Isaac Asimovs Foundation - Psychohistory :: Isaac Asimov Foundation

Foundation   Psychohistory Psychohistory is the framework upon which Isaac Asimov's Foundation rests. It provides for diverse episodes about a variety of characters over a period 400 years, and those episodes feature a number of strong-minded individuals seeking solutions to a series of problems as they arise (Gunn 42). In the novel, these problems have all been fore-ordained long ago by Hari Seldon's science of psychohistory. Psychohistory is defined by Asimov as a "'profound statistical science' that deals with the reactions of human conglomerates to fixed social and economic stimuli" (Touponce 76). In short, this science predicts the future by treating humanity as one massive series of mathematical equations. However, the one drawback of psychohistory is that this science does not account for individual, random variables. Hari Seldon uses the science of psychohistory to predict the fall of the massive Galactic Empire. By using complex mathematical equations, Seldon is able to mathematically prove that the downfall of the Galactic Empire is eminent. In addition, psychohistory also adds a sense of determination and predestination to Foundation. The main characters in each book of the novel are aware that when a Seldon crisis occurs, they will manage to make the correct decisions leading to the inevitable turnout of the crisis. Seldon's prophesies "are revealed only after the fact, and even the solutions that he or others say are obvious are obvious only in retrospect, as in all good histories" (Gunn 41). This is first shown in "The Psychohistorians" when Salvor Hardin makes the decision that he must take over the management of the Foundation. This decision is logical in retrospect, but it causes Hardin much agonizing over the probable results of his actions before he does them. The dilemma experienced by Asimov's characters is how to achieve the predetermined outcome concocted by Seldon. The hero of the first Foundation, Salvor Hardin, decides to wait until the crisis limits his choices to only one course of action. He argues: ...the future isn't nebulous. It's been calculated out by Seldon and charted. Each successive crisis in our history is mapped out and each depends in a measure on the successful conclusion of the ones previous...At each crisis our freedom of actions would become circumscribed to the point where only one course of action was possible...As long as more than one course of action is possible, the crisis has not been reached.

Salems Lot and The Shining :: essays research papers

Stephen King sets up the perfect horror scene in room 217 by buliding off of Hitchcock and hos own previous work, Salem's Lot. King uses Hitchcock's definition of great horror to set for the scene in romm 217. He also uses background from his old work, Salems Lot. Alfred Hitchcock's idea of horror involves human suspense and teh realistic aspect of scary situations. Hitchcocks masterful directing leads the audience to be the frist to understand what is going on. The characters are left in the dark until the suspense reaches its climax. As the impending danger builds, the viewer is allowed to wtiness the situation before the character. This raises the level of suspense making it more realistic. Hitchcock takes normal situations and adds a terffiying twist. The twist is always something that has never happened, but is definetely possible. Hitchcocks The Birds is an excellent example of this. He takes normal situation with normal birds and turns them into killers. As the birds gather behind one unsuspecting victim, only the audience is allowed to see the impending danger. The woman is calm and collected as she waits on the bench. Hitchcock adds a little scare music and the woman suddenly realizes she is being watched. She whips around in horror a nd the birds are there ready to attack. This scfene is not a common occurance, but to an overactive imagination it could become a very real possibility. Kings early work Salems Lot helps to prove he has created the perfect horror scene in room 217. Salems lot was, at that time, a suspenseful story about vampires and things that lurk in the night. The plot was predictable, new guys come to town, vampires attack, suspcicious old man is accused. When King wrote Salems Lot his techniques for horror and suspense were still yound and under developed. The element of surprise was more evident than that of suspense. The writing of King matured greatly before he wrote The Shining. The scene in roo, 217 us a perfect horror scene as it takes a realistic situation and turns it frightening. As the beginning of the nover danny is warned by Hallorann not to enter room 217. The first step has been completed, the warning. The second step of building the action begins. Danny steals the passkey, but not only that as Jack has been having hallucinations along with Danny.

