The Language of Machines :: Technology Communication Essays

The Language of Machines Computers are language machines. By saying this I mean both that language processing is a valuable metaphor for understanding computer computation and that, in a fundamental way, computer computation is language processing; no more, no less. The language understood by a modern computer when it first comes off the assembly line is quite simple. The alphabet of this language consists of two letters, 0 and 1 (or a and b or any other two characters, it doesn't matter), which is stored internally as two intensities of an electrical signal (either high or low). The grammar of this language has two rules: (1) Sentences consist of one word and (2) Words are all of a single specified length (probably either 16 or 32 characters). This computer knows in two ways. It knows what every word in the language means (i.e., what action to perform upon reading that word, information which is stored in the design of the processor), and it knows all of the words it has stored in memory. Each time a comput er reads a sentence (executes a command), a change results in memory, dependent on what the sentence says and what is already in memory. Modern computers are Turing machines (named after the British mathematician Alan Turing), which means that they are language machines which can simulate other language machines. In other words, given a special type of text to read (a program), a Turing machine that understands the simple language described above (for example) can act as if it understands a much more complicated language. This is why modern computer keyboards have more than just 0's and 1's on them. A modern computer comes complete with many virtual computers built on top of it, so to speak, enabling the computer to understand much more complex (although mathematically equivalent) higher-level languages. These are mathematical languages, of course; they have much more rigid structure and precise meaning than natural languages. They lack in many ways what Derrida calls "play." But must they? Is there an intrinsic fundamental difference between mathematical and natural languages, or is the difference instead that we hav e more control over mathematical languages because we know their rules and can understand the system in which they work, while with natural languages we know neither, because we are not in conscious control of their creation and we can not fully grasp how they operate in society and in our heads?

Death Row and Women :: Feminism Law Culture Essays

Death Row and Women In Hamurabi Law, if someone is accused of murder they must take a leap into the closest river. If the accused drowns, the accuser shall take possession of his house. If the accused emerges unhurt, then the accuser is put to death and his house is given as compensation to the accused. While the system of capital punishment in the United States is not quite as random, it has its own problems that can oftentimes cross the fine line between arbitrary and absurd. The discrepancy between white and colored male inmates is often the subject of debate regarding this issue, and while that subject certainly does deserve notice, little attention is paid to women as a group on death row. It is interesting to explore how society represents and identifies with women on death row in a completely different manner than men or even other minority groups, even though they face similar discriminations in other facets of life. Why is it that we are able to see females not as killers, but first as women o r mothers? Our preconceived conceptions of â€Å"motherhood† and â€Å"womanhood† make a great difference in how we perceive female criminals, and in certain cases can be the difference between life and death. According to statistics from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, of the 455 criminals on death row in the state only 7 of them are women . This should tip us off to the manner in which we treat female criminals, even in the most pro-death penalty state in the country. Overall, women account for one in eight of people arrested for murder in America, but this ratio sinks to only one in seventy people currently on death row . This discrepancy must be a direct result of something, and is most probably attributed to society’s perception of women that place these female criminals as women first, killers second. â€Å"It’s a reflection of society’s view that women are less prone to evil than men are†, claims Jenni Gainsborough of the ACLU National Prison Project. We also seem to feel sorrier for women than we do men, and assume that if a woman has committed a crime it is because she has faced abuse in the past (usually inflicted by a man). This is true to s ome extent as it is claimed that 95% of women in prison were victims of abuse , but the point is that we generally stress the importance of female abuse while oftentimes neglecting abuse endured by their male counterparts.

