title: The Crucible of Language: How Language and Mind Create Meaning

authors: Calude, Andreea S.

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: Among the chief qualities of The Crucible, apart from the charming writing style, is its ability to bring to light, in a highly readable form for a non-expert audience, the complex problems that researching language raises. The Crucible is therefore a worthy and long-awaited addition to current works on language, and one which is sure to bring much joy and excitement to anyone who has ever wondered about how meaning arises. The book is also testament to the fact that no explanation of any complex phenomenon can ever be done on neutral territory; each such explanation is anchored in a particular approach or belief, and seen through the lens of a particular theoretical leaning– and researching language is no exception.

text: The Crucible of Language: How Language and Mind Create Meaning Among the chief qualities of The Crucible, apart from the charming writing style, is its ability to bring to light, in a highly readable form for a non-expert audience, the complex problems that researching language raises. The Crucible is therefore a worthy and long-awaited addition to current works on language, and one which is sure to bring much joy and excitement to anyone who has ever wondered about how meaning arises. The book is also testament to the fact that no explanation of any complex phenomenon can ever be done on neutral territory; each such explanation is anchored in a particular approach or belief, and seen through the lens of a particular theoretical leaning– and researching language is no exception.

year: 2020-05-20

title: Beyond altruistic and commercial contract motherhood: The professional model

authors: van Zyl, Liezl

subjects: contract motherhood

abstract: It has become common to distinguish between altruistic and commercial contract motherhood (or 'surrogacy'). Altruistic arrangements are based on the 'gift relationship': a woman is motivated by altruism to have a baby for an infertile couple, who are free to reciprocate as they see fit. By contrast, in commercial arrangements both parties are motivated by personal gain to enter a legally enforceable agreement, which stipulates that the contract mother or 'surrogate' is to bear a child for the intending parents in exchange for a fee. She is required to undergo medical examinations and to refrain from behaviour that could harm the foetus. The intending parents are the child's legal parents from the outset. The parties to the contract can, but are not expected to, maintain contact after the transaction is completed. We argue that contract motherhood should not be organized according to the norms of the gift relationship, and that contract mothers should be compensated for their labour. However, we accept that there are good reasons for rejecting the commercial model as a suitable framework for contract pregnancy, and argue, instead, in favour of viewing it as a profession.

text: Beyond altruistic and commercial contract motherhood: The professional model It has become common to distinguish between altruistic and commercial contract motherhood (or 'surrogacy'). Altruistic arrangements are based on the 'gift relationship': a woman is motivated by altruism to have a baby for an infertile couple, who are free to reciprocate as they see fit. By contrast, in commercial arrangements both parties are motivated by personal gain to enter a legally enforceable agreement, which stipulates that the contract mother or 'surrogate' is to bear a child for the intending parents in exchange for a fee. She is required to undergo medical examinations and to refrain from behaviour that could harm the foetus. The intending parents are the child's legal parents from the outset. The parties to the contract can, but are not expected to, maintain contact after the transaction is completed. We argue that contract motherhood should not be organized according to the norms of the gift relationship, and that contract mothers should be compensated for their labour. However, we accept that there are good reasons for rejecting the commercial model as a suitable framework for contract pregnancy, and argue, instead, in favour of viewing it as a profession.

year: 2012

title: What land is included?

authors: Oppatt, Neil

abstract: Neil has served the Rotorua District as both a Rotorua District Councillor for 15 years and now 9 years as a BOP Regional Councillor. Throughout this time Neil has been actively involved in the cleanup of Rotorua's lakes. He is presently a BOPRC appointee on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group and was an RDC appointee on its predecessor.
He has held positions as Chairman of RDC’s Finance Committee, BOPRC’s Operations and Regulations Committee and the Special Projects Committee set up to address Rotorua lake issues. Neil chaired the Lake Okareka Action Plan Committee and was a BOPRC appointee on the Lake Tarawera Action Plan Committee. Presently he is the BOPRC appointee on the Rotorua catchment Stakeholders Advisory Group.

text: What land is included? Neil has served the Rotorua District as both a Rotorua District Councillor for 15 years and now 9 years as a BOP Regional Councillor. Throughout this time Neil has been actively involved in the cleanup of Rotorua's lakes. He is presently a BOPRC appointee on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group and was an RDC appointee on its predecessor.
He has held positions as Chairman of RDC’s Finance Committee, BOPRC’s Operations and Regulations Committee and the Special Projects Committee set up to address Rotorua lake issues. Neil chaired the Lake Okareka Action Plan Committee and was a BOPRC appointee on the Lake Tarawera Action Plan Committee. Presently he is the BOPRC appointee on the Rotorua catchment Stakeholders Advisory Group.

year: 2013