EIGHT THEORIES OF RELIGION Essays - , Term Papers

EIGHT THEORIES OF RELIGION SECOND EDITION Daniel L. Pals University of Miami New York Oxford OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 2006 -iii- Oxford University Press, Inc., publishes works that furtherOxford University's objective of excellence in research,scholarship, and education. Oxford New YorkAuckland Cape Town Dar es Salaam Hong Kong KarachiKuala Lumpur Madrid Melbourne Mexico City NairobiNew Delhi Shanghai Taipei Toronto With offices inArgentina Austria Brazil Chile Czech Republic France GreeceGuatemala Hungary Italy Japan Poland Portugal SingaporeSouth Korea Switzerland Thailand Turkey Ukraine Vietnam Copyright 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Published by Oxford University Press, Inc.198 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016http://www.oup.com Oxford is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,without the prior permission of Oxford University Press. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Pals, Daniel L.Eight theories of religion / by Daniel L. Pals. 2nd ed.p. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN-13: 0-19-530458-9 (hard : alk. paper)ISBN-13: 0-19-516570-8 (pbk. : alk. paper)ISBN 0-19-530458-6 (hard : alk. paper)ISBN 0-19-516570-5 (pbk. : alk. paper)1. Religion-Study and teaching-History. I. Pals, Daniel L. Eight theories of religion.II. Title. BL41.P36 2005 200'.7-dc22 2005050238 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper -iv- To the memory of my father, Herbert H. Pals (1916-2004). Filiis caritatem maiorem posset nullus pater habere. -v- CONTENTS Preface ix Introduction 3 1. Animism and Magic 18 E. B. TYLOR AND J. G. FRAZER 2. Religion and Personality 53 SIGMUND FREUD 3. Society as Sacred 85 eMILE DURKHEIM 4. Religion as Alienation 118 KARL MARX 5. A Source of Social Action 149 MAX WEBER 6. The Reality of the Sacred 193 MIRCEA ELIADE 7. Society's "Construct of the Heart" 229 E. E. EVANS-PRITCHARD 8. Religion as Cultural System 260 CLIFFORD GEERTZ 9. Conclusion 292 Index 325 -vii- PREFACE Over the years since it was first published, Seven Theories of Religion seems to have found a serviceable niche on the shelf of books that discuss modern efforts to explain and understand religion. Its original purpose was not just to acquaint nonspecialist readers with general patterns of interpretation but to offer a sequence of intellectual portraits centered on theorists at work, reviewing the kinds of evidence they adduce, tracing the forms of argument they advance, and appraising, amid comparison, both the agendas and achievements they promise. The focus fell on certain classic formulationsa sequence of theories that by merit and historical influence have managed to chart the main paths of discussion over the last century and more. Judging by the responses of most readers, that approach has proved helpful, especially to students and their instructors in both college and university classrooms. Accordingly, at the editors' invitation, I agreed to revisit the original and offer certain improvements. Though it (necessarily) carries a new title, this book forms a second edition of Seven Theories , revised and amplified in ways meant to enhance its overall design. While reproducing the main sequence of discussion in the original, the present work seeks to extend its reach by offering 1) a revised introduction, 2) a new chapter on the work of German social theorist Max Weber, 3) associated other revisions that bring Weber into the earlier analyses and comparisons, and 4) a revised and enlarged conclusion that traces patterns of recent inquiry against the background of these classic approaches. In addition, a few minor clarifications suggested by observant critical readers have been included. The addition of Max Weber, now the fifth in the new sequence of eight theorists, merits a brief note of explication. For all his originality and historical importance, Weber was omitted from Seven Theories , mainly because the aim of the book was to present classic theories of a pure, or ideal, type (a rationale Weber himself certainly could have appreciated). Because of their -ix- power to provoke or promote debate, the accent fell on explanations advanced in support of a single overriding thesisas in Freud's finding that all religion reduces to neurosisrather than those that rely on complex multidimensional constructs. The latter, of course, is the kind of approach that Weber preeminently represents; hence he was excluded. Over time, however, more than a few thoughtful readers have come to take a different view of this matter.

Conjugal Visits

Conjugal Visits 5 conjugal visitation can be seen as an earned privilege as well as a control mechanism, whereby the prisoner...

