First Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

First Exam - Essay Example Likewise, people groups comprehension of minority bunches is frequently founded on the experience of minority guys, and the experience of minority females are substantially less known and recorded(21). In spite of the fact that the two minorities have been quieted, those of female minorities are the most noticeably awful influenced as they have been completely hushed. Partiality includes an individual considering contrarily different gatherings in negative manners, appends negative feelings, and prejudges people dependent on their gathering participations. Each type of partiality, even the most antiquated, began sooner or later ever. A typical factor that is basic in the starting point of partiality is a challenge between gatherings (23). Partiality begins in the focal point of that opposition and is utilized to legitimize and excuse the advantaged class of the triumphant set. History gives instances of one gathering commanding and takes assets from, or kills a danger from some other gathering that turns into a minority gathering. Preference activates passionate vitality for the challenge; legitimize dismissal and assault just as justifies the structures of control, for example, servitude or isolation. Gatherings respond to the opposition and all dangers introduced by different gatherings. The connection among partiality and rivalry has been displ ayed in varying settings and conditions that extend from work strikes to the global war. In 1950s, a trial was directed to outline bunch rivalry and partiality. It was directed on 11 and 12 years of age young men at a day camp called Robber’s cavern. The young men were part into two groups delegated the Rattlers and the birds and lived in isolated lodges. They were as often as possible pitted next to one another in different exercises dependent on a serious premise. The young men from each gathering created and communicated harming emotions towards the other gathering. The quality of this is it assists with activating sentiments and legitimize

The witch of blackbird pond essays

The witch of blackbird lake papers Unit, the courageous woman in the book, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, figures out how to deal with herself as well as other people in1687. At the point when her folks passed on after just three years of marriage, she had gone to live with her Grandfather. At the point when he passed on, leaving her with no cash, she came alone from Barbados to Wethersfield, Connecticut to live with her auntie and uncle. Wethersfield was not in any way what she anticipated. This story educates about history by enlightening an energizing experience concerning an extremely courageous 16-year-old young lady who finds out about opportunity of religion for herself as well as other people. Unit's grandpa showed her how to swim and how to peruse in Barbados. Her cousins Judith and Mercy and her auntie and uncle showed her how to sew, cook and work in the fields in Wethersfield. This was extremely hard for her on the grounds that at her grandparents' home she had house cleaners to thoroughly take care of her. In this new nation, she figures out how to deal with others and be valiant. She does a ton of sacrificial acts. For instance, she hops into the sea to get a little doll for a kid named Prudence in light of the fact that the young lady needs it gravely She additionally instructs her to peruse the good book and print her name. This gets her marked as a witch later in the story. At the point when she could leave with Nathaniel Eaton, the Captain's child, on his dad's boat, the Dolphin, she remains to nurture her cousin and her family through flu. She helps spare an old woman named Hannah from being singed. The town thought Hannah put a revile on the town and made many individuals wiped out. Pack was extremely bold, in light of the fact that each one disliked her activities. For instance, her family figured she shouldn't be a companion with Hannah yet she persevered and didn't break the kinship. Pack and her uncle contended a ton. Things being what they are, they are fundamentally the same as. Her Uncle likewise defended what he accepted. Once, he assembled individuals to oppose the ruler and proclaim their fre ... <!

