Descartes and The Matrix to address a topic Essay

Descartes and The Matrix to address a topic - Essay Example It is about human beings being deceived by their own senses into believing that the state of events in the world around them is true but in actual sense they are in a dream state. In analysing the film in light of Descartes first three meditations, the first meditation is about the things that people may doubt, the second about the nature of people’s minds and how it is easier to know it than the body while the third meditation is about God and whether he actually exists (Wilson 13). In the film, Descartes malicious and evil deceivers are represented by the agents within the matrix whose core aim is to hide the truth and cause doubt in our minds. They deny us the chance of actually differentiating between what is reality and what is false. In the first meditation, Descartes suggested that he believed not an optimal God but somewhat an evil demon was responsible for hiding the truth from him and thus leading him to spiral down a trail of doubts and scepticism that eventually le d him to a possible truth that nothing is actually certain (Wilson 34). In the movie, the matrix is displayed as a program that is fed into one’s mind which causes the person to believe the reality of the false world that is being projected to them. The program deceives senses into thinking that an individual is at that time experiencing a false world but in essence they are just lying in a pod which is wired to the Matrix. The agents, as mentioned earlier, are part of the programme that is fed into a person’s mind to stop people from discovering reality. However, the difference between what is real and what is a dream is still hard to correctly identify as was exemplified in the movie where the main character, Neo, is captured by the agents in the matrix and bugged but instead he wakes up in his bed thinking that it was all a dream. It is with his dream argument that Descartes is able to exercise his doubts on the evidence given to us by our senses. He goes to the ext reme of questioning his own existence in his second mediation where he wrote: â€Å"I am--I exist: this is certain; but how often? As often as I think; for perhaps it would even happen, if I should wholly cease to think, that I should at the same time altogether cease to be† (Chappell 56). Further, in his second meditation, he posits that there is a truth in the existence of a powerful malignant being who is omnipresent and all his endeavours are toward deceiving him. Descartes says â€Å"But [as to myself, what can I now say that I am], since I suppose there exists an extremely powerful, and, if I may so speak, malignant being, whose whole endeavours are directed toward deceiving me? Can I affirm that I possess any one of all those attributes of which I have lately spoken as belonging to the nature of body? After attentively considering them in my own mind, I find none of them that can properly be said to belong to myself.†-Descartes (Wilson 23). He also believes that the possibility of an external world that remains true may also be meddled by the Evil deceiver and still cannot be trusted fully without question. Later, he also introduced the concept of God into his third meditation who actually overpowers the Evil deceiver’s power much like in the matrix where Neo’s Powers was much stronger than the agents who were keeping him and people from discovering reality. The deceiver presented in the Matrix and that proposed have shown certain

Business ethics in promotion of alcohol based products Essay

Business ethics in promotion of alcohol based products - Essay Example The paper tells that the age of globalisation has virtually put organizations into head on competition against each other. Firms are trying to outpace each other using a mix of different strategies and varying products to understand the needs of the consumers and deliver them accordingly. Firms are essentially trying out various strategies in order to not only attract new consumers but to also retain the existing ones. The role of marketing communication and advertising assumes prime importance in this regard with the former being a media for transmitting the message from the companies to the target customers. The advent of multiple channels including the online channels has led to greater importance and scope of this aspect in marketing of goods and services. The aspect of marketing communications has however been a subject matter of debate with regards to the aspect of ethics in advertising. It has been stated that marketers in an attempt to outpace their competitors and to generat e greater attractiveness often indulge in unethical activities. The present study would analyse the ethical aspects that are into consideration in case of marketing of alcohol based products. The aspect of ethics in case of alcohol based products assumes considerable significance as the product is perceived as a threat for the health and there are various social stigmas attached to alcohol based products. This makes the promotion of these products a matter of debate. There are many nations like India that have completely banned any form of promotions with regards to alcohol or tobacco based products using any form of communication. However protagonist state that there is nothing unethical in marketing alcohol based products as they generate revenue and the livelihoods of a large number of individuals depend on the profitability of these companies. They argue that these are one of