The Religion In Contamination

The Religion In Contamination To understand this article The Case for Contamination, it helps to know that Kwame Anthony Appiah is an advocate of Cosmopolitanism, a global ethics which aims to establish universality and shared values as a determinant or common denominator.(Appiah book, 2006). Cosmopolitanism is still a brewing concept, although the idea has been traced to the cynic Diogenes of Ancient Greece (410 B.C.) who claimed world citizenship and to the 2nd century stoic Hierocles who drew the Concentric Circle Model of the self opening out for concern to family, local group, citizens, countrymen and humanity. Whether it is simply an idea, an ethical way-of-life or a movement, Cosmopolitanism is still to gain wider acceptance by present-day thinkers, moralists, and ideologists. In his book Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers, Appiah clarifies that Cosmopolitanism is basically an ethical principle. Still, he forewarns, not every ethical principle, inclusive of religion, which claims universality, is Cosmopolitanism. To understand this mind-set, Appiahs aforesaid article deserves examination. Analysis Unlike his book Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Stranger, the article under consideration focuses less on Cosmopolitanism and more on the phenomenon of cultural change. Through personally drawn examples, expressed in a descriptive narrative way, Appiah shows that cultural assimilation takes various forms. And in his own home place in Asante, Ghana, Appiah finds exotic traditional customs being observed by fellow-Ghanaians, even as they show signs of modern 21st century living, wearing Western suits and using technology gadgets like cellphones. And while rooted in their traditions, Appiah comments, Ghanaians have established connections with the West, and such is the case with his Ghana president who is a Catholic and an Oxford graduate, while Ghandian youths are students and working immigrants in London, the United States, Japan and other developed countries in the globe. Appiah notes that there are cultural purists, who advocate the preservation of pristine cultural values and traditions. However, this attitude does not conform to the ethics of globalization or Cosmopolitanism. For him the appropriate object of moral concern in Cosmopolitanism is the individual, not whole nations, tribes or peoples. Each and everyone is a citizen of the world, but the world is not closer to Cosmopolitanism, he adds, when homogeneity means only superficiality or artificiality in cultural changes. He describes how common it is for people to change in ways they like inventing new forms of differences: new hairstyles, new slang, even new religions (Appiah article, 2006). Also, some changes may be liked, while others disliked. For example, the influence of global economy may be a problem to those who have to adjust crops and livelihood, although acceptable even exciting for the well-placed who find opportunities in global change. In the case of religion, Christianization may have succeeded by way of mass conversions, but some elements of folk religious practices continue to p revail showing the fact that Christianity has been accepted in external form, but not in essence. In this article, Appiah treats religion in two distinct ways: First as a cultural artifice, subject to change as any other, and secondly as a dangerous new form of anti-cosmopolitanism. In the first form, religion plays the role of a cultural artifact, which undergoes change, and evokes different responses, good or bad. In this way, religious cultural change is like other cultural changes that are brought about by increased globalization of ideas. It plays a common role as other aspects of culture, such as dress, language or custom. It simply affects change, and some people like that, some do not. Appiah thinks that diversity in culture, including religious traditions, is an acceptable situation. However, the process of cultural change which creates only one cultural mode is unacceptable. This is so, since artificial cultural diversity and homogeneity may actually be an entrapment which prevents mans evolving into a higher nature. Rather than artificiality and homogeneity, diversity may be more conducive to mans nature to attain the maturation of his mental, moral and aesthetic potentials, as well as to mans getting a fair share in happiness in life. For Appiah, religion can play a second and more dangerous role. He cites the