Should I retake the SAT or ACT

Should I retake the SAT or ACT? For teens who are unhappy with their standardized test scores this decision is easy. Maybe you scored a 1050 the first time and know that you need an 1150 to have a realistic chance at gaining admission into your dream school. A low score thus serves a clarion call to rally onto the test-prep battlefield. You crack open the study books, reserve a virtual timeshare at the Khan Academy, and then pony up the $46 for another shot at the test. Those in this scenario have a pretty straightforward course of action.Deciding whether or not to retake the SAT or ACT becomes more of conundrum when a student’s opening salvo in the standardized test battle was a rousing success. For example, a junior planning on applying to a state school scores where the average SAT is a 1230 scores a 1290 on the first try. This student’s counselor assures them that this score, considered along with their complete academic profile, puts them in great position to earn acceptance at their first-choice school. So, in this scenario, one can just rest on their SAT laurels and return their sole focus to the classroom, right?That answer is not so straightforward.Higher test scores = more merit aid Enlightened College Applicants know that getting into college is not the ultimate goal of the admissions process; you also want to make your undergraduate education as affordable as possible. For many middle and upper-middle class families, obtaining a significant amount of need-based financial aid is unlikely. These folks and their college-bound teens need to instead focus their sights in netting merit aid offers from prospective institutions.The best ways to position yourself for success in this arena is terrific grades in rigorous high school courses and earning SAT/ACT scores that are well above-average for your target colleges. An easy way to approximate where you need to land is to review the 75th  percentile of SAT/ACT scores for accepted students at your schools. If your score fal ls at or above that number, chances are that you will get a substantial offer.Defined scholarshipsTo remove the guesswork for those chasing merit aid, some public and private schools offer defined eligibility criteria, usually in the areas of GPA and SAT/ACT scores. For example, Fordham University offers $15K Dean’s Scholarships for applicants with an A average and a 1460 SAT or 32 ACT score. At Hendrix College, similar stats will get you a free ride including board and other fees.McDaniel College in Maryland offers a chart of guaranteed minimum scholarship awards for those meeting certain criteria. This allows prospective students to be confident that if they have a 3.75 GPA and a 1320 SAT/28 ACT, they will receive a minimum of $23,000 per year in aid. Miami University of Ohio also provides a merit aid grid showing that a student in the 1280-1380 SAT range is eligible for an annual scholarship of up to 8k but someone between a 1390 and 1470 is eligible for 12k per year.You c an see how impactful improving your SAT/ACTs can be when it comes to scoring merit aid offers. In our Miami of Ohio scenario, ten extra SAT points could very well save you and your family $16,000 over four years of study.Test-optional schools The test-optional movement continues to gain steam, currently with over 950 schools nationwide. However, it is important to realize that even at these test-optional colleges where standardized tests are not required for admission, they can still play an important role in merit-aid determination. While some schools go as far as to publicly pronounce that they do not factor SAT/ACT scores into scholarship decisions, our experience tells us that they still play a sizable role in aid decisions at many test-optional schools.Second time is a charmMany teens take their maiden standardized test voyage in the second semester of their junior year (for advice on when to take the test, click here). They do so right in the middle of learning important acade mic concepts in the 11th grade classrooms, essential literary and mathematical material that is tested by the College Board and the ACT.Therefore, it is little surprise that research shows that students improve significantly the second time they take the tests. Second time ACT takers see, on average, a 2.9 point rise in their cumulative score while repeat SATers see an average gain of roughly 40 points. As we can see in the merit aid examples above, this small improvement can quite easily result in the acquisition of a not-so-small amount of merit aid.Summer studyWhen you take the SAT in the winter/spring of your junior year, you are right in the middle of the busiest academic days of your high school career. This makes the subsequent summer, when life begins to slow down a bit, the ideal time to reengage with studying for your second standardized test bout.A common misconception is that the only way to really kick-butt on the SAT or ACT is to fork over big money for a private tutor . It will please you to know that low-cost and free options abound. On the low-cost end, purchasing a prep book can be a wonderful investment for a self-motivated teen who will commit to hours of independent study and practice exams. On the free side, the  Khan Academy’s SAT prep courses which launched in 2016 have been found to highly beneficial. In fact, a study released this year by the College Board found that just 20 hours of targeted practice through Khan Academy resulted in an average score gain of 115 points. Be on the lookout for the debut of the ACT Academy in spring 2018 which promises comparable free test prep for ACT takers.Key TakeawaysEven if retaking the SAT/ACT is not necessary for gaining admission into your target schools, it can help you earn larger merit aid offers.Some schools explicitly state what scholarship awards are available based on standardized test scores and GPA.Even test-optional schools often take SAT/ACT performance into account when award ing merit aid.Research shows that students naturally score better on standardized tests the second time they sit for them.Low-cost or completely free opportunities to study abound. Take advantage of them and test your way to a lower tuition!