the most highly taxed products and hence it is nothing unethical about these companies unless they viola te the aspect privacy of individuals. Business organization on their part state that they have various community development programs that can help provide them with a socially responsible image. Companies are also putting up statutory warnings on products and commercials in order to make individuals aware of the ill effects of drinking. Critiques however slam this move and state that in spite of all such efforts and tall claims the business organizations are only engaged into profit making and do not have any other motive. Given the size of this industry they state that it has a lucrative opportunity to gain billions of dollars for the industry. They state that advertisements are normally made for promoting products among the customers and given the ill effects and the nature of alcoholic beverages it is not justified to have these products being promoted so as to pull customers and make them indulge into this habit. The effect of these commercials on students and kids along with t he growing number of use of alcohol among kids has also been stated as an example to showcase the unethical aspects in the promotion of alcohol based products. The present essay will try to give a critical analysis of the aspect of ethics in promotion of alcohol based products so as to have a comprehensive analysis of the topic. Analysis and Discussion The aspect of marketing and advertising of alcoholic products has been a subject matter of debate over the years. The issue amounts significance considering the fact that alcohol is considered injurious to health and worldwide organizations like WHO have effectively stated that alcohol consumption is injurious to health. Alcohol also has other bad effects including the fact that alcohol consumption has led to major accidents. Various studies conducted in this aspect have shown that the consumption of alcohol and its after

Loneliness in Of Mice and Men

Loneliness in Of Mice and Men Loneliness is an inevitable part of life, which many individuals struggle with. It is an emotional response to a lack of companionship and communication with others, which has a huge impact in ones overall behavior. Some impacted individuals may try to end their loneliness; others become hopeless and bitter. The theme of loneliness is presented in John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men. The novel Of Mice and Men portrays loneliness as a complex emotion that often drives individuals to behavioral extremes. Steinbeck uses characters, some of the most important ones including Curleys wife, Candy and Crooks, to reflect on the discriminative time period that ultimately lead to the characters loneliness and particular behaviors. Curleys wife is a major female character in Of Mice and Men and is married to Curley, a very aggressive ranch worker that proves his masculinity by fighting other workers and marrying a physically attractive woman; moreover, he was the boss son. Curley had a huge control over his wife which was very common during the Great Depression, and the other workers. He had forbidden all of the workers from talking to his wife. Desperate for friends, attention and respect, Curleys wife uses her beauty and status with Curley to her advantage. In chapter 4, she intimidated the workers in Crooks room as of means for getting attention and threatened Crooks when he told her to leave his room, saying that he could get sprung up on a tree so easy, it aint even funny (Steinbeck 81). Her new behavior resulted in further discrimination and harassment. She was labelled as a tramp (Steinbeck 32), and other derogatory names. She felt powerless and lonely. The only person that Curleys wife could talk to was Lennie, because he was not conscious of her current situation. In her last moments with Lennie in the barn scene, she finally felt like she was being acknowledged and listened to. For the first time, she confessed that I don like Curley. He aint a nice fella (Steinbeck 89). She became vulnerable to her humanity and this ironically lead to her death. Curleys wife is a brilliant example of the oppression against women in the 1930s, sexism, and some of the behavioral changes that came along with being stripped of ones identity in society. There are other reasons why people were discriminated and isolated, some of which includes ageism and ableism. Candy was the oldest ranch worker in the book, that lost his right arm in an accident. He was discriminated because of his age and disability, and was an outcast. He had no family, except for the dog he raised. His dog used to be of great usefulness, but as the dog became older, he became less useful and helpless. This resulted in him being shot by Carlson which intensified Candys loneliness. Candys dog is a prime example of the social issue of ageism and ableism in society at that time. Workers were expected to be productive on the ranch, and if one no longer met that demand, due to age or ability to perform certain tasks, they would be dismissed and left to suffer (Steinbeck 1937).