neo-fundamentalist idea of a global utopia, which can be a problem to humankind. In his book, Appriah explains that a religious utopia displays a faà §ade of faith in human dignity and shared ideals with people in many countries (2006). However, behind this faà §ade is intolerance which can embolden utopian ideologues to make war against any nation that goes in the way of their sense of universal justice. For Appiah, whenever religion is upheld with a fundamentalist attitude to culture, the imperialist disposition is unleashed. He drew similarities from sinister ideologues like Marx, Mao and Pol Pot who used the name of universal humanity, but who also sought to stamp out religion. Alternative approach Appiahs portrayal of the roles religions play in cultural change contributes to his aim to advance Cosmopolitanism along substantial cultural change that advances global citizenry in the world. He appears too defensive however, of Christian fundamentalism and centuries of hybridization which, for example, transformed through the centuries the historical Nazarene from a beloved teacher to a Pauline liberator of the gentiles, a God-Word among Gnostics, a God-Son in Roman Christianity, the Pantacrator or Omnipotent in Greek Christian Orthodoxy and many other forms comprising what scholars consider as the mythical Jesus. Artifice in religious cultural change may be blamed but the imperialistic connivance by state and religion is more likely to the cause of prolonged religious separation, bias and violence in human history. Thus, the barriers to genuine Cosmopolitanism and universalism appear more formidable than it seems. Even today, while radical fundamentalism is worrisome, institution al differences among religions are the main barriers to Cosmopolitanism. Ethical advocates like Appiah may call for tolerance and respect for the freedom of individuals to make their own choices, but the world will remain divided among hundreds of institutional churches and thousands of religious denominations, sects and cults in the world. The historical Jesus was faced by the dilemma of separation among orthodox Jews and the unorthodox Samaritans, and was asked outright whether Jews should worship in Jerusalem or Samaria. To the surprise of his listeners, Jesus said it is in neither of the two places will Jews and non-Jews worship God. Rather than worship localized in places, Jesus predicted that in a future time worship will be done only in spirit and truth. He may have spoken his mind on Cosmopolitanism. Conclusion Cosmopolitan advocates speak in various ways, but they all agree on the need for non-curtailment of cultural freedom. Within this cultural freedom based on political, economic, religious, circumstances, autonomy should be respected in order to provide the foundation for otherness. Otherness is comprised by cultural differences in aims, structures, and other differences. I argue, however, that while religion is situated within cultures, it is also innate in nature, which has been awakening through the centuries in defining truth, knowledge, acceptance and other facets of human harmony with life. Religious cosmopolitanism? It is an idea that already finds concrete application in the United Nations and international agencies, foundations, and organizations. The man of the world actually came during the ancient times of Greek Stoicism, but his message was far beyond his time and above the grasp of the people of his days. Through the centuries state-church imperialism held its reign and the his rule, his religion, principle established empires, kingdoms and fiefdoms. The social and political landscape continued to change until the advent of Humanism in the fifteenth century, paving the way for the Reformation and the Period of Enlightenment which broke Christendom and ushered in modern society. After the industrial and technological revolutions, we may have an emerging phase of civilization favorable to cosmopolitan identity. However, as Cosmopolitanism makes a demand for estrangement of ones culture and history, the political system of nation-states may take more time to change . The fundamentalist adherence to religious culture that foments global terror is also especially problematic today. This situation makes it more difficult to say if ethical universality is near. In the end, the answer may be found in the words of the mystic George Macdonald: Our consciousness will not be rebuilt in a night. It takes a long time to finish the new creation of this redemption.

