Integration processes in the countries of the Asian-Pacific region Essay

Integration processes in the countries of the Asian-Pacific region under the conditions of the globalization intensification - Essay Example The paper illustrates the increasing role of the countries of the Asian-Pacific region in the world economy in terms of GDP, trade volumes and capital flows. The impact of the globalization on Asian countries is under the consideration. States in the region have become increasingly interdependent and regionalism is perceived as a stage for further multilateral trade liberalization. Regionalism is divided into two categories. One is discriminatory in that there is free trade among the members of the region but the non members are excluded. These include customs unions and the other are preferential trading areas. The other one is compatible to the most favored rule of the World Trade Organization and referred to as ‘open regionalism’ which allows free trade among all members and non members in the region. The gradual elimination of internal trade barriers leads to greater multilateral trade liberalization in a given region promoting globalization The South Asian countries face political instability and ethnic conflicts which hinder trade liberalization and global integration. These countries are highly dependent on the world economy. A good example is China where FDI-driven models are essential to their growth models. Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore have a comparative advantage in high-value goods and services. China has an apparent advantage in labor intensive agricultural and manufacturing exports. India has a pool of cheap labor and it should be labor intensive, FDI driven exporter motivating the industrial sector as well as a major exporters of labor intensive agricultural products. Southeast Asia is the main beneficiary of the deep integration into the East-Asian manufacturing supply chains.

Nursing capstone phase 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nursing capstone phase 2 - Assignment Example They concluded that whole blood therapy should be avoided and that only appropriate blood components should be transfused. Informatics systems, such as electronic health records, can be used in identifying patients who have already had blood transfusions for health-care staff and anesthetists, while also providing a blood tracking system for hematologists and health-care staff. Azizi et al (2014) set out to study the prevalence of complications in blood transfusion among patients at an Iranian hospital in a 2-year period. They find that there was a 0.4% incidence rate for acute transfusion reactions, especially related to restlessness, dyspnea, rigors, fever, chest pain, nausea, and palpitation. They conclude that that there should be a well-structure program to monitor blood transfusion-associated adverse reactions. In this case, the hospital should use appropriate visualization and statistical applications that will alert healthcare staff to health event aberrations to manage them as soon as possible. Execution of informatics implementation strategies will enable health-care staff to track adverse blood transfusion reactions, as well as track blood type and age and prior patient history, all of which will aid in either managing or preventing blood transfusion reactions. Gwaram, B. A., Borodo, M. M., Dutse, A. I., & Kuliya-Gwarzo, A. (January 01, 2012). Pattern of acute blood transfusion reactions in Kano, North-Western Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 9, 1,

Importance Role Of Human Resource Management Business Essay

Importance Role Of Human Resource Management Business Essay A study on the importance role of human resource management (HRM) and its practices in multinational companies (MNCs) operation. This research proposal is to investigate on the roles of human resource management in operating a multinational business and how it is practicing in multinational companies. The roles and the practices of human resource management are the independent variables that determine the success of operation a multinational company. 1.0 Objectives: To investigate on the roles of human resource management in operating multinational companies. To investigate on the how human resource management is practicing in multinational companies. To investigate on whether there is significant influences between the practicing of human resource management and the operation of multinational companies. 2.0 Research Question: What are the roles of human resource management in managing multinational companies? How human resource management is practicing in multinational companies? How the practicing of human resource management influences the operation of multinational companies? 