Cult and Brainwashing Essay Example for Free

Cult and Brainwashing Essay Brain washing which entails coercive persuasion to eradicate former beliefs and institute in their place new beliefs, has been widely linked to the emergence of cultic groups. Concerns on the motivating factor behind an individual’s acceptance to join a cultic group have been the subject of research and controversies from numerous studies. From these studies it can be surmised that the justification of an individual’s decision to join cultic groups could either be serious family problems and non family related issues, or relational issues with both family and peers. In addition, individuals with a high predisposition to crises and those who have had put up with the absence of a father during their childhood were also found to be more susceptible to join cultic groups. In social psychology, cult development and brain washing are interrelated issues that often attract disputes. Brain washing is often used to denote the process by which individual persons are influenced through a process that is manifested intentionally and through systematically applied techniques that are not only traumatizing, but are also aimed at instilling obedience through ideological resocialization (Dawson, 2003). Through the use of coercive persuasion, former beliefs are eradicated and new beliefs instituted in their place. It may also comprise manipulation of an individual’s social influence systematically (Kaplan Hellen, 2005). Its existence in the field of social psychology is a widely disputed topic due to the fact that it is not a recognized theoretical concept, but rather a sensationalist’s explanation that is used in reference to cultists and revival preachers. Not only do parties disagree on whether social process that attempt to influence individuals coercively exist, but the existence of their social outcome, which entails that individuals become influenced contrary to their will, is also an issue that elicits concern (Taylor Taylor, 2005). Critics of the brain washing perspective argue that it presents a simplistic perspective to be employed by those intent on locating effective social weapons to counter disfavored groups. They therefore, contend that any perceived relative success on those efforts aimed at achieving social control should obscure the fact that the notion of brain washing lacks a scientific basis to support the exposed opinions. Despite the negative attributes levied on cults, they also carry intrinsic advantages. One such merit is that they are seen as channels of transition to individual members. Even though members do not always belong to cults on a permanent basis, the experience they have while in cultic groups is often an exhilarating one, as they often recount (Wilson Cresswell, 1999). Proponents of cultic movements often cite clinical studies done on the psychological effects of becoming a member of a cultic group as the basis for favoring these groups. According to these studies, becoming a member of a cultic group has a therapeutic effect rather than a harmful effect. Other studies carried on cultist practices have also shown that what may be regarded as psychopathology of religious or spiritual nature may be a means for spiritual growth and expression of religious affiliation and religious stage (Kaplan Hellen, 2005). The notion of brain washing may also be a subtle form of behavior control which entails a system of reward or punishment for action. Education is a noteworthy example of behavior control mechanism targeted at achieving a desired behavior (Dawson, 2003). When behavior modification techniques are employed in a loving, caring and consistent manner, a change of behavior often results without feelings of resentment. On the contrary, perversion of behavior control techniques results in damage to emotions and psyche. Cults use a perverted form of behavior modification that ultimately damages the emotions of the individual. Through cognitive dissonance, cultic groups are able to remain strong even in the face of a failure of their predictions (Taylor Taylor, 2005). Social psychology espouses that cult development is founded on a basic premise of cognitive dissonance which explains why some cult adherents tend to become even stronger and resolute when their predictions fail. These individuals often find ways of coping psychologically with the experienced failure and they dissociate from the failure through: control of behavior, control of thoughts, and control of emotions. These three elements are interdependent, implying that when one is eliminated the others cease to operate effectively. Moreover, when the three elements are altered, the affected individual goes through a complete change (Wilson Cresswell, 1999). Behavior control entails management of a person’s physical reality which involves such aspects as an individual’s place of residence, employment, what an individual eats and where he or she sleeps (Kaplan Hellen, 2005). It explains why most cults impose stringent schedules for its members. In extreme cases, a cult member can willfully participate in his punishment, believing that he deserve it! Thought control, on the other hand, involves thought indoctrination of its members to the extent that members manipulate their own thought processes. An ideology held by the cultists is internalized as the correct ideology and forms a set of belief system through which information received by an individual member of the cult is filtered and processed before either being rejected or accepted. Through the use of a unique and specific language member’s’ thought processes are regulated in a manner that alienates them from a non cultic groups (Wilson Cresswell, 