Desirability and effectiveness of corporal punishment in enforcing discipline

Corporal punishment is application of physical pain to children as a way of enforcing discipline through discouraging undesirable behavior. This kind of punishment includes beatings, burnings, spanking, slapping and scalding. Due to its severity in punishment, use of corporal punishment to discipline children is controversial. In schools, teachers go for corporal punishment. They believe that â€Å"spare the rod spoil the child† Discipline on the other hand involves strategies to reduce undesirable behaviors’ among children.Straus and Stewart (1999) found out that 94% of American parents spank their children between the ages 3 and 4 years and up to 5 years. The US Department of Health and Human Services (2001) showed that 13 in every 1000 children were abused. According to her, spanking may lead to abuse. Research carried out found out that: corporal punishment leads to immediate compliance, increased aggression. Studies showed that using corporal punishment to reduce a ggression increased the risk of aggressive behaviors’ by 50%.Corporal punishment may also result to antisocial behavior. This affected boys mostly and children of ages ranging between10and12. Increased corporal punishment led to increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood. Corporal punishment results to decreased mental health. This affects children between ages 5 and 8 who are more prone to severe corporal punishment. Physical punishment has negative effects which may affect child wellbeing or his/her health thus they are unacceptable and therefore should not be used.Despite this, spanking which is a form of corporal punishment has been used by most American families (about 90%). Corporal punishment may also result to adult abusive behaviors. Most results showed that spanking increased undesirable behaviors and decreased desirable ones. As severity of corporal punishment raises so are the negative results. Many children who are spanked within normal limits do not grow u p with negative results . However, a number are physically disciplined beyond normal limits thereby are at increased risk of possessing negative outcomes

We Real Cool: Stay in School

Wednesday on the final week of senior year and the only thing happening in my classes was the exchanging of yearbooks. I had already gotten signatures from all of my closest friends, except one who hadn't been at school the past two days; his name was Frank Gritty. He was a childhood friend who was always known for being a trouble maker, so it wasn't unusual for him to ditch. After not having seen him In any of the classes we had together, I decided to pay him a visit after school, since he TLD live very far.As I was approaching his house, I noticed a police car parked outside with someone sitting In the back. It was Frank and he had Just been arrested for taking a Joyride in a stolen car with some guys who were â€Å"cool,† very much Like the characters In Gondolas Brook's poem, ‘We Real Cool,† which tells the story of seven rebellious dropouts who play pool at a bar and live a fast lifestyle full of crime. Brooks' poem Is an attempt to teach readers the Importanc e of education, and the consequences that people who choose a life of crime must ultimately face: death.Brooks explores these themes through his use of rime, symbolism, imagery, and tone. In the first stanza of the poem alone, Me real cool. We Left school. † Brooks exercises the uses of both rime and irony. As each word is a single syllable, it gives the poem faster rhythm, much like the fast life of someone who chooses a lifestyle of crime over education. He is suggesting that people who choose to leave school are living too fast for their own good.The first line is used to show reader's the narrator's ego, while the second quickly provides us with us with realization that these â€Å"cool† pool players are actually dropouts. Brooks is using irony to illustrate the idea that rebellion, and the desire to abandon education is commonly seen as a desirable and â€Å"cool† thing to do mongo the youth, when people who choose to drop out are actually harming themselves and not allowing themselves to live up to their full potential.Brooks then goes on to list the crimes that the narrator his gang commit and makes use of sound in attempt to make the read a pleasurable experience while still delivering a powerful message. An example of this can be seen in lines such as â€Å"Lurk late† and â€Å"Strike straight. † This use of alliteration gives the poem an essence of sound, almost like a song, which gives much more emphasis to the idea that the speaker believes he Is â€Å"cool† for the foul acts they commit. The line â€Å"Strike straight† suggests that the gang commits perfect crimes and is therefore proud of getting away with them.Assonance can also be seen in each stanza of the poem with words such as â€Å"sin/glen† and â€Å"June/ soon. † After painting a â€Å"cool† picture of the speaker's actions through a rhythmic sound, Brooks goes on to illustrate the ultimate consequences that one must fa ce for such a lifestyle. Though the musical aspect of the poem creates a somewhat cheerful vibe, the poem ends with the two words â€Å"Del soon. † Brooks Is attempting to Imply that those who choose to live a carefree life of crime, such as the pool players, over a life f education Is sure to live a short one.In short, while It may seem a long tedious task to go to school and receive and education, the long term benefits far outweigh the short-lived sensation of being â€Å"cool. † This style of this poem was written strategically to make an underlying message an enjoyable and interesting read. It is important for becomes educated and reaches his/her full potential. Works Cited Brook, Gondolas. â€Å"We Real Cool. † Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Deed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Tioga. 12th deed. New York: Pearson, 2013. 1948. Print.

