Friday, January 24, 2020

Marxian Theory versus Weberian Theory Essay example -- Politics Politi

Marxian Theory versus Weberian Theory Karl Marx and Max Weber both offer valid approaches to social class in modern capitalist society, though there are very different from each other. The capitalist society is a type of society in which the private ownership of the ‘means of production’ is the dominant form of providing the things needed to survive. What distinguishes capitalism from other types of society is the emphasis on the rights of property and the individual owner’s right to employ capital, as she or he thinks fit. Karl Marx’s approach was, at first, the most convincing theory of social class. However the Neo-Marxists (the later generation Marxists) have developed the same ideas but in different ways. So today there is no single Marxian viewpoint. Marx believed that economic processes are of great importance in society, such as the harnessing of natural resources, producing goods, developing new technologies and establishing a division of labour in the workforce. These are important because in order for these things to happen, people in society have to come together. Therefore they enter into social class relationships. Social classes came about when society developed a more specialised division of labour and introduced private property. Marx argued that under capitalism there are two major classes: 1. The Bourgeoisie (capitalists) 2. The Proletariat (the workers) These two classes are defined by their relationships to productive resources, such as land, factories, machinery, raw materials etc. these are known as ‘means of production’. The Bourgeoisie is the owner of the ‘means of production’. Therefore they have a much higher and more powerful economic position in society. Workers can only live by... ...gist suggest that the main difference is that the Marxians view class relationships as grounded in exploitation and domination within means of production while Weberians see classes coming from positions in the market. Marxians believe that social class is based on the means of production, but Weberians think that power and status matter more. Marxians have 2 main classes and Weberians have a much more complicated class system. So, in conclusion the Marxians believe social class in modern society is based on ownership of means of production and the two-class model. Weberians think that social class in modern society depends on the positions in the market place, which has many more classes. Both Marxian and Weberian theories are very good and I think they are theoretically correct to a certain extent. However no one will know for sure who has the best theory.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Concealed Carry on College Campuses

The debate concerning the laws of concealed carry on college campuses has been going strong since the Virginia Tech tragedy on April 16, 2007. Concealed carry should be allowed on college campuses. On one side, people oppose the right of concealed carry on campus stating reasons such as this one presented by Concealed Campus, â€Å"It’s unlikely that allowing concealed carry on college campuses could help prevent a Virginia Tech-style massacre because most college students are too young to obtain a concealed handgun license,† (Common). That statement is incorrect and quite misleading. Nineteen of the thirty-two victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy were of or over the age of twenty-one† which is the minimum age to receive a concealed weapons permit in most states (Common). Another common argument against concealed carry on campuses is, â€Å"Life on college campuses often involves some drug use and alcohol consumption that could impair the judgment of a law-abidin g gun owner,† posted by The Warrior (Umpir). However, each state that gives concealed weapons permits has laws prohibiting license holders from carrying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Anyone who knows anything about guns would know this. Allowing concealed carry on college campuses should not only be allowed, but encouraged. Between 2001 and 2003 there were 10,472 cases of aggravated assaults on campuses across the US as presented by the U. S. Department of Education (Criminal). These large numbers could very well be prevented in the future if concealed carry is allowed on college campuses. Part of American citizens’ civil rights, as guaranteed by the US Constitution in the second amendment, is to keep and bear arms.The second amendment stating â€Å"As passed by the Congress: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. † This has been a long stand ing principle and all states have laws for concealed weapons, some stricter than others, but all in some way may advocate for it. The National Conference of State Legislatures posted in August 2012, â€Å"Recent court cases have also overturned some †¦ system wide bans of concealed carry on state college and university campuses.In March 2012, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the University of Colorado’s policy banning guns from campus violates the state’s concealed carry law, and in 2011 the Oregon Court of Appeals overturned the Oregon University System’s ban of guns on campuses †¦ it was ruled that state law dictates only the legislature can regulate the use, sale and possession of firearms†¦,† (Guns). This supports the arguments for concealed carry on campus by showing the Supreme Court’s support for long standing laws. Concealed carry on campus would do well for the common good. In having a concealed weapon, others may becom e uneasy.However, if the lisecense holder is responsible and caring, they could actually make others feel at ease knowing that a responsible US citizen could protect them in an emergency. To advocate for my position, I have joined the group â€Å"Students for Concealed Carry† at www. Concealedcampus. com. The group has given me the information to write to my state elected officials to encourage concealed weapons on college campuses, which I have done. Works Cited â€Å"Common Arguments Agaisnt Campus Carry. † Concealed Campus. Students for Concealed Carry, 2011. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Criminal Offensess – Aggravated Assault. † Ed. gov. N. p. , n. d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Guns on Campus. † NCSL. National Conference of State Legislatures, Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. . Umpir, Evan. â€Å"Against Concealed Carry on Campus. † The Warrior. N. p. , 03 Nov. 2011. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. .