Forensic Dentistry

Forensic Dentistry is used as a major part in solving cases where people are unidentifiable. Forensic evidence is any evidence that can be legally used in a court of law. Many people know what forensics are because of shows such as Bones, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace. What most people don’t know are the minor details that have to be sought out when using any forensics to solve a case. Odontology; commonly referred to as dental forensics is highly unrecognized by the general population and can be very useful in forensic science.In forensic science odontology is used to identify the unknown in many unique situations, and can act as evidence in the court of law. Even though most people don’t know about the growing scientific art Odontology, the history goes back decades. Dental forensics began around 66 A. D. , although the study wasn’t as useful as today’s due to the lack of technology it was still useful to those who chose to use it. During World War II the study of Odontology was used to identify both Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun.Odontology isn’t a specific job on its own; it is studied by dentists, hygienists and other forms of specialists who have correct knowledge about the oral cavity. These citizens work together using the technology created to help in the identification of the deceased. Two common technological systems that are important in finding the records needed in Odontology are the panto morphograph registry and CAPMI (Computerized Assisted Postmortem Identification System). CAPMI was developed by the U. S. Army Dental Research institute. Many other kinds of databases have been created to help aid in the study of Dental forensics.Together the knowledge of those who choose to study the oral cavity, and the people dedicated to help broaden today’s dental databases has changed the outlook on what can possibly be achieved in the future. Forensic Dentists are responsible for identifying human remains and as sess bite mark on the human body. The forensic dentist is to determine age, whether it be the age of an unidentified living individual or the age of the deceased. The only two methods that are used more commonly in the identification process are fingerprint and DNA evidence.When these two means of identification cannot be found, investigators rely on dental records and evidence to back up their case. Teeth are very durable and strongly resistant to deterioration or harm, due to their hard outer shell known as enamel. Far after decomposition has ended. The oral cavity can be used as evidence, because no one person can have the same dental work and dental structure as another. Generally adults may have up to 32 teeth present in their oral cavity, but a child’s mouth can only accommodate 20 teeth total. When a body is found an odontologist can look at the tooth development to determine the John or Jane doe’s age.Using dental forensics to determine an age can be extremely accurate. As age increases, the means to identification vary from person to person. The age of a teenager can be estimated by looking at the third molars, when these teeth come into the mouth at an age ranging from 17 to 25 years old. Determining the age of an adolescent can be precise because the oral cavity is somewhat at a standstill. When odontology is used to determine the age of an adult or someone referred to as elderly, the age estimation may not be as accurate. After all of the adult teeth have grown in, the oral cavity goes through slight changes.As someone gets older their gum tissues soften and their teeth usually become more mobile as the ligaments attaching the teeth grow weak. This alone is not an accurate indication as to how old an adult is because every adult uses and takes care of their teeth in a different manner. Forensic dentists use previously taken FMX (full mouth set of x-rays) and BWX (bitewing x-rays), along with dental records to figure out a subjects ide ntity. When new x-rays are taken, the forensic dentist can try to find x-ray matches in dental records and world wide databases.This makes it possible for the deceased to be legally identified, if the forensic dentist is able to provide the proper evidence. Both the x-rays of an individual’s teeth and the small amount of nasal passage that can be seen on upper dental x-rays can help to be proper evidence for the odontologist to prove their case. When patients at dental offices receive things such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and braces, the information has to be written down in the patient’s dental chart. These charts can be used as legal references when the forensic dentist looks into the mouth of an unidentified individual.Postmortem dental profiling technology has made it so when using the overall dental and facial structure of a deceased individual, the general appearance of this individual can be correctly portrayed. After producing a postmortem dental profile, i nvestigators are then able to look through missing person cases and reports so that they can match the