The water cycle Essay Example for Free

The water cycle Essay The water cycle is a perpetual process in which water evaporates from the various water bodies, forms clouds, descends to the earth as rain or snow and finally reaches the oceans by means of the runoff mechanism (hydrologic cycle, 2002). Storage Water cycle involves vast amounts of water. The earth contains nearly 340 million cu miles of water. Only three percent of this amount of water can be used for drinking. In other words nearly ninety seven percent of the total volume of water available on the earth is in the oceans and therefore salty. However, the water that evaporates does not contain salt and because of this rain water and snow are free of salt. Salt free fresh water is located in glaciers, lakes and rivers. Moreover, ground water is also fresh and free from salt. The earth contains nearly 8. 6 million cubic miles of fresh water. The atmosphere always contains at least 2,900 cubic miles of water in vapor. Storage of water in the rivers and lakes in the world is estimated at 29,000 cubic miles. The principle sources of fresh water are the great polar ice caps. Nearly 6. 7 million cubic miles of water is stored in the polar ice caps. Water stored in the ground is about 2 million cubic miles (Gedzelman, 2005). Evaporation When a phase change occurs by which water gets transformed from a liquid to gas, it is known as evaporation. The quantity of water that evaporates everyday from the surface of the earth is about two hundred and ninety cubic miles. In the absence of evaporation, precipitation would have rendered the atmosphere dry within ten days. The quantity of water that undergoes evaporation is dependent upon various factors like the intensity of the sunlight, plant cover and ground moisture. Evaporation is indirectly proportional to the humidity of the atmosphere. Due to the different climatic zones on the surface of the earth, the rate of evaporation varies from near zero at the poles to about thirteen feet a year over the Gulf Stream. Evaporation of water is offset by precipitation and runoff (Perlman, 2006). Precipitation A phase change that takes place in the atmosphere, whereby water vapor condenses to form clouds and falls on to the earth as rain is known as precipitation. This falling water can be either a liquid as in rain or it can be a solid like snow, ice etc. the daily average of precipitation that falls on to the earth is of the order of seventy cubic miles. About a third of this precipitated water flows into the rivers and streams, while the rest evaporates (Gedzelman, 2005). Runoff Surface runoff occurs when water flows into rivers and streams. On an average about twenty four cubic miles of water is runoff every day. If snow and ice melt rapidly or if any rainfall occurs the result is an overland flow of water. It causes a rapid increase in the water level of a river and this could result in floods. On the other hand, the ground water flow takes place through rocks and the soil. Water from rains and melting snow sweeps through the ground and reaches the water table. Subsequently, this water flows to a water table which is at a lower level. Its speed of flow though only three feet a day is almost constant (Gedzelman, 2005). Effects of Human Activity Human beings use a lot of water; it plays a vital role in their very existence. With the growing population the demand for fresh water is also increasing. A number of methods are used to obtain fresh water, such as irrigation channels, wells etc. Due to the large amount of water being extracted from ground there has been a significant lowering of water table. In some coastal areas the result has been the forcible entry of sea water. Due to global warming there is a vast change in the earth’s climate. In several regions of the world the water available is unfit for consumption. All these factors have adversely affect water cycle. In the absence of optimal usage of water there is a serious danger that severe water scarcity could transpire (Robert Carpenter, 2001). References Gedzelman, S. D. (2005). Water Cycle. Microsoft  ® Encarta  ® 2006 (DVD) . Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation. hydrologic cycle. (2002). Retrieved April 20, 2007, from In The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Houghton Mifflin: http://www. xreferplus. com/entry/2446693 Perlman, H. (2006, Aug 28). The water cycle: Evaporation. Retrieved April 20, 2007, from http://ga. water. usgs. gov/edu/watercycleevaporation. html Robert, J. , Carpenter, S. R. (2001). Water in a changing world . Issues in ecology , 1027-1045.

