Intro Black Diaspora Research Paper free essay sample

Galena Western society left an imprint in the African American culture within the Americas, it affected the religious practices, music, and language of enslaved Africans used from the moment they stepped foot In the Americas. These affects are even felt In present African America culture within the music that we listen to, the foods we eat, and the way our churches function. Even though the main goal of the white slavers was to completely subdue African culture, they were not successful.The transformation that the African culture went through allowed for Africans incorporating their indigenous cultures in the force fed western culture they inhabited. The main thing that was affected by western society was the African religious practices. With the Invasion of the Europeans and the Americans, Judo- Christianity and Catholicism were sure to follow. Africans were not allowed to hold onto their traditional spiritual practices forcing them to accept the ideas of the Judo- Christian and Catholic faiths. We will write a custom essay sample on Intro Black Diaspora Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Africans did not give up their own faith but blended their faiths into the religion being pushed onto them. From this new form of partiality that they created within their communities, African Americans had covertly continued to practice the key aspects of their Indigenous traditions; as shown through the practices of Voodoo in New Orleans and within the traditions of the Black Churches of today. They used spirituals, formally named Negro Spirituals, to communicate messages and to sustain them, through the harsh treatment.According to Jesus Couch Garlics article Demystifying Africans Absence in Venezuelan History and Culture, African cultures In the Americas, rather than unit but superficial folklore, are cultures of resistance based on African philosophical principles that we must rediscover. That persist and reshape themselves as time passes and as changes occur in our communities. (this may need to be fixed) Garcia describes the African culture as a culture of resistance meaning the Africans that entered did not give up their culture but disguised their culture underneath that of the western culture so that it would live on and survive.Religion is still a major aspect in the African American community. The black church has always played a major role In sustaining the African community as well as resisting the oppression of whites, from the Negro spirituals of slavery time to the organization of the African American community during the Civil Rights era. The black church has aspects of it that speak of its African past. Speaking in tongues, funeral rites and rituals, and catching the spirit, are all aspects of the African culture that was preserved in the Judo-Christian practices.This spiritualism Includes the practice of Condonable and Sanitaria that allowed for Afric ans to retain their ultra. Through religion was a major cultural aspect that was affected by western society, the development of African music and languages were also affected by western society. One of the most notable aspects of African culture that was affected by western society is music. Even in the churches, music played a major role in the sustaining of their communities and resisting oppression. In Joseph E.Harris article The Dynamic of the Global Diaspora he explains how music had the effect of unifying and organizing Africans saying, Neither the Middle Passage nor the slave raciest (Condonable and Sanitaria especially), songs, and oral traditions. Their culture and aspirations for freedom were expressed in different forms (songs, poetry, religion) and were sometimes employed to solidify mass followers in resistance movements.. . The impact that western society had on the music and oral traditions of Africans, was the complete opposite of what it set out to do.Instead of taking away these aspects of the culture, whites only succeed in inspiring a form of music that held messages of freedom and rebellion. Music and other forms of artistic expression such as poetry were very effective during slavery in rebellion against the oppression of slavery but also during the civil rights era and even today in the 21st century. Music is a universal form of communication; it was used to send messages to maroon societies, autonomous slaves that escaped captivity, and to bring the communities together.During the civil rights era music was used to unite, speak the feelings of the community, and to inspire the community, while they fought against the inequality that prevailed in the U. S. Modern African Americans influence in the USIA industry does still show the use of lyricism to express the unequal experiences within the African American community, as shown in rap when the speak about urban life, or in rhythm and blues when the speak of heartaches and love. The progression of African influenced