Is Homosexuality Biologically Based free essay sample

An individual’s sexual positioning is their unambiguous perpetual preference starting from sexual maturity when other substitutions are available (Silfe, 2012). Persons have their own sexual preference they choose to be with, no one is born to like the same sex. An indisputable fact about humanity is that every individual owes their existence to the physical union between their father and mother, and this reality forms the basis for the concept of family. However, anthropologists clearly point out that the existence of homosexuality has been identified in some societies at different degrees of prevalence throughout the history. The trait of homosexuality can be simply defined as the sexual attraction between the individuals of the same sex. A homosexual person in the male gender is called ‘gay’ while the term ‘lesbian’ represents a homosexual female. Over the past three decades, the number of homosexuals has dramatically increased and such trait has increasingly grown to be mainstream and open. We will write a custom essay sample on Is Homosexuality Biologically Based or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Several studies suggest alterations association prenatal exposure to androgens or estrogens. One study reports that some women are exposed to high levels of androgens during development (adolescence) because of development with other endocrine disorder is to self-report a bisexual or homosexual orientation, (Money et al. , 1984) The current debate is whether or not homosexuality is a result of nature: a persons environment and surroundings, or of his biology and genetics. The debate endures because both sides have the ability to create a scientific environment to support their cause. For example, biological theorists may argue that a monkey and human child, reared in the same setting, will develop with vastly different outcomes, while social theorists may argue that monozygotic twins, one reared normally and the other raised in seclusion for 18 years, will also develop with vastly different results, but different even more from the first scenario. Sex hormone levels were found to be normal in the majority of homosexual women, but prenatal androgen excess, heterosexuality appears to be more frequent than bisexuality, an exclusive homosexuality is rare. Contrariwise, the removal of the adrenal, which is the major androgen-producing organ in the female, decreases libido. These findings have led to the hypothesis that androgens are the libido hormone in women as well as in men. We can conclude hat the majority of female homosexuals appear to have testosterone and estrogen levels within normal female range, whereas there seems to be a significant subsection of about one-third of all subjects screened with an elevation of male sex hormone levels. (Meyer-Bahlburg, H. (1979) Women exposed prenatally via their pregnant mothers to diethylstilbestrol estrogen with masculinizing effects in female mammals) received higher ratings of homosexual behavior (Ehrhardt et al. , 1985) and showed an increased incidence of left-hand preference compared to female controls. Similarly, women with congenital adrenal hyperplasmia compared to female controls. In summary, there appears to be an association, at least in women, among excessive prenatal exposure to masculinizing hormones, homosexual behavior, and increased left-hand preference. Researchers are still only beginning to comprehend the genetic causes of homosexuality. Studies conducted to date, it is evident that biology is the largest aspect in determining a person’s sexual identity and preference, Studies in the fields of psychology still being researched.

