Chinese Mencius And Xunzi On Human Nature Essay

Mencius and Xunzi both follow Confucian philosophy yet have a dramatically different understanding of human nature. Additionally, the two philosophers make their arguments in strikingly different literary methods. Mencius believes that the â€Å"goodness of human nature is like the downward course of water† (147) in that people are naturally inclined to be good, and he makes this argument through conversations among friends and public figures. In contrast, Xunzi staunchly argues that â€Å"Human nature is evil† (179) and through essays claims that human nature’s only â€Å"goodness derives from the conscious activity† (179). The two philosophers both use many metaphors to explain their own interpretation of human nature in different ways. By exploring the philosophies of these two great Confucian thinkers, one better understands the multitude of ways human nature can be explained in Confucianism throughout Chinese history. As the â€Å"single most influential contributor to a view of human nature in Confucianized East Asia† (116), Mencius’ philosophy is fundamental. Mencius argues that human nature is good, and â€Å"ru† teachings furthered natural tendencies. To explain the natural goodness of human nature Mencius shows that â€Å"the goodness of human nature is like the downward course of water. † By this he claims, â€Å"there is no human being lacking in the tendency to do good, just as there is no water lacking in the tendency to flow downward† (147). Furthermore he counters the claim that water can be manipulated to go many directions by rationalizing that, â€Å"while people can be made to do what is not good, what happens to their nature is like this†(147). Overall, this metaphor is used to show that without manipulation or outside forces, people naturally want to do good things. 1 Additionally, Mencius asserts that the innate knowledge and ability, that of the child, is original and good due to the natural human tendency toward goodness. He explains that, â€Å"what people are able to do without having learned it is original, good ability. What they know without having to think about it is original, good knowledge† (156). Furthermore he gives the practical example that, â€Å"there are no young children who do not know to love their parents† (156). Another metaphor, that of the child falling into the well, advances the idea that this innate knowledge can be found in all people. Mencius explains that a man upon seeing a, â€Å"child falling in to a well, his mind would always be filled with alarm†therefore, â€Å"all human beings have a mind that cannot bear to see the sufferings of others (129). By claiming that a man can not help but feel this alarm naturally supports Mencius’ idea that by nature humans can not bear to see the suffering of other. Finally, Mencius uses the example of Ox Mountain, which was once beautifully covered in trees but is now bare to show the transformation of the outward appearance of human nature. Upon seeing, â€Å"this barrenness, people suppose that the mountain was never wooded. But how could this be the nature of the mountain? † (151). He asks. By this Mencius illustrates that one might suppose that a man never had the capacity for goodness just because he does not now follow the Way, however just as is the mountains nature to be wooded, it is man’s nature to be good. In contrast to Mencius optimistic thoughts on human nature, Xunzi argues that, â€Å"human nature is evil; its goodness derives from the conscious activity† (179). By this Xunzi means that human nature tends towards a â€Å"fondness for profit†¦envy and hate†¦ beautiful sights and sounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"following human nature and indulging human emotions will inevitably lead to contention and strife† (180). Such a grim outlook on 2 human nature likely derives from the tremulous and violent time period in which he developed these philosophies. Xunzi’s journeys during the Warring States Period likely had an impact on his pessimistic stance on human nature. However, Xunzi explains that these low human desires can be and should be controlled and directed by means of ritual and teachings. He praises the value of teachers as a way of practicing virtue and claims, â€Å"one must be transformed by the example of a teacher and guided by the way of ritual and rightness before one will attain modestly and yielding, accord with refinement and ritual, and return to order† (180). Xunzi refutes the idea that ritual and rightness are part of human nature and instead are the result of activity through the metaphor of a potter and carpenter. Xunzi rationalizes, â€Å"a potter may mold clay and produce an earthen pot, but how could molding pots of clay be the potter’s nature? A carpenter may carve wood and produce utensils but how could carving utensils out of wood be the carpenter’s nature? † (182). In this metaphor Xunzi illustrates how rituals are the result of conscious activity, and these rituals â€Å"established models and limits in order to reform and improve the human emotional nature† (180). Without such limits to evil human nature, society would fall into chaos. Mencius, in each of his metaphors illustrates how human nature has a tendency to be good. In contrast Xunzi’s metaphors and explanations illustrate his claim that human nature is bad. Although these two thinkers differ greatly in philosophy, they share the idea that governance and personal cultivation have a close relationship. Mencius’ belief that human nature is good is related to his idea of proper governance. Leading by example allows people to follow the Way and to be in touch with their true human nature, and therefore Heaven. In contrast, Xunzi believes that evil human nature can be curbed and 3 directed through conscious activity and ritual so as to allow for order in government. Finally, the two, as â€Å"ru† thinkers, also believe in the ability of humans in general to aspire to higher personal cultivation. Mencius states, â€Å"if one does what is not good, that is not the fault of ones capacities† (149) and similarly Xunzi also claims, â€Å"The man on the street can become a Yu† (183) meaning any man on the street has the natural endowment needed to understand virtue.