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Computer Programs And Software Applications - 1098 Words

1) Programmer 2) A programmer’s job is mostly project based. They create applications, using their knowledge of code, and remove all the bugs before setting it forward to the company. A programmer works closely with analysts and management to understand about a problem in the code, and create/edit the expected outcome towards a company. Some duties include: Correcting errors by making appropriate changes and then rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced. Conducting trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct. Compiling and writing documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program. Writing, updating, and maintaining computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs, such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment. Consultin g with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes. Performing or directing revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. A programmer may also have to prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language. Programming plays a roleShow MoreRelatedDifference between Application Software and Programming Software1568 Words   |  6 Pagesacknowledge anything about software, I called every intangible program that I used in my life- ‘Apps’. My thinking is no difference from anyone else. After I attended the lecture for computer software, then I realized there are two types of software that we are using in our daily life. In my opinion, I think that software is created to help solving problems in different sector and ma ke human’s life easier. What is Software? Software is a term which defines the various types of programs that used to run andRead MoreWhat s An Operating System? Essay1552 Words   |  7 Pagesis a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. OS is the software that supports a computer s basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals. It is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs in computer/computer devices. The users of the computer interact with the system and application software whichRead MoreName of Twenty Software and Hardware and Their Use1521 Words   |  7 PagesName Of Twenty Software And Hardware And Their Uses | SOFTWARE Software consists of a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do. It is also called a program. In other words, software is a conceptual entity which is a set of computer programs, procedures, and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. There are mainly two categories of software- * System software * Operating system * Utility program * ApplicationRead MoreThe Windows 7 Operating System1390 Words   |  6 Pagesoperating systems to hardware and software programs. An operating system is a network of software that acts as the manager for all hardware and software on your computer. The operating system manages and interacts with the computer hardware, peripherals like your mouse and keyboard, device drivers, and applications software. The computer’s OS (operating system) acts as the main resource manager. An operating system acts as the master controller for all computer hardware and peripherals and managesRead MoreThe Link Between Production And Implementation1684 Words   |  7 Pagesthe link between production and implementation? I feel it can be described as a Development Environment. Can Development Environments manage various computer languages, in order to teach the fundamentals of programming? IDEs or Integrated Development Environments are applications that can help assist developers(programmers) with developing software. The first developmental environments were command based, and didn’t look like the menu driven, graphical interfaces of today. In the programming worldRead MoreEvaluation Of A Career Path And For Which I Registered As A First Year Student812 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Æ' Software Development Assignment INTRODUCTION – FIELD OF STUDY Diploma in Software Development (DISD) - This is an IT training course that deals firstly with the basics of a computer, like how to use a computer, how to open programs but the main thing is how to create codes and run them according to the software or application that has to be created. In other words this course is mainly about the theory and practical teachings of how software applications are coded into a working software/programRead MoreBIS 320 Week 2 Asm1197 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Operating Systems and Software Applications - Microsoft Windows 8 Your name BIS/320 Date Professors name Operating Systems and Software Applications - Microsoft Windows 8 Introduction Microsoft has been the world leader with respects to computer Operating Systems Software, and has increasingly become more efficient and precise with each release. Microsoft released their first version of the Windows Software (November 20th, 1985). This operating system was an anomaly at the timeRead MorePersonal Note On Software Engineering1275 Words   |  6 PagesSoftware engineering is a job that allows people to design and create software on systems that make computers perform tasks using mathematical skills, engineering computer science. Software is very important in our day to day life. You can find it in any electronic. My goal is to explain the history of software, what the future outlook of the career looks like, and will the career eventually be taken over by computers. I will also explain, what skills a person would need to pursue this career andRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Magnetic Storage Essay1117 Words   |  5 PagesDescribe the advantages and disadvan tages of magnetic storage, optical storage, and solid state storage using criteria such as versatility, durability, capacity, access time, and transfer rate. Computers use many different types of mediums for the storage of data. The three most common forms of computer storage include magnetic storage, optical storage, and solid state storage. Each of these storage mediums has its own specific purpose. They are all different, and come with their own set of advantagesRead MoreBecoming A Software Application Developer999 Words   |  4 Pagesfidgeting around with computers. I have probably spent more time on a computer then I have on a cell phone, television, radio, and videogames combined. My mother and father have always motivated me to pursue my love of computers and make a career out of it. They have always pushed me towards obtaining a degree in computer science. I have always admired Steve Wozniak because he was very innovative person. He combined creative thinking with logical thinking to create the first Apple 1 computer. Wozniak, in

