Author Credentials-
J K Peat, E Tovey, B G Toelle, M M Haby, E J Gray, A Mahmic, and A J Woolcock all work at the department of medicine or the university of Sydney, in Australia.
Summary-
This article talks about dust mites causing asthma in children. They tested multiple areas, and found that the more mites, the higher severity of asthma.
Analysis-
They used many different sources of information, as well as showing their findings with charts and statisctics.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
PDP 7- Selected Writings
Author Bio:
Ho Chi Minh was the president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the leader of the Vietnamese revolutionary movement, organizer of the Japanese occupation against Vietnam, and leader of the Vietnamese nationalist struggle. He had an education, studied politics, and spent time in both France and Russia. He has extensive knowledge on the content he speaks about, however it is clear that he is bias. His communist beliefs and values are present in his writing, along with his great hatred for any imperialistic powers (United States, France, etc.).
Date/Context:
At the time Ho was most prominent (in the early to middle 1900s), imperialism was a large issue and point of discussion for many countries. The Vietnamese Declaration of Independence discussed the imperialistic power of France, while Vietnam was not the only place France imperialized. Many African countries were also imperialized by France and had to fight for their freedom and independence from the French rule. Britain's period of imperialism was very similar to that of France's, making more states in desperate hope for change and independence.
Summary:
The document contained Ho's writings of the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence and his "Appeal to the Nation" given after the ending of the bombing of North Vietnam.
The Vietnamese Declaration of Independence first begins by comparing Vietnam with the American Declaration of Independence, showing that the undeniable truths listed in the U.S. document are being denied in Vietnam because of the French. He explains the many things the French have done to weaken Vietnam including setting up three different political regimes, building more prisons than schools, massacring patriots, weakening their race with opium and alcohol, driving their people to destitution, taking farmland and natural resources, monopolizing bank notes, causing poverty, and exploiting workers. Also, the French imperialist powers over Vietnam opened its doors to the Japanese. When the Japanese surrendered to the Allies, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam arose and cut off all relations with France. Ho makes a final remark by the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam declaring Vietnam's freedom and independence.
His "Appeal to the Nation" discusses the great victory by their armed forces and the ending of the U.S. bombings in northern Vietnam. He claims that the reason this victory is so prominent is because of its opposition to American imperialism and aggression. He gives the victory's credit to the party's second revolutions lone, people's fervent patriotism, their oneness, their determination to win, and their social regime. He thanks fellow countrymen and fighters, the fraternal socialist countries, friendly countries, and world people's including the progressives in the U.S. However, he talks about how the fight isn't over and his need for any more help from all over the world. His requests are as follows: the end of the American aggression in against Vietnam, American troops be drawn from south Vietnam, the south of Vietnam settles its internal affairs without foreign interference, and the reunification of Vietnam is settled without international interference. He is confident in his statements and closes with the sentence "Our people will undoubtedly win!".
Key Quotation:
"Our people will undoubtedly win!"
Friday, December 18, 2015
PDP 7- The White Man's Burden
Author Bio: Rudyard Kipling was an English author born on December 30th 1865 in Bombay, India. He is well known for his works The Jungle Book and "Gunga Din." He moved to England as a young child but was told later in life that his family did not have enough money to send him to college. This resulted in him moving back to India, where he got a job for a local newspaper. However he was an insomniac, resulting in him roaming the streets at night. This led him into brothels and opium dens, giving him experience for his writing pieces. He then moved back to England with the money he earned from these pieces and traveled the United States. He eventually became the most wealthy writer in the world and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907. He passed away in 1936.
Date/Context: This poem was created for Queen Victoria and her jubilee in 1897. However it was later replaced with another one of his poems, "Recessional." This poem was eventually published nearly two years later under the name "Burden." It was made to fit American imperialist colonization of the Philippines, which was just won from Spain in the Spanish American War.
Summary: This poem expresses the idea of sending the best "white men" we can to the dark, uncivilized areas of the earth. Helping these native people with ending famines and disease. It shows English imperialism with its ideas of racial superiority over the uncivilized native people. The English should impose their civilized behaviors and institutions. There is also quite a bit of racism in this poem. For example the "Half-devil and half-child” people he said to have met. These people are brought towards the light but fight against the people "helping" them. Talking about the imperialism, Kipling expressed that the act needs patience and is very burdensome. He also talked about the people that work in the colonies need to understand that they will work hard with not much acknowledgement.
Date/Context: This poem was created for Queen Victoria and her jubilee in 1897. However it was later replaced with another one of his poems, "Recessional." This poem was eventually published nearly two years later under the name "Burden." It was made to fit American imperialist colonization of the Philippines, which was just won from Spain in the Spanish American War.
Summary: This poem expresses the idea of sending the best "white men" we can to the dark, uncivilized areas of the earth. Helping these native people with ending famines and disease. It shows English imperialism with its ideas of racial superiority over the uncivilized native people. The English should impose their civilized behaviors and institutions. There is also quite a bit of racism in this poem. For example the "Half-devil and half-child” people he said to have met. These people are brought towards the light but fight against the people "helping" them. Talking about the imperialism, Kipling expressed that the act needs patience and is very burdensome. He also talked about the people that work in the colonies need to understand that they will work hard with not much acknowledgement.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
SJS 6 - Recovery Under The Banyan
Author Credentials: Rajni Bakshi is a writer mainly Mumai-based who recently wrote two books called, "Bazaars" and "Conversations and Freedom." Both books focus on economists, entrepreneurs, and social activist who confront the free-market orthodoxy.
Summary: The financial crisis from 2008 accompanied the Hind Swaraj also known as the Indian Home Rule is written by Mohandas K. Gandhi. Throughout his essay, it ask questions on colonialism and independence. However, the essay ingrained a deeper message on civilization. As many business as well as political leaders try to solve the financial system others such as scholars and activists focused on Gandi's text. Gandi would have potrayed this crisis as the, "Black Age" which corresponds civilization with comforts and advanced technology equipment. In the book Hind Swaraj it stated, "One has only to be patient and it will be self-destroyed." This probably doesn't concern policy makers, economists, or politicians who's target is recovering a system already broken.
Analysis: I believe this document is very reliable because it has good information throughout the document as well as well supported arguments. Gandi also provides background information to backup his argument.
Summary: The financial crisis from 2008 accompanied the Hind Swaraj also known as the Indian Home Rule is written by Mohandas K. Gandhi. Throughout his essay, it ask questions on colonialism and independence. However, the essay ingrained a deeper message on civilization. As many business as well as political leaders try to solve the financial system others such as scholars and activists focused on Gandi's text. Gandi would have potrayed this crisis as the, "Black Age" which corresponds civilization with comforts and advanced technology equipment. In the book Hind Swaraj it stated, "One has only to be patient and it will be self-destroyed." This probably doesn't concern policy makers, economists, or politicians who's target is recovering a system already broken.
Analysis: I believe this document is very reliable because it has good information throughout the document as well as well supported arguments. Gandi also provides background information to backup his argument.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
SJS6 - "India Held Back"
Citation: Ganguly, Sumit. "India Held Back." Current History 107.712 (2008): 369-74.
Print.
Author Credentials: The author of the article "India Held Back" is Sumit Ganguly. Ganguly is a Current History Journal author; which means he is familiar with how the articles are organized and the length of which most are written. He is also a professor of political science and the Director of Research at Indiana University. I believe his background and noteworthy unbiased works qualifies him to discuss this topic.
Summary: The article "India Held Back" explains that India does have the capacity and chance to become a world superpower, however they will have to overcome many obstacles to receive that status. To begin, Ganguly states that almost 400 million citizens of India are living off of $1.25 a day. This is represents the massive spread of poverty across Indian commoners. There is also the problem of political corruption and disruption. Many leaders in Indian governments argue and debate so highly that very little is ever actually done. The author also mentions the threat of rising terrorists. India faces many bombings by foreign terrorist groups and homegrown. He concludes the article by saying that India has the people and power to become a global leader, however it has to fix problems in its own country before it can affect others.