WebDesPix Ltd case study questions

1. What does the name WebDesPix Ltd tell you about the ownership of the company? It tells us that it is a private limited company; this means that it is in the private sector and it must have the letters ‘Ltd' after its name. The main features of a private limited company include: * It is owned by the shareholders. * It is controlled by the board of directors. * It is managed by appointed managers. * Finance can be gained by borrowing from banks or selling shares. * The profits go to the shareholders of the company, in the form of dividends. Socratic Seminar Questions 2. Give (2 or more) reasons why they may have decided on this type of company? This type of business is more expensive to set up than a sole trader or a partnership, however: * It carries less financial risk for the owners as they have limited liability, which means that if the company goes bust, they only lose the amount of money that they invested in the company and not their personal possessions. * Limited companies are also incorporated which means that the company has a separate legal identity from its owners. Which means that it is the company that can be sued or sue, not the owners. * It also gives the company greater continuity because its existence is not ended by the death or retirement of its owners. 3. Tom and Dee are shareholders. What does this mean? * It means that Tom and Dee are the people who invest money in the company by buying shares, and are therefore called shareholders. It also means that they are the owners of the company. * By buying shares in the company Tom and Dee are entitled to a share of the profits known as dividend. How much dividend a shareholder receives depends on how well the company is performing, the type of share they own, and the number of shares they own. * This also means that as they are shareholders they can elect people to the board of directors to represent their interest and be responsible for the long term strategy of the company. The directors will then appoint managers to be responsible for the day-to-day running of the company. Also, some managers may also be directors and are known as executive directors. In a private limited company the major shareholders, board of directors and managers may all be the same people. 4. They have an overdraft facility. Explain how an overdraft works and say what they might use if for. An overdraft is when a business draws more money from its bank account than it currently has in the account. It has permission from the bank, which sets an agreed limit called an overdraft limit. Interest is payable on the overdraft and this is calculated on a daily basis. An advantage of an overdraft is that money is only borrowed when needed; this means that interest is only paid when the bank account is overdrawn. The big disadvantage about an overdraft is that the bank can insist that it is repaid immediately. However, because of its flexibility an overdraft is probably the most frequently used way to solve a cash flow problem. The table shows the advantages and disadvantages of overdrafts: Advantages of overdrafts Disadvantages of overdrafts Flexibility-can change the amount borrowed within limits. Cannot be used for large borrowing. Interest is only paid on amounts borrowed. Rates of interest higher than loans. Bank can change limit at any time or ask for money to be paid sooner than expected. Used for anything wages, computer repairs etc 5. List 4 products the company offers. * Web design is still the core business of the company, but new services are also offered. * Electronic newsletters. * Domain registrations. * Hosting and search engine optimisation. * The company offers three standard web design packages, this is -budget at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½800 -professional at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1000 -and executive at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1500 Each package provides a number of web pages, e-mail facilities and the cost of hosting the site. * WDP (WebDesPix Ltd) give a quotation to clients who require non-standard packages (a quotation is just an estimated price for job or service). 6. All their products are marketed online. Explain 3 advantages of this when compared to selling from a shop on the high street. Firstly, buying and selling products online is called e-commerce. The advantages of this include: * Websites can be used to reach wider markets; this means that the internet provides extra marketing possibilities. * The internet can be accessed all over the world-this makes it possible to target potential customers in foreign countries. * A company can put marketing material on its own website, or it could pay to advertise on other websites. * A good website can really help a firm's competitiveness and increase its market share. * Firms can market and sell goods through their website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ('24/7†²). * By using the strategy of marketing and selling '24/7†², it can give e-commerce firms an advantage over the traditional 9-5 businesses, as customers can shop at home, at a time which is convenient to them. 7. The company wants to build up their brand name. List 3 advantages of having a strong brand name. * Businesses will hope that this leads to brand loyalty, where customers will repeat-buy because they prefer the look, taste, quality or image of their products. * If the company's name becomes established with one product, it may encourage customers to buy different products bearing that name. * Customers can be reasonably sure about the quality they will get with branded goods. 