3.0 Introduction: There are four main elements needed to conduct a business, which are capital, land, labor and entrepreneur. A business cannot run smoothly with the absent of either one of the elements. Undisputedly, labor is the most important asset in conducting a business. The reason is the success or failure of a company is determined by the employees of the company, because the employee is the one create and undermine a companys reputation (Cliffs Notes, n.d.). Besides, according to human capital theory that developed by American economist Gary Becker, focus on the skills and performance of employees is important and it is one source of way to increase companys competitive advantage (Highbeam.com, 2007; Economy Professor, n.d.). Nowadays, companies foresee the important of employees well-being and interaction with companies, so, human resource management is being extremely important in dealing and interacts with representatives of all source of production (Buzzle.com, n.d.). Microsoft is the example company that realized the value and effectiveness of their employees. It is one of the richest and successful companies in the world that is employee-oriented companies (News and Technology, 2010). Human resource management (HRM) is the utilization of people within an organization is a function of broad range of dynamic factors (Gerald, R. Sherman, D. and Darold, T., 1995). It involves in employing people, designing and developing those related resource and fully utilise them to maximize the companys profit (Buzzle.com, n.d.). It also complement with the sole goal to motivate their employee to prove their ability and to add value to the company (Buzzle.com, n.d.). HRM is playing the central role of balancing the local and global force (Informaworld, n.d.). While helping in settle local differences, it also helping the multinational companies (MNCs) in implementing critical global strategies (Informaworld, n.d.). It provides significant support and advice to line management and carrying the important position in develop calibre employee to increase the competitive advantage of a company in multinational market (Management-Hub, 2010). 4.0 Significance of Study: This proposal is to study out the roles of human resource management and how it can be practicing in operating multinational companies. This information is helpful for the multinational companies to understand the important of human resource management and its influences on the operation of multinational companies. 5.0 Literature Review: There are more and more companies went into globalisation due to the benefits of the greater trade and competition, higher economic growth and etc. (Economics Helps, n.d.). However, there are high rate of failure when a company is dealing with the international firm or operating a business in multinational scale (All business, 2002). The reasons are mainly due to the different national and corporate culture and the difficulty of one control and deal with resources especially workforce in several firm and is in multinational scale (All business, 2002). The strategy of managing different workforce in different nation is varying. HRM in international is carrying more and complexity roles. However, the main and important function of HRM is still the managing of people but across national boundaries other than just the home country headquarters (HQ) (Highbeam.com, 2007; Economy Professor, n.d.). 5.1 Roles of Human Resource Management (HRM) in Multinational Companies There are various types of existence of MNCs in international business. There are terms such as Ethnocentric, Polycentric, and Geocentric used to denote the differences types of MNCs (Highbeam.com, 2000). The roles of HRM are different in different nation as well as different types of MNCs. The various roles of human resource management in multinational companies can mainly being categorized in to five main areas: 5.1.1 Recruitment and selection Recruitment is one of the HRM roles that carried out by managers in all types of concerns when the business activities are carried out (Management Study Guides, 2009). Recruitment is a process to discover sources of manpower to meet the requirement of staffing schedule and stimulating them to apply for job in an organisation (Gurpreet, R., 2007). However, in MNCs, the recruiting process must be carried out under further consideration of the adaptation of the culture, international rewards system, and the types of one MNCs exist, and etc. (Stuart, W. and Bronwen, R., 2004). For example, MNCs that practice Ethnocentric will fill the key position in subsidiaries by the employees in home country, however, for MNCs that are polycentric will recruit the host country nationals to manage the subsidiary in their own country and Geocentric MNCs recruit the suitable people regardless of their nationality (Stuart, W. and Bronwen, R., 2004). It is important to suit the recruiting process with the recruitment policies of the MNCs in order to add value to a MNCs operation. 5.1.2 Training and development Human resource management in international is also responsible for training and the development of employees. The quality and the development of employees improved through training and education is factoring that determining the profitability of a company in long-term (Zero Million, 2009). Training can increase the job satisfaction of the employees, reduce the turnover, and improve the performance and skills of employees and it is also the other way of motivation given to the employees that would benefit the companies in return (Management Helps, n.d.). In different types of MNCs there are different types of training for their employees. MNCs that are Polycentric is more likely to offer training that provides cultural awareness and personal flexibilities (Patricia, H., 2002; CiteHR.com, n.d.). For example, employees are sending for cross-cultural training, language training, environmental briefing and so forth. This would help them to adapt to the cultural and perform their job well (Stuart, W. Bronwen, R., 2004; Management Helps, n.d). On the other hand, for Ethnocentric MNCs, their training is more centralized (CiteHR.com, n.d.). 