music may not be created in the same context as they were originally developed but the ideas and effects are the same.Religion and music are only two aspects of the African culture that was affected by western society; language was also affected by western culture. Being so removed from the elites of slaver and the Africans that were enslaved, many African Americans of today do not realize that the use of Ebonies, or slang as it is called, is the evidence of western societies affects on African language. Ebonies to many people it is viewed as uneducated and a sign of illiteracy, but it is really a way of talking that is shortened and simple.This language is still prevalent in todays society among the African American community creating a common understood form of speaking within the community that unifies the African American community. The affects that western society has had on African culture are still widely seen in the African American community. It can be seen in our religious practices, the way that we speak and the music that is made. Even though they have an affected these aspects of the African American community I am not, I any way, shape or form giving them credit for those aspects of African American culture.I am stating that because of the conditions of western society Africans had to creatively merge their own culture with that of their oppressors. Through this pressure placed on them to forget their traditions and ultras, these Africans decided to bury important aspects of their culture in the beliefs and traditions of western society. They buried their warrior spirits in the music and their spiritualism in the Christianity and Catholicism, and their language in the English.So, yes they affected the African culture but it in turned created another culture, the African American culture that still keep African Americans linked to that African culture. The author gave a As it relates to music and the cultural impacts that western society has had on African musical traditions. How were the rotational rhythms and beats and how are those beats rhythms and vocal styles still, in this modern age being reflected in the musical genres dominated and largely Even with the development of hip hop music in todays modern society; hip-hop still has traces of its West African origins.As stated by the author of the article History of hip-hop, The roots of hip hop are found in African American and West African music. The grits of West Africa are a group of traveling singers and poets, whose musical style is reminiscent of hip-hop and who are part of an oral tradition dating back hundreds of years. The author of the article explains that hip-hop, like other African American dominated genres of music, they have roots in the grits oral traditions of West Africa.The ways in which the African American musical influence has impacted pop cultured and various other aspects of the American culture. Hip-hop, rap and other forms of African American music influenced music. Were not Just staples of American culture, it influenced and set the tone for many trends within pop culture as well as impacted varies social movements within America. As stated by the author of the article Black Music and social change in America, Elvis Presley, a strikingly handsome and emotive white singer, was the deliverer.In 1956 when he appeared on television singing many songs that were originally performed by blacks, he sparked like Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Sam Cooke became household names and inspired legions of followers, both black and white. The author of the article explains that music from African Americans during the time of the civil rights movement, their music had an impact in how people looked at them, and it started with one man trying to make a preference by singing a different song.It was when Elvis Presley started singing songs that were originally African Americans songs, when people of all colors began to listen and fall in love with, the black feel for music. As it pertains to religion speak on the topics of the various traditional African religious belief (briefly not too long) and the presence of these aspect s in the modern African American church and the ways in which African American spirituality has developed and evolved due to western influence. Most of the Africans that were forced or came to America came room these 6 religions in West Africa.Voodoo/Miami Watt, Voodoo, baobab, Kong, Sugar Asset society. Within the United States the presences of these various six religious practices are still impacting the various cultures in southern states within the country. Areas such as New Orleans, Louisiana have prominent histories of practicing voodoo that have a lot of negative stigmas that go along with it. Voodoo originally based off of its West African roots was meant to be a religion that worshiped the ancestors and animism. Voodoo beliefs spread from Africans shores to America on slave ships.