Analysis: This document is a reliable source that could be cited for a research paper. The author states only facts and even though at times he uses harsh wording against India, he still remains unbiased throughout the whole article. I have very little criticism for his work however I think I should mention the title can have two meanings which may confuse the reader. This may have been his way of grabbing at people's attention, but at first glance I thought he was trying to say India held back and decided not to move forward. After reading the article though, I realized he meant other factors were holding India back and the country was not doing it to itself.
Citation: Ganguly, Sumit. "India Held Back." Current History 107.712 (2008): 369-74.
Print.
Author Credentials: The author of the article "India Held Back" is Sumit Ganguly. Ganguly is a Current History Journal author; which means he is familiar with how the articles are organized and the length of which most are written. He is also a professor of political science and the Director of Research at Indiana University. I believe his background and noteworthy unbiased works qualifies him to discuss this topic.
Summary: The article "India Held Back" explains that India does have the capacity and chance to become a world superpower, however they will have to overcome many obstacles to receive that status. To begin, Ganguly states that almost 400 million citizens of India are living off of $1.25 a day. This is represents the massive spread of poverty across Indian commoners. There is also the problem of political corruption and disruption. Many leaders in Indian governments argue and debate so highly that very little is ever actually done. The author also mentions the threat of rising terrorists. India faces many bombings by foreign terrorist groups and homegrown. He concludes the article by saying that India has the people and power to become a global leader, however it has to fix problems in its own country before it can affect others.
Analysis: This document is a reliable source that could be cited for a research paper. The author states only facts and even though at times he uses harsh wording against India, he still remains unbiased throughout the whole article. I have very little criticism for his work however I think I should mention the title can have two meanings which may confuse the reader. This may have been his way of grabbing at people's attention, but at first glance I thought he was trying to say India held back and decided not to move forward. After reading the article though, I realized he meant other factors were holding India back and the country was not doing it to itself.
Friday, December 11, 2015
SJS 6 - "Partition historiography"
Source: Dube, Pankhuree R. "Partition historiography." The Historian 77.1 (2015): 55+.
Author Credentials: The author has a bachelors degree in history and political science from Boise State University, and primarily studies South Asia, indigenous mobilizations, and trans-local comparisons. Her focus on studying South Asia and political science gives her the credibility for writing an article about the Partition of India.
Summary: The author describes the history of the Partition of India, as well as several accounts from survivors. The significance of the Partition in history is also evaluated. The politics of the Partition plan was also discussed in great detail.
Analysis: The author discusses a lot of different viewpoints from many different sources, adding to the validity of the article. She also provides a deep analysis of many aspects of Partition, including it's basic historiography and controversies.
Author Credentials: The author has a bachelors degree in history and political science from Boise State University, and primarily studies South Asia, indigenous mobilizations, and trans-local comparisons. Her focus on studying South Asia and political science gives her the credibility for writing an article about the Partition of India.
Summary: The author describes the history of the Partition of India, as well as several accounts from survivors. The significance of the Partition in history is also evaluated. The politics of the Partition plan was also discussed in great detail.
Analysis: The author discusses a lot of different viewpoints from many different sources, adding to the validity of the article. She also provides a deep analysis of many aspects of Partition, including it's basic historiography and controversies.
SJS6- "Nepal's Constitutional Crisis Involves Its Giant Neighbors"
Source: Nepal's Constitutional Crisis Involves Its Giant Neighbors." YaleGlobal Online (2015). Student Resources in Context. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
Author Credentials: Harsh V. Pant is professor of international relations at King's College London and the author of India's Afghan Muddle (HarperCollins).
Summary: This scholarly journal article is about the conflict Nepal is experiencing with its constitution and how India's involvement is pushing Nepal towards more alignment with China. And how the Chinese prescence in Nepal is muddling their abilities to make themselves completely independent and without the presence of China or India.
Analysis: As a professor this is a reliable source because he teaches about these events and relations with countries everyday, he makes a convincing argument because he approaches it from an unbiased standpoint that Nepal has to fix itself rather than say it should rely on help from India or China or any other country. He supports his argument by using examples of how the Indians and the Chinese negatively impact Nepal and how Nepal can focus on themselves in the same situations they rely on the Indians and/or Chinese in.
Author Credentials: Harsh V. Pant is professor of international relations at King's College London and the author of India's Afghan Muddle (HarperCollins).
Summary: This scholarly journal article is about the conflict Nepal is experiencing with its constitution and how India's involvement is pushing Nepal towards more alignment with China. And how the Chinese prescence in Nepal is muddling their abilities to make themselves completely independent and without the presence of China or India.
Analysis: As a professor this is a reliable source because he teaches about these events and relations with countries everyday, he makes a convincing argument because he approaches it from an unbiased standpoint that Nepal has to fix itself rather than say it should rely on help from India or China or any other country. He supports his argument by using examples of how the Indians and the Chinese negatively impact Nepal and how Nepal can focus on themselves in the same situations they rely on the Indians and/or Chinese in.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thesis - Religious Influences on Parisian Attack
Despite the reasonable logic given for the inability to express one's religion in public, the secularism of religion and politics in France has caused national aggression, global attention, and local separation.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Thesis- Cuba
The communist dictatorship of Cuba has lead to poor diplomatic relations and tension with the rest of the world, and ultimately has lead to conflict between governments with different philosophies and ideals.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Thesis- Military Drones
America's recent use of military drones as weapons of attack and surveillance in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia negatively affects these countries, especially in regards to these countries' population loss, acrimony towards America, and social status.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Thesis - Equity of Disabled People
The social status and treatment towards the disabled vary greatly within the countries in the Middle East, and differ tremendously in some cases when compared to the standards of the United Nations and the United States.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thesis - ISIS
The goals of ISIS, such as expanding its borders and diffusing extremist ideals world-wide, and its tactics have impacted the global community by uniting countries to form a coalition against ISIS, generating apprehension internationally, and by acting upon this terror in a brutal manner.
Thesis - Food Scarcity in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was once regarded as one of the most prosperous countries in Africa; however, over the years, political corruption, economic instability, and the harsh climate have attributed to food scarcity and starvation, both of which adversely affect millions of families each year.
Thesis - Syrian Refugee Crisis
Although the European Union accepts the entrance of Syrian refugees, some states within the European Union such as France and the UK have limited their commitments in taking Syrian refugees in a wise manner.
Thesis- Women in India
Women in India are often exposed to oppression and violence through rape culture and the traditional cultures that are practiced in their society; As a result, this is preventing their developing country to further progress and advance into a developed country.
Thesis - China in the South China Sea
The ascent of China and it's subsequent challenge to the U.S. as the de facto power in the Pacific is fueled in part due to it's historical dominance and national identity in the region, further justifying it's controversial claiming of land and island reclamation in the South China Sea.
Thesis - Al Shabab
Al Shabab, through its violent demeanors and acts of terrorism has provoked corruption and warfare in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, resulting in the dominant reinforcement of the "War on Terror" Paradigm; through their affiliation with Al Qaeda, al Shabab continues to grow in both competency as a terrorist organization as well as in terms of military might and amount of adherents, resulting in the expansion of their global influence.
Thesis- Greece's Financial Stability
Greece is sticking to their Financial plan which is helping to keep stability from an international standpoint, it is also starting to bring stability to Greece; at this point in time all other European countries are financially stable and as long as Greece continues to stick to the plan that the Eurozone developed Stability will continue to come to Greece, Europe, and the rest of the world.
Thesis- Taliban
The Taliban, which can be defined in many manners including an extreme terrorist group to a direct descendant of a "political" system, have done many questionable and often horrible acts within its lifespan as a recognized organization beginning on one end of the spectrum with terrorist attacks to the other side with peace negotiations with the Afghan president, while this all leads back to the groups early stages of development, starting as a sphere of influence in Afghanistan to becoming what it is known for today, terrorism and causing massive trouble to the international community.
Thesis- North Korea
The manner of which the North Korean government treats its citizens is a concern to the world because of the distribution of inhumane punishments, creation of unjust laws, and relentless persecution of political protestors which causes them to be denied the basic rights of humanity.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Thesis - Boko Haram
Boko Haram poses a socio-political threat to localities in Nigeria and Cameroon and global communities because of their intent to create a purist Islamic state, their increasingly widespread violence, and the corruption of minds around the world with Islamic fundamentalist ideals.