5.1.3 Remuneration Employees remuneration is the compensation or rewards that given by company to employees according to their performance. Remuneration is one way to motivate employees to perform effectively and efficiently (Management Study Guides, 2009). The remuneration in multinational companies is increasing complex due to the currency fluctuation, different HR staff remuneration policies and practices as well as the different labour law in different nation. Salary is the psychological needs of employees in the Maslow hierarchy needs (Ezine Article, 2010). It reflects also the performance of employees and determines their standard of living, while planning for the remuneration, the salaries of the employees especially for those transfers from other location must be considered (CiteHR.com, n.d.) The methods and scheme of remuneration is varied in different MNCs. The cost of remuneration for Ethnocentric MNCs will be high compare to Polycentric and Geocentric as it transfer the staffs from headquar ter (HQ) to fill the key position (CiteHR.com, n.d). 5.1.4 Labour relations The HRM department in MNCs is responsible not only for recruiting and firing but also contacting job references and administering employees benefits, such as subsidy in housing (Wisegeek, n.d.). The staff in HRM department must be act as people person to understand and identify individual employees needs and career goals in order to meet the matching processes; which is matching the needs of the organization and the needs of the employees (Buzzle.com, n.d.; Cliffs Notes, n.d.). In MNCs, there is complex employees mix in term of cultural, educational, religious and etc. Different types MNCs have different ways of interaction with the employees in order to solve the conflict as well as generate overall sense of belonging of employees to company (Associated content, 2009; Buzzle.com, n.d.). For instance, Ethnocentric MNCs have to avoid cultural myopia when interact with the employees, they have to understand the cultural and the labour right in order to comfort the employees, administer ing employees benefits and not to against the laws. (Stuart,W. Bronwen,R., 2004). 5.1.5 Initiative of workforce alignment to company objective Workforce alignment is a specific process that tying the employees goal to overall company objectives (Dresser Associate, 2006). This is important especially for MNCs that operate in different nations, the employees in different nation that shared the same goal is the main factors that push a company to next higher level of success as it accomplish the company business plan toward a much more realistic situation (Dresser Associate, 2006; Success Factors, 2010). Knowledge Infusion Research shows that, when employees know their contribution impact company success, both employees and company performance will increase (Dresser Associate, 2006). Communicating the company goals, collaboration of employee, strengthen accountability and employee engagement is important steps for workforce alignment (Success Factors, 2010). The practices of Ethnocentric MNCs are standardization, as the key position is hold by employees from HQ, it is easier for them to control and align their workforce, and h owever, polycentric that practicing localization may face problems of existence gap between HQ and subsidiaries staffs (Stuart,W. Bronwen,R., 2004).They may have to pay more efforts in aligning the workforces. Understanding and sharing the same company goals, collaboration and interaction of both HQ and subsidiary employees are important factors that bring MNCs to achieve company long-term goals (Success Factors, 2010). 5.2 The practicing of HRM in multinational companies Globalization and MNCs are two closely interlinked phenomena (Markus, P., 2007). MNCs is considered as the important key for globalization process, on the other hand, MNCs also needs to become more and more competitive in order to survive in globalized world economy (Markus, P., 2007). As the importance for MNCs to continue growing, there is central debate around management of MNCs which are to be standardization or localization (Markus, P., 2007). 5.2.1 Standardization vs Localization 5.2.1.1 Standardization Standardization is global integration of parent company policies and practices (Pawan S. Budhwar., 2004). It is also refers to the level of central coordination by the HQ to closely integrate the operation of subsidiaries in worldwide in order to achieve global efficiency through economies of scale (Markus, P., 2007). Many Japanese companies such as Canon, Toyota and Matsushita have traditionally emphasized on the standardization and efficiency (Markus, P., 2007). Another example is American MNCs IBM has a relatively standardized HRM practices for examples, in their recruitment and training process (Markus, P., 2007). According to institutional theory and perspective, there are three major factors that affect an organization to be standardization which are coercive isomorphism, mimetic isomorphism and normative isomorphism (Highbeam.com, 2007). Coercive isomorphism of MNCs is influence by a powerful constituency, such as government has imposed certain pattern on the organization that they have to follow. However, mimetic isomorphism is where the MNCs is in the situation of uncertainty adopt the pattern exhibited by the organization in their home country that is viewed as successful, and normative isomorphism is where the MNCs is affected by the professional organization that acts as the disseminators of appropriate organizational pattern in the environment (Highbeam.com, 2007). 