Hobbit Essay Example For Students

Hobbit Essay The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is set in a fantasy world that has differences, as well as similarities, to our own world. The author has created the novels world, Middle Earth, not only by using imagination, but by also adding details from the modern world. Realistic elements in the book enable readers to relate to the setting, yet have the ability to imagine exciting events and organisms not found on Earth. The majority of differences between Middle Earth and todays world are found in objects and the actions of characters that can not be carried out or created in our world. The most abundant example of this in The Hobbit is the presence of magic. Gandalf, the wizard, is able to help the adventurers out of a number of dangerous situations by using his magical powers to harm their enemies. He set Wargs afire while he was trapped in a tree and created a bolt of lightening to kill many of the Goblins who had surrounded the group in a cave. The magical ring, which was a key to helping the group succeed in the book, allowed he who was wearing it to become invisible to others. Also, there was a black stream in Mirkwood that made he who drank out of it suddenly very drowsy and forgetful of previous events. All of these examples of happenings and objects found in Middle Earth are physically impossible in a world such as ours. Several of the organisms in the book are not known to exist on Earth. Hobbits, of course, are fictional characters, as are dwarves, elves, goblins, and trolls. Many species of animals are able to vocally communicate with humans and dwarves in the novel, which is not possible on our planet. Beorn, a human who is able to morph into other creatures at an instant, is an excellent example of such fiction. The dragon, Smaug, is the main adversary of the fourteen adventurers and is a type of creature that has long been used in fantasy writing. Although most of the characters species are merely creations of the author, they all exhibit a sense of realism that causes them to seem almost human. There is a vast difference between Middle Earth and the modern world, but there are also several similarities. In Middle Earth, there live humans, and hobbits, which are very much similar to miniature people. The language spoken and food consumed in the novels world are found in modern society. Also, the fact that Thorin Oakenshield is heir of the throne of the King under the Mountain and inherits all of the riches of the kingdom is like the parliamentary system of England. The environment and terrain the group passes through on their adventure is primarily the same as lands unchanged by humans and surrounded by nature appear today. In the novel, there are forests with miles of trees, high, rocky mountains, and flowing rivers just as there are here on Earth. It is not possible that a fantasy story such as The Hobbit could occur in real life. However, I do believe that fantasy can effectively teach us about reality. There are morals, lessons, and themes to be found within the text that can help us gain knowledge and live our lives more productively. Bilbo Baggins took a stand and raised enough courage to do something he had never thought of doing before, going on a great adventure. This choice caused Bilbo to gain endurance, bravery, an appreciation of his life, and many valuable experiences that made him a wiser person. Thorins selfish act of not wanting to share the dragons riches with the other towns citizens caused only bad events to occur. This teaches us that kindness and giving to others will not only benefit them, but will also cause you to feel more content inside. When the group of fourteen was staying with Beorn to rest, he gave them suggestions and information about the journey that lie ahead of them. He informed them about a black stream out of which they should never drink, no matter how thirsty they may be, for it would put them to sleep for days. If they had not listened to his words,