Thesis- Civil War in Yemen
The current civil war in Yemen, caused by internal tensions, is negatively escalating the tensions in the surrounding nations.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
RQ - Poverty in Africa
What poverty and health issues impact Zimbabwe and how have these issues influenced the international community?
RQ - Greece's Financial Status
How Is Greece's financial status affecting international relationships and how other country wide financial issues will be dealt with in the future?
RQ - Syrian Refugee Crisis
How has the European Union reacted to the entrance of the Syrian refugees?
RQ - Women in India
What is the status of women in India and how does their status impact the society?
RQ - Boko Haram
What are the local socio-political effects of Boko Haram's actions? How do their actions effect the global community?
RQ- Military Drones
How does American military drone usage in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia affect the stability of these countries?
RQ - al Shabab
How does the al Shabab influence the global community with respect to the "War on Terror" Paradigm?
RQ: Cuba, Communist Dictatorship and Foreign Relations
How has the communist dictatorship and subsequent deteriorating relationships between Cuba and other countries affected the international community as a whole?
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
RQ - France: religion, reaction to Paris
How does France's religious secularism detriment or expand the country's policies on terrorism?
RQ - South China Sea Disputes
How does island claiming and/or land reclamation in the South China Sea correspond with both the identity and sovereignty of China?
RQ- Civil War in Yemen
What caused the civil war to start in Yemen, and how does it affect the surrounding nations today?
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
SJS 5 - "Is Vietnam on the Verge of Change?"
September (2015): 229-35. Print.
Author Credentials: Jonathan D. London is an assistant profesor of the sociology at the City University of Hong Kong. He is also the editor of Politics in Contemporary Vietnam. This makes him qualified to write about the topic because studying sociology helps him understand the social changes within Vietnam, which would help him better understand how the changes in different fields in Vietnam affect the social community.
Summary: After the end of the American War, specifically 4 decades after, the Vietnamese and their ruling party came face to face with a series of big problems about the country's economic control and its political direction. They were about the present and future plans of civil and social rights. Along with, foreign relations and national security. As many watched these problems develop in these fields it was easy to understand the complexities that were needed to solve them. And hopefully those solutions to these big problems are what will drive Vietnam into change. In more recent years, the country has experienced an economic increase and the people have become more vocal and insisting on a more responsible government.
Analysis: The article is very well written and I enjoyed how he wrote about the post-war recovery developments and the current developments to prove his argument that, in fact, Vietnam is on the road towards change. The author does not include many opinions and states many facts, which leaves the questions that are asked in the introduction to be answered by the reader for themselves.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
PDP 5 - "The People's Democratic Dictatorship"
Author Bio: Mao Zedong was a Chinese Communist revolutionary and the founding father of the People's Republic of China. He served as the Chairman of the Communist Party of China since its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. He developed many Marxist-Leninist theories as well as military strategies and political policies that were collectively referred to as Mao Zedong Thought.
Date/Context: On June 30, 1949, Mao gave this speech in commemoration of the Chinese Communist Party's 28th anniversary. The Communist Party in China has grown and developed during this time. They have experienced many hardships, including domestic and foreign enemies. However, they view Marxism-Leninism as a face of change.
Summary: In this speech, Mao discussed the People's Democratic Dictatorship, how it relies on the working class to thrive, and how they viewed the Soviet Union as a role-model in communism. Mao looks at the Communist Party of the Soviet Union as a role-model. Under the energetic leadership of Lenin and Stalin in Russia, the world's first socialist state was formed. The Chinese then entered into a new era of thinking and saw Marxism-Leninism as a universally applicable truth. Because China was under imperialistic oppression, it could not have a bourgeois republic; therefore, they formed a people's republic led by the working class. Mao goes on to admit to being dictatorial due to his experience that will help to enforce the people's democratic dictatorship. The people's democratic dictatorship is based on the alliance between the working class, the peasants, and the urban bourgeoisie. The transition from New Democracy to socialism depends mainly upon this alliance.
Key Quotation: "The Communist Party of the Soviet Union is our best teacher and we must learn from it. The situation both at home and abroad is in our favour we can rely fully on the weapon of the people's democratic dictatorship, unite the people throughout the country, the reactionaries excepted, and advance steadily to our goal".
Letter to King George III
Author Bio:
Ch'ien-lung is an 83 year old emperor, whose rule was from 1735 to 1795. He ruled China even until his death in 1799, but as a retired ruler. He was born in 1711.
Date/Context:
With the Canton System, British were feeling confined. The Canton System was the way of trading in China, which went through 13 companies that were selected by the government. These companies were given legal responsibilities over the trade in China. There was a letter sent to Ch'ien-lung in hope that he would make the difficulties on British merchants be lessened. The British failed, as the court believed them to be giving presents to Ch'ien-lung for his birthday. This letter was written in 1793.
Summary:
The emperor is stating what had happened before he rejects all of the requests of the British, giving reasons as backing to his choices. These requests to have the British control their own trade and to have an ambassador in the court.
Key Quotation:
"Yesterday your Ambassador petitioned my Ministers to memorialize me regarding your trade with China, but his proposal is not consistent with our dynastic usage and cannot be entertained."
Ch'ien-lung is an 83 year old emperor, whose rule was from 1735 to 1795. He ruled China even until his death in 1799, but as a retired ruler. He was born in 1711.
Date/Context:
With the Canton System, British were feeling confined. The Canton System was the way of trading in China, which went through 13 companies that were selected by the government. These companies were given legal responsibilities over the trade in China. There was a letter sent to Ch'ien-lung in hope that he would make the difficulties on British merchants be lessened. The British failed, as the court believed them to be giving presents to Ch'ien-lung for his birthday. This letter was written in 1793.
Summary:
The emperor is stating what had happened before he rejects all of the requests of the British, giving reasons as backing to his choices. These requests to have the British control their own trade and to have an ambassador in the court.
Key Quotation:
"Yesterday your Ambassador petitioned my Ministers to memorialize me regarding your trade with China, but his proposal is not consistent with our dynastic usage and cannot be entertained."
Monday, November 9, 2015
PDP 5 - Te-Tao Ching
Author bio: The author of "Te-Tao Ching" is said to be Lao-Tzu, a Chinese scholar who lived from approximately 570-490 B.C.E. Although it is not for certain, he is thought to have been in contact with Confucius, and must have therefore been respected as a wise scholar. Today, many still regard Lao-Tzu as the father of Taoism, an old chinese religion established around Lao-Tzu and his ideas about "the way" and of "virtue". I believe that there may be some bias towards his writings because he must be an advocate of his personally established religion, but on the other hand, his knowledge of Taoism and his own "Te-Tao Ching" make him a reliable source for the information.
Date/Context: This document was written around 500 B.C.E. by a man named Lao-Tzu, who developed his religious ideas about Chinese culture into modern day Taoism. The "Te-Tao Ching" revolves around two central points, the Tao, and the Te. Tao, meaning the way, as in the way of life, and Te, meaning virtue. The piece is written in a traditional, poetic manner and involves supernatural aspects of the connections between Heaven and Earth. Although this was written so many years ago, I believe that it still holds sociohistorical and geopolitical significance because the ideas spread through the piece allowed for the development of Taoism in China. If these ideas were perhaps rejected or never came to be spread, then the religion of Taoism would never have came to be, displaying its lasting sociohistorical significance. The "Te-Tao Ching" also is a reflection of the era's geopolitics, in that there are examples of Chinese culture and traditions from around 500 B.C.E. Overall, the texts shared by Lao-Tzu have come to be a symbol of Taoist roots, giving it immense cultural and historical significance, in particular to the Chinese.
Summary: The "Te-Tao Ching" was a traditional poetic style piece of writing produced by an ancient Chinese man by the name of Lao-Tzu in the 6th century B.C.E. The main ideas of the short piece revolve around cultural beliefs, and the natural way of life. The beliefs of Taoism are represented through this very writing, telling the followers of Taoism to become one with the Heavens and Earth, and to live in peace and tranquility with the world.
Key Quotation: "If you're one with the Tao, to the end of your days you'll suffer no harm.
