Does Technology Drive History? Essay -- History Technology Essays

A theme that appears over and over in discussions about engine room is whether or not technology is the cause of major social, cultural, political, and economic changes in modern society. Of course, we can find many, many examples of technologies associated with enormous social changes. The automobile, for example, is often spoke of as causing a whole array of social changes, from the creation of suburbia, to the development of the fast food industry, to the paving of farm land, to the imported oil vulnerabilities of the 1970s. The popular media is filled with similar examples of virgin technologies that are going to change everything, from computers to nanotechnologies to new medical devices. And we are often told that we must find ways to accommodate ourselves to these new devices and to the changes they will cause, that we must get to to ride the wave of social flux produced by emerging technologies, or face the dire prospect of being left behind.This language and these argumen ts, whether in the command media or in scholarly analyses, are examples of various kinds of technological determinism, the notion that technology is the most powerful commit behind the modern world, that technology drives narration (Smith, Marx, 1994). Those who support this idea often claim more technology may well be pushing us in directions we do not indispensableness to go, that technology has somehow gotten out of control. Technological determinism comes in different forms. For some, such as the late French scholar Jacques Ellul (1965, 1980, 1990), technology is the most powerful force in modern life, moving according to its own logic, and well beyond the control of humans. Others, such as political theorist Langdon Winner (1977, 1986), assert that tech... ...equired to put forward and operate technological systems, such as electrical power grids, nationwide telephone systems, television networks, etc. While the people involved in technological systems do have the power to make choices -- as the anti-determinists claim -- they must make those choices in settings that can impose significant limits on the range of choices available, as the determinists claim. In other words, the control of technology becomes more demanding, and maybe ultimately impossible, as we move from smaller and simpler structures and artifacts toward much larger, complex, and interdependent systems. It is much more difficult to change our minds about technologies after they have developed such organizational shells as multinational corporations or public utilities, and after so much coronation has occurred (Collingridge, 1980, Morone, Woodhouse, 1986).

Essay --

Corporations are contributing to the going greens epidemic. Going green means to pursue knowledge and practices that lead to more surroundally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles (Middletown Thrall Library, 2008). There are several pros and cons that organizations experience when deciding to develop green strategies, therefore the choice must be made conservatively to decide whether or not it would be advantageous to their basis.One of the most obvious of reasons to become a green beau monde is the cost benefit. The operating and physical costs that are required for businesses are constantly increasing, therefore in order to become more cost efficient, and businesses are recycling more consequently reducing productivity costs. With business being able to reduce waste and recycle more of their used goods, they can eliminate the costs it takes to eliminate those resources or to even store them. Eco-friendly policies also help to attract new talent. According to Lindsey Pollak, author of Getting From College to Career, students are looking to work for companies that care about the environment (Roff, 2007). Organizations can benefit from going green by reducing their energy bills as well. Energy bill reduction can come from utilizing high-efficiency bulbs in lighting. By installing lighting sensors, dimmers and a reflective roof, semiconductor maker Texas Instruments Inc. cut lighting energy at its office building in Richardson, Texas, by 80% (Roff, 2007).On the other hand, there are other disadvantages related to costs when a business decides to go green. For example, sometimes the costs to install and maintain green materials may not offset the savings in the long or short run. In the event that th... ...same point when environmentally friendly practices complement the inclination of achieving fiscal soundness and greater profits, companies are more than willing to go green (Gorbett, Salvaterra & Skiba, p.2 2005). In my opinion, the factor that would have the greatest bearing on the companys decision to go green is the cost savings because all other rationales would follow based on if the company felt that the savings would be costs effective in the long run. The organization would not attract any investors or many investors if they feel as thought their investments would be vitiated on trying to incorporate a green working environment, then the company would experience a low consumer market as a result. They would be spending more of the investors money on trying to remain green and losing out on the innovative ideas that competitors would have the advantage over.

