Science Fiction A Vehicle for Social Criticism - 602 Words

As creator of a literary work, the author is presented the opportunity to share his or her opinions with the reader. Typically, these views are in regards to past, present or future issues within society. Science fiction however, offers a unique way to present these observations. It opens up endless ways to convey a point using scientific and technological creations of the authors imagination. It welcomes the use of realities that often would not work in any genre other than science fiction. A wonderfully clear example of this is found in James Tiptree Jrs The Girl Who Was Plugged In. This clearly portrays Tiptrees criticisms of what society deems normal or socially acceptable, as well as his disapproval at the response those who do not fit into this mold receive. It also illustrates his displeasure for the idolism of celebrities, and the negative effects of certain methods of advertising on humanity. Tiptree utilizes Philadelphia Burke to make his point. Burke is physically deformed due to disease, and is the opposite of what her world finds beautiful. Her hatred of herself becomes so strong she attempts suicide, a scenario all too familiar in todays world of perfectionism and bullying. After failing in her attempt to end her life, she is forced to become a scientific experiment in advertising, encouraging society to dive further into appreciation for all the wrong things. Another equally interesting instance is seen in Baby You Were Great by Kate Wilhem. Here,Show MoreRelatedScience Fiction and Fantasy1221 Words   |  5 PagesThe question is whether it is possible to distinguish between fantasy and true science fiction. I am reminded of the analogy, attributable I believe, to Theodore Sturgeon, of the elf ascending vertically the side of a brick wall. In a science fiction story the knees of the elf would be bent, his center of gravity thrown forward, his stocking cap hanging down his neck, with his feet quite possibly equipped with some form of suction cups. In a fantasy, on the other hand, the elf would simply strideRead MoreSocial Critism Presented throughout Fantasy in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and The Memoirs of a Survivor by Doris Lessing1515 Words   |  6 Pagesimprobable in literature. Fantasy if often used in correspondence to social criticism, which deals with the exposure of problems, issues and conditions in a society with a flawed social structure, where criticism usually addresses cultural, economic and political issues in a society. This paper will analyze two fiction based novels and the social criticism present throughout this genre of fantasy. With regards to social criticism, this paper will compare and contrast Fahrenheit 451 by Ray BradburyRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Taming of the Shrew William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, The Taming of1100 Words   |  5 PagesTaming of the Shrew, is an embodiment of the context in which the text was shaped, the Renaissance. The Renaissance period was a time of progression, primarily in the areas of art, science, humanism, religion and self-awareness. The Renaissance focused on taking elements of the past including religion, art and science and adapting them to make them better. Humanists advocated for the freedom of the individuals intellect through acceptance and celebration. This emphasis on â€Å"individualism† howeverRead MoreWomen s Dream By Rokeya Shekhawat Hossain Essay1751 Words   |  8 PagesWhile feminists have been using literature to spread their beliefs and to advocate gender equality for centuries, science fiction as a genre is traditionally masculinist in its approach to the ideology of humanity. Within science fiction texts, human values are frequently represented by white male protagonists wh o become capable of overcoming natural limitations while women are reduced to insignificant supporting roles. Feminism seeks to counter such sexist depictions of humanity, and although suchRead MoreArtificial Intelligence Is The Intelligence Exhibited By Machines Or Software1621 Words   |  7 Pagesperceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of success. John McCarthy, who coined the term in 1955, defines it as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines. AI research is highly technical and specialized, and is deeply divided into subfields that often fail to communicate with each other. Some of the division is due to social and cultural factors: subfields have grown up around particular institutions and the work of individual researchers. AI research is alsoRead More Detective Fiction Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Essay1802 Words   |  8 Pagesbook to be described as detective fiction there must be a central mystery and one that by the end of the book is solved satisfactorily and logically, not by good luck or intuition, but by intelligent deduction from clues honestly if deceptively presented.† (James. 2009: 16). This is traditionally conducted via a detective; a figure deployed within the narrative structure ‘whose occupation is to investigate crimes’ (Oxford. 2006: 202). Therefore detective fiction represents an enigma, a puzzle toRead MoreThe Problems Of Artificial Intelligence1617 Words   |  7 Pagesas a sin gularity, where learning and self-improvement rates increase exponentially. After this event, they will achieve superintelligence status and will likely surpass human capabilities in almost every way imaginable. While it may sound like science fiction, fear mongering, or fantasy, prominent members of the scientific and technology worlds have voiced their concern about superintelligence. Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Stephen Hawking have all expressed their concern for the possibility of a near-futureRead MoreThe Life of Virginia Woolf Essay1535 Words   |  7 Pagesmanic-depressive, found herself constantly searching for approval. Virginia needed her mothers approval in order to measure her own stature (Bond 38). Battling with a sense of worthlessness, Virginias mother helped her temporarily rid herself of self-criticism and doubt. This however was short-lived. When Mrs. Stephen rejected Virginia, she felt her mothers disapproval directly related to the quality of her writing. Virginia Woolf could not bear to reread anything she had written#8230; Mrs. StephensRead MoreStories2682 Words   |  11 PagesCharles Dickens is perhaps the foremost English 19th century novelist, famous for such works as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and Nicholas Nickleby. A feature of many of his novels is a combination of great narrative skills with an interest in the social problems of his time. As well as his major novels, though, he also wrote a number of short stories, of which The Signalman is one. In common with a number of stories about the supernatural, the narrator of this story is a sceptic, puzzled by theRead More How The Twilight Zone Reflected American Society in the 1950s4909 Words   |  20 Pagesand conservative surface dramatic social changes were brewing, changes as obvious as integration and as subtle as fast food. And imagine, if you will, a radical television show that scrutinized, criticized, and most importantly, publicized these changes, making the social turmoil of a nation apparent to its post-world war, self-contented middle-class citizens. But what if this television show was not as it appeared? What if it masqueraded as simple science fiction, and did not reveal its true agenda

Comparison Of Wuthering Heights And Othello

Compare and contrast how love is explored in ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Othello’ The theme of love is found throughout the complete history of literature and is still being explored in a vast majority of works today. It is a theme that brings strong emotions to both the characters and the audience. â€Å"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs†, an extract from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of the examples of this love throughout literature. This quote shows the negative side of love, â€Å"made with the fume of sighs† makes you think that love is produced from bad things. This is because the word â€Å"sighs† is a reaction to something unfortunate happening. Both ‘Othello’ and ‘Wuthering Heights’ show a negative side of love of the much explored theme of love. Characters driven by desire, lying just to try and catch a glimpse of love, and overall heartache – all these things are shown in the two texts. They truly show just how â€Å"love is a smoke made with the fume of sigh s†. Cathy, Heathcliff, Desdemona and Othello all go against the society expectations of the times set. â€Å"That I did love the Moor to live with him, my downright violence and storm of fortunes, may trumpet to the world. My heart’s subdued†, this shows how much Desdemona loves Othello. It shows how much Desdemona loves Othello. It shows the passionate love that she has for him, â€Å"violence and storm of fortunes† portrays the passion in her heart. The word â€Å"storm† suggests that her love for Othello is in the momentShow MoreRelatedThe Obsessive Nature Of The Love Felt By Othello, By William Shakespeare2617 Words   |  11 Pagesthree texts seem to contain a fundamental principle which acts as a barrier for ‘love’ – whether it be religiously, culturally or evolutionary. Firstly, it is difficult to identify the obsessive nature of the love felt by Othello, at the beginning of William Shakespeare’s Othello, as his love towards Desdemona could be interpreted as ‘agape’ or certainly be seen as unconditional since the couplet persistently demonstrate a meaningful, more philosophical love towards one another. When used by ChristiansRead MoreCompare and Contrast How the Main Protagonists Experience Being Outsiders Within Their Respective Societies.2198 Words   |  9 Pagesrespective societies. The experience of being outsiders is explored by William Shakespeare in ‘Othello’, Emily Bronte in ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Robert Browning in his Dramatic Monologues. Shakespeare explores the theme of alienation through a character considered an outsider by the society in which he lives in. Similarly Emily Bronte explores Heathcliff and the obstacles he faces at Wuthering Heights. Browning’s Dramatic Monologues illustrate the minds of psychotic lovers who are all possessiveRead MoreEssay Prompts4057 Words   |  17 Pages King Lear Anna Karenina Madame Bovary As I Lay Dying The Mill on the Floss The Awakening Moby-Dick Billy Budd Mrs. Dalloway Bleak House Native Son Bless Me,Ultima One Hundred Years of Solitude Catch-22 Othello Crime and Punishment The Scarlet Letter The Crucible Slaughterhouse-Five A Farewell to Arms Song of Solomon Ghosts The Stone Angel The Great Gatsby The Stranger Heart of Darkness A Tale of Two Cities The House of

The Effects Of Victorian Society s Unrealistic...