Generational Differences in the Workplace Essay Example for Free

Generational Differences in the Workplace Essay PURPOSE This article attempts to describe the different age groups composing each of the categories of generations in the current U.S. workforce and their distinguishing characteristics. The piece also seeks to analyze how each group’s differing traits may impact an organization. The main purpose of the paper is to teach management how recognizing these differing views may help them to better motivate and satisfy the members of each group. QUESTIONS So who are these different generational groups? The author has broken today’s workforce down into three identifiable groups by birth year. These groups are Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. They will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs. The first, and oldest group, are the Baby Boomers. This category includes those born between the years of 1946 to 1964. The Baby Boomers are the largest group and many of them can be found throughout the managerial ranks. They are reputed to be self-absorbed and have a feeling of entitlement. This group is said to value success, teamwork, inclusion, and rule-challenging. They are open to change and loyal to their employer. Generation X is comprised of those born between 1965 and 1979. This group is concerned with career options and a balance of work and home life. They seek fulfilling work but are cynical of corporations and government. This cynicism leads themnto being less loyal than their predecessors (the Baby Boomers). Generation Xers are computer literate and demand fulfilling work while still craving a fun work environment. The third group is Generation Y. This includes those born from 1980 to present (per reports made in 2005 and 2006). According to the author this group is optimistic but realistic, globally aware, and inclusive. They are very technologically inclined and diverse in their attitude. They yearn for a work/family balance and independence though they need feedback from their employer. They are also curious and results oriented. This generation can become disenchanted with presented with entry level jobs for they seek challenges. INFORMATION The author used a number of other studies to reach his conclusions. The Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) seems to have been the main instrument in gathering information. This study allows participants to rank the measures they find most valuable. INFERENCES/CONCLUSIONS In the â€Å"Implications for Managers† section of the paper, the author makes suggestions for how a manager should treat each class. He has used the research to draw his conclusions. His suggestions seem based on the traits and behaviors each group tends to exhibit. For the Baby Boomers he states that they can be motivated with money, overtime, praise, and position. He enforces the idea that this generation is loyal. For Generation X he suggests making work fun and meaningful. He also thinks lending an understanding ear to this group could be helpful. Generation Y needs exciting and relevant work, says the author. Make sure they have opportunity for career advancement. Also a manger should be mindful of their need for feedback. CONCEPTS The main idea of this article is that the difference in values and beliefs of each generation can have an impact on the job. Understanding these differences and how to make the most of them is key to satisfying and motivating each group. The paper seeks to explain these differences, why they tend to occur, and how to use those differences to the employer’s advantage. ASSUMPTIONS One main drawback to the ideas set forth in this article is assuming everyone in each generation holds the same values and beliefs. In this vain, managers may be able to cater to a large majority of employees but can miss satisfying the wants and needs of certain individuals. Although the research may encapsulate certain behaviors and traits of most of the people, there will be variables that it does not take into account. IMPLICATIONS/CONSEQUENCES The author’s conclusions may serve managers well. His conclusions based on the research and following suggestions seem to be based in logic and geared toward getting the most out of and retaining employees. It probably does help to understand how best to motivate others if you understand why they feel the way they do. Although generation and age may not be the only mitigating factor in an employee’s attitude, it seems to be a good starting point. POINTS OF VIEW As stated previously, age (date of birth) can not account solely for a person’s values and beliefs. As in anything else, there are always variables that can skew data. Some variables that are not reflected in the data are financial status, marital status, locale, and a wide variety of other things. However, if it is possible to meet the needs of many while only having to concentrate on a few â€Å"one-offs† then these recommendations can only serve to ease a manager’s position. PERSONAL NOTE I am probably one of the â€Å"one-offs† but I’ve always marched to the beat of a different drummer. I have, however, been witness to many of these stereotypes. I have worked plenty of jobs where the generational differences were quite apparent. Sometimes the â€Å"old-timers† actually relish that name and take pride in it. The difference in attitudes and values can be glaring. I defintiely think it is good that there is information out there to help managers understand these differences and help to deal with them. BIBLIOGRAPHY Generational Differences In The Workplace: Personal Values, Behaviors, And Popular Beliefs. The Clute Institute, 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. .