Organisational/Individual Environment Essay

The relationship between individuals and their workplace is largely determined by their motivation, the driving force behind actions. Therefore motivation is defined as the process that accounts for an individual’s intensity, direction and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal (Robins,). Research conducted in this area has a subsequent effect on management styles. Motivation theories are basically divided in two basic categories. The earliest ones focused on content, what actually motivates people, were followed by process theories where the focus is on the actual process of motivation. Maslow(1943) introduced the hierarchy of need motivation theory which is the most widely established theory and it still influences management today. Maslow suggested that people have five kinds of needs namely physiological, safety, love, esteem and self-actualisation. People are trying to satisfy them following an ascending order. It is necessary to satisfy a lower ranked need in order to move to a higher ranked one. Maslow’s theory was been criticised as little evidence was in support of that theory. Most people tend to be partially satisfied at each level and partially unsatisfied. In early motivational research physiological needs were linked with money. Gellerman suggested that security safety needs can be provided through fringe benefits and as life insurance. Taylor (1911) placed great emphasis on money and argued that motivation comes from economic needs. He also proposed that a science should be developed for each element of a man’s work. However research has shown that for low pay workers money is not a good enough motivator. To what extend and how important depends clearly on personal circumstances Taylor tried to eliminate human mistakes at work. Taylor’s theory still influences production lines today. However in industry today workers are seen as humans and emphasis is given on their training and professional development. Smith (1999) conducted a study in order to evaluate the strength of financial incentives and the content of employment as motivators to work, in ancillary staff in the NHS and Hotel and Leisure industry. It was found that the rates of pay had very little influence on participants job satisfaction and subsequent work motivation despite the contrary belief of their line managers. This suggests lack of communication between management and staff and non-awareness of their needs. Training opportunities did exist for ancillary staff but there was little information on them. Farren recognised salry and fringe benefits as extrinsic motivation while as intrinsic motivation when the individual has the opportunity to use his own ability and appreciation. Money in the form of incentives is not an adequate motivator for people however Hersey & Blanchard (1982) recognised the symbolic value of money as the buying power they can attribute to individuals. In support of the abstract value of money McClelland suggested that there are four basic motives that drive individuals, achievement, power and affiliation and avoidance. It was observed that individuals, which are high achievers, prefer situations where they have personal responsibility for their performance, can receive clear and unambiguous feedback and the task is of moderate task difficulty. In this theory money were seen as symbolising successful task performance and goal achievement [cited in Mullins(2002)]. As far as social affiliation needs are concerned it is a common finding that people like to interact and be with others in situation where they feel comfortable. They tend to compose small informal groups in order to find support when they have no support over work. This can result in reduction of productivity in which management cannot have control over. However when strategic goals are in accord with individual ones then those informal groups can work to the benefit of management. Managers are then invited to find ways to attract employees in sharing company objectives. The need for esteem is associated with prestige and power that comes from the position that someone has or it can be personal. Lastly Self-actualisation refers to competence and achievement. Alderler condensed Maslow’s five needs into three and came up with existence which refer to physiological and safety needs, relatedness which refer to love and growth which refer to the higher ranked needs esteem and self actualisation. He suggested that they form more a continuum rather than being hierarchical in order. If satisfaction of needs at one level is blocked then attention should be focused on satisfaction of needs at other levels. Following the same example of ranking of needs Harberg developed theory X and Theory Y. Herzberg (1959) conducted a study of 203 Accountants and Engineers where he asked them to describe situations where they felt good or bad about their jobs. Findings have shown that people were dissatisfied with their jobs when hygiene factors (extra-job factors) like salary, interpersonal relationships, supervision, company policy, working conditions job security, status and factors in personal life were not satisfied. However when there was the opportunity for growth people were extremely satisfied with their jobs itself, thus when motivators where in place. . It is noticeable the opposite of satisfaction or dissatisfaction is not dissatisfaction or satisfaction accordingly but simply lack of it. When hygiene factors are satisfied for example it does not mean that workers will feel motivated. This study was replicated with different groups as well and similar findings were found Process theories that were developed later focus on the actual process of motivation. Hawthorne studies sponsored by Harvand University and directed by Elton Mayo signalled the need for management to study and understand relationships among people. It emphasised delegation of autonomy, employee autonomy, trust and openness, interpersonal dynamics, and co-operation instead of competition (Reis &Pena, 2001). Vroom(2000) has introduced the Expectancy theory. According to that theory effort, performance, reward and personal goals are inter-linked and interdependent. People are influenced by the expected results of their actions. The choice of behaviour is based on expectancy of most favourable consequences. To describe that feeling of anticipated satisfaction out of a specific outcome Vroom used the term ‘valence’. The Cognitive Evaluation theory, which was developed subsequently, could be applied to jobs, which are neither dull nor interesting. Here what is important is self-efficacy not job satisfaction thus setting and achieving goals. In that process self generated feedback is a more powerful motivator. In that process of setting up goals and achieving them Adams with the Equity Theory found that people tend to compare them selves with others and therefore concerned with fair treatment [cited at Anderson, 2002]. For example employees compare the rewards and promotional opportunities that they have with other employees, which can result in feelings of disappointment when they perceive their performance equal but the financial rewards unequal. As a result of feeling inequity individuals might change the inputs and outcomes or might even distort them cognitively. They might decide to leave the field or become aggressive and act on others unrelated to the subject of comparison. Finally they might decide to change the object of comparison. The individual thinks that he should be awarded in a certain way, what Porter and Lawler names perceived equitable reward. When the perceived equitable rewards are greater than the actual ones dissatisfaction occurs. That is a state of mind rather that a