The Ancient Maya and Human Sacrifice

The Ancient Maya and Human Sacrifice For a long time, it was commonly held by Mayanist experts that the â€Å"pacific† Maya of Central America and southern Mexico did not practice human sacrifice. However, as more images and glyphs have come to light and been translated, it appears that the Maya frequently practiced human sacrifice in religious and political contexts. Maya Civilization The Maya civilization flourished in the rain forests and misty jungles of Central America and southern Mexico ca. B.C.E. 300 to 1520 C.E. The civilization peaked around 800 C.E. and mysteriously collapsed not long after. It survived into what is called the Maya Postclassic Period, and the center of Maya culture moved to the Yucatan Peninsula. Maya culture still existed when the Spanish arrived around 1524 C.E.; conquistador Pedro de Alvarado brought down the largest of the Maya city-states for the Spanish Crown. Even at its height, the Maya Empire was never unified politically. Instead, it was a series of powerful, warring city-states who shared language, religion, and other cultural characteristics. Modern Conception of the Maya Early scholars who studied the Maya believed them to be pacifists who rarely warred among themselves. These scholars were impressed by the intellectual achievements of the culture, which included extensive trade routes, a written language, advanced astronomy and mathematics, and an impressively accurate calendar. Recent research, however, shows that the Maya were, in fact, a tough, warlike people who frequently warred among themselves. It is quite likely that this constant warfare was an important factor in their sudden and mysterious decline. It is also now evident that, like their later neighbors the Aztecs, the Maya regularly practiced human sacrifice. Beheading and Disemboweling Far to the north, the Aztecs would become famous for holding their victims down on top of temples and cutting out their hearts, offering the still-beating organs to their gods. The Maya cut the hearts out of their victims, too, as can be seen in certain images surviving at the Piedras Negras historical site. However, it was much more common for them to decapitate or disembowel their sacrificial victims, or else tie them up and push them down the stone stairs of their temples. The methods had much to do with who was being sacrificed and for what purpose. Prisoners of war were usually disemboweled. When the sacrifice was religiously linked to the ball game, the prisoners were more likely to be decapitated or pushed down the stairs. Meaning of Human Sacrifice To the Maya, death and sacrifice were spiritually linked to the concepts of creation and rebirth. In the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, the hero twins Hunahpà º and Xbalanque must journey to the underworld (i.e. die) before they can be reborn into the world above. In another section of the same book, the god Tohil asks for human sacrifice in exchange for fire. A series of glyphs deciphered at the Yaxchiln archaeological site links the concept of beheading to the notion of creation or awakening. Sacrifices often marked the beginning of a new era: this could be the ascension of a new king or the beginning of a new calendar cycle. These sacrifices, meant to aid in the rebirth and renewal of the harvest and life cycles, were often carried out by priests and/or nobles, especially the king. Children were sometimes used as sacrificial victims at such times. Sacrifice and the Ball Game For the Maya, human sacrifices were associated with the  ball game. The game, in which a hard rubber ball was knocked around by players mostly using their hips, often had religious, symbolic or spiritual meaning. Maya images show a clear connection between the ball and decapitated heads: the balls were even sometimes made from skulls. Sometimes, a ballgame would be a sort of continuation of a victorious battle. Captive warriors from the vanquished tribe or city-state would be forced to play and then sacrificed ​afterwards. A famous image carved in stone at Chichà ©n Itz shows a victorious ballplayer holding aloft the decapitated head of the opposing team leader. Politics and Human Sacrifice Captive kings and rulers were often highly prized sacrifices. In another carving from Yaxchiln, a local ruler, â€Å"Bird Jaguar IV,† plays the ball game in full gear while â€Å"Black Deer,† a captured rival chieftain, bounces down a nearby stairway in the form of a ball. It is likely that the captive was sacrificed by being tied up and pushed down the stairs of a temple as part of a ceremony involving the ball game. In 738 C.E., a war party from Quirigu captured the king of rival city-state Copn: the captive king was ritually sacrificed. Ritual Bloodletting Another aspect of Maya blood sacrifice involved ritual bloodletting. In the Popol Vuh, the first Maya pierced their skin to offer blood to the gods Tohil, Avilix, and Hacavitz. Maya kings and lords would pierce their flesh- generally genitals, lips, ears, or tongues- with sharp objects such as stingray spines. Such spines are often found in tombs of Maya royalty. Maya nobles were considered semi-divine, and the blood of kings was an important part of certain Maya rituals, often those involving agriculture. Not only male nobles but females as well took part in ritual bloodletting. Royal blood offerings were smeared on idols or dripped onto bark paper which was then burned: the rising smoke could open a gateway of sorts between the worlds. Resources and Further Reading McKillop, Heather. The Ancient Maya: New Perspectives. New York: Norton, 2004.Miller, Mary and Karl Taube. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. New York: Thames Hudson, 1993.Recinos, Adrian (translator). Popol Vuh: the Sacred Text of the Ancient Quichà © Maya. Norman: the University of Oklahoma Press, 1950.Stuart, David. (translated by Elisa Ramirez). La ideologà ­a del sacrificio entre los Mayas. Arqueologia Mexicana vol. XI, Num. 63 (Sept.-Oct. 2003) p. 24-29.