The Strain Theory - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 674 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/09/13 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? The Strain Theory There are many theories to crime causations one in particular caught my attention, one that I believe is the most accurate. The strain theory was developed in 1938 by Robert Merton and then updated by Robert Agnew in 1985. Agnew’s general strain theory is based on the general idea that â€Å"when people get treated badly the might get upset and engage in crime†. The general strain theory identifies the ways of measuring strain, the different types of strain, and the link between strain and crime. Agnew came up with two different ways to measure strain in an individual’s life. The first way is the subjective approach, where the researcher directly asks the â€Å"individual whether they dislike how they are being treated†. The second approach is the objective view, where the researcher asks individuals about pre-determined causes of strain. The causes of strain are things that the researcher identifies as treatment that a member of the group being studied would dislike. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Strain Theory" essay for you Create order The objective approach is most commonly used way to measure strain and it usually involves relationships with friends, families, and the community. But when doing research one must consider that individuals have different reactions to certain types of strain. To get an effective measure of strain the researcher must first make a list of all the negative circumstances that can result in strain. The second thing to be considered is the magnitude, duration, and clustering of negative events. There are three major types of strain. The first is the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the second is the loss of positive stimuli, and the third is the presentation of negative stimuli. Agnew noted that the three positively valued goals members of society strive for are 1) money, it is a cause for strain when it is not available through legitimate means and delinquents desire to gain large amounts of money. 2) status and respect, an individual strives to prove their masculinity by using criminal behavior. ) Last is autonomy, the power over oneself, this affects mainly adolescents and the lower class because of their position in society. The loss of positive stimuli can cause stress when an individual experiences a family death or a broken relationship with a friend or a romantic partner or it can be a result of the theft of a valued object. This could lead an individual to delinquency by the person trying to prevent the loss, retrieve what was lost, or to seek revenge on those who removed the positive stimuli. The presentation of negative stimuli can be through child abuse, neglect, neighborhood problems, and homelessness. The individuals who usually experience these negative events are adolescents with pain avoidance behaviors and juveniles with the inability to legally avoid noxious stimuli. The link between strain and crime are the criminal’s feelings. Strain can be caused by negative feelings an individual has for example defeat, despair, and fear but the feeling most connected to crime is anger. Individuals become angry when they blame their negative circumstances and relationships on others. Anger incites a person to action, lower inhibitions, and creates a desire for revenge. Anger and frustration enables an individual to justify crime. Also individuals who repetitively experience strain may be more likely to commit crime. The strain theory proposes that an increase in strain would lead to an increase in anger, which may then lead to an increase in crime. Robert Agnew’s general strain theory has come back in some crime causation explanations. Out of all theories that I researched, the strain theory made the most sense to me in explaining the cause of an individual to committing crime. The general idea is that when a person experiences negative stimuli they are most likely to engage in crime. I understand that individuals do get mad and seek revenge on those who brought them negativity or when a person is stressed over money they tend to engage in criminal behaviors. This theory seems to be the realest to me because I know people everywhere, everyday experience these events.