Learning and Behavior

Learning and Behavior Introduction Learning is a continuous process and has proven to be an important aspect in the lives of human beings. By definition, Akers loosely describes learning as the process through which human beings gain knowledge, skills and expertise that can be applied in day-to-day endeavors (32).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Learning and Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Considering the importance of learning, theorists have over the years developed various models that try to explain how different individuals learn and the thought process behind each learning model. As such, these learning theories propose mechanisms that account for the changes that occur as a result of our learning experiences. Learning theories such as the social and constructivist theories have resulted in the identification of mechanisms through which experiences in the environment would alter and sustain changes in behavior. These change s are of a relatively permanent nature and Akers and Gary affirm that the changes in human behavior are as a result of human being’s extensive capacity for learning (64). Both these theories are among the most popular learning theories. They have been reviewed and applied in many areas and has helped in understanding how consequences can invariably affect or shape an individual’s learning. This study will utilize the assumptions forwarded by these theories to further our understanding in regards to the extent to which consequences derived from a behavior can shape our learning. To this end, this discussion shall aim to answer the following question: Does a consequence have to follow behavior in order for any learning to occur? A scenario whereby these theories could be applied in real life situations will be given and a detailed description of how one would implement operant conditioning demonstrated. Description of social and constructivist theories MacKeracher assert s that learning refers to the content of thought or to what we acquire through the learning process and that learning styles explicitly refer to how we have acquired such knowledge or skill (74). Learning styles are achieved by combining a number of learning strategies to come up with particular learning styles. Individuals can implement several strategies of learning but often prefer to rely on the strategy they know best. It is widely agreed by educators all over the world that individuals who actively engage in the learning process are likely to achieve greater success. This assertion is backed by numerous education literature which reveals that once individuals are engaged in a particular learning process that suits them, they feel empowered and their propensity for higher personal achievements significantly rises.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The significance of lea rning styles springs from the fact that each individual has personally preferred strategies for processing information and for learning (MacKeracher 79). It is these strategies that determine the manner in which an individual goes about the learning task. The constructivist theory of learning is one of the most well-known and applicable models of experiential learning. While this theory is not specific to behavioral studies, its applicability in the consequence-behavior paradigm remains relevant. Mulligan Griffin theorize that the reason why the constructivist theory is most applicable in deciphering learning is because it has been found successful in explaining how individuals learn. This model argues for a dialectical relationship between learner and environment in which two diametrically opposed modes of knowing provide the means through which we appropriate our experience and transform it (Gelfand 17). Scenario for learning theory Application The case provided presents a classi c example of a child whose underlying desires to have some chewing gum forces him to steal a packet after the caretaker refuses to buy them for him. While the shop owner insists that spanking the child for the wrong done is the only solution that can guarantee deterrence from such an act, the caregiver argues that there are better and more effective ways of finding resolve in regards to the situation at hand. Using the aforementioned theories as the basis for this debate, the caregiver can irrefutably support his stance against spanking. For example, in Bandura’s social learning theory, Bandura proposes that people often acquire their social skills through observation, imitation and modeling (Akers 18). He states that in as much as we acquire intellect through class work, the social skills that we have are learnt from other people. As such, Ben’s actions can best be explained by the fundamental components behind this theory.Advertising We will write a custom es say sample on Learning and Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first component of this theory is behavior potential. According to Bandura, this refers to the probability of adopting a particular behavior in a given situation. Behavior potential explores the likelihood of an individual to exhibit particular behaviors as a result of past experiences or behaviors and can be used to explain how habits are developed. Considering Ben’s age, the likelihood of him behaving the way he did is very high because as a child, his desire for the chewing gum surpasses his perception of the risks or consequences that may arise if caught with the stolen gum. As such, spanking him after being caught would only be viewed as a punishment for being caught and not for stealing. What this means is that the likelihood of Ben doing it again would remain high simply because he can reinvent his habits to ensure that he steals without being caught. The second component is expectancy. Expectancy as explained by Bandura refers to the probability that a particular behavior will yield a desirable outcome. In this case, Ben’s decision to steal the gum was mainly influenced by the fact that the outcome would be favorable for him. As such, since