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Graduation Speech High School Program - 982 Words

During our meeting on March 23th, we discussed options to increase enrollment in the Early Degree Program (EDP). However, we quickly realized that low-income EDP students face a financial hardship when attending college without being eligible for the FAFSA. At this meeting, we decided that the best way to enroll more EDP students is to offer additional financial aid. Current Situation It is Missouri State University-West Plains’ (MSU-WP) goal to provide all eligible Early Degree Program (EDP) students with the opportunity to simultaneously earn an Associate Degree in General Studies and a high school diploma. Each year West Plains High School (WPHS) sends out an invitation via mail to the parents of sophomores who are eligible†¦show more content†¦Research to explore Financial Aid Opportunities for Low-Income Early Degree Students A low-income Early Degree Student’s Associate Degree could be funded by several sources of financial aid. Exploring these funding options requires research by officials of Missouri State University-West Plains. The sources of funding and the respective offices which would be responsible for the research are: †¢ Federal, state, or local grants to be explored by the Office of Financial Aid. †¢ Institutional or privately funded scholarships to be explored by the Office of Development. To meet these objectives, I have researched whether other two-year community colleges have provided financial aid to their Early-Degree students. There were no federal funds available for those two-year community colleges. However, there is a possibility of funding from state or local grants for MSU-WP, as well as a possibility of funding from scholarships. My initial research produced two action items: †¢ Interview the representative of the Office of Financial Aid. †¢ Interview the representative of the Office of Development. The interviews were conducted to obtain information about the current financial aid process at MSU-WP. Based on the results of those interviews, the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Development requires authorization and time for further research. Consequently, an allotment of research time is necessary to look for additional sourcesShow MoreRelatedGraduation Speech : A Program For High School Students Essay1168 Words   |  5 PagesDoerr English 101 03/11/16 Optional Essay 1 Ahead of my class Running Start is an initial advantage over other students upon graduation. By the time of graduation one who has completed this program is granted an Associate’s Degree with their high school diploma. The program allows a student to take college classes while they complete high school. A student who does this program graduates with their Associate’s Degree without cost, Students also get to experience a college atmosphere, and students alsoRead MoreThe And School Promotion And Graduation Ceremonies1194 Words   |  5 Pagescourt case, it has been questioned whether a middle school promotion and high school graduation should be allowed to be held in a church. The school could not hold the promotion and graduation ceremonies because the auditorium was found to be holding high levels of unhealthy chemicals from paint and this was also found at the middle and high school’s gyms and cafeterias.The school decided that the best option would be to hold the promotion an d graduation at an alternate indoor location, a Church. TheRead MorePersonal Statement : Public Schools1030 Words   |  5 Pages Boswell Statement Essay My contribution to NYC public schools children in education has been extensive. I first began working in NYC public schools as a speech pathologist in 1980. I would examine expressive and receptive language skills of children and through task analyses develop strategies of language acquisition. In short, I was able to gets students to improve their reading and writing skills in order to master grade level competencies. In my educational journey, I was recruited by PrincipalRead MoreA Curriculum For All K 12 Grades1129 Words   |  5 Pagesto include middle and high schools. The middle school, considered grades sixth through eighth, must provide the instruction for all curriculum in section 74.1. It also states that just like the elementary curriculum of section 74.2, districts must allow sufficient time for teachers to teach the TEKS and students the adequate time to learn the TEKS in order to support student achievement of grade level and/or course requirements. This section a lso began requiring middle school students to completeRead MoreGraduation Speech - Original Writing992 Words   |  4 Pagesand the school has had forty graduating classes since it started imprisoning students in 2010, I suppose I must be the only one left that must call this place my â€Å"alma mauter† and I suppose it was only fitting for them to ask me to do this and take advantage of me some more. Perhaps all of the other alumni are in jail, died in the zombie apocalypse a while back, or have been wiped off the face of the earth somehow, I don’t know, I couldn’t