Date/Context: This document was written around 500 B.C.E. by a man named Lao-Tzu, who developed his religious ideas about Chinese culture into modern day Taoism. The "Te-Tao Ching" revolves around two central points, the Tao, and the Te. Tao, meaning the way, as in the way of life, and Te, meaning virtue. The piece is written in a traditional, poetic manner and involves supernatural aspects of the connections between Heaven and Earth. Although this was written so many years ago, I believe that it still holds sociohistorical and geopolitical significance because the ideas spread through the piece allowed for the development of Taoism in China. If these ideas were perhaps rejected or never came to be spread, then the religion of Taoism would never have came to be, displaying its lasting sociohistorical significance. The "Te-Tao Ching" also is a reflection of the era's geopolitics, in that there are examples of Chinese culture and traditions from around 500 B.C.E. Overall, the texts shared by Lao-Tzu have come to be a symbol of Taoist roots, giving it immense cultural and historical significance, in particular to the Chinese.
Summary: The "Te-Tao Ching" was a traditional poetic style piece of writing produced by an ancient Chinese man by the name of Lao-Tzu in the 6th century B.C.E. The main ideas of the short piece revolve around cultural beliefs, and the natural way of life. The beliefs of Taoism are represented through this very writing, telling the followers of Taoism to become one with the Heavens and Earth, and to live in peace and tranquility with the world.
Key Quotation: "If you're one with the Tao, to the end of your days you'll suffer no harm.
PDP 5 - Analects
Author
Bio: Confucius
was a Chinese teacher and philosopher, who lived from 551 – 479 BC.
He was most likely in the knightly social class, which was right
below the aristocrats. When Confucius died, he was given the title of
Divine Sage, which meant that his teachings and statements were
infallible.
Date/Context:
The
Analects were written and compiled at around 475 BC, meaning that
they were created after Confucius' death. The Analects are a
compilation of Confucius' teachings, which range from social
philosophies to political philosophies.
Summary:
This
excerpt contains sections from books II and IV of the Analects. Book
II is focused around the government. Confucius, referred to as
“Master,” states that the
government should rule the people through moral force, allowing them
to keep their own free will. Also in book II, Confucius talks about
the relationships between parents and children, and how the children
should always respect and listen to their patents. In book IV, he
talks about the qualities and characteristics of a gentleman, stating
that a true gentlemen would never quit the way of 'Goodness,'
and would also be “slow in word but prompt in deed.”
Key
Quotation: “The
Master said, He who sets to work upon a different strand destroys the
whole fabric.”
PDP 5 - "Hagakure"
Author Bio: Yamamoto Tsunetomo was a scribe to a samurai named Nabeshima Mitsushige. He looked up to a Zen Buddhist Monk and a Confucian scholar as a child. This caused him to fully understand the traditions of the cult of the samurai. When his master died, Yamamoto became a Buddhist priest and dictated the words to The Book of the Samurai to his scribe.
Date/Context: The Book of the Samurai was written in 1716, and therefore describes the changes of a samurai's environment during the end of Japan's Civil War. This gave the author insight into the changing life of the samurai warrior and his duties. The writing also describes the code, or set of rules, that a samurai warrior lived by during this time period.
Summary: The writing stresses the importance of the Way of the Samurai. According to the author, people are unaware of it's contents and importance in a samurai's lifestyle. According to the list of reasons and codes described by the author, a warrior must die when achieving his goal in life in order to die a just and dignified death, a retainer must put his master above everything, one must think selflessly when making a decision, one can only tell another about his faults discretely and after they become trusted acquaintances, sneezing and yawning are considered disrespectful, women should be loyal to their husbands like retainers are to their masters, and that a person gains respect through manners. According to the author, these rules were the standard expectations of people during the time period in which it was written.
Key Quotation: "Although it stands to reason that a Samurai should be mindful of the Way of the Samurai, it would seem that we are all negligent."
Date/Context: The Book of the Samurai was written in 1716, and therefore describes the changes of a samurai's environment during the end of Japan's Civil War. This gave the author insight into the changing life of the samurai warrior and his duties. The writing also describes the code, or set of rules, that a samurai warrior lived by during this time period.
Summary: The writing stresses the importance of the Way of the Samurai. According to the author, people are unaware of it's contents and importance in a samurai's lifestyle. According to the list of reasons and codes described by the author, a warrior must die when achieving his goal in life in order to die a just and dignified death, a retainer must put his master above everything, one must think selflessly when making a decision, one can only tell another about his faults discretely and after they become trusted acquaintances, sneezing and yawning are considered disrespectful, women should be loyal to their husbands like retainers are to their masters, and that a person gains respect through manners. According to the author, these rules were the standard expectations of people during the time period in which it was written.
Key Quotation: "Although it stands to reason that a Samurai should be mindful of the Way of the Samurai, it would seem that we are all negligent."
Friday, November 6, 2015
Identifying Themes in Chinese History
Review the "Considering China" VoiceThread to identify trends and themes in China's history.
- Traditional Authority
- External Pressures
- Western Imperialism
Be sure to include specific details to support your argument.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
SJS4- "The Catastrophic Greek Crisis"
Source: Matsaganis, Manos. "The Catastrophic Greek Crisis." Current History Mar. 2014: 110-16. Print.
Author Credentials: Manos Matsaganis is an Associate Professor of European Social and Employment Policies at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). He is also the Coordinator of the Policy Analysis Research Unit at AUEB. He has served as Special Advisor to the Greek government’s Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Finance Minister.
Summary: In this article, the author argues that the outrage and crisis in Greece were caused by corrupt government officials and deep recession. To begin, Greece has a corrupt judicial system that lacks integrity to Greek citizens. In a recent ruling, the Judicial Pay Court decided on salary cuts for nearly all government professions except for themselves, ruling that pay cuts on the judicial system is unconstitutional. Another recent case violated Greece's interpretation of freedom of speech by ruling a 10-month sentence on a blogger who voiced his opinion on Greece's government. Also, more public outrage resulted from corrupt government officials. The former Transport Minister was caught using European Union structural funds (meant to build up Greece's tourism industry) for personal use. The minister of defense was sentenced for money laundering and a former mayor was given a life sentence for embezzlement. Furthermore, public outrage resulted from the rapid increase in Greece's financial deficit and the deep recession that resulted. In 2009, the PASOK government announced that the budget deficit was 15.6% as apposed to the 3.7% recorded earlier. In conclusion, the outrage and backlash in Greece are results from government corruption and deep financial recession.
Analysis: After reading this article, I feel that the author strongly supported his thesis of the outrage and crisis in Greece being caused by corrupt government officials and deep recession. Matsaganis uses several strong details and examples to support each of his statements. His details are slightly biased towards the side of the public; however, he uses strong evidence, including facts and statistics, to support his points. He also presents a variety of informative details (ranging from economical to political and social), allowing the reader to gain a well-rounded understanding of the topic. After analyzing this article and informing myself of the author's credentials, I can confidently conclude that this is a reliable source.
Monday, November 2, 2015
PDP 4 - "Communist Manifesto"
Author's Credentials: Mark A. Kishkansky completed his undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1970. He proceeded to graduate study under David Underdown at Brown University, receiving his M.A. in 1972 and his PhD in 1977.
Date and Context: The Communist Manifesto was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels as a platform for their new international workers organization, The Communist League. It suggests that workers do not belong to a nation and that they should overthrow the upper class because it is the working class that provides for the upper class. This document is what fuels contemporary Russia. It gave them a desire for their Bolshevik Revolution where they got rid of their royal familly. This revolution has shaped a large majority of the worlds modern and contemporary history.
Summary: This document is mainly focused on explaining the motives of communism. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel wrote it for the Communist League as a platform for its cause. Kishkansky gives a brief biography about Marx's upbringing before providing the text of the manifest. The document says that it is important for the working class to unite. That they are not bound to a nation and need to rise up against middle and upper classes because it will not happen otherwise.
Key Quotation: "The Communists are further reproached with desiring to abolish countries and nationality. The workingmen have no country."
Date and Context: The Communist Manifesto was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels as a platform for their new international workers organization, The Communist League. It suggests that workers do not belong to a nation and that they should overthrow the upper class because it is the working class that provides for the upper class. This document is what fuels contemporary Russia. It gave them a desire for their Bolshevik Revolution where they got rid of their royal familly. This revolution has shaped a large majority of the worlds modern and contemporary history.
