Showing papers on "Ingenuity published in 1985"

Against Parsimony: Three Easy Ways of Complicating Some Categories of Economic Discourse

Abstract: Economics as a science of human behavior has been grounded in a remarkably parsimonious postulate: that of the self-interested, isolated individual who chooses freely and rationally between alternative courses of action after computing their prospective costs and benefits. In recent decades, a group of economists has shown considerable industry and ingenuity in applying this way of interpreting the social world to a series of ostensibly noneconomic phenomena, from crime to the family, and from collective action to democracy. The “economic” or “rational-actor” approach has yielded some important insights, but its onward sweep has also revealed some of its intrinsic weaknesses. As a result, it has become possible to mount a critique which, ironically, can be carried all the way back to the heartland of the would-be conquering discipline. That the economic approach presents us with too simpleminded an account of even such fundamental economic processes as consumption and production is the basic thesis of the present paper.

The politics of information

Abstract: The politics of information in contemporary times is a kaleidoscope of continuing change as society and government strive to cope with the impacts of various information technologies–computers, telecommunications, microform systems, audio and video devices. Within the Congress and throughout Federal, State, and local governmental units, inexorable pressures are causing the integration of these innovative support systems into existing processes. Laws and institutions are evolving at an accelerated pace, as both public and private sector leadership recognize the criticalness of selectively utilizing this manifestation of mankind's ingenuity as applied to the collection, processing, retrieval, and distribution of information essential to business, education, science, agriculture, and an array of social services.

Head Start: how appropriate for minority families in the 1980s?

Abstract: This paper examines four concepts of Head Start that are of particular concern for minorities: community control, parent involvement, comprehensive services, and cultural diversity. Recognizing the ingenuity, appeal, and resilience of Head Start, the challenge of the 1980s is to maintain, advocate for, and monitor program quality. Recommendations to this end are offered.

Frederick the Great: A Military Life

Abstract: For tactical and strategic ingenuity, for daring and ruthless determination and the capacity to inspire troops, Frederick the Great was without equal. In this detailed life of ‘Old Fritz’, Christopher Duffy, who has written widely on the army of Frederick and on the armies of his adversaries, Austria and Russia, has produced a definitive account of his military genius.

Minimising Problems in Distance Education

Abstract: It is now technically possible to store information in any format (audio, visual, digital, or any combination of these), retrieve it whenever we want, and send it, instantaneously, anywhere in the world. That we ca n do this is an outstanding achievement, and a great tribute to modern technological skill and ingenuity. That we are not doing it, except in rare instances, reflects fiscal, political and cultural constraints that may, one day, be surmounted.

Teaching the politics of international organization

Abstract: It is therefore paradoxical that in the 35 years since Korea the number, membership, organizational complexity and functions of international organizations should have continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. The authors discussed here each provide part of the explanation of this paradox, and reveal the innovative ingenuity which characterizes the study of inter national organization. They also demonstrate the shift in focus from collective security to economic development that has come to dominate the activities and financial concerns of international organization. The breadth of interests and styles revealed in these works also demonstrates a welcome trend toward the integration of theoretical scholarship with relevance to teaching. Studies of international organization continue to progress from quasi-legal traditionalism towards the political analysis of influence and regimes. The growth of interest in transnational relations, conference diplomacy and non-governmental organizations suggests that inter national organization studies now include some highly innovative aspects of

Making a Connection: Telephone Books, Culture and Language Instruction

Abstract: During recent years the many imaginative (sometimes bizarre!) suggestions for using cultural artifacts in the foreign language classroom have been impressive. Indeed, the ingenuity of German teachers is documented in articles treating the teaching of culture through such artifacts and realia as stamps, opera libretti, Todesanzeigen, posters, greeting cards and songs. This article seeks to contribute to this compendium of ideas by describing how telephone directories can offer a number of interesting cultural insights, while at the same time lending themselves to the reinforcement of basic vocabulary and language skills.

Saruman, ‘Sharkey,’ and Suruman: Analogous Figures of Eastern Ingenuity and Cunning

Abstract: Speculates about linguistic connotations of Saruman-Sharkey, especially Suruman (vassal of an ancient Assyrian king) and various etymologies of “shark.” Additional