation to reveal the murderer, but this investigation quickly turns into an investigation of Oedipus’ real identity. Initially the epistemology lies around finding an answer to the question â€Å"who did it†, but this changes course to the question â€Å"who am I?† (Foster 22)T he psychological journey of discovery takes up much of this story. Knowledge is supposed to end with gratification and satisfaction. However, in this story, epistemology led to a discovery that was more tragic than the events that led to the discovery itself. The Sphinx The word sphinx comes form the Greek verb which when translated means â€Å"to squeeze† or to tighten (Gosse 65). Some historians however argue that the word is a corruption of the Egyptian word â€Å"shesepankh† which translates to â€Å"living image† (Zivie-Coche and Lorton 9). In Greek mythology the Sphinx is represented as having a serpent’s tail, a lion’s hunches, a large bird’s wings and a woman’s breast and face. This malevolent creature is normally characterized as being merciless and treacherous. She is the demon of bad luck and destruction and kills and mauls those who fail to correctly answer her riddle. According to myths, the sphinx was the guardian of the gates into the City of Thebes. To be allowed entry, one had to correctly answer her riddle. The riddle is â€Å"which creature has four legs in the morning, two at midday and three in the evening, and the more legs it has, the weaker it is? It is said that no man had ever been able to give a correct answer to the riddle (10). Oedipus was the only one who gave the correct answer which was ‘man’. After Oedipus gave the correct answer, the sphinx is said to have been infuriated and she killed herself. The original purpose of the sphinx

Negotiations and Conflict Resolution in Sports and Entertainment Research Paper

Negotiations and Conflict Resolution in Sports and Entertainment - Research Paper Example There have been times when proper rights do not get provided which results in an outcry among the employees of the industry. The history of formation contracts can be dated back from 1960s and early 1970s when Major League Baseball Player Association (MLBPA) entered into the scenario. Introduction of players association also enabled sports agent to enter into the games and then with the passage of time, in late 1990s the trend of sports agencies or more renowned as sports agency firms started and afterwards many players joined several sports agencies and today all big names in sports have some kind of affiliation or connection with sports agencies. Players like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova have affiliation with Octagon. NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB have affiliations with IMG. there are many other stars having their own agents who negotiate with different organizations and producers on different issues (Ferrand, Torrigiani, & Povill, 2007). Having a contract is one of the legal way to form an agreement or relationship between the organization and the person. Therefore celebrities as well as players need to have form agreements with the organization. Contact is important because it defines the rights and obligation of both the parties involved. And in this way one can avoid different conflicts and negotiate with each other in more effective and efficient manner. With the introduction of third parties like agents and sport agency firms along with the popularity of different sports and celebrities because of extensive coverage of media, at the same time more investors and organizations are ready to make investment in sports and media, the bargaining power of players, athletes and celebrities have increased a lot against organizations and sponsors. Therefore now players, celebrities and athletes demand a lot more than before. Previously associations used to pay after making the players and celebrities

The Development and Growth in Sports and Physical Activities in Research Paper

The Development and Growth in Sports and Physical Activities in Britain - Research Paper Example The success of British sports in promoting justice can be credited to John Raws. Contextually, the concept of social justice in Britain reached at its height with the publication of ‘A Theory of Justice’ narrated by John Rawls. In his book, he argued on the complexity of traditional theory of justice and proposed his own principles. The principles postulated by him stated that each person should have equal rights to the most extensive basic liberties which should comprise compatible similar liberty for all irrespective of any race, ethnic origin, religion and colour. Furthermore, he added that social and economic equalities should be drawn in such a way that yields the greatest benefits to every individual or group (Wolff, 2012). Spracklen & et. al. (2006) stated that despite the considerable efforts and attention to racial equality over the last few years, the progress towards creating equality has not been much fruitful in the UK. The principles stated by John Rawls do not seem to be in practice in a modern day sports context. At the same time, it is also being argued that approaches initiated in the UK for promoting social equality failed to acknowledge views related with gender equality and social consequences which ultimately discouraged the support of sports opportunities for women and girls (Right to Play, 2010). Formal, radical and liberal equality all has been placed for promoting equality in society. The broad three aspects of equality vary in certain ways. In relation to this, formal equality is based on the rule of laws that advocates equality without making any discrimination.

