Didacticism Definition and Examples in Literature

Didacticism is all about teaching and educating and the word didactic comes from a Greek term meaning the same. The term  didacticism, when referring to writing, describes literature serving as a means to teach the reader something, whether that be morals or how to make stew. Some connotations of the word didactic can include an inference of being heavy-handed and preachy, but that manner is not a requirement for something to be didactic. That said, it certainly can preach as well as instruct or advise. Key Takeaways Didacticism Didactic text is instructional, not always preachy.Before how-to videos and self-help books came fables, myths, and proverbs.Literature that has an ethical message among its themes can be didactic, just as straightforward second-person instructional text can. Youll often be able to tell didactic writing by sight, as it is nonfiction that makes use of the  second-person point of view, using you or your and imperative  sentences, as opposed to first-person point of view (I, we, our) and third person (he, she). However, it doesnt have to use second person, so third person usage doesnt automatically rule out the use of didactic text.   Didactic Writing Types Didacticism has been around since before language was being written down or printed; as long as theres been something to instruct, there have been stories to deliver the lessons. Before the  Aesopic fables, there were parables, myths, legends, and proverbs passed down from generation to generation to inspire and advise people how to live and instruct in practices to follow. One of the age-old  functions of all folklore  is education, and performers who would amuse us are just as often eager to teach us as well, said author Sandra K. Dolby. Whether its literature depends on how narrowly you define that term, though. On the other hand, there are those who would argue that literature—true art—is never utilitarian, never purposeful, that writing intended to advise or  persuade  is  communication  or  rhetoric  but not literature. (Self-Help Books: Why Americans Keep Reading Them. University of Illinois Press, 2005) Others would disagree, noting that the world (and art) is rarely so black and white. They would cite works of literature as illustrative of didacticism when theres something to learn from them—such as  William Goldings Lord of the Flies  and Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird. These works make ethical arguments in their themes. In the former, the author portrays civilization and ethics/moral codes vs. barbarism. In the latter, Atticus Finch teaches his children about  prejudice, courage, and doing the right thing, even when its not a popular position.   Whether someone defines a particular work as literature or not, though, if its instructional, its definitely didactic writing. Didacticism Examples From  Advice to Youth by Mark Twain: Always obey your parents, when they are present. This is the best policy in the long run because if you don’t, they will make you... Now as to the matter of lying. You want to be very careful about lying; otherwise, you are nearly sure to get caught. Even if the speech he gave is satire, theres still truth in what he says. Humor as a convention can also make advice easier to take.   Compare Twains voice with the more matter-of-fact tone used in  Camping Out by Ernest Hemingway: The simplest [bug repellant] perhaps is oil of citronella. Two bits’ worth of this purchased at any pharmacist’s will be enough to last for two weeks in the worst fly and mosquito-ridden country. Rub a little on the back of your neck, your forehead, and your wrists before you start fishing, and the blacks and skeeters will shun you. The odor of citronella is not offensive to people. It smells like gun oil. But the bugs do hate it. In  Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech, in addition to imploring leaders to pass civil rights-related laws, he also instructed blacks protesting to make their voices heard in a peaceful way. Note the use of second person here as he speaks to the audience (using the imperative form in the first sentence with you understood before the word let): Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Other examples of didacticism in literature include Medieval morality plays. Writers of didactic  essays  from the Victorian era include Thomas De Quincey  (1785–1859),  Thomas Carlyle  (1795–1881),  Thomas Macaulay  (1800–1859), and John Ruskin (1819–1900).