Citizen Kane Breakfast Scene Analysis Film Studies Essay

Citizen Kane Breakfast Scene Analysis Film Studies Essay Through what is alleged to be one of the best films, a series of anecdotes reveal the story behind Charles Foster Kane. The story, along with the revolutionary cinematography, made it a movie years ahead of its time where Orson Welles, Charlie Kane, takes several controversial steps on his road to greatness. However, Citizen Kane makes it very clear that wealth cannot necessarily buy happiness. This is demonstrated in Charles and Emilys breakfast scene through masterful use of symbolism, perspective, costuming, the soundtrack, and even through dialogue. In the beginning of the scene, Emily and Charles come in from a long night of partying and having a great time together. They sit very close to one another showing their initial infatuation for one another as they converse about what the servants would think of their behavior. Right off the bat, Emily fires off her opposition about Charlies dedication to his place of work, the Inquirer. The next scene fades in soon after, and the two are now far enough apart that cuts are required to show both Emily and Charles. Flowers sit in the middle of the table and remain in the lower corners of the screen, representing a friendly obstacle in between the couple, while tensions are apparent, but still low. As the scenes progress, the mood changes, and the centerpieces gradually become colder and more lifeless, much like their relationship. As time progresses they distance themselves from one another at breakfast, the only time they apparently get to spend together, to the point where they silent ly sit at opposite ends of a very large dinner table. The second tool Orson Welles used to his advantage was that of perspective. From the very beginning of the movie, the audience has seen events unfold from a third person view, where Welles rarely made scene cuts, unless he intended to. In the breakfast scene, Welles changed the game up by using what was considered the norm of his time, scene cutting from person to person. He used this type of filming, at the time, to show what he wanted his audience to see and nothing else. He wanted the audience to see what Charlies job was doing to both him and Emily, be it physically or emotionally. The lighting on the set also gave light to Welles use of Chiaroscuro, or the use of shadows, as he made sure the shadows on their faces showed how the marriage had slowly but surely worn at their bodies and emotions. Welles clearly understood that panning the shot out to include both Emily and Kane in the same shot would not have given justice to the emotions shown on their faces, but on their bodies a s well. Initially, Emily is wearing a rather revealing dress that represents her and Charles youthful night of partying, as well as their infatuation for one another. However, as the scenes progress and as the moods of the couple changes, so do the wardrobes. Charles changes between comfortable, playboy like clothes to a much more professional getup to signify his constant plans of getting ready for work. Emily, on the other hand, maintains her queen-like apparel, only she covers herself little by little as her mood becomes more and more harsh. Both Emily and Charles wear clothes that give a type of royalty to their personas, where in reality, behind the overpriced garments, there is just another troubled relationship, that sacrifices love for money. All of the aforementioned tools used not only in this particular scene, but throughout the entire movie are very conscious dependant. Rarely does it go unnoticed when the main character goes from one wardrobe to another, but it is rarely considered how the soundtrack plays on the audiences emotions as well. Welles did not demand that the soundtrack be some sappy, overpowering, force-feeding garbage that most movies of his time were, but instead thought highly enough of his audience to let the music subtly inform its listeners as to how they should feel. Anyone can tune in to a SOAP-like television show and immediately tell what is going on simply by listening to the music for a few seconds. Here in this scene, a cheerful and rather upbeat score plays lightly in the background to signify that all is well and good, that is until the spin around fast-forward through time moment takes place. Now, as the mood slips slowly into darkness the music accompanies it, as if guiding the audience subconsciously into the same realm of feeling and sadness. Most importantly is Welles use of dialogue throughout this scene. At first, it appeared that Emily and Charles were living out their newly conjoined lives in happiness, with not a care in the world. They converse with nothing but love and affection in their voice as they jokingly talk about the time of day, and what the servants will think of their frivolous behavior. Soon thereafter, Emily makes a remark about her disdain for Charlies demanding work schedule, where Charlie simply brushes it off and replies with the witty remark of You never should have married a newspaperman. Theyre worse than sailors. This makes a rather awkward moment between the two, but Charlie comes in with the save by saying I absolutely adore you. She simply must have her way, and Charles complies by delaying his appointments until noon. Magical-twirling-fast-forward-moment and some short time later, Kane now sports a moustache and Emily continues to once again complain about Charlies obsessive work schedule. Charlie has the nerve to reply that her only correspondent is the Inquirer. As the scenes progress, more and more hostility is shown towards one another, due to differing ideas, where Kane is obviously not used to such harsh criticism, especially so close to home. The last scene shows the couple, now several years into the marriage, sitting silently in a formal dining room at opposite ends of a very large table, with Emily in total defiance by her actions of reading the competitive Chronicle. In conclusion, Citizen Kane makes it very clear that wealth cannot necessarily buy happiness. This is demonstrated in Charles and Emilys breakfast scene through masterful use of symbolism, perspective, costuming, the soundtrack, and even through dialogue. Orson Welles was not only an amazing actor, but he was also a brilliant man to have come up with so many revolutionary filming techniques. Who would ever think to dig a hole in the middle of a studio to get a few seconds of film during the 1940s. His innovation has made him an idol to anyone who is serious about making a piece of film, and has made his movie, Citizen Kane, a must see to any one who has respect for great film.