8. What are overheads? Overheads (also called fixed costs or indirect costs) are costs which do not change whether the business produces lots of goods, or produces no goods at all. These are costs which still have to be paid, regardless of output. For example, the rent on a shop will still have to be paid, whether or not the shop has any customers. Examples of overheads are: -interest payment on loans. -managers' salaries. – Rates payable to the local council. -rent of premises. -gas -electricity -telephone costs -administration costs – and advertising 9. Explain why the company has relatively small overheads. The company has relatively small overheads because it is labour intensive. * It builds and upgrades its own computers. * Vacancies are just advertised on the company's website and at regular networking meetings with other businesses in the Bristol area. 10. List 2 factors which influenced the company to locate in Bristol. * They could have run the company from anywhere in England, but as they were all from different parts of the country it was easier to locate in Bristol where they had all studied (it was more convenient). * Bristol is a large city with good infrastructure, so transport is not a problem. * There is a university in Bristol, so the business is close to an educated working force. 11. List 3 non-financial fringe benefits available to the employees. * Free lunch each Friday. * The use of a Wii during their breaks. * Free health insurance after six months employment. 12. Give 2 reasons why the company gives fringe benefits. * To motivate their employees so that they feel valued by the company and are therefore more productive as well. * Helps attract and retain better qualified employees. * Improves efficiency and productivity as employees are assured of security for themselves (as well as their families). 13. Some employees receive a monthly bonus based on turnover. Explain bonus. Full-time employees receive a monthly bonus based on turnover. A bonus is a monetary reward. It can be paid within both the time rate and piece rate systems. Under the time rate system, a bonus is paid if the workers reach their production targets, which could be hourly, daily or weekly targets. 14. Explain one advantage of giving these employees a bonus. -this encourages workers to work at their maximum output, and so overcome the problem of the lack of incentive. It also increases the productivity, efficiency and motivation of employees, which may also increase their happiness. 15. Give one disadvantage of giving them a bonus. The disadvantage is that the employees expect a bonus and moral drops sharply when the bonus is not paid. 16. The 2 sales assistants receive commission in addition to their salary. Explain commission. Commission is a monetary incentive that the company can offer in addition to their basic pay. It is a payment to people who are employed in selling the products or services of a business. 17. Explain one advantage of giving these employees commission. This system ensures that employees have to work hard to earn their pay, but if they are successful, their earnings can be unlimited. 18. Give one disadvantage of giving them commission. If they fail to meet the required turnover or sales figures, they receive no commission. 19. List 2 advantages of using email. * It is quick and easy to send emails, as it allows communication easily over a number of sites. * People can keep in touch very easily-as many messages can be sent. * Messages can also be keyed-in and stored until they are needed. * One email can be sent to a number of different people at the same time. * They are very convenient, as multiple attachments can be sent. * It is easier to refer back to emails rather than looking through different pieces of paper. 20. Explain why the company might use video conferencing. Video conferencing is fast becoming more and more popular with companies. It involves using computer links and closed-circuit television, allowing people to hear and see each other. The advantages include: * Saves people travelling to meetings. * Large savings can then be made in terms of time and cost. * Face-to-face communication is possible rather than using telephone or letter.