ÂÂ   Candy recognizes that the same thing will happen to him, and he tells George that Jus as soon as I cant swamp out no bunkhouses theyll put me on the county (Steinbeck 60). To escape his loneliness and eventual fate of getting kicked, Candy becames quickly invested in George and Lennies dream, offering a total of $350 towards the dream farm. Spose I went in with you guys. Thas three hundred an fifty bucks Id put in. I aint much good, but I could cook and tend the chickens and hoe the garden some. Howd that be? (Steinbeck 59). He was very attached and hooked onto the dream of the farm, and persisted to have the farm in spite of what happened with Lennie later in the novel. The farm would have eliminated his fear of being alone, and develop another relationship worth cherishing. His current position in society forced him to develop a specific mindset to escape his destination. One of the biggest issues that was prevalent in the Great Depression was racism, which Crooks was a victim of. He was physically separated from the other men, and had limited contact with others. As a replacement for friendship, he kept himself occupied with books. Still, he admitted that Books aint no good, and that A guy needs somebody to be near him. A guy goes nuts when if he aint got nobody (Steinbeck 72). In the Great Depression, black people faced racial discrimination and segregation from the dominant, white culture (Pinckney, 2002). However, this was greatly exaggerated in the story as Crooks was the only black man on the ranch. Unlike Curleys wife and Candy, Crooks accepted his role in society because he knew that he was powerless against the oppressive forces of racism. He was aware that he was treated as if he was less important than the other men and did not have a voice in society. This is just a nigger talkin, an a busted-back nigger. So it dont mean nothing, see? (St einbeck 71). The sad reality of the Great Depression deprived Crooks from his right to be treated like an equal human being with self-worth and connection with others. His acceptance of the situation became the strongest antidote to his experience; however, it intensified his loneliness. The Great Depression was a time of prejudice present in Steinbecks Of Mice and Men. Curleys Wife, Candy, and Crooks were some of the characters who represented the loneliness and isolation brought on by their time period. These characters faced social issues like racism, sexism, and ageism, resembling the oppression of minority groups by the discriminatory nature of their society. Each character recognized their loneliness, and depending on what their current situation and role in society was, they took specific actions to fight against, or cope with it. Steinbeck has made it clear that the loneliness brought on by discrimination does significantly impact ones behavior, actions and mindsets. Todays generation better understands the societal implications of loneliness and discrimination. It should be societys goal to diminish all forms of discrimination and be supportive of what others go through in their lifetimes in order to lead a better, healthier, and more connected life for all. Works Cited Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York, Penguin, 1993. Pinckney, Shelley. Chapter 6: Race and Civil Rights: The 30s and 40s. Communism in Washington State, depts.washington.edu/labhist/cpproject/pinckney.shtml.

The It Girl - Clara Bow :: essays research papers

The It Girl – Clara Bow   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Imagine it – all the rules you were raised to follow, all the beliefs and norms, everything conventional, shattered. Now imagine It – Clara Bow, the It Girl. The epitome of the avant-garde woman, the archetype of the flapper, was America’s new, young movie actress of the 1920’s. Modern women of the day took heed to Bow’s fresh style and, in turn, yielded danger to the conventional America. Yet Bow’s contagious and popular attitude came with its weaknesses - dealing with fame and the motion picture industry in the 1920’s. Despite this ultimate downfall, Clara’s flair reformed the youth and motion pictures of her time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dubbed by Fitzgerald as â€Å"the quintessence of what the term ‘flapper’ signifies,† Clara Bow served as the model for all flappers. A flapper was the new woman; attractive, sassy, â€Å"worldly-wise, and briefly clad.† The flapper took on an impish and tomboyish, at lead for their time, attitude. They danced on tables, rendering the recklessness of the new youth. But modern women proved to be a danger for the conventionalism of America. They influenced the change on women’s rights, what was considered moral, and what was considered appropriate for women. These issues had previously been for making a timid woman; upon the coming of the modern woman, these issues made for a modernist female.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clara Bow’s fame did not leave her nature tainted, in a sense. She did not become spoiled or uppity. She remained rather self-less and ignorant to fame and those in its power. Her impudent attitude never faltered; she continued to live as the â€Å"chewing-gum-smacking eight-grade drop-out kid,† unaware of convention. Hey psychological welfare, though, was greatly affected. She was institutionalized, slit her wrists and throat, and eventually became the embodiment of an actress-gone-bad; booze, men, gambling, drugs, and insomnia.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clara’s experience with the motion picture industry gives us a picture of what it was like in the 1920’s. It was new and intriguing, enticing and corrupt. The motion picture industry underpaid Bow, which is almost inconceivable today. The environment of Hollywood now pays actors and actresses corpulent amounts of money...but that may be the only change. The â€Å"star-maker† environment is still as enticing and corrupt as yesterday’s.