1999). Another mechanism employed by cultic groups is the thought- stopping techniques, which involves the use of mediation, singing, chanting or concentrated praying, which harbors an individual’s ability to test the reality. The person desists from blaming the group and shifts the blame to him in the event of a problem (Taylor Taylor, 2005). On the other hand, emotional control involves manipulation of an individual’s range of feelings. Control is achieved through the propagation of guilt and anxiety. The fear of being ostracized by cult leaders if a member is not seen to be adhering to the practices of the cult is created. Moreover, use of phobia indoctrination that elicits a panic reaction in an individual, helps ensure the individual remains in the cult, every time the individual thinks of leaving the group (Dawson, 2003). Another component of cognitive dissonance is information control which involves managing of the group member’s source of information. This is founded on the basic premise that denying people information needed to make sound judgment is usually expected to render them incapable of making those changes. This notion is widely employed in cultic groups, resulting in psychological chains that lock away its adherent from realities in the society (Kaplan Hellen, 2005). Susceptible Groups Of particular concern to the field of social psychology is the motivating factor behind an individual’s acceptance to join a particular cult. Numerous studies surmised from persons who formerly belonged to cult groups have in many occasions found a link between their joining cults and serious family and non family problems (Dawson, 2003). Typical issues such as a history of poor relationships both with individual’s family and peers were characteristic of these individuals. In addition it was also noted that young individuals with a high predisposition to crises also tended to join cults (Taylor Taylor, 2005). Still other studied note that those who have had to put with the absence of a father during childhood and who face a myriad of challenges often join cults. These observations have also been found to be consistent with a study that indicated that non converts tended to hold less authoritarian values compared to new converts to cults. Cults have been discredited with fostering, regression, paralysis of thought and dislocation of reality. The negative characterization of cults may however, be a result of interviewing former cult members , who may have left due to dissatisfaction, and who are thus predisposed to give negative views (Taylor Taylor, 2005). Reference Dawson, L. L. (2003). Cults and new religious movements: a reader. New York. Wiley-Blackwell. Kaplan, J. , Hellen, L. (2002). The cultic milieu: oppositional subcultures in an age of globalization. New York. Rowman Altamira. Taylor, K. , Taylor, K. E. (2005). Brainwashing: The Dream of Mind Control. New York. Oxford UP. Wilson, B. R. , Cresswell, J. (1999). New Religious Movements: Challenge and Response. Belmont, CA. Routledge.

The Importance Of The Human Genome Project Essay -- Science Genetics B

The Importance Of The Human Genome Project This is the outstanding achievement not only of our lifetime, but of human history. I say this, because the Human Genome Project has the potential to impact the life of every person on this planet. It is a giant resource that will change mankind, much like the printing press did. The famous words of Dr. James Watson resonated as a victory bell, signaling the successful completion of what many deemed the boldest undertaking in the history of biology: The Human Genome Project (2003). On the fiftieth anniversary of the day that forever changed science the day Watson and his colleague Francis Crick unraveled the secret of life, the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid the world was presented with another shocking discovery: the complete sequence of the human genome. Almost immediately, uproar swept throughout the science community and the world-at-large, as many believed that the solution to our problems had finally arrived the true secret of life the panacea that would dissipate the ominous clouds of disease and suffering. Yet, as often happens when a promising new idea is presented on tenuous grounds, the revelers had only heard a fraction of the entire story; their grand hopes were born primarily of imagination. But when all the celebratory confetti had cleared, there stood defiantly amidst all the hoopla voices of reason. Molecular anthropologist Jonathan Marks voice was one of these. In an excerpt from his literary work What It Means to be 98% Chimpanzee: Apes, People, and Their Genes, Marks undermines the importance of the Human Genome Project and our genes, advocating instead a more rational and moderate view of them. By exposing three of the Project s flaws, he hopes to convince... ...ealize that our genes are but one aspect of our history, that there are many other histories that are even more important it is a delusion to think that genomics in isolation will ever tell us what it means to be human (2001, paragraph 11). Indeed, everything is not solely in our genes. Works Cited Beckwith, J. (2002). Geneticists in society, society in genetics. In J. Alper (Ed.), The double-edged helix (pp. 39-57). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Lewontin, R.C. (1991). Causes and their effects. Biology as ideology: the doctrine of DNA (pp. 41-57). New York: HarperPerennial. Marks, J. (2002). The meaning of human variation. What it means to be 98% chimpanzee: apes, people, and their genes (pp. 88-95). Berkeley: University of California Press. Paabo, S. (2001). The human genome and our view of ourselves. Science Magazine 291, 1219-1220.