Affect of Violent Video Games on Children Essays - 1648 Words

Introduction In recent decades, attention has been placed on the influence of violent videogames on the aggressive behaviour of individuals. While some scholars believe that videogames increase aggression amongst children in particular, others claim evidence on the catharsis hypothesis where videogames are argued to be a safe outlet to express aggression (Berger 2002). Although many theories have emerged regarding the influence of violent videogames, the debate continues to be divided between those who claim its destructive nature and others who claim that videogames cannot be solely blamed for the aggressive behaviour expressed by young people. This essay therefore aims to examine different arguments raised in the literature regarding†¦show more content†¦It is in fact true that most videogames are violent in nature or have violent elements. But whether or not they lead to players becoming violent is difficult to answer (Poole 2000; Berger 2002). In particular the concern lies mainly in the effects of these games on children as it is argued by psychologists and paediatrics that children are unable to differentiate between fiction and reality. In fact, by becoming regular players they become desensitised because it becomes so much a part of their lives (Jenkins 2006). The question therefore arises whether children should be allowed to play violent and sadistic games. Berger (2002) argues that although there is a significant difference between mediate violence, where the individual sees hundreds of killings, it has a different status from real violence, where the majority of us have never seen anyone get killed. Thus, the fact that violence in videogames is mediated gives it the status of ‘just’ play (see also Poole 2000). However, although a game may not be real, does not mean that it does not have a profound affect on us. As Berger (2002) argues that it may affect us in ways that we are not aware of. Particularly in videogames, people become active participants. Videogames are an active medium that requires constant physical input by the player. Accordingly the player is deeply involved with the game and therefore is significantly more than a mereShow MoreRelatedVideo Game And Violent Video Games1574 Words   |  7 PagesAlong with the rapid development of the internet in recent years, game and violence game have become companions of young people. We could not deny the fact that video game already has strong attraction for many people. Especially in today’s society, when work pressure is growing, gaming is an effective solution to relieve tension, dispel feeling of fatigue, anxiety. Playing the normal video game, which it not include any violence scenes, plus regulatory reasonable playing tim e can help players relaxedRead MoreDo Violent Video Games Cause Aggressive Behavior?1383 Words   |  6 Pages Do Violent Video Games Cause Aggressive Behavior? Samantha Remesz Saginaw Valley State University Abstract This paper explores violent video games and their affects on people’s behavior and emotions. An experimental study was done by Smith, Lachlan, and Tamborini and is investigated further. The researchers wanted to examine people’s behavior after playing violent video games as well as nonviolent video games and compare the differences of the two. The study observes boys and girlsRead MoreGame over: the Effects of Violent Video Games on Children Essay1416 Words   |  6 PagesGame Over: The effects of Violent Video Games on Children Seven hours. That is the amount of hours a day the average American child plays a video games (Anderson 354), and with technology advancing and games becoming more graphic, the concern over a violent game’s effect over a child’s development is growing. What does playing video games for seven hours do to a child’s development? Violent, role-playing video games adversely affects a child’s development and causes aggression in children and adolescents;Read MoreViolent Video Games and Their Impact on Children850 Words   |  3 PagesViolent Video Games and Their Impact on Children Outline Introduction A. Thesis: Although there are some reports of such games terribly impacting children, most research says that the violence in them is understood to be unrealistic, and thus not internalized and regurgitated back through increased aggressiveness in behavior. Reports Showing Violent Video Games Increase Aggression Exposure to violent video games has been lined to increases in aggression. Such reports have linked violent videoRead More Violent media Images and video games results in violent behavior890 Words   |  4 Pages Violent Media Images and Video Games Results In Violent Behavior Can violent media images and video games result in violent behavior? The answer is yes. For a few decades now hundreds of researchers have take time to research the relationship of media images and video games to violent behavior in children. In the next few paragraphs I will discuss why media images and video games result in violent behavior in children. This paper will also provide some important factors that adults shouldRead MoreViolent Video Games Have Negative Effects904 Words   |  4 PagesViolent Video Games Have Negative Effects For years gaming industries have been aiming towards entertaining people of all ages, especially children and adolescents. However, the definition of entertainment has changed drastically, from playing dodge ball outside to watching and playing video games in which people pretend