Euro Disney Essay

Introduccion The Walt Disney Company, is an American multinational corporation located in Burbank, California. It is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Disney was founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney and established itself as a leader in the American animation industry. Disney has created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands. The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Studios, and today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, A+E Networks, LifeTime and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 14 theme parks around the world. It also has a successful music division. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company. Focused on Euro Disney: Euro Disney S.C.A. is the company that owns and operates Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallà ©e, France. 39.78% of shares are held by The Walt Disney Company, 10% by the Saudi Prince Alwaleed and 50.22% by other  shareholders. The stock is traded on the Euronext Paris exchange. Disneyland Paris comprises Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Village, and seven on-site Disney Hotels. Val d’Europe is a new residential and shopping development. Another seven hotels/residences have been built not  far from the two Disney theme parks on land held under Euro Disney SCA’s lease, including properties from companies such as Holiday Inn, Kyriad, MyTravel and Radisson Hotels. The Resort is a result of an agreement signed on 24 March 1987 between The Walt Disney Company and the French Authorities for the development of a new tourist destination, and construction began within a year. Since opening on 12 April 1992, the Resort has created more than 30,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly) in the region to the east of Paris. Today it is the n umber one tourist destination in Europe with 14.5 million visits recorded for Financial Year. Offers/Suggestions: There are many companys which offers many packs for families. Below some examples. Esayjet: Esayjet offers the best prices on Paris Disney Area deals and get away on a Paris Disney Area holiday for less. easyJet Holidays has a fantastic range of prices and offers with a selection of easyJet flights and Paris Disney Area hotels available. http://holidays.easyjet.com/france/paris/paris-disney-area-holidays.htm Thomson: Thomson gives you the opportunity to cutomize your trip: – Accommodation in a Disney Hotel including breakfast – Tickets for both Disney Parks for each day – Access to Free Fastpass service for every member of your party: Cut down the queuing time at the most popular attractions – Extra Magic Hours: Get access to the Disneyland Park up to 2 hours before regular Park opening! http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/features/disneyland-paris.html Hotels inside the Amusement Park: There are many opptions for accomodation indide the park. In total there are 14 hotels. Some examples as follows: Disney’s Newport Bay Club: At Disney’s Newport Bay Club, enjoy all the style and charm of the late 19th Century New England seaside, right on the waters of Lake Disney. Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe: Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe offers you a taste of the monumental landscapes of America’s South West, along the legendary Route 66. Disneyland Hotel: If you you asked for the best. Disneyland Hotel offers the ultimate in Disney quality, service, hospitality and location! It’s right at the entrance to Disneyland Park. Location: Euro Disney is located in France (Paris). France is the largest country in Western Europe and the third-largest in Europe as a whole. It possesses the second-largest exclusive economic zone in the world. France has been a major power with strong cultural, economic, military, and political influence in Europe and around the world. France is a developed country,possessing the world’s fifth-largest and Europe’s second-largest economy. Questions A: 1) What did Disney do wrong in its planning for Euro Disney? EuroDisney made different financial ​​strategic mistakes .Taking into account the studies predicting the good economic panporama The growth would be very fast, which means good benefits for the region. But the reality was very different, It means the prediction was wrong. Maybe the will need to made two or more financial Studies befote taking a desition. Another of his errors was the European habits which had changed. From the American experience the highest assitance would be on friday’s, the opposite occurred. The company had difficulties planning the number of workers for those days. Another operational errors was the computers of the hotels. EuroDisney was based on that customers spent several days in the park. The reality was very different, customers arrived very early in the morning to spend the day in the park and get to the rooms at night to leaving the next day. Queues to pay dragged on the grounds that there was only one computer. They had to install several computers addicionales to reduce queues. 