possibly care any less about those that I went to high schoolRead MoreThe Corner Miss Ella By F. Martin Luther King Jr.1684 Words   |  7 PagesIn the Corner Miss Ella dedicates her time and energy to running the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. She is able to make connections with children of all ages, ranging as old as high school. The children who come are able to participate in produc tive after school activities, rather than spending their time on the Corner. Ultimately, Miss Ella feels that by providing opportunities at the recreation center, she is able to keep kids from being involved in the Corner, for as long as possibleRead MoreSports and Academic Achievement1494 Words   |  6 Pagesmanagement. We will be looking at studies that have explored the impact that athletics has on students’ academic abilities. Academic success can be measured in many ways but we will explore grade point averages, math and English test scores, and graduation success rates to show the positive impact athletics has on a student’s academic abilities. Introduction Participating in athletics offers students the opportunity to learn valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. SomeRead MoreWhat Makes A School Great? Essay1165 Words   |  5 PagesWhat makes a school great? Could it be the integration with technology? How about the records of its sports teams? Many schools consider these aspects before anything else when making plans to advance their schools; however, there is more to a school than its athletics and technology. It really depends on the school’s way of teaching the students, and how the students approach education. Columbia City High School must emphasize academics through activities such as Speech and Debate, de-emphasizeRead MoreWalden University And My Future802 Words   |  4 Pagesalmost in my hand. Walden has asked me to give a speech at the graduation ceremony. When I was asked to do this, I was not sure what I would say. I spent some time thinking about my past year at Walden, and all of the thin gs that I learned. I went from not knowing what to say when I was originally asked to having an abundance of things I could say about Walden. My future is bright thanks to Walden University. Walden University has set very high expectations for their students. I have grown personallyRead MoreThe Use Of A Breathalyzer On Student s Privacy1346 Words   |  6 PagesDistrict does not consider the use of a breathalyzer as constituting a search; therefore, the issue of trespass or intrusion into student’s privacy is not a factor on the use of this device.† For years, schools nationally have explored ways to discourage students attending school events under the influence of alcohol while avoiding legal challenges. Although blanket screening of students in the absence of reasonable suspicion may be unconstitutional, when implemented where all invested parties

Monday, December 23, 2019

The Great Depression Of Canada - 1265 Words

The Great Depression in Canada The Great Depression may very well have been one of the most significant eras in Canadian history. It has taught us many lessons about the present and predicting the future. The ‘dirty’ thirties, as it was referred to, was a time of hardship and poverty for most. Imagine what it would be like if we had to endure the same magnitude of recession? You wouldn’t have your phone or your computer. Maybe you would be living with all of your relatives in one house? Or you would be growing your food in your backyard? Leading Up To The 30s: Canada during the 1920s was definitely, as the saying goes, roaring. Following the end of WW1, quality of life had drastically improved. The Canadian economy had ameliorated,†¦show more content†¦The Start of The Great Depression: Most say the onset of the Great Depression was spurred on by the stock market crash. Although economists don’t think that it was the only reason for Canada being in such a terrible state. In the 20s, people had, in their spending frenzy, bought large quantities of stock though credit, stock that they could not afford. People owed money to businesses and banks, and accumulated debts that they couldn’t pay off. In 1929, when it came time to pay, they didn’t have the money, and profits dropped drastically. The values of the stock became completely worthless. With no money and no jobs, people had to leave their homes either because they couldn’t pay for them, or they moved to search for a job. Life During The Great Depression: Life during the Great Depression was very different from life today. Many people were living on the streets in shanties, which were houses made of cardboard and scraps of wood. Milk and sugar were luxuries; you couldn’t buy them unless you were very wealthy. Often, men tried to sell apples in the street, just to make a few cents. Unemployment was a giant problem during the 30s. By 1933, Canada’s unemployment rate was at 30%. One in five Canadians were dependent on government relief to sustain their lives. The Prairie Provinces in Canada were said to be the worst hit in the world. They were almost completely dependent on the