Pragmatism and teachers role free essay sample

Price, who coined the term Pragmatism, saw it as more a technique to elope us find solutions than a philosophy or solution to problems. Price used it as a means for developing linguistic and conceptual clarity (and thereby facilitate communication) with intellectual problems. He wrote: Consider what effects, which might conceivably have practical bearings, we conceive the object of our conception to have. Then our conception of these effects is the whole of our conception of the object. William James on Pragmatism: William James is the most famous philosopher of Pragmatism and hes the one who made Pragmatism itself famous. For James, Pragmatism was about alee and morality: the purpose of philosophy was to understand what had value to us and why. James argued that ideas and beliefs have value to us only when they work. James wrote on Pragmatism: Ideas become true just so far as they help us to get into satisfactory relations with other parts of our experience. We will write a custom essay sample on Pragmatism and teachers role or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page John Dewey on Pragmatism: In a philosophy he called Instrumentalist, John Dewey attempted to combine both Prices and James philosophies of Pragmatism. It was thus both about logical concepts as well as ethical analysis. Instrumentalist describes Dweebs ideas the conditions under which reasoning and inquiry occurs. On the one hand it should be controlled by logical constraints; on the other hand it is directed at producing goods and valued satisfactions. What is the Role of a Teacher According to Pragmatism? According to pragmatism teacher is a friend, guide and philosopher to the child.He must educate the child in social environment so that he may attain social efficiency. There must be positive relationship between teacher and taught. His behavior towards children must be sympathetic. His attitude should be democratic and child must have academic freedom. His function is to suggest problems to his pupils and to stimulate them to find for themselves solutions which will work. His emphasis is not on the knowledge as arranged and systematized in the text-books. He wants the children to do one experiment or to have a particular experience. Doing is more important than knowing. Like Socrates the Pragmatist teacher wants his pupils to think and act for them, to do rather than to know, to originate rather than to repeat Pragmatism and School John Dewey maintains that school is a Miniature Society here a child gets real experiences to act and behave according to his interests, aptitudes and capacities. Pragmatists regard school as a social institution where the child gains real experiences of actual life which develop in him social sense and a sense of duty towards society and the nation.Group games, working in laboratories and studying in libraries with others are the various activities and experiences which inculcate in children social qualities, social attitudes together with a spirit of mutual help and cooperative activities. In this way, according to Pragmatism the school is not a centre of education alone but it is also a community centre of various activities and experiences. Contribution of Pragmatism in Education Aims It lays more Stress on social and vocational efficiency. Teacher It gives important place to teacher. Student It stresses on child-centered education.Teaching Method New teaching methods are the contribution of pragmatism. Curriculum It lays more stress on experience and learning by doing. Evaluation of Pragmatism Opposition of Pre-determined Ideas pragmatism opposes pre-determined ideals and values. They are man-made and change according to the changes In circumstances, time and place. Opposition of Eternal Truth Pragmatism does not have any faith in eternal truth. Pragmatists believe that if the result of an activity is satisfactory then it is true otherwise not. No Fix System of Education. Pragmatism provides academic freedom to every institution which leads them nowhere. Pragmatism gives no fixed ideal to education. Such an education is bound to be fruitless. Emphasis on Material and Negation of Spiritual Values There is no room for spiritual values in pragmatism. It gives more Weight age to material values. Without spiritual values, we cannot achieve happiness, contentment and peace of mind and can go astray. Laxity in Discipline Pragmatism allows full freedom to the child who is not proper at the school Stage and it leads to serious chaos and confusion. Condemnation Of Formal Education Pragmatism advocates that all knowledge should be acquired through direct personal experiences. But knowledge is so vast and the span of life so short, that it is quite impossible to receive all knowledge through direct experiences. Hence acquiring all knowledge needs personal experiences and formal education both. Negation of the Past Pragmatism gives undue importance to the present. It ignores both past and future. The study of past is important to understand the present. Also there is need to link the present with future. Pragmatism is a Method Only. Pragmatism is not a philosophy of life but only a method of education, growth and development. In the words of William James There is absolutely nothing new in the pragmatic method.It is just empirical attitude. It has no dogmas and no doctrines save its methods. Pragmatism believes in Pluralism which is not proper. Merits of Pragmatism Project Method Project method is a gift of pragmatism. Through this method child attains knowledge by solving his practical problems. He performs the problematic acts in natural conditions. This method lays emphasis on learning through experiences. Importance of Child Opposing bookish knowledge and formal education, pragmatism lays great stress upon the development of childs individuality by his own efforts.This makes education child- centre. Emphasis on Activity The principle of learning by doing is the main contribution of pragmatism. Children are active by nature. It emphasizes on the activity of the child. It prepares the child for future life in a very effective manner. Revolutionized the Process of Education This philosophy has infused life and zest in contribution. The concepts of New Education, Progressive Education and Activity-centre curriculum which have changed the education outlook are the contribution of pragmatism.Social and Democratic Education pragmatism infuses in a child a spirit Of freedom, initiative, equality and also a sense of responsibility in relation to rights and duties of a citizen. This develops in the child love for democratic values and social efficiency which bring harmonious adjustment and development of personality. Progressive Attitude Pragmatism emphasizes the qualities of freedom initiative expression, experiences congenial, environment, purposeful creativity and development of human values for the welfare of whole mankind.