Usha Martin Company

Usha Martin Company Introduction Founded in 1961, the Usha Martin Company has expanded its portfolio, product line, and physical structure outside India. The company has remained one of the most successful steel wire rope product manufacturers.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Usha Martin Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company’s current dilemma is how to maintain and improve the past business performance through strategic decision science within its current and future growth plans. During its six decades of operations, the company has exercised such business strategies as internationalization and vertical integration. Thus, this analytical treatise will attempt to explicitly review and evaluate the benefits and risks of Usha Martin’s vertical integration strategy and internationalization strategy. Besides, the paper will present a five-year strategic plan for Usha Martin to ensure growth and success in the lo ng term. Discussion Vertical integration strategy: Benefits and risks Vertical integration, as a management style, involves integration of the supply chain to accommodate the different products that a company deals in. The Usha Martin Company boasts of a strong vertical integration in its industrial organization. From a single location, the company controls its designing, cutting, manufacturing, distribution and marketing process for its steel wire pipe product in India. The production segments such as raw material acquisition, power plant operation and coal mining, actual production, and distribution are segmented and disfranchised within a systematic control system that monitors production progress.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Benefits Reflectively, the vertical integration strategy has shielded the company from market swings, which create fluctuations in th e supply chain in terms of input availability and price. As earlier predicted by Mr. B.K Jhawar, the chairman of the Usha Martin Company, the vertical integration strategy enabled the company to save more than one billion Indian rupees. Besides, the company has been in a position to have full control of the quality of inputs used in manufacturing the steel wire pipes. Since the company operates and fully owns its sub production branches, it has been able to benefit from the aspect of cost competitiveness in production and the final price of the products. The topological structure of the Usha Martin Company consists of communication and operations management systems, which help in determining efficient performance and optimal resource use. As confirmed by Mr. B.K Jhawar, the company stresses on quality products, customer satisfaction, and cost effective production within accepted standards at the forefront. The vertical integration process has allowed the Usha Martin Company to produ ce, design, sell, and distribute its products globally within a short time span. This is possible due to internalization of a direct and complete control of the distribution and production process for its steel wire pipe brands. Basically, the vertical integration process at the Usha Martin Company includes the aspects of cost, dependability, speed, quality, and flexibility. These variables determine success or failure in business. These variables are achievable through value delivery, value addition, and creativity within a single production chain.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Usha Martin Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reflectively, these concepts are techniques and tools, that are essential in the art of integrating the production and distribution processes. Besides, this process is inclusive of the scientific aspects, such as a technical process of understanding the operations involved in operations management, their application, and evaluation criteria. Risks The major part of the success puzzle for the integrated management operates on the periphery of the soft skills that involve the timeless vision of organizational principles, defining value of the business, determining requirements, clarifying the vision, building teams, mitigating task, resolving issues, and providing direction as incorporated in the vertical integration process at the Usha Martin Company. However, the vertical integration strategy may prove to be challenging when one of the above soft skills is not balanced. Besides, the strategy is costly to implement and manage. Since the Usha Martin Company operates in the sensitive manufacturing industry, its vertical integration strategy within the production department may become obsolescent as production technologies change frequently. Thus, a possible change in the production process for the steel wire pipe product may force the Usha Martin Company to invest in the new technology to remain competitive even if it is very expensive. Keeping up with any changes in technology would translate into additional costs to match the integrated process with the new technology.