Inherent and Instrumental Values in Ethics :: Happiness Life Papers

Inherent and Instrumental Values in Ethics The distinction between inherent and instrumental values in ethics could, in my view, be said to represent a contemporary version of both the eudaimonistic distinction between virtues as instruments and forms of happiness as the goals or ends to be achieved through these instruments, and of the deontological distinction between duties and the summum bonum to be, at least ultimately or in an afterlife, achieved through them. The paper identifies and explores what appears to be a threefold relationship between inherent and instrumental values. First, their mutual inseparability is found to be based in the very concept of instrumentality. Second, their parallelism in the relevant respects is seen also to be rooted in their instrumental relation. Third, and very significant, the inherent and instrumental values are discovered to be reversible so that what were inherent values can often become instrumental and vice-versa. Finally, and most importantly, the value and richness of human life is perceived to be nothing else than the function of the richness in values in ethics as well as in other spheres of human life. I. Introduction John Dewey holds the value concept as controversial since a survey of the current literature of the subject discloses that views on the subject range from the belief, at one extreme, that so-called 'values' are but emotional epithets or mere ejaculations, to the belief, at the other extreme, that a priori necessary standardized, rational values are the principles upon which art, science, and morals depend for their validity. And between these two conceptions lies a number of intermediate views. (1) One intermediate view says that values in general are things, beliefs, actions, emotions, and attitudes which are found acceptable, desirable, and even praiseworthy to the individual, to society, or to both of them. (2) We find as many different kinds of values as there are different areas of human life-intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, religious, moral, political, economic, etc. The distinction between inherent and instrumental values applies equally to each one of these fields. This ch apter, however, will limit itself to the inquiry into the nature and relationship of the inherent and instrumental values in the field of morality with only an occasional excursus into other fields. To indicate the meaning of these two kinds of values we could begin by saying that the inherent values are, roughly speaking, the desired results achieved through the operation of the instrumental values. Inherent and Instrumental Values in Ethics :: Happiness Life Papers Inherent and Instrumental Values in Ethics The distinction between inherent and instrumental values in ethics could, in my view, be said to represent a contemporary version of both the eudaimonistic distinction between virtues as instruments and forms of happiness as the goals or ends to be achieved through these instruments, and of the deontological distinction between duties and the summum bonum to be, at least ultimately or in an afterlife, achieved through them. The paper identifies and explores what appears to be a threefold relationship between inherent and instrumental values. First, their mutual inseparability is found to be based in the very concept of instrumentality. Second, their parallelism in the relevant respects is seen also to be rooted in their instrumental relation. Third, and very significant, the inherent and instrumental values are discovered to be reversible so that what were inherent values can often become instrumental and vice-versa. Finally, and most importantly, the value and richness of human life is perceived to be nothing else than the function of the richness in values in ethics as well as in other spheres of human life. I. Introduction John Dewey holds the value concept as controversial since a survey of the current literature of the subject discloses that views on the subject range from the belief, at one extreme, that so-called 'values' are but emotional epithets or mere ejaculations, to the belief, at the other extreme, that a priori necessary standardized, rational values are the principles upon which art, science, and morals depend for their validity. And between these two conceptions lies a number of intermediate views. (1) One intermediate view says that values in general are things, beliefs, actions, emotions, and attitudes which are found acceptable, desirable, and even praiseworthy to the individual, to society, or to both of them. (2) We find as many different kinds of values as there are different areas of human life-intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, religious, moral, political, economic, etc. The distinction between inherent and instrumental values applies equally to each one of these fields. This ch apter, however, will limit itself to the inquiry into the nature and relationship of the inherent and instrumental values in the field of morality with only an occasional excursus into other fields. To indicate the meaning of these two kinds of values we could begin by saying that the inherent values are, roughly speaking, the desired results achieved through the operation of the instrumental values.