Algorithm design as it relates to time complexity problems like Research Paper

Algorithm design as it relates to time complexity problems like reducing fractions without using the euclidean algorithm for GCD - Research Paper Example The main difference of Algorithms both circuit implementation, testing and results expected. Modern processors that perform calculations need Algorithm design for present and future programmers. The paper also explains some key terms as used in the text in relation to computer design. It covers the need to maintain optimal code for future programmers due to complexity of testing circuits. Key words: Euclid’s Algorithm, Stein’s Algorithm, Built-In-Self-Test and Linear Feedback Shift Register. Algorithm Design Review of steps involved in solving time complexity problems 1. Euclidean algorithm Euclidean algorithm is an ancient efficient method used in computing the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two integers. The simplest Euclid’s algorithm starts with two positive integers. This then form a new pair that consists of the smaller number and the difference between the smaller and larger numbers. The process repeats until the numbers are equal. The resultant number t hen is the greatest common divisor of the original two integers. Euclid algorithm is described as GCD(a, 0) = a GCD(a, b) = GCD(b, a mod b) If and b>0, then GCD(a, a) = a GCD(a, b) = GCD(a - b, b) ; if b < a GCD(a, b) = GCD(a, b - a) ; if a < b For example, GCD(20, 0) is 20. Similarly, GCD(20, 10) is same as GCD((20-10), 10) = GCD(10, 10) = 10. 2. Stein’s Algorithm This algorithm is also a binary GCD algorithm. It computes the greatest common divisor of two nonnegative integers (Purdy, 1983). It is more efficient over the ancient Euclidean algorithm because it replaces multiplication and divisions with shifts, which are cheaper when operating on the binary representation used by modern computers. This is critical on embedded platforms available that do not have direct processor support for calculations of division. Stein’s algorithm is described as GCD(0, v) = v GCD(u, 0) = u GCD(0, 0) = 0 When v and u are even, then GCD(u, v) = 2.GCD(u/2, v/2) For an even u and an odd v, then GCD(u, v) = GCD(u/2 v) Similarly, if v is even and u is odd, then GCD(u, v) = GCD(u, v/2) In case, v and u are both odd, and if u ? v, then GCD(u, v) = GCD((u – v)/2, v) In case, both are odd, and u < v, then GCD(u, v) = GCD((v – u)/2, u) When initially solving a problem, how might one detect that a solution needs extra attention with respect to an efficient algorithm vs standard solutions where a highly efficient solution may be indistinguishable from an inefficient one? Identification of a problem is the first step towards solving a given mathematical equation. It involves examining for complexity to be able to simplify before any other complex operations take place. Time requirements spell complexity and attention are hence worth considering. Built-In Self Test (BIST) Modern computers have a built in IC for testing. This technique integrates the functionality of an automated test system within a chip. It is a Design where testing is accomplished by the help of built in hardware features. BIST has test controller, response verification and test generator. Test generator is responsible for generating test address sequence that compares the output from memory with the expected correct data. The BIST controller can be either hardwired logic, microcode controller or based on processor (Rekha Devi, 2011). Specifically discuss the potential tradeoff between an easy to understand inefficient solution vs a difficult to follow efficient solution. By employing Linear Feedback Shift