Assessing user needs in tourist information centres Essay

Assessing user needs in tourist information centres - Essay Example About 32% of the travellers stopped to get tourism related information. Common reasons of staying at tourist information centres were easy reach, rest rooms and comfort and not leaving the interstate. 52% of the surveyed welcomed the idea of tourist information centres away from the interstate locations. Tourist information centres are, thus, crucial communication channels in tourism promotion by arousing curiosity of travellers about tourist destinations. The survey indicates the dire need of developing some system to fulfill travellers’ information-needs (Fesenmaier, 1994). A visitor information centre is a First Stop for travellers. Its refreshing, appealing and aesthetic surrounding adds to the charm of a visiting place. The visitor centre of Old Naples is a model of the reputation and growth, the Old Naples has made. The visitor centre is equipped with interactive bells and whistles, booths, kiosks, and visuals. Features include: Visitors stop by the information centres for a number of other reasons like to view the calendar of events on roll, to pick up their savings card, avail internet access, read restaurant recommended and reviewed, avail discounted hotels and get reservation, get information on visiting destinations and rental’s information (http://www.napleschamber.org/chamber/vic.aspx). According to research made by Li, Hwang, and Fesenmaier, University of Illinois, tourist information centres are used mostly to get information on highway maps (82.1%), Illinois Travel Guide (26.9%), Appealing information (23.7%), residing information (21.7%), and recreational activity information (13.8%). The least accessed information was on area guides (6.4%), shopping (5.1%), and Golf Illinois Guide (3.4%). Interesting thing came to the notice was that those who visited the information centre for information gathered a good chunk of travel material in comparison to other visitors. Relevancy of trends was

Sustainability In Global Business Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sustainability In Global Business - Dissertation Example EDF Energy is faced with the problem of meeting U.K. government policies and regulations. The U.K. Government has passed regulating companies and their operations. The government policies affecting EDF Energy are those concerning the environment, manufacturing, energy. The Environment Agency policies direct that companies produce very little toxic waste and manage any waste produced. EDF Energy is faced with the problem of reducing the amount of waste produced from its power generating stations. Nuclear waste produced from the eight nuclear power plants has to be appropriately handled. Greenhouse gases and smoke are emitted from various power plants and this causes constant conflict with the Environment Agency. EDF Energy is faced with the social challenge of meeting shareholder needs over fulfilling corporate social responsibility projects. There is also constant pressure for social groups on the company to reduce prices and pay higher wages (Paul, 2000). The rapidly increasing popu lation of the U.K. has increased the demand for energy. Therefore, all energy sector stakeholders have the challenge of meeting the country’s growing energy requirements. Increased demand for electricity and gas means that EDF Energy has to generate higher quantities of electricity than it is currently producing. Machinery, capital, and resources have to be increased in order to meet energy needs. EDF Energy has to constantly upgrade equipment and technology in order to keep up with energy production and transmission standards.