to annihilate each other. Video game violence attracts and addicts young players, by affecting their behavior, and their development of social skills, to even affect their abilityRead MoreVideo Games : Video Game Violence1502 Words   |  7 Pages2013 Video Game Violence The evolution of video games has taken a drastic change since the 1970’s when video games were first introduced. Since then every decade video games have become more violent in nature with strong language and realistic to suit society today. Craig Anderson states that with more violence in video games they would sell better than games with less violence (Anderson, Gentile, and Beckley pg.5). Violent video games really became popular when the first person shooter games wereRead MoreViolent Video Games Should Not Be Available For Purchase By Anyone Under Age971 Words   |  4 Pagesdialogue spoken between children who play video games like â€Å"Call of Duty† or â€Å"Halo.† Children brag about the number of people they have killed in these games. Playing violent video games may cause children to act violently. First, violent video games train players to act aggressively by repeatedly killing an enemy over and over. Second, children mimic what they see , whether it’s in real life or on a video screen. Third, being exposed to the violent behaviors of the game, dead bodies, and bloodRead MoreViolent Games And Violent Video Games1122 Words   |  5 PagesAs video game images become increasingly more realistic and graphic. Therefore, is there any link between the violence depicted in those games and violence in real life? Students are the main group people who played violent video games very often. Also, losing a game causes many people to have a negative impact. Last, the attitudes on violent game and antisocial. Games are everywhere around us, such as cellphones, televisions, or computers, but violent games are the most popular type of game. TheRead MoreVideo Games And Its Effects On Children927 Words   |  4 PagesVideo games are a more interesting form of entertainment for the simple reason that players may become part of the game’s plot. Video games were invented for many years now. However, the current variety of games raised concerns about how they affect the children s behavior due to the fact that the games are becoming more sophisticated. Children spend most of their free time playing video games. Sometimes children refrain from completing important duties and dedicate all of their time playing video

The ideas of classical economists Free Essays

Dry James Anagram Synopsis The purpose of this work is to examine and understand the main thoughts of prominent economists during the classical period, namely Adam Smith, Thomas Malthusian, David Richard, Jeremy Beneath and John Stuart Mill. It is also included the comparison of ideas between these masters and last but not least, the contributions of these Ideas In today’s context. At the beginning, the background of the classical period Is provided to ensure that readers have a better understanding of the economist’s ideas. We will write a custom essay sample on The ideas of classical economists or any similar topic only for you Order Now Followed by that, each economists ideas will be discussed respectively, and the comparison will be made. The contributions of Adam Smith, David Richard and Thomas Malthusian will be discussed in the last part and conclusion would be drawn. Content Page No. Page number Introduction 4 2 Background 3 The Five Prominent Economists Adam Smith Thomas Malthusian David Richard Jeremy Beneath John Stuart Mill 5 6 7 Comparison of Ideas between the Five Economists 8 Contributions of Classical School in Contemporary 9 Conclusion 10 Bibliography 11 Appendices 12 Classical school started during the late 18th century, when Adam Smith published his independent field of study and set forth the development of modern economics. Their ideas such as division of labor and comparative advantages are still discusses and implied in today’s world. The work of this paper is to examine the main thoughts of five leading economists of classical period, namely Adam Smith, Thomas Malthusian, David Richard, Jeremy Beneath and John Mill and to compare their thoughts and concepts. Also, the relevance of contributions of their ideas in today’s context will be discussed. Background Before classical period there was mercantilism period (1500 – 1776). During that time, manipulations and government intervention in the market is being practiced. Wealth of a nation is weighed in terms of gold and silver that a country possessed. Therefore international trade is discouraged by the implementation of tariff, in order to prevent wealth flowing to other countries. However, as scientific revolution and industrial revolution take place, it helps to nurture the ideas of classicists. (Refer appendix 1 for influence of scientific revolution) There are a few main features in classical economics thoughts. Firstly, classical economists advocate free trade in rake. Without government intervention, the economy could self-adjust to achieve full employment. Secondly, each party, I. E. He merchants, workers and consumers will each seek self-benefit as it is in the human nature. Hence, harmony of interests will be achieved when the pursuit of self-interest will eventually leads to the best interest of the society. Thirdly, classicists consider all economic resources such as land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship as the nation’s wealth and lastly, the classicists