2)What recommendations would you make to Disney to deal with the problems of Euro Disney? EuroDisney uses Other Strategies to Solve the Problem of the Situation Name change to Eurodisney Disneyland Paris, so well adapted to European tastes and give a disastrous change in customer care. Through the emphasis of recognizing Paris, executives capitalize on the proximity of the park to the French capital. Keeping costs and increase revenues decreased 8.6% of its labor potential. In response to criticism of high ticket prices and hotels EuroDisney decided to introduce offers and new prices for hotels in low Seaton Disney company changed its marketing philosophy to attract customers from other countries such as Israel and Africa. Instead of offering the park as a holiday destination 3)What lessons can we learn from Disney’s problems with Euro Disney? Misunderstand food habits and customs of Europeans. They learned that for foreign market, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study of the  customs in that country which they did not do. These results obtained in human resources can help l from this process and this be applicable everywhere in the world. The food market must require a study of economics, rights, culture, climatology, interests, customs, lifestyle, geography, work habits etc.. Questions B: 1.How should the park differentiate itself from the competitive treta posed by the growing number of European amsusement Parks? The main and most important reason is that it is the only amusement park in Europe related to Disney. In my point of view it would be important to provide prices, packs, etc. for children under 7 years, for example, for birthdays, facilitate price, queues etc†¦ Finally renovation, uptades or new attractions design quite often. 2. What target marketing strategy should be pursued in the face of the changing competitive environment? A marketing strategy that positions Euro Disney as a affordable, fully equipped and multicultural park rather than just an American import. This can be done through the following: Implementing more aspects of European culture and less American culture. Signs and ads should be multilingual Food and drinks should be fitting for European tastes. Characters and casts should be more presentable to French culture in specific and European in general. Euro Disney is for Europe and not a form of an Americanized location in Europe. 3. What branding-strategy decisions are relevant? When it comes to the branding strategy, the image of Disney as a brand needs to be maintained as an amusing and incredible experience for everyone. However, again it should be directed in a way to fit the European perceptions of Amusement parks and not the American style. Plus the brand should have the attribute of being the worlds best amusement park provider by displaying the success it has in the U.S.A and in Japan. Meaning that you can have the thrill and experience that Disney as an organization offers you but in Europe. 4. What can be done to make better use of underutilized resources (such as the Hotels) while increasing the profitability of well-patronized facilities? On the short term the most sensible idea is to have a well-fit price for the current economic situation in Europe. Disney Europe can offer packages and promotions for visitors based on the seasonality and demands of the European consumers. A combination of promotional packages can help boost the number of visitors who will find it more appealing to go to Euro Disney rather than any other park because it has a combination of facilities at a reasonable price. Conclution Disney wanted to Americanize European customs. That mistake led to the executives to build an amusement park of your dreams, but following a American model and thus strictly different from physical reality, financial and cultural center of Europe and France. To enter the European market, should make a more detailed study based on research into every applicable aspect of the economy, laws, culture, climate, interests, customs, habits in lifestyle, geography, work habits, among others. This case demonstrates the importance of taking into account the Consumer Comportamientodel when making decisions about new products or paraextender existing products to new markets. It is vitally importanciatener into account social factors such as habits, culture, customs, language,  demographics, socioeconomic status, etc.. What to darsecuenta of which is the best way to reach that market.

Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought by the largest number of soldiers, totaling 172,000 young men (â€Å"American Civil War†). During the Civil War, our nation was divided by the North (Union Army) and the South (Confederate Army) for opposing viewpoints on slavery and states’ rights. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought over three long, arduous days. The soldiers struggled under their respected generals in a 25 mile battle zone (â€Å"American Civil War†). This battle was a triumphant victory and a heart-wrenching loss for the troops of the Yankee North and Rebel South. The complexity of the Battle of Gettysburg brought together two fronts whose decisions and commitment would determine its outcome. Many generals commanded forces during this battle. General Robert E. Lee was a confident Confederate commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. He believed one resolute victory would bring an end to the war. To secure this victory, General Lee devised an offensive attack on Northern land. His Rebel troops were split into three divisions (I, II, III Corps) with approximately 25,000 men each and commanded by Generals James Longstreet, Richard Ewell, and A. P. Hill. Under Lee’s order each Corps traveled north discreetly so as to not raise Union Army suspicion (King 8-9). However, Lee’s strategy did not go unnoticed by the Union Army of the Potomac commander, Joseph Hooker. The movement of Confederate troops northward reduced the number of soldiers under Hooker’s watchful eye. He sent word to President Abraham Lincoln who, in response, ordered him to move the Union forces in the same direction to defend Washington, D. C. (King 10). However, Hooker moved to take a different course of action and wanted to attack the Confederacy’s capital of Richmond. Because of this breach of conduct, Hooker was replaced by General George Meade and never allowed to forge an attack on Richmond (Appleby 486). News of Meade’s recruitment and the forward movement of the Union army over the Potomac River were delivered to General Lee by a confederate spy. Information of such importance should have been relayed more quickly by General Jeb Stuart who was Lee’s eyes and ears on the Army of the Potomac’s whereabouts. This infuriated Lee as well as Stuart’s tardy return from his mission. To combat this advancement, Lee quickly sent word to his three Corp commanders to move toward Gettysburg (King 11-13). Soon after, another Union general became significant. His name was John Buford and he led his two cavalry brigades to the outskirts of Gettysburg. It was here that he noticed Confederate troops raiding the town for supplies like shoes, clothing, and food. Buford sent an urgent message for aid, since Union soldiers were outnumbered by approximately 4,000 Rebel soldiers (King 14). However, Buford’s cavalry was detected by a branch of the Confederate Army commanded by General Pettigrew. When these two fronts collided on McPherson Ridge on July 1, 1863, it marked the official beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg (â€Å"American Civil War†). Buford held off the enemy for two hours. General John Reynolds arrived with Union reinforcements known as the Iron Brigade or 6th Wisconsin. Moreover, Confederates were also receiving aid from Ewell’s II Corps. So, the Rebels still outnumbered the Union troops (King 14-15). Late that afternoon and after sustaining 8,000 casualties, the Yankees were on the run. The death of Reynolds further pushes the Union army to the verge of crumbling. Somehow, Union forces are pulled together in a united front when General Winfield Scott arrives on the scene of Cemetery Hill. They manage to take control here as well as Cemetery Ridge and Culp’s Hill by the end of the day. On the other hand, the Confederates retained control of only Seminary Ridge. This setback for the South was likely the result of General Ewell’s failure to follow Lee’s command (King 15- 17). Despite this, the Rebel’s morale remained optimistic as they initiated the fighting on the following morning (King 18). Union forces retaliated and saved their position until one of General Meade’s commanders staged his own offensive battle (Appleby, Joyce 486; King 22). This Union general was Dan Sickles. By moving his position without consulting General Meade, a â€Å"bulge† was created. This foolish mistake allowed 1,600 Confederate soldiers to rush the Union line to overtake Peach Orchard, capturing 1,000 Yankee prisoners (King 22). Another Union Army general, G. K. Warren, secured and protected a hill called Little Round Top before Confederates claimed it which helped combat the loss from Sickle’s blunder (â€Å"American Civil War†). At this point in the Battle of Gettysburg, both North and South sustained large numbers of casualties. The Southern casualties roughly totaled 7,000 of 22,000 troops. The North suffered even more by losing 15,000 soldiers. Both sides needed to re-evaluate their battle strategies. Lee thought victory for the South was possible with better timing and artillery. Conversely, Meade and his other Union generals decided to stay in their current position and continue the battle (King 22). After dawn on July 3, 1863, Union soldiers fired upon the Confederacy’s I Corps led by General Longstreet. The two fronts dueled on Cemetery Ridge. Around 3p. m. , Union fire