Summary: This document is mainly focused on explaining the motives of communism. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel wrote it for the Communist League as a platform for its cause. Kishkansky gives a brief biography about Marx's upbringing before providing the text of the manifest. The document says that it is important for the working class to unite. That they are not bound to a nation and need to rise up against middle and upper classes because it will not happen otherwise.
Key Quotation: "The Communists are further reproached with desiring to abolish countries and nationality. The workingmen have no country."
Saturday, October 31, 2015
SJS4 - Which Way Out?
Citation: Muller, Jan-Werner. "Which Way Out?" Current History (2015):
118-19. Print.
Author Credentials: Jan-Werner Muller is a professor of foreign
affairs and politics at Princeton University. He focuses many of his
studies on the Eurozone, and the problems with it in which he
discusses to breath length on this SJS. He studied at Oxford
University, Berlin University, and Antony's College. He has written
many strictly non-fiction books and articles of world problems and
epidemics. I believe from this information he is more than qualified
to be credited as a credible author. From his article in the scholarly
journal one can tell that he is for sure unbiased as he uses views
from two authors with completely opposite views and does not choose
one over the other.
Summary: "Which Way Out?" deals with trying to find out a way to get
out of the Eurozone debt crisis. The majority of the article explains
first whether or not there is a way out, and then presents two
different ideas on how to escape the debt. The first idea was to
completely get rid of the Eurozone system entirely. Which was
supported by some and not by others. One of the people who did not
support that idea said that to completely erase the Eurozone the
present day is unrealistic. However he did agree that we should tone
it back a bit and make it less dominant and important in the European
economies.
Analysis: I believed the author makes a strong and valid argument
within this article. He is not biased to one side and presents both
sides of the argument equally. He uses a sufficient amount of evidence
from other historians and economists to help distinguish facts from
opinions which he does very well. I would state that this author is
reliable and can be considered a credible source.
Citation: Muller, Jan-Werner. "Which Way Out?" Current History (2015):
118-19. Print.
Author Credentials: Jan-Werner Muller is a professor of foreign
affairs and politics at Princeton University. He focuses many of his
studies on the Eurozone, and the problems with it in which he
discusses to breath length on this SJS. He studied at Oxford
University, Berlin University, and Antony's College. He has written
many strictly non-fiction books and articles of world problems and
epidemics. I believe from this information he is more than qualified
to be credited as a credible author. From his article in the scholarly
journal one can tell that he is for sure unbiased as he uses views
from two authors with completely opposite views and does not choose
one over the other.
Summary: "Which Way Out?" deals with trying to find out a way to get
out of the Eurozone debt crisis. The majority of the article explains
first whether or not there is a way out, and then presents two
different ideas on how to escape the debt. The first idea was to
completely get rid of the Eurozone system entirely. Which was
supported by some and not by others. One of the people who did not
support that idea said that to completely erase the Eurozone the
present day is unrealistic. However he did agree that we should tone
it back a bit and make it less dominant and important in the European
economies.
Analysis: I believed the author makes a strong and valid argument
within this article. He is not biased to one side and presents both
sides of the argument equally. He uses a sufficient amount of evidence
from other historians and economists to help distinguish facts from
opinions which he does very well. I would state that this author is
reliable and can be considered a credible source.
SJS4- "The New Middle East Will Test Europe"
Source: Serfaty, Simon. "The New Middle East Will Test Europe." Current History 111.743 (2012): 118-19. Print.
Author Credentials: Simon Serfaty is a senior professor in U.S. foreign policy and a former research professor at Johns Hopkins Center of European Studies. In addition to this, Serfaty also has many of his written books in professional journals that have been published focusing on European articles.
Summary: This article talks about the Middle East improving itself and going hand and hand with that of Europe. It's been 800 years that the people in the Middle East have been abused by their rulers and the rulers by those who overpowered them and finally, the rule of the Islam is being replaced with a democracy. President Bush of Europe in 1989 said that there is a long road ahead of the Middle East before they become an entirely free democracy because many people were comparing the Arab uprising of the Middle East to the European revolutions when it is a far fetched idea. The main focus of this article is how the emergence of a new and better Middle East will push the Europeans and test them on their freedom and democracy and it will compare the two situations. The author argues that the European road to a stable democratic system was rough due to many limitations. These limitations included rehabilitation, reconstruction, reconciliation, and stabilization. The author also talks about how the European military is lacking in its capabilities to support and protect Europe. I can relate this to our class activities when we went over the summary notes in which we talked about how Europe had an advanced military in terms of weapons and highly trained soldiers.
Analysis: Based off of this article, I can tell that the author is more biased towards the Middle East side in terms of them becoming a new and free democracy. Serfaty goes on to describe and point out all of the Europeans negative aspects in their time of Revolution. This can be shown by how Serfaty was criticizing the Europeans for their poor stability skills and their weak army. Serfaty also goes to say how the Middle East had much ahead of them and it will take time for them to become entirely free and democratic but once they do, they will give the Europeans a run for their money.
Author Credentials: Simon Serfaty is a senior professor in U.S. foreign policy and a former research professor at Johns Hopkins Center of European Studies. In addition to this, Serfaty also has many of his written books in professional journals that have been published focusing on European articles.
Summary: This article talks about the Middle East improving itself and going hand and hand with that of Europe. It's been 800 years that the people in the Middle East have been abused by their rulers and the rulers by those who overpowered them and finally, the rule of the Islam is being replaced with a democracy. President Bush of Europe in 1989 said that there is a long road ahead of the Middle East before they become an entirely free democracy because many people were comparing the Arab uprising of the Middle East to the European revolutions when it is a far fetched idea. The main focus of this article is how the emergence of a new and better Middle East will push the Europeans and test them on their freedom and democracy and it will compare the two situations. The author argues that the European road to a stable democratic system was rough due to many limitations. These limitations included rehabilitation, reconstruction, reconciliation, and stabilization. The author also talks about how the European military is lacking in its capabilities to support and protect Europe. I can relate this to our class activities when we went over the summary notes in which we talked about how Europe had an advanced military in terms of weapons and highly trained soldiers.
Analysis: Based off of this article, I can tell that the author is more biased towards the Middle East side in terms of them becoming a new and free democracy. Serfaty goes on to describe and point out all of the Europeans negative aspects in their time of Revolution. This can be shown by how Serfaty was criticizing the Europeans for their poor stability skills and their weak army. Serfaty also goes to say how the Middle East had much ahead of them and it will take time for them to become entirely free and democratic but once they do, they will give the Europeans a run for their money.
Friday, October 30, 2015
SJS4 - "The Burden of Communist Legacies
Source: Tismaneanu, Vladimir . "The Burden of Communist Legacies." Current History Vol. 113: No. 765. October 2014. (293-295).
Author Credentials: Vladimir Tismaneanu is qualified to discuss the issue of Soviet Communism because he is a professor of politics and has devoted his life to studying and interpreting Communism and has had a first hand account of Communism in Romania. He is the current chair of the Editorial Committee of East European Politics and Societies and is affiliated with a multitude of organizations studying Soviet Communism. While growing up in Communist Romania, Tismaneanu acquired a Ph.D. in politics from the University of Bucharest, Romania. With a background centralized around communism and a life of studying politics, I would consider Vladimir Tismaneanu to be a very credible and reliable source for the topic of Soviet Communism.
Summary: The main point argued by Vladimir Tismaneanu is that the dominating force of Communism in Soviet Russia brought the region of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe into a transition paradigm, in which power shifted from former dictatorships to democracy, and equality for the people. He brings up a good point by saying "Legacies are neither homogenous nor linear, but polychromatic structures linking the past to the present." In short, he is arguing that the Communist legacy of the Soviet Union has not relinquished its influence on contemporary Russia because it was a unifying, or connecting force from modern Russia to contemporary Russia. The cultural context of this article is that it provides insight towards the forces of past Communist governments and how they continue to impact society today. Despite being more or less a dying and less significant governing system today, the burdens of a Communist past lead to social patterns and regimes, which help define their cultures today.