Aba Putangina Nyo

BUSINESS CASE Presented to the Accountancy Department De La Salle University In partial fulfillment Of the course requirements In ACTPACO (K32) Duhaylungsod, Paul Angelo, P. March 5, 2013 DECISION MAKING ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION Richard Powers and Jane Keckley, two professionals in the finance area, have worked for Eberhart Leasing for a number of years. Eberhart Leasing is a company that leases high-tech medical equipment to hospitals. Richard and Jane have decided that, with their financial expertise, they might start their own company to provide consulting services to individuals interested in leasing equipment.One form of organization they are considering is a partnership. If they start a partnership, each individual plans to contribute P2 million in cash. In addition, Richard has a used IBM computer that originally cost P148,000, which he intends to invest in the partnership. The computer has a present market value of P60,000. Although both Richard and Jane are financial wizards, they do not know a great deal about how a partnership operates. As a result, they have come to you for advice. 1.What are the major disadvantages of starting a partnership? Partnership can easily dissolve automatically when one of its partners no longer wishes to participate in the business, or is unable to. This may happen in the event of death, bankruptcy, retirement or resignation. A divorce could also force a partner to attempt to cash out his interest, since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur. A partnership is for the long term, and expectations and situations can change, which can lead to dramatic and traumatic split ups.Business partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners and you have to consult your partner and negotiate more as you cannot make decisions by yourself therefore need to be more flexible and a major disadvantage of a partnership is unlimited liability. General partners are liable without limit for all debts cont racted and errors made by the partnership. The accounts of partnership concerns are not published so public is unaware of the exact position of the business.There is a suspicion in public mind that these concerns earn huge profits at the cost of consumers. There is no legal binding for the publication of accounts. So partnership concerns lack public confidence. No partner can transfer his share to a third party without the consent of the other partners. If a partner wants his share back it will not be possible without the approval of other partners or without dissolution of the firm. In case of a company, any shareholder can transfer his shares without affecting the working of the business.In partnership, a partner is permanently wedded to it and lastly there is a limitation in raising additional resources for expansion purposes. The business resources are limited to the personal funds of the partners. Borrowing capacity of the partners is also limited. The number of partners to be added to a business is also limited. A banking company cannot have more than ten partners and in other businesses the number of partners cannot exceed twenty. So there is a limit beyond which partners cannot be added. 2. What type of document is needed for a partnership, and what should this document contain?Article of co partnership is a written agreement prior to the formation of a business, outlining the terms of the partnership and it must contain the firm’s name, how the firm will begin and end, nature of the business operations, monetary agreements like partners investments, determination of partner salaries and distribution of profits and losses. The document must also contain decision making guidelines and authority of partners and lastly expected time contribution of partners. 3. Both Richard and Jane plan to work full-time in the new partnership.They believe that net income or net loss should be shared equally. However, they are wondering how they can provide compen sation to Richard Powers for his additional investment of the computer. What would you tell them? They should change the profit and loss ratio in favor or Richard Powers in order for them to compensate his additional investment or they can also give him a bonus as well because if they distribute the net loss or net income equally it would be unfair for him because he invested more than the other partner.Another advice I would tell them is Richard can contribute less cash and compensate with the investment of his computer therefore, the basis of the distribution of income is their beginning capital or initial investment. 4. Richard is not sure how the computer equipment should be reported on his tax return. What would you tell him? The report on his tax return regarding the computer equipment will be based or I related on his income or you can say that depending on their net income or loss dividing by the partners’ profit 5.As indicated above, Richard and Jane have worked toge ther for a number of years. Richard’s skills complement Jane’s and vice versa. If one of them dies, it will be very difficult for the other to maintain the business, not to mention the difficulty of paying the deceased partner’s estate for his or her partnership interest. What would you advise them to do? They should know the risk of entering a partnership and all of its disadvantages stated earlier but because accidents cannot be prevented they should have alternatives or options unless one of them dies early during the partnership.One option is that they could assign their respective heirs to take over the business for them or if they don’t have a child they must assign their personal choice of who they want to replace them but of course the heirs or assignees must have knowledge about what they might acquire in their shoulders like the liabilities of the previous owner, the responsibilities on handling a business. In paying the deceased partner’ s estate they could build a trust fund through their partnership that would sustain the payables if ever one of them dies so that the remaining partner would not have a difficult time in paying those interest. Aba