Time for another semester to come to a close. Of my three graduate courses this semester, I expect to receive three "A's" :) During my Ethical Leadership course, I created this Leader's Ethical Guide to help the leaders of Fabulous to make ethical decisions on a daily basis.
Fabulous is the intended name of our small retail store John and I are wanting to open.
This Leader's Ethical Guide was created as part of a class project, one that I received an "A" for completing. As a consequence, it reads more like a class project of five parts than like a corporate document. Prior to implementing it in a real corporation, it would need to be cleaned up a bit, but the idea would remain the same. For those of you who actually know John and I, the information covered will not be a surprise.
This document is 24 pages of text (27 including the references pages). I welcome your commentary
That's how I understand things,
Laura Benedict
How I Understand Things
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Social vs. Natural sciences
Laura Benedict
IDS 802
Dr. P. Tramel
Homework 2
The Superiority of Social Science
Humans are
inherently interested in scientific principles. Every child begins asking the
all-important question “why” multiple times a day, sometimes for the same
concept repeatedly. On this note, Carl Sagan stated, “Every kid starts out as a
natural born-scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through
the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact,” (Psychology
Today, 1996, p. 33). The mind boggles at the breadth and depth of scientific
questions. It might be primarily for this reason that most of us allow other
commitments and challenges to entice us away from science as a vocation.
If you think of
“Science” as an Earth, you can then think of the major disciplines such as
physics, geology, and biology as continents. The one thread that holds the
entire planet together, the solid metal inner core of the Earth, is the
scientific method. Mathematics and English do not belong on the same planet,
they do not even belong in the same orbit. They are subjects as different in
kind as to be almost completely oblivious of the existence of the other. This
is not so with science. No matter how different astrophysics is from abnormal
psychology, they belong on the same planet. Just as geological continents are
segmented into countries, cities, and then neighborhoods, scientific
disciplines are similarly segmented into ever more specialized fields. This
essay will effectively compare the East and the West hemispheres. As a graduate
student, I know that last statement is an Americentric misnomer: East and West
are relative terms. The sun shines equally on the whole Earth around the
equatorial region. Similarly, each scientific field of inquiry is equally
important.
Even though
scientific wonder is inherent, scientific thinking and knowledge is not. “Science
is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge,” (Sagan, 1994,
p. 104). Scientific thinking requires going beyond the original statement of
fact, it requires digging deeper into the subject, as well as around the
subject. The scientific thinker will ask if the statement is really true, if
there are other possible explanations for the same conclusion, and how would
the conclusion differ if one small detail is changed. In short, scientific
thinking requires thinking critically. This level of thinking, questioning, and
researching does not tend to make friends among peers or instructors,
especially at the grade-school level. For this reason, many interested in
scientific endeavors are dissuaded by peer pressure.
Another form of
dissuasion from the study of many of the natural sciences is the language used.
Digging too deeply into the natural sciences will bring the student
face-to-face with large, difficult to read words, which require other large,
difficult to read words in order to define and understand (Machlup). Meanwhile,
social sciences provide a friendlier window into the world of science because
the jargon is frequently used in the news, on social media, and in every day
conversation. These concepts still require deeper learning to fully understand,
but the layperson feels he or she can grasp the basics earlier, providing much
needed confidence (Machlup). Students of natural sciences frequently disdain
the social sciences because the social sciences display greater variability in
their observed data, they do not formulate general theories within their
fields, and they have no constant numerical relationships on which to rely.
However, despite this apparent disdain, we will see that the social sciences
hold a valid place in the scientific world, arguably a loftier place. The
social sciences use the same basic principles to search for answers to
different questions than the natural sciences, but they add more to every
answer than the natural sciences can ever achieve.
Variability of Observed Data
The basic method
of scientific inquiry is generally and broadly described as the scientific
method. This is a general outline of a course of action in answering any
question as empirically as is possible at the current time. In my High School
basic sciences class, my teacher amazed us all by creating a vacuum, and pulling
a boiled egg through the narrow neck of a bottle merely by the use of a match.
I made peanut brittle and ice cream in chemistry class by closely following the
instructions written in chemical notation, instead of kitchen recipe format.
These classroom “experiments” are easily replicated to find the exact same
results. Not all scientific research is as easily replicated. At this moment, I
can pluck from my archives scholarly sources on such subjects as the efficacy
of teaching ethical decision making skills at the post-secondary level, the
benefits of utilizing authoritarian parenting styles versus authoritative or
permissive parenting styles, and a brief overview of string theory. None of
these research projects are easily replicated; not all of them are classified
as social science.
Machlup views the
social sciences to be inferior to the natural sciences because while conducting
experiments, social scientists find it impossible to control for every relevant
variable. Scriven agrees with Machlup in that the considerably greater number
of relevant variables inherent in the social sciences makes primary
experimentation, therefore experiment replication, nearly impossible. However,
he feels that these extra variables add a richness and dimension, found only
rarely in the natural sciences. The conclusions found after analyzing field
observations are richer, deeper, and more meaningful than the clinical
reporting of data and facts found from the natural sciences. Indeed, where the
natural sciences fill you with awe and wonder, and entice you with marvelous facts,
the social sciences do so over a cozy warm beverage of choice, and the
comforting company of friends.