made a remarkable contribution to economics by explaini ng economic horses explicitly. Adam Smith (1723 – 1790) is often regarded as the father of modern political economy. In his life he had written two books, The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Moral Sentiments discussed the moral forces that restrain selfishness and bind people together in a workable society; Wealth of Nations assumed the existence of a Just society and showed how the individual is guided and limited by economic forces. (Bruce and Grant, 2007: p. 62) Adam Smith economic ideas are something of a novelty during his time. He introduced the idea of division of labor, which in today’s word means specialization. By practicing division of labor, the productivity could be increased as (1) workers’ skills are enhanced when they perform only one single task, (2) time for changing work task from one to another is saved, and (3) invention of machines could help increasing productivity once tasks have been simplified and made routine. (Bruce and Grant, 2007). Another idea being pointed out by Smith is the harmony of interest. When all parties in a economy is seeking their self-interest, the natural order of the oral will eventually channel it to become social good. The key behind this complex mechanism is the concept of competition. Thus, Smith opposed government intervention in the market for the corruption and favoritism will leads to monopoly and competition will fail. This also implies in international trade. Smith thinks that have an advantage in and trades it with other countries. Although Smith is against government involvement in the economy, he did suggest a few roles that government could play in the economy. (Refer to appendix 2) When talk about value, Smith is of he opinion that measurement of value should be labor. The value of any commodity to a person, who possesses it, if he wishes to exchange it for other commodities, is equal to the quantity of labor which it enables him to purchase or command. Labor, therefore, is the real measure of the exchangeable value of all commodities. (Bruce and Grant, 2007:p. 72) However, Smith did noticed that there are practical and theoretical difficulties in this theory. (Refer appendix 3 for further details) Thomas Malthusian (1766 – 1834) advanced the population theory in his publication An Essay on the Principle of Population. He states that population will increases at a geometric rate when unchecked while subsistence would only increases at best arithmetic rate. He suggested 2 types of checks, first is preventive checks which are those that reduce the birth rate and second, positive checks which are those that increase the death rate, to control population growth. Part of Malthusian ideas were adopted when the Poor Law Amendment of 1834 was passed. In his later work Principles of Political Economy, Malthusian came out with the theory of market gluts. He suggested that insufficient demand would occur due to inequality of distribution of income. Due to that, spending by landlords is important to prevent a glut of goods on the market which would turn into economic stagnation. (Bruce and Grant, 2007) David Richard (1772 – 1823) is a influential figure in the field of economics. He is hailed as the economists’ economist for his extraordinary contributions in economics. The man who only had 14 years of formal education addressed economic matters academically. One of his main thoughts is the theory of free trade and from here derived the law of comparative costs, also known as law of comparative advantage. He explained that a person or country should produce goods which they can produce t a lower opportunity cost as compared to their competitors. In doing so, they would be more efficient and when traded with another country that practices the same theory, would achieve mutual benefit. Taking Turbot’s concept of diminishing returns in agriculture, Richard used it to develop his theory of rent and introduced the law of diminishing returns. The law says that as the number of factor of production I. E. Labor increases, assuming sisters Paramus, the marginal product will at some point diminish. In the discussion of value, Richard said that a commodity must have use alee if it is to have exchange value. The use value of a commodity is derived from their scarcity and also the quantity of labor requires in obtaining it. Although utility is vital, it is not a measurement of exchange value. Time needed for producing the good and obtaining the raw material to produce the good is the exchange value for a commodity, according to Richard. The minimization of a person’s pleasure, advanced the principle of utility. This notion is that people pursue things that provide pleasure and avoid things that produce pain; all individuals seek to maximize their total pleasure. Bruce and Grant, 2007:p. 122) Unlike hedonism, Beneath added the ethical doctrine into utilitarianism that human action should direct to the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people. For that reason, Beneath was very active in social reforms. He supported free education for all, right for women, abolition of slavery and death penalty and many more. The major problem with Bantam’s utility theory was that pleasure, a kind of emotion could not be quantify or measure. He tried to measure it using the Felicia Calculus, but he himself acknowledged the flaws in his calculation. John Stuart Mill who attended home schooling had his father, James Mill as his teacher. As a result, he