Analysis: Yes, I would support Tismaneanu's argument due to the fact that it was very informative, and provided core structural background information in a concise, understandable manner. Despite being a relatively short article, I believe that it was sufficient in this case in deepening my understanding of the broad topic of Soviet Communism. On multiple occasions, the author does a good job of succinctly differentiating between fact and opinion, making for a clear argument. As a result of his proper execution of the article and studies in the field, I would consider Tismaneanu to be a very reliable source.
Author Credentials: Vladimir Tismaneanu is qualified to discuss the issue of Soviet Communism because he is a professor of politics and has devoted his life to studying and interpreting Communism and has had a first hand account of Communism in Romania. He is the current chair of the Editorial Committee of East European Politics and Societies and is affiliated with a multitude of organizations studying Soviet Communism. While growing up in Communist Romania, Tismaneanu acquired a Ph.D. in politics from the University of Bucharest, Romania. With a background centralized around communism and a life of studying politics, I would consider Vladimir Tismaneanu to be a very credible and reliable source for the topic of Soviet Communism.
Summary: The main point argued by Vladimir Tismaneanu is that the dominating force of Communism in Soviet Russia brought the region of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe into a transition paradigm, in which power shifted from former dictatorships to democracy, and equality for the people. He brings up a good point by saying "Legacies are neither homogenous nor linear, but polychromatic structures linking the past to the present." In short, he is arguing that the Communist legacy of the Soviet Union has not relinquished its influence on contemporary Russia because it was a unifying, or connecting force from modern Russia to contemporary Russia. The cultural context of this article is that it provides insight towards the forces of past Communist governments and how they continue to impact society today. Despite being more or less a dying and less significant governing system today, the burdens of a Communist past lead to social patterns and regimes, which help define their cultures today.
Analysis: Yes, I would support Tismaneanu's argument due to the fact that it was very informative, and provided core structural background information in a concise, understandable manner. Despite being a relatively short article, I believe that it was sufficient in this case in deepening my understanding of the broad topic of Soviet Communism. On multiple occasions, the author does a good job of succinctly differentiating between fact and opinion, making for a clear argument. As a result of his proper execution of the article and studies in the field, I would consider Tismaneanu to be a very reliable source.
SJS4- "Germany Rethinks Its Role in the World"
Source:
Kundnani, Hans. "Germany Rethinks Its Role in the World." Current Hustory
114.770 (2015): 115-17. Print.
Author Credentials:
Hans Kundnani studied philosophy and German at Oxford University along with journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He also spent a year at the Freie Universitat Berlin for undergraduate school. He is currently a Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, based in Berlin and an associate fellow at the Institute for German Studies at Birmingham University. Therefore, his knowledge would be extensive on topics involving Europe and specifically Germany.
Summary:
The president of Germany made a speech in January 2014 regarding how Germany should not use its past as an excuse for laziness in the future. His announcement got much criticism from the German public, but sparked discussion about Germany's stance on foreign policy (specifically regarding Russia and Ukraine). Many believe that Germany was experiencing a "geopolitical awakening". More recently, Germany has been reluctant to use military force but still forceful to other nations of their economic and political standings, making their foreign policy unique from others. The majority of the German public supports Germany's mediation between the West and Russia, while the Chancellor of Germany (Angela Merkel) is resisting the military track that the Baltic States and Poland enforce. Germany remains a geopolitical power, showing a growth of economic interdependence with China. Hesitation to use military forces persists in Germany, though it's newest challenge is dealing with "irresponsible stakeholders".
Analysis:
After reading this article, it was clear that the author had a slight bias towards the German public majority. This was most apparent when he chose to include statistics such as percentages of Germans supporting various foreign policies. Each statistic included showed that the German public supported his proposed economic solution. Although, all of his statements appeared to be based on facts, as he often referred to quotes and speeches for support. I would consider his information to be reliable considering he has extensive knowledge on the topics regarding the geopolitical standpoint of Germany, and with such knowledge comes a well supported opinion and viewpoint.
Kundnani, Hans. "Germany Rethinks Its Role in the World." Current Hustory
114.770 (2015): 115-17. Print.
Author Credentials:
Hans Kundnani studied philosophy and German at Oxford University along with journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He also spent a year at the Freie Universitat Berlin for undergraduate school. He is currently a Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, based in Berlin and an associate fellow at the Institute for German Studies at Birmingham University. Therefore, his knowledge would be extensive on topics involving Europe and specifically Germany.
Summary:
The president of Germany made a speech in January 2014 regarding how Germany should not use its past as an excuse for laziness in the future. His announcement got much criticism from the German public, but sparked discussion about Germany's stance on foreign policy (specifically regarding Russia and Ukraine). Many believe that Germany was experiencing a "geopolitical awakening". More recently, Germany has been reluctant to use military force but still forceful to other nations of their economic and political standings, making their foreign policy unique from others. The majority of the German public supports Germany's mediation between the West and Russia, while the Chancellor of Germany (Angela Merkel) is resisting the military track that the Baltic States and Poland enforce. Germany remains a geopolitical power, showing a growth of economic interdependence with China. Hesitation to use military forces persists in Germany, though it's newest challenge is dealing with "irresponsible stakeholders".
Analysis:
After reading this article, it was clear that the author had a slight bias towards the German public majority. This was most apparent when he chose to include statistics such as percentages of Germans supporting various foreign policies. Each statistic included showed that the German public supported his proposed economic solution. Although, all of his statements appeared to be based on facts, as he often referred to quotes and speeches for support. I would consider his information to be reliable considering he has extensive knowledge on the topics regarding the geopolitical standpoint of Germany, and with such knowledge comes a well supported opinion and viewpoint.
SJS4 - "Under threat; The euro-zone economy"
Source: "Under threat; The euro-zone economy." The Economist 24 Oct. 2015: 72(US). Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
Author Credentials: This article does not have a stated author or editor. The Economist is a well-known and highly regarded publication. It's journals have been continuously published since 1843. The Economist's editor in chief is Zanny Minton Beddoes. Beddoes received an undergraduate degree at Oxford University, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She earned a master's degree at Harvard University, as a Kennedy Scholar.
Summary: In this article, the author argues that the euro-zone economy is suffering and is projected to continue with very low inflation rates even though it has seemed to be doing slightly better. The euro has been suffering for about the past five years due to a combination of economic, financial and political ailments, making it the main source of fragility in the global economy. Recently, however, the euro zone has seemed to be doing increasingly better. The euro zone's output grew at an average rate of 0.4% a quarter between late 2014 and mid-2015. This recovery was initially led by Germany but has recently benefited from strong growth in Spain, Italy, and France. However, the overall pace of recovery in the euro area remains disappointing given the strong stimulus it has been receiving. The ECB's goal is to get inflation back to its objective of nearly 2%. After a few months of very low inflation, the euro experienced deflation again in September. Since the major drop in energy prices last year among other negative factors, the inflation is projected to stay very low.
Analysis: I feel that the author strongly supported his/her thesis that the euro-zone economy is doing poorly. However, I feel that he/she could have used more direct reasons to support why the euro is doing poorly. Also, I feel the author did a nice job of including a contradiction by saying that the euro-zone economy has been doing slightly better, but then refutes this contradiction by saying that the increase is very minor. I feel that this article was a reliable source because it presented opposing viewpoints but still used facts to support its main point that the euro is suffering.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
PDP 4 "The Wealth of Nations"
Author Bio:
Adam Smith was a renown Scottish intellectual in the 1700s. Extensively educated in European literature and affairs, Smith greatly advocated for the use of individualism and free market economies to be the driving factor of unprecedented economic transformation during his lifetime. In one of his most famous works, "The Wealth of Nations," Adam Smith goes on to defend self-interest and money-making in a time in which it was repeatedly questioned.
Date/Context:
Smith was situated in a period of an increasing global market, new technology, and a growing industrial society to fuel European enlightenment and prosperity. He denounces mercantilism and even contended Britain's American colonies were not worth the cost. During his studies, Smith applied a systematic and "natural" reviewal of the global economy, mirroring the time's profound historical, scientific, and educational revolutions.