permanent condition. Farren suggests that when needs or expectations are hindered the individual can react with either a constructive behaviour or frustration. The outcomes of constructive behaviour leads to problem solving or restructuring while frustration can cause aggression, fixation, withdrawal or even displaced aggression where the person in question is directing his aggression to a colleague other than the one who is the source of frustration. Following on from goal setting as a motivator Thomas has developed the theory of Intrinsic Motivation were emphasis was placed on the source of motivation. Individuals have a motivation, which stems from them selves rather than imposed by managers when a) they have the right of choice and can select form different activities b) can show competence, thus that they can skilfully perform the chosen tasks. This adds meaning fullness to the task and the feeling that a worthy task purpose is created. As individuals advance in achieving the task’s purpose they can demonstrate some progress [cited in Mullins, (2002)] Douglas McGregor(1960)made a major contribution to the history of motivation theory with his Theory X and Theory Y. According to theory X, which is the one traditionally followed by managers, most people prefer to be directed. They are not interested in assuming responsibility, what they need is safety. Managers structure, control and supervise external control appropriate for immature workers. This theory is questioned because as we live in a democratic society, with an increasing level of education and standard of living people must be capable of a more mature behaviour. In Theory Y however it is suggested that people are not by nature lazy and unreliable but can be self-directed and creative if motivated. That creates an essential task for management, which is to unleash this potential in individuals. Properly motivated people can achieve their own goals best by directing their own efforts towards accomplishing organisational goals. Argyris(1993) was in support of that theory and argued that following bureaucratic or pyramidal values leads to poor, shallow and mistrustful relationships. Humanistic and democratic values can nurture an environment for trusting and authentic relationships. Argyris suggests that as people grow up and mature the same process take place at work. People develop from a stage of dependency upon others as infants to a state or relative independence as adults. Their interests are becoming deeper and stronger. Furthermore they move from being subordinate to being equal or at a superior position. According to Argyris’ theoritical findings management is challenged to provide a work climate where everybody has the chance to grow and mature as individuals while working for the success of the organisation. In the 1980’s in America a new movement was to be initiated, Total Quality Management, which influenced management style of the two following decades greatly (Reis & Pena, 1999). It supported employee empowerment and decent treatment of people. After that movement the idea of re-engineering was due to influence management until today. According to that, work processes are re-thought and streamlined. Work satisfaction was to be enhanced by the creation of multi-skilled teams who accepted considerable responsibility. However as it was later proved in times of recession re-engineering became the synonymous of downsizing in businesses. Management was more interested in cutting costs by reducing work force and not improving the work processes. According to Reis & Pena ‘Management forgot the employee, the customer, and quality’ p. 673. Alternatively Reis & Pena suggest that managers should try and understand the people they work with and vice versa. The key here is to remove barriers to motivation. Rabey (2001) is warning us that there are some limits as to how much managers can motivate employees as they can only create the right environment for individuals to respond to motivation voluntary. Rabey continues by making some more practical suggestions about how to achieve that motivating environment in the workplace at different stages of employees’ work history from selection to retention. At the stage of interview he suggests that the interviewers as well as the interviewee must have an honest approach and disclose any information about the company and the applicant accordingly so that to achieve the best match. According to Rabey surveys of employees in recent years have shown that a workplace should meet some certain standards in order to stimulate motivation. These include goal setting, participation, recognition, and communication fair wages, training, teamwork and innovation. These preconditions for motivation are also included in the latest content theories, i.e Theory Y, Intrinsic Motivation, Expentacy Theory. Rabey goes one and defines the golden mean for a manager/leader. He reckons that a manager should be something between a manager where he manages and gets results from planning, control and compliance and a leader who leads and motivated followers choose to give commitment. Managers can play a unique role in building trust and co-operation with employees, which is the foundation to success. Tietjen and Myers(1998) conclude that ‘it is the work itself that brings fulfilment and Maslow’s higher order of needs into being’p.231. For management this means that they are challenged to create the necessary conditions so that the fulfilment gained from doing the job is expected daily. In the lines of effective interpe rsonal relationships at work Orpen (1997) found in a study that mentoring can improve motivation. Motivational research and organisational history suggests that management should adopt a more customer-focused style. During the last century research as well as management practice has moved from recognising as money incentives as the strongest motivator to placing emphasis on the employee and the intrinsic motivation that he has. The focus is now on the actual process of motivation and managers are called to create the necessary conditions in the workplace for their employees to achieve common company objectives. The ultimate goal is to have empowered workers, able to take an active role in the pursue of their career oriented goals and his objectives are in accordance with the ones shared by management. References Anderson, N. (Ed); O., Deniz S. (Ed); et-al. (2002). Handbook of industrial, work and organizational psychology, Volume 2: Organizational psychology. (pp. 53-76) Argyris,-Chris (1993) On Organisational Learning. Cambridge, MA, US: Blackwell Business/Blackwell Publishers. Hesley, P. & Blanchard, K. (4th edition) Management of Organisational Behaviour: Utilising Human Resources McGregor,-Douglas (1960) The human side of enterprise, New York, NY, US: McGraw-Hill. Mullins (2002), Management and Organisational Behaviour, 6th Edition, Pearson Education, pp 418- 448 Orpen, C. The Effects of formal mentoring on employee work motivation, organisational commitment and job performance in The Learning Organisation: An International Journal, 1997 Vol 4, No 2 pp. 53-60 Rabey G. B. Motivation is Response in Industrial and Commercial Training, 2001 Vol. 33, No 1 pp.26-28 Robins S. R. Organisational Behaviour (10th Edition) Pearson Smith, L. An Evaluation of programmes for staff motivation in NHS and hotel ancillary staff Facilities 1999, Vol 17, No 7/8 pp.264-271 Tietjen M. A. & Myers, R. M. Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Management Decision 1998, Vol 36 No 4, pp. 226-231 Vroom,V. H. Leadership and the decision-making process. Organisational-Dynamics. 2000 Vol 28(4): 82-94 Bibliography Wetherell M. (1996) Identities Groups and Social Issues Sage Publications: London