his expectancy was high in regards to attaining a favorable outcome, his confidence in relations to the outcome was boosted. This means that the likelihood that his stealing habits are to continue is relatively high. Thirdly, Bandura argues that a behavior is strengthened by how desirable its outcome or consequence is. This assertion brings about the concept of reinforcement value. As such, if an individual considers the outcome of a behavior to be positive, then the behavior is likely to continue and invariably, sustain itself. However, if the consequence is negative, there is a high probability that the occurrence of the behavior will decrease. The fourth and final component is the psych ological situation. It is a known fact that people differ in regards to how they perceive and interpret situations. This concept lays a great foundation for the ‘locus of control’ concept. This concept refers to belief that an individual determines his/her life experiences.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are two categories of this concept; the internal loci which focuses on the belief that individuals success or failure is as a result of their own efforts and the external loci which focuses on the belief that consequences and outcomes of a persons behaviors are controlled and shaped by other people. In the later case, factors such as fate, luck and destiny among others play a pivotal role. Discussion In light of the social learning theory, spanking Ben for his behavior would not be the most viable solution since it does not address the primary cause of his action. Using the explanation provided above, it is evident that stealing as a habit involves a series of thought processes and the mere fact that Ben was caught is enough to deter the habit since it is a negative consequence to the act. In addition, Bandura asserts that learning of a behavior depends on the environment and social interactions. As such, the best solution would be to monitor these aspects and ensure that Ben associates himself with positive peers and is in an environment that offers positive reinforcement to good behavior. In so doing, the care giver will have deterred the undesired habit without necessarily applying any negative reinforcement or punishment. Conclusion This study set out to discuss one of the major learning theories; social learning model. To this end, a description of the theory of social learning and its functioning has been given. Further on, a demonstration of how classical conditioning can be used in a practical situation to elicit desired behavior has also been provided. From the discussion, it is evident that spanking as a consequence for bad behavior may not suffice in shaping and facilitating positive change to an individual facing various social and environmental influences. Akers, Ronald. Social learning and social structure: a general theory of crime and deviance. USA: Transaction Publishers, 2009. Print. Akers, Ronald and Gary F. Jensen. Social Learning Th eory and the Explanation of Crime. USA: Transaction Publishers, 2007. Print. Gelfand, Donna. Social learning in childhood: readings in theory and application. New York: Brooks/Cole Pub. Co., 1975. Print. MacKeracher, Dorothy. Making Sense of Adult Learning. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2004. Print.

Leadership Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leadership Management - Assignment Example One time I managed to collect the most medical bills for the company that was, in fact, a record. No one had exceeded receiving over $10,000 in a month for the company. I broke the barrier and collected over $12,000 of medical bills (bad debts). It was my supervisor who recognized and rewarded me for my effort. I used to report directly to this person. Any discrepancy or a problem in the workflow was reported directly to him. I did not receive any extra monetary recognition for my efforts. My direct supervisor was usually a reticent person. He never verbally praised anyone before. When he praised me, it made it unique to me and for my peers. On the day when we got our reports he walked into the room. All the employees were sitting at their workstations busy with work. Suddenly he announced my name and asked me to stand up. Then he read the report of my performance. With a smile, he announced my collections for the month. All the other employees started cheering and clapping. I have chosen to cite this experience here because it was unique and therefore memorable. In our medical bill collection company, such recognition or reward system was unknown before. Employees would just work get their paychecks and go back to their homes. But this was the first time when they realized that they were adding value to the company. We felt like we were an essential part of the organization. My efforts also made my supe rvisor happy because our department received additional funds for better performance than the other departments. When I received the recognition, it made me feel proud of myself. Ironically, the things that do not cost money are usually the most effective (Nelson, page I). I started believing in myself. Before this occurrence, I never considered myself worthy of such a competition. There were more experienced professionals and peers working in the same department. I was of the mind that I could never beat them at their game. But I did not only beat them

The Significance and Impact of the Olympic Games Essay

