ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The rise of Stalin can be attributed to various factors. Even though Stalin was an illiterate man who studied for the priesthood in the small village of Georgia, he managed to gain total control over one of the greatest nations in human history (Library of Congress). Historical documents, such as the comment of Trotsky about Stalin, revealed that the control over the Soviet Union was established through bureaucratic manipulations and violence (Library of Congress). However, the more direct explanation of Stalin’s influence is that he was helped by dedicated people and a fanatical secret police force (Library of Congress). This influence was exploited to establish a dictatorship which fueled his ambitions. Stalin used the help of secret police for various means, which enforced his ideology and suppressed dissent. Initially, he used police repression on every figure within the Communist Party, which could threaten his power (Library of Congress). Consequently, prominent faces of Russian bureaucracy such as Leon Trotsky, Lev Kamenev, Grigorii Zinoviev, and Nikolai Bukharin were expelled, and Stalin attained absolute power (Library of Congress). Nevertheless, these expulsions and repressions later transformed into mass purges within the communist regime in the 1930s, which are now Called the Great Purges (Library of Congress). They continued for a long time and spread terror across the entire country as numerous arrests and executions followed the rule of Stalin. These purges were excessive and cannot be described as the logical solution for the future of the USSR. This leads to the question of the reasoning behind such atrocities. Numerous scholars attribute the Great Purges to the paranoia and insatiable ambitions of Stalin. During the Cold War and after it, historians argued that Stalin was relatively insecure in a dysfunctional system despite his influence (Suny, 2018). His political rivals utilized the unleashed terror to fortify their political positions (Suny, 2018). At the same time, Stalin engaged in eradications within the Red Army. According to Peter Whitewood, they were the result of Stalin’s grave misperceptions about the gravity of security threats (Suny, 2018). Whitewood argued that Stalin acted following the conviction that foreign enemies infiltrated the Red Army ranks and organized a deep-rooted conspiracy (Suny, 2018). In the analysis of Whitewood, Marxist ideology plays a significant role because it led to the distortion of Stalin’s foreign and domestic level of threat (Suny, 2018). Marxist ideology led to the perception of the Red Army as the primary target for foreign agents and counterrevolutionaries between the 1920s and 1930s (Suny, 2018). Thus, feeling cornered and trapped, Stalin resolved to a single viable solution – purging and mass operations against former kulaks, criminals, and national minorities (Suny, 2018). This is the result of ungrounded paranoia built upon the insecurities and unstable political situation. However, it is also possible to perceive the Purges to ensure Stalin’s prolonged and absolute dictatorship. The actions of Stalin are akin to the attempt to establish a n
Abstract The main purpose of this study was to determine if middle childhood students do have smooth concentration in class work. In this regard, a middle school student selected randomly among his peers was examined for an extensive period of time using several data collection methods. The observed results showed that there is no way a middle childhood student can have a smooth concentration at school, owing to the vast complexities presented by the physical changes associated with this developmental stage. Interestingly, the same observations have also been made in past theoretical and practical perspectives on the subject, as discussed in the literature review’s segment of the case study. Middle Childhood student Does a middle childhood student have smooth concentration in class work? Introduction Middle childhood or late childhood is arguably one of the most complex stages of human development. This is indeed a stage through which a child is expected to undergo many changes in life, owing to the vast aspects of development which they have to face (Liu et al., 2006). These aspects of development include, but are not limited to, socioemotional, physical, psychological, and cognitive. In this regard, the life of a middle childhood student is associated with diverse characteristics, particularly developmental features, which may tend to have a significant impact on the child’s concentration in academics. Moreover, it is also in the course of this particular development stage where a child becomes aware of the true meaning of school life, among other important engagements that are common in growing children. It has been argued that, it is at this stage of life when a child’s brain is at its best shape to learn and adopt new aspects, both at home and in school. For the purpose of this study, Hillary, a middle-school student aged 12 years, and who is in the later stages of the middle school has been selected for observation in regard with the study question. Appropriate study approaches have been applied to examine the behavioral traits of the student in various aspects of his educational setting. The main reason as to why middle childhood would be chosen for this study was because it is a stage characterized by dramatic changes which tend to have a significant influence in a child’s life. More importantly, this complex developmental stage has of late become the subject of study in vast fields of modern day research. In this regard, this case study offers some useful sense on how the aspects of this specific development stage would tend to impact a student’s concentration at school. Context Hillary is a grade 7 student at Hampshire Regional High School located at Westhampton in the state of Massachusetts. Hampshire Regional High School is indeed one of the high rating schools in Westhampton County. Currently, the school has a population of around 810 students who are in grade 7 through 12. Hillary comes from a medium-income family of six members where he is the only son. The other family members would comprise of his two parents and three siblings. The family lives in the small rural community of Westhampton, which is locate