American National Identity 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American National Identity 2 - Essay Example Since America is the superpower nation of the world, there is reason enough to believe such claims, and quite rightly so. The people are satisfied with their lives largely and do not like to mingle with the lives of others. In essence, America is a free world where every soul has the right to be free on his own and let others enjoy their freedom nonetheless (Schlesinger 1998). These are some of the most sought after aspects that America brings to the fore when one thinks of the superpower nation of the world, a nation which manifests success, growth, development and security matching none other. Even though the September 2001 attacks on the America were something totally out of the blue, the Americans feel safe more than ever. They know that their country is being protected from the evil forces which are widespread all over the world. They trust their government and they know that they have become the superpower nation of the world through a better and more resilient ideology than an y other country in the world (Schuck 2008). This has come about through a lot of hard work and dedication that the Americans have shown for their country, and the manner in which they have been cohesive is something that stands out in a head and shoulders scenario when one compares America with the rest of the nations around the globe (Huntington 2005). When one wants to know what the most significant factors are that make people to visit America, the answers seem ready and coming. This is because America is such a happening place that people would like to be there at any time. They would give up their homelands just to be in America – a place where they can dream to be in. There is a good amount of diversity that one can witness within America. This has meant that there are different races and communities that have started to live in America. It is because of this that there are several languages that are being spoken in the country. These have meant that English has started to break down and it has given rise to a number of languages in the different areas and states of America. This is true that people no longer need to learn English if they want to live in America or even visit it from time to time. There are so many ethnic communities widespread in America that one can make do with other languages as well, and thus live easily without a doubt. Also the fact that America allows people to enter into its different states and regions through a legal procedure is something that asks of people to cherish their stay as long as they are within America. The legal ramifications for the illegal visitors and immigrants is indeed very harsh and this is one of the reasons why Americans feel safe that unwanted intruders would not be able to enter into America. However on the flip side, America has more problems than any other country in the world. People have unequal chances of getting jobs, have basic problems like the rest of the world, and enter into health an d educational issues just like others. There is violence within certain states, one of which is Texas where many people die due to a number of negative incidents that have started to come to the fore (Bellah 1967). But all in all, America is a heaven to live within, and this has been proven time and again by the

