Mental health has become one of the greatest challenges facing American policy makers. According ... more Mental health has become one of the greatest challenges facing American policy makers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 61.5 million Americans are affected by mental illness in a given year. The average high school possesses the same levels of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the mid-twentieth century. The widespread and indiscriminating nature of this issue reveals the existence of flawed institutions. Although not entirely culpable, modern educational institutions have played a significant role in the development of mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction, and depression. Through institutionalized bureaucracy and authoritarian teaching styles, classrooms in the United States deprive students of the creative freedom that is necessary for students to flourish into healthy and happy adults. In this misguided attempt to mold children, these educational leaders completely neglect the importance of balance, as illustrated by the complimentary forces of Yin and Yang in Taoist literature. This research project proposes a two-fold thesis. First, I argue that authoritarian teaching and institutionalized education, representing an imbalance of Yang, endangers the learning process and mental health of students. Second, I contend that Taoist philosophy, as portrayed through progressive theories of education, offer substantial benefits to the well-being of American society though the embrace of a healthy balance between Yin and Yang. Although this argument will be supported through evidence from multiple disciplines, it will be primarily analyzed from the perspectives of Eastern thought and philosophy of education.
I begin with a historical analysis of American schooling described in detail by scholars such as Foucault and Glasser. I proceed by revealing the weakness of institutional education and authoritarian education due to its extreme embrace of Yang. In the following section, I illustrate Taoist conceptions of power, freedom, and creativity which correlate with the work of progressive educational theorists such as A.S. Neil and John Dewey. Afterwards, I show how these principles represent Yin and can be used as a corrective measure to bring balance into American schools. In turn, I present classroom management strategies which represent a fundamental harmony between Yin and Yang. Through balance, the American classroom can produce a flourishing attitude of health and well-being that will serve the nation’s youth and their communities.
Global warming lies at the center of a controversial debate. In a 2014 synthesis report, the Inte... more Global warming lies at the center of a controversial debate. In a 2014 synthesis report, the Intergovernmental Policy on Climate Change (IPCC) argued that not only is the recent ‘warming of the climate unequivocal’ but that recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems’. Although the scientific community generally acknowledges the threat posed by global warming, there are policy groups and influential actors who stand against the scientific establishment and its conclusions. In a 2008 speech, Senator James Inhofe boldly stated that climate change was an elaborate ‘hoax’ which he claimed revealed the arrogance of scientific researchers. Although skepticism regarding global warming is a popular position within the political arena, it is an opinion which clearly neglects undeniable realities of our natural world.
In this research paper, I use textual and scientific evidence to argue against the denial of global warming. Overwhelming amounts of empirical evidence and statistical data indicate that there is a warming of the planet’s climate which affects international security. Testimony from scientific researchers, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed journals will be used to establish this element of the argument. In addition, supplementary evidence will be provided through case studies of the Maldives and the Antarctic region.
One of difficult questions within the realm of political theory has been to answer the question, ... more One of difficult questions within the realm of political theory has been to answer the question, “What are the defining features of a wise political actor?” This paper examines that question and asserts that a wise statesman must possess a capacity to use different types of reasoning, understands the relationship between Justice and Natural Law, and acts from a sound moral constitution. Throughout this argument, central claims are supported with the use of textual evidence from works by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and St. Augustine.
The interpretation of Qur'an has proven itself to be the subject of a controversial debate. For c... more The interpretation of Qur'an has proven itself to be the subject of a controversial debate. For centuries, scholars and theologians have engaged in rigorous debate over the validity and moral worth of this sacred text. A popular interpretation comes from the literalist school, whose advocates assert that the Qur'an is the ultimate word of God as described by the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. Further, they contend that any figurative or metaphorical understanding of this document is sacrilegious. However, the literalist view presents a naïve and destructive vision of spirituality. Not only do literal interpretations neglect the central values of the Qur'an, but they distract from the heart of Islam. When observed through an allegorical interpretation, the Qur’an reveals profound truths on the nature of divine knowledge. In this paper, I use textual evidence from the Quran and various Sufi scholars to argue against the interpretation by the literalist school of thought and contend that the Quran’s sophisticated message of self-actualization through divine knowledge can be better discovered through an esoteric interpretation.