5.2.1.2 Localization However, previous research shows that national cultural and institutional characteristic have limited the transfer of HRM practices (Harzing.com, 2007). The transfer of HRM practices to overseas subsidiaries is limited and might force the MNCs to localize their HRM practices (Harzing.com, 2007). Localization is the practices and policies of host countries is locally differentiate (IEE Explore, 2010). In other words, the subsidiary is acts and behaves as local and is different from the parent company. European companies such as Philips and Nestlà © are the proponent of localization (Markus, P., 2007). In order to survive in the nation, majority MNCs will adapt to the cultural and localize their practices. For example, the subsidiaries of American in German is practices not only the regulation but also the German concept of codetermination, if they do not adapt to the local practices, Wal-mart for example, they frequently suffer low performance (Markus, P., 2007). Another example is s ubsidiary of Canon in America tends to be more on the performance oriented in their incentives structure than the structure of parent company that emphasize on seniority (Markus, P., 2007). The opposing forces of standardization and localization are the challenge for HRM practices in MNCs operation, MNCs that able to strike the delicate balance between standardization and localization will have a good performance. 6.0 Methodology: Theoretical framework for this study: . Independent variables Dependent variable 7.0 Primary data collection: Generally, this primary data collection is going to be done to help achieve the objectives of this study. This primary data collection can be done by doing survey at multinational companies that locate in Penang, such as the world number one chipmakers Samsung Corporation, Dell Inc. and Toshiba Corporation. The reasons of choosing these three MNCs are to look into the HRM practices in MNCs that originated from three different countries based that operate in same industry. Samsung Corporation is the leader in Asia in producing LCD monitor that originated from Korea, Toshiba Corporation, is originated from Japan, a country that have inspiring management system and Dell from United State. A set of question comprising of 50 questions which involving multiple choices are given to the staffs involve in the human resources department, and managerial level of these three MNCs. The total respondents will be 100 staffs. The results that get from this survey will be analyzed by using Excel and presented in suitable form such as histogram, pie chart and etc. (2101 words)

MBA Admissions Essays - Major Accomplishments -- MBA College Admission

I had practiced it before, but this time it was for real. Well, as real as a college mock trial tournament can get. I objected, pointed, and did squat thrusts during 10-minute breaks. During the trial, I paused for a few seconds of silence and methodically tied up the loose ends of my closing monologue. My mock trial team sat quietly for a couple of minutes until the judges offered some feedback and tabulated the scores. Unfortunately, we lost in a landslide and would not be moving on to the final round of competition. Before our team departed from Ithaca, however, we still had to sit through closing ceremonies, where team and individual awards would be distributed. We arrived to the function with our head between our tales, but when they read the award for best mock trial attorney, my name was called. I was shocked and utterly ecstatic. I was even surprised that it wasn't a run of the mill paper award I had won, but actually a wooden plaque with some official looking carvings. It wa sn't an Academy award or Nobel Prize, but for someone who had practiced relentlessly for months, it su...

Spinoza vs Descartes on God

Abstract and Referential Ontology: Descartes Versus Spinoza on the Existence of God. The concept of God is central to the development of Cartesian and Spinozan philosophy. Although both philosophers employ an ontological argument for the existence and necessity of God the specific nature of God differs greatly with each account. While Descartes suggests a Judeo-Christian concept of God, Spinoza argues a more monistic deity similar to that of the Hindu tradition. The most significant difference however, lies within the basis and structure of each argument itself.Considered from an analytical standpoint through the lens of Gotlobb Frege, Descartes' proof of God possesses both sense and reference and is therefore capable of expressing the truth. Spinoza's argument however, employs sense alone, thus rendering it neither true nor false but quite literally meaningless. A detailed analysis of Descartes' Meditations of First Philosophy in conjunction with Spinoza's Ethics will help elucidate these claims. Before an analysis of Cartesian and Spinozan theology can occur, an understanding of each theory must first take place.The Cartesian proof of God is outlined in Meditation Three of the Meditations. Within this work Descartes suggests a causal argument for the existence of a supreme being. This argument can be broken down as follows: 1. Everything has a cause 2. We have an idea of the infinite 3. An idea of an infinite could not be caused by a finite thing 4. God is infinite 5. Only an infinite God is adequate to cause this idea 6. God exists An argument such as this implies a specific understanding of Causation. According to Descartes, everything from object to idea must have a determinate cause.That is, finite existence is not self-generating but rather the product of something else. The cause in question depends upon the degree of formal and objective reality it possesses. Formal reality refers to existence within this world. For example, a tree has formal reality a s an empirical object just as an idea has formal reality as a mode of thought. Objective