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This might hurt the profitability and business sustainability in the long run. Besides, the company may become a victim of disregarding the potential loss within the streams of existing income and eventually forget the initial specialization focus. Internationalization strategy: Benefits and risks Internationalization is vital in business management and operations, especially when a company intends to localize production tools such as labor, distribution, and culture in the market of operation. At its inception, the Usha Martin Company concentrated on the local market of India. The company has experienced growth in the last sixty years and has substantially expanded its markets beyond the traditional domestic market of India. The Usha Martin Company has successfully implemented its internalization strategy by penetrating and establishing sub branches in more than four countries. The company has active sub branches in the UK, Netherlands, Brunton, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Vietna m, and Indonesia. Benefits The company has adopted the strategies of product proliferation and product development to not only achieve the goal of internationalization, but also to maintain its competitiveness in the international steel wire pipes market. Reflectively, product proliferation is a strategy that companies adopt to create opaque barriers for their competitors. Through this approach, the market share leader will automatically have the discretion to reap maximum benefits ahead of its closest competitors. For instance, the internalization strategy has ensured that the Usha Martin Company has a market share for steel wire pipes within international markets such as the UK, Netherlands, Brunton, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Product development entails the innovation process aimed at modeling the existing product or improving on it to balance with the changing preferences of the customers. The company is associated with new innovations and attractive d esigns that appeal to their customers across the world. For instance, a steel wire pipe produced in the international branches is customized to meet the demands of foreign customers. This strategy guarantees increase in the market share for the companies in the UK, Netherlands, Brunton, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Risks When operating leverage, fixed and variable costs of labor should be separated from each other as outsourcing. When implementing the internalization strategy, outsourcing tends to change balance of this ratio. In addition, in contracting an outside source as a factor of production, there is a need to improve quality of duty for which such a job is required. This is possible when contract is constituted within acceptable levels of service agreement duly signed. Thus, the company is exposed to market dynamics such as labor laws, cost of production, and product prices within the foreign branches. Five-year strategic plan Essentially, the succes s of product management depends on a proper alignment of a functional idea with the creation of flexible, involuntary, and quantifiable measurement of perception by the target audience. Reflectively, this idea should have essential elements that can easily sway the mind, either positively or negatively. Knowing how to improve quality is crucial for the growth of a business. In fact, consumers normally go for products that perform best. Besides, quality improvement will serve the organization’s needs to improve on performance, durability, maintain economic viability, maintain visual and aesthetic appeal, maintain superiority in service delivery, and maintain good reputation due to quality assurance. Thus, quality improvement deployment and organizational change action plans present an a strategy that would facilitate the business gain in the long term operations through value and quality improvement in the global manufacturing industry. This is summarized in the strategic plan table below. Strategic Plan Therefore, the company should consider cross franchising in the business policies aimed at expanding and improving its position, without having to incur much cost. Cross platform franchising will enable the company to gain a strategic competitive advantage in a number of ways. Further, it will give a company the possibility to reduce the risk of market flop that results from the failure to carry out adequate market research. Conclusion The main activities in the control matrix of strategic management is the input and output tracking for the case of the Usha Martin Company. The activities are influenced by environmental, internal, and external factors in the business management strategy. Reflectively, the process should include organization charts, status reports, process map, compliance requirements, review structure, activities, dates, and resources employed within a specified period of time through benchmarking. The benchmarking initiative will involv e streamlining control activities to ensure efficiency via a proactive quality mitigation channel that reports progress of the intended quality improvement system.

A Look at the Worth of Gold and Silver As Illustrated By Adam Smith in His Book, The Wealth of Nations

A Look at the Worth of Gold and Silver As Illustrated By Adam Smith in His Book, The Wealth of Nations In the first book of The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith discusses the Variations in the Proportion between the respective Values of Gold and Silver. Throughout history, these two metals have been regarded as mints of significant value. Before mines were found in America, the difference in value between silver and gold was usually seen as proportionate, where one ounce of fine gold was considered equivalent to anywhere from ten to twelve ounces of fine silver. More recently, the values have changed as much as one ounce of fine gold to be equal to as much as fourteen or fifteen ounces of fine silver. Over the years, it is said that both silver and gold have dropped in value, but the drop of silver has come more rapidly, therefore leading to the reason why gold has become proportionately even more valuable than in the past. Smith