One of the most difficult challenges facing the international community concerns the growth of tr... more One of the most difficult challenges facing the international community concerns the growth of transnational organized crime. In 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that transnational criminal organizations earned annual proceeds of up to $2.1 trillion dollars. In the last century, developments in trade and technology due to globalization contributed to an increase in illicit economic activity. Associations such as “The Silk Road”, “The Brothers Circle”, and “Sung Yee On” have substantially benefited from advancements in the global economy. Unless confronted, these factors will threaten global security, economic prosperity, and human dignity. This paper will examine the origins of transnational organized crime and will provide potential strategies against this lucrative industry. Through statistical and theoretical analysis, it will be shown that multilateral cooperation, public-private partnerships, and humanitarian alliances are required to ensure global justice.
Mental health has become one of the greatest challenges facing American policy makers. According ... more Mental health has become one of the greatest challenges facing American policy makers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 61.5 million Americans are affected by mental illness in a given year. The average high school possesses the same levels of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the mid-twentieth century. The widespread and indiscriminating nature of this issue reveals the existence of flawed institutions. Although not entirely culpable, modern educational institutions have played a significant role in the development of mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction, and depression. Through institutionalized bureaucracy and authoritarian teaching styles, classrooms in the United States deprive students of the creative freedom that is necessary for students to flourish into healthy and happy adults. In this misguided attempt to mold children, these educational leaders completely neglect the importance of balance, as illustrated by the complimentary forces of Yin and Yang in Taoist literature. This research project proposes a two-fold thesis. First, I argue that authoritarian teaching and institutionalized education, representing an imbalance of Yang, endangers the learning process and mental health of students. Second, I contend that Taoist philosophy, as portrayed through progressive theories of education, offer substantial benefits to the well-being of American society though the embrace of a healthy balance between Yin and Yang. Although this argument will be supported through evidence from multiple disciplines, it will be primarily analyzed from the perspectives of Eastern thought and philosophy of education.
I begin with a historical analysis of American schooling described in detail by scholars such as Foucault and Glasser. I proceed by revealing the weakness of institutional education and authoritarian education due to its extreme embrace of Yang. In the following section, I illustrate Taoist conceptions of power, freedom, and creativity which correlate with the work of progressive educational theorists such as A.S. Neil and John Dewey. Afterwards, I show how these principles represent Yin and can be used as a corrective measure to bring balance into American schools. In turn, I present classroom management strategies which represent a fundamental harmony between Yin and Yang. Through balance, the American classroom can produce a flourishing attitude of health and well-being that will serve the nation’s youth and their communities.
Global warming lies at the center of a controversial debate. In a 2014 synthesis report, the Inte... more Global warming lies at the center of a controversial debate. In a 2014 synthesis report, the Intergovernmental Policy on Climate Change (IPCC) argued that not only is the recent ‘warming of the climate unequivocal’ but that recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems’. Although the scientific community generally acknowledges the threat posed by global warming, there are policy groups and influential actors who stand against the scientific establishment and its conclusions. In a 2008 speech, Senator James Inhofe boldly stated that climate change was an elaborate ‘hoax’ which he claimed revealed the arrogance of scientific researchers. Although skepticism regarding global warming is a popular position within the political arena, it is an opinion which clearly neglects undeniable realities of our natural world.
In this research paper, I use textual and scientific evidence to argue against the denial of global warming. Overwhelming amounts of empirical evidence and statistical data indicate that there is a warming of the planet’s climate which affects international security. Testimony from scientific researchers, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed journals will be used to establish this element of the argument. In addition, supplementary evidence will be provided through case studies of the Maldives and the Antarctic region.