postmortem profile created to an individual that fits within the correct age frame, sex and build. Dental profiling is also a common way forensic dentists identify bite marks. Bite marks appear on many individuals, both dead and alive. Usually these injuries occur during carious types of crimes.Odontology uses impressions of a suspect’s teeth in order to link that specific suspect to the crime they may be accused of committing. Bite mark evidence is also used in cases such as assault, abuse, or murder. When clear human bite marks are present on bodies, it is simple to link the bite mark to a suspect and the suspect to the crime. Specific people such as police and forensic examiners have access to worldwide data records; this means that when an unidentified body is found an odontologist is then able to access the records so he/she can compare previous dental records to the ne wly found evidence.When a name needs to be given to an unidentified body the odontologist may take impressions of the oral cavity using various dental procedures. When impressions are taken in alginate: impression trays, wax pieces, or alginate paste may be used. These means of acquiring evidence can help to identify a body, or to link a suspect to a case. The different classifications of dental identification are major parts of the evidence needed to prove forensic based identification to a judge. The amount of evidence that can be gathered from an individual’s new and previous dental records is necessary in the field of Odontology and forensics.The ABFO (American Board of Forensic Odontology) and the ABFD (American Board of Forensic Dentistry) are two major groups involved in dental forensics. As it is, forensic dentistry is still commonly studied and used as evidence in court cases around the world today. Forensic evidence is widely used in courts of law to ensure correct prosecution of those who are on trial. The jury wants to know all of the legitimate information and evidence, in a criminal investigation so they can give an accurate verdict. It is here that the involved odontologist provides them with all of the knowledge they need.A forensic scientist may be present in a court case to provide and explain the evidence that ties the accused into the crime presented, in court they will be used as what is known as an expert witness. A development known as LUIS (a machine) has made it possible to trace bite marks left a few weeks before the victim’s body was found. LUIS works after an impression of the suspect’s teeth has been taken, and the plaster model made. The plaster model gets scanned onto a computer where it can be placed digitally on an image of the bite mark wound found on the victim’s body.This new technology moved dental forensics from tracing the tooth pattern of the bite mark, to actually being able to digitally move the suspect’s teeth onto the bite mark. This makes for a more accurate and quicker paced way of matching a suspect’s bite to the victim’s bite mark. It makes it possible to see if the digital scans of the teeth match up with the marks on the victim. When the bodies of the diseased are so badly mangled that a general picture cannot positively identify them, dental forensics can use dental records instead. Around 99% of forensic cases can be solved using dental knowledge and records.When other means of identification are used and fail, or simply cannot be used, dental technology will aid in finding the information needed for proper identification. A body’s teeth are extremely durable; they can withstand much force and still be well preserved. When the teeth are affected greatly, DNA can be found deep down in the dried pulp (in the center nerve) of the tooth. Without the knowledge of these dentists, many people in the world would go without emotional closur e; identities would be left unfound during events such as brutal accidents, murders and environmental disasters.References Burnie, David. The Concise Encyclopedia of the Human Body. Dorling Kindersley, 1995. â€Å"Forensic Evidence† http://www. buisnessdictionary. com/definition/forensic-evidence. html â€Å"Forensic Odontology† http://www. all-about-forensic-science. com/forensic-odontology. html â€Å"History behind Forensic Odontology† http://www. biology-online. org/articles/forensic-odontology/history-behind-forensicodontology. Html â€Å"How Forensic Evidence is presented to a Jury† http://www. exploreforensics. co. uk/forensic-evidence-presented-to-a-jury. html MacKay, Jenny.Forensic Art. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2009. MacKay, Jenny. Forensic Biology. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2009. Orwell, Mark. â€Å"Forensic Dentistry Information† http://www. ehow. com/about_6815602_forensic-dentistry-information. html Phinney, Donna, and Judy, Halstead. Delma r's Dental Assisting. United States: Delmar Learning, 2004. Thomas, Peggy. Talking Bones: the Science of Forensic Anthropology. New York: Facts on File, 1995. Cover Art credited to http://dental-times-magazine. blogspot. com/2009/10/forensic-dentistry. html By Stephanie Myers 2012