The Significance and Impact of the Olympic Games - Essay Example which were core elements of Greek military training (Wilson, 2000). The games were considered of such importance that thousands of people would turn up to see the games even when there is war like situation in the region. During such sporting events, all concerned were bound by the Olympic spirit and allowed competitors to travel safely to the venue of the games. This spirit has continued over the years. The ancient games continued till about 393 BC when they were banned, but the sporting spirit once again made sure that another edition of the games began in late 19th Century AD. The history of modern Olympic movement can be traced back to 1896 when the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in Athens. The recently held Beijing Olympic games is still fresh in the memory of all of us for the spectacular show put forth by the Chinese organisers and the intense competition that took place within the sporting arena. The Olympic Charter states1, "Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles." This in essence sums up the spirit behind the Olympic movement. The Olympic Charter, established by Pierre ... rimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play." The Olympic charter helps in governing the organisation and running of the Olympic movement and sets the requisite terms and conditions for hosting the games. The games are therefore organised with such a spirit that irrespective of the nationality of winners and losers, the games leave such an imprint on all the competitors that they forget all their competitive rivalry and make room for the sportsmanship. London won the hosting rights for the 2012 Olympic Games after a comprehensive and prolonged procedure followed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in line with the Olympic Charter (Chapter 5, Rule 34 and its bye-law - page 70). This procedure basically comprises of two phases; Phase 1: Applicant Cities - under this phase the applicant cities are asked to respond to a detailed questionnaire, which are then evaluated by the IOC to finalise the candidate cities eligible to compete in the second phase. Phase 2: Candidate Cities - under this phase the candidate cities are asked to come out with a candidature file detailing their plans, following the instructions given by the IOC. Each file is then analysed by the IOC Evaluation Commission and a final report is prepared with a list of cities ready for being voted as the chosen one. The summer Olympic Programs are supposed to contain a minimum of fifteen events decided by the IOC. Except in cases of unforeseen circumstances3, 'the Program of sports and disciplines is finalized seven years before each Olympic Games, and the Program of events is finalized four years before the Games'. London has also undergone through a lengthy procedure and finally on 6th July 2005, the

Ethical Review Process: a Case Study

Ethical Review Process: a Case Study Ethical review of Case Study 2. Analysis of case study 2: Study design: This study aims to assess the following primary objectives: Maternal and infant feeding practices. Nutrition advice to Caucasian low-income post-partum women that receive Healthy Start vouchers Nutrition advice to general population of Pakistani women. However, it also aims to assess other secondary objectives including: Dietary intakes of Caucasian low-income post-partum women receiving Healthy Start vouchers using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Diet of the general population of Pakistani post-partum women using 24hr. dietary recalls. Determine influences on breastfeeding initiation, duration and weaning practices in Caucasian post-partum women receiving Healthy Start vouchers and of the general population of post-partum Pakistani women. Determine how area of deprivation, ethnicity, maternal age, educational level, dietary intake, coking ability and shopping behaviour influence infant feeding practices. Determine whether the introduction of Healthy start vouchers will have an effect on the nutrient intakes and eating patterns of new mothers and their infants. Determine if dietary information recommended under the Healthy Start initiative to low-income new mothers is delivered. Design: The study will be conducted similarly for both ethnic groups. The participating mothers will be contacted to arrange for a home visit (face-to-face interview) where a member of the nutrition research team (NRT) will administer a validated subject information questionnaire (SIQ) and an infant feeding questionnaire (IFQ). For the Pakistani women a 24-hr recall will also be performed during the home visits whereas for the Caucasian women a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) will be performed during the home visits. . Thereafter, an IFQ will be administered to both ethnic groups by a member of the NRT over the telephone at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months post-partum. During these phone interviews the Pakistani population will also undergo a 24-hr recall whereas the Caucasian population will undergo an FFQ. Validity of research methods: Telephone interviews with relevant questionnaires are acceptable methods to gather enough information to answer the questions and objectives. However, validated questionnaires are required to assess their adequacy to answer the research questions. The face-to-face interview (home visit) might not be a valid method of assessment as the mother might be unfocused (constantly thinking on the wellbeing of the child) and uneasy especially if she is alone with the interviewer. This in turn could lead to possible risks and insurance issues to the researchers. Sample Size: The data presented only contained a range of how many participants will participate in each cohort (Caucasians -200-250, Pakistani – 150-200). There was no information whether the lower limit of the ranges was the actual sample size needed. Also, there is no data on how these ranges where obtained, no power calculation or data on how this was performed were included. In addition, as the ranges Analysis of discussion board From the start, all taking part in the committee noticed several discrepancies in the study. Primarily, we all noticed that there is no prior mentioning on how the researchers got permission to access (with the help of a midwife) potential participants medical notes. This raises serious doubt on the researchers eligibility to filter among potential participants before these could be contacted and asked for consent. I am also doubtful on why the Pakistani women are being selected. Are these being used as a representative for ethnic minorities which