Predictably Irrational Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Predictably Irrational - Research Paper Example As a philosophical example, one could agree that there are many religions. Most all of them profess faith in God or a god, and yet none of them can completely agree on a universal doctrine which clearly expresses shared values. If that is not an example of people being predictably irrational, there are certainly more examples to follow. However, that is just an idea to illustrate the point that there can be many different viewpoints, but only one truth viewed from multiple avenues. These truths certainly stem from pluralism, as, we live in a pluralistic society to be sure in the 21st century all around the globe. Also, the fact that Cartesian dualism plays a major role in making this cliche of â€Å"predictably irrational† a phrase which some people may regard with diffidence—one naturally distrusts conflicting ontological meanings, when they can coexist together as a phrase and make sense. II. Thesis (90 words) No doubt, it is difficult to accurately pinpoint this seem ingly cliche phrase describing someone who is predictably irrational. Although somewhat of an unusual phrase, one person can completely be irrational as well as predictably so. This extended definition, if you will, is going to be broken up into manageable sections t oread. Predictable irrationality will be proven by: giving an extended definition of predictability; what predictability is not; what irrationality is; what an extended definition of rationality is; and, finally, what is the definition of someone who is predictably irrational. III. The Nature of Predictability Part I (115 words) To introduce the idea of predictability, predictability is usually the assumption that a pattern is set. People count on predictability—the prediction that the stock market will rise, that the sun will rise in the east and set in the west, and that they will have three square meals per day. Predictability governs the land. Schedules, timetables, and clocks dictate where we are and what we do, most of the time. Predictability itself is cliche. â€Å"[W]e might adjust our definition and instead term cliche a predictable or unoriginal turn of phrase or action.†1 This is why predictability would fit in so well with the idea of irrationality—but more on that point later soon ahead. IV. The Nature of Predictability Part II (85 words) Another issue that concerns predictability is that something or someone predictable is never vague or indeterminate. â€Å"The existence of widespread predictability is a potential embarrassment to claims of radical indeterminacy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 2 Thus, the very nature of predictability is one’s ability to describe what is going to happen when. Predictability directly contradicts unpredictability precisely because of the fact that it leads to concrete evidence of forming types of patterns. When something is unpredictable, it has the tendency to be vague. This leads us to our next point. V. The Nature of Unpredictability (10 0 words) Unpredictability is, by its very nature, in contra of predictability. However, by studying what unpredictability is, we can find out more about predictability. Unpredictability is precluded by the inability to be predictable. Thus, surprises become commonplace. There are no patterns, everything is in flux, constantly. Now, if everything was that unpredictable in the world, think about how horrible

Appraisal of Laura Poppo and Todd Zenger Article

Appraisal of Laura Poppo and Todd Zenger - Article Example The paper introduces one means by which other factors to a company’s transaction cost economics (TCE) in addition to the widely recognized and tested boundary choice theory might be measured in the information services field. After explaining the concepts involved with efficiency models based on boundary choice, the authors reveal the weaknesses introduced in the results of these models as a result of an inability to test for performance-level data. By testing the influence of exchange attributes on the performance levels of markets and firms independently, the authors are able to incorporate production and governance efficiency within their models. The literature review, presented in conjunction with the development of the various hypotheses to be tested, is well-rounded, examining various aspects of the theories that have presented, including their strengths and weaknesses. This provides a very informative background introduction to the subject as well as establishes how the various hypotheses were developed. The sample selected for the study is similarly based upon the work of previous scholars, concentrating on the same group of professionals as being the most involved with the factors under consideration. However, this study differed from others in that it attempted to include a much broader selection of informants than previous studies.