True Wealth Essay example -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When one asks themselves "what is wealth," people immediately think of money. They think of nice cars and big houses. People think of power and the ability to have control over others. When I was in elementary school I believed this same thing. Now that I am in college my outlook on what wealth is has changed dramatically. To me wealth is contentment and knowledge. With these two things will come the greatest wealth a person can achieve. Money does not necessarily mean contentment although some people think that it does. Wealth is not having money, property, and power if these things cannot make a person truly content. These things do not necessarily bring wisdom either.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I think of wealth a quotation comes to mind. It was said by Henry David Thoreau:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  "Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  of generations and nations... Their authors are a natural and irresistible   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  influence on mankind."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that if one chooses to enrich their mind and strive for knowledge that they are truly wealthy. Wealth is the ability to enrich and influence. With knowledge one can do these things. Wealth is not taking things for granted. In many ways knowledge can help you achieve success. With knowledge one can look into the past and see the mistakes that others have made. The person with knowledge will not repeat these mistakes. Kn...

Compare different possible readings Essay

Compare different possible readings of the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia. What impact would different interpretations have on the play as a whole? You might like in particular to consider what difference would be made to a production of the play if the female characters were presented as strong in themselves, or as weak and in the control of others. What would be your preferred reading? Why? It is inarguable that the two females with most influence throughout ‘Hamlet’ are Ophelia and Gertrude, they are, after all, the only females! Their position as the only two women in the play immediately marks them out as non-typical characters; ‘Hamlet’ is a play centred around a struggle for the throne of Denmark, and the fact that the strength and influence of these characters is a matter of some debate adds to the complexities that make ‘Hamlet’ the play that it is. Two fairly major characters within the play posses a seemingly small influence upon the eventual outcome. The characters have, at first glance, little effect upon the major events of the play, and it is only through their interaction with the male cast that they have any real influence. This is what makes the question of the strength of their character such a pivotal one; it is very easy to portray them as weak, and under the influence of their male peers, but if they are perceived as strong characters, it may become apparent that, through manipulation of the men around them, they have far more influence on proceedings than was first assumed. Often, particular in mid 20th century interpretations of the play, Ophelia is portrayed as a very weak character, fulfilling the basic role of women of her time; following the will of her father, and waiting on the words of her sometime ‘lover’, Hamlet. The relationship with between them is one of the defining points of the debate over Ophelia being weak (or not). This is particularly the case when considering the issue of her refusal of hamlet’s advances. When portrayed as weak, Ophelia is often visibly scared of hamlet when he is in the depths of his apparent madness. Her confusion at Hamlets reaction to her returning his ‘remembrances’ is an adequate demonstration of Ophelia fulfilling her role as an ear for the male characters to speak to. In this role she is little more than a plot device, with her death being the catalyst for the eventual conclusion of the play. If, however, Ophelia’s role is interpreted as that of a strong, and intelligent woman, the situation is suddenly rendered almost entirely different; whereas before, it would be assumed Ophelia was acting against her will, due to her father, either ending the relationship unwillingly, or ending a non-existent relationship (pretending that she was involved with Hamlet, when in fact she was not) in order to further her father’s pursuit of Claudius’ favour, she is now acting for herself, and ending her liaisons with hamlet for a personal motive. She is no longer confused and afraid of Hamlet’s reaction; merely playing out the role she feels she must. A differ Ophelia may still be seen as being influenced by those around her, this time she is following advice though, Laertes having already warned her of the fickle nature of Hamlet. In this case, she is merely taking matters into her own hands, and acting out of her own self interest, thereby asserting herself as a character who interacts with those around her, compared to merely taking orders and passing messages.

4 Functions of Management - 1096 Words

The management process contains four basic functions; planning, organizing, leading and controlling. By using these key tools, one can create an organization as a whole consisting of unified parts acting in harmony to achieve goals, both successfully and proficiently. It is vital for an organization manager to implement these functions to ensure the success of the company. The functions of management are described, according to (Bateman, Snell, 2004) as follows: Planning is specifying the goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate actions needed to achieve those goals. Planning activities include analyzing current situations, anticipating the future, determining objectives, deciding in what types of activities the company†¦show more content†¦One guy has the job of inventory. He has to take inventory of all equipment. He has to gather all users names and assign them with a workstation. And the last guy has to work with the other IT departments, with the in formation at hand from the inventory, and associate each workstation with a printer package and workstation object. Our manager has to also organize the rollout. How are we going to get to the new location and what is the time frame which this needs to be completed. Leading is going to also be an important factor with this project. Our manager needs to motivate us to actually wanting to work very late on Friday and all day Saturday. Our manager needs to be able to communicate with us and let us know what we have to do at that very moment. The leader needs to keep us on the right track and focus on the goal at hand. This entails him to be present during the rollout. I believe we will be motivated if he is present during the rollout, giving a helpful hand where ever he can. Even if it isn t much, anything is better than nothing at all. The final function is controlling. Management will have to monitor our progress during the rollout and decide what actions need to be taken to improve . In past projects similar to this one, we ran into a few problems and management had to reconfigure its game plan to make everything work out fine in the end. In one instance, the cubicles that wereShow MoreRelated4 Four Functions of Management1180 Words   |  5 PagesManagement Four Functions Rosa L. Flores University of Phoenix Management: Theory, Practice, and Application/ Mgt 330 Kennett Baca December 20, 2008 Management Four Functions This paper will define the four basic functions of management; planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. This paper will also describe how these were applied in my worksplace. Management definitively has more functions than just the four mentioned above. The four that will be discussed in this paper are the fourRead MoreThe 4 Functions Of Managements At J. 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