are on low incomes? There was no claim for this in the application and would therefore need further backing from literature or relevant statistics. The personal information sheet (PIS) is easy to understand and clear, however in some verses it was deemed to be informal (ex. â€Å"you may have to pay for it†), misleading, as in the PIS the participant is told that the data collected will be destroyed. However, in this application it is claimed that data will be stored for 5 years prior to destruction. In the PIS it is claimed that the study will be used to develop a screening tool, however this does not feature in the long list of aims and objectives presented in this application. In addition, there is no mention on what happens to data collected from participants if they eventually withdraw from the study, if data can be used by other researchers or even by third parties or on what criteria where these mothers contacted for participation. This could lead to a breach in confidentiality and may have been omitted as participation rates could suffer, nevertheless this needs further clarification and amending. Other questions have arisen on the study design, I was not convinced by the long list of objectives the study has as it makes the study unfocused. The 24-hour recall method used to collect data from Pakistani women only, is not explained and cannot be assessed on its validity for the study or whether needs ethical consideration. Anonymity and confidentiality was another issue raised. Although the researcher claims that confidentiality will be maintained at all times with each participant being assigned a code to maintain confidentiality, each participant will have her phone number and address recorded for the interviews, which could give the opposite result. This is further enhanced sine in one cohort a minority group is being assessed and participants can be easily identify. Feedback to Researchers Provisional opinion (Sub-committee) (changes required documentation) Provide copies of all questionnaires (validated). Why different questionnaires are used for the two population cohorts? Different methods used may give non-comparable results. Has proper permission from the potential participants been sought to filter through patient medical notes? Please provide any declarations or permission forms which state this. Can and will data gathered from this research be accessible by other potential researchers any third parties? How many participants are required to participate in the study? Include data on how power calculation was performed. Please provide information on how the 24-hour recall will be performed, what questions will be asked and provide the validated questionnaire that will be used. Include the following additional information in the PIS: Data storage time after study is complete. Why the participants have been approached and contacted for this study. Some sections need rewording as they can be deemed as informal or inappropriate (eg. â€Å"You may have to pay for it†). Clarify whether the study will be used to develop a screening tool as this is not mentioned in the aims of the study. Include whether data can be accessed by other potential researchers or third parties in the 5 year time window after study has been conducted. Address syntax errors in the inclusion and exclusion criteria used as these are the complete opposite of what the study is trying to achieve. Why are only Pakistani women included in one of the population cohorts? What is there significance? It is advised to focus on fewer aims and objectives to make the study more focused and retain better results. What happens to the data if participant withdraws from study? Why is data retained for 5 years before being destroyed? Why is this not stated in the PIS? Can data be retrieved by other potential researchers or third parties? The PIS states that the study will also be used to develop a screening tool, why is this not stated in the aims and objectives of the study? What is the potential to use home visits? Will this be beneficial or allow for more distress to the mother? Especially if she is alone. In the case that new mothers in both cohorts are found to need further care, is the advice extended to them even after the study is complete? Ethical Issues: Social or Scientific value The introduction of Healthy Start vouchers has helped low-income mothers to improve diet and feeding habits as these are deemed to be important for the developing child as it will help him decide what food is better for them. This study will help provide evidence to improve guidelines and also improve dietary advice given to these vulnerable mothers. Scientific validity Phone interviews and questionnaires are deemed an accept6able method to collect data for this study. However, face-to-face interviews (home visits) might not be as beneficial as stated as they might cause more distress to the mother. Fair participant selection The research team stated that the study conducted will ensure that participant confidentiality will be maintained by assigning a code to each participant. However, recording of phone numbers and addresses as will be necessary to conduct face-to-face and telephone interviews might not aid in this process especially with regard of the child. Favorable risk benefit ratio The study will has the potential of achieving evidence that will in the future give better advice to future new mothers that might be at risk. However, certain shortcomings still need attention. Informed consent Oral consent will first be sought from the participant, written consent will then be sought for the new mothers to participate in the study. However, no information regarding consent in accessing potential participant medical notes has been presented. Respect for potential and enrolled participants Home visits might be deemed as a distress for the new mothers as they will have to undergo an interview in their own home which might be uneasy. Also, access to the participants medical notes with prior consent is a complete breach of confidentiality and respect.