This paper will present Confucianism in Japan supported by appropriate sources. The findings will be compared and contrasted with the Confucian tendencies in China. In West, the term “Confucianism” is used to refer to diverse philosophical movements known in the Japanese history as jugaku , which means “the learning of the scholars”. In the East Asian history, there was no common meaning linked to the term “Confucianism”. In early modern times, few Japanese scholars gained diverse knowledge on Confucianism. The term “Confucianism” came into use in the West philosophy as a result of the interaction between Jesuit missionaries and Chinese scholars (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2012). Therefore, the recent origin of the term should not obscure the fact that its understanding existed long before among the East Asian intellectuals, the scholars who followed the teachings of its founder, Confucius (Adler, 2011). The western scholars distinguish between Confucianism and neo-Confucianism; most scholars use the term neo-Confucianism to refer to forms of Confucian philosophies emerged in the rise of Buddhism. Most Buddhists philosophical teachings stated that reality of common existed in the realm of delusions, ignorance and egocentrism. However, early philosophers failed to address this area of Confucianism. Early Confucians also failed to solve the issue of metaphysics, having claimed the lack of basis on the assumption of common sense. The Confucian aspect developed metaphysics, confirming the reality of experience, and also explained the nature of the world as a generative force transforming things through the unending process of change (Qing & Bell, 2012). The importance of Confucianism in Japanese history is also undeniable. The philosophies of Confucianism molded the Japanese views in the modern world. These effects can still be seen in many spheres of Japanese life, from philosophical to social sciences. Perhaps, most valuable contribution of Confucianism to today’s Japan is the modern term for college or university, which is believed to have originated from the four books of neo-Confucianism. The growth of the Han Dynasty introduced Confucian teachings in Japan. The results of that philosophical system, Buddhism, can be observed in the art and architecture. Alongside Buddhism, Confucianism came into play and became evident in the philosophical system, influencing social, political and economic relations and institutions in Japan (Qing & Bell, 2012). Confucianism contribution to Japanese culture related to conceptions of historical times. Through the introduction of Buddhism, the Japanese imperial court began using the
Introduction Niall Fergusson, one of the most prominent economic historians, explores the concept of the belief that a house is the safest investment there is. The desire for acquiring your own house is being set in our minds since childhood. Fergusson provides Monopoly as an example of this – a game that was widely popular back at the beginning of the twentieth century. Originating from America, the game has achieved tremendous success in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and even Austria. The author explains that the primary reason for Monopoly’s success was that during those harsh times people ran away from the grim reality to the one where they could buy entire streets. Contrary to the original intention of the game’s inventor, people thought that the more they own, the more money they will make. Explanation “Safe as houses” – a popular expression that, according to the author, was the main reason why so many people strived for getting a house. The popular belief is that there is nothing safer than lending money to people with property (Fergusson, 2008). Since land and house are immobile property, it is not surprising that mortgages served as an important source of funds for a new business in the US. In the case of non-payment of debts by house owners, banks would simply confiscate the house. Fergusson narrates about how previously only the aristocracy could have both land and houses, and live off its rent. Those times have changed, however, to the point when titles were no longer as important as having regularly paid jobs. During the Great Depression period, not many workers owned a house or could afford a mortgage, so Roosevelt’s response to the rapidly sinking mortgage market was the New Deal, which increased the opportunities of affording a house for average workers. The next step was standardizing of lending and offering low-interest and low-term loans. The Federal National Mortgage Association made the loans cheaper, which resulted in 60% of the US population having a house by 1960. The downside to it was that that most of those people were white, as they were considered more credit-worthy than black people. For instance, in the 1950s, some black mortgage borrowers paid 8 per cent while no whites have ever paid more than 7 percent. It was not until 1977 that such discrimination against black people officially became a federal offense, forcing American banks to lend to minor communities. Fergusson also provides another example of why the set belief of houses being a safe investment is nothing more than a delusional fallacy – Savings and Loan Associations, which are considered to be one of the most fraudulent and scandalous investment schemes the world has ever seen. Being insured by the state and allowed to invest in whatever they like led to total fraud and reckless investing. The final cost of the Savings and Lost crisis was 153 billion