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Economic vale added Free Essays

Corporations continue to use a variety of measures to gauge their financial performance for many years. Economic value added (EVA) has been Introduced as a very effective performance measurement and strategic assessment tool. One of the reasons why EVA is such a powerful instrument is that it is linked to market value added (MBA), which is the definite indicator of a company’s wealth creation. We will write a custom essay sample on Economic vale added or any similar topic only for you Order Now Another reason for using EVA is that it is the only dependable and precise continuous improvement method available. Economic value added is the term that Stern Stewart Co. Coined for Its particular variety of economic profit and gain that remains after levying a charge against â€Å"After Tax Operating profits† for the opportunity cost of all capital used to produce those profits. Many corporate managers have mistakenly been focusing on conventional accounting profits, which include a deduction for interest payments on debt but have no provision at all for the cost of equity capital. Market value added measures the level of wealth creation. It beats out all other measures because it is the deference between â€Å"Cash In and Cash Out†, I. E. , between how much capital investors put Into a company and what they could get out by selling at today’s market price. As such, MBA Is the cumulative amount by which a company has enhanced or diminished shareholder wealth. It is the best external measure of company performance because it captures the market’s assessment of the effectiveness in how company’s managers have used their resources. Within the scope of this study, the role of economic value added in financial theory, and the relationship between market value added, market value and economic value added have been Investigated. Empirical study around the market value added, market value, economic value added, traditional measures such as net Income, earnings per share, return on assets and return on equity have been employed with the data taken from 89 Istanbul Stock Exchange companies, over a period 1 996 – 2005. Additionally, Regression and Factor Analysis are applied to find the high reference firms and industries as well as value drivers pertaining the firms taken up In this study. It has been determined that market value and market value added have lower association with economic value added in comparison to the measures of earnings such as net operating profit after tax and net income. Moreover, when the annual changes in the variables are taken into consideration, association level of EVA to MBA and NV is weaker than the net operating profit after tax and net income. However, economic value added is a more powerful management tool than traditional performance measures Like earnings per share, return on assets and return on equity In measuring firm financial performance In SIS regarding the period of 1996 – 2005. Moreover, In order to determine the value drivers In Istanbul Stock Exchange financial characteristics have been investigated. A weak correlation between market value added, market value and internal financial measures were determined. The impact of macroeconomic factors on the market value added and market value has also been investigated. It has been concluded that inflation and treasury bill rates have a negative correlation, while gross domestic/national product and money supply/net international reserves have a positive correlation with market value added and market value of the Istanbul Stock Exchange industrial firms. Furthermore, Porter’s value philosophy has been discussed to investigate the competitiveness and value creation of Turkish companies and industries. Keywords: Market value added, market value, economic value added How to cite Economic vale added, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Cantebury Tales Essay Example For Students