Essay on Internet Privacy - Carnivore May Threaten Privacy

Carnivore May Threaten Internet Privacy      Ã‚   Abstract: In 1999 the FBI launched a new tool, Carnivore, to help it conduct Internet surveillance on criminal suspects. The systems, which are installed directly on Internet Service Providers' networks, process and filter all data communication passing through. This is alarming privacy advocates.    The FBI now has the ability to monitor email through a network snooping scheme known as "Carnivore"i. Carnivore may be used as a surveillance mechanism in investigations by intercepting packets of data sent over the Internet. These data packets include private email sent back and forth between unsuspecting criminals, but may also include the regular law abiding citizen. Privacy advocates have not hesitated to publicly express their fear that Carnivore will give the FBI unlimited, unrestricted access to everyone's emailii. As we speak, Internet wiretapping is unchecked by the law, as it is not prohibited or allowed specifically.    Carnivore functions as an Internet wiretap, typically installed directly on the networks of Internet providers.   The system was dubbed Carnivore for its ability to get to "the meat" of what would otherwise be an enormous quantity of data. Like previous wiretap methods, it intercepts all digital communications and records sent to or from the target of an investigation.   Carnivore's specialty is that it can filter out irrelevant data such as online banking and web surfing, leaving only specific kinds of communications like e-mails. Furthermore, Carnivore only scans the identifying addresses in the 'to' and 'from' fields, not the entire content of electronics messages. The FBI likens it to looking at the front of an envelope.    Carnivore... ...politics/0,1283,37470,00.html 3:00 a.m. Jul. 12, 2000 PDT    vii "ACLU Needs 'Carnivore' Fix" by Chris Oakes Hotwired Magazine http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37470,00.html 3:00 a.m. Jul. 12, 2000 PDT viii "ACLU Needs 'Carnivore' Fix" by Chris Oakes Hotwired Magazine http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37470,00.html 3:00 a.m. Jul. 12, 2000 PDT ix "Telecoms miffed at FBI Meddling" by Declan McCullogh Hotwired Magazine http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37448,00.html 3:00 a.m. Jul. 8, 2000 PDT x "ACLU Needs 'Carnivore' Fix" by Chris Oakes Hotwired Magazine http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,37470,00.html 3:00 a.m. Jul. 12, 2000 PDT xi "FBI system covertly searches e-mail" By Neil King Jr. and Ted Bridis, WSJ Interactive Edition. http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-2245549.html July 11, 2000 6:01 AM PT