Ethical Considerations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 44

Ethical Considerations - Case Study Example Bad relations lead to often conflicts among people. In addition, the supervisor should have come up the training program to impart knowledge to all the officers on the diversity management. This will enable all the officers to appreciate globalization and more so, to maximize different knowledge, skills, and abilities from different people. With this knowledge of understanding others, he could have requested people to keep quiet instead of commanding them. By so doing, there could be no violence between the two parties. The supervisor should have given Burn an assistant officer with whom they could work together. This could reduce the possibility of Burn conflicting with the people in the party since the other officer could prevent the conflict. During research on the weakness of the officer, the supervisor should observe privacy. This is the natural right of an individual that is the foundation of legal right. This is very important to all persons because it is the necessary condition of all other freedom and personal autonomy. The administration should understand that there is the relationship between privacy, freedom and human dignity. The supervisor shouldn’t have deployed Burn to a smaller area. This is viewed as discrimination. This brings a lot of dissatisfaction among the officers or any employee leading to increased conflict as a way to release the stress. To reduce this supervisor could conduct regular training to the officers (McCarthy, 2005). The policies that the supervisors shou ld put in place include communication policies, motivational talks, training policies and dismissal policies showing the procedure through which an officer may be dismissed. Through these, officers could behave ethically at all times. In my opinion, the officers, the supervisor and the people partying are all liable for their negligence.

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Reflection Paper - Essay Example This paper is a reflection of the lectures by Leslie, Steele and Crouse, that I attended. The movie by the name of â€Å"Peace out† was released in 2011; basically it is a documentary or a short film that it can be called. Directed and written by Charles Wilkinson, it takes into account the city of Vancouver and the problems in it. These problems, of course are environment related. It is the decision of choosing Hydro over Solar, stated in the most informal way possible. I happened to attend a lecture that was a discussion based on this short film. It focused on the problems that were present in Vancouver and used the documentary as a way to project their consequences and issues. It is in fact about time, that these global issues regarding energy crisis and environmental damage were brought attention. Personally, this issue is something which I feel needs to get the maximum attention and needs to be addressed globally. No one person can fix it, but the contributions of every i ndividual can definitely, without a doubt, bring a halt to the disastrous end that is inevitable. The discussion was primarily focusing on Vancouver as the documentary is based on it. The need of electricity and with the rapid increase in development, there is bound to be a much bigger demand for it; hence the need of hydro electrical power will automatically increase. Since, the question is of the Peace River, on which a power Dam was built and it caused the river to back up by â€Å"80 Kilometers.† The movie was extremely explicit as it openly blamed the government for wanting to make money, and putting their monetary benefits before the lives of the people. Yes, this is exactly how dangerous this dam is. It is a pure â€Å"rape of natural resources and destruction of our environment†, says Greg Klymkiv. The Peace River is not only a beautiful, scenic place but it is a major habitat to a lot of animals. The lecture that I attended brought many solutions to stop this from happening, but then again, one person cannot do the job. The government and corporates state that they have to take these measures in order to fulfill the rather increasing demand for energy; and the people who are opposing this whole idea are not ready to decrease their consumption. It is absurd, and extremely difficult. On one hand there are demonstrations against the dam being built, and at the same time no one wants to cut down consumption. It is a cycle that we have created; hence we have to stop it. On 14th, November, 2013, I happened to attend a lecture which almost reflected the same issue as addressed above. However, it now concerned the people more than the environment. It addressed the issues of the clash between the government and the people: What the people want, and what the government gives. The lecture was given by Megan Leslie and Graham Steele. Once again, if normally stated, this is one of the most misunderstood relationships of the world. It’s almost like a blame game; the people blame the government for all the bad things that happen and the government dumps their actions on the people by sugar coating it as their demands. The lecture was a rather thought clearing process, it made the audience realize where we are wrong and how can we overcome this gap and make it better for ourselves. The lecture, as informative as it was, to a certain extent I found it like an eye opener. Personally, I have been amongst those people who are of