biological impoverishment

Nowhere on earth is the threat of biological impoverishment because of deforestation greater than in the Amazon Basin of South America. The Amazon supports approximately 300 million hectares of tropical forest, the largest single area of tropical forest communities in the world (Fig. 2). Estimates of global biodiversity point to the tropics as the source of 50 to 90% of all species on Earth (Wilson 1992); the richest forests often support over 300 tree species per hectare, approximately the same number of tree species in all of North America. Recent estimates of deforestation suggest that between 1 to 3 million hectares are being cleared annually in the Amazon Basin (Lawrence 1997; Fig. 3). Based on estimates of 1% annual tropical forest loss, the Amazon may be losing as many as 11 to 16 species per day (Wilson 1989), and the resulting ecosystems are often highly degraded (Buschbacher 1986). The deforestation of Amazonia presents a challenging study of the interactions among people, their values, and the environment. Is deforestation in the Amazon any different than what occurred in industrialized Europe and North America centuries past? Should Amazonians develop their lands as they see fit? Do peasant farmers actively clearing forests value their environment any differently than world conservation organizations, you, or I? What does the world stand to lose by watching the destruction of tropical forests? These are some of the most hotly debated environmental questions today, leading to several international conventions like the recent United Nations Convention on Biodiversity at the Rio de Janeiro "Earth Summit" in 1992. Factors leading to rapid tropical deforestation Why are tropical forests being cleared in the Amazon Basin at such an alarming rate? Historically, deforestation has been caused by the interaction of many factors, seven of which are presented here for simplici...

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean Living with a lake view can be a wonderful way to feel close to nature, to enjoy aquatic activities, and to experience the seasons as they go by. However, owning lakeshore property comes with responsibilities towards the ecological health of the lake. To be able to continue enjoying the natural beauty and recreational activities a lake has to offer, and to  keep your propertys value up, here are a few steps to consider: Minimize Runoff Pollution is perhaps the most direct threat to a lake ecosystem. In the absence of industrial waste discharge, much of the pollutants come from rainfall runoff. Perhaps the single most important step to prevent water pollution is to control the amount of pollutant that gets into the lake washed in by rainfall. This can be accomplished through several approaches: Minimize your lawn area. Maintaining a grass lawn is often thought to mean the application of fertilizers and herbicides and it is very difficult to dose them precisely. Rain will transport excess fertilizer into the lake, which will stimulate smelly, unsightly, and potentially toxic algal blooms. Consider skipping the fertilizer, and learn to live with an imperfect lawn. Better yet, cut down on the amount of lawn you need to maintain. Herbicides can be toxic to aquatic life – if you need to use them, spot treat the problem areas as needed.Capture runoff from impervious surfaces. Rooftops and driveways are examples of impervious surfaces, which do not allow water to percolate into the soil. Instead, rainwater collects pollutants and speeds off, contributing to soil erosion. These soil particles end up in lakes, creating sedimentation problems. Roof runoff can be captured with rain barrels, and later used to water flower beds. Road runoff can be routed into a rain garden made o f water-loving plants. The energy of the moving water will be absorbed, slowing down erosion, and the suspended particles will get deposited in the garden, instead of in the lake. If you’re planning a new or replacement driveway, consider permeable ones made of pavers which lets run water through and reach the soil. Protect Natural Shoreline Vegetation