This source is an essay examining how Wilde shows â€Å"the impact of Victorian society’s unrealistic expectations of the individual† in both The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray. In the article, she talks about gender roles and societal expectations along with the ways characters in the play conform to or reject them. Although the essay is written by a student at McKendree University, the writing is not difficult to understand. This essay is well-documented and seems unbiased. I can use this information when analyzing the ways Wilde challenges Victorian conventions in my essay. In this article, the author discusses gender roles in The Importance of Being Earnest by examining the â€Å"social implications and power†¦show more content†¦The source seems credible since the website is published by Yale University. Also, the research does not seem biased. The author documents Professor Ellis Hanson’s interpretations of The Importance of Being Earnest. Hanson notes that Wilde mocks marriage and satirizes the decay of lying. He also suggests that Wilde’s use of â€Å"Ernest,† which has multiple meanings, can be viewed as a â€Å"homosexual double entendre.† Hanson’s views are novel and interesting. And since he is an English professor at Cornell University, he is also credible. I hope to use this source to provide more examples of how Wilde uses his cynicism to â€Å"criticize elements of Victorian society.† According to its description, this article discusses the way the play depicts â€Å"power in interpersonal relations.† Unfortunately, the article consists of thirty-two pages of scholarly ramblings that have little to do with the actual play. The contents of the pages cover topics ranging from Oscar Wilde’s sexual partners to the â€Å"psychic origins† of the play. Although this source seems credible since it came from a magazine published by Rutgers University, I do not think it is relevant to my topic. I doubt I will be using this source when writing my paper. The source seems credible since it was published by the Cambridge University Press, a respected university in England. The author also cites research to back up her claims. However, his article does not relate to the play The Importance of Being

Importance of Auditor’s Independence and Professional Skepticism

Question: What is Importance of Auditors Independence and Professional Skepticism? Answer: Introduction The present report specifies the importance of independence and professional scepticism while planning and conducting an audit of an organisation. It is necessary that sufficient appropriate evidence should be attained by auditor so that a fair opinion can be presented relating to financial statements. The main objective of the external auditor is to apply professional standards conducting an audit and the same adhere the call for the appropriate application of professional scepticism and independence for the formation of appropriate opinion on the financial statement (Rahman, Moniruzzaman and Sharif, 2013). Scepticism is a required attitude for enhancing the auditors ability in exercising professional judgment is ascertaining and responding to circumstances which indicate the possibility of material misstatements in financial statements. Further potential threats relating to same have also been discussed in the report with appropriate safeguards relating to them. Literature review The importance of independent audit is heightened as the same increase the degree of user confidence in financial statements and other documents. Various organisations have to face difficult economic conditions which give rise to financial reporting challenges like the existence of going concern assumption, evaluation of fair value and policies adopted for selecting appropriate accounting policies for the preparation of financial statements (Nickell and Roberts, 2014). Australian Securities and Investment Commission have also presented concern regarding the application of professional scepticism in auditing. In order to enact a measure of appropriate scepticism it is necessary that there must be enough understanding of concepts and the factors which underlie at different structural levels which influence it. U.S. and international standard stress on questioning the critical assessment of audit evidence and a varied interpretation are available relating to it. The factors which enhance the application of appropriate professional scepticism assist organisation in avoiding alleged audit deficiencies. It has been analysed that unless all the parties completely understand all the factors which affect the professional scepticism; the solutions will be not to assess completely for the same and cost would overweighs benefit. For the purpose of enhancing the application of proposed solutions must consider the manner in which it affects each structural level and mitigates factors which are already in place (Libby and Emmett, 2014). External auditors already know the responsibility relating to appropriate professional scepticism throughout the audit. Auditors independence requires a free state of mind which permits the provision of opinion not being influenced or compromise the professional judgment and allow the allow the auditor to take a decision with integrity, objectivity and professional scepticism. The International Federation of Accountants has specified a framework of