The Impact of American Colonial Rule on Puerto Rican Society :: American History

The Impact of American Colonial Rule on Puerto Rican SocietyIn 1982 a journalist by the tell of Luis Lpez Nieves published an article in La Claridad, a well- seeed pro-independence news weekly in Puerto Rico. The article revealed new information concerning the history of the American impact of Puerto Rico. According to Nieves the U.S. did not raid the island on July 25, 1898, rather a few days earlier in a townsfolk called Seva. Apparently in this town the people did not only resist the Americans but defeated the Americans by forcing them back to sea, where they then decided to reenter the island through Guanica on July 25, 1898. Once the U.S. gained control of the island the multitude returned to the town of Seva with the intentions of erasing its existence forever. The majority of the people who read this article believed it was true, despite continual efforts by Puerto Rican historians to tell everyone that the article was a hoax. In fact, people were so affected by this story that thousands protested the American government, calling them murderers. Many also went to the town in Puerto Rico where Nieves claimed the town of Seva was massacred in order to give their respect to those that supposedly died in the resistance. What was it that caused thousands of Puerto Ricans to blindly embrace this fictional story of Puerto Rican resistance? The desire to have the ability to defend their honor and say, We have resisted the Americans, was most believably a major reason for the strong belief in Nieves story. Throughout the islands history, its people have been labeled as docile creatures. This symbol has true because they have never been able to unite in order to fight for their independence, making it seems as if they are a submissive people. Numerous factors such as having misleading ideas concerning U.S. intentions toward the island and class divisions between the Puerto Ricans have contributed to their extensive history as a colony.When Puerto Ricans foun d out that the Americans were taking control of Puerto Rico, many helped them fight turned the Spaniards. They were beneath the impression that the land of the free was coming to liberate the island of its oppressors. As Reverend Henry Carroll reported to President McKinley in 1898 on the conditions of the island, They expect under American sovereignty that the wrongs of centuries will be righted(Tras-Monge 36).

The Impact of American Colonial Rule on Puerto Rican Society :: American History

The Impact of American Colonial Rule on Puerto Rican SocietyIn 1982 a journalist by the name of Luis Lpez Nieves promulgated an article in La Claridad, a well-respected pro-independence news weekly in Puerto Rico. The article revealed new information concerning the history of the American invasion of Puerto Rico. According to Nieves the U.S. did non raid the island on July 25, 1898, rather a few days earlier in a town called Seva. Apparently in this town the people did not only resist the Americans but defeated the Americans by forcing them back to sea, where they then decided to reenter the island through Guanica on July 25, 1898. Once the U.S. gained control of the island the military returned to the town of Seva with the intentions of erasing its man forever. The majority of the people who read this article believed it was true, despite continual efforts by Puerto Rican historians to tell everyone that the article was a hoax. In fact, people were so affected by this story that thousands protested the American government, calling them murderers. Many also went to the town in Puerto Rico where Nieves claimed the town of Seva was massacred in order to give their respect to those that supposedly died in the resistance. What was it that caused thousands of Puerto Ricans to blindly embrace this fictional story of Puerto Rican resistance? The desire to have the ability to defend their honor and say, We have resisted the Americans, was most likely a major reason for the strong belief in Nieves story. Throughout the islands history, its people have been labeled as docile creatures. This symbol has developed because they have never been able to unite in order to fight for their independence, making it seems as if they are a submissive people. Numerous factors such as having misleading ideas concerning U.S. intentions toward the island and socio-economic class divisions between the Puerto Ricans have contributed to their extensive history as a colony.When Puerto Ri cans found out that the Americans were taking control of Puerto Rico, many helped them fight off the Spaniards. They were under the photograph that the land of the free was coming to liberate the island of its oppressors. As Reverend Henry Carroll reported to President McKinley in 1898 on the conditions of the island, They expect under American sovereignty that the wrongs of centuries will be righted(Tras-Monge 36).