Cantebury Tales Essay Canterbury Tales In discussing Chaucers collection of stories called The Canterbury Tales, an interesting picture or illustration of the Medieval Christian Church is presented. However, while people demanded more voice in the affairs of government, the church became corrupt this corruption also led to a more crooked society. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as just church history; This is because the church can never be studied in isolation, simply because it has always related to the social, economic and political context of the day. In history then, there is a two way process where the church has an influence on the rest of society and of course, society influences the church. This is naturally because it is the people from a society who make up the church. and those same people became the personalities that created these tales of a pilgrimage to Canterbury. The Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England was to take place in a relatively short period of time, but this was not because of the success of the Augustinian effort. Indeed, the early years of this mission had an ambivalence which shows in the number of people who hedged their bets by practicing both Christian and Pagan rites at the same time, and in the number of people who promptly apostatized when a Christian king died. There is certainly no evidence for a large-scale conversion of the common people to Christianity at this time. Augustine was not the most diplomatic of men, and managed to antagonize many people of power and influence in Britain, not least among them the native British churchmen, who had never been particularly eager to save the souls of the Anglo-Saxons who had brought such bitter times to their people. In their isolation, the British Church had maintained older ways of celebrated the major festivals of Christianity, and Augustines effort to compel them to conform to modern Roman usage only angered them. When Augustine died (some time between 604 and 609 AD), then, Christianity had only a precarious hold on Anglo-Saxon England, a hold which was limited largely to a few in the aristocracy. Christianity was to become firmly established only as a result of Irish efforts, who from centers in Scotland and Northumbria made the common people Christian, and established on a firm basis the English Church. At all levels of society, belief in a god or gods was not a matter of choice, it was a matter of fact. Atheism was an alien concept (and one dating from the eighteenth century). Living in the middle ages, one would come into contact with the Church in a number of ways. First, there were the routine church services, held daily and attended at least once a week, and the special festivals of Christmas, Easter, baptisms, marriages, etc.. In that respect the medieval Church was no different to the modern one. Second, there were the tithes that the Church collected, usually once a year. Tithes were used to feed the parish priest, maintain the fabric of the church, and to help the poor. Third, the Church fulfilled the functions of a civil service and an education system. Schools did not exist (and were unnecessary to a largely peasant society), but the Church and the government needed men who could read and write in English and Latin. The Church trained its own men, and these went to help in the government: writing letters, keeping accounts and so on. The words cleric and clerk have the same origin, and every nobleman would have at least one priest to act as a secretary. The power of the Church is often over-emphasized. Certainly, the later medieval Church was rich and powerful, and that power was often misused especially in Europe. Bishops and archbishops were appointed without any training or clerical background, church offices changed hands for cash, and so on. The authority of the early medieval Church in England was no different to that of any other landowner. So, the question that haunted medieval man was that of his own salvation. The existence of God was never questioned and the heart-cry of medieval society was a desire to know God and achieve intimacy with the divine. Leading a life pleasing to God was the uppermost concern, and the wide diversity of medieval piety is simply because people answered the question, How can I best lead a holy life? in so many different ways. Beginning with The Pardoners Tale, the theme of salvation is truly paramount. Chaucer, being one of the most important medieval authors, uses this prologue and tale to make a statement about buying salvation. The character of the pardoner is one of the most despicable pilgrims, seemingly along for the ride to his next gig as the seller of relics. For myn entente is nat but for to winne,/ And no thing for correccion of sinne, admits the pardoner in his prologue. As a matter of fact, the pardoner is only in it for the money, as evident from this passage:I wol none of the Apostles countrefete: I wold have moneye, wolle, cheese, and whete, Al were it yiven of the pooreste page, Or of the pooreste widwe in a village Al sholde hir children sterve for famine. Nay, I drinke licour of the vine And have a joly wenche in every town. In his tale, the Pardoner slips into his role as the holiest of holies and speaks of the dire consequences of gluttony, gambling, and lechery. He cites Attila the Hun with, Looke Attila, the grete conquerour,/ Deide in his sleep with shame and dishonour,/ Bleeding at his nose in dronkenesse. The personification of the deadly sins, along with his story of the three greedy men that eventually perish at the hands of their sin is a distinct medieval device. The comic twist that Chaucer adds to the device, though, is that the Pardoner in himself is as the personification of sin, as is evident from the passages of his prologue. At the conclusion of his tale, the Pardoner asks, Allas, mankinde, how may