Organisation and Behaviour Essay Example for Free

Organisation and Behaviour Essay Organizational structure can be described as the framework in which an organization operates. There are three main types of organizational structure: functional, divisional and matrix structure. A functional structure is set up so that each portion of the organization is grouped according to its purpose. In this type of organization, for example, there may be a marketing department, a sales department and a production department. The functional structure works very well for small businesses in which each department can rely on the talent and knowledge of its workers and support itself. However, one of the drawbacks to a functional structure is that the coordination and communication between departments can be restricted by the organizational boundaries of having the various departments working separately. A divisional structure typically is used in larger companies that operate in a wide geographic area or that have separate smaller organizations within the umbrella group to cover different types of products or market areas. For example, the now-defunct Tecumseh Products Company was organized divisionallywith a small engine division, a compressor division, a parts division and divisions for each geographic area to handle specific needs. The benefit of this structure is that requirements can be met rapidly and more specifically; however, communication is inhibited because employees in different divisions are not working together. Divisional structure is costly because of its size and scope. Small businesses can use a divisional structure on a smaller scale, having different offices in different parts of the city, for example, or assigning different sales teams to handle different geographic areas. A matrix structure is a hybrid of divisional and functional structure. Typically used in large multinational companies, the matrix structure allows for the benefits of functional and divisional structures to exist in one organization. This can create power struggles because most areas of the company will have a dual managementa functional manager and a product or divisional manager working at the same level and covering some of the same managerial territory. Organizational structure is closely related to culture. Culture refers to the deep-seated beliefs, values and norms that represent the unique character of an organization and also the shared goals and visions for the people in the organization. Organizational structure and culture are difficult to separate as they are intertwined and dependent on each other. Arguably, Greenscape operates a matrix structure. Organizational structure can be described as the framework in which an organization operates. How its tasks are delegated and its leadership structure i.e. its lines of authority and communication. ‘Organization structure determines how information flows between different levels of management and employees. How roles, power and duties are delegated controlled and coordinated.† The structure an organization chooses is dependent on its objectives and the strategy employed to achieve them. Pre-globalization most organizations had a centralized structure where the power was concentrated at the top. With globalization we has seen a shift in many organizations to a more decentralized structure where decision making is more participative and decision making is power is shared and more autonomy is given to divisions and departments. The motivation of the individuals goals and aspirations, needs met in one, and not the organization: what drives us in life and in business in partic ular, managerial tasks to recognize the individual motivations and management tools are linked to organizational goals with individual can move resources to achieve organizational goals. Lawler (1981) argue that the factors determining the balance motivation the efforts and expectations concerning performance relationship and the perceived attractiveness of reward. These factors are simply related links to each other, where each link is irrelevant. If an employee receives a job, which is calculated as a challenge to your skills, and be able to complete this task successfully with very nice rewarded, so trying to maximize the performance. If, however, the challenges we face are too big or too small, it will not sufficiently able to feel, or to solve the problem for the reward is not attractive enough, and it will not be effective enough. Youll be motivated and do not feel the job is important it is not going to make an effort to get the best out of the employee. Leadership is the backbone for the success of an organization. Normally there are four types of leadership styles, which are Autocratic, Participative, Delegative and Free Reign. These leadership styles have different effectiveness in different circumstances. Differences and similarities between the leadership styles of Max Worthy and Brenda Hogan We can argue that Max Worthy was operating in a free reign/autocratic leadership styles where everyone had to mind its own business. Brenda Hogan was a manager using a participative management approach. The participative approach will promote integrity, great observation skills and high emotional intelligence. It also promotes openness to effective communication. Hogan wanted to involve everyone in taking part at the formulation of decisions that affected them. She created the environment for the staff to learn from each other and acquire new skills, especially managerial. In contrast, Max Worthy dictated what needed to be done to staff from a distant office. Employees became accustomed to his practices and were reluctant to adopt the new approach from Hogan. Hogan leadership style can inspire her entire team to achieve excellence by example. Her hard work and caring nature set an example for all her coworkers. Management takes place within a structured organisational setting with prescribed roles. It is directed towards the achievement of aims and objectives through influencing the efforts of others. Below is a discussion of three well known management theories. Classical management theory: It puts emphasis on structure and prescriptive what is good for firms. One of the advantages of the classical management structure is a clear organizational structure with distinct management levels. Each management group has its own objectives and responsibilities as there is division of labour. Projects are broken down into smaller tasks that are easy to complete and employees responsibilities are clearly defined. This approach allows workers to specialize in one specific area and leads to increased productivity. Employees are motivated by monetary rewards (‘a fair day pay for a fair day work’). The leadership style is autocratic. Managers direct the employees and all decisions are made at the top level and communicated down. This is the case for the management style adopted by Max Worthy. Human Relations Theories: Classical theorists were concerned with structure and mechanics of organizations. But human relation theorists were concerned with the human factors at work. This was undoubtedly the management style adopted by Brenda Hogan. The human relations theory focus is on motivation, group motivation and effective leadership. At the heart of this theory is the relationship between employer and employee. According to the Human relation theory peoples needs are decisive factors in achieving an organisations objectives. Individuals cannot be treated in isolation, but function with group members. Contingency Theories From the late 1950s, a new approach to organisation theory was developed which became known as contingency theory. According to this theory, there is no one best way to structure an organisation. When deciding on how it should be structured, how it should be organized and how it should be managed, an organisation will face a range of choices. Successful organisations adopt appropriate structures in response to a number of variables, or contingencies, which influence both the needs of the organisation and how it works. Theorists in favour of the contingency approach recommend a diagnosis of people/ task/ technology/environment then suggest the development of appropriate solutions (e.g. Pugh).