reality refers to existence as represented via ideas. That is, an idea of a tree possesses both formal reality as a mode of thought and objective reality as a representation of a specific tree.According to Descartes, a cause must possess â€Å"at least as much formal reality as [its effect] contains objective reality. † (Descartes 16) For example, the idea of a tree must be caused by something of more formal existence within this world than objective existence via its representation. Therefore, the idea of tree must be caused by a specific tree rather than the idea of a specific shrub. Descartes applies this reasoning to the idea of God in the argument above. Regardless of whether or not we think God actually exists we cannot deny that an idea of God is indeed within our mind.If we have an idea of God then this idea must not only have a cause but a cause with more formal reality than obje ctive reality of the idea itself. That is, that which the idea of God is referencing must be more substantial than the finite idea of the mind. The only cause more formally real than finite existence is infinite existence. Since the only conceivable infinite existence is that of God, Descartes' concludes that â€Å"†¦ In creating me, [God] placed this idea within me to be like the mark of the workman imprinted on his work. (Descartes 19) Therefore, God must necessarily exist as the infinite cause of our finite idea of Him. Once Descartes has argued the existence of God via causation he proceeds to prove God's existence via essence: 1. The concept of God is one that is infinite and perfect 2. To not exist would be an imperfection 3. Therefore God exists The general form of this argument is a testament to Descartes' understanding of an attribute. Of attributes there are only two, an Attribute and an Omni-Generic Attribute.An attribute refers to that which is necessary to the ess ence of a specific substance, as perfection is necessary to the essence of God. That is, in order for God to exist it is essential that perfection and infinitude are attributed to this existence. An omni-generic attribute, refers to that which holds of any substance but does not contribute to its essence, such as existence, duration, or number. According to Descartes, to not possess this kind of attribute is a kind of privation or lack of the attribute itself. For example, if a ball is not red it lacks the color red.Therefore, if it is essential that God is both perfect and infinite then non-existence would imply that a perfect being suffers some kind of privation. Clearly this is preposterous, for if a perfect being were to lack anything it would essentially cease to be perfect. Ergo, God exists by virtue of His perfection. Given the above arguments one can begin to understand the nature of the God Descartes is endeavoring to prove. For Descartes, God is infinite and perfect existe nce. God is â€Å"eternal, immutable, independent, supremely intelligent, supremely powerful, and [the creator of] everything else†. Descartes 20) Not only does God possess this nature but it is necessary that He does so. If God is not infinite or perfect God could not exist as these attributes are essential to God's existence. Furthermore, if God is not the ultimate creator the innate idea of God we experience would cease to be innate but adventitious (externally caused) or imaginative (caused by the mind) which is again impossible given its content. Given these qualities one can draw a connection to the omniscient, eternal, creator God of Judeo-Christian interpretation.That is, Yahweh or God is responsible for the creation of all existence, Ex nihilo, or out of nothing. The world is created as an existence separate from that of the Divine and as such exists finitely, or limited by, God's infinite existence. (Van Voorst 212) Given this parallel, one can easily understand the sense in which Descartes understands God as eternal, immutable, independent existence outside of space and time. Now that the Cartesian argument for the existence of God is understood an outline of that of Spinoza must also take place.Spinoza presents his proof for the existence of God within the The Ethics via one precise proposition. Proposition 11 states: God, or the substance consisting of infinite attributes, of which each one expresses eternal and infinite essence, necessarily exists. (Spinoza 91) This proposition is best explained through the use of three arguments. Each argument, while unique in itself, illustrates an aspect of Spinozan philosophy contrary to that of Descartes. The first argument supposes that God exists as it is necessary given the essence of God itself.Before one can understand this argument one must first understand what is meant by essence. For Spinoza essence is that which is necessary for something to exist. That is, it is that without which a substan ce ceases to be. Spinoza employs this idea of essence in a negative proof for the existence of God: 1. Consider the idea that God does not exist 2. This consideration would mean that God’s essence does not possess existence 3. This is absurd since Substance (God/Nature) necessarily exists 4. Therefore, God necessarily existsWith this argument, Spinoza is suggesting that existence is an attribute of God's essence. By attribute, Spinoza is referring to â€Å"what the intellect perceives of a substance, as constituting its essence†. (Spinoza 85) This differs slightly from Cartesian philosophy in that for Descartes existence is an omni-generic attribute and therefore does not contribute to the essence of a substance. Regardless, what Spinoza is actually saying is