does claim, however, that both the gold and silver mines of America exceeded in fertility all those which had ever been known before, the fertility of the silve r mines had, it seems, been proportionally still greater than that of the gold ones. As a result of silver being more plentiful in comparison to gold, though it is considered less valuable it is certainly more important in many cases. Adam Smith says that it would be absurd to infer that because an ounce of gold will commonly purchase from fourteen to fifteen ounces silver, that there are commonly in the market only fourteen or fifteen ounces of silver for one ounce of gold. The amount of silver that can be found in the market is in all probability worth more in proportion to gold. Adam Smith feels that the cheaper of the two metals is f both more value and greatness due to the quantity that is accessible. He explains, There are so many more purchasers for the cheap than for the dear commodity that not only a greater quantity of it, but a greater value, can commonly be disposed of. The whole quantity, therefore, of the cheap commodity must commonly be greater in proportion to the whole quantity of the dear one than the value of a certain quantity of the dear one is to the value of an equal quantity of the cheap one. Silver can be seen as more valuable in the sense that it is used more often and more common. Silver even outclasses gold in certain cases, for example in the French coin where silver preponderates. In another instance, it is said that silver plate is more of more worth than gold plates. Another way in which Adam Smith shows the greater importance of silver is through the Spanish Market. Though he does admit that gold will always be more expensive, he feels that it is also cheaper in certain senses. He states that product is claimed cheap or expensive, not only according to the absolute greatness or smallness of its usual price, but according to the absolute greatness or smallness of its usual price, but according as that price is more or less above the lowest for which it is possible to bring it to market for any considerable time together. In Spain during this time, gold is closer to its lowest price than silver is because the tax put upon gold is five percent, whereas the tax put on silver is ten percent. Thus, miners for silver in this country are much more successful. Silver understandably then still takes a big part in monetary system during this time and is more important than gold in many instances. Though the value may differ in favor of gold, other factors come into play which raise the importance of silver. In the European market silver has raised in value a bit because decline in the amount found. With silver becoming scarcer, it adds to the importance of the metal since it is not as available. Smith explains that as mass increases the value of gold and silver diminishes. Smith says that anytime a metal is more used it is less cared for. Silver is a very important part of European monetary system during these times. The outright overall value can sometimes be very deceiving in comparing two precious metals. A rare gem is evidently going to be worth a lot, but silver would be much more handy in comparison. Silver during these times experienced some difficulties as far as price diminishment of a few occasions during the time of Adam Smith. He explains this by saying: The increase of expense must either, first, be compensated altogether by a proportionable increase in the price of the metal; or, secondly, it must be compensated altogether by a proportionable diminution of the tax upon silver; or, thirdly, it must be compensated partly by the one, and partly by the other of those two expedients. This third event is very possible. As gold rose in its price in proportion to silver, notwithstanding a great diminution of the tax upon gold, so silver might rise in its price in proportion to labour and commodities, notwithstanding an equal diminution of the tax upon silver. Thus, a momentary drop in silvers value is not to define the eternal value of the metal by any means, and in fact, a raise in value is probable. Though gold is more expensive than silver, in many senses, silver carries more importance. It is said that, The word VALUE, it is to be observed, has two different meanings, and sometimes expresses the utility of some particular object, and sometimes the power of purchasing other goods which the possession of that object conveys. The value of silver is elevated thanks to the big role it plays in many cases. Adam Smith explains, Though such commodities, therefore, come to exchange for a greater quantity of silver than before, it will not from thence follow that silver has become really cheaper, or will purchase less labour than before, but that such commodities have become really dearer, or will purchase more labour than before. He continues by clarifying, It is not their nominal price only, but their real price which rises in the progress of improvement. The rise of their nominal price is the effect, not of any degradation of the value of silver, but of the rise in their real price. Silver has then equaled the worth of gold in many ways, and had become a fierce competitor of the other precious metal during this time. Thanks to these other factors that played a part in the increase in value of silver, silver has become closer is not equal to the price of gold. Though the difference in literal price has not changed, the use and surplus of silver has made it more important, therefore more useful than gold. Adam Smith felt that silver was a very useful precious metal indeed.