Risk of Lung Cancer Among Chromium Workers

Risk of Lung Cancer Among Chromium Workers 2. Literature Review: For the pursuance of our study, we conducted an extensive literature review in order to gather related information so that it may be helpful for us to understand the various aspects of this subject. Moreover, this was done in hopes that it would provide us the evidences about the views and findings of other scientists who are divulging assiduously in this field of research as well. 2.1. Human Health and Trace Elements: It has been reported in various studies that metals and their compounds have enormous impact on health of an organism. Since they are ubiquitously present in our environment, exposure to these elements is tenacious and it cannot be precluded. All metals are not carcinogenic and their concentration, oxidation state, synergistic effect, and the response of organisms’s body to its environment contribute greatly to the etiology of cancer. The combination of any of these two factors put the organism in danger in a way that it builds oxidative stress, creates hormonal imbalance, changes the order of chemical reaction, controls the rate of metabolism, alters the oxidation reduction process, and influences the biochemistry of metabolites etc. For instance, there are some chemicals already present in the environment that can act as an either impersonator of hormones or growth factors, or affect the rate of chemical reactions exhibited by these hormones. These actions of environmental c hemicals may be responsible for disrupting the chemical process and could affect the delicate balance that controls cell division. For example, some breast tumors depend on estrogen for their development and growth, and chemicals that impersonate the effect of estrogen may engage in supporting the growth of estrogen-dependent breast tumors (111). In a study, it has been pointed out that there is an association between chromium and carcinogens; a high incidence of lung cancer has been demonstrated as an occupational disease among workers engaged in the chromate production process in Germany and the United States. The risk of lung cancer among chromium workers compared to an ordinary population is very high. The lung cancer prevalence rate 100,000 versus 578, and the relative risk from the standpoint of lung cancer deaths has reached from 3.6 to 29.1. Histopathologically, the most common chromium related lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma and small cell cancer (112). 2.1.1. Trace Metals Implicate Malignancy: It has been recorded that nearly one in two men and more than one in three women in the United States is diagnosed with cancer at some point in his or her lifetime. Cancer is the foremost cause of death for individuals under age 85 as reported by statistical data reports in America. It is evident that the exposure to these metals remains the single most significant preventable cause of cancer. The development of cancer depends on combination of various factors including diet, genetics and the way an organism is exposed to a particular carcinogen. However, the type of cancer is reliant on the kind of toxicant in the environment. For instance metals such as arsenic, chromium, and motor vehicle exhaust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are associated with bladder, lung and skin cancer. On the other hand, pesticide exposure enhances the risk of brain tumor, Wilms tumor, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (113). Furthermore, it has also been reported that there are various trace elements such as zinc, molybdenum, silicon, chromium, selenium, vanadium, and copper that behave as instigators or the inhibitor agents of cancer. Nevertheless, it may be possible to draw inferences on the basis of their concentration levels in the body of organism as diagnostic or prognostic abets for cancer patients (114). Moreover, it could be plausible that the ratio of trace elements t hat exists in the blood of healthy human beings gets disturbed due to the onset of the disease, or by the exposure to toxicants, can create an atmosphere that could be favorable for implicating the malignancy. 2.2. Susceptibility of Cancer Contingent to Gender and Age: The most important and inevitable determining factor for susceptibility to cancer is age. However, there is little evidence that the aging process per se increases susceptibility to cancer. To a certain extent, age provides the time essential for the accumulation of cellular events required for the development of neoplasia (115). For example, in a study it was discussed that the GSTT1 genotype, and perhaps also the GSTM1 genotype for which a similar, but non-significant effect was seen, might be the age influencing the onset of colorectal cancer (116). In a study, cancer and mortality rates among a variety of cancer [patients] was investigated. In addition, the impact of particular age on the rate of occurrence of cancer was investigated. However, it was assumed that the cancer contributing factors would remain consistent over the definite period of time. It was observed that certain types of cancers, including lung cancer, had an equivalent rate of occurrence for both genders. Moreover, various types of cancer including, prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women, present a reasonable association with the original hypothesis (117). A study was conducted at Harvard University and it was found that cancer is not inexorable at advanced age, but rather reaches a maximum cumulative probability of affliction with any cancer of about 70% for men and 53% for women in the US, and much smaller values for individual cancers (118). Age and gender also impart differences in susceptibility, whereas immune suppression or inadequate nutrition may also increase susceptibility of cancer (119). 2.3. Chromium as an Etiological Agent for Cancer: There is a large body of literature on the role of trace elements in the development of cancer that has been reviewed. Generally it is focused on the chromium exposure in relation to the risk of cancer. Over the past few decades, a number of researchers have attempted to estimate the proportion of cancer cases or deaths due to environmental and occupational exposures to chromium. Despite their well intentioned efforts, the net conclusion was that the cancers embark through a complicated interconnection of multiple causes. On the other hand, scientific research has also been explicated that avertable environmental and occupational exposures are fueling excess cancer cases and deaths (120-122). Cancer, in general, results from interactions between environmental exposures and genetics. Genetic factors alone may account for not more than 5% of cancers (123). Despite the fact that genetics alone does not account for most cancers, cancer is essentially a genetic disease, in terms that envi ronmental agents or viruses can alter the genes regulating cell division. Several studies of the chrome-plating industry have demonstrated a positive relationship between cancer and exposure to chromium compounds (124). Evidence has been presented demonstrating the mutagenic capacity of a number of hexavalent chromium compounds in vitro and in vivo (125). Chromium (III) is recognized as a trace element that is essential to both humans and animals. Occupational exposure to chromium (VI)-containing compounds is known to induce lung toxicity and increases the incidence of respiratory-system cancers (126-127). The National Toxicology Program has published a list of harmful toxicants, and carcinogens (128). The numerous listed chemicals are actually of chemical mixtures such as tobacco smoke and alcoholic beverages. Others include metals such as arsenic, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and thorium known as carcinogens, and beryllium, lead, and nickel, as probable carcinogens. However, it appears that some physiologic mechanisms by which the effects of pro-oxidant metals and organic toxicants are mutually abrogated at the molecular level. Our understanding of the metal–organic toxicant interactions has signià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ cantly advanced because of the recent elucidation of several intracellular stress–response signaling pathways and the points of cross-talk among them (129). By the 1980s, considerable evidence had accumulated on cancer risks of chromium-exposed workers, which led to the identification of chromium (VI) compounds as a human carcinogen (130). The strongest evidence presented at that time was mainly