The highs and lows of Richard Nixon in American Political Culture Term Paper

The highs and lows of Richard Nixon in American Political Culture - Term Paper Example That as the Americans repeatedly strive for abundance in material possession, they have inadvertently ignored the gnawing abyss of their spirit. That as the Americans pursue policy of democratization, they have inevitably enforced socialistic and even nihilistic measures to their often defenseless prey. That as the Americans clamor for a much needed change in the nation, they have listlessly stood in the sidelines in hopes of having someone initiate such changes. To this lethargy, Nixon fervently hoped for ethical consciousness to spread amongst the people as he believed that the key to societal revolution can only be found in the hands of someone brave enough to forge it on his own (Nixon’s Inaugural Speech, par. 19). But while Nixon has been adamant in calling for the inherent patriotism embedded in every citizen of the United States, he seemed to have shamefully engineered what has come to be known as the single greatest political scandal of all time. The same person that marched into the southeastern edge of the world to preach about social justice and human rights was the same person who appeared to have ordered for the termination of some government officials deemed as loose ends in the so-called â€Å"operation.† The same head of state who took it upon himself to span the ideological differences of nations to reach the Soviets became the main antagonist in the brewing saga of political warlordism and modern tyranny. However, many are still of the belief that such atrociousness could not have been ordered by a man that the Americans have come to trust and respect. Many people remain adamant in proclaiming that such act could not have been a conscious decision made by a morally upright and virtuous man who spent his entire professional career serving the American people first through the navy, then the House of Representatives, Senate, office f the Vice President and finally, the office of the President. What then could have forced such upright gentleman to condone and even precipitate such malevolent deeds? Could such have been spawned by resentful political advisors out to take the seat away from a political personality that has evolved into a name that became too hot to handle? Or was it caused by nothing more than power begetting power? In Context Richard Milhous Nixon was born to Francis A. Nixon and Hannah Milhous Nixon on January 9, 1913 in Yorba Linda, California. Richard was second in a b rood of five: Harold (1903 - 1933); Richard (1913 - 1994); Donald (1914 - 1987); Arthur (1918 - 1925); and, Edward (1930) (nps.gov). By typical standards, the Nixon family is poor and the family only managed to scrape by through life with the meager income generated by their farm. However, in 1922, the family struggled to make ends meet as the farm that was used to support the family with five sons, was fraught with hardships that soon forced it to close down (nixonlibrary.gov). Francis and Hannah Nixon then decided to move their family to Whittier, California where they envisioned re-building their lost business (nps.gov). Upon arriving at Whittier, the Nixon couple opened a grocery store and a gas station

UCAS Personal Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

UCAS Personal Statement - Essay Example Among the most notable are: sporting, teaching, social work, investing, and leadership. My awards in games and sports cut across regional, national, and international borders. In teaching, I have interacted and worked with young students and teaching staffs. The social work aspect relates to taking care of my autistic brother for the better part of my life, an activity that motivates me even more so that I can reach out to the broader community. My drive to study Ancient History and Archaeology emanates from the need to know and understand historical forms of life and how they shaped contemporary modernization. Through this course, I will be in a better position to explore cultural diversity as it relates to ancient time and ancient people. In this respect, my activities and experiences in life have exacerbated my quest for knowledge. I am currently studying A-Level Psychology and Business (Double Major), but this has not limited my interest in other topics and subjects due to the need for further diversified knowledge. My next ambitious plan is to volunteer abroad in order to explore, experience and exploit wonders that the world has to offer. In conclusion, joining UCAS University will offer an invaluable opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills, interact socially and academically with different persons, and provide a favourable ground for personal growth and

Reflective writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Reflective writing - Essay Example As described by Belbin (1993, p. 152) â€Å"a team is not a bunch of people with job titles, but a congregation of individuals, each of whom has a role which is understood by other members. Members of a team seek out certain roles and they perform most effectively in the ones that are most natural to them†. In the light of this description, I assumed the role of a â€Å"team worker†. This was because I thought of myself as a shy person as I do not find myself confident enough among those I do not know. It may be because of the lack of trust in my skills and abilities; I am full of brilliant ideas but I lack the confidence to express them and have lost many good opportunities in life due to my apparently shy nature. Carl Jung, the psychoanalyst, has termed people like me as â€Å"introverts† who spend most of their time alone or in the company of one or two friends (Osher 1998). I have only one close friend and I really feel comfortable in his company. Another thi ng I do not like about myself is the inability to make decisions. When it came to working in a team in the final year of PASBD, I gladly took the role of a â€Å"team worker†. ... In the first group meeting, I was overwhelmed by the confident faces around me. My only friend was not in the group and that really made me feel isolated. My confidence sank all time low and I did not participate in the discussions. In fact, I could not answer the questions directed towards me coherently. In my group, discussions were common and it was mandatory for every member to participate. Clashes of opinions were also frequent in the group and a final decision regarding tasks was reached after many loud arguments. I did not like both; however, both these factors proved to be a useful learning tool for me. The mandatory discussions meant that I had to voice my opinion while the clashes of opinions gave me confidence to speak out loud to make a point. While discussing group dynamics, Melucci (2004) shared the concept of conformity that fits well to my situation. Melucci (2004, p. 249) stated that â€Å"conformity is the maintenance or the alteration of one’s behavior to m atch the behavior and expectations of others†. I was actually trying to conform with the group expectations where every next member is eager to share and contribute. During this process of conforming to the group expectations, I found that my team members actually liked my ideas. This gave me confidence to speak in front of people. I realized that I had a lot of potential but was also terribly under confident. I started thinking why it was so. One thing that I had learnt from this experience (working in a group) was that I was not shy. This was because I was not tongue tied or my legs did not shake when I spoke in public. My lack of participation was because of my fear of being rejected and being ridiculed. As described by Freud, the human