that we perceive existence to be essential to God. If existence is essential to God, then it is in God's nature, as substance, to exist. Therefore, God necessarily exists.Thus, this proof not only argues the exist ence of God but the nature of the Spinozan substance as well, in that a substance is that of which existence is its essence. That is, â€Å"it pertains to the nature of a substance to exist†. (Spinoza 88) Spinoza's proof of the existence of God can be further represented via an argument of causation: 1. There is a cause for existence and non-existence 2. The cause of existence or non-existence is internal or external of the thing 3. If nothing can hinder the existence of a thing internally or externally then it exists necessarily 4.There is no cause internally or externally hindering God’s existence 5. Therefore, God exists Like Descartes Spinoza believes anything that exists must have a cause, however Spinoza takes it one step further to suggest that anything that does not exist so too must have a cause. The cause for this existence, or lack thereof, must originate from within or without a substance. If there is nothing within or without the substance that limits its existence then it must necessarily exist. Here, Spinoza is discussing finite and infinite existence. If something is finite then it is limited in existence by something less finite.That is, there is something that limits the finite to its finite existence. Thus all finite things are hindered by the existence of something else, eg, the infinite. The infinite exists in essence as something that admits of no limit. There cannot be more or less of an infinite substance as it is limitless, complete, and whole and thus internally and externally unhindered. Therefore in the above proof, Spinoza is not only saying that God exists because there is nothing within or without of God to hinder its existence, but moreover that God and substance are infinite.If this is the case, then finite existence cannot be possible as this would imply its hindrance in some fashion, deeming it non-existent. If there is no finite existence, then â€Å"every substance is necessarily infinite†. (Spinoza 88) Thus, there can be but one substance: the infinite, unhindered, God. Spinoza's proof of the existence of God as well as the nature of the God he is describing can be further explained through the representation of this final argument: 1. Ability to exist contains power 2. Inability to exist demonstrates a lack of power 3.If an infinite being does not exist a finite being would have more power than an infinite being 4. This is impossible 5. An infinite being exists Similar to Descartes, Spinozan theology can be described via the idea of privation and used to establish a specific understanding of God. For Spinoza, the ability to exist contains some kind of power. This power refers to the ability of a substance to exist independently of anything else as a self-generating substance. A substance possesses the power to essentially spring into being unaided by anything else. Hence, existence implies power.Therefore, to not exist would imply a lack of this power. If we are to go back to th e previous proof we can deduce that God is an infinite substance, meaning that it is unhindered or unlimited by anything else. Given the present argument, if God were to not exist then it would be somehow limited by that which does exist. That is, God the infinite substance would be limited in power by finite substance. According to Spinoza, this concept is absurd as it is impossible by the very essence of an infinite substance to be hindered by anything of the finite, including power.Therefore, God must exist. With the above explanation one can not only deduce that God must necessarily exist but that God must necessarily exist as one, complete, infinite, substance. It can be said then that Spinoza employs a kind of monism to his understanding of God similar to that of Eastern theology. That is, the existence of only one infinite substance, or God, draws a strong parallel to the Brahman or â€Å"divine breath† of Hinduism through which existence was created Ex deo or out of t he substance that is God.Therefore, there is no actual separation between God and human existence rather a perceived separation caused by human ignorance of the divine nature. (Van Voorst, 23) Therefore, although Spinoza will agree with Descartes that God is infinite and all-powerful, both philosophers differ radically in their interpretation of this infinite, all-powerful substance. Significant to both Cartesian and Spinozan philosophy is the fact that God must necessarily exist in order to support the philosophy in question. That is, if God did not place the idea of God within the mind then any analysis of this idea is useless.Similarly, without the existence of an infinite substance, the Spinozan theory of substance is irrelevant. Therefore, God must exist if either theory is to succeed. Despite this fact as well as the above differences, the most significant contrast within Spinozan and Cartesian theology lies within the basis and structure of each argument. From an analytical p erspective, specifically from that of Frege, Descartes argument differs radically from that of Spinoza in that the former possesses the most truth value. Truth value, is determined via the criteria of sense and reference.With regards to a particular proposition, such as â€Å"Aristotle exists† the sense is that which the subject â€Å"expresses†. (Frege 210) That is, sense is the way in which the subject is considered or described. For example, the subject â€Å"Aristotle† could