Stem Cell Research - Embryonic Stem Cells Save Lives :: Persuasive Argumentative Essay Examples

Embryonic Stem Cells Save Lives    Special cells that are taken from human embryos, called embryonic stem cells (ES cells), actually possess the power to save your life. These cells can serve many medical purposes and have the ability to benefit people in infinite ways. The importance of embryonic stem cells rests in their lack of specialization. These basic cells are present in the earliest stages of developing embryos and are able to develop into virtually any type of cell and tissue in the body. Being self-renewing, they offer a potentially limitless source of cells and tissue. (Tucker) The versatility of these unique cells is what makes them so valuable and vital to human existence. They have properties that no other part of the human body can possess. One example of how ES cells could work is Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is caused by the death of cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Placing ES cells in the dopamine-producing region of the brain could cure Parkinson's. That is just one of the many possible effects that ES cells could have on serious diseases, among other things. The importance of this relatively new discovery, even though not yet realized by everyone, could have already played an important part in the lives of a majority of the people. I am one of those people and can actually relate a personal experience that has made me a strong believer in the importance of ES cells. I am sure that there are many people who have had experiences much like my own who can, by relating back to their own personal experiences, comprehend the significance of ES cells in today's world. But if ES cells can prevent life-threatening diseases and save your life, why is the government banning research on them? The uniqueness of these special cells has caused a huge amount of controversy in not only the medical world, but also in politics and wherever else the topic has been discussed. It is to be expected that there are going to be risks associated with the study and use of ES cells. Some who are opposed to researching ES cells argue that it is wrong to experiment on human embryos because it prevents the possibility for human life to evolve from those embryos. Another major reason ES cells are under so much controversy is because of the possibility that the cells could be used for purposes other than producing cells and tissue to help treat disease, like cloning.

Persuasive speech outline Essay

Believe it or not, according to choices.com, about 3,000,000 teens drop out of high school each year. That’s approximately 7,000 a day. This is not only hurting their success and the amount of money they can earn, but also the economy of the entire United States. Although some people might think every teen should be able to make the decision to drop out or stay in high school themselves, but teens need to realize the consequences that come with dropping out. When you’re is a young teen you may not be thinking about how your decisions can affect your future, without a high school education you cannot attend college, this will make it harder for you to find a high paying job, let alone a job at all. II. Need Step A. When a person is a young adolescent, they’re thinking about now, not the future, and they may regret the decision to drop out later. ââ€" Most of the teenagers that end up dropping out of high school are thinking about how much they don’t want to be at school or how they cannot handle the workload. ââ€" Sometimes teens have actual trouble in school and going to regular high school isn’t the best option, but they still need to get an education somehow, even if its online classes. In other cases, teens just don’t want to go to high school, and that’s their reasoning for dropping out. They aren’t thinking about their future. ââ€" According to State Representative Martha Waltz of Boston, few, if any, 16 year olds have the wisdom and knowledge to understand the lifelong consequences of ending their high school education at 16

