ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Geisler and Feinberg in their book, Introduction to Philosophy: A Christian Perspective have made a very valiant attempt to put forth every imaginable view and argument to reiterate, without doubt, the tenacity of the Christian faith to withstand onslaughts of any kind today or in the future. In order to achieve the marginal acceptance of rationalist readers, the authors have repeatedly spoken about the need for critical insight into the Bible. In spite of all this reason vs. revelation debate, there is an underlying determination that is made apparent in the book: this is the determination to overcome any kind of rationalist thought or idea and discount the same in favor of the theory of the existence and supremacy of the Almighty God, as professed by the Bible. The authors have given in to a certain extent by accepting the fact that Christianity is more of a worldview than a religion as such. They are very certain that every right-thinking Christian believer needs to exercise his right to think and contemplate the veracity of what he is being taught. They do not advocate blind faith and are certainly not fundamentalist in their approach. It is this level of liberalism that the authors advocate. In fact, they would recommend the study of the Christian faith from more than one perspective. It would be ethically right to study it epistemologically and ontologically. In other words, what knowledge one really has and also how one has come by that knowledge. When on the subject of philosophy, there is always a niggling hesitation in the minds of most philosophers vis-à-vis the acceptability of their views by posterity. There might be great minds like Socrates and Plato who professed their own philosophies, not caring about the consequences or the level of acceptance. For authors, Geisler and Feinberg, however, this is a shade different. Right through the book, there is this unwritten plea to the reader to look at philosophy and religion from their points of view. Though this is what most writers do, this is still a difficult proposition for them to achieve without sounding too parochial and pompous. To be accepted by a broad spectrum of people the authors have brought up theories or empiricism and pragmatism, among other things. Right through, there is for and against the argument that is presented to the reader, hoping that he or she would make the right decision and begin to think in line with the thoughts of the authors. When one has gone through the entire process of sifting through the various isms and ideologies, one is not without a certain level of confusion – probably intended by the authors. The reading experience is very much akin to being in a courtroom wh
The Gyges mythology by Plato involves a shepherd who found a ring that enhanced anonymity for the individual wearing. The philosopher uses the urban legend to articulate that people’s behavior is unpredictable in the absence of law. In this case, any person wearing that invincible ring attains the power determine justice and injustice and focus on achieving the desires (Kenaan, 2017). The construct by Plato is an insight to the current global phenomenon based on the emergence dynamic online platforms. Over the decades, the intensification in the flow of information and automation of the communication domains provides an opportunity for anonymity. On the one hand, the situation fosters the prominent insight on the distinguishing value between a good and bad character. On the other hand, Plato’s concept draws in relevance to the current worldwide ideology of social media channels. Since the advent of the distinct interactive frameworks, the users attained the power of obscurity to accomplish a particular task. I do not believe that anyone who wears the ornament engages in unjust acts based on the modern aspect of concealing identity while using the digital rostrums. I would trust myself not to wear the ring due to the temptation from the anonymity. Human behavioral system depends on the environmental state hence the relativity to the response. In this case, I would avoid the ornament since it enhances the illusional ideology that is beyond moral and virtue conduct within the social mainframe. Although I believe in integrity, the opportunity to participate in any form of activity without restrains or disciplinary measures challenges the phenomenal exploration of the cultural norms. Primarily, rules and regulations foster the development of structural entity that distinguishes just and unjust acts akin to Plato’s mythology of Gyges. Reference Kenaan, V. L. (2017). Spectacles of a Dormant Soul: A Reading of Plato’s Gyges and Apuleius’ Lucius. In Cultural Crossroads in the Ancient Novel (pp. 341-360). De Gruyter. Web.