Summary:
In "The Wealth of Nations" Adam Smith weighs on the detriments of mercantilism, or government regulation of the economy. Smith suggests a more laissez-faire approach in which the economy will regulate itself. He contends that it is solely the individual producer and self-interest that drives the economy. This division of labour ultimately influences widespread production and a free market based economy. All of this is "natural", he argues, and the government should not interfere with tariffs, subsides, and coercive practices.
Key Quotation: "Labour…is the real measure of the exchangeable value of all commodities…"
Adam Smith was a renown Scottish intellectual in the 1700s. Extensively educated in European literature and affairs, Smith greatly advocated for the use of individualism and free market economies to be the driving factor of unprecedented economic transformation during his lifetime. In one of his most famous works, "The Wealth of Nations," Adam Smith goes on to defend self-interest and money-making in a time in which it was repeatedly questioned.
Date/Context:
Smith was situated in a period of an increasing global market, new technology, and a growing industrial society to fuel European enlightenment and prosperity. He denounces mercantilism and even contended Britain's American colonies were not worth the cost. During his studies, Smith applied a systematic and "natural" reviewal of the global economy, mirroring the time's profound historical, scientific, and educational revolutions.
Summary:
In "The Wealth of Nations" Adam Smith weighs on the detriments of mercantilism, or government regulation of the economy. Smith suggests a more laissez-faire approach in which the economy will regulate itself. He contends that it is solely the individual producer and self-interest that drives the economy. This division of labour ultimately influences widespread production and a free market based economy. All of this is "natural", he argues, and the government should not interfere with tariffs, subsides, and coercive practices.
Key Quotation: "Labour…is the real measure of the exchangeable value of all commodities…"
Sunday, October 25, 2015
PDP 4 - Declaration of the Rights of Man & Citizen
Author Bio: The author is anonymous, but it appears to be an official document for a set of laws passed by the National Assembly of France. The National Assembly of France was established during the French Revolution. The declaration was created by the National Assembly of France as an attempt to create a constitution.
Date/Context: After the French Revolution, there was a need for a new government. Absolute monarchy and feudalism were recently abolished. The construction of a constitution for the Republic of France was meant to promote equality and eliminate oppression.
Summary: The representatives of the National Assembly of France believed that a new set of laws that would enforce a person's unalienable rights, as well as their duties in society, would create less governmental flaws and more justice for the citizens of the Republic of France. The context of each article in the declaration prevent any form of oppression, injustice, and violence.
Key Quotation: "The representatives of the French people, organized as a National Assembly, believing that the ignorance, neglect, or contempt of the rights of man are the sole cause of public calamities and of the corruption of governments, have determined to set forth in a solemn declaration the natural, unalienable, and sacred rights of man, in order that this declaration, being constantly before all the members of the Social body, shall remind them continually of their rights and duties; in order that the acts of the legislative power, as well as those of the executive power, may be compared at any moment with the objects and purposes of all political institutions and may thus be more respected, and, lastly, in order that the grievances of the citizens, based hereafter upon simple and incontestable principles, shall tend to the maintenance of the constitution and redound to the happiness of all."
Date/Context: After the French Revolution, there was a need for a new government. Absolute monarchy and feudalism were recently abolished. The construction of a constitution for the Republic of France was meant to promote equality and eliminate oppression.
Summary: The representatives of the National Assembly of France believed that a new set of laws that would enforce a person's unalienable rights, as well as their duties in society, would create less governmental flaws and more justice for the citizens of the Republic of France. The context of each article in the declaration prevent any form of oppression, injustice, and violence.
Key Quotation: "The representatives of the French people, organized as a National Assembly, believing that the ignorance, neglect, or contempt of the rights of man are the sole cause of public calamities and of the corruption of governments, have determined to set forth in a solemn declaration the natural, unalienable, and sacred rights of man, in order that this declaration, being constantly before all the members of the Social body, shall remind them continually of their rights and duties; in order that the acts of the legislative power, as well as those of the executive power, may be compared at any moment with the objects and purposes of all political institutions and may thus be more respected, and, lastly, in order that the grievances of the citizens, based hereafter upon simple and incontestable principles, shall tend to the maintenance of the constitution and redound to the happiness of all."
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
SJS3 - "Syria in the Abyss"
Source: Weiss, Max. "Syria in the Abyss." Current History 113.767 (2014): 372-73. Print.
Author Credentials: Max Weiss completed his Ph.D. in modern Middle East history from Stanford University. He is now at Princeton as an Associate Professor of History and Near Eastern Studies. He is also the
Summary: Over 200,000 people have lost their lives in Syria in the past three and a half years because of protests for freedom, justice, and dignity that grew into regional conflict and international proxy war. The majority of these casualties were civilians while nine million were forced from their homes, and nearly two thirds are internally displaced while the rest are refugees at bordering states. The interaction of outside countries is just making the situation worse. The Syrian media was saying that the civilians were taking up arms against the government when, in reality, they were taking up arms to defend themselves from the government. However, in Inside Syria, the actions going on are accurately illustrated as failure on both sides of the war, being that both sides lied in some way or another. This article does have many opinions but the main idea questions everything, not giving one side an upper hand. There is also the double standard of the U.S. taking military action and it being fine while it would be greatly criticized if any other country, except Israel, would do the same against Syria.
Analysis: The author makes a strong argument on the case of the corruption within this war and the actions international countries took towards it, however there are some opinions within the piece. Most came from the work he cited, Inside Syria, concerning the double standard of war. This would not necessarily be true in all cases. There were definitely enough evidence to support it, even taking out the opinionated responses. The turn of the war when the international community was a huge support for his argument. Although he includes opinions, he makes sure that they are distinguished between them, making the article much easier to interpret. In conclusion, this professor at Princeton is a reliable source because of his background and clear understanding of the topic.
Monday, October 19, 2015
SJS3 - "Imperialism and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Revisions in Matzpen's Historical Perspective"
Source: Blass, Joshua. "Imperialism and the Arab-Israeli conflict: revisions in Matzpen's historical perspective." Israel Studies 2015.
Author Credentials: The author is a doctoral student in the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Therefore, he would have adequate knowledge on a controversial topic that involves Israel.
Summary: The conflicts between Israel and the Arabs and Palestinians are evaluated by the Matzpen organization. Each recollection supports the Israeli cause, while maintaining an ideology of fighting against destructive neighbors. The organization also believed that the western countries' interventions in the conflicts would presumptuously end the war periodically. However, their view on western imperialism drastically changed into an increased hatred as time passed and more issues with neighboring countries arised.
Analysis: The author's argument was strong, but biased due to his sources. Since he used Matzpen's point of view, his article failed to adequately represent the Arabs' and Palestinians' perspective. The author provided substantial evidence from many sources from reputable authors. He also identified how most of Matzpen's ideologies were opinions, while identifying historical facts. Due to the abundance of sources, the author is a reliable source when considering the Arab-Israeli Conflict from Israel's point of view.
Author Credentials: The author is a doctoral student in the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Therefore, he would have adequate knowledge on a controversial topic that involves Israel.
Summary: The conflicts between Israel and the Arabs and Palestinians are evaluated by the Matzpen organization. Each recollection supports the Israeli cause, while maintaining an ideology of fighting against destructive neighbors. The organization also believed that the western countries' interventions in the conflicts would presumptuously end the war periodically. However, their view on western imperialism drastically changed into an increased hatred as time passed and more issues with neighboring countries arised.
Analysis: The author's argument was strong, but biased due to his sources. Since he used Matzpen's point of view, his article failed to adequately represent the Arabs' and Palestinians' perspective. The author provided substantial evidence from many sources from reputable authors. He also identified how most of Matzpen's ideologies were opinions, while identifying historical facts. Due to the abundance of sources, the author is a reliable source when considering the Arab-Israeli Conflict from Israel's point of view.