Emptiness in Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhism is an orthopraxy where identity comes from implementing â€Å"correct† behavior, rather than orthodoxy where identity is found through â€Å"correct† beliefs. Mahayana Buddhism, termed â€Å"the Great Way† is essentially a vision of what Buddhism is really about. Although the permeation of Mahayana was harmless, the status of the sutras was constantly disputed. From the very onset of Buddhism, the concepts of Self/not-Self and dependent arising were prominent and fundamental. The Not-Self teaching has been considered by Buddhists to be the unique breakthrough of the Buddha, the discovery that solidifies his superiority over other teachers.According to the Buddha, for something to be characterized as â€Å"Self,† it would not lead to suffering, it would have to be permanent, and also it would obey the person of whom it is the Self. If something were to be a Self, it certainly must be controllable and conducive to happiness; or at least not conduciv e to suffering. Furthermore, in contemplating the existence of a Self, he stresses that the five plausible candidates for â€Å"Self† (the five aggregates) in fact cannot be the Self because they do not meet these criteria. These five aggregates (form, sensation, conception, disposition, consciousness) are certainly not permanent.They could be considered analogous to a tornado in that they arise from certain conditions and circumstances and are not extractable from the environment in which they occur. Any part of our psychophysical make-up, anything that can be classified under one of the five groups, cannot fit the description of a Self and therefore they are all not Self. In response to claims of having found an unchanging Self, the Buddha asserts that if there is at all a Self, it is only a result of the coming together of causal conditions (dependent origination). In this case, it could not be permanent, and therefore could not be a Self.Through further analysis and insig ht meditation after the death of the Buddha, the five aggregates were seen to be dissolvable into simpler elements. This sort of investigation came to encompass not only the psychophysical aggregates associated with beings, but everything in the universe as well. These elements (dharmas) are irreducible to any further factors or sources. The Buddhist school of Sarvastivada held a definitive distinction between the way dharmas exist as ‘primary existents’ and the way complex entities (secondary existents) exist essentially as constructions of dharmas.The name Sarvastivada itself means â€Å"the doctrine that all exist,† and this school introduces the notion of the own-existence of the dharma. Regardless if a dharma is past, present, or future, it nevertheless still exists. These dharmas are ultimate truths. Primary existents must be the terminating point of analysis, and must not arise dependently the way people, tables, and chairs do. Thus, secondary existents la ck this inherent existence. The Prajnaparamita is the earliest form of literature known to be specifically Mahayana; paramita meaning perfection and prajna meaning wisdom.In Buddhist terminology, to have prajna is to encompass an understanding that distinguishes how things actually are from how things seem to be. In the abhidharma setting, prajna is used to determine the value of primary existents (dharmas), which are distinguishable from conceptual constructs. Perfection of wisdom (Prajnaparamita) does not imply the wrongness of what had previously been considered to be wisdom, but rather its perfection. The perfection of prajna is the final, proper understanding of the way things truly are.Mahayana philosophers felt the nature of the Abhidharma to be too objective and systematic. Characteristically, these sutras are not methodically philosophical nor do they imply doctrinal adherence. The texts entail clear messages that are illustrated repetitively and can be seen as messages tha t aim to urge or advise those in the non-Mahayana world. As we have seen from pre-Mahayana philosophy, secondary existents are in essence ‘empty’ of primary existence, empty of own-existence. In this sense, all things such as people, sand, grass, the ocean, etc. re empty not only of Self, but also of primary existence. In agreement with these Abhidharma texts, there then must exist things that indeed have primary existence in order to contrast them to secondary existents that are empty of such a quality. However, the Prajnaparamita sutras do not heed this theory. These Mahayana sutras claim that absolutely all things have the same status as people, sand, tables, etc because they are all constructs that cannot be grasped. They claim that everything is empty, and that all things are conceptual constructs lacking own-existence.In the eyes of the Mahayana philosophers, to claim that there is own-existence