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Otherness and the Nature of the Multifaceted Self
Get PDFThe other or otherness is the ability to objectify a part of self, another person, and/or a group of people that results in an imbalance of power. The human ability to other allows for detachment to happen in social and personal relationship, which affects the self-perception and identity. Hegel argues in the Phenomenology of Spirit the very nature of an interdependent relationship, which expresses identity through the Lord and bondsman. I will argue how extreme detachment and disassociation between human beings has created a complex phenomenon and has redefined what it means to be human in relation to social superstructures. Social superstructures have defined and created norms and morality of societies and cultures, which then creates a division of those who fit these standards and those who do not. Traditionally philosophy and other forms of academic scholarship have focused upon the inequality of power and privilege and examined the relationship of the oppressed to their oppressor. Oppressed groups then have organized to articulate their collective experience, developed academic theory, and social movements to further identify the reality of otherness they experience. I will further explore this through the scholarship of Patricia HillCollins, Peg O’Connor, and Iris Young. This paradigm as power and oppression is also referenced to as political identity; however, I believe this method stratifies the multifaceted nature of the human self and needs to be restructured to uncover a richer sense of authenticity. In this paper I will argue how paradigms of otherness can be used to positively cultivate the multifaceted parts of the self. As an example of someone who lived out of her multifaceted nature of self, I will examine the life of Gloria Anzaldúa. The two primary aspects of social superstructure influences on the self are societal and relational. I will explore how societal influences are the social groups in which an individual identifies based upon social position and life experience. The multifaceted social parts of the self include: class, race, gender, sexuality, physically and psychologically ability, religion/spirituality, age. Relational influences are the intimate relationships, which influence and shape an individual’s identity and perception of self. These multifaceted relational parts include: family and friends. Living towards one’s authentic self is complete balance and interaction of all multifaceted parts of the self that make up identity in the pursuit of answering the life long question of, “who am I?” The authentic self is one who can identify the social impositions, which oppress or privilege oneself and recognize the balance of all social roles in relation to personal experience and formation. The authentic self is never completely autonomous but conscious of social barriers or privileges that make up one’s personal identity, and is an expression of genuine balance. I believe that Anzaldúa expresses this in her life experiences, as a Chicana Lesbian, and so I will reference her experiences to further examine these arguments
What is Music? The Ontological Status of Musical Works
Get PDFThe ontological status of musical works is a controversial topic among those in the field. This paper aims to argue for a nominalist and non-reductive approach to musical works that differentiates musical works from the sound structures commonly equated with them. The difference between sound structures and musical works is heavily emphasized and I conclude that musical works have emergent attributes sound structures do not. These attributes being creatability, fine individuation, and the inclusion of performance means. After establishing this I begin to build an argument for a nonreductive approach to musical works by rejecting the extreme view held by compositional nihilists. Once I establish that musical works are entities in our ontology I argue against them being abstract. I end by defending the nominalist approach
Darkness Leaping out of Light: Anti-Metaphysics and the Paradoxical Negative Affix in Moby-Dick
Get PDFThis paper argues that the varied philosophical beliefs that are present in the discourse of Moby-Dick’s characters are met with discursive resistance at the level of the novel’s form. Though a range of metaphysical arguments are posited by the characters as they explore the unknown, Melville’s use of negative linguistic constructions refutes the entire range of metaphysical beliefs by displaying the paradoxical and impossible nature of the primary subject that metaphysicians ponder—the unknown. I propose that in trying to comprehend “the unknown” humans unavoidably create something out of nothing then deem it unknowable and therefore fail to grant it the status of potentially being nothing at all (knowing the unknown is impossible just as thinking of nothing is impossible). Ultimately, this paper explores the possibility that when we reduce absence to positive terms we may understand in order to posit metaphysical theories, we, like Ahab, create an evil, unknown phantom and chase it—that perhaps the metaphysical questions we ask are always-already positing the potentiality of their answers, leaving no possibility for true absence, or silence on behalf of the universe we interrogate. Though clearly concerned with a unique anti-metaphysical stance, this essay is not concerned with understanding Melville’s metaphysical beliefs. Rather, it focuses on Melville’s ability to present a multitude of ideas and encourage the reader to rest upon none of them
Infant Mortality and Racism in the United States
Get PDFSignificant health disparities exist in the United States with regard to infant mortality, a sensitive indicator of a nation’s health. The US has one of the highest infant mortality rates among OECD countries at nearly 6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. The rate for Black Americans (11.11 per 1,000) is more than double the rate for White Americans (5.06 per 1,000). Black American women are at higher risk of experiencing risk factors for infant mortality including preterm birth, low birthweight, and prenatal stress. The experience of racism from childhood through adulthood (personal experiences, vicarious experiences, and institutionalized structural racism) is likely a significant contributor to the disparity in infant mortality. This paper reviews the evidence for this and examines racism as a public heath issue.Faculty Sponsor: Disa Lubker Cornis
The Social Epistemology of Anthropology: Insights from Judgment Aggregation