The Cave of Salamanca by Miguel de Cervantes is focused on one specific family with its peculiarities, but considering the situation, it is possible to state that the problems and sins which occur in the family under discussion are inherent to the whole society. Discussing the plot the central events and the cases of deception are going to be highlighted. Thorough analysis of the situations and the cases of lying help the reader to understand the level of social deformity and depravity. The plot of the story is focused on Pancracio, his wife Leonarda, their maid Cristina, Pancracio’s friend Leoniso and a student who appeared in the house accidentally. He just needed to stay somewhere for a night not to sleep in the street. Having come to the place, he asked to have a sleep in the stable trying to sound as polite as he could, “I expected a more generous and gracious reception from such lovely and sweet ladies; particularly since I ask no arms, only a corner in the stable or a bit of straw for protection against of the darkness heavens, for the celestial sphere is threatening this sinful earth with the greatest severity” (Cervantes 90). Even though the reception of a student was not that great as he expected, due to his inner ability to communicate with people, keep secrets, feel what they want to hear and tell them this, Carraolani manages to stay at the house. Student’s arrival coincides with the departure of Pancracio, Leonarda’s husband which says that she is extremely sorry for this and promises to wait. However, she knows that Leoniso is going to come to her and one more man to her maid for having fun. However, the whole situation is ruined as Leonarda’s husband returns home and two men have nothing to do but to hide in the coal cellar. The situation seems rather complicated but thanks to wit and smart of the student, two men are able to leave safe. Reading the novel, much deception may be met. The first situation where husband informs his wife about departure is full of lie. Leonarda says that she is very disappointed with his departure, “I shall control my uncontrollable grief and spend the lonely hours of your absence thinking of you” (Cervantes 88). All these words are considered as lie because as soon as Pancracio leaves, Leonarda says to her maid to invite Leoniso to entertain her. Another deception is the way how the men get into the house and bring a basket of products making everybody think that it is a basket of linen. It seems that each word said by the characters is a lie, that each particular gesture is just the may to make sure that hey lie is strong. One of the most impressive lies in the story is student’s discussion of the cave of Salamanca, his visit there and possession of the specific powers given to those who attend the cave. Trying to save two men from exposure, a student tells a story to Pancracio about his ability to communicate with the evil. He says that he is offered such a
Sole Proprietorship Sole proprietorships are often non legal entities. They are individually owned businesses where the owner is liable for all the profits and losses accrued (Fay, 1998). The simple nature of a sole proprietorship applies even in taxation. The income earned by the individual is what is taxed. Sole proprietors are expected to file Schedule C together with Form 1040 to necessitate the taxation process. The is a high liability potential to a sole proprietor since the owner can be sued for any failure of the business, thereby involving his personal assets, retirement accounts, and bank account. It is difficult for this type of business to raise capital through selling part of the business interest, and the business can barely survive once the owner dies or suffers incapacitation of any kind (Fay, 1998). However, this type of business has its advantages in the sense that it is inexpensive to establish and does not require complex ongoing formalities (Fay, 1998). The owner also has the freedom of mixing business with personal assets. Partnership A partnership entails forming a business owned by between 2 and 20 people. Partnerships are further subdivided into general or limited, where general partnership implies that the owners have equal responsibility in as far as management issues are concerned (Jackson, 2002). Members also have unlimited liability where debts and obligations arise. Limited partnerships, on the other hand, entail a section of the partners enjoying limited liability status. Another section of the members, however, have unlimited liability status in case of debts or obligations. The limitation of liability is proportionally determined by the actual investment of the individuals. Partnerships have the advantage of pooled skills, knowledge, and experience. In terms of taxation where partners include wife and husband, they stand a chance of benefiting from either total reprieve or only being taxed once as opposed to a situation where the two are running separate businesses. Limited partnerships specifically encourage capital investment in the business because of the limited liabilities. The disadvantages of partnerships include clash of personalities, especially in the areas of administration and sharing of profits. A partner may end the business by opting to dissolve it even though other owners may wish to continue running it. Partners are also liable, both individually and collectively, to other partners’ defaults. This implies that partnerships are difficult to control in some instances (Jackson, 2002). Corporation Corporations are separate legal entities. Unlike sole proprietorship where the business is the same as the owner, corporations stand on their own separate from the proprietor (Fater, 2010). The shareholders and employees, thus, are not liable to any liability, debts, or obligations of the business. Corporations, therefore, give members the full protection of their assets. Liability to the members only extends to the actual individual investment within the corporation (Ruther, 1996). Corporations also enjoy the ease of raising money be