In the Future Schoolteachers Will Be Replaced by Computers

With the present wide use of computers, in the course of teaching, more and more teachers are in favour of using computers as an aid in teaching their students or in appropriating the latest information from the Internet. However, I am not a believer in the argument that computers may in the future take the place of teachers in teaching students. Firstly, the creators of any education program and software need to be teachers or workers in the education system, or programmers who had previously worked in education.Therefore, although students may learn knowledge by computer, the skills and ideas ultimately emanate from the teaching staff. Secondly, while the computer may offer a correct answer or explanation to students, the comprehension capability of every student varies from student to student, making it is impossible for the computer to offer an explanation catered to a student’s particular level of understanding. However, the teacher is able to undertake this task, as he o r she possesses expertise in teaching.For example, when a teacher discovers that many students cannot understand professional knowledge, he or she may offer explanatory examples. The computer, however, may only analyze a question in terms of a simple right or wrong response. Finally, the teachers are invariably responsible for carrying a dual role. Most teachers act as not only an educator, but also a kind of father or mother-figure in taking care of students in school.The teacher is able to assist parents in solving a child’s mental problems other than imparting daily knowledge. The computer, which is purely an algorithmic electronic device, cannot hope to assist in this regard. In summary, the computer may not play a major role in education in comparison to the benefits of a teacher bestows. However, it is critical that teachers improve their old teaching modes by using computers at some level of educational teaching.

Kip Kinkel

Kipland Kinkel a 15 year old teenager killed his parents at their home in Oregon in 1998, and later went to the cafeteria of Springfield Thurston high school and went on a shooting spree, killing two and injuring 25 students. Kinkel was sentenced to spend around 112 years in prison without any option of parole. Kinkel was suspected to be a paranoid schizophrenic, the brain harm in Kinkel’s case was supposed to be due to genetic disorders. Kinkel’s mother’s family was also found to have a history of mental illnesses. After a detailed study of this case, the competencies that are of utmost interest to this case are, The mental state of Kinkel The history of mental illnesses in Kinkel’s family His relationship with his father His interest in guns and bombs High educational expectations form his parents The effect of the anti-depressants he was taking. All the above-mentioned points must have directly or indirectly influenced Kinkel to do what he did. Increased pressure on the brain of any person and especially a teenager is bound to give negative results. This is what made Kinkel go on a shooting spree. Kip Kinkel Juveniles with a history of mental illnesses like schizophrenia and ADHD are more inclined to commit certain offenses like robbery, stealing vehicles, drugs etc. The main features of the case, which will be important in the legal point of view, are Kinkel was a paranoid schizophrenic He had a slow psychological development Was taking medicines for his mental condition ‘Not guilty by reason of insanity’ then he would be sent to a mental hospital Psychological Factors Some of the main psychological conditions which influenced Kinkel, were that he was a schizophrenic, his mother also suspected him of having attention deficit disorder (ADHD).   His family had a history of mental illnesses, it was learned that his mother also used anti-depressants, and at least nine of his other family members have mental illnesses. All this might also show a link to a genetic disorder. As a child he was a slow learner who was emotional and hyperactive. Kinkel had a mental problem, which damaged his brain, and there was also talk about holes in his brain. Kinkel also said he heard voices, which made him do this. Psychological disorders can be due to genetic inheritance, which can be traced back to nearly three generations, and Kinkel’s family on both his parents’ sides had a history of mental disorders. All these psychological factors will definitely have an effect on the behavior and capabilities of Kinkel, and this is what happened to him.   He was mentally depressed and in a psychotic state when he committed the offense. Kip Kinkel Medications To improve the mental state of Kinkel, I think he should be given the necessary medications to control his depression and anger.   If he is not given medicines, there are chances of him to repeat the offense again during his trial on his co-mates.   He should be given a chance to vent out his feelings, so that he can think straight. By not taking medicines, he might be constantly remembering the same incident again and again, which might increase the feelings of depression in him and subsequently result in further brain damage. By taking medicines during his trial, he can slowly improve his mental condition and reduce his anger. And there are chances of him to be totally get rid of his depression, which will give him a new lease of life, and there will be a meaning to his life also. Juveniles are not grown ups and their psychological and mental condition is also not totally developed, they don’t have the maturity that adults have, due to which they are bound to commit offenses. At the same time they have to be given a chance to prove themselves, even if it is when they are under trial.   So taking medicines to improve their condition is definitely advisable for juveniles. Defense Arguments In Kinkel’s case, the main points that the defense should try to highlight are His mental illness His juvenile status The use of medicines for depression Not guilty by reason of insanity Kip Kinkel The defense should handle the case very tactfully by highlighting the aspects that are advantageous to Kinkel. They should stress on the mental condition of the defendant at the time he committed the offense. The cognitive development of a juvenile should also be considered, as children cannot differentiate between what is right and what is wrong, as they are immature. The other point that the defense can argue is the history of mental illnesses in Kinkel’s family, which could have developed a genetic disorder in him, the reason for his mental condition. The two main points that the defense can lobby for are Kinkel’s mental condition and his juvenile status. Conclusion Kipland Kinkel was and is guilty for the murder of his parents and two of his fellow students, and according to the nation he should be severely punished.   But the fact that he is a juvenile should be considered, as children are different from adults, and they are not mature enough to decide what is right. Also considering the fact that he was a paranoid schizophrenic, he should be given a chance to take proper medication for his mental condition and overall well being.   He should be sent to a rehabilitation center, to take proper treatment for his psychological disorders. Everybody does mistakes, after all it is human nature to go wrong at a certain point, but the greatness lies in forgiving a person and giving him a chance to mend his ways. Kip Kinkel committed this offense, but he was not mature enough to understand what he was doing at that time, he had sort of gone blank, and he was not in a state to judge what was right and wrong. He must be given an opportunity to take suitable treatment for his psychological development. References Ellis Swanson, ‘†Killers Start Sad and Crazy† Mental Illness and the Betrayal of Kipland Kinkel’, Oregon Law Review, Retrieved 13 June, 2007, http://www.law.uoregon.edu/org/olr/archives/79/79olr1081.pdf Jeff Barnard, ‘Oregon school shooting suspect describes killing on videotape’, Court TV Online, Retrieved 13 June 2007 Rusty Dornin, ‘Oregon school shooter showed signs of mental disease’, CNN.com, Retrieved 13 June 2007            