in a way that emphasizes the how essential the dharmas are in the Abh idharma seems too methodical. It makes the dharmas themselves suitable to become objects of attachment. Instead, the dharmas should be used the way the raft was used in the parable told by the Buddha in the Alagaddupama Sutra. They should be used as tools that are let go of after use; they should not be clung to. Suffering is the result of attachment, so to grasp to the dharmas is to imply suffering.One cannot become attached to these things because to attach is to miss enlightenment. In this way, ceasing attachment involves seeing sources of attachment (people, for instance) as empty. One cannot avoid attachment as long as they see a contrast between primary existents and conceptual existents. In the Heart Sutra, the bodhisattva explains that after engaging in deep meditation on the perfection of wisdom, bodhisattvas fully awaken to a state of complete liberation and perfect enlightenment.The bodhisattva explains to the inquiring Sariputra that the perfection of wisdom involves see ing that the five aggregates are empty, as well as the dharmas that make up these aggregates. Dharmas are not fundamental; they are merely intellectual constructs just as are people and trees. The Sutra illustrates that all beings, things, and ideas, which we experience as â€Å"real†, have no inherent existence and this â€Å"reality† is merely a construction of the mind. Dharmas, too, are empty and do not ossess the specific characteristics that they have previously been associated with. Nothing comes to be as an inherently existing entity, and therefore nothing can cease. Likewise, nothing is complete or incomplete. The bodhisattva specifically states, â€Å"form is emptiness; emptiness is form. Emptiness is not other than form, form is not other than emptiness. † This is logical because if nothing at all inherently exists, things and concepts such as â€Å"form† and â€Å"emptiness† are one and the same. Emptiness itself is empty because it doe s not inherently exist.The bodhisattva also references the 12 stages of dependent origination and the four noble truths in order to solidify that they too lack inherent existence and are empty. Nothing in existence is separate from anything. The Diamond Sutra speaks repetitively about quantity of merit. The idea of repeating four lines of this Sutra is illustrated over and over again, with the message that teaching just four lines to another person would generate an incalculable amount of merit. In relation to this merit, the sutra places a strong emphasis on the idea of giving without becoming attached to any related notion.The only way to achieve limitless merit is to selflessly give in this way. The Buddha tells Subhuti that those on the bodhisattva path should have this thought: â€Å"However many living beings are comprised in the total aggregation of living beings†¦I should bring all of them to the final extinction in the realm of extinction without substrate remaining. † Essentially, the Buddha is stressing the act of enabling all beings to reach Nirvana-without-remainder and, in doing so, surpassing the cycle of continuous death and rebirth.However, for this to be accomplished, one cannot dwell on the notion of having helped all of those beings. The Buddha goes on to say that after he has brought all of them to final extinction, no living being has been brought to extinction. That is because to give like this reveals the emptiness of giving. Since all of these beings are empty of Self, while all of them have been brought to nirvana, at the same time no one has been brought to nirvana. The mind must be free of thoughts of ‘self’ as opposed to ‘others. ’ There should be no identified â€Å"giver† or â€Å"receiver† or â€Å"gift. Such an act would yield the highest merit in giving. The end of the Sutra contains the verse â€Å"an illusion, a drop of dew, a bubble, a dream, a lightning’s flashâ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬  in order to indicate the insubstantiality, or the emptiness, of the world. Like the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra also stresses that everyday reality is like an illusion. Paradoxical phrases similar to â€Å"what is called the highest teaching is not the highest teaching† are used frequently to emphasize that the two ideas are inseparable because they are both empty.The Buddha attempts to help Subhuti â€Å"unlearn† the preconceived notions that he has about reality and perception. The distinction between arhats and bodhisattvas is clear; and Subhuti learns that the bodhisattva’s compassion is not calculable. The Diamond Sutra asserts that there is nothing in the world that is unchanging, nor is there anything that independently exists, therefore everything is empty. A life without attachment means a peaceful life in emptiness. This teaching of emptiness was frightening