African Philosophy Essay

INTRODUCTIONThe bother is that we consider a learner who has come from a different province to attend our school and has a problem socialising with the other children. She does not have any friends and is always al ane. As a teacher, I believe it is my duty to try and help her. Nobody should have to be left feeling alone and out of place. She unavoidably to fit in with the other learners. I would have to show them that they need to kickshaw one another with kindness. African philosophical system teaches us to build communities so I decided to use it in trying to solve this problem. It alike teaches us to treat others with respect and dignity. I will focus on the central ethical idea in traditional thought which is Ubuntu. It encourages us to be humble humankind beings beings.CONTENTAfrican philosophy stems from tradition and emphasises on the community and puts that at the centre of life. It is a way of echoing. It promotesAfrican identity and provides cultural unity. It is the response of the troubles of Africa, where intellects jilted the westerners domination by proving them wrong with regards to their belief that Africans were unable to develop a rational and scientific thought. African philosophy instils decent set in people and teaches us to love our neighbours and that we have a duty towards them. It consists of four different methods. Firstly, Ehtnic philosophy also defined as the philosophy of Africa , consists of ghostly and moral beliefs and contains peoples view of life and the experience of human beings. Secondly, Sage (wisdom) philosophy- focuses on individuals who are wise and far sighted and can think critic anyy. Thirdly, Political philosophy -is very unique and different from the others.It is expected to be an African political philosophy, unlike capitalist, socialist or communist politics. Lastly, Pure philosophy -is philosophy done in areas such as empiricism, critical rationalism and existentialism. African philosophy also incl udes the principles of Ubuntu. Ubuntu, meaning humanity is related to well being and happiness. It is about caring and sharing, and forgiveness and reconciliation. It promotes peace and unity, and discourages discrimination. A fuller meaning of ubuntu is I am because you are.This means that we exist and develop only in relationships with others. It teaches us to live in harmony irrespective of our differences. Everybody should be made to feel important. Ubuntuism is meant to instil good values in a person, where you put the needs of other people before your own. African philosophy and ubuntuism emphasises on the importance of being kind and considerate to others.By making the learners aware of the ubuntu principles, I almost certainly believe that it would exonerate a huge difference in the way they behave and react towards the new learner. A community is expected to make any person feel welcome and in the same way, so should the learners. They need to make her a part of the group . She should be able to fit in comfortably and feel a sense of belonging.CONCLUSIONThe advantages of African philosophy are that it encourages the building of communities. It gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves. It teaches us the importance of last and tradition and the need for it in our life. It shows us that we should love and appreciate all human beings. We should treat everyone equally. It promotes African identity and makes us feel proud to be Africans. However, there are also disadvantages to the African philosophy. It does not encourage critical thinking. It does not challenge power structures.It is unable to accept women and men as equals. It also tends to ignore the needs of the individual. It tolerates superstitious practices and is not widely accepted. It relies too much on tradition. Children should be taught from an early age to show love and respect to all people irrespective of colour and creed. I would make the children aware of how important it is to foll ow the ubuntu principles so that everyone can be happy and feel more relaxed. African philosophy would be the best method indeed to solve this problem as it promotes peace and harmony and should be practiced by every human being.BIBLIOGRAPHYHiggs, P. & Smith, J. 2012. Rethinking our World. Cape Town Juta. Theoretical Frameworks in Education. Study Guide. PretoriaWikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

Pride Goes Before A Fall Essay

In a bid to exemplify the notions statement, rob goes before a fall, Alice Walker, Joyce Carol Oates and crapper Updike draw on their main characters Dee, Connie, and Sammy in their stories Every day Use, Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? and A&P respectively. Dee, Connie and Sammy are an example of how the notion of pride is shown in various ways and how as their pride reaches its peak, they fall. Dee shows her pride in her self centered personality that causes her to lose her gustatory modality for her beat and her sister Maggie, and causes her to abandon her inheritance and become distant.Connie, in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? shows pride in her overconfidence that leads her to act impetuously causing her to lose her personal safety. Sammy, in A&P shows pride by simply quitting his job in response to what he views to be an unacceptable behavior by his boss, and wishes to view the attention of girls that merely bang him. The Preoccupation with pride t hat these characters have causes them to eventually fall. Dees egocentrism leads her to become unappreciative to both her family and her heritage.Dee reveals her true personality when she responds to her mother for the reason she wants to take the quilts rather of her sister in the credit entry, Hang them, she said. As if that was the only thing you could do with quilts(Walker 375). This quotation shows moment when Mamas attitude changes in the story. Before it, she was amenable to Dee and had much respect for her. After, she realizes that Dee will never be grateful to her or even able to understand that there are other people in this world besides herself.Dees pride is shown in her eagerness to take the quilts that are originally for Maggie She ignores her sisters feelings and her mothers will. She fakes love for her mothers old things because they are expensive, not because she enjoys the history and is proud of her heritage. The pride causes Dee to lose her appreciation for he r mother, sister, and heritage and at the identical time she loses her mother appreciation for her. Maybe if she did not respond to her mothers question by simply hanging the quilts, her mother would have given them to her.However, her selfish desires of getting whatsoever she wants leads her to loose her mothers respect. Connies self assertiveness ended by her loosing her safety. Connie shows her pride in her personal thought as the narrative states, in truth Connie thought that her mother preferred her to June because she was prettier(Oates 53). Connies overconfidence of her self comes from her beauty. She finds her self to be a beautiful offspring girl who is a point of stakes among the boys.As a result of herself, she builds up her personality with that overconfidence, while at the same time building her pride up. As soon as her pride is at its maximum level, she acts in an impetuous way ignoring the outcomes of her actions, this can be seen through the quotation, It was a car she didnt know she whispered Christ, Christ, wondering how spoiled she looked she went into the kitchen and approached the door slowly, then hung out the screen door, her bare toes curling down off the step(Oates 54). This quotation shows Connies pride and how her pride causes her to fall.Connies response when she finds a stranger in her driveway by wondering how she looks reveals that her pride takes value over her safety, while the normal thoughts that any body can rally about when he finds a stranger entering his driveway is thinking about his safety, Connie is only concerned with her beauty. Connies overconfidence pushes her to approach the door which is the commencement of her fall. Connie lives in her small safe life of teenagers, not taking into consideration the outside wild life that she approaches blindly.At the time she decided to open the door, Connie the teenager and the young adult is blended together. Connie is in a stage of maturation She decides to approach the door for the stranger which is the teenager side of her mind and at the same time she approaches it slowly which is the young adult side of her character. Her action to hang out the screen door is the time when Connie is completely mature and considered a young adult. At this moment, Connie cannot go back to the level of maturity she had when she was a teenager. Connie starts the fall.Connies overconfidence causes her to portray an imaginary photo of how the world is and she acts from this perspective which ultimately ends her losing her self security. Sammy resigning his job shows pride, moreover renders him inferior in society. Sammy shows pride in the way he reacts to his boss, Mr. Lengel. The way he treats the girls is shown in the quotation, The girls whod blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say I quit to Lengel quick enough for them to hear, hoping theyll stop and watch me, their unsuspected hero(Updike 87).The quotation shows the girls reaction to Mr. Lengels wo rds. They want to go out of the store as quick as they can. It also shows Sammys rashness in thoughts and making decisions by stating that he quits in a quick manner. Quitting to Sammy is a way that he shows pride and is a way to grab the girls attention. He is showing that he supports them, and he thinks that they will consider him their hero. Sammy also shows hesitation that his action may attract the girls attention. He hopes that by quitting, his proud actions will grab their attention.However, he comes out of the store and he does not find any body waiting for him. As the narrator states, I look around for the girls, but theyre gone I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter(Updike 88). At this moment, Sammy realizes his fall. This fall can be viewed in cardinal perspectives. The first perspective is a superficial one because he thought that the girls would be impressed and would be waiting for him which they didnt. The second is when he realized that he quit hi s only job and that world will be hard to him, which is something that is hard to handle.