Culture and Educational Policy in Hawaii Essay

American education policy has been formulated and shaped through the three major cartels of institutions. These are social, political and economic which have led to the transitions from one system to another. Although education has profound effects in all the institution, education and politics are seen to have much great effects on each other in terms of policy formulation. Due to the distribution of the political power in the American states, more effects on education systems, requirements and policies are formulated through the political institutions. The American federal government not only checks the economy generating institutions by they are obliged to check on other institutions which includes all the learning academic institutions in ensuring their management is smooth that enhances consolidation of the right composition of the community in term of balancing economic, social and political factors. For the past several decades, the education system in the state has endeavored to have sound political order as a measure of the proliferation of education through innovation of modern knowledge and also in the transfer of the traditional original knowledge, a portrayal of the intimacy of both politics and education. Though education is considered very paramount to all residents, the population of the American comprises of wide number of persons from different races and ethnic groups. This poses very great challenge in creating a learning environment with equality in term of cultural satisfaction. However, through the learning process, the gap between the various ethnic groups with the diversity of culture has been narrowed in private, public and common schools. Despite the struggle to harmonize the education systems in the states, quality of the education has been of prime priority to meet the worlds output in information access and gain that enhance social life. The adaptation of mono-culture by globalization of culture through education systems has not only made the states impoverished but it has also led to specific ethnic groups to get impoverished. Generally, the diversity of culture was initially being abolished through the process of assimilation in United States. The success of it all lied within the choice by an individual by voluntary means; however, there was a milestone for those who were involuntarily being assimilated including the Native American and African Americans among others. The education process was thus going to ultimately be challenged and fail its goals due to the negative view from these communities. The based for education though encountered with difficulty was to trace its way forward by instituting equality with the observations of three main cultural factors for the native Americans that included, protestant ideology, savage-to-civilaztion paradigm of social evolution and final the manifest destiny ideology. The education policy in the Hawaiians was fraud and had inherent discriminatory factors within it. This was policy which was created to exploit and tortures the then native residents in the state. The political stance was eroded with the much pertinent problem more land of expanding the territories politically. Leaders and other prominent favored the oppressive application of the factors of manifest destiny that used segregating in the educational institutions. By imposing segregation policy within the learning organization, the native were barred from knowledge access making the viable for cheap labor in the grabbed agricultural sugar plantations. The segregation policy which was applied in the denied the native Hawaiians from easy educations access. When education centre were available for the whites, the native Hawaiians had to struggles to gain the knowledge which was though to transform their live socially economically and politically. This raised a lot of concern making great men like Jefferson to think of the purpose of education as tool for enslaving the society rather than a freeing them. The education policy created a gap in the society causing stratification of society into several classes whereby the native Hawaiians were forced to the lowest class in all dimension of social, economic and politic concern. This was contrary to the formation of certain schools such as those of brown decision that had the vision of abolishing the disparities in all these factors in the society. Besides the maintaining of the pervasive policy of segregation in Hawaii, this policy has sometime been sandwich to eliminate Hawaiians cultures through changes of the religious believes. Under the disguise of advancing education progressiveness in Hawaii, religious assimilation has played a major role tackily in instituting changes of cultures. The Catholicons and the Protestants tried to battle for their followers which created a better chance for more Hawaiians to have eased way of education under the common schools in the expense and lose of their culture. Though this was far most of merit in opening up learning centre, the natives felt the pinch of having to adapt to the new language that was used as the teaching language making them strained in their understanding. Education systems in Hawaii have great challenges in solving the oppressive policy which for a long time has seen few admissions of the native marginalized communities in those sponsored schools. This call for establishment of more school that are neutral in the cultural institutionalizing neither with hidden motives of praising their own cultures nor superior on traditional basis nor on religious base. It is anticipated that the impingement that have been inflicted on these marginalized population can also be remedied by ensuring that affirmative action of admission to education centers. Reference: Heck, R and Maenette, P. (1998), Culture and Educational Policy in Hawaii: The Silencing of Native Voices: Routledge .