Angelo’s Pizza

ANGELO’S PIZZA ANSWER #1. The expansion of stores and eventually franchising while focusing on serving only high quality fresh ingredients should include the following three resource management implications: (1) BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS – This implication represents the importance of the company’s general and competitive environment. Angelo needs a good business strategy. A strategic plan is the company’s plan for how it will match its internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats in order to maintain a competitive advantage (Dessler, 2012).Angelo’s early attempts showed the pitfalls in rushing and making assumptions about replicating a viable business unit. Fortunately, Angelo has realized his lack of proper planning and the necessity to correct his errors before attempting to branch out into more stores and possibly franchising. The locations of the proposed new stores are paramount. These locations must be in area s where high quality ingredients are readily available. The supply of fresh ingredients does not meet all the needs for successful stores. The medium that serves the customer pays a vital role. 2) JOB ANALYSIS – All businesses want to attract and maintain good people. A job analysis is the procedure through which you determine the duties of the positions and the characteristics of the people to hire for them (Dessler, 2012). All of Angelo’s locations must have competent employees who are able to provide good customer service. Angelo has to develop a plan that identifies the characteristics and skills that applicants need to possess before he can develop his staff. Once he knows the type/kind of person he needs to recruit for his business, he needs a comprehensive plan for hiring them.A screening process for applicants that include hiring guidelines, previous work experience, and reference and background checks would be useful. A logical, structured interview session wh ere the job duties and responsibilities as well as the required job qualifications are explained would be the next step. Once Angelo has job candidates that he is satisfied with, he then has to develop human resource strategies that will ensure their success. (3) TRAINING – Angelo should develop a training program for both new and existing employees. The implementation of a training program is beneficial for both the company and the employees.Training programs helps each employee to understand their various role/job expectations. Unskilled workers are counterproductive to the work environment. It can jeopardize a business reputation. Angelo’s newly hired waiter/waitress should be trained on how to correctly take orders and how to serve the customers efficiently. Angelo’s ideas regarding customer service has to be shared throughout all stores. If sufficient time is devoted with the training program, all employees become an asset for the organization with the incr ease of their knowledge.After completion of the training, all of Angelo’s Pizza employees should know where they stand and that their performance can lead to a management position. ` ANSWER #3. By asking the following questions, I feel Angelo will be able to attain qualified candidates. The questions are based on situational and behavioral judgments. STRUCTURED INTERVIEW FORM Name of Applicant: Position applied for: Date of the Interview: (1) Why did you choose our organization? (2) Employees interact with a wide variety of customers. Sometimes customers may become angry/frustrated.Describe a time when you dealt with a customers who was demanding. Impatient or angry. How did you respond to the customer’s request or demands? What was the outcome of your actions? (3) Sometimes employees must communicate unpleasant information to customers. Describe a time when you had to communicate unfavorable information to a customer. What did you have to tell the customer? What was t he outcome? (4) If a customer is dissatisfied and wants to return a ordered food item/dish, how would you respond? BIBLIOGRAPHY/WORK SITED Dessler, G. (2012). Human Resource Managemnet, Thirteenth Edition. Pearson.