principles which provide assurance to team members, and it used for identifying threat for independence and measuring the significance of that threat. In case the threat is clearly insignificant and in such state, then safeguards are being applied for reducing them to an acceptable level such that independence of appearance, as well as the independence of mind, is not compromised. Auditors Independence Auditors independence requires independence of mind as well as the independence of appearance. In accordance with the Singapore Standard on Auditing (SSA) Auditor is allow to act with integrity and exercise professional scepticism while conducting and planning audit. Independence of appearance means the state of mind which allow the auditor to provide opinion without being affected or compromise in terms of professional judgment is known as the independence of mind (Soliman and Ragab, 2014). This standard ensures that all facts and circumstances are avoided; knowledge is availed from third parties while forming an opinion or conducting an audit. Independence word itself lead to suppose that professional judgment is to be applied and the same ought to be free from all the economic, financial and other relationships. The same was concluded in a matter of Rosenberg Rich Baher Berman Co. et at and SEC Administrative Proceeding Release no. 34-69767,2013 that auditor independence is viola ted in case he provides prohibited non-audit services. Further in the case of LIAN BENG: DECONSTRUCTING REMUNERATION same judgment was provided. In this case intense scrutiny has been done by the Singapore Exchange (SGX), as well as experts. Auditor independence plays a pivotal role in providing unbiased and honest professional judgment which is the primary duty of auditor. It has been observed that doubt is expressed relating to the independence of the external auditor (Knechel and Salterio, 2016). At the same time, it is being argued that it is very necessary that corporate governance measures are in place for an auditor to providing an appropriate opinion regarding financial statements. In the case of Total Wealth Management Inc, SEC Administrative Proceeding, 2014 WL 3401161 it was concluded that auditor does not provide an independent opinion in case he assesses his own work. The significance of economic, financial and other relations are evaluated after considering the informa tion received from third parties and at the same can be attained only if independence is provided to the auditor. Professional Skepticism Professional scepticism can be said as an attitude for being alert for the circumstances which might indicate possible misstatements or contradict with available audit evidence. As per provisions of SSA 200 the independence of auditor is important so that the opinion which is formed on financial statements is not influenced by any relationship between them. Professional scepticism is important for enhancing the effectiveness of audit procedure. Study of Ikechukwu (2013) shows that the same decreases the possibility of selecting inappropriate audit procedures, misapplication of inappropriate audit procedures; neglecting unusual transactions and misconstruing audit results. It provides assistance in taking a decision relating to nature, timing and selection of audit procedures; ascertains and evaluating sufficient appropriate evidence; assessing the managements results as well as judgment and concluding the base which is to be formed for the purpose of attaining audit evidence. Profess ional scepticism required to be applied at every level that is engagement level, planning and conducting an audit and forming an opinion on financial statements (Ikechukwu, 2013). In the case of James T Adams, CPA SEC Administrative Proceeding it was concluded that individual auditor and associate company is treated as one entity and as in this professional scepticism was not applied the same was concluded that auditors independent is impaired, and the penalty was charge from the claimant. At engagement level, it is necessary for ascertaining the integrity of owners as well as management. With this case, regulations regarding professional scepticism has been rigid for auditors as well as companies. Application of professional scepticism ascertains as well as assesses the risk of material misstatement and the same is done through performing risk assessment procedures and evaluating assessment of risk through modification of audit procedures. Same has been violated in the case of Wal- Mart and News Corp, FCPA due to which modification in regulation has been made. Analysis of potential threat to independence and Professional skepticism in planning and performing in audit A variety of threats have been recognised relating to auditor independence and professional scepticism such as self-interest threat; familiarity threat; self-review threat; intimidation threat; advocacy threat and the same have been specified with their safeguard: Self- Interest Threat: In case auditor is financially dependent on the audit client or in case he is closely associated with him due to any other interest; in that situations, circumstances exist for self-interest threat. The risk relating to this threat can be mitigated by making understand management the importance of auditors independence and its role in the formation of opinion (Tassadaq and Malik, 2015). Familiarity