One of difficult questions within the realm of political theory has been to answer the question, ... more One of difficult questions within the realm of political theory has been to answer the question, “What are the defining features of a wise political actor?” This paper examines that question and asserts that a wise statesman must possess a capacity to use different types of reasoning, understands the relationship between Justice and Natural Law, and acts from a sound moral constitution. Throughout this argument, central claims are supported with the use of textual evidence from works by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and St. Augustine.
The interpretation of Qur'an has proven itself to be the subject of a controversial debate. For c... more The interpretation of Qur'an has proven itself to be the subject of a controversial debate. For centuries, scholars and theologians have engaged in rigorous debate over the validity and moral worth of this sacred text. A popular interpretation comes from the literalist school, whose advocates assert that the Qur'an is the ultimate word of God as described by the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. Further, they contend that any figurative or metaphorical understanding of this document is sacrilegious. However, the literalist view presents a naïve and destructive vision of spirituality. Not only do literal interpretations neglect the central values of the Qur'an, but they distract from the heart of Islam. When observed through an allegorical interpretation, the Qur’an reveals profound truths on the nature of divine knowledge. In this paper, I use textual evidence from the Quran and various Sufi scholars to argue against the interpretation by the literalist school of thought and contend that the Quran’s sophisticated message of self-actualization through divine knowledge can be better discovered through an esoteric interpretation.
One of the most difficult challenges facing the international community concerns the growth of tr... more One of the most difficult challenges facing the international community concerns the growth of transnational organized crime. In 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that transnational criminal organizations earned annual proceeds of up to $2.1 trillion dollars. In the last century, developments in trade and technology due to globalization contributed to an increase in illicit economic activity. Associations such as “The Silk Road”, “The Brothers Circle”, and “Sung Yee On” have substantially benefited from advancements in the global economy. Unless confronted, these factors will threaten global security, economic prosperity, and human dignity. This paper will examine the origins of transnational organized crime and will provide potential strategies against this lucrative industry. Through statistical and theoretical analysis, it will be shown that multilateral cooperation, public-private partnerships, and humanitarian alliances are required to ensure global justice.
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Papers by Dawson Roebig
I begin with a historical analysis of American schooling described in detail by scholars such as Foucault and Glasser. I proceed by revealing the weakness of institutional education and authoritarian education due to its extreme embrace of Yang. In the following section, I illustrate Taoist conceptions of power, freedom, and creativity which correlate with the work of progressive educational theorists such as A.S. Neil and John Dewey. Afterwards, I show how these principles represent Yin and can be used as a corrective measure to bring balance into American schools. In turn, I present classroom management strategies which represent a fundamental harmony between Yin and Yang. Through balance, the American classroom can produce a flourishing attitude of health and well-being that will serve the nation’s youth and their communities.
In this research paper, I use textual and scientific evidence to argue against the denial of global warming. Overwhelming amounts of empirical evidence and statistical data indicate that there is a warming of the planet’s climate which affects international security. Testimony from scientific researchers, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed journals will be used to establish this element of the argument. In addition, supplementary evidence will be provided through case studies of the Maldives and the Antarctic region.
I begin with a historical analysis of American schooling described in detail by scholars such as Foucault and Glasser. I proceed by revealing the weakness of institutional education and authoritarian education due to its extreme embrace of Yang. In the following section, I illustrate Taoist conceptions of power, freedom, and creativity which correlate with the work of progressive educational theorists such as A.S. Neil and John Dewey. Afterwards, I show how these principles represent Yin and can be used as a corrective measure to bring balance into American schools. In turn, I present classroom management strategies which represent a fundamental harmony between Yin and Yang. Through balance, the American classroom can produce a flourishing attitude of health and well-being that will serve the nation’s youth and their communities.
In this research paper, I use textual and scientific evidence to argue against the denial of global warming. Overwhelming amounts of empirical evidence and statistical data indicate that there is a warming of the planet’s climate which affects international security. Testimony from scientific researchers, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed journals will be used to establish this element of the argument. In addition, supplementary evidence will be provided through case studies of the Maldives and the Antarctic region.