Theory Formulation
The natural
sciences are replete with general theories to explain how the world works, but
the social sciences are more apt to ask the question, “why”. This is the very
question that will strike fear and dread in the heart of a weary parent who
does not know the answer, and does not care. This is the same question that
keeps social scientists up for days on end, seemingly tirelessly, searching for
a glimmer of an answer. The short answer is, there is no short answer. It is
for this reason that many natural scientists look down their noses at the
social scientists who do not care, because they are too busy searching for
answers with a gleam in their eyes. Fay and Moon write that the natural
sciences formulate a theory by considering theory and measurement. However,
they add that the social sciences must also consider the identity and meaning
of the actions so closely observed by the researcher. These actions must be
identified and defined by the social actors themselves, or the context is lost
and the observation is useless. On this note, Machlup seems truly saddened that
this dimension is non-quantifiable. As an economist, he is used to dealing
almost exclusively with numbers and their meanings, thus aesthetic and poignant
depths are likely impenetrable to him.
Constant Numerical Relationships
This subject seems
to be a favorite of Machlup, given his chosen field. He writes of the velocity
of light, Planck’s constant, the gravitational constant (which I argue is only
constant on this planet), the Coulomb constant, proton mass, the ratio of proton
mass to electron mass, and the fine-structure constant. “Sociologists…have
reported some ‘relatively stable’ ratios…but the ‘stability’ is only relative
to the extreme variability of other numerical ratios,” (Machlup, p. 13).
This suggests that
the lack of numerical constants implies a social science inferiority to natural
sciences. However, numerical constants are not the only constants that matter. Machlup
does not overtly provide a reason for requiring numerical constants, but he
implies that they simplify mathematical computations. However, mathematical
constructs are only one small part of the whole picture. Constants other than
numbers are called archetypes; for instance, behavior archetypes such as the
Mother and the Warrior. Personality archetypes are also familiar to many people
by their letter notations such as ENTJ and ISFP. Additionally, social groups
always separate into a hierarchy in consistent ways, such as by monetary worth,
by brute strength, or by something more arbitrary such as color of skin. The
constants found in social sciences are more interesting, provide more
information, and are more usable than are the constants found in mathematics.
Conclusion
Our scientific
Earth is held together by the basic principle of gathering empirical evidence: the
scientific method. The higher variability of observed data in the social
sciences leads to richer, deeper, more meaningful conclusions than are found in
the natural sciences. The general theories found in natural sciences answer “how”,
but social sciences are more interested in answering “why”. The social sciences
have more interesting, more informative, and more usable constants than do the
natural sciences. Therefore, the social sciences use the same basic principles
to search for answers to different questions than the natural sciences, but
they add more to every answer than the natural sciences can ever achieve.
References
Fay,
B., & Moon, D. J. (1994). What would an adequate philosophy of social science
look like? In M. Martin & L. C. McIntyre (Eds.), Readings in the philosophy of social science (pp. 21-35).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Bradford.
Machlup,
F. (1994). Are the social sciences really inferior? In M. Martin & L. C.
McIntyre (Eds.), Readings in the
philosophy of social science (pp. 5-19). Massachusetts Institute of
Technology: Bradford.
Psychology
Today, (1996, Jan-Feb). A slayer of demons. Psychology
Today, 29(1), 30-66.
Sagan,
C. (1994). Can we know the universe? Reflections on a grain of salt. In M.
Gardner (Ed.) Great essays in science (pp.
102-109). Amherst, NY: Prometheus
Books.
Scriven,
M. (1994). A possible distinction between traditional scientific disciplines
and the study of human behavior. In M. Martin & L. C. McIntyre (Eds.), Readings in the philosophy of social science
(pp. 71-77). Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Bradford
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Rainbow Vacuum
The Rainbow System Company thrives on word of mouth
advertising. They beg you to tell others about your experience. So friends,
here is my experience with the company and their representative. There is good
news, not so good news, and bad news.
The summary:
The good news: The Rainbow System is an effective product
The not so good news: The Rainbow System is incredibly
expensive
The bad news: The representative was a deceptive sales shark
The story:
I visited a completely unrelated show a few weeks ago, and
put my name into a drawing for a small air purifier. On Thursday evening, I was
called, and informed that I had “won” the drawing, and that in order to obtain
this air purifier, the lady would like to show me the larger model. Okay, I
have no problem looking at the larger model. I might be interested in the
larger model. I set up the appointment.
Keep in mind that when I made the appointment, she told me
she would only need an hour, and I made it clear I needed to get up early the
next morning.
She arrived on time at 6:30 on Friday evening. She set up
the small “air purifier” that I had “won”, and then began the presentation of
the larger model. After a few minutes of her presentation, I began to recognize
the design of the contraption. I asked if this was not the same company that
made the vacuum that my mom had growing up. She denied that it was the same
thing. However, further into the presentation, she agreed that it was, indeed
the same company and the same thing.
Now, I agree that today’s model is indeed prettier, but it
is the exact same thing I grew up with.