Threat: This threat exists when there is a relationship between auditor and the client or in case the auditor provides advice or acts in a management The safeguard that should be applied are: an independent individual can be appointed for overviewing the work and providing suggestion so that in case any material misstatement exist the same can be lowered to an acceptable level (Contessotto and Moroney, 2014). The same threat arose in the case of Scott London, CPA,SEC, 2013 in which partner provided inside information to his friend in exchange for jewellery and cash , and it was concluded that independence rules had been violated and audit is not done independently. Self Review Threat: This specific threat arises in circumstances when the auditor has to audit work done by a member of his audit team, colleague or partner. As a threat of biases arises in these situations that the transaction would have been entered appropriately or the work has been assessed in an appropriate manner, and no material misstatement exists (Weiss, 2014). For mitigating the risk relating to same threat independence issue should be discussed with management including audit committee so that the same is made available to the auditor and appropriate opinion is formed by the auditor. Another method which can be applied is a review of the accounts by a qualified and independent individual so that it can be appropriately assessed that whether any material misstatement exists or not. Intimidation threat: These threats arises in situation where auditor is in a position of being overtly or covertly compelled by managing authorities or by other interested parties. For example this threat arise, if an audit team is threatened with replacement if they made disagreement regarding the application of auditees regarding particular accounting principle, or if an auditor is forced to believe that that an expression of auditees of client dissatisfaction will impose significant threat to their career within the firm Inherent Biases: The brain quickly makes an unconscious decision in accordance with detail provided in first impressions. Thus the same as believing subsequent colour thinking in accordance to which the person thinks about further issues. Professional Scepticism can be said as a conscious tool for dealing the issue relating to biases while auditing (Abdullatif, 2013). It is true that safeguard requires time and continuous efforts and is successful only in case the same is implemented with diligence. Therefore the present threat can be mitigated with the application of professional scepticism while planning as well as conducting an audit. Other general safeguards which can be applied for mitigating the risk relating to independence and professional scepticism of auditor are to discuss with management regarding the importance of ethical behaviour and make them act in public interest. Policies and procedures relating to the identification of ethical threat should be in associate with the policies followed by the organisation (Young, 2013). Conclusion It can be concluded from above discussion that auditors independence and professional scepticism plays a pivotal role in forming an appropriate opinion on financial statements. Thus scepticism can be said as a necessary attitude which is to be applied by the auditor in all the stages while conducting an audit for attaining sufficient appropriate evidence. Therefore it can be said that consistent application of professional scepticism imperative auditor in the formation of opinion on financial statements. References Books and journals Abdullatif, M., 2013. Fraud risk factors and audit programme modifications: Evidence from Jordan. Australasian Accounting Business Finance Journal. 7(1),P.59. Contessotto, C. and Moroney, R. 2014. The association between audit committee effectiveness and audit risk. Accounting Finance,.54(2).Pp.393-418. Ikechukwu, O.I., 2013. Earnings management and corporate governance. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 4(3), pp.51-56. Knechel, W.R. and Salterio, S.E., 2016. Auditing: assurance and risk. Routledge. Libby, R. and Emmett, S.A., 2014. Earnings presentation effects on manager reporting choices and investor decisions.Accounting and Business Research, 44(4), pp.410-438. McKee, T.E., 2014. Evaluating financial fraud risk during audit planning. The CPA Journal, 84(10), P.28. Nickell, E.B. and Roberts, R.W., 2014. Organizational legitimacy, conflict, and hypocrisy: An alternative view of the role of internal auditing. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 25(3).,Pp.217-221. Rahman, M.M., Moniruzzaman, M. and Sharif, M.J., 2013. Techniques, motives and controls of earnings management. International Journal of Information Technology and Business Management, 11(1), pp.22-34. Soliman, M.M. and Ragab, A.A., 2014. Audit committee effectiveness, audit quality and earnings management: an empirical study of the listed companies in Egypt. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting. 5(2).Pp.155-166. Tassadaq, F. and Malik, Q.A., 2015. Creative Accounting Financial Reporting: Model Development Empirical Testing. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 5(2). Weiss, J.W., 2014. Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Young, M.R., 2013. Financial Fraud Prevention and Detection: Governance and Effective Practices. John Wiley Sons.