it bitide/ That to thy Creatour which that thee wroughte,/ And with his precious herte blood boughte,/ Thou art so fals and unkinde, allas?. He then goes on to offer each pilgrim a place Nelson Mandela Essay Both monks as well as martyrs were looked upon as holy men. In relating this solitary world to readers, there is also a monk in Chaucers work He is someone who combined godliness and worldliness into a profitable and comfortable living. He was the outrider or the person in charge of the outlying property.. ..which lead him to enjoy hunting, fine foods, and owning several horses. Monks renounced all their worldly belongings and by taking vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, joined a community of monks. Their lives were spent in communal worship, devotional reading, prayer and manual labor all under the authority of the abbot of the monastic house. Particular monks often had particular jobs- the cellarer or the infirmarer for example, and these like every aspect of monastic life were laid down in the Rule. Monks were nearly always of noble extraction (one had to have wealth in order to give it up) but could also be given to the monastery as children (called oblates) to be brought up as monks. Hindsight has blurred our vision of the Medieval monk and the result is that the modern Christian mindset has condemned him for his selfish escapism from the world and for his apparent neglect of those who needed Christ outside of the cloister. The Medieval mindset was very different. The monastery was an integral part of the local community it probably owned most of the farming land in the area- and the fortunes of the people in any area were bound up with the spirituality of its monastic house. The monks were on the front line of the spiritual battle-it was they who did battle in prayer for their community, who warded off devils and demons and who prayed tirelessly for the salvation of the souls of those in their community. Rather than being the cowards of Christianity unable to take the strain of living a Christian life in the real world, the monks were like spiritual stormtroopers interceding for an area against its supernatural enemies in mudh the same way as a local lord in his castle protected an area against its physical enemies. The people gave gifts to both lord and abbot in return for a service. The Pardoner also represents the tradition of faith in respect to the church of his time. The Pardoner is representative of the seamy side of the corrupt church and a broken or twisted (if you will) faith. The faith of a bureaucracy, which is what the church had become. The Pardoner was a church official who had the authority to forgive those who had sinned by selling pardons and indulgences to them. Although, the Pardoner was a church official, he was clearly in the church business for economic reasons. The Pardoner, a devious and somewhat dubious individual had one goal: Get the most money for pardons by almost any means of coercion necessary. A twisted and ironic mind, has basically defined himself through his work for a similarly corrupt church. In contrast, the Plowman has nothing but a seemingly uncomplicated and untwisted faith. The Plowman has the faith of a poor farmer, uncomplicated by the bureaucracy of the church. The Pardoner is probably on this journey because he is being required to go by the church or he sees some sort of economic gain from this voyage, most likely from selling forgiveness to the other pilgrims. The Plowman on the other hand is probably on this voyage because of his sincerity and faith in its purpose. While this was the story of religion at grass-roots level, at the organizational and hierarchical level, the church developed along a different line. It became more organized, more bureaucratic, more legal, more centralized and basically more powerful on a European scale. This process was spearheaded by the papacy and reached its pinnacle under Pope Innocent III in the early 13th Century. He embodied what became known as the papal monarchy a situation where the popes literally were kings in their own world. The relative importance of spiritual and secular power in the world was a constant question in the middle ages with both secular emperors and kings, and the popes asserting their claims to rule by divine authority with Gods commands for Gods people proceeding out of their mouths. The power of the church is hard to exaggerate: its economic and political influence was huge, as its wealth, movements like the crusades, and even the number of churches that exist from this period truly show its greatness. By the early 10th century, a strange malaise seems to have entered the English church. There are comments from this time of a decline in learning among churchmen and an increase in a love for things of this earthly world. Even more of these lax standards had begun a decline in the power structure of the church which included a decrease in acceptable behavior amongst churchmen and a growing use of church institutions by lay people as a means of evading taxes. Christianity affected all men in Europe at every level and in every way. Such distances however, led to much diversity and the shaping of Medieval religion into a land of contrasts. One can also see how mans feelings of extreme sinfulness and desire for God are quite evident in these tales. Still, we are told that history repeats itself because nobody listens to it, but more realistically history repeats itself because man is essentially the same from one generation to the next. He has the same aspirations, fears and flaws; yet the way that these are expressed differs from age to age. This is why each period of history is different. The fact that man is the same yet different is what makes the study of the people who formed the medieval church directly applicable to Christians lives and experiences today. Book Reports