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Title: Religious freedom and the state-church agreement.
Creator: Polish Research and Information Service
Date Issued: 1950
Identifier: DP0003083.PDF, 1927376, CFDT1927376, ucf:4821
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1927376

Title: THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT.
Creator: Lopez, Yoe, Cook, Kathy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Occupy movement has spread over hundreds of cities nationwide and over 1,500 cities around the world. The movement is formed around a common goal, which is to protest the way government actions or inactions have rooted widespread discontent. The Occupy movement has encountered opposition from the cities and counties where it is located. Arrests have been made for a number of violations of city and county codes including resistance to police orders and disorderly conduct charges. In our...
Show moreThe Occupy movement has spread over hundreds of cities nationwide and over 1,500 cities around the world. The movement is formed around a common goal, which is to protest the way government actions or inactions have rooted widespread discontent. The Occupy movement has encountered opposition from the cities and counties where it is located. Arrests have been made for a number of violations of city and county codes including resistance to police orders and disorderly conduct charges. In our country, freedom of speech and the right to protest have been regarded as inalienable rights. The question becomes how to balance the rights of the people involved against the rights and obligations of the government. This thesis will provide an in depth look at the issues being discussed in cases and hearings involving the Occupy movement. The key issue plaintiffs argue is that their First Amendment rights are being infringed on. In January 2012, both international human rights and United States civil liberties experts at seven law school clinics across the country met and formed the Protest and Assembly Rights Project. The project investigated the United States response to Occupy Wall Street. This thesis will discuss and recap some of their findings. In addition, it will analyze the Federal Constitutional restrictions to protestor's rights and the cases that arise on the grounds of these restrictions, as well as examine how the courts interpret the First Amendment and clarify these issues along with defining protestor's constitutional rights. Based upon the Constitutional rights and legitimate restrictions, the thesis will make appropriate recommendations on the limits for both the protestors and the local government.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004299, ucf:44947
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004299

Title: Cold war in the classroom.
Creator: Sillen, Samuel
Date Issued: 1950
Identifier: 671280, CFDT671280, ucf:5530
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/671280

Title: FREEDOM AND COMFORT IN ACADEMICALLY-RELATED POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS AMONG ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE FACULTY IN A STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY.
Creator: Hilston, John, Cintron, Rosa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This investigation explored whether there was a relationship between comfort in discussing political views and faculty members' political party preferences. The questions of whether political comfort differed based on gender, religious affiliation, academic discipline, and/or institutional affiliation were also explored. Both economics and political science faculty did not report comfort in discussing political views in the context of departmental committee service. Economics faculty...
Show moreThis investigation explored whether there was a relationship between comfort in discussing political views and faculty members' political party preferences. The questions of whether political comfort differed based on gender, religious affiliation, academic discipline, and/or institutional affiliation were also explored. Both economics and political science faculty did not report comfort in discussing political views in the context of departmental committee service. Economics faculty either did not report on their colleagues' political views or they disagreed with their colleagues' political views. Political science faculty either did not report on their colleagues' political views or they agreed with their colleagues' political views. Also, this investigation found minimal ethnic and political diversity among the respondents.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003194, ucf:48585
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003194

Title: NONLINEAR STABILIZATION AND CONTROL OF MEDIUM RANGE SURFACE TO AIR INTERCEPTOR MISSILES.
Creator: Snyder, Mark, Qu, Zhihua, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Nonlinear stabilization and control autopilots are capable of sustaining nominal performance throughout the entire fight envelope an interceptor missile may encounter during hostile engagements and require no gain scheduling to maintain autopilot stability. Due to non minimum phase conditions characteristic of tail controlled missile airframes, a separation of time scales within the dynamic equations of motion between rotational and translational differential equations was enforced to...
Show moreNonlinear stabilization and control autopilots are capable of sustaining nominal performance throughout the entire fight envelope an interceptor missile may encounter during hostile engagements and require no gain scheduling to maintain autopilot stability. Due to non minimum phase conditions characteristic of tail controlled missile airframes, a separation of time scales within the dynamic equations of motion between rotational and translational differential equations was enforced to overcome unstable effects of non minimum phase. Dynamic inversion techniques are then applied to derive linearizing equations which, when injected forward into the plant result in a fully controllable linear system. Objectives of the two time scale control architecture are to stabilize vehicle rotational rates while at the same time controlling acceleration within the lateral plane of the vehicle under rapidly increasing dynamic pressure. Full 6 degree of freedom dynamic terms including all coriolis accelerations due to translational and rotational dynamic coupling have been taken into account in the inversion process. The result is a very stable, nonlinear autopilot with fixed control gains fully capable of stable nonlinear missile control. Several actuator systems were also designed to explore the destabilizing effects second order nonlinear actuator characteristics can have on nonlinear autopilot designs.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002566, ucf:48268
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002566