express many senses ranging from â€Å"Citizen of Athens† to â€Å"Philosopher†. The reference is that which is â€Å"designated† by its subject or that which the subject â€Å"stands for†. â€Å"Aristotle† stands for or designates Aristotle himself. (Frege 210) Thus, the reference is that knowable and concrete object from which the subject draws its credit.For Frege, a proposition must contain both sense and reference in order to possess any truth valu e. That is, in order to say anything whether true or false about the world we must first know to what within the world the subject is referring and how exactly it is referring to it. Otherwise we would have no true way of knowing what the proposition means. Given the above description, Descartes' understanding of God describes the Judeo-Christian sense of the term in that it is infinite, immutable, eternal, and responsible for the creation of all existence.According to Spinoza, God is best described in a monist sense as one infinite substance similar to the Brahman of Hindu thought. However, in order to determine the reference of each subject a precise pedigree of Cartesian and Spinozan thought is necessary. The reference of the Cartesian God can be traced back to Descartes' theory of existence in the Cogito. According to Descartes, all that we believe to be true is ultimately subject to doubt as it is provided via the senses which are commonly deceived. This is easily illustrated g iven the perceptions of a single piece of wax.If our senses illustrate a ball of wax as both in a solid and liquid state how is it that we can know anything concrete about the wax? In order to determine what it is that we actually do know we must purge ourselves of all former beliefs and methodically build our collection of knowledge based on that which is beyond a shadow of a doubt. Once purged of these beliefs Descartes determines that regardless of the valid existence of anything else, he cannot deny that he is indeed doubting. If he is doubting he is clearly and distinctly thinking.Therefore, Descartes concludes that there must be some thing that exists as a thinking thing. Cogito ergo sum, I think therefore I am. By the same token, body and mind must exist in that regardless of the validity of the empirical world one cannot doubt that something exists to sense it. Thus, with regard to reference, existence refers to the experience of thinking just as the concept of the body refe rs to the experience of sensation. Next Descartes categorizes the thoughts within his mind as ideas, volitions, and judgments.Of his ideas Descartes distinguishes between those that are innate, imaginative, or adventive. Given that an adventive idea is caused by a bodily sensation and an imaginative idea is caused by the mind itself, Descartes determines that an innate idea, such as God, must be caused by God itself by virtue of the theory of causation. If one is to carefully trace each discovery back to its point of reference one would conclude that the existence of God draws its reference from the existence of innate ideas which in turn draw their reference from the experience of the phenomenon of thought.Thus the proposition that God exists possesses the knowable experience of thinking as its reference. Since Descartes' proposed existence of God contains both sense and reference it is indeed capable of saying something meaningful about the world because it both refers to somethin g knowable and expresses something about it. If one were to analyze Spinoza's proposition of God's existence the origin of reference is not so clear. Proposition 11 states that God, or the substance consisting of infinite attributes, of which each one expresses eternal and infinite essence, necessarily exists. Spinoza 91) This proposition is the conclusion of the ten propositions before it which are in turn based on seven axioms and eight definitions. Of each of these concepts, proposition 11 refers most ardently to Spinoza's definition of Substance. That is, substance is â€Å"what is in itself and conceived through itself†¦ †. (Spinoza 85) It is self-generating and its existence depends upon nothing else. The definition of essence, as that which is necessary for the existence of a substance, then refers to the above substance.Similarly, the definition of an attribute, as that which the intellect perceives as the essence of a substance, directly refers to the definition of essence which is itself based on the definition of substance. Once these three definitions are proposed Spinoza uses the theory of causation and privation outlined above to help reach the conclusion of God's existence in proposition 11. While logically this lineage is sound, upon closer inspection one must notice that the original idea of substance which forms the foundation for the entire Spinozan theology has no reference!That is, the concept of substance as independent and self-generating does not refer to anything within the world that contains these qualities. While Descartes' theory rests on the experience of thought as its original reference, Spinoza has no concrete, knowable reference to hinge his theory upon. One does not experience self-generating, independent substance in a way in which the construction of knowledge is possible because a self-generating, independent substance is unknowable. The only substance the human mind can make reference to is that which is finit e and graspable as this is what we are in contact with.Therefore, Spinoza's definition of substance may express substance in the sense that it is self-generating and independent but this substance does not refer to anything