Introduction The family medical leave act, a United State law came into being, at the birth of the Clintons administration in 1993, the law makes available twelve weeks of non-paid leave for employees with family medical health issues (United States Department of Labor, 2010). The family medical leave act protects the employee’s positions within the organization, and makes the positions available to the employees on return from the leave, with all benefits intact. The enactment of the law in 1993 marked an end to about ten years of battle, and legislative maneuvering after it made its first appearance in the chambers. It all started after the 1984 scraping of a Californian law, which required organizations to provide their female employees with maternity leave. The Californian law was scrapped because it was discriminatory. An attempt at putting into place a law that protected both male and female employees with medical issues gave rise to the family medical leave act (United States Department of Labor, 2010). It was not all bliss; most people had counter views, that the law will place undue demand on businesses. Before the Passage of the FMLA Before the passage into law of the act, individual organizations had different policies regarding employees with family medical issues. Below is an example of how some of the issues were treated. Pregnant Women In most organizations, pregnant women were given maternity leave shortly before delivery, the pregnant employee’s annual leave was what was used as maternity leave; with a few weeks added to enable her to recuperate fully. After which she was required to resume work within the time specified. By using the annual leave of employees with just a few weeks added to it, the organization lost little to nothing, as it was all a
Introduction Different philosophers’ approaches to the concept of human consciousness and the thought process are unique. Some of them believed that thought was an indicator of consciousness and existence, and for someone, a simple way of thinking was not enough. Their opinions about how the human mind works are different; the analysis of specific approaches can help develop a rather exciting topic and reveal the relationship between the thought process and what people call life. For this purpose, a deductive method is suited best, that is, the search for the truth through an analysis from the general sense to separate points. Descartes’ Arguments Concerning Mind and Self-Consciousness Self-consciousness is a person’s assessment of himself or herself as a thinking individual subject. According to Descartes, the existence of the body without consciousness is impossible since the philosopher considers this situation not only from theological but also a scientific point of view. The author noted that the human body was like a container that was filled with life (Descartes). Consequently, if anyone removed all living things from this container, it would remain empty and useless. Such a theory of the separation of consciousness is also actively used today. According to Descartes, the only thing given to a person is a fact of thinking, which is achieved through understanding and self-awareness. For the philosopher, the mind was considered the highest value, and he repeatedly highlighted that only through his thoughts could he understand the world around him and appreciate the importance of human existence (Descartes). This approach is one of the most famous today and is regularly interpreted and cited by many modern philosophers. Deductions to Reveal Descartes’ Approach In order to show how the deductive method based on Descartes’ theory of human consciousness looks, it is possible to apply it on the example of a computer to prove that an inanimate organism has no self-consciousness and mind. For example:   * If computers have mind, they have thoughts.   * Computers do not have thoughts.   * Consequently, computers do not have mind. It is possible to make another example of similar deduction:   * If computers have feelings, they have mind.   * Computers do not have feelings.   * Accordingly, computers do not have mind. Connection Between Rights and Self-Consciousness Rights are an integral part of a free and equal society. Hobbes viewed human beings as the main bearers of rights and believed that it was people who influenced the world order (Baumgold 25). The philosophy of such a type is typical for many modern scientists; however, Hobbes was one of the first who initiated the political idea that exists today. His theory concerning people and their rights is inextricably connected with such modern terms as conservatism and radicalism (Baumgold 25). Therefore, the philosopher’s influence on the formation of politics is significant. Also, there is a relati
Introduction International trade generates several benefits to the countries and the players involved in the process. However, the fluctuations in the exchange rate between countries makes international trade quite risky. Statistics show that currency risk contributes about 40% of the total risks of international trade (Campbell, Medeiros & Viceira 2010). Most players in the international market are of the opinion that the volatility of the exchange rate has a significant negative impact on trade across various countries. This belief has made government of various countries to come up with measures that reduces the negative impact of exchange rate fluctuations. An example is the European Monetary System (Chang 2009). The system makes use of one currency across Europe and this reduces the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuation. Besides, a number of hedging instruments have been innovated to help reduce the risks that arise from currency fluctuation. The advancement of these products has resulted in a significant decline in the risks that arise from hedging (Reuvid & Sherlock 2011). This reflective treatise seeks to discuss the uses of currency hedging in international trade and