Putangina Nyo BUSINESS CASE Presented to the Accountancy Department De La Salle University In partial fulfillment Of the course requirements In ACTPACO (K32) Duhaylungsod, Paul Angelo, P. March 5, 2013 DECISION MAKING ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION Richard Powers and Jane Keckley, two professionals in the finance area, have worked for Eberhart Leasing for a number of years. Eberhart Leasing is a company that leases high-tech medical equipment to hospitals. Richard and Jane have decided that, with their financial expertise, they might start their own company to provide consulting services to individuals interested in leasing equipment.One form of organization they are considering is a partnership. If they start a partnership, each individual plans to contribute P2 million in cash. In addition, Richard has a used IBM computer that originally cost P148,000, which he intends to invest in the partnership. The computer has a present market value of P60,000. Although both Richard and Jane are financial wizards, they do not know a great deal about how a partnership operates. As a result, they have come to you for advice. 1.What are the major disadvantages of starting a partnership? Partnership can easily dissolve automatically when one of its partners no longer wishes to participate in the business, or is unable to. This may happen in the event of death, bankruptcy, retirement or resignation. A divorce could also force a partner to attempt to cash out his interest, since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur. A partnership is for the long term, and expectations and situations can change, which can lead to dramatic and traumatic split ups.Business partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners and you have to consult your partner and negotiate more as you cannot make decisions by yourself therefore need to be more flexible and a major disadvantage of a partnership is unlimited liability. General partners are liable without limit for all debts cont racted and errors made by the partnership. The accounts of partnership concerns are not published so public is unaware of the exact position of the business.There is a suspicion in public mind that these concerns earn huge profits at the cost of consumers. There is no legal binding for the publication of accounts. So partnership concerns lack public confidence. No partner can transfer his share to a third party without the consent of the other partners. If a partner wants his share back it will not be possible without the approval of other partners or without dissolution of the firm. In case of a company, any shareholder can transfer his shares without affecting the working of the business.In partnership, a partner is permanently wedded to it and lastly there is a limitation in raising additional resources for expansion purposes. The business resources are limited to the personal funds of the partners. Borrowing capacity of the partners is also limited. The number of partners to be added to a business is also limited. A banking company cannot have more than ten partners and in other businesses the number of partners cannot exceed twenty. So there is a limit beyond which partners cannot be added. 2. What type of document is needed for a partnership, and what should this document contain?Article of co partnership is a written agreement prior to the formation of a business, outlining the terms of the partnership and it must contain the firm’s name, how the firm will begin and end, nature of the business operations, monetary agreements like partners investments, determination of partner salaries and distribution of profits and losses. The document must also contain decision making guidelines and authority of partners and lastly expected time contribution of partners. 3. Both Richard and Jane plan to work full-time in the new partnership.They believe that net income or net loss should be shared equally. However, they are wondering how they can provide compen sation to Richard Powers for his additional investment of the computer. What would you tell them? They should change the profit and loss ratio in favor or Richard Powers in order for them to compensate his additional investment or they can also give him a bonus as well because if they distribute the net loss or net income equally it would be unfair for him because he invested more than the other partner.Another advice I would tell them is Richard can contribute less cash and compensate with the investment of his computer therefore, the basis of the distribution of income is their beginning capital or initial investment. 4. Richard is not sure how the computer equipment should be reported on his tax return. What would you tell him? The report on his tax return regarding the computer equipment will be based or I related on his income or you can say that depending on their net income or loss dividing by the partners’ profit 5.As indicated above, Richard and Jane have worked toge ther for a number of years. Richard’s skills complement Jane’s and vice versa. If one of them dies, it will be very difficult for the other to maintain the business, not to mention the difficulty of paying the deceased partner’s estate for his or her partnership interest. What would you advise them to do? They should know the risk of entering a partnership and all of its disadvantages stated earlier but because accidents cannot be prevented they should have alternatives or options unless one of them dies early during the partnership.One option is that they could assign their respective heirs to take over the business for them or if they don’t have a child they must assign their personal choice of who they want to replace them but of course the heirs or assignees must have knowledge about what they might acquire in their shoulders like the liabilities of the previous owner, the responsibilities on handling a business. In paying the deceased partner’ s estate they could build a trust fund through their partnership that would sustain the payables if ever one of them dies so that the remaining partner would not have a difficult time in paying those interest.