Fundamentals of Research Essay

This paper will discuss the connection between scientific methods and research in the human services field. By comparing and contrasting, qualitative and quantitative research as well as the describing steps involved in scientific method is answered using realistic examples that may be used in the human service field. The pros and cons of the mixed methods are identified are relevant in the human service environment. The Scientific Method and Human Services â€Å"A scientific method is described a scientific approach to research and mainly depends on empirical reasoning; which discusses the use of combining logic and the use of careful observation and measurement that is accessible to other researchers† (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2008, p. 20). In other words, scientific method is a method to gather information, conduct an experiment, and produce a hypothesis. Researchers use the data from different sources, such as a survey, questionnaire, interview, or polls to formulate hypothesis or an educated guess). Descriptive, relational, and experimental research can be used in the human services field. For example, â€Å"descriptive research consists of researching how things are. Relational researching describes how things are in relation to other things. Experimental research is a combination of descriptive and relational research† (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2008, p. 20). The hypothesis is a base for discovering who did what and why. For example, researchers in the human services field can use descriptive research to look at the characteristics of an alcoholic teenager. They may also focus on how it may affect the teenager’s relationships with others, behavior, performance in school, and obtaining, and maintaining his or her first job. Scientific methods are valuable assets within the human service and related fields because; the method helps determine new and improved ways to assist a client with his or her crisis. Steps in the Scientific Method The steps included in scientific methods are identifying research, reviewing literature, specifying a purpose for the study, data collection, analyze or  interpret the collection of data, as well as report and evaluate the research (Creswell, 2008). For example, contributing factors in a student’s poor performance in school. Step 1: Identifying the research A student has poor performance in school. Step 2: Reviewing literature. Select and research the statistics have contributing factors that lead to the poor performance in school. Step 3: Specifying the purpose for the study. Student’s poor performance is because of unexpected circumstances. Step 4: Data Collection Approximately 25% of students in school encounter uncontrollable circumstances before and during a course of study. Step 5: Analyzing or interpreting Data Poor performance may be due to financial, mental, emotional, or physical difficulties. Step 6: Report and Evaluate results of Research The research has found that the poor performance before and during a course of study is typically among students who are affected by one or more of the above instances. This occurs in about 100 out of 500 students. Quantitative and Qualitative Research Quantitative researchers decide what is necessary to study by asking specific or constricted questions by the collection of numerical data from participants. For example, the 25% of students display negative affects through some sort of difficulty during at least one course of study. Qualitative research relies on the opinion through answers to general questions during data collection from participants. â€Å"This occurs when researchers describe and analyze these words for premise; and conducts the  inquiry in a subjective, biased manner† (Creswell, 2008, p. 46). The determining factors focus on deciding what type of research to use, such as the type of problem, the audience, and personal experiences. Most students describe the poor performance as frustrating and overwhelming. Some students may begin to cry or lose eye contact during the interviewing process. Methodology â€Å"Methodologies suggest how inquiries are formed by demonstrating problems worth investigating, how to frame a problem, how to develop suitable creation of data collection, and how to make the logical link between them† (Jackson, 2007, p. 23). Combining both forms of data uses quantitative or qualitative data to gain more improved understanding of a research problem than each one separately. Qualitative research data typically comes from field work (Morse, 2005). Collected data is through interviews, direct observation, and written documents. Morse states that data from an interview is the participant’s exact words; relating to his or her experience, opinions, feelings, and knowledge (Morse, 2005). The observation of data is gathered from the behavior of the participant. Some examples of written documents are correspondence, questionnaires, and surveys. Mixed Method Research â€Å"A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research and other methods in a single study to understand a research problem† (Creswell, 2008, p. 552). Sometimes qualitative research data is also used during mixed methods (Caracelli & Greene, 1993). To study a larger spectrum, combing multiple methods is feasible. Triangular design, embedded design, explanatory design, and exploratory design are just a few examples of mixed method research. Conclusion When the human service professional uses scientific method, they typically use empirical reasoning to explain the results of data collection.  Scientific research helps human service professionals identify trends and indifferences among clients to enhance the quality of his or her life. The research also suggests methods to suppress the negative outcomes in the lives of the clients and their family. This is done by using qualitative data using numbers and quantitative data collection using personal experiences, surveys, or polls. References Caracelli, V. J., and Greene, J.C.(1993). Data Analysis Strategies for Mixed-Method Evaluation Designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. 15(2) Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/ Merrill Prentice Hall. Jackson, R. L., Drummond, D. K., & Camara, S. (2007). What Is Qualitative Research?. Qualitative Research Reports In Communication, 8(1), 21-28. doi: 10.1080/17459430701617879 Morse, J. M. (2005). Qualitative research. In Carl Mitcham (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics (pp. 1557-1559). Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference USA. Rosnow, R. L., & Rosenthal, R. (2008). Beginning behavioral research: A conceptual primer (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.