the effect of currency hedging on young businesses who engage in international trade. Uses of currency hedging in international trade As a definition, “currency hedging is the act of entering into a financial contract in order to protect against unexpected, expected or anticipated changes in currency exchange rate” (Western Union Holdings Inc. 2013). Thus, currency hedging can be compared to how insurance policies work. Examples of the methods used in carrying out currency hedging are spot contracts, interest rate swaps, future, and forward contracts. The usage of currency hedging has grown significantly over the years. This can be attributed to the need to reduce risks that from currency fluctuations. Thus, the first use of currency hedging in the international market is to eliminate the risks that the players encounter when carrying out businesses internationally. The players can enter into several contracts that are meant to achieve certain goals. The goals are founded on the risk level that the consumers are exposed to. Therefore, hedging minimizes the liquidity risk that the consumers are exposed to (Grath 2011). A study that was conducted by Jochen Schmittmann revealed that “hedging of currency risk substantially reduced the volatility of foreign investments at a quarterly investment horizon” (Schmittmann 2010, p. 1). The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits that arise from hedging. In the study, the author used “single and multi country equity and bond portfolios from the perspectives of investors based in various countries” (Schmittmann 2010, p. 1). The study further revealed that the positive impact of currency hedging on risk reduction was felt in the
Overview of the articles Several questions have been raised about the contemporary trends in international trade. Current trends in international trade denote an increase in cross-border and international trade. This trend has been highly facilitated by the wave of globalization. The increase in trade is aided by elimination of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. However, a lot of complaints have been raised concerning the rationale that guided liberalization of trade and how nations across the globe benefit from trade liberalization. 1 The three articles present one of the concerns about the rise in cross-border trade and its implications on global security. The authors of the articles focus on bringing out an explanation on the security issues that emerge as a result of increased embrace of international trade through trade liberalization. Perspectives of arguments in the articles Copeland 2 approaches the issue of trade and peace in a double perspective. He bases his research on two opposing arguments as far the relation between trade and international security are concerned. The double perspective focuses on theses by realists, as well as theses by liberals. On the other hand, Blanchard, Mansfield and Ripsman 3 approach the issue of trade and security by focusing on the emerging literature about the subject. They seek to establish whether economic interdependence, which is brought about by the liberalization of trade, can result in sustainability of international peace. Barbieri 4 approached the issue by seeking to establish conclusions on whether international trade facilitates international peace or it brings about interstate security problems. Exploring the arguments in the articles Economic Interdependence: A Path to Peace or a Source of Interstate Conflict? The impact of trade and interstate relations occupies center stage in the research that was conducted by Barbieri. 5 This is evident in the nature of literature that is explored in the article. The author seeks to explore the virtues and vices that have been evident in the conduct of cross-border trade in the world. His research related the critical theories of international political economy in advancing the argument about the impact of interstate trade on interstate politics and interstate relations. The theories include liberalism and neo-Marxism. In this sense, it can be argued that there is a certain level of similarity between the Barbieri perspective and the approach to the subject of interstate trade and interstate security and the argument that was advanced by Copeland. 6 Barbieri 7 tries to establish symmetry between i
Introduction “Travelling through the dark”, by William Stafford poem was published in 1962. The poem was set in nature where the speaker was driving in a dark narrow path. He found a she deer which had been recently hit by the car. Through this poem his actions and emotions comes out as he made his choices. Themes of conflict of birth and death, creation and destruction, man and nature and effects of technology are further explained. The poet used excellent styles of symbolism and imagery to pass on his message. Themes and Styles One day, the traveler was driving through a narrow path and found a deer that lay dead on the road. The poet was in the middle of making decisions of saving the life of a deer; which had been recently hit by a car. In the first stanza he said “Travelling through the dark” (Poets 1). This symbolized danger and uncertainty as he drove near Wilson River road. The dark was significant to everything that existed in that scene including the deer, the fawn, the driver as well as the car. Repetition of the title in the first stanza emphasized the situation. This was followed by appearance of the dead deer and this creates another impression to the reader. He explained the scene. The traveler was faced with a moral dilemma on which he had to decide on the immediate action. His description of the pregnant deer explains the feelings of the traveler towards this deer. In the midst of death the traveler