Database Management And A Computer System - 1325 Words

Before understanding what Data Management is you must learn what each word stands for. We are going to break down the full meaning to give you a full understanding of what data management is, the purpose and its advantages. First and foremost data is a collection of facts from which you can draw a conclusion. In computer terminology data is anything in a form suitable for use with a computer. Database is a collection of data that is organized so that its content can easily be accessed, managed, and updated; database is a collection of data that describes certain activities of one or more related organization and is a collection of records that is stored in a computer system. Database management emerged around the early 1960s’ when computers became a more cost-effective option for private organizations. The purpose of Database Management is to provide an environment that is easy, convenient and efficient in use for retrieving information from the database and storing informatio n. Database Management systems are designed to work with large bodies of information, definition of structure, file and system structure inquiry processing, providing safety for information within the database, and also concurrency control if the system is shared by users. The advantages of DBMS support storage, control, manipulation and retrieval of data. Therefore, instead of schools or business looking through thousands of boxes and folders to get to certain students or customer information that canShow MoreRelatedDatabase Analysis : Database Management System1114 Words   |  5 Pageson database environment and development process. Database is an organized collection of logically related data. It consists of tables, queries, views and other objects. Database management system is a software system used for creating and managing databases. It is a collection of programs used to store, modify and extract information from database. It helps users and programmers for creating updati ng and managing the data in a systematic way. There are many types of database management system rangingRead MoreDatabase Management Systems676 Words   |  3 PagesDatabase Management Systems A database management system (DBMS) is computer software designed for the purpose of managing databases. Typical examples of DBMSs include Oracle, IBMs DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, 4th Dimension and FileMaker. DBMSs are typically used by Database administrators in the creation of Database systems. DBMS enables the user to store, modify, and extract information from a database(Tenner, 2005). There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging fromRead MoreApplication System Software For Windows Ram 64 Bit Cpu1494 Words   |  6 PagesThese computers should consist of a 32GB RAM 64-bit CPU also a Hard Drive capacity of 250GB. For the Backup Storage an External Hard Drive with capacity of 160GB along with Flash drive of 4GB is recommended for each Computer. TYPES OF SOFTWARE They are three (3) types of Software: ïÆ' ¼ System Software ïÆ' ¼ Application Software ïÆ' ¼ Utility Software The type of System Software Application that would be most suitable for this type of upgrade is Windows 8, being that it’s one of the most current and upgradedRead MoreDatabase Management System And Microsoft Sql Server Vs. Teradata754 Words   |  4 PagesDBMS Database Management System or DBMS is a collecting computer program used for creating, deleting, editing and maintaining collections of different data records. There are many different types of database management systems; they are used to stored, managed database model. Different DBMS systems are Relational Database System, Flat Files Base Database Management, Hierarchical Database Management Systems, Network Database Management System and Object-oriented Database Management Systems. () Read MoreEssay Database981 Words   |  4 PagesDatabase A database is an organised body of related files and or information. It is simply an automated library system an is maintained as an integral part of most organisations worldwide. A cite on the World Wide Web, the Webopedia Computer Dictionary, refers to the database as a collection of information organized and presented to serve a specific purpose. (A telephoneRead Moredatabase management system and information retrieval system1100 Words   |  5 PagesDifferentiate between database management system and information retrieval system by focusing on their functionalities. A database management system in the main software tool of the database management approach because it controls the creation, maintenance, and use of the database of an organization and its users. The three major functions of a database management system are first to create new database and database application. Second to maintain the quality of the data in an organized database. And last toRead MoreHistory of Relational Database Essay743 Words   |  3 PagesHistory of Relational Database Hao-Wei He Wilmington University October 9, 2010 Abstract Database system have been inseparable with our daily life, since IBM developed the hierarchical database management system in 1969, database system has been innovated many times, such as hierarchical database, network database, relational database, and object-oriented database. Nowadays, relational database still is the most popular model used by different industries; this article is going to introduceRead MoreThe Type Of Technology Necessary For Accurate Crime Analysis921 Words   |  4 Pageslaptop or desktop computer with sufficient speed, enough hard disk storage to accommodate data and functions, and a high-quality printer that can handle color maps and workload (Foster, 2013). Each of the four methods serves as a valuable tool in collecting, storing, and retrieving information required for crime analysis: records management systems, incident reports, computer aided dispatch information, and relational databases (Foster, 2013). Computer-aided dispatch systems only maintain a veryRead MoreDatabase Management Systems And Managing Human Resources1074 Words   |  5 PagesA database system is a rich pool of data from which information is extracted and used for day to day operations and long term planning. Database management systems come along with applications that help individual processes. The three main sources of these databases are operations, purchases, and extracts of operations (Kroenke Auer, 2012). Information Systems are a set of interrelated components that collect, retrieve, process, store and distribute information to support the decisions made byRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Distributed System1328 Words   |  6 PagesDistributed Systems Sunny Patel Assignment 4 INF540 Distributed System Introduction A distributed system is a compilation of self-governing computers that come into view to the users of the system as a sole logical system. They are used for resource sharing, scalability, as well as clearness and sincerity. Examples of the distributing computing system are cluster workstation systems or grid computing systems, distributed information systems such as transaction processing systems or project applications