Title: The Cuban episode and the American press: April 9-23, 1961.
Creator: Mintz, Norbert L
Date Issued: 1961
Identifier: 2660249, CFDT2660249, ucf:4972
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2660249

Title: Freedom of religion in the U.S.S.R.
Creator: Spassow, G.
Date Issued: 1951
Identifier: 2683638, CFDT2683638, ucf:5093
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683638

Title: College Student Attitudes Towards Free Speech and Expression.
Creator: Oglethorpe, David, Cintron Delgado, Rosa, Preston, Michael, Owens, J. Thomas, Carter, J. Scott, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Throughout its storied history, higher education in the United States has dealt with the challenges of free speech. From Harvard's 1766 'bad butter riot' to hateful speech directed towards students by non-university community members, balancing the need for free speech with maintaining a welcoming and inclusive campus environment stands as an immense test for higher education (Papandrea, 2017). Idealism and ethicality aside, lost in the academic debate over liberty and protections are the...
Show moreThroughout its storied history, higher education in the United States has dealt with the challenges of free speech. From Harvard's 1766 'bad butter riot' to hateful speech directed towards students by non-university community members, balancing the need for free speech with maintaining a welcoming and inclusive campus environment stands as an immense test for higher education (Papandrea, 2017). Idealism and ethicality aside, lost in the academic debate over liberty and protections are the views of those who should best help shine a light on such a divisive issue: students. This dissertation creates a quantitative path to understanding those very viewpoints. Using the theoretical framework of Social Judgment Theory (Sherif (&) Hovland, 1961), the study discerns student attitudes towards free speech by measuring student ego involvement and latitudes of acceptance, non-commitment, and rejection. This study examines one main question: are student attitudes towards the general concept of free speech congruent with their attitudes towards the perceived acceptability of specific types of speech? Results from more than 2,300 participants revealed that while college students generally regard free speech as an extremely important right in higher education, there are still instances of protected free speech that are considered unacceptable. On the topic of partisan politics, respondents identifying as Republican and Democrat were not statistically different in any measure of ego involvement or range of latitudes. Females reported higher ego involvement scores and a much higher propensity to finding certain examples of speech unacceptable, indicating a reduced belief in the importance of free speech.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007068, ucf:52006
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007068

Title: Measuring Player Perceptions of Freedom and Control in Modded and Unmodded Versions of Bethesda's Skyrim: A Qualitative Play Study.
Creator: Kretzschmar, Mark, Salter, Anastasia, Stanfill, Mel, Janz, Bruce, Postigo, Hector, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This interdisciplinary dissertation explores perceptions of control in modded and unmodded versions of Bethesda's sandbox video game Skyrim. Sandbox games are known for greater choice options that suggest greater perceptions of control for gamers. Sandbox games also generally encourage the use of user-generated creations called modifications (mods) that users can download to personalize their games. While we need philosophy to understand and define control as a concept, we also need...
Show moreThis interdisciplinary dissertation explores perceptions of control in modded and unmodded versions of Bethesda's sandbox video game Skyrim. Sandbox games are known for greater choice options that suggest greater perceptions of control for gamers. Sandbox games also generally encourage the use of user-generated creations called modifications (mods) that users can download to personalize their games. While we need philosophy to understand and define control as a concept, we also need psychology to understand how users perceive control in media studies. At present, qualitative academic research that measures gamer perceptions of control is non-existent as is research on how users articulate their experiences with mods. Interviews were conducted with twenty-seven individuals who identified as gamers to analyze these perceptions of control in a game like Skyrim. The first chapter is introductory and outlines key terms for the dissertation as well as the play study's methodology. The second chapter examines philosophical and psychological perceptions of control that correspond with negative freedom (freedom from) and positive freedom (freedom to). While no game can promise radical free will because they have been programmed in advance, the information here may be used to demonstrate how perceptions of control might influence game design. The third chapter continues this exploration of perceived control through genre analysis, revealing the relationship between greater perceptions of control and mod support in sandbox video games. The fourth chapter presents the first two findings from the play study that demonstrate how mods influence player perceptions of control. The fifth chapter reveals how gamers of the play study discuss their perceptions of control video games in their own words with an emphasis on positive and negative freedom and generic conventions. The final chapter provides challenges for game design and scholarly qualitative analysis for future research based on findings in the play study.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007479, ucf:52673
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007479