Summary 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Summary 1 - Essay Example Theologians reflect upon this new truth, which is full of promise. Liberation sets free the children of God from the slavery. Slavery comes in different kinds of form, which include sin, economic, socio-political, and cultural. Liberation serves all those who respond to it, as it is not limited to those only with the evangelical spirit. It serves all those Christians who have clarity in faith and are prepared to be involved in struggles for humanity and freedom for the poor in the society. Liberation inspires people particularly those who have misery burdens carried in their hearts. It is a human need to express this aspiration. There is need to guide and clarify the yearning for the aspiration. Liberation theology was born from this strong aspiration. It expresses concern for the victimized and poor in the society. Theologies of liberation expresses different and diverse positions that seek to explain the contradictions involved in finding the meaning poverty and commitment to justice as defined by Christianity. Recently, Pope Francis has stressed the importance of fast tracking of a former Salvadoran Archbishop’s beatification. Oscar Romero’s beatification is a legitimate to sainthood for a man who is considered the unofficial saint of the controversial Catholic movement, liberation theology. The movement whose origin is in Latin America embraces the perspective and plight of the poor to interpret scripture and fight both economic and political injustices. The beatification statement made by Pope Francis is viewed as an attempt to reconciliation between the mainstream Catholic Church and the liberation theology movement. Other occurrences that inform about the possibility of the reconciliation include the reinstatement of suspended Nicaraguan priest Miguel D’Escoto, a policy reversal in Chiapas allowing the ordainment of indigenous deacons, and the appointment of Gerhard MÃ ¼ller, a former

Performance Management Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Performance Management Assignment - Essay Example number of studies hve suggested tht, provided the design nd implementtion of PM re pproprite, it hs the potentil to ffect employee ttitudes in wy tht mkes significnt nd positive contribution to compny performnce. Current pper pper provides criticl nlysis of orgniztionl system of performnce mngement bsing on the findings retrieved nd mterils vilble. I first provide theoreticl overview of the term of performnce mngement, then reserch its ppliction to subsidiry compny, finlly comment on chnges of performnce mngement tht re supposedly needed to be implemented into orgniztionl ctivity. The expression "performnce mngement" ppered in the lte 1980s nd cn be regrded s n extension of "performnce pprisl"-- prctice used to evlute n individul employee's pst performnce. Tody, however, performnce pprisl is considered s one of severl key elements of PM, the others being the communiction of compny strtegy through individul objective setting, links to trining nd development plnning, nd possibly compenstion (Brlow, 2001:501). Despite the fct tht much of the reserch hs been performed within the U.S. context, little reserch hs been crried out on PM in interntionl settings nd even less so in MCMC subsidiries operting in diverse cultures. This derth of reserch mens tht we know little bout the effects of PM on job stisfction mong employees in MCMC where the mjority of the work force re of host-country ntionlity, nd where the host-country's culture my differ substntilly from tht of the MCMC's home country. Moreover, our limited knowledge of the impct of PM on job stisfction is indictive of the pucity of reserch concerning the ttitudes of host-country employees nd especilly of nonmngeril employees in MCMC. It is well known tht employees with negtive ttitudes re likely to perform poorly, cuse disruptions in opertions, nd eventully jeoprdize the vibility of the orgniztion. Furthermore, it hs been documented tht job stisfction is relted to turnover. s Mendonc nd Knungo (2004) hve noted, job stisfction nd turnover re incresing chllenges for MCMC operting in developing countries, whose lbor mrket lcks mngeril nd technicl tlent. Vrious spects of PM hve been studied in both the interntionl nd comprtive contexts. For instnce, scholrs hve ddressed such issues s the impct of ntionl culture on mngement by objectives, differences in mngement style nd performnce pprisl in the United Sttes, Indonesi, Thilnd, nd Mlysi (Zhu, Dowling, 1994:2), nd ntionl culture nd its impct on PM/performnce pprisl in Hong Kong, Tiwn, Singpore, Gret Britin, Jpn, Kore, the United Sttes, Mlysi, the Philippines, Indi, nd Chin. The mjority of these studies, especilly the ones with comprtive ttitudinl dt, hve provided evidence tht culturl differences influence elements of PM nd tht the trnsferbility of PM between countries cnnot be ssumed. However, little interntionl nd comprtive reserch hs exmined ctul effects of PM per se on host-country employees. Consequently, while we know tht MCMCs commonly dopt stndrdized PM policies nd prctices t both their home country nd in overses subsidiries, we do not know wht effect such stndrdized PM hs on host-country employees. The effects of PM hve received greter ttention in domestic settings, but even there the reserch is limited. Most studies hve commonly concentrted on