Affrimative Action Works Essay Example For Students

Affrimative Action Works Essay Affirmative Action WorksAffirmative Action is the name given to programs that try to correct past and ongoing discriminations against women, racial minorities, and others in the work force and in education. The principal goal of Affirmative Action is to create more diversity and equal opportunities in jobs or schools that used to be all or mostly male, white, or both. Affirmative Action programs have been in place only a little over thirty years. Affirmative action works. There are thousands of examples of situations where people of color, and white women who were previously excluded from jobs or educational opportunities, or were denied opportunities once admitted, have gained access through affirmative action. When these policies received executive branch and judicial support, vast numbers of people of color, and white women gained access they would not otherwise have had. These gains have led to very real changes. Affirmative action has definitely helped women and minorities in th eir careers. White women now hold 40 percent of all corporate middle-management jobs, and the number of women-owned businesses has grown by 57 percent since 1982? (Dundul, p.64). We will write a custom essay on Affrimative Action Works specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Affirmative action programs have not eliminated racism, nor have they always been implemented without problems. The implementation of affirmative action was Americas first honest attempt at solving a problem it chose to ignore. Comparable imbalances exist for other racial and ethnic minorities as well as for women. Yet, to truly understand the importance of affirmative action, one must look at Americas past discrimination. Affirmative action is needed to level the playing field of the work force in America. Wright 2Affirmative action has had its greatest amount of success in city, state, and government jobs. Since the 1960s the area of law enforcement witnessed the greatest increase in minority applicants, and in jobs offered to minorities. This should be viewed as extremely positive, because prior to affirmative action these jobs were almost completely closed off to minorities and woman. Affirmative action has experienced considerably less success in integration in big business. Thi s is do to the fact big business has been more resistant to affirmative action and harder to regulate. Affirmative action is also needed to help black women to compete in todays corporate world. Black women in corporate America are still scarce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report for 1984, finds that executive, administrative, managerial, and professional, specialty, there were only 1,474,000 black women 5.9% of the total, as opposed to 22,250,000 white women, 91% of the total number of working women in this category (Cyrus 122). Another growing concern is white male candidates are being discriminated against, or losing out because of affirmative action programs. If we were to look at the breakdown of various white collar professions or if we look at the overall average income levels of white men we should immediately notice that people of color are still significantly under represented and underpaid in every category. People of color dont make up the proportions of these jobs even remotely equal to their percentage of the population. They dont earn wages comparable to white men. White men are tremendously over represented in almost any category of work that is highly rewarded except for professional athletics. According to a 1995 government report, white males make up only 29 percent of the workforce, but hold 95 percent of senior management positions (Sklar 115). Until there is both equal opportunity and fair distribution of education, training and advancement to all Americans, affirmative action for people of color is necessary to counter the hundreds of years of affirmative action that have been directed at white males. Wright 3Affirmative action is not a cure all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition for scarce resources. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. Expanding opportunity for people of color means expanding not only their access to existing jobs, education and housing, but also removing the obstacles that cause them from obtaining their goals. ?Affirmative action was designed to give qualified minorities a chance to compete on equal footing with Whites? (Chappell 26). .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .postImageUrl , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:hover , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:visited , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:active { border:0!important; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:active , .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9e57ec3eea3b84685401aa3d770f958f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A sociological look at JAWS EssayEqual opportunity is the ultimate goal of affirmative action and that is exactly what it has provided. Without affirmative action doors would be closed to minorities. Before affirmative action was created, minorities were given low skill jobs and never given a chance to further their education beyond high school. Yes, affirmative action just fills quotas but without quotas an active of minorities would not be represented in the work place. Women were given rights just like men. Without affirmative action women would be still stuck at home doing nothing because of sexist men who do not think they can do the same job as men can. Through affir mative action they had high jobs where they were guaranteed the same high wages and benefits as male co-workers. More important, affirmative action raises the economy. More opportunities for minorities and women in jobs and school would equal less poverty. Affirmative action brings educational opportunities leading to job advancement and more productivity in industry. As President Bill Clinton said, ? When affirmative action is done right it is flexible, it is fair, and it works.? In support of affirmative action President Clinton also said, ?Affirmative action has produced a whole generation of professionals in fields that used to be exclusive clubs including more Black, Hispanic, and Asian American lawyers, judges, scientists, engineers, and accountants.? Without affirmative action some jobs and education would not be open to minorities and women which Wright 4could result in poverty and discrimination. Affirmative action is our only hope not only in for equality in jobs and educa tion but life itself. In conclusion, Affirmative Action is one of the most important and controversial social issues of our time, and will continue to be questionable as long as it is part of our legal system. Legal decisions regarding Affirmative Action are thrusting it towards extinction, but its supporters will fight fiercely to reverse the trend, and it will be interesting to observe the direction taken by the courts in the next few years. Regardless of the outcome, Affirmative Action has revolutionized the way the population views race, whether part of the majority or the minority. Works CitedDundul,Tom. ?Affirmative Action?. Working Women Oct. 1995: 63-66. Cyrus, Virgina. Experiencing Race, Class, and Gender in the United States. Second Edition. Mayfield: Publishing Co. 1996. Skylar, Holly. Chaos or Community? Seeking Solutions, Not Scapegoats for bad EconomicsBoston: South End Press. 1995. Chappell, Kevin. ?What they Dont Tell you about Affirmative Action? Ebony Aug. 1995: 24-26. BibliographyWorks CitedDundul,Tom. ?Affirmative Action?. Working Women Oct. 1995: 63-66. Cyrus, Virgina. Experiencing Race, Class, and Gender in the United States. Second Edition. Mayfield: Publishing Co. 1996. Skylar, Holly. Chaos or Community? Seeking Solutions, Not Scapegoats for bad EconomicsBoston: South End Press. 1995. Chappell, Kevin. ?What they Dont Tell you about Affirmative Action? Ebony Aug. 1995: 24-26. Social Issues