The Royal Botanical Garden, KEW Listed a world heritage site by the UNESCO, in July 2003, the KEW Gardens has invited more than 1.48 million visitors in 2005. The Garden boasts of a conservatory, a herbarium library and eating places. It would be unjust to not include this region in the itinerary of any tour of the U K. The purpot is to throw light on the significance of the gardens. Extensive use of the Net, The Encyclopaedia Britannica and the world map has helped at large to unravel the exquisite spot. The Royal Botanical gardens, the once 30 hectare pleasure ground (Arboretum), now occupies 120 hectares of lush green view. It houses the Wakehurst place gardens and runs the KEW Gardens in Sussex. Situated between Richmond and Kew in South West London, England, the garden is an internationally acclaimed research and educational institution under Prof. Stephen D Hooper. History Founded by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury, it was enlarged and extended by Princess Augusta, widow of Frederick, Prince of Wales. A Chinese pagoda by Sir William Chambers still remains. It was adopted as a national botanical garden in 1840. The Palm House was built by architect Decimus Burton and iron – maker Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848. The year 1987 witnessed the emergence of Kew’s third major conservatory, which has ten climate zones. It was opened by Princess Diana. Kew gardens today It is the leading centre of botanical research, training ground for professional gardeners and attracts visitors from all over the world. The gardens are mostly informal, thus serving as an ideal tourist destination. Unfavorable growing conditions such as atmospheric pollution from London, dry soil and low rainfall, Kew remains as the most comprehensive plant collection in Britain and has established two outstations at Sussex and at Kent. Library and archive A delight to the eyes are the innumerable books, botanical illustrations, photographs, letters and manuscripts, periodicals and maps with over a half and a million items. It is a virtual store house of knowledge and caters to the needs of the different sections of the society. Thus it remains an inseparable unit to the garden. Transport Nearest combined rail and underground stations is Kew garden station. Bus route is 65 & 391. Attractions   * Garden walks; free tour of the garden is conducted by trained volunteers.   * Vehicular tour: Kew Explorer 72 seater people mover covers a circular route around the garden. A commentary on the different marvels is provided by the driver.   * Pagoda: In a corner of Kew garden stands the great pagoda, a towering 163 feet monument, 49 feet in diameter. The awe inspiring sight is a reminder of William Chambers, the man behind its construction.   * Chokushi Mon: Standing next is a replica of part of a Japanese temple built in 1910. A copy of the Karaman (Chinese gate of Nishi Hongan – ji in Myoto) is also seen.   * Sackler Crossing: The Bridge made of granite and bronze, opened in May 2006, was designed
Nurses and other health providers should be adequately prepared to offer culturally competent care to patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Giger and Davidhizar’s transcultural assessment model was developed to guide nursing students and practitioners when assessing patients’ cultural values concerning health and disease behaviors. Therefore, this tool could be used to assess poor Filipinos living in the United States in a bid to understand how their cultural beliefs affect the process of offering care to them. The tool would be applied by understanding the Filipino’s culture in the six cultural dimensions of Giger and Davidhizar’s transcultural assessment model as discussed in this paper. Filipino’s History in Relation to the US In the early 20 th century, Filipinos started to immigrate to the US in masses. A mix of race and culture characterizes intra-ethnic diversity among Filipinos in the US. Their folklore has stories explaining the causes of different health conditions. According to Filipinos, being healthy encompasses both physical and mental wellbeing. However, this ethnic group does not seek medical help until a disease has advanced. Besides, family members have to be consulted before making a decision to seek medical attention. Spiritually, the majority of Filipinos in the US are Catholics. According to Lagman, Yoo, Levine, Donnell, and Lim (2014), most Filipinos rely on God’s healing power to manage health matters. Death rituals include mourning for in stages for a year. The first stage involves nine days of prayer, while the second one takes 40 days where the departed soul is expected to enter heaven. The last stage takes a year to commemorate the dead. However, most Filipinos do not acknowledge the benefits of advanced care planning. Giger and Davidhizar Assessment Model Biological Variations Filipinos in the US have distinct body size and structure with visible skin color visible characteristics. Besides, genetic make-up, dietary preferences, and other lifestyle aspects increase the susceptibility of this ethnic group to hypertension, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and HIV/AIDS. Space According to Karabudak, Tas, and Basbakkal (2013), “Space refers to distance and intimacy techniques utilized when relating verbally or nonverbally to others” (p. 343). Collapsed space is common among Filipinos due to their close family ties. In this case, patients do not value their personal space. Besides, a Filipino client may bring the entire family when seeking medical attention. Similarly, family members are most likely to hover around the bed if one of them is admitted to a health care facility. Social Organization This dimension of the model refers to the way cultural groups organize around family structures. Filipinos have close family ties, and thus in most cases, health decisions have to be made and approved by family members. The social organization also guides birth and death rituals together with the nature of religious beliefs that should be followed. Time Different cultural groups can be future, present, or past time oriented. When people are oriented towards the pas