The Use of Magic in Medieval Literature Essay -- Literature Essays Lit

The Use of Magic in Medieval Literature The concept of magic and magical creatures has been around for a long time, however, in the time period ranging from Beowulf to Malory's Arthur, there has been an evolution in attitudes and the consequent treatment of magic in medieval literature. The discussion of magic involves not only the disparity between Christian and pagan tradition but also of gender roles, most notably in the Arthurian mythos. Beowulf, Marie De France's Bisclavret and Lanval, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sit Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur involve the concept of magic and magical creatures and consequently, illustrate the treatment of magic of their time. In Beowulf, the idea of magic is one that is feared and unworldly. It is definitely not an aspect of normal, "courtly" life. Grendel and his mother are both magical beings, and it is quite obvious that they are clearly not the protagonists of the story. Magic was a symbol of power, whether of class or of strength, and Grendel and his mother fit into the latter category. Grendel also poses a challenge to the power of the ruling class. His only target is Hrothgar's great hall - "It was easy then to meet with a man shifting himself to a safer distance to bed in the bothies, for who could be blind to the evidence of his eyes, the obviousness of the hall-watcher's hate?" - apparently, the rest of the land is quite safe from "demons" such as Grendel(Beowulf 35). Grendel's immunity against weapons and armour emphasizes the challenge further. In pitting Beowulf against Grendel, the poem also suggests that the only way to destroy magic is with itself. It can be assumed that Beowulf possesses some sort of supernatural strength, although he not blatantly... ...e of medieval society and its writings. In addition, an examination of magic in medieval times covers not only the treatment of religion, but also of gender issues and courtly ideals. Despite this, however, it cannot be denied that magic in medieval literature contributes to its unique and distinctive nature. Works Cited "Beowulf" The Norton Anthology of English Literature. ed. M.H Abrams. New York: W.W Norton, 2000. De France, Marie. "Lanval" The Norton Anthology of English Literature. ed. M.H Abrams. New York: W.W Norton, 2000. De France, Marie. "Bisclavret" . Hwang, Renny. "Merlin" McNary, Sarah F. "Beowulf and Arthur as English Ideals". Poet-Lore: A Quarterly of World Literature 6.2 (1894), 528-36. Rise, Brian Edward. "Morgan Le Fay" Pantheon.org. . Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Trans. Marie Boroff. New York : W.W. Norton, 2001.

Nuclear Fusion :: essays research papers

Nuclear Fusion For a fusion reaction to take place, the nuclei, which are positively charged, must have enough kinetic energy to overcome their electrostatic force of repulsion. This can occur either when one nucleus is accelerated to high energies by an accelerating device, or when the energies of both nuclei are raised by the application of very high temperature. The latter method, referred to the application of thermonuclear fusion, is the source of a lot of really cool energy. Enough energy is produced in thermonuclear fusion to suck the paint of 1 city block of houses and give all of the residents permanent orange Afros. The sun is a example of thermonuclear fusion in nature. If I was a atom, I could only wish to be in a thermonuclear reaction. Thermonuclear reactions occur when a proton is accelerated and collides with another proton and then the two protons fuse, forming a deuterium nucleus which has a proton, neutrino and lots of energy. I have no idea what a deuterium nucleus is, but is must be 10 times cooler than just a regular nucleus. Such a reaction is not self sustaining because the released energy is not readily imparted to other nuclei. thermonuclear fusion of deuterium and tritium will produce a helium nucleus and an energetic neutron that can help sustain further fusion. This is the basic principal of the hydrogen bomb which employs a brief, controlled thermonuclear fusion reaction. This was also how the car in the Back to the Future movie worked. It had a much more sophisticated system of producing a fusion reaction from things like, old coffee grounds, bananas, and old beer cans. Thermonuclear reactions depend on high energies, and the possibility of a low-temperature nuclear fusion has generally been discounted. Little does the scientific community know about my experiments. I have produced cold fusion in my basement with things like: stale bread, milk, peanut butter and flat Pepsi. I have been able to produce a ten-megaton reaction which as little as a saltine cracker and some grass clippings. But enough about my discoveries. Early in 1989 two electrochemists startled the scientific world by claiming to achieve a room- temperature fusion in a simple laboratory. They had little proof to back up their discovery, and were not credited with their so-called accomplishment. The two scientists were Stanley Pons of the university of Utah and Martin Fleischmann of the University of Southampton in England. They described their experiment as involving platinum electrodes an electrochemical cell in which palladium and platinum were immersed in heavy water. These two losers said that