Bare lawn all the way to the shoreline might be an aesthetic that appeals to some, but it is hurtful to a lake. It is important to protect existing vegetation along the shoreline: the shrubs and trees there keep the shallow waters cooler, preventing unsightly algal blooms and protecting fish habitat. The plants’ roots hold on to the shoreline soil, preventing erosion. A thick vegetation strip along the shore also acts as a buffer, absorbing pollutants and sediment flowing towards the lake.Replace lost or damaged shoreline vegetation by planting native species. Your local nursery should be able to suggest fast-growing, hardy plants adapted to wet shoreline conditions. Discourage Invasive Species When landscaping your property, stick to native plant species, especially along the shoreline. Exotic plants can become invasive and rapidly spread along the shore, displacing native ones and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Damaging invasive  plants include phragmites, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass.A common way for invasive aquatics plants to enter a lake is by hitching a ride on a boat (an invasive species vector). Bits of algae or plant can be stuck on a boat propeller, or on the trailer, and be accidentally transferred from one lake to another. To avoid this,  take precautions before putting a boat in and better yet consider the possibility of implementing a boat inspection station at the public boat ramp. Many states have grants to assist landowner associations in funding these inspections. Particularly worrisome are Eurasian water-milfoil and​ the spiny water flea, as they can radically transform a lake’s ecology and significantly alter recreation al activities. Friendlier Fishing Countless lakes now have invasive fish species that were introduced by anglers. Don’t be a bucket biologist – only use native fish, crayfish, and leeches as bait. Many lakes have aquatic ecosystems that have now been transformed by the introduction of yellow perch, golden shiners, or rock bass.A particularly insidious form of lake pollution is lead to lost tackle. Practice lead-free fishing, and avoid making the wildlife sick. Loons, grebes, ducks, and bald eagles are particularly vulnerable. Practice Green Boating Motorboat activities can be disruptive to a lake’s health in many ways. Avoid these issues by choosing human-powered options: canoe, kayak, sailboat, or stand-up paddleboard.If you are using a motorboat, favor four-stroke engines over two-stroke ones. They have better fuel economy, fewer emissions, and are quieter. They also do not release unburned fuel into the water, which two-strokes do.Mind your wake. Slow down when you are near shore, as the wave action created by boats can increase shore erosion, releasing sediment, and damage shoreline vegetation. Controlling Waste Water Follow existing local ordinances for your septic systems. Regulations specify a minimum distance between the lake shore and your septic system. In addition, regular inspections and maintenance will ensure it functions properly. Leaky septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution.Mind the products that end up in your septic tank – one of the main issues is the algae-feeding phosphate in soaps. Laundry detergent is now largely phosphate-free in the United States, but many dish-washing soap brands still contain it.However tempting it is, avoid washing in the lake. Shampoos and soaps contain chemicals that are not friendly to aquatic ecosystems, despite the â€Å"biodegradable† or â€Å"all natural† labels on the bottle. Going the Extra Mile Join your lake association and be a voice for conservation. When issues arise, research them and promote environmentally sound solutions. In the United States, state departments of natural resources usually have limnologists (lake scientists) who can answer your questions. In addition, many state universities have cooperative extension services which may be able to help you.Be involved with your regional land trust. They may be able to help you protect pieces of shoreline property that are key to the health of a lake.