Mintzberg †the Fall and Rise of Strategic Planning Essay

The Fall and Rise of Strategic cooking by Henry Mintzberg When strategic formulation arrived on the scene in the mid-? 1960s, collective leaders embraced it as the one best way to devise and implement strategies that would enhance the competitiveness of each business unit. True to the scientific management pioneered by Frederick Taylor, this one best way involved separating thinking from doing and creating a new function staffed by specialists strategic planners. Planning systems were expected to produce the best strategies as well as step-? by-? step instructions for arrying out those strategies so that the doers, the managers of businesses, could not get them wrong.As we now know, planning has not exactly worked out that way. age certainly not dead, strategic planning has long since fallen from its pedestal. But even now, few people fully understand the reason strategic planning is not strategic thinking. Indeed, strategic planning often spoils strategic thinking, causing manag ers to confuse real vision with the manipulation of numbers. And this confusion lies at the heart of the offspring the most successful strategies are visions, not plans. Strategic planning, as it has een practiced, has really been strategic programming, the articulation and elaboration of strategies, or visions, that al shooty exist. When companies understand the difference in the midst of planning and strategic thinking, they can get back to what the strategy-? making process should be capturing what the manager learns from all sources (both the soft insights from his or her personal experiences and the experiences of others throughout the plaque and the hard data from market research and the like) and then synthesizing that learning into a vision of the direction that the business should pursue.Organizations isenchanted with strategic planning should not get release of their planners or conclude that there is no need for programming. Rather, organizations should transform the conventional planning job. Planners should make their contribution around the strategy-? making process rather than intimate it. They should supply the formal analyses or hard data that strategic thinking requires, as long as they do it to broaden the consideration of issues rather than to grasp the one right answer. They should act as catalysts who support strategy making by aiding and encouraging managers to think strategically. And, finally, they an be programmers of a strategy, helping to specify the serial publication of concrete steps needed to carry out the vision. By redefining the planners job, companies will acknowledge the difference between planning and strategic thinking. Planning has always been about analysisabout breaking down a goal or set of intentions into steps, formalizing those steps so that they can be utilise almost automatically, and articulating the anticipated consequences or results of each step.I favour a set of analytical techniques for developing st rategy, Michael 1 Porter, probably the most widely read writer on strategy, wrote in he Economist. The label strategic planning has been applied to all kinds of activities, such as going off to an informal seclude in the mountains to talk about strategy. But call that activity planning, let conventional planners organize it, and watch how quickly the event becomes formalized (mission statements in the morning, mind of corporate strengths and weaknesses in the afternoon, strategies carefully articulated by 5 p. m. ). Strategic thinking, in contrast, is about synthesis.