The good news: this vacuum is effective. It does what it
says it’s going to do. It sucks up all of the dust from the carpet, etc., traps
it in the water vat, and keeps it (the dust) from blowing back out into the
air.
The not so good news: It is expensive! This vacuum is over
$2,000. Not to mention the fact that it is bulky, it is difficult to use, and
it is gross to clean up when you are done cleaning your house.
The bad news: The representative was a deceptive sales
shark. She used deceptive tactics to gain access to my home. She was not there
to sell me an air purifier, she was there to sell me a vacuum. No matter how
much you flower up the language (and she did flower up the language), an air
purifier is not the same as a vacuum. She told me she would be there one hour,
she was there for over three! She tried to use every tactic in the book, from
being overly friendly, to telling me how much weight I lost since the last time
she saw me; from complementing my children, to using guilt trips.
I will tell you this right now: lying to me is the absolute
worst way to get my money! This company has been in business for a long time,
and sells an effective product, but has forever lost my sale because of this
poor sales experience.
That’s how I understand things,
Laura
Thursday, May 29, 2014
The Given by Vicki Pettersson
The Given by Vicki Pettersson: It is not very often that I get the pleasure to read a book
the day it is released to the public. To add to the joy of waking up to a new
book in my Kindle account, I had the luxury of meeting with the beautiful and
witty Vicki herself that evening (5/27). As luck would have it, my schedule
aligned perfectly to allow me to finish by Wednesday afternoon.
As always,
I relished in the detail of the descriptions of even seemingly trivial items.
As a reader, I appreciate when the author takes the time to consider all the
senses of the characters. This affects my senses as well. I especially
appreciate the intimacy between Kit and Griff, but also between Kit and Frank.
With the strength and resilience of Kit and Griff’s relationship, I wonder if
Vicki draws on personal experience. I hope I do not lean too heavily on woman’s
intuition when I opine that she enjoys a healthy, supportive marriage.
Getting back
to the book: I like how everything comes full-circle, back to the beginning,
back to the end. All the loose ends are tied. All the questions are answered.
In so doing, the last nail is hammered in the coffin of this series…almost
(eyebrow raised). If I know Vicki (which I can only hope to) she will find a
way, if she so chooses.
I will search for her previous offering to read when I have a few more minutes between semesters, and I am
definitely looking forward to her next release J
That’s how I understand things,
Laura
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Middlesex by Jeffrey
Eugenides
For a few
weeks, I am between semesters. This means I am able to search for books that
interest me, not just books that fill an educational need. With this in mind, I
browsed through the David R. Parks Lending Library at The Center, looking for a
good book about Intersex people. I checked out Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. The
synopsis on the back of the book states that Callie is not like other girls
because of “the astonishing genetic history that turns Callie into Cal.” I
believe in judging a book by the cover, at least by the synopsis on the cover.
Based on the synopsis on the cover of this book, I decided to take it home.
Callie is
raised as a girl, and finds out at the age of fourteen that she is actually a
male. He changes his name to Cal, changes his clothing, the way he walks, the way
he talks, and his mannerisms. In short, everything about himself. Without
ruining the storyline, this is not as easy as I make it sound. Additionally,
the book is not really about this transformation. Three quarters of the book is
really about the family dynamics for two generations prior to Cal. I did
appreciate the personal perspective of the emotional changes Cal went through. Additionally, I found it poignant that people in the story think they have Cal pegged as a certain type of person, and "knew it all along", even though they have no idea. Cal takes this all in stride, but I feel this is typical of certain people. This
story is obviously fictionalized, but reads as if it is based on a true story.
I enjoyed
the perspectives provided by Eugenides, and I hope you will too.
That’s how I understand things,
Laura
Friday, May 2, 2014
Semester Work Spring 2014 (2)
Here is an update, for all of you waiting with baited breath for the updated essay concerning business ethics
IDS 804: Ethics in Corporate Practice
This is almost completely re-written, and will look and read much differently than the original. I hope I receive a good grade on both of these essays, as I obviously put a lot of research and writing time and effort into both of them.
I will keep my readers posted on my progress.
That is how I understand things,
Laura
IDS 804: Ethics in Corporate Practice
This is almost completely re-written, and will look and read much differently than the original. I hope I receive a good grade on both of these essays, as I obviously put a lot of research and writing time and effort into both of them.
I will keep my readers posted on my progress.
That is how I understand things,
Laura
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Semester Work Spring 2014
During the Spring semester of 2014, I am enrolled in three courses; two of which require a 20+ research essay. I am in the process of rewriting the essay for 804, but I hope the essay for 803 is sufficient.
These can be found by following these links:
IDS 803: Globalization and Las Vegas
This essay discusses the positive effects globalization has had on our fair city.
IDS 804: Ethics in Corporate Practice
This essay describes the research in the field of ethics in the business arena, including how the subject is taught at universities.
That is how I understand things,
Laura
These can be found by following these links:
IDS 803: Globalization and Las Vegas
This essay discusses the positive effects globalization has had on our fair city.
IDS 804: Ethics in Corporate Practice
This essay describes the research in the field of ethics in the business arena, including how the subject is taught at universities.
That is how I understand things,
Laura
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