My Thoughts About Worldviews

A worldview, in my opinion, is the way you look at the world and how you see God; a worldview is a set of beliefs that directs the way you act. To determine your worldview, you must ask yourself a few questions. Some of these questions include: Who is God? Where did I come from? Why do I exist? What is my purpose in life? Answers in Genesis defines a worldview as â€Å"the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world. A worldview is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group. †[1] To make this definition easier to understand, I’ll use an analogy. A worldview is like a pair of glasses.If you get the right prescription, you’ll be able to see really clearly. If you get the wrong prescription, it could make your eyes worse and make everything blurry. Just like how the glasses make a big difference in your life, your worldview makes an even bigger difference. Your worldview influences the way you live and m ake choices. For example, the worldview can show how a teen could do their homework. If he was Christian and wanted to do everything for the glory of God, he would do his homework the best he could. If he was a Post-Modernist and wanted to please himself, he might not do his homework to do something â€Å"fun†.Having the right worldview is very important. The Christian worldview includes monotheism which is the belief in one God. Not only do Christians believe in a personal, knowable Creator but he believes in the Trinity. The Trinity is God being in three parts: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. To most people, this is very confusing because they don’t understand how God can be three in one. In this case, Christians go to heaven not because of their works but because of God’s grace. God displayed His grace when He died on the cross for us. Christians get most of their information from the Bible.This is the foundation for a Christian’s philosophy. Since Christians believe in God, their philosophy includes believing in the supernatural. As for the Christian view of metaphysics, one would go to John 1:1-4 for an answer: â€Å"All things were made by God. †[2] For their view of cosmology, they believe that there was no accident; God created the world with a purpose and it shows how great God is. Christian philosophers also believe the mind is a reflection of God, and that it is evidence of Him. Some great Christian philosophers are C. S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer.A Christian’s ethic is grounded in the character of God, which is known because of the Bible. This is the reason why ethics goes hand in hand with theology. Christians do not have rules that differ for each person, instead, they have moral absolutes. This is â€Å"the belief that an absolute ethical standard exists for all individuals regardless of era or culture. †[3] As followers of Christ, Christians have a huge responsibility: â€Å". . . lov e the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. [4] Jesus tells us to love our neighbor because loving your neighbor is like loving your Lord, and when we serve our neighbors, we’re serving Him. Biology, however, starts with the creation of the world in six literal days. The Bible states that â€Å". . . God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. †[5] If you kept reading, you would find that God created the world with order, design, and purpose. Michael Behe, the author of Darwin’s Black Box, came up with the phrase â€Å"irreducible complexity. † A bacteria flagellum is irreducibly complex.This means that if the flagellum lost one of its parts, the flagellum would not work. This denies evolution by saying that the flagellum could not have evolved because it needed every part to work. â€Å"Th e biblical worldview is about viewing everything-our friendships, careers, property, environment, interaction, ultimate responsibilities, even our homework-the way God views it and talks about it in Scripture. †[6] Muslims believe in monotheism, just like Christians, but they believe in a different god. They believe that Allah is god and that Muhammad is his messenger.They do not think Allah is a knowable god and they do not believe in the Trinity. They do not believe in heaven but they believe in a paradise and to go there you must do a certain amount of good deeds. Also, Muslims must complete some tasks, often called pillars. These pillars include: confession, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage, and in some cases, jihad. Like Christians, Muslims have a book of scripture, called the Qur’an, written by Muhammad. Islam philosophy also believes in the supernatural because of Allah. Muslim philosophers, and some Christian philosophers, use the Kalam Cosmological Argum ent for the existence of God.Although Muslims do believe in miracles, Muhammad never performed any. This created some doubts but they still had faith in Muhammad. Some great Islamic philosophers are Ahmad and Yusif Ali Hammuda Abdalat. Like Christians, Muslims believe in moral absolutes. However, these absolutes come from Muhammad and the Qur’an (or Hadith), rather than Allah, because Muslims believe that Allah cannot be known. To help Muslims follow moral obligations, they follow the Five Pillars. Unlike Christians, Muslims are motivated to do good because of their fear of judgement.Another similarity with Christians and Muslims is the belief that a god created the earth with order, design, and purpose. Sometimes, there can be contradictions. Some Muslims think the earth was created in six days and others think it was eight days. Also, some think the days were ages instead of 24 hours. There is one big difference between Christians and Muslims: the fall of man. Muslims belie ve that man sinned but they do not believe that man was cursed. Secular Humanists believe in atheism. This means they do not believe in a god. God is not the only thing the Secular Humanists do not believe.They do not believe in Satan, angels, or souls. They think instead of God creating us, we created Him just like we created Santa Claus. Although they do not believe in a god, they still tolerate religions. Unlike Muslims and Christians, they do not believe in an afterlife. Books that are very popular among Secular Humanists are the Human Manifestos I, II, and III. Secular Humanist philosophy does not believe in the supernatural. They only believe in things that are made out of matter; this is also called naturalism. Since Secular Humanists don’t believe in the supernatural, they deny all miracles.Another problem for not believing in supernatural things is the mind and body problem. This is a problem because they do not believe in supernatural. Secular Humanists believe the mind is a â€Å"manifestation of the brain. †[7]If you do not believe in the supernatural, you could not think because it is not made of matter. Some famous Secular philosophers are Corliss Lamont and Carl Sagan. The