for some, because it seems very similar to nihilism in the way that it encourag es such deep letting go.Nagarjuna’s explanations of the perfection of wisdom claim that all things seem to be illusions was by showing that all things are without their own-existence. In previous Abhidharma terms, a primary existent is an irreducible into which a secondary existent can be analysed. In a way, to be a primary existent is not necessarily unrelated to causes and conditions, so it does not necessarily have â€Å"own-existence. † Nagarjuna’s view is that the concept of svabhava must boil down from that of â€Å"own existence† to â€Å"inherent existence† that is fully self-contained and is not bestowed upon it from any other sources.Inherent/intrinsic existence means independence from the causal process that characterizes secondary existence. Dharmas are irreducible, but are still the result of causes. Svabhava should be the equivalent of existing on its own, which is independent of the causal process. While he holds that there could sti ll be a distinction between primary and secondary existents, anything that is the result of conditions must be nihsvabhava, empty. Emptiness here is understood to be the middle way between nihilism and eternalism.He says that all things are empty of independent existence because all things arise dependently on conditions that are out of their own power, even primary existents. Nagarjuna declares emptiness whenever anything is found to be the result of causes of any sort. He claims that the alternative to emptiness is inherent existence. Moreover, Nagarjuna asserts that emptiness is also dependent on things. Emptiness is the lack of inherent existence of a table, for example. If there were no table, consequently there could not be an emptiness of the table.In this way, emptiness exists in dependence upon that which is empty. By definition, as originated dependently on something, emptiness itself is accordingly empty as well. Another new concept introduced by Nagarjuna is the doctrine of two truths. This doctrine differentiates between conventional truth and ultimate truth, both of which co-exist. An ultimate truth is something resistant to analysis, such as a primary existent. Conventional truth is how things really or ultimately are, or what is found in analysis when searching for primary existence.Essentially, what is found is the lack of primary existence, emptiness. Once a Mahayana follower understands these truths, he can engage in the world for the benefit of others with complete compassion. Nagarjuna applies analytic investigation to principal Buddhist ideas. The assertions of complete emptiness as presented in the Prajnaparamita sutras as â€Å"like an illusion† are demonstrated through his investigations. Nagarjuna introduces the approach of taking a category that can withstand analysis and analyze it.He says that there cannot be causation, because it cannot be explained between a cause and effect that are the same. Finally, Nagarjuna makes a cl arifying point that the Prajnaparamita sutras fail to address. He says, â€Å"Emptiness is not a way of looking at something. It is the quality of that thing which is its very absence of inherent existence. † This is his way of explaining that emptiness is a way of looking at things, it is an adjective, and it certainly is not nihilism.

Balloon Car

Jesse Pinkman Balloon Car Project DESIGN COMPANY INFORMATION Well our business company is comprised of Nick Wilson and I, Thomas Kinley. Our Company’s name is That Company ®. I am the President, The CFO, and the Director of all Operations of That Company. My engineering experience will really enhance our chances of winning this and making even more cars. I’ve worked for many toy companies to get cars running. I think our idea will help Iowa’s kid have fun and save the world because of the recycled materials. This will benefit students by giving them something to play within their free time instead of watching TV. PROJECT STATEMENT The project that is at hand is very simple it is making a balloon powered car out of simply recycled materials. This will help kids of Iowa learn about wheels and axles. It will also teach them how to make the most out of materials that could be recycled. This will also teach the kids about the Laws of Motion, friction, and acceleration. Basically our project will be distributed to teach kids about many different things in science. PRELIMINARY DESIGN My design will start with an empty pop can, and then I will screw holes for the axles (pencils) to go into. Then I will shave the pencils for the least amount friction, and then I will stick the milk carton caps on as my wheels. I will spray WD-40 on to really loosen up the axle. I am going to cut some of the can off for aerodynamics. My car will win because it will be aerodynamic, little friction, but still a lot of acceleration.