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep By Ridley Scott And...

‘More human than human.’ What is real and what is not? What is good and what is bad? Are there any ways in which replicants are more appealing than humans?’ ‘Blade Runner’ is a 1982 film adaptation of the book ‘Do Androids Dream of electric sheep?’ By Philip K Dick, produced by Ridley Scott and Michael Deeley. Throughout the film, the idea of ‘More human than human’ is portrayed and analysed, with clear intent to question the viewer’s opinions and beliefs about the effect of technology and human nature. This film questions the viewer’s ideas about reality, humanity and equality in society, and whether the ‘replicants’ or the humans show more humanity. What makes us human? What separates us from Artificial Intelligence? This essay will†¦show more content†¦This film shows the contrast of good and bad, but originally in the film it is shown as the humans being good and the ‘replicants’ being bad. Throughout the film this changes as we get to know that all the replicants are not necessarily bad, but have a will to live longer than four years. This questi ons the morality of killing artificial intelligence, especially when they understand life and want to live. This is an important message conveyed in ‘Blade runner’ and effects the audience as it makes us consider the impact technology advances could have on us in the future. ‘Blade runner’ questions equality of individuals in this dystopian society. In the film, it is explained that lots of society lives â€Å"off-world† in colonies. On world, we see an imbalance in race, and an abundance of disabled people. Throughout the backgrounds of scenes and setting scenes we see a lot of people of mixed Asian descent, but Caucasian and other races are not portrayed. I believe this is an important directorial choice to show how the Asian group in society are viewed as lower class. Throughout the film, the fact that people with money and status have left to live off- world, while others are left behind. Another example that shows that people off-world have more status is that Sebastian, who is left on-world, has a genetic disorder. He talks of how he can’t leave as he is not allowed – he is genetically defective therefore not wanted to affect theShow MoreRelated Analysis of Blade Runner by Ridley Scott Essay1094 Words   |  5 P agesAnalysis of Blade Runner by Ridley Scott Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott and based on Philip K. Dicks novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, is a Sci-fi slash Noir film about a policeman named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) in a decrepit 2019 Los Angeles whose job it is to retire four genetically engineered cyborgs, known as Replicants. The four fugitives, Pris (Daryl Hannah), Zhora (Joanna Cassidy), Leon (Brian James), and their leader, Roy Batty (RutgerRead MoreYear 11 Blade Runner By Philip K Dick, By Ridley Scott And Michael Deeley993 Words   |  4 Pageshuman than human.’ What is real and what is not? What is good and what is bad? Are there any ways in which replicants are more appealing than humans?’ ‘Blade Runner’ is a 1982 film adaptation of the book ‘Do Androids Dream of electric sheep?’ By Philip K Dick, produced by Ridley Scott and Michael Deeley. Throughout the film, the idea of ‘More human than human’ is portrayed and analysed, with clear intent to question the viewer’s opinions and beliefs about the effect of technology and human nature. This