Internet usage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet usage - Essay Example Today, the negative impacts of increasing internet use reduce the scope of internet to a notable extent. This paper will perform a cause and effect analysis of the internet usage. Effects of internet usage According to Wilder, one of the most noticeable effects of increased internet usage is that it promotes socialization, which is a dynamic learning process whereby individuals and organizations change over time (204). Since internet influences cultural transitions, this global network significantly contributes to the pace of socialization. Since internet allows users to interact with people from various cultures, individuals obtain the opportunity to learn more about different cultural practices, norms, and beliefs. However, it is often observed that people use internet to abuse other cultures emotionally rather than to adopt from the good aspects of those cultures. Hence, sometimes internet promotes a negative socialization process due to its unfair usage. Evidently, high rate of i nternet usage has greatly benefited people to be independent as it helps people to attain knowledge without any external assistance. Today, professors do not need to provide teaching notes to students since there is a bundle of relevant information available in the internet. Although this condition may improve students’ academic efficiency, overdependence on internet would sometimes result in adverse academic results. For instance, every piece of information provided in the internet may not be correct or accurate as every person is free to post his writings or personal views on the internet. Hence, wrong or misleading information would often cause troubles to an individual’s academic career. Another positive benefit of internet is that it provides employment to millions of people. Due to the increased internet usage, the scope of internet based jobs is still increasing and this situation gives hope to a global economy struggling from the recent global recession. At som e particular levels, the negative effects of internet outweigh the internet’s positive effects. To illustrate, cyber-terrorism significantly diminishes the scope of internet. The internet based terrorist activities such as deliberate disruption of computer networks cause serious consequences in the cyber world. Professional hacker teams use computer viruses to obtain unauthorized access to an organization’s or a country’s confidential data. Under such circumstances, the victim may sustain serious damages or losses which in turn would outweigh the anticipated benefits from those data. In addition, studies point out that porn websites and other violence promoting factors in internet result in social as well as cultural disintegration. Finally, the growing popularity of social networking websites like Facebook causes time wastage, and hence the overall productivity declines. As Lukoff points out, â€Å"exposing children and youth to video games and the internet of ten does not engage their major learning style that is through their sensorimotor system, and thus have negative effects on their cognitive development† Lukoff, 104). Causes of internet usage While discussing the dramatically increasing internet browsing data, it can be undoubtedly stated that need of information is the most important factor boosting worldwide internet usage. It is clear that internet is a potential source for every kind of information under the sun. The internet meets the information needs of each and every category of people,