Friday, October 9, 2015
PDP 3- The Tyranny of Materialism over the Lands of Islam
Arthur Bio:
Hasan Al-Banna was originally a teacher of the Sunni Muslim faith
whom in 1928 created the Muslim Brotherhood. He did this because he
believed that European influence was found too commonly within the
Middle Eastern countries and this problem could be solved by creating
another political party. He strongly opposed European influence
because people were too willing to ditch their Muslim heritage and
start believing and living the way the Europeans did. Hasan Al-Banna thought that
the only way to diminish European influence would be for everyone to
rejoin the Muslim faith and give worship to God. He was assassinated
in 1949 in revenge for the prime minister being assassinated by one of
the members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Date and Context:
"The Tyranny of Materialism over the Lands of Islam" was written most
likely in the 1940s. Although the situation is still continuing today. It was written with the inferred goal of
obtaining new members for the Muslim Brotherhood. However this was not
directly stated and just assumed. This brotherhood began in Egypt as
this is where Hassan Al-Banna lived and noticed the problems of
European influence. At the time the leader of Egypt had been directly
influenced by European lifestyle and decided to ban the Muslim
Brotherhood in fear that he would gain a large following. As mentioned
before Egypt was an independent state at the time however when
European influence reached the leaders of Egypt the country seemed to
go into a colonized mode in which Egyptians followed the European
beliefs.
Summary:
Hassan Al-Banna believed that Islamic countries were becoming too
heavily influenced by European interaction. He claimed that this was a
form of modern colonization even though the countries being colonized
are independent. This was a problem in his mind because with European
influence came many sins. Some examples of these sins were abuse of
alcohol, having sexual relations with multiple partners, smoking, and
many others that Muslims had not been introduced to before. In
addition less people were following the Muslim faith and remembering
to pray multiple times a day. His thinking was that European influence
could be ended by convincing more people to follow the Muslim faith
and to worship God multiple times a day. The overall goal or inferred
meaning of this article is to convince people to join the Muslim
brotherhood to fix these problems.
Key Quotation:
"They laid their plans for this social aggression in masterly
fashion, invoking the aid of their political acumen and their military
predominance until they had accomplished their desire."
Arthur Bio:
Hasan Al-Banna was originally a teacher of the Sunni Muslim faith
whom in 1928 created the Muslim Brotherhood. He did this because he
believed that European influence was found too commonly within the
Middle Eastern countries and this problem could be solved by creating
another political party. He strongly opposed European influence
because people were too willing to ditch their Muslim heritage and
start believing and living the way the Europeans did. Hasan Al-Banna thought that
the only way to diminish European influence would be for everyone to
rejoin the Muslim faith and give worship to God. He was assassinated
in 1949 in revenge for the prime minister being assassinated by one of
the members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Date and Context:
"The Tyranny of Materialism over the Lands of Islam" was written most
likely in the 1940s. Although the situation is still continuing today. It was written with the inferred goal of
obtaining new members for the Muslim Brotherhood. However this was not
directly stated and just assumed. This brotherhood began in Egypt as
this is where Hassan Al-Banna lived and noticed the problems of
European influence. At the time the leader of Egypt had been directly
influenced by European lifestyle and decided to ban the Muslim
Brotherhood in fear that he would gain a large following. As mentioned
before Egypt was an independent state at the time however when
European influence reached the leaders of Egypt the country seemed to
go into a colonized mode in which Egyptians followed the European
beliefs.
Summary:
Hassan Al-Banna believed that Islamic countries were becoming too
heavily influenced by European interaction. He claimed that this was a
form of modern colonization even though the countries being colonized
are independent. This was a problem in his mind because with European
influence came many sins. Some examples of these sins were abuse of
alcohol, having sexual relations with multiple partners, smoking, and
many others that Muslims had not been introduced to before. In
addition less people were following the Muslim faith and remembering
to pray multiple times a day. His thinking was that European influence
could be ended by convincing more people to follow the Muslim faith
and to worship God multiple times a day. The overall goal or inferred
meaning of this article is to convince people to join the Muslim
brotherhood to fix these problems.
Key Quotation:
"They laid their plans for this social aggression in masterly
fashion, invoking the aid of their political acumen and their military
predominance until they had accomplished their desire."
Thursday, October 8, 2015
PDP 3 - A Turkish Republic for the Civilized World
Author Bio: Born in May
1881, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the first
President of Turkey, and served as a military officer in World War I
and the Balkan Wars.
He helped Turkey become an independent
state, and became the first president of Turkey on October 29, 1923.
He died in 1938 from cirrhosis of the
liver.
Date/Context:
The Ottoman Empire began its slow demise in 1571, after it
lost the Battle of Lepanto, causing the expansion of the country to
stagnate. Fast forwarding to 1918, after World War I has ended, the
Ottoman Empire was on the brink of extinction, being threatened on
all sides from countries such as England and Russia. The Ottoman
empire was faced with two options: dissolve into a neighboring
country and surrender all land, or create a new state, maintaining
the majority, or even all
of the land.
Summary: This speech from Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk is split into 3 sections, the first being about the
state of the Ottoman Empire post-World War I. Atatürk talks about
the disarray that
the vilayets were in, and how phrases such
as “Ottoman Empire” and “Padishah-Caliph” were essentially
meaningless. The
second section is about
one of his previous speeches
in 1924, in which Atatürk talks about
three main points that the Turkish state would achieve and adhere to.
The third section is about the fall of the
Ottoman Empire and the creation of the Turkish state. Atatürk talks
about the newly formed Turkish state, and
the measures it took in order to return to a peaceful state,
specifically the Restoration of Order act.
Key
Quotation:
“The
result we have attained today is the fruit of teachings which arose
from centuries of suffering, and the price of streams of blood which
have drenched every foot of the ground of our beloved Fatherland.”
PDP 3 - The Ruba'iyat
Author Bio:
The author, Omar Khayyam, was alive in between the years 1048 and 1131. He was born in Nishapour, Iran. He was an astronomer, mathematician, and philosopher. He developed the Jalali Calendar, which is more accurate than those used in the west at this time.
Date/Context:
These poems were written sometime during Khayyam's lifetime, as there are no specific dates written. These poems help us understand what may have been happening during the timeperiod in which Khayyam lived.
Summary:
The book contains 1200 individual quatrains. This is a collection of Khayyam's works, which went unpublished for around 700 years. These are all quatrain poems with little to no relation to each other than references to different things such as wine, rule, or light/darkness.
Key Quotation:
"For 'Is' and 'Is-not' though with Rule and Line."
The author, Omar Khayyam, was alive in between the years 1048 and 1131. He was born in Nishapour, Iran. He was an astronomer, mathematician, and philosopher. He developed the Jalali Calendar, which is more accurate than those used in the west at this time.
Date/Context:
These poems were written sometime during Khayyam's lifetime, as there are no specific dates written. These poems help us understand what may have been happening during the timeperiod in which Khayyam lived.
Summary:
The book contains 1200 individual quatrains. This is a collection of Khayyam's works, which went unpublished for around 700 years. These are all quatrain poems with little to no relation to each other than references to different things such as wine, rule, or light/darkness.
Key Quotation:
"For 'Is' and 'Is-not' though with Rule and Line."
Saturday, October 3, 2015
SJS 2 - "Sharpeville Revisited"
Source: De Gruchy, John W. "Sharpeville revisited." The Christian Century 112.14 (1995): 447. Student Resources in Context. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.
Author Credentials: John W. De Gruchy, the author, is a Robert Selby Taylor Professor of Christian Studies at the University of Cape Town in Rondebosch, South Africa. The information written from this writer is reliable considering his position as a professor in a high ranked university and his background knowledge on South Africa.
Summary: On March of 1960, precisely 69 blacks were killed by the police. The people where protesting the passed laws that prohibited Africans in urban areas. This massacre symbolized racism as well as the anti-apartheid conflict. The Pan-Africanist Congress, African National Congress, and South African Communist Party were outlawed. Now on March 21st, the holiday known as the Human Rights Day represents the freedom of many Africans. The first event that was launched after this holiday was a service which took place in St. George's Cathedral with the appearance of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and President Mandela. After the second appearance of Queen Elizabeth it represented the reuniting of South Africa and Britain. During the second event, South Africans and World councils of churches were united for recognition and settlement within the community and local police. Churches were then greatly involved in the resolution of the apartheid and in moral construction.
Analysis: This author greatly represented the Sharpeville Massacre with the extensive facts and details providing the reader with a straightforward understanding of the massacre. This article also contributed the reader with specific names of groups and people which was beneficial. Lastly, this article contains reliable information because the author mostly likely received higher education due to his position as a professor in the University of Cape Town.
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