Social change and conflict are essential components of societal progress, which fuels the major shifts in the paradigm of power balance between elites and working classes. It is important to understand that there are different views on the given concepts. Although Weber’s theory is manifested in the fact that societal changes occur due to tight interaction processes between capitalism and religious dogma, people tend to choose rationality over traditions. However, Marx’s views are more inclined towards that such changes are the result of class conflict, and the process involves revolutions. Durkheim perceives social change as an evolution of a society, where the process is natural and gradual. Similarities Each of the mentioned sociologists applies different theoretical frameworks to the ideas of social change and conflict, but they stem from a common ground of the fact that all shifts in paradigm occurring with a society lead to power redistribution. In addition, their views are more inclined to perceive such social remodeling as a positive thing, because it prevents stagnation and power concentration among classes. It is stated that religion plays a vital role in establishing stability and stratification in the social class hierarchy (Schwadel, 2016). The theoretical approaches of Durkheim and Weber are especially similar in the regard that societies tend to slowly shift from religious influence towards more rationalism, which inevitably becomes part of the social evolution. However, Marx’s views are more based on the notion of conflict, where class struggle and revolutions are the main sources of social change (Kendall, 2018). Therefore, it is critical to fully comprehend these similarities in order to fully understand the major differences between these sociologists. Differences The primary differences of views between Weber, Durkheim, and Marx are based on the sources and approaches regarding social change and conflict. On the one hand, Weber argues that capitalism and the work ethics derived a religion, such as Protestantism, which are key components of social change (Schwadel, 2016). The theory revolves around the notion that such societal shifts are the result of the capital change, where people’s power comes from the amount and quality of capital they possess. Although the given view mainly addresses Western societies, it is highly applicable to all modern capitalistic nations with an exception of the local religions. Weber also admits that although religions role is major, people gradually choose rationality over dogmas. Similarly, Durkheim was a proponent of social evolutionism, where social changes oc
Introduction Cultural Diversity is the multiplicity in human society in terms of attitude, social norms and customs. Throughout history, human beings have migrated around the world, regularly adapting to an assortment of conditions such as climate and natural habitats. Consequently, diverse societies have emerged throughout the world each differing from the next in terms of convention, language, fashion and attitudes. Recent studies show that cultural diversity plays a fundamental role in the survival of humanity by advancing broader perspectives to handling everyday issues. Cultural Diversity in the Military With rapid advances in technology, militaries now operate in diverse environs with a multicultural populace all the while corresponding with a host of international actors such as the United Nations, the European Union, non-governmental organizations and the media. Notwithstanding their ability to maintain a high degree of intercultural competence normally in destitute conditions, they must also defend themselves against aggression (Winslow 299). Thus, acknowledgment of cultural diversity particularly via innovative use of the media and ICTs is conducive to dialogue among civilizations, respect, and mutual indulgence (Stenou 23). E Pluribus Unum and Cultural Diversity In many advanced countries, diversity is increasing as a result of immigration. This results in a reduction in social solidarity and inhibition of social capital over the short run. However, in the long run, new cross-cutting bonds of social solidarity are formed that are all-encompassing. According to the UN Millennium Development goals, cultural diversity needs to be placed at the heart of policies for the furtherance of international cooperation and cohesion in order to contribute towards the agenda of sustainable development and peace based on ‘unity in diversity’ (UNESCO World Report 25). Cultural Diversity and Leadership In this era of globalization, corporate leadership in most firms comprises a diverse, multi-ethnic team; A heterogeneous team of diversely educated and experienced top management that gives the company an edge, enabling them to manage globalization and amplifying their economic performance. In essence, it bestows upon the firm a distinct competitive advantage. On the downside, heterogeneity reduces loyalty and heightens the probability of conflict within the organization since the diverse teams are harder to motivate. Conclusion Cultural norms shape a large part of our interpersonal relationships in life. Growing up in a particular society exposes us to its traditions and attitudes which we event