subsided. The North hoped this tactic would give Confederates the impression that their cannons were being destroyed. The trick was successful and led to the climax of the Battle of Gettysburg (Appleby, Joyce; King 22; â€Å"American Civil War†). This final attack is known as Pickett’s Charge in honor of the general who commanded the attack. Pickett gave three divisions, which included 14,000 troops, the order to cross a treacherous mile-wide open valley. One of the divisions was led by General Lewis Armistead. Many Rebel troops followed him on foot. These soldiers were ambushed by Northern gunfire from 11 cannons and 1,700 rifles as they approached a small stone wall. The Northern commanders yelled, â€Å"Fire! † In response, Armistead yelled, â€Å"Come on boys! Give them cold steel! Who will follow me? † His troops responded with their famous â€Å"rebel yell. † Unfortunately, for the South, Armistead is fatally wounded leaving the Confederacy with no leader. Without direction, Rebel soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The lucky living retreated, ending the battle with a Union victory (King 26-27). More men fought and died in this battle than any other on American soil (â€Å"American Civil War†). A total number of roughly 51,000 men were lost (Gettysburg). The North sustained casualties of about 23,000, while the South lost about 28,000 men. The lack of effective communication proved to be a downfall for the Confederacy (â€Å"American Civil War†). Lee was shattered by the loss, but his troops’ spirits were far from broken (King 30; Gettysburg). The Confederates retreated over the Potomac on July 4, 1863, and the war raged on for two more devastating years. The outcome of this complex battle was a direct result of the Union and Confederate commanders’ offensive decisions and relentless commitment of their armies.

Discussion Question 1 Week 7 Example

Discussion Question 1 Week 7 Example Discussion Question 1 Week 7 – Coursework Example Mathematics (Discussion Question week 7) Systems of equations can be solved by graphing, using substitution, or elimination. What are the pros and cons of each method? Which method do you like best? Why?Systems of equations can be solved either by using the method of elimination, by substitution or through graphing or by a combination of more than one of these methods. In the process of elimination, the terms appearing in the equation are rearranged so as to gather like terms together, i.e. those in which the same unknown constant or variable appears (to the same power). This shows which terms can then be combined to produce a single simplified term or else eliminated altogether, and it should make the equation easier to solve. In the process of substitution, another variable is temporarily introduced into the equation. Usually, this is to represent a complex expression or to help transform the equation into another type, again to make it easier to solve. These two methods of elimina tion and substitution are algebraic methods. Alternatively, the equation, which may still need to be simplified first, can be graphed to enable the required values to be read or determined visually.Elimination is usually the simplest and quickest of the three methods and it suffices in many cases to solve any system of equation. In some complex cases however, it may not be clear whether elimination can even be made or not and this process alone becomes insufficient to solve the equations. Substitution can be seen as a relatively more complex procedure because of the use of an additional variable. This method requires extra decision making and steps to not only equate the new variable with an expression involving one or more of the original variables, but also to reconvert back to find the values of the original variables. Besides, it would be unnecessary if the equation is simple and for which the elimination method can be used instead. However, it has the potential advantage of bei ng a convenient method to quickly make the system of equations appear to be easier to handle in which the new substituted variable(s) has been used.Graphical methods make the task easier to understand visually. Although it may not always be possible to obtain a precise answer depending on the type of equation and its roots, as long as the graph has been constructed correctly, it does enable at least a good estimate to be obtained. This may not be immediately possible with the algebraic methods in which there are no visual cues so it is useful for quickly ensuring the solution is reasonable. In some cases, as with quadratic equations, it can show whether a solution is even possible i.e. whether the roots do or do not exist. Similarly, simultaneous equations can be checked for whether the lines do actually intercept and thus the approximate values can be determined for the coordinates where they cross, or it can be seen whether they are parallel, in which case it can be seen that no s olution exists.No method would be best in all circumstances so the type of equations determines which method should be used. Generally, the complexity of the equations is the main factor. Personally, I like elimination for its ability to simplify, I see substitution as a useful technique in those cases where it can be applied effectively, and graphing as useful in cases where a visual depiction can help in solving the equations.