Title: To The CORE: The Congress of Racial Equality, the Seattle Civil Rights Movement, and the Shift to Black Militancy.
Creator: Jimenez, Michael, Lester, Connie, Walters, Lori, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis compares the history of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) to that of its Seattle chapter. The study traces the entire history of CORE from 1942-1968 as well as the history of Seattle CORE from 1961-1968. The goal of this examination is to identify why Seattle CORE successfully fended off the movement for black militancy and consequently why national CORE failed to do so. Juxtaposing the two radically different histories shows an integrated organization, bureaucratic...
Show moreThis thesis compares the history of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) to that of its Seattle chapter. The study traces the entire history of CORE from 1942-1968 as well as the history of Seattle CORE from 1961-1968. The goal of this examination is to identify why Seattle CORE successfully fended off the movement for black militancy and consequently why national CORE failed to do so. Juxtaposing the two radically different histories shows an integrated organization, bureaucratic leadership, a plan of action based on nonviolent actions, and a strong attachment to the black community were the central reasons for the success of Seattle CORE, and conversely, these areas were why national CORE struggled. Moreover, this study shows the events and failures over the first two decades created a susceptible environment for the organization to abandon CORE's nonviolent ideology and the subsequent disintegration of the Congress of Racial Equality as the walls of Jim Crow broke down.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004327, ucf:49411
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004327

Title: The role of freedom in assessing the relationship between tourism competitiveness and quality of life: The case of Central America.
Creator: Kubickova, Marketa, Croes, Robertico, Nusair, Khaldoon, Rivera, Manuel, Robinson, Edward, Santana, Maria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this dissertation study is to investigate the relationship among tourism competitiveness, quality of life, and freedom. The main premise is that the degree of freedom shapes the relationship between tourism development and quality of life. The study hypothesized that the greater the degree of freedom is, the greater impact tourism development will have on quality of life of residents of a destination. The theoretical framework of this study is based on combining Sen's...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation study is to investigate the relationship among tourism competitiveness, quality of life, and freedom. The main premise is that the degree of freedom shapes the relationship between tourism development and quality of life. The study hypothesized that the greater the degree of freedom is, the greater impact tourism development will have on quality of life of residents of a destination. The theoretical framework of this study is based on combining Sen's capability approach with the tourism competitiveness theory. Tourism competitiveness aims at enhancing the quality of life, while Sen's capability approach provides the ingredients for how to improve quality of life through freedom. Thus, the main premise is that the combination of the two theoretical frameworks is possible through the construct of quality of life. The study is applied to the Central American region as tourism has become an important driver for socio-economic progress and growth. The study applied panel data analyses and comparative regression analyses to decipher and understand the context of tourism competitiveness and quality of life. The study built a tourism competitiveness index and investigated the intertemporal effects of tourism competitiveness, quality of life, and freedom.The major findings of this study are as follow. First, long term bi-directional causality was found between tourism competitiveness and quality of life. In other words, tourism not only positively impacts quality of life, but high levels of quality of life have positive influence on tourism competitiveness in the Central American region. This is a major contribution as such assumptions have been mainly hypothesized. Second, economic freedom was found to act as a moderating variable between tourism competitiveness and quality of life. This finding allows us to further understand what impact such relationship between tourism competitiveness and quality of life. Third, economic freedom was found not to have an impact on quality of life as originally thought. However, quality of life was found to have a short-term impact on economic freedom. Finally, economic freedom had a bi-directional relationship with tourism competitiveness. This is a major contribution as such relationship was not previously discussed in the academic literature. The theoretical implication of this study is in terms of combining the capability approach and the competitiveness theory. In terms of managerial implications, governments of the Central American region can work on strategies, such as marketing, to promote tourism which in turn will improve residents' quality of life. At the same time, the government can work on improving residents' well-being while impacting tourism competitiveness.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005364, ucf:50476
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005364

Title: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001 TO THE USA FREEDOM ACT OF 2015: BALANCING SECURITY WITH LIBERTY.
Creator: Russo, Richard, Slaughter, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Freedom and safety are two ideals that American citizens value greatly; however, the balance between privacy and security determines whether or not both can be achieved in a reasonable manner. Security and privacy are not mutually exclusive; however, they tend to exhibit an inverse correlation with regards to maintaining individual liberties. Security and privacy are highly beneficial, but when one is given too much weight, the other most often suffers. When the United States citizens are...
Show moreFreedom and safety are two ideals that American citizens value greatly; however, the balance between privacy and security determines whether or not both can be achieved in a reasonable manner. Security and privacy are not mutually exclusive; however, they tend to exhibit an inverse correlation with regards to maintaining individual liberties. Security and privacy are highly beneficial, but when one is given too much weight, the other most often suffers. When the United States citizens are given too much privacy through regulations, the citizens risk their well-being by not allowing the government the ability to prevent dangerous activities being done by criminals. Citizens are unable to defend themselves against foreign and domestic threats of terrorism that affect large amounts of people such as bombings in public settings; however, the federal government can help to prevent such attacks in public settings through surveillance of public areas and monitoring of internet and intracellular communications. When the United States federal government is given too much discretion in security powers through legislation, citizens are at risk of losing their civil rights granted in the Bill of Rights and in Supreme Court