Emile Durkheim’s Theory of Crime and Crime Causation Essay

Abstract The concept of â€Å"crime† has over the ages been subject to various definitions as the society tries to address it. Criminology is thus the study of crime and crime causation. It concerns itself with understanding the deep essence of crime as an act or omission, and all the reasons behind its occurrence. In this pursuit, criminology draws on various other fields such as sociology, biology, psychology, etc. This field of study is often argued to be a subdivision of sociology which the larger field since its main focus is grounded in social realities. Hence, during the twentieth century, the sociological approach to crime was the most influential, thus scholars such Emile DURKHEIM bought about considerable impact to the common perception of crime. He was a French sociologist who, viewing the whole society as a reality, perceived crime as a mere element of the society; a completely natural phenomenon and which serves certain significant functions. This work is therefore intended to, throughout a concise discussion, explicate and analyze the theory of crime and its causation as perceived by Emile Durkheim, mainly considering its natural and functional characteristics. †Emile DURKHEIM (1858-1971) viewed inequality as a natural and inevitable human condition that is not associated with social maladies such as crime unless there is also a breakdown of social norms or rules† Explain and Assess Durkheim’s theory on crime and crime causation. Introduction Criminology is understood to be the study of crime and crime causation as social phenomena; it thus concerns itself with the study of the causes of crime and the treatment of the offenders.1 In this pursuit, criminology, as a subdivision of sociology2, draws on many fields inter alia psychology, biology, anthropology, etc. In the twentieth century, the sociological approach to criminology became the most influential approach; this is basically the study of social behavior, systems, and structures. 3 Emile DURKHEIM, a French sociologist, is amongst the scholars who exerted great influence on criminology during that period. He, unlike other scholars, both in and outside the field of sociology, perceived criminal behaviors as normal part of all societies. No society, he argued, can ever have complete uniformity of moral consciousness4, and thus, there has always been some deviant characters from the commonly accepted moral values. This write-up is therefore intended to briefly explicate and analyze the theory on crime and its causation as observed by E. Durkheim. Scholars in almost all the fields (related to criminology in particular) before and after Durkheim have endeavored to find the cause for crimes. In this regard, they have attempted to find the causation of criminal behavior in different factors, including external factors such as in natural and supernatural forces,5 climate, economic conditions, density of population or  certain ecological areas.6 In contrast to all the above factors, Durkheim maintained that the only explanation in relation to crime causation is to be found in essentially looking into ‘the very nature of the society’.7 In this respect, he was convinced that the individual is rather ‘a product’ than an ‘author’ of the society; he is, otherwise, a small image of the world in which he lives, hence, the causation of his behaviors, be they criminal or not, could be found only by understanding the society in which he lives. For E. Durkheim, crime is therefore immanent in society an d results from social interaction. Simply put, criminality proceeds from nothing but the very nature of humanity itself and, far from being transcendent, it is immanent.8 In his writings, Durkheim emphasizes on the immanence of crime; its causation as solely based upon the material world. Rejecting all definitions of crimes, as per the commonsense of any society, as acts that are harmful to society, Durkheim observes that all crimes, as a common characteristic, consist in acts universally disapproved of by members of each society; they shock sentiments, which, for a given society, are found in all healthy consciences. 9 Put simply, a crime is a deviant behavior only because it goes against social norms. From this perspective, arguably, the French sociologist seems to In reference to the pre-classical school of criminology whereby crime causation was understood as based upon supernatural forces, i.e. forces beyond the natural or human capacities. Adopt the legal definition of crime, as any act that the law makes punishable.10 However, unlike the proponents of that legal definition, he hold the view that the said act punishable by the law serves a significant social function which is to support and reassure the same social norms or  laws of a society. From the above elements, one would deduce that according to this theory, a crime is, arguably, a paradoxical phenomenon. Durkheim, the theorist, suggests that a crime is normally caused by or results from social interactions, and it is not deviant per se unless so declared by the laws or social norms. This is arguably Durkheim’s eminence in the field of criminology which rests upon his broad approach to anti-social behavior.11 However, it will be worth remembering that Durkheim, after identifying the essence of crime and causation, he went further to attribute to this phenomenon a certain function. This is what makes him different from all the scholars in the field of criminology. He observed that, not only is crime something normal in societies, it also plays some significant function. The Normality and Functionality of Crime