got influenced by Bantam’s thoughts of utilitarianism, as his father is a close friend to Jeremy Beneath. He further enhanced the utilitarianism concept, stating that enjoyment ought to be viewed in terms of not only quantity but also quality. (Anagram, 2012) His publication, Principles of Political Economy summarizes and fused all the economic knowledge up to his day. His discussed various issues from production to international trade. His most important and original contribution is the law of international values. He implied the elasticity of demand for goods in his theory and successfully showed that the real exchange price takes into account not only the domestic costs, but also the elasticity of demand for each product abroad. Comparisons of Ideas between the Five Economists After reading the main thoughts of the five economists, we can see the evolution of economic thoughts in the timeline. The masters each have their own explanation on various topics, sometimes agreeing with each other and other times which they argued. From a bigger picture, we can depict that the ideas during the early period of lassie period varies from ideas of those in the end of classical period. For example, Adam Smith proposed laissez-fairer with minimal government involvement as the invisible hand in the market would eventually move the market to its equilibrium stage. However, Jeremy Beneath, who holds the idea of the greatest happiness for the largest number of people, thinks that government should overlook the economy and social policy. In international trade issue, Adam Smith explained that export could remove surpluses in market but it could be done only when a country has absolute advantage in producing the particular goods. It was Richard then who argued that country could still benefit from trade even without absolute advantage. He introduced the theory of comparative costs, which is a situation when a country could produce certain goods with relative lower opportunity cost than the other country, and trades between them would still benefit each other. Mill supported Orchard’s view of international trade, and further elaborated it by the law of international values. Mill said that the international price of trade is determined by the elasticity of demand of the product. Mill’s theory is important as it overcome the economy. On the topic of value, Adam Smith placed his concern in value of exchange. He explained that the measurement of value should be labor and in exchanging commodities, both commodities should have equal quantity of labor to obtain it. As for Richard, he defined exchange value must have use value. The use value of a good is derived from its scarcity and also numbers of labor needed to obtain it. Richard then argued that exchange value of a good rely not only on the time used by labor to produce it, but also the time taken to obtain raw materials and capital goods which s used in the production process. In examining Thomas Malthusian ideas, the work of a very controversial man during his time, we could see that his works are favored by the wealthy landlords and on the other hand, pushed the lower classes – the poor people – into a deeper pit. In his population theory, he states that â€Å"population when unchecked increases geometrically, while subsistence increases at best arithmetically’. Therefore, to control the population growth there is preventive checks and positive checks. Richard, who is a close friend to Malthusian, argued that the theory s untrue and as a matter of fact, as years go by, the increment of food production is higher than increment of population growth. Contributions of the Classical School in Contemporary It is undeniable that the ideas of classical economists are a breakthrough in the mercantilism period and set forth the foundation of modern economic studies. Their works, being influenced by the scientific revolution, seeks experimental evidence to support and verify their ideas thus increase the credibility of their works. Below are three economists that made lasting contributions to the economic until today: 1 . Credited with the title father of modern political economy, Adam Smith indeed had made a huge impact in transformation of economy from mercantilism to free market. The most valuable idea that he leave for us would be the harmony of interest. The key behind the mechanism that brought all self-interest seeking behavior to become a social good, commonly also known as the invisible hand, is the concept of competition. It is because of competition that producers are restrained from making extra profit and hence drives down the price of goods. This theory is still recognized n today’s economy. 2. David Richard Richard made a significant contribution with his theory of comparative advantage that served as a cornerstone in today’s international trading policies. Although it was later refined by John Mill, nevertheless credits should still be given to this man. 3. Thomas Malthusian Despite being a controversial figure and his theories favor the upper class of the society, Thomas Malthusian still made some contributions to the contemporary economy. It was through his notions that the population growth issue is being concerned and later developed to be a formal study. It was his work regarding market gluts that later catches Keynes attention and expanded it. The classical school of thoughts indeed is an essential period in the history of the economical behavior of the society. How to cite The ideas of classical economists, Papers