ethics of a Secular Humanist is that everyone has their own ethics. Unlike in Christianity or Islam, Humanists avoid absolutes. Everyone chooses what is right by what they think is right or whatever fits the situation. This is also called moral relativism.Secular Humanists use reason to determine what is right or wrong. As for Secular Humanists, they believe in Neo-Darwinism. This is â€Å"the theory that new species were made from natural selection acting over vast periods of time on chance genetic mutations in reproductively isolated populations. †[8] They also believe in spontaneous generation and the big bang theory. Both of these ideas talk about how everything was made randomly without a god. Secular Humanists have six â€Å"planks† they hold their biology on: spontaneous generation, natural selection, struggle for existence, beneficial mutations, adaptations, and the fossil record.Marxists and Leninists, like Secular Humanists, are called scientific atheists. Unlike the secular humanists, they do not tolerate religion, they hate it and want to get rid of it! Karl Marx said that we created religion in order to worship ourselves. He said this but he also believes that we are gods so we should take reality and use to our liking. Like Secular Humanists, Marxists-Leninists do not believe in an afterlife. They believe the book related to Marxism-Leninism is the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Marxist-Leninist philosophy isn’t called naturalism or supernaturalism.It is called Dialectical Materialism. There is no god in this philosophy but they call many Christian attributes, dialectical matter. This means that something begins with a thesis. Eventually, an antithesis is made and then the thesis an d antithesis combine and make a synthesis. This process repeats many times. For a Marxist-Leninist, their epistemology has faith in science. Their view of metaphysics is that the earth is all that exists and the only thing that will exist. As for the mind/body problem, Marxists and Leninists think the mind is a reflection of matter and then it is translated into thought.Some famous Marxist-Leninist philosophers are Frederick Engels and Vladimir Lenin. Marxists-Leninists have a different kind of morality: proletariat morality. This is â€Å"the ethical belief that whatever advances the proletariat and the cause of communism is morally good and whatever hinders the proletariat or communism is morally evil. †[9] This is pretty much saying that people who are trying to get rid of the class system are good, and whoever is trying to interfere is evil. Marxists-Leninists also believe that morality is constantly changing. Lastly, Marxists-Leninists want a classless society, also call ed utilitarianism.They believe that if we have a classless society, we will all be considered moral. Like Secular Humanists, Marxists-Leninists believe in spontaneous generation but, contrary to Darwinism, they believe in punctuated evolution. This is â€Å"the theory of evolution that proposes that evolutionary changes occur over a relatively quick period of time, followed by periods of little to no evolutionary change. †[10] Cosmic Humanism is a little different than the worldviews we have talked about so far. Cosmic Humanists are not monotheists or atheists; they believe in pantheism.This means they believe everything is God (eg. nature and humans). Also, they do believe in an afterlife but they believe in reincarnation. Not only do you live after you are dead but you have had previous lives. For Cosmic Humanism, there is no book like other worldviews. In my opinion, I think they just look at movies. Cosmic Humanist philosophy is also different from previous philosophies. They believe everything is supernatural (non-naturalism). They also embrace Zen Buddhism. This is the belief that you can become enlightened through meditation and self-contemplation.A Cosmic Humanist’s ontology is, in a way, like a Marxist or a Secular Humanist. A Marxist/Secular Humanist believes everything is material and a Cosmic Humanist believes EVERYTHING is spiritual. As for their view of epistemology, they believe we need to get in touch with our higher self. Since we are all gods, Cosmic Humanists believe in truth relativity. This means, truth is whatever each person thinks it is. A couple of Cosmic Humanist philosophers are Joseph Campbell and Neale Donald Walsch. Out of all the ethical systems, the Cosmic Humanist’s is the easiest to understand.Since everyone is God, we all do good all the time. Everyone does what they feel is right so you can’t judge. This is another example of moral relativism. As for their system of justice, they believe in karma. They think that if you do good, good things will come but if you do bad, you will be punished for it. Cosmic Humanists believe in something very different. This is called cosmic evolution. Cosmic evolution is the idea that â€Å"all humanity is going toward a new age of higher consciousness. †[11] All Cosmic Humanists are trying to get into an age of higher consciousness and become gods.Also, they believe in the idea that all living things make up one, complex living organism ( The Gaia Hypothesis). Postmodernists are also atheists. Not only are they atheists but they believe in something called the â€Å"Death of God† theology. This is â€Å"a movement that was essentially promoting the idea that religion did not need to invoke ‘God’ in the area of theology. †[12] Something that is different from the other worldviews is that Postmodernists like to be ambiguous. They also believe there are no universal truths (relativism) so they, like Secular Huma nism, tolerate religion (pluralism).Finally, Postmodernists have a â€Å"trend† called emergent churches. It is a church that is incorporating Postmodernism into a Christian’s theology. Post-Modernists’ philosophy is called Anti-Realism. This means reality is anything a human can think up. Since a human can think up reality, a human can also have their own truth (subjective truth), and when they read something, it can mean whatever they want it to mean (deconstruction). Because a human can have their own truth and reality, there is no metaphysics, ontology, cosmology, or epistemology. Strangely, there are still influential philosophers.A couple of them are Jean-Francois Lyotard and Jacques Derrida. As for Postmodernists, they follow cultural relativism. Cultural relativism is â€Å"the belief that truth and morals are relative to one’s culture. †[13] Although they believe that Postmodernism is the best worldview, they still call it relative. Commun ity morals are determined by coercion and consensus. Like Marxists-Leninists, Postmodernists think morality evolves with society. Lastly, Post-Modernists affirms in punctuated evolution. They believe in evolution because they like the idea that man is insignificant and because they like the thought of chance.

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