Unlike other social scientists before and after him, Durkheim maintains that criminality is Normal factor rather than a Pathological one.12 Especially in current societies, this might seem really strange. According to Durkheim, crime is normal because a society the society cannot get rid of it; it is utterly impossible for a society to exempt from criminality. He argues that it is a phenomenon, not due to any imperfection of human nature or society, but from the  normal course of affairs in that given society. Hence, it is the fundamental conditions of the social organization that logically imply it. Crime is hence all a part of the totality of a society. The criminal behavior is a behavior completely normal like any other and thus its complete eradication is quite impossible. Durkheim articulates; â€Å"A society exempt  from it (crime) would necessitate a standardization of the moral concepts of all individuals which is neither possible nor desirable.†14 From this contention, one would concur with Durkheim on the fact that a society cannot get ride with or completely eradicate criminality. The criminal justice system is well-set, not to completely eradicate criminality, but to try as much as they can to reduce its level. Furthermore, Durkheim was of the view that crime serves a non-negligible role within the society. The social function he attributes to crime is inextricably linked with the society’s legal system, in that it supports or reassures the social norms of the society by the fact that it is considered as going against the said norms.15 One of the main justifications for his belief is that the fact that crime is found in all society simply suggests that it must be performing some necessary functions; otherwise it would have degrading over the ages and by the end of the day, abolished in an advanced society. 16 One of the most effective and necessary functions, he argued, crime plays is ‘social change’.17 Crime could be considered as one of the effective sources of change in a society. This could be exemplified by, in line with his definition of crime, the events that happened in the United States with the Anti-miscegenation Laws that promoted racial segregation.18 These laws began being violated as the American society progressed, it reached a point where, in violation those laws (social norms), many people started having inter-racial relationships. To some extent, the violation of those social norms, which could be regarded as crime, brought about social change in the US. Durkheim further argues that without crime, there could be no evolution in law.19 For instance, every individual’s right to express himself should be guaranteed for any society to progress. Hence, the opportunity for a genius or an artist to carry out his work affords the criminal his originality at a lower level.20 Thus, there has to be a certain evolution of the laws in order to face such situation from time to time. He further drew some analogy to the trial of Socrates; â€Å"According to the Athenian Law, Socrates was a criminal, and his condemnation was more than just. However, his crime, namely, the independence of his thought, rendered a service both to his country and the humanity.†21 In terms of evolution of the laws, this trial that occurred in the ancient ages is significant. From the above contentions, one would thus say, that crime should no longer be conceived as an evil that cannot be repressed. It should be considered, instead, as a normal phenomenon which can be faced for purposes of reducing its rate in the society. Conclusion Crime, according to Durkheim, is a normal phenomenon in the society that at the same time serves certain social functions. This paper emphasized on the fact that, unlike other scholars in the field of criminology, Durkheim perceived crime in, arguably, a kind of paradoxical manner in the sense that he started by defining crime as being caused by social interactions. For him, it is an act caused by social interaction, which (act) is not a crime per se, but it one becomes after being so declared by the social norms. He however recognized the negative part of crime, anyway, by conceding that crime is an act that shocks sentiments, which, for a given society, are found in all healthy consciences. He finally suggests that, without condoning crime or presenting apology for it, crime must no longer be conceived as an evil that the society could be exempted from, but rather a reality that exists as part of the society to members of the society can react through punishment.22 Therefore, in stating that crime could be perceived as merely a normal and natural element, he conceived the whole society as reality which is meant to move and evolve. BIBLIOGRAPHY Black’s Law Dictionary; (8th Ed. 2004). West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. S.v. â€Å"Criminology.† Retrieved July 27 2014 from http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Criminology Durkheim, E. The Rules of Sociological Method, Edited by G. E. Gatlin, 1938. http://kpulawandsociety.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/durkheim-crime-serves-asocial-function/; Retrieved on July 27, 2014. Hamlin, J. The Normality of Crime. Durkheim and Erikson, Department of Sociology and Anthropology. UMD (2009). Walter A. Lunden; Pioneers in Criminology XVI–Emile Durkheim (1858-1917); Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Vol. 49|Issue 1, Article II (1958). Prins, A., Criminalite et Repression, Bruxelles, 1886. http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/sociology/introduction-to-deviance/reviseit/deviance-durkheims-contribution. Retrieved on July 27, 2014.