Regionalism in Latin America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Regionalism in Latin America - Essay Example The main question surrounding the issue of regionalism is whether it is a mere station towards neoliberal or more of pluralistic word that organizes coexistence for the popular support (Thomas 2008:56). What forms of dialect does the regionalism take? In addition, what is the linkage between the multifaceted processes due to the regionalism? To answer these questions regionalist may bring its true picture of contestation among rivals from all sides of intensity. In my essay, I will analyze regionalism in Latin America from the international economic policy with a specific focus to the Andean community, which is a sub region in the Latin America. From a theoretical standpoint, regionalism explains the integration process in the development of a balanced and harmonious society. Reconfiguration of the Latin America’s regional governance is one major feature for the global political economy in the last one decade. Regional governance is currently transforming and bringing in different forms of regional policies, identities, and cooperation that transform the cartography of the Latin America. Latin America currently has assumed a different regional form of governance that builds the different rationale, which is not restricted to the US hegemony (Scott 2009:57). Regionalism driven by economic calculations represents a conglomerate project on the issue of commerce and political integration. In this conflicting scenario, the regional integration has redefinition from the regional projects that are substantially divergent in visions. The paper is concerned with the question of how transformation of the new regionalist can shape the thinking of the individuals on the political and social cooperation. Concepts used To help understand the issue of regionalism and the current issue in the Latin America one must consider these terms. A region implies the whole of Latin America whereas sub regions as a section of Latin America like the Andean or South America. Regional integration on the other hand is an agreement based on the intergovernmental or supranational model. It may involve economic, political, and social integration objectives (Lauren 2010:124). Lastly, regional trade preferences are agreements based on trade integration and cooperation on areas that promote democracy. Under this paradigm, the agreements result from conglomerate intentions of economic boost. Structural economic reforms of the Latin America The economy of the Latin America has shifted in its economic policy from its low achieving strategy to serious macroeconomic disequilibria (Lauren, 2010:32). Factors like high inflation, fiscal deficits, current account deficits, and financial sectors in critical trouble formed part of the foreign debt crisis in the early 1980s . After the poor economic management of the Latin America, it undertook structural reforms that placed the country on the path toward superior economic performance. Major structural reforms in the country occurred in the

Acdamic skill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Acdamic skill - Essay Example Sources, such as Google sources, are not that reliable, because anybody can publicly do things on the internet. However, books are generally considered more trustworthy because the author and publisher are clearly stated and they are held responsibility for its truthfulness. One reliable resource, found by Erik, A.(2010), had introduced product strategies for the iPhone, including four successful ways which are markets, product cycles, pricing and software. However, the iPhone was not the first smartphone to have mobile Web, email, and touch-screen user interface capabilities, but it was designed to offer an improved experience compared to other smartphones. Firstly, this resource is reliable; because of its demand media. Secondly, it is useful for this research proposal. The significant aim of this article is exploring the iPhone product strategy, it was designed to offer an improved experience compared to other smartphones. Following the four product strategies for the iPhone which are markets, product cycles, pricing and software, we can clearly see the iPhone why can be successful. These four aspects are indispensable to the business strategies. According to Dorrell, E. (2007), more than half of the consumers in the UK stipulate that Apple iPhones are too expensive. Two weeks after the launch in the UK, the vote at the market research company GFK NOP showed that more than 70% of the consumers feel that the proposed retail price of  £269 was on the high side while only 2% of the respondents considered buying an iPhone. This resource, found by a newspaper, makes it reliable. And using customer interviews further increases its reliability. The main purpose of this paper is for customer surveys to getting the price of the iPhone to a more detailed study of the iPhone business strategy. Furthermore, collecting data is the important way to get a reliable source. Due to this fact received from this