Apush Outline

The Bonds of Empire, 1660-1750 o Rebellion and War, 1660-1713 ? Before Restoration (1660), England made little attempt to weld colonies ? Royal Centralization, 1660-1688 †¢ Restoration monarchs disliked representative government †¢ Charles II rarely called parliament into session after 1674, and none after 1681 †¢ James II wanted to rule as absolute monarch o Meant he would never face an elected legislation †¢ These 2 kings had little sympathy for Am.   RI, and Plymouth into Dominion of New Eng. o 1688= NY and the Jerseys came in o Sir Edmund Andros became governor of Dominion of New Eng. ? The Glorious Revolution in England and America, 1688-1689 †¢ Charles II converted to Catholicism on deathbed †¢ Eng. olerated James’ conversion to Catholicism b/c his heirs (Mary and Anne) were Anglican †¢ Bloodless revolution of 1688=Glorious revolution o Created limited monarchy in Eng. ? Promised to summon parliament once a yr. , sign all its bills, and respect traditional civil liberties o William and Mary (now king and queen of eng. after they overthrew James) dismantled Dominion of New Eng. o NY rebelled with Leisler’s Rebellion ? The Enlightenment †¢ In 1750 the Enlightenment’s greatest contributions to Am. life still lay in the future. A quarter-century later, Anglo-Am. drew on the enlightenment’s revolutionary ideas as they declared their independence from Britain and created the foundations of a new nation †¢ It was an age of optimism, tempered by the realistic recognition of the sad state of the human condition and the need for major reforms. The Enlightenment was less a set of ideas than it was a set of attitudes. At its core was a critical questioning of traditional institutions, customs, and morals. ? The Great Awakening †¢ In New England, the Great Awakening was influential among many Congregationalists †¢ In the Middle and Southern colonies, the Awakening was influential among Presbyterians and other dissenting Protestants. †¢ A time of increased religious activity. The revival began with Jonathan Edwards, a well-educated theologian and Congregationalist minister from Northampton, Massachusetts, who came from Puritan and Calvinist roots, but emphasized the importance and power of immediate, personal religious experience. †¢ Edwards’ sermons were powerful and attracted a large following. o Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, is his most famous sermon. †¢ The Methodist preacher George Whitefield, visiting from England, continued the movement, traveling across the colonies and preaching in a more dramatic and emotional style, accepting everyone into his audiences.