Metaphysics Essays (2406 words) - Ontology, Natural Philosophy

Metaphysics METAPHYSICS Whereas sciences deal with particular kinds of beings, metaphysics is concerned with beings as such. According to Aristotle, there is no such thing as mere being; to be is always to be a substance or object, a quantity, a quality, or a member of some other basic category. I. Substance and Accidents Substance is the primary mode of being according to Aristotle. The world is not one of atoms or particles, even though they have a place in the world. The basic notion of Aristotles logic reflects a distinction in the way reality is structured and reflects the basic way that we view reality. Substance is whatever is a natural kind of thing and exists in its own right. Examples are rocks, trees, animals and the like. For instance, a dog is basically the same whether it is black or brown. A dog would be substance because it exists in its own right; it does not exist in something else, the way a color does. Accidents are the modifications that substance undergoes, but that does not change the kind of thing that each substance is. Accidents only exist when they are the accidents of some substance. For Aristotle, there are ten categories into which things naturally fall. They are substance and a total of nine accidents: quantity, quality, relation, action, passion, time, place, disposition (the arrangement of parts) and rainment (whether a thing is dressed or armed, etc) All of these distinctions are basically logical, but in a sense they reflect the structure of reality. One never finds any substance that we experience without some accidents, or an accident that is not the accident of a substance. II. Matter and Form Aristotle utilized the concept of matter and form in an entirely new way, stating that everything that becomes consists of a foundation, a substratum (that which forms the foundation), and form. Aristotles theory was firmly rooted in his broader metaphysics, according to which all things are a combination of mattera sometimes shadowy, indefinite substance with the potential to become most anythingand form which transforms matter into actual particular things. Aristotle felt that part of the procedure of becoming required two things, the matter as a substratum and the form. The form functions, shapes and defines the thing. Both matter and the form, according to Aristotle, were transcendent and imperishable entities. Matter and form were never separated from one from the other. Matter cannot exist without form, and form cannot exist without matter. The most important and the most valuable is form. This applies equally to the creations of man and to the creations of nature. III. The Four Causes Aristotles doctrine of the four causes is easily misunderstood. To charge Aristotle with having only a dim understanding of causality, however is to accuse him of missing a target he wasnt even aiming at. It is natural for us to think of Aristotles causes in terms of our notion of cause-and-effect, however this is misleading in several ways. We must keep this in mind whenever we use the word cause in connection with his doctrine. Aristotle drew from the attempts of all his predecessors, and learned from their mistakes. There are different ways of answering the question of why things are as they are. These ways of answering correspond to four basic kinds of causes to which Aristotle taught: ? The material cause is the basic stuff out of which the thing is made. The material cause of a house, for example, would include all building materials used in its construction. An explanation of the house could not exist unless they were present in its composition. ? The formal cause is the pattern or essence in conformity with which these materials are assembled. Thus, the formal cause of our exemplary house would be the sort of thing that is represented on a blueprint of its design. This, too, is part of the explanation of the house. ? The efficient cause is the agent or force immediately responsible for bringing this matter and that form together in the production of the thing. Thus, the efficient cause of the house would include any laborers who used these materials to build the house in accordance with the blueprint. ?