Criminal Justice Ethics Essay

Lon L. Fuller, former Carter Professor of Jurisprudence at Harvard Law School, observed in The Morality of Law, â€Å"Even if a man is answerable only to his conscience, he will answer more responsibly if he is compelled to articulate principles on which he acts. † To me this means that you have to answer to your own self and that you judge yourself on your thinking and possible actions. You have to weigh the outcomes and ask yourself what you can you live with doing? It’s what your moral thinking is and how it is applied. Scenario 1 – Drugs at a Friend’s House There is a moral dilemma for this situation. I am an off duty police officer and observe several other people at a friend’s party using the recreational drug, cocaine. The friend of mine is outside with others and I don’t know if she knows that illegal activities are being done in her home. I would ask myself, do I call my supervisor and make them aware even though I’m off duty? Or do I ask my friend if she knows anything about the activities being done in her home and if she does, do I call it in and make arrests for what I observed and learned or let it slide with a warning because she’s a friend? My instincts are to go question my friend. I would still call it in, but depending on whether or not she knows about the activities, would mean if I would make an arrest on her with the others or not. Cocaine is an illegal drug and I have seen what it can do to people. I might lose a friend over it, but arresting them would not only get the drugs off the street, but it will also possibly help those being caught using the substance. There are rehabilitation programs out there to help them. If I chose to let it slide, it could be a slippery slope and lead to me letting it slide more often and letting criminals and possible addicts go. It would play on my conscience to know someone actually partaking in such activities and me not try to help them recover. Yes, I might feel bad for losing a friend, but I’d rather not lose my job and put my children at risk of being homeless. I think it would be for the greater good to call it in versus letting it go. Scenario 2 – Accepting a Gift There is a moral problem in this situation. I am a community police officer and the day before Christmas, an owner of a small marker that has been sociable towards me calls me behind the counter and hands me a fruit basket for my family, and a Christmas card with $30 gift certificate. The moral question is whether or not I accept the gifts. If policy allowed gratuity for officers, I would accept the kind gesture as professional discretion. After all, the owner has participated consistently in community crime-prevention meetings. If policy didn’t allow it, I would have to decline and explain it’s against policy to do so and thank him for his gesture. I strive daily to do the right thing. If it’s against policy to accept a gift given as appreciation for my friendship and service as an officer, then sadly, I would have to decline. If I didn’t, that could lead to a slippery slope. You never know what a person does behind closed doors. He could be the prominent community member he portrays or he could be hosting illegal activities. Scenario 3 – Homosexual Partner You are a supervisor on a medium-size police department. Office Ted Jones is an excellent officer and has been on the force for 16 years. He is also a homosexual and hangs out at a known gay bar in his off time. You have two person patrols and Jones was recently teamed with Officer James Davis. Officer Davis comes to you and asks to be assigned to another partner because Jones is a homosexual. Is there a moral problem presented in the scenario? If so, what is it? I don’t believe there is a moral problem for me personally regarding this situation. I’m a supervisor of a police department. An officer approaches me to ask to be assigned to another partner because the current partner is homosexual. Personally, I don’t care about a person’s sexuality. The homosexual office, Officer Jones, is an excellent officer and has been here for 16 years. I would ask the officer requesting reassignment with a different partner, Officer Davis, whether or not Officer Jones harassed him, and if he didn’t, I would tell him deal with it. If he did, I’d pull in Officer Jones for disciplinary action. There isn’t a policy that stops a homosexual person from having a partner. It’s discriminatory. Officer Davis may hate me after that, but unless Officer Jones harasses him or assaults him, it’s out of my hands. Consciously, I’d be okay letting Jones and Davis stay partners.