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 15

Leadership - Essay Example apart from the traditional challenges of motivating and developing the workforce, supporting growth and development within the organization and guiding the organization in the right direction even in situations of crisis and contingency. This project aims at discussing an important challenges faced by the 21st century leadership. The report includes an identification of a significant challenge for leadership. The specific challenge selected for the paper is the management of a mobile and diverse workforce. The report includes an overview of leadership followed by a discussion of diversity as a main global challenge in leadership and the need for diversity management in all kinds of locally and internationally functioning organizations. A section encompassing the discussion of the diversity management outlook in the next five years is also included. A case of diversity management through leadership in IBM is used as a real life example to demonstrate the leadership functions related to diversity management within an organization. The report is suitably concluded by summarising the main findings from the overall discussion of the different perspectives of diversity management as a challenge to leadership in organizati ons. The functions of a modern day leader are multifaceted and more complex than those defined as per the norms of traditional leadership. The aspect of leadership within a modern organization includes a consideration of both the complexities and issues within and outside the organization. Inside an organization, leadership involves the management of the workforce, in which they have to create, motivate and lead a heterogeneous and mobile group of people, achieve organizational growth, improve individual and organizational efficiency levels as well as work across the boundaries of the organization (Gentry and Leslie, 2012). Also, from the

International relation theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International relation theory - Essay Example While neo-realist theory contends the effect of state principles and capabilities for the international system, neo-liberalist theory emphasizes on a wider view of the international politics, focusing on the plurality of state actions including the economic and cultural aspects. Taking these two schools of thought for discussion, we bring out an analysis of which theoretical perspective provides the most plausible account of international politics, with particular reference to the films, Independence Day, and Lord of the Flies. The article examines how the international theories appear to be true on the movie and analyze whether the theory is portrayed in the film as normal or deviant from the world in it. According to Neo-realism, the international political structure is defined by the principle of anarchy, mentioning that there is no central authority of governance for the international system. Kenneth Waltz, regarded as the founder of Neo-realism, argues that, unlike the tradition al realism, the conduct of the states is determined by this structure of the international system. The states are inclined to be formally equal in the system and they act without subordinating to each other. The needs and abilities of a state determine their capabilities and power on the international system. ... Anarchy and self-preservation alone are not sufficient to explain the war of all against all† (Pechlivanis 2012). The international relation is shaped by the balance of power among the states, which is attained by the states’ abilities to constrain to the relative powers for relative gains, through internal and external balancing. The great powers within the international system could be classified as the unipolar, bipolar and multipolar systems, owing to the number of powers contained in the system. According to neorealist, bipolar system would be a stable one as it is balanced through internal balancing alone, eliminating the need for external balancing. This is because there is no greater power to be formed from alliances and therefore lesser chance for great wars. On the other hand, Neoliberalism tends to view the international system from a wider perspective, demanding for a stronger state that promotes its interests. Unlike the neo-realism that views the state as a single entity, neo-liberalism includes plurality of its affairs. It focuses on security, integration of states and conflicting nature of the international politics in respect to the political economy and cooperation between the states. Neo-liberalism insists that states should have the goal of absolute gains rather than concerning about the relative gains for establishing power. The collaboration among the competitive states can be achieved in an anarchic international system with a rational decision and preferences of the states. Neo-liberalism contends that international institutions can successfully pave a way for the states to cooperate in the international system. â€Å"Institutions exert a causal force on international relations, shaping state preferences and locking

The Homestead Act Essay Example for Free

The Homestead Act Essay To my understanding, and from what I have read in the book and throughout the course links, I believe that the intent of the Homestead Act was to defeat land monopoly. Many farmers, however, lacked the economic means to move west and manage a farm. . By this, fewer still understood the new type of agriculture, in which technology was used to farm the land that the Great Plains required. Instead, speculators and corporate interests were able to reap in profits, and fraud and corruption, and often marked the process farmland for transportation (the railroads). The Homestead Acts biggest weakness however, was not taking into account conditions on the frontier. I also think that the eastern framers did not consider that some of their land was too large for irrigated farming and too small for dry farming. The role of the private capital in the American West was towards the rich. The poor individuals did not have any control of most of the land even if they were the first occupants. The rich people were also in control of the railroad system, in which the well to do folks had the only say so. Farmers finally received a break, with the railroads. Under the Pacific Railroad Act, land grants made possible the speedy construction of the Union Pacific, Central Pacific, Northern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific railroads. They were Lead by railroad promoters to believe in a bountiful West harvest, in which mass amounts of European immigrants were caught up in the movement West. I think that the railroads provided exactly what the Homestead Acts did not: credit terms, good quality advertisement, larger land tracts, special passenger rates, and farming support for future Western settlers. There were a lot of motivated businessmen of the Great Northern Railway, who planned and directed the settlement of thousands of settlers along different lines. One thing that I believed that helped the settlers was the fact that lands sold by the railroads also hastened settlement because they provided the cheapest and most convenient way of getting farmers produce to the markets. By this, I believe that the United States government played a major role in developing the railroad system and then came in to assist the public when the private companies were mistreating the general public for a profit. According to the Links in unit 10, and according to what I have read in the  book, it seems as if the railroad system was a project that was difficult to accomplish. From the beginning, and as seen within the union pacific site, the workers that worked on the railroads were not well treated at all. Many of them were treated like animals with no self-worthiness. These workers were hardly paid money and the small amount of money they received was not enough for them to take care of their families. From time to time, some workers organized rallies and strikes to make sure that their voices were heard. The transformative power of the railroads in the American West, in my view, can relate to the tern talismanic wands. At that time, the settlers did not have any mode of transportation other than their animals, and the railroad system seemed to be the magical instrument. I think the railroad did work miracles for the people at that time because it gave them a chance to travel and market their goods elsewhere.