Kondracke and Vidal Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Kondracke and Vidal Evaluation Essay In the article, â€Å"Don’t Legalize Drugs† by Morton M. Kondracke, writes on the pros and cons of the legalization of drugs in a convincing way to help the reader understand the ultimate downfall of our society if the legalization of drugs does come into effect. His convincing tone is brought together by his logical, outside resources, and predictions from credible doctors. His use of pathos also helps the reader have a deeper understanding of the serious problems of legalizing drugs. As Kondracke states in the beginning, â€Å" if the advocates of legalized drugs do have their way†¦there will also be more unpublicized fatal and maiming crashes, more job accidents, more child neglect, more of almost everything associated with substance abuse: babies born addicted or retarded..† hoping to touch the hearts of the many. Kondracke uses outside resources such as Dr. Robert DuPont who is the former director of the National Institutes of Drug Abuse and his predictions to help further his argument and give credibility. Not only does he share with the reader outside sources and studies, but he mentions many examples by comparing the predictions of legalizing drugs and the actual result of alcohol in America and what effects it would have on our society if alcohol has already done so much to change America. The only real flaw I see with this article is that it is old and much in our society has changed. In the article, â€Å"Drugs: Case for Legalizing Marijuana† by Gore Vidal, his case for the legalization of marijuana is not quite convincing enough to even call it a case. Nothing in his article seems to be believable because he uses no real statistics except for his own when he says, â€Å"†¦I have tried—once—almost every drug and liked none disproving the popular Fu Manchu theory that a single whiff of opium will enslave the mind.† which doesn’t help his case at all seeing that he could have made up that side story on the spot. Not only does he share no real believable evidence, but the article is also over forty years old and things have definitely changed. The seriousness of this article is not well developed enough which gives the reader more of a laugh than deep thinking reasoning.

Exploring Classical Theism and Physicalism :: Religion

Exploring Classical Theism and Physicalism ABSTRACT: Could a classical theist be a physicalist? Although a negative answer to this question may seem obvious, it turns out that a case can be made for the consistency of a variant of classical theism and global supervenience physicalism. Although intriguing, the case ultimately fails due to the weakness of global supervenience as an account of the dependence of mental on physical properties. Physicalism is popular these days, and to a lesser extent so is classical theism. It should therefore come as no surprise that a number of theists are bent on combining theism with physicalism. But could a classical theist be a physicalist? Is this a coherent doctrinal combination? The classical theist affirms the metaphysically necessary existence of a concrete, purely spiritual, being upon which every other concrete being is ontologically dependent. The physicalist, however, is committed to the proposition that everything, or at least everything concrete, is either physical or determined by the physical. To be a bit more precise, physicalism is usefully viewed as the conjunction of an 'inventory thesis' which specifies physicalistically admissible individuals and a 'determination thesis' which specifies physicalistically admissible properties.(1) What the inventory thesis says, at a first approximation, is that every concretum is either a physical item or composed of physical items . As for the determination thesis, what it says is that physical property-instantiations determine all other property-instantiations; equivalently, every nonphysical property-instantiation supervenes on physical property-instantiations. These rough characterizations suggest that theism and physicalism logically exclude one another. If God as classically conceived exists, then the inventory thesis is violated: not every concrete entity is either physical or composed of physical items. And if God exists, it would also appear that the determination thesis is flouted: God's instantiation of his omni-attributes does not supervene on His instantiation of any physical properties: He has none. So at first glance it seems almost crashingly obvious that the classical theist cannot be a physicalist. But this talk cannot end just yet. For when we get down to the details of formulating precise versions of both the inventory and determination theses, it turns out that there is a way to attempt the reconciliation of theism and physicalism. It is the viability of this way that I aim to explore. But first some background. Towards Nonreductive Physicalism I will take it for granted that a plausible version of physicalism cannot be either eliminativist or reductionist.