History of science, technology, society, and nature/environment Essay

Thomas Hughes is a symbol of technological advancement in relation to evolving scientific facts, environment and social order. He was initially trained as an Engineer and showed that technology consists of systems and not merely artefacts. This systems embodies social aspects as well as technological aspects. This led to the social construction of the technological system. He offers a means to look at the relations that exists between the society, technological advancements and the environment. Hughes looks at technology as a means by which changes in the society may be effected in relation to science, he also give room to the idea that the distribution of technology may not bring about a revolution in the social and science systems. A number of scholars have various expressed ideas towards the aspect of technological determinism in relation to technological system; Marx in 1994 supported the idea that technological determinism is the force that tends to drives history. The French scholar Jacques Ellul alludes that technology is the most powerful force in modern science and is beyond the control of humans. Other scholars reject this fact and claim that the distribution of technology is determined by the social changes that are present in the society and not the vice versa. Hughes adapts a middle ground by looking at the technological systems in the society which may include complex networks of artifacts, organizations and the people rather than the science that brought about the technologies. (Marx, Smith, 1994). The modern world is as a result of technologies evolving over a period of time and in the process they grow more complex achieving a certain kind of interconnection. This makes technology to be more difficult to control. (Cassidy, 1962). Hundreds and perhaps thousands of people are required to maintain the systems this brings out the aspect of society in technological distribution. Thomas Hughes therefore connects technology advancement to the presence of existing scientific knowledge and the presence of societal values that will maintain and advance the system. Ford claims that technology cannot be separated from the aspects of the environment; in this case he refers to the environment in terms of social, economic, political and cultural. The existing systems will determine kind of policies that will be put in place in order to direct the pace of technology. The other side of the idea also relates to the advancement of the various aspects of life due to the pace of technological improvement. There is need to relate the various aspects of the human life with technology, It is as important as nation building and constitution making. These are important societal values that have a significant effect on advancing the human life. Technological affairs are a mixture of several aspects of life, which also includes social concerns. The introduction of the e mail, facebook, twitter and other social sites is a technological advancement that has changed the way people relate with each other, it has brought people from across the world much closer and therefore a social concern whether it leans to a positive or a negative manner. The political concerns that have arisen due to technology cannot be ignored, In the United States, likely presidential candidates have used various advancements in technology to campaign, President Obama was able to appeal to a majority of the young voters as he was able to reach them on social sites through emails and short messages. This brings out Taylor ideas on how technology is connected to societal values and political factors. The interaction of technology and other subjects does not stop there it affects economic policies and scientific laws. Insull states that the policies relating to economy have changed throughout the world as a result of Advancement of technology. Apple Inc Company is a perfect example of this, its products such as the iphone has been well received in the market therefore building confidence in the trading of shares of Technological firms due to the interaction nature, the government therefore reduced tariff’s on technological firms due to the resources they were pumping into the economy and jobs they were creating (Cassidy, 1962). Hughes tends to bring out the relationship between technology, environment and the society through his advancement of the systems approach theory. Hughes tends to argue that the production, transmission and distribution of electricity occur in a technological environment. This environment does not only relate to the technology but economic, educational, administrative and legal factors also contribute to the process. Hughes therefore advocates for unity among these factors as much as they may be diverse, he also calls for coherence from the chaos that may result from the interaction of this factors. The technological system may only survive if it can withstand influence from the external environment, the only way it can do this is through incorporating this influences into their system. The systems theory advanced by Hughes above employs the notion of momentum which he defines as a combination of technological, organizational and attitudinal components this tends to maintain growth of the organizational system. Hughes also explains that the tendency to ensure that a technological system proceeds well when the actions of the numerous stakeholders such as educational, regulatory opportunities correspond with the work and culture of a particular technological system. This is an important, aspect in ensuring that technology relates well with the environment and society to achieve maximum results (Hughes, 1989) The idea of systems theory can be summarized by Hughes’s approach which indicates that human managers control a variety of elements which should be geared towards exploitation of the existing social environment, the technological system should resist alteration once it has incorporated all aspects of the environment, society and environment. The systems theory therefore shows that no technology should be treated in isolation as it is part of a bigger system. The relationship between technology and the environment can be understood by the changes that have occurred in the development of the bicycle, this was a technological milestone in the transport industry, however there was need to ensure that the bicycle created was safe for all individuals, this called for the collection and incorporation of the various views from the different social groups in order to come up with the required item. In the 18th Century when the ox plough was being developed a number of social interests’s needed to be addressed in order for it to be socially acceptable. This shows the relationship that Hughes shows in the relationship between technology and social life (McDermott, 1991). Technological momentum is a key aspect that Hughes advocates for as opposed to determinism and social constructionism. This will tend to merge the two and therefore creates a process that recognizes the different aspects of the environment that will have an effect on it. This involves giving due credit to socially shaped technologies as instruments of social change to achieve this historians are advised to go beyond determination of social roots of technologies to discussing the social effects of the technologies advocated for (Hughes, 1989). Oppenheimer has achieved a status whereby he highlights the need to consider the innovativeness that is associated with technology, as it creates a sustainable society. People would not be more stable if they do things efficiently but a lot easier, this can only be achieved in the case of innovation. A number of historical occurrences prove the relationship between technology environment, social order and government. This tends to place things in the perspectives of Hughes, in agriculture the planning, construction and control of even the least of the technology controlled methods of irrigation would have involved some group effort and support from the government forces. The draining of swamps especially in the early man’s time using technologies that are now considered outdated required social and political control to divert the water from the swamps (Misa, 1988). Thomas Hughes makes us think about technology and culture; he addresses the idea of technology as expressed through the history of the word. There is a tendency of too many people understanding the concept too reductively thus masking the real concept that is hidden there under. Technology consists of acts rather than artifacts as expressed by the reductively thinking individuals; it’s constituted through the creative and critical thinking of people who want to make their life better through creation of new models. This is through technology and creation whereby America was transformed from the natural built environment to a human built environment. (Hughes, 1987). He attributes this to the long standing of Christian culture that gave meaning to the technology. This shows the value that has been attached to the relationship between culture, environment and technology. Technology as a machine has been a major factor in the address of the relationship it assumes with other influences. There is need to chart a new line in the development of attitudes that relate to the advancement of technologies. The type of technologies recognized are systems of electricity, communication and mass production, the kind of enthusiasm that is associated with this technology has been great and need societal guidance in order to control. The dangers to the environment that have arisen due to technology have also been examined this especially relates to the environment and limitation of its degradation. Stem cell research and cloning is an idea that best illustrates the need to ensure that relationships between science, technology and societal values are upheld. The technology behind cloning would have not been well received in the world if the aspect of ethics and societal values would not have been incorporated. The technology involves altering the genetic make up of an organism in order to improve its qualities, this goes against the beliefs in a number of societies. Racheal expounds on the need to ensure that the aspects of technology fits into the existing structures of the society and not the other way round, this will create a harmonious co-existence between technology and society. Technology as systems, controls, and information is a theme has also been addressed in the process of achieving the relationship between technology, environment and the society. This addresses the complexity that defined the engineering in America. Hughes tends to focus less on what the outsiders of the technological arena think about and concentrates more on the introduction of systems that will be more comprehensive. (Hughes, 1987). This is in the view of the emergence of counter cultural mechanisms that tends to control and regulate technological advancement. There is need for the development of ecotechnological environment that appreciates the different aspects of life in the world. Hughes in his books has called for the redesign of system in order to protect the environment and return them to their original form (Hughes, 1989) . This shows the kind of appreciation he attaches to the environment in relation to technology. An example is the call to U. S Army Corps Engineers to reengineer the region back to its original state in order to increase the condition of the water. Hughes also recognizes Companies that are socially and environmentally responsible even in their pursuit for higher technological pursuits. Engineering relates to a larger cultural sphere.

China vs. Rome Compare and Contrast

China and Rome China and Rome were astonishing civilizations that managed to advance technology and civilations. Both civilizations were rapidly growing and making changes to the world. The two cultures were pretty similar, yet very different. Their religions were something to be modest about. When it came to religion it helped the decline of both societies, by religion changing. When it came to technology though, its change is what caused the societies to flourish. As for education the both leaders of China and Rome worked on making it easier, evident from the letters, for common people to gain knowledge. Changing things in their kingdom clearly took time. With politics being something of a fight in many respects; came as part living in an ancient society. Peaceful changes in power was a rare occasion in Rome but, highly common in China. Both societies treated each other differently, no matter if it was regarding slaves, or women. The underclass was not treated well not out of hate but out of a well beaten attitude that whoever they were, somehow they were always better. Both societies were similar yet highly different it’s surprising how it came about. When two societies emerge like the Romans and Chinese, we would expect conflict, yet none came about, here is a look into both societies as truly empires. The Han China and The Roman Empire were well-organized bureaucracies. In Han China their government was based on Confucian ideas a main one of which was; that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern. An example of this is in document four when it calls a governor â€Å"he was a generous man and his policies were peaceful. † This shows how clearly the people loved their emperor. While in all but the last few years of the roman rule the religion was very scattered. Due to the vastness of the Roman Empire uniting them under one religion was impossible. But one of the things that did spread was the idea that the Emperor was a god. No one ever came out and bluntly said it but a change in ideals that came with Christianity led to the famous saying of Emperor Constantine which was â€Å"I am simply the first among equals. † This truly represented a new era for Rome that helped lead to its decline. The politics of Han China were all about the good of the people. Showing this is in document one where it is said â€Å"and supply enough workers to those carry out the repair work in each district. † Clearly this document is showing a want of the work to be done, for the good of the people. While in Rome it seems the Emperor had less respect for his people when even one of his advisors writes â€Å"I do not believe that tools for the crafts were invented by wise men. †(Document 7) This total lack of respect for the common people is rather disgusting. Even though the two had different political philosophies, both managed control over their vast empires. In technology there is so much to be said for these two empires they managed to change the world with their developments. Rome had many technologies that gave new life to their capital. The first of which is aqueducts, â€Å"The abundance of water is sufficient not only for public and private uses and application but truly even for pleasure. † (Document 8) The point of this is that they had enough water coming into the city to do whatever they wanted to do. That’s how Rome ended up with so many fountains, bath houses and other water related activities. Another accomplishment of Rome is roads level, and strait. It took a long process of building to achieve what they did; making something rival to The Great Wall of China. Traditionally known to the Chinese as the â€Å"Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li†, the stretch of formidable defensive structures built to ward off invasion of the Celestial Empire by barbarians from the North. If all the fortified walls built in the different dynasties around northern China are included, the total length would exceed 31,000 miles. This is so long and large that the Great Wall of China can even be seen from space. When it came to water like the Romans Chinese were controlling it like putty in their hands. The main thing was the grand canal which brought water from one city to another and acted as a road way. The Grand Canal is the world's longest man-made waterway, being 1,800 kilometers long. The canal connects the present cities of Beijing in the north and Hangzhou in the south, which served as dynastic capitals in the past, and contains 24 locks and 60 bridges. Since most of China's major rivers flow from west to east, the fact that the Grand Canal runs north and south provides it as an important connector between the Yangtze River valley and the Yellow River valley. A good example of their care for water is in Document 1 â€Å"I request that you establish water conservation offices in each district and staff them with people who are experienced in the ways of water. † When it says this you can tell how much they care about the water. Both societies clearly had a good grip on the control of water, for their benefit and their pleasure. The last topic that shows the intellect of the people and the emperor, it seems that these peoples were highly intelligent. When you are looking at Document 5 it says â€Å"all craftsman spend their time in vulgar occupations; no workshop can have anything enlightening about it. I take this as the upper class looking down on what their lower class does to support their lifestyle. Slavery was commonly practiced throughout all ancient history, but no other people in history owned so many slaves and depended on them so much as the Romans. Many Romans had slaves do their dirty and hard work for them. These slave s were bought and sold in the slave markets. Some slaves were soldiers who had been captured in wars, while others were the children of slave parents. If they tried to run away, they were whipped, burned with iron, and sometimes even killed. Slavery was accepted as part of life in ancient Rome by the slaves themselves and by the society. Women were treated differently, as time went forward. When a young woman married in the early years of the Roman Republic she left her childhood home and the authority of her father and entered not only the home of her husband but his power and control as well. In law her status was not very different from that of her husband’s daughter. As Rome’s empire grew and more and more money poured in things began to change. Any amendments to the law probably seemed quite insignificant at the time they were made, but the reality of day to day life gradually began to transform the way society viewed women and the way they viewed themselves. By the end of the First Century women had achieved a level of freedom they would not see again in Western Society until the last half of the Twentieth Century. While in China slaves were less prominent in history, they were simply people with debts to pay off, and people who created with, in some cases their lives and blood and sweat the greatness that was ancient China. Women in ancient China were considered inferior to men. This meant that their whole lives were spent being subservient to the men in their families. Generations of one family often lived in the same house together and older people were greatly respected. It seems that even though there are changes to society over time both treated others in their society badly. Even with the greatest of technology some societies just have issues with the idea of equality. Even though the quality of life was a concern as shown in document 3 â€Å"later, water power was also applied, and the benefit was increased a hundredfold. † This truly shows an attempt on improving quality of life.

Escape from camp 14 by Blaine Harden Free Essay Example, 1500 words

For as long as Shin can remember, he thought of himself as the product of a sin. Camp 14 was one of the many labor camps in North Korea where people were detained for as long as they live and generations were punished for the mistakes that their ancestors made. The reason Shin was in his prison was because his parents were there, and they were there because Shin’s uncle had committed the heinous crime of trying to escape. Easily, generations were imprisoned and they paid for the mistakes and crimes that they never committed. Shin was merely four years old when he witnessed the first death sentence of his life. The trauma that he experienced cannot be described. The first ever memory of Shin is of the brutal execution of a man, â€Å"Then there were gunshots and I remember being very scared. †(Lunch with the FT: Shin Dong-hyuk) Living in this atmosphere, Shin had no idea of the world outside, for him Camp 14 was home. His entire childhood was spent doing harsh physical labor that obviously was never paid for. We will write a custom essay sample on Escape from camp 14 by Blaine Harden or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Even the slightest of mistakes were rewarded with greater punishments. Shin has the tip of his middle finger missing, and this was the result of him dropping a sewing machine. Body parts being cut was just the tip of the ice berg as far as punishments were concerned, people were easily beaten to death, literally. (Lunch with the FT: Shin Dong-hyuk) The list of Shin’s horrific tale from Camp 14 is never ending, just as we think that this is it, it cannot get any more brutal, and it does. For twenty three years, Shin paid for crimes he never committed, instead he got used to the instructions and code of conduct there. So much that he told on his mother and brother about their escape plan, which eventually led to their death. This act of his can easily be associated with the Stockholm syndrome, a condition in which the person subjected to abuse and torment bonds emotionally with the abuser and considers him as the â€Å"good one. † (Counselling Resource)Since Shin had lived in those horrific circumstances since the day he was born, he was accustomed to the â€Å"All according to Rules and Regulations† code. Anyone who tried to escape was supposed to be killed instantly, thus he told on his own mother and brother in hope of a reward, which was a meagre extra portion of food. (Lunch with the FT: Shin Dong-hyu k) Over the time, Shin’s painful past has led to a very major and intense impact on him mentally. For every normal individual, going through such extreme circumstances from such a tender age is bound to leave its mark.

Thomas Paine And Thomas Jefferson Essay - 2079 Words

In 1775 significant political changes that would have lasting consequences were just beginning to happen in the United States. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson would play large roles in these changes. Thomas Paine was about to publish one of the best pamphlets, and Thomas Jefferson would soon write the Declaration of Independence, both having religious ties. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson came to an agreement on the formation of the unknown despite their beliefs and differences, fostering independence that still exists 240 years later. According to The American Pageant, Thomas Paine was from Britain. Paine was a corset-maker’s apprentice. Paine had come over from Britain in 1775. The website history.com says that his father’s religion influenced Paine’s humanitarianism, and a strong interest in Newtonian science helped him develop hatred for governments that rested on hereditary privilege. He would become well known in 1776, after the publication of Common Sense, one of the most persuasive arguments for American independence. The American Pageant states, â€Å"He began his incendiary tract with a treatise on the nature of government and eloquently anticipated Thomas Jefferson’s declaration.† According to History.com, Paine’s pamphlet sold around 150,000 copies in 1776 largely due to Paine’s rhetorical and literacy skills. History.com also said that his message conveyed by his style was of a piece with his democratic politics: to understand the nature of politics, tha t all itShow MoreRelatedThomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson Essay example459 Words   |  2 PagesThomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his pen and paper to urge the public to break free from Great Brittan. He wrote anonymously, yet addressed the public as he spoke out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, influencing independence from Brittan, was called Common Sense Paine believed that America needed to break free of the British clutches. He spoke out against slavery and joined the army to help fight the warRead MoreHow America Should Be Governed By Thomas Paine, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, And Thomas Jefferson Essay1140 Words   |  5 PagesAmerica would be governed. Many people had different ideas for America and yet some were similar. Thomas Paine, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson all wrote their ideas on how America should set up their government. Some of these ideas were not used while some are still used today. Thomas Paine states his ideas for the government in his Common Sense written in 1776. Paine states that America should not have a king. The first king might be great but then ruling byRead MoreThomas Paine And The Bill Of Rights880 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson and the Bill of Rights are three things that have some sort of connection. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson both have documents. Their documents were both a result for the rule that Great Britain had over us. The Bill of Rights is also a piece where its writing had to do with a freedom type document written to let others feel free. Thomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his utensils to get the public toRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine992 Words   |  4 Pageswhat it is today. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was inspiring to many American colonists as it was persuasive in showing how the colonists should have their own independence. Paine appealed the average citizen’s rationale, hence the title Common Sense. Paine’s pamphlet illustrates the importance of independence, and argues that colonial life under British rule was detrimental to America’s potential to become prosperous. In a fairly lengthy, but readable style, Paine discusses the differences betweenRead MoreThomas Paine s Political Pamphlet925 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Paine’s Political Pamphlet Thomas Paine’s political pamphlet entitled Common Sense was a very inspirational piece of writing. Common Sense stirred the American colonists who were pursuing independence. It was also a persuasive piece of writing for the American colonists who were unsure if they wanted to split their ways with Great Britain, or not. Throughout the political pamphlet Paine argues that the colonist were not dependent on Great Britain. He makes powerful points regarding how theRead MoreCommon Sense By Thomas Paine957 Words   |  4 Pagespamphlet known as Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1776. This pamphlet contributed in promoting the independence of America. In the pamphlet Thomas Paine challenged the American colonists to separate from England and create a democratic and independent society. Along with challenging the American colonists, he hinted at his own opinions about a democratic government that America should plan towards if they seek to separate from England. Thomas P aine also bluntly proposed that the monarchy wasRead MoreClassical Liberalism And The Enlightenment1244 Words   |  5 Pagesdid this was by going back and rereading Roman and Greek texts and retranslating these texts. This new way of thinking also caused the Protestant Reformation to occur. Some of the most influential Enlightenment writers were John Locke, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and the people of France’s National Constituent Assembly. John Locke was one of the most influential writers during the Enlightenment period, and was the first â€Å"Enlightenment Thinker†. Locke is the author of the â€Å"Two Treatises† andRead MoreCommon Sense Vs. Declaration Of Independence957 Words   |  4 Pages Common Sense written by Thomas Paine in January of 1776, enlightened its readers and ignited the colonists towards the American Revolution. Common Sense was the first document that established a suggestion towards a constitutional form of government. The foundation of the main points in Common Sense were the upbringing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in July of 1776 approximately 7 months after Thomas Paine’s work of Common SenseRead More The Life and Accomplishments of Thomas Paine Essay891 Words   |  4 Pagesand Accomplishments of Thomas Paine Thomas Paine came as a English man who didnt have much of anything, not many friends, not much money, but with the help of others wishing to keep him alive and give him a chance at a new life. Thomas Paine grew from a sick, unshaven, almost penniless, dirty man to a clean shaven man who helped band thousands of Englishmen together to fight for Independence. Thomas Paine was born in England on January 29, 1737. Paine travelled to AmericanRead MorePatrick Henrys Speech Rhetorical Analysis952 Words   |  4 Pagesjust apply to physically fighting soldiers, but, for the people fighting mentally. The authors of the important documents, that helped lay a foundation for America, had a ton of courage to speak their mind. The authors: Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson, used rhetorical devices not only to prove to Britain that their colony was worth fighting for, but also to influence colonists to join the fight. First, Patrick Henry, author of â€Å"Speech in the Virginia Convention†, uses allusions and

Analysis Of Flowers For Algonnon By Platos Flowers For...

In â€Å"Allegory of the Den† by Plato, he writes about prisoners chained in a cave. They all believe in one shadow, without any other truth contradicting them. But one day a prisoner was set free and let out of the cave. This prisoner sees the â€Å"sun† or the real truth, which is hard to believe at first, but once the truth is accepted the prisoner can’t believe they thought something any other way. In â€Å"Flowers for Algernon† by Daniel Keyes, this story has the same set up. Charlie Gordon had always thought that he was treated equal to his friends and colleagues. However after the operation is complete and Charlie gains intelligence, he begins to realize that they never believed him to be equal, but more as an inferior human compared to the†¦show more content†¦At first, Charlie went about his business as he would normally do, working in the factory, but as time passed Charlie realized that he was never friends with Joe Carp and Frank Reill y or remotely close to being taken seriously. This comes to be when they brought him to a bar and made a fool of him dancing but this time for Charlie, instead of laughing, he felt ashamed and upset: â€Å"Now I know what it means when they say ‘to pull a Charlie Gordon.’† (107.) This throws Charlie through a loop. He had been working alongside these people for a while now, truly believing that they were his friends only to find out he was only kept around for a laugh. This is when Charlie develops new feelings of embarrassment toward himself around others: â€Å"I never knew that Joe and Frank and the others liked to have me around all the time to make fun of me†¦ I’m ashamed.† (107.) This is upsetting because he thought when someone laughed at him, it meant they were your friends. Sadly it all turned out to be a lie, just like when the prisoner sees the sun and realizes that their past belief was far from the truth. Now that Charlie is intelligent, there was no way to return into the original cave and belief that Charlie had true friends. So he decided to move on and come to terms with the fact that true friends don’t make fun of someone because of a disability. Charlie now knows that friends should support people and try to make them feel welcomed. However, a couple days after Charlies

Strategic Leadership for Personal Computers and Media Devices

Question: Discuss about theStrategic Leadership for Personal Computers and Media Devices. Answer: Apple Company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing of personal computers, media devices, and mobile communications. Furthermore, the company also designs portable music players, software, accessories, third-party digital solutions, and networking. Today, the company operates in US, Europe, Asian Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Strengths Strong competitive advantage using Horizontal and vertical integration High average selling price (ASPs) Capability in RD Strong distribution channels Weaknesses Strong dependence on iPad and iPhone products Opportunity Expected future growth in smartphone market Robust growth in smart wearable products Increased uptake of Apple products in retailing Growth in Apple pay Threats Premium pricing likely to restrain growth Lawsuits and litigations Dynamic market Table 1: APPLE SWOT Analysis, source: Apple Inc SWOT Analysis, 2018 Use of robust value chain The company utilizes its value chain to create a strong distribution channels (Ketchen Short, 2011). Apple depends on primary activities and support activities to design and manufacture high quality products. Currently, the company executive chooses strategies by examining resources and capabilities. Apple Inc. relies on value chain to chat its path of designing and manufacturing products and selling products to customers (Apple Inc SWOT Analysis, 2018). Today, Apple depends on its strong and extensive distribution channels. The company uses direct and indirect distribution channels in order to reach customers, retailers, government markets, and enterprises (Apple Inc SWOT Analysis, 2018). Apart from the direct strategies, the company strategy involves using indirect distribution channels to sell through value-added resellers, third-party cellular network carriers, retailers, and wholesalers. Use of Strategic resources Resource-based theory maintains that companies rely on strategic resources to utilize opportunities of developing sustainable competitive advantage (Ketchen Short, 2011). Currently, Apple has strategic resources that act as assets. Most importantly, the company has strategic resources that are nonsubstitutable, difficult to imitate, rate, and valuable (Johnson, Scholes Whittington, 2008). For example, for several years now, Apple has used horizontal and vertical integration to become a major competitor in computer industry. The company has multiple devices that offer horizontal integration. The company operating system cuts across different devices, applications, and contents. Customers cannot switch to other competitors because of dependence on its operating system. Apple leverages its strategy on a unique ability to design and develop own operating systems, services, software applications, and hardware. According to Birshan, Kar Parry (2012), other competitors find it difficult to imitate the company model of vertical integration. For instance, the company customizes in-house chip design, a complex and integrated hardware, software, as well as applications as a way of creating value-adding products. Use of Resources to capability Apple has tangible resources in terms of properties, equipment, and cash. Furthermore, it has strong intangible resources such as intellectual property, knowledge and skills of employees, and strong reputation. Currently, the company relies on resources to make capabilities provide excellent products (Armitage, 2015). Capabilities form part of what Apple does to capture value offered by resources. Apple commits much of its resources and attention towards developing products that meet customer needs (Apple Inc SWOT Analysis, 2018). The company has an ability to continue offering high valued products. Leaders employ skilled employees to create new technologies to strengthen already existing products. The company has successfully achieved all these through acquisition of third-party technology, licensing of its intellectual property, as well as investing heavily in RD. References Apple Inc SWOT Analysis. (2018). Apple Inc SWOT Analysis, 1-9. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=bthAN=128387934site=ehost-live Armitage, J. (2015). Strategic Insights. Marketing Insights, 27(1), 22-23. Birshan, M., Kar, J., Parry, E. (2012). Becoming strategic: Three tips for any executive. Mckinsey Quarterly, (3), 60-66. Johnson, G, Scholes, K, Whittington, R. (2008). Exploring corporate strategy, (8th ed). Prentice Hall Ketchen, D., Short, J. (2011). Mastering strategic Management. Retrieved from ttps://www.saylor.org/site/textbooks/Mastering%20Strategic%20Management.pdf

The Dura Europos Synagogue

Table of Contents Introduction The Dura Europos Symbolic Narrative Sequential Narrative Comparative Narrative Conclusion Works Cited Introduction Jewish artists have real pieces of art works as history reveals. Jewish artists have created pieces of arts for at least the last 2,000 years. These are evident from paintings of â€Å"18th century, 500 years of making ritual objects and illustrated prayer books, haggadahs, megillas, ketubos and the extensive production of illuminated manuscripts between 1300 and 1500† (Sed-Rajna 237).  In addition, there are several pieces of arts in Israel mainly in synagogues. These reveal arts of fourth to sixth centuries (the Common Era). The origin of such works was Dura Europos.  Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Dura Europos Synagogue specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Dura Europos The Dura Europos paintings represent a great deal of the Jewish art. According to Sed-Rajna, a Jewish art scholar, Jewish art portrays an iconographical language with elements of narrative language. He notes that there are three types of narrative arts as follow: Symbolic Narrative This category has murals of Joshua, Messiah, Moses ascending Mount Sinai and at the Bush, Torah niche, and Abraham and the Covenant (Sed-Rajna 229). Sequential Narrative This area has murals of the Exodus, Elijah, Ezekiel, Triumph of Mordechai, and the Valley of the Dry Bones (Sed-Rajna 230). Comparative Narratives There are paintings of the Well in the Wilderness, the Ark in the Temple of Dagon, and Tabernacle (Sed-Rajna 230). There are many categories and identifications of Dura Europos and frescos paintings. However, most of these classifications are under scholarly debates. It is only these three areas, which scholars have reached a consensus. Based on such differences, various art scholars have expressed different views on Jewish arts. For instance, some schola rs have focused on didactical and historical elements of the art. Others have considered frescos as commentary part of the official Roman art. In addition, thematic concerns usually involve Messianic elements according to Erwin. There are other different opinions on Jewish art (McBee 1). Such views only express how Jewish art can draw various meanings due to its richness.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Symbolic Narrative Torah niche is a striking part of the synagogue with various paintings, which bear different interpretations. It has murals of Jacob blessing his sons. However, much repainting has damaged the piece. This painting may depict Moses, Abraham, and Joshua at different occasions. The Torah niche has a definite figurative representation. It represents â€Å"a closed temple, temple menorah, and a lulav and esrog on the left† (McBee 1). This was the idea l form of representation for over 300 years in synagogues. On the right, there is the Binding of Isaac. We can also observe a tied ram and Abraham with a knife. â€Å"Isaac is on the altar while a hand from heaven† (McBee 1) prevents the pending sacrifice to God. Others argue that there is an insertion of Sarah standing outside the tent on the upper right of the painting. It shows Sarah’s reaction and comprehension of the ongoing events. According to Sed-Rajna, â€Å"the scene is the first attempt in Jewish art to transpose a literary account into visual form† (Sed-Rajna 239).  As a result, it signifies the change in representation from symbolic art to narrative. This mural is important because it is among many Jewish paintings attributed to sacrifice. Figure 1: the Akeida (Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria) We cannot underestimate the relevance of these murals in Jewish art. This painting was among the earliest works of art in Jewish paintings. It became a model for many synagogues for over a period of 300 years. Akeida was the pictorial narrative that focused on representing the Jewish religion in the form of painting. The painting achieved this by utilizing the local culture to reinforce the Jewish religion and the role of God and mercy in their lives. It is also interesting to note that some of the images do not represent Sarah as others do. This painting marked the start of Jewish art. This mural is complex and many scholars agree that it has a rich history, but a thorough study of Dura Europos reveals unknown mysteries. Figure 2: Akeida: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria Sequential Narrative Most of Dura Europos paintings relied on Torah narrative in order to capture complex issues and affairs of communities. Dura Europos paintings bear the greatest representation in the Jewish art history.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Dura Euro pos Synagogue specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It also has various aspects of Torah subjects, which are the most outstanding form of paintings in Jewish art. However, some paintings with illuminated Haggadahs from Spain took this legacy after thousands of years. We also note that the idea of â€Å"decorated synagogue only reappeared later in the 17th century due to shuls paintings of Russia, Poland, and Lithuania† (McBee 1). Figure 3: Exodus from Egypt: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria Dura Europos murals in synagogues also have extensive figuration. There are images, which show followers on the walls. However, according to McBee, close examinations of these images reveal that they represent â€Å"Torah figures, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Elijah† (McBee 1) in Roman attires. These show that such figures were statesmen and heroes of the time. However, they lead to confusion on the differe nce between Gentile and Jew. Figure 4: Rescuing Moses: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria These murals have also presented problems in relation to factual consistencies. For instance, murals of Exodus do not concur with the narrative sequence. The Temple of Aaron during sanctification highlights â€Å"a bull about to be killed with an ax† (McBee 1). This does represent the normal Jewish tradition of slaughtering bulls. Still, on the Solomon’s Temple, the doors have decorations with pagan elements. Lastly, the painting on Rescuing Moses shows that Pharaoh’s daughter had no cloths. These variations in interpretations of Jewish art in synagogues represent various ideas, which scholars have attached to these paintings. Such differences in representation of paintings may have taken place due to borrowing of non-Jewish styles for Jewish paintings. For instance, we have the application of Zodiac that highlights God’s power over th e world by his worldly agents. This representation also has a chariot and sun. Artists combined both elements to reflect paintings of the time in the synagogue. The most represented form of painting in the Dura synagogue painting is Moses at the time of the Exodus. It occupies the upper right wall with depiction that across run from left to right. Moses is conspicuous with his soldier has he leads them out of Egypt. A closer look reveals that there is an open entrance of Egypt, which has deities. These deities show paganism in Egypt, which Israelites must leave. We also have a flat aerial view that depicts the sea. It is full of drowned Egyptian soldiers. Again, Moses leads Israelites with his rod in his stretched hand over the sea. Moses also leads Israelites across the sea as they match along 12 lanes. We also notice the ‘Hand of God’ on these paintings has it directs Moses through the Exodus event.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The artist must have been familiar with the events of the time and Jewish tradition. The Exodus painting shows Moses as he leads Israelites out of Egypt with God’s guidance. It depicts the Jewish triumph over Pharaoh’s paganism and the oppression. Figure 5: Exodus from Egypt: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria The paintings of Dura Europos synagogue also have significance in the third century. Most scholars look at the importance of such murals in relation to their place in history. They serve the purpose of encouraging modern Jewish artist and showing them possibilities from the past. Dura Europos is the only Jewish narrative art that has â€Å"Torah, midrash and individual creativity, which span a gap of 1700 years and, with imagination, finding parallels and inspiration between their worlds† (McBee 1). A thorough review of Dura Europos paintings and frescos shows fundamental elements of early Jewish art. Torah niche employed bo th the use of symbols and narrative techniques in order to create meanings evident in the Temples. Exodus paintings reveal the triumph of Israelites against Pharaoh’s paganism and slavery. Rescuing of Moses shows Pharaoh’s daughter rescue the infant. These pieces of art works use both midrashic and Biblical elements in order capture history of the time. They also use non-Jewish elements to enhance visual features of paintings. Some of the most important paintings in Duran Europos painting are those of Elijah and Ezekiel. These paintings also attack paganism at the time. Scholars draw this conclusion by performing comparative narratives. Figure 6: Elijah on Carmel: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria Scholars have used continuous narrative in order to explain paintings depicting Elijah. Such paintings depict divine intervention for the community and for himself. There is also the unsuccessful struggle that involves Elijah and Prophet of Ba al on Mount Carmel. We can see eight priests in their Roman attires next to the altar with the god’s sacrifice. Below the altar, there is also a small animal ambush by a snake. It represents the evil, Hiel of Ahab. He wanted to light the fire. However, the serpent from God consumed him before he could light the fire. We can also see Elijah’s sacrifice on fire. He is evoking the heavenly fire and calling for drenching of the sacrifice because of the interference by evil forces. These paintings depict a war against paganism in which God comes to the rescue of true believers. In the paintings of Ezekiel, the presence of God is eminent through the visible hands on the top of the paintings. This reflects the important prophetic role of Ezekiel among the Jews. He stands for the redemption of the entire community. The first image reveals how â€Å"Ezekiel ended up in the valley of the dry bones† (McBee 1). In the valley, we have features that represent feet, hands, and heads. Ezekiel must provide his prophecy about the importance of these features. The meaning represents coming back to life because this is the interpretation from God. Further, we also see the three angels and another one on the ground as they perform miracles. Figure 7: Ezekiel Valley of Dry Bones: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria We also notice Ezekiel adorned in Roman attire in another part of the painting. This represents the return of ten tribes that disappeared. These are the ten men with Ezekiel. It also shows resurrection of Israelites during the period of Ezekiel. The presence of the ‘Hand of God’ is also conspicuous in this painting. Scholars claim that these paintings highlight the role of God in resurrection of Israelites as a nation and individuals after their deaths. According to Elsner, â€Å"one fundamental theme to the Dura murals is something called Cultural Resistance (Elsner 269).  Elsner argue that Jewish paint ings rebuked cult religion that was in Dura. Therefore, these paintings aimed to eliminate paganism and restore the Jewish monotheism among people who were losing their cultural identity. Figure 8: Aaron’s Temple: Dura Europos (245 CE) Courtesy of National Museum, Damascus, Syria Such paintings in the synagogue dispel the claims that Jewish did not allow visual images in the synagogue. Scholars consider this prohibition has the most misunderstood part commandment in relation to arts. They point out that it refers to the creation of idols and not artistic representations in arts. However, the interpretation this command often varied with time. This because others followed it strictly while others gave a loose interpretation. In this context, we can argue that earliest works of Jewish celebrated art works and used visual arts as ways of honoring God. This was the purpose of paintings in the Dura Europos synagogue. Therefore, we can see how religion influenced lives of Jewish th rough arts. Comparative Narrative From the comparative, we look at the Aaron’s Temple and the Miraculous Well. The paintings depict variations in Jewish arts. We have the Ark and the Dagon Temple in which we interpret a message of victory. Other paintings depict rigid systems with no human beings present. Such paintings represent broad ideas and schematic representation. Scholars consider such images as non-Jewish because of the pagan elements on the closed door. Therefore, it is a wasteland in which no religion or life can thrive. The comparative narrative aimed to depict that paganism did not stand a chance in the Jewish land because of the destruction of the idols. Conclusion The Dura Europos has demonstrated the three interpretations of the paintings in the synagogue. These are various narratives like symbolic, continuous, and comparative. These paintings are complex, and we can only understand them through classification. This is because the paintings involve a number of elements from both the Bible and the midrash. In addition, we also have to deal with the artist’s point of view. The artists have depicted ‘Hands of God’ to mark his presence in most of the events of the Jewish. Such Jewish arts show possibilities that paintings can capture with imaginative approaches. We have to understand various figures, attires, and motifs of the paintings, which give us rich imageries and depictions of Jewish art. The Dura Europos represents the earliest work of arts by Jewish. Scholars and artists have to start from this foundation in order to understand contemporary works of Jewish arts. Therefore, Dura Europos paintings shaped the way for future arts of Jewish. Works Cited Elsner, Jas. â€Å"Cultural Resistance and the Visual Image: The Case of Dura Europos.† Classical Philology, 96.3 (2001): 269-304. Print. McBee, Richard. Dura Europos Project II at UJA New York . 6 July 2010. Web. http://www.jewishartsalon.com/2012/03/dura-europ os-project-ii-at-uja-new-york.html. Sed-Rajna, Gabrielle. Ancient Jewish Art: East and West. Secaucus, NJ : Chartwell Books, 1985. Print. This research paper on The Dura Europos Synagogue was written and submitted by user Faith Hodge to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.