Get PDFAnthropological writings have, at times, been vague in the approach used to gather evidence of cultural and social beliefs of the peoples studied, and the method of representing the data to the reading public. This paper employs the theory of judgment aggregation in critiquing anthropological theory and practice. It will be structured in three parts: first, I will present the theory of judgment aggregation as constructed by Christian List and Philip Pettit; second, I will sketch some epistemological methods used by anthropologists, and assess their attitude toward the notions of judgment aggregation and group agency; and finally, I will apply List and Pettit’s arguments about effective group organization to anthropological practice of representing its studied peoples’ beliefs and judgments by proposing three possible changes in method that will allow for more accurate and faithful interpretations and descriptions
Corpus Callosum
Get PDFThis fiction short story parallels the function of the corpus callosum in the brain with the daily life of humans. It was inspired by the work of Ursula Le Guin, namely her piece Schrödinger\u27s Cat. Faculty Sponsor: Alyssa Ros
Forest Patrol Guards and Caregivers\u27 Perceptions of Wild Chimpanzee Populations Near Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone
Get PDFRelationships between humans and alloprimates, in particular between humans and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), have occurred for centuries. Chimpanzee discoveries by western philosophers date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and their earliest accounts in West Africa suggest that chimpanzees interacted and lived in close contact with humans, thus shaping the way both species adapt to their environments. Humans occupy this same space along with chimpanzees, and we need them as much as they need us. The continued decline in wild populations of species such as chimpanzees can have negative impacts for biodiversity. Chimpanzees have a mostly frugivorous diet, making them an invaluable species for seed dispersing that can help rejuvenate the forests they inhabit. Human activity, directly and indirectly, poses a major threat to wild chimpanzee populations and their natural habitats. In this study, I gained a deeper understanding of human-chimpanzee interactions. I conducted semi-structured interviews with forest patrol guards, and caregivers of orphaned chimpanzees who enter the Tacugama Sanctuary in Sierra Leone. These two groups of people are most likely to interface with chimpanzees as they enter the sanctuary system, so my interviews with them have helped me gain an understanding of the causes of chimpanzee endangerment in this area. My data is foundational to the development of realistic solutions to the decline in chimpanzee populations and might reveal opportunities to encourage co-existence between people and primates
Diving Into Correctional Education Program Research: a systematic review
Get PDFIn the last three decades, there has been a growing interest in correctional education programming and its effects on the recidivism rates of offenders. Research has concluded that programs such as general education equivalency (GED), college credit, and trade/vocational skill-building work to reduce recidivism rates among offenders. Although current research is widely accepted among scholars, several questions remain. 1) How is recidivism defined, and how does the definition change the rates? 2) How are researchers addressing selection bias in their study, and what impact does this have on their findings? 3) How are inmates with learning disabilities and language barriers addressed in research? All these questions can be answered with a systematic review of selected studies. By understanding some of these issues with correctional education programming research, future studies can build on a firmer foundation that acknowledges room for errors and actively attempts to limit potential errors. This study highlights and offers solutions for issues in current correctional education programming
RC Baja – Drivetrain & Chassis
Get PDFTwo of the most important subsystems of a vehicle are the drivetrain and chassis. The drivetrain is responsible for transmitting the power from the power source to the wheels. The chassis provides a sturdy host for all components. An optimal drivetrain will most often reduce the output speed and increase the torque from the motor, while minimizing losses. The ideal chassis will have minimal deflection with easy-to-use mounting points. The vehicle being created will compete in the CWU RC BAJA competition as well.
The analyses are the foundation of any engineering project. For this project Mechanical Design, Statics, and Dynamics were the most common methods used. Analyses are used to inform part design to ensure they meet the specifications. After the parts are designed, they are manufactured. Manufacturing was completed using 3d printing, manual machining, and sheet metal fabrication. The testing process will test how well the vehicle meets the testing criteria.
This project resulted in a vehicle that is capable of functionally competing in the RC BAJA competition. It can accelerate, stop, and turn accurately. The chassis and suspension are able to withstand the challenges that will be imposed during the competition and during other testing. The vehicle measured less than 0.125” of chassis deflection when held from the center with all components installed
RC Baja Drivetrain & Chassis
Get PDFThis project is centered around the development of the drivetrain and chassis for a 1/10th scale RC Baja vehicle capable of withstanding loads over the course of an RC Baja competition consisting of a solemn, drag race, and challenge course while maintaining high speeds and short acceleration times.
This project utilized 3D printing and CNC manufacturing techniques to produce a lightweight frame and efficient drivetrain. A 3800 KV brushless motor drives a two stage gearbox, which transfers force to a 90 degree locked differential to produce high torque and even application of force at low motor RPM. To support the drivetrain and other necessary components, a 6061 aluminum plate was machined, and extra structural supports were 3D printed to improve structural integrity of the chassis. Evaluation considers both subprojects. The frame is evaluated based on permanent deflection after undergoing impacts on torsion loads from the use environment, measured by references on the frame to determine total deformation. The drivetrain is evaluated based on top speed, acceleration and deceleration time, as well as run time.
This project is expected to produce a vehicle capable of achieving speeds of 25 mph within three seconds of launch from a dead stop. It is also expected to be able to withstand impacts directed toward the center of the front of the frame at a speed of 15 mph with no permanent deflection