concrete and knowable. To make this proposition is much like claiming â€Å"The present King of France is bald†. Although, the statement expresses the present King of France in the sense that he is bald, there is no King of France to be bald. Therefore, the present King of France. like the Spinozan substance, is but a concept with no real reference with which to draw its meaning.Since the definition of substance holds no reference, the subsequent definitions of essence and attribute refer only to a concept. If this is the case, the culmination of these definitions in proposition 11 is also based on a concept. Therefore, the entire Spinozan proof of God is but an idea abstracted from a series of underlying empty concepts. Thus, although the Spinozan proposi tion for the existence of God is logically sound it is incapable of saying anything, true or false, about the world. Therefore, the entire proposition is meaningless.Despite its' empty nature, Frege does not mean to say that propositions lacking reference should be dismissed. Rather, propositions such as these comprise the world of art. Take for example a poem. To say that â€Å"Odysseus landed on the shores of Ithaca† is not to say anything true or false regarding the world because although the subject â€Å"Odysseus† describes â€Å"the fictional character of myth† this subject holds no real reference as this character has never existed. This is not to say that the proposition is any less euphonic or pleasing to the intellect. A proposition doesn't have to say anything of value to be beautiful and artistic.Therefore, Spinoza's proposition for the existence of God, albeit meaningless, is still an outstanding artistic accomplishment. In conclusion, both Descarte s and Spinoza argue for the necessary existence of God. Although each argument is similar in execution, the Cartesian idea of God is more aligned with the Creator of the Judeo-Christian tradition whereas the Spinozan concept of God is similar to the monistic Brahman of Hinduism. Although this difference is indeed important the most significant difference lies within the logical structure and foundation of each argument.Given Frege's criteria of sense and reference, the Cartesian proposition for God's existence possesses both sense and reference and is therefore capable of saying something meaningful about the world. On the contrary, Spinoza's proposition for the existence of God possesses sense but no reference and is therefore built upon an empty concept. Despite its inability to say anything meaningful, true or false, about the world the Spinozan proposition for the existence of God is nonetheless an extraordinary artistic achievement. Works Cited Descartes, Rene. Meditations of F irst Philosophy. Blackmask Online, 2002. Blackmask. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. lt;http://www. blackmask. com>. Frege, Gotlobb. â€Å"Sense and Reference. â€Å"The Philosophical Review 57. 3 (1948): 209-230. JSTOR. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. . Spinoza, Benedict D. â€Å"The Ethics. † A Spinoza Reader: The Ethics and Other Works. Ed. Edwin Curley. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1994. 85-265. Print. Van Voorst, Robert E. â€Å"Hinduism† Anthology of World Scriptures. 7 ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2011. 21-27. Print. Van Voorst, Robert E. â€Å"Judaism† Anthology of World Scriptures. 7 ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2011. 209-217. Print.

Communications Chapter

Interpersonal communication is the way by which we maintain personal relationships. Interpersonal communication occurs most likely with someone that you know, and depends on what you know about them as an individual. 2. True of False: The social information processing theory states that we can communicate rational and emotional messages via the Internet, and that it will not take longer than it would to express these messages with facial expressions and tone of voice. Correct Answer: False (found on page 21) Social media is a huge part of our current culture.People today, especially those of a younger age, often find it normal to document every detail of their daily lives online to share with people they barely know. While social media can be a great way to stay in contact with friends or relatives that live far away, or keep up to date with the lives of those you care about, it is important to remember the value of talking face-to-face. Text messages and tweets can be misinterpreted in their meaning because the reader in unable to hear the one of voice or observe the body language of the sender.These subtle cues are a valuable part of communication, and we have been learning how to interpret them since the daddy were born. 3. The media richness theory suggests that the richness of a communication channel is based on all of the following criteria except: A. The amount of feedback that the communicator can receive B. The number of cues that the channel can convey and that can be interpreted by a receiver C. The variety of language that a communicator uses D. The skill of the communicatorCorrect Answer: D (found on page 21) All of the other options are essential to assessing the value, or richness, of communication. Someone can be a fantastic public speaker, but they will still achieve a less-rich connection over a fax than an average communicator could in a face-to-face conversation. There are so many things that we do in an actual conversation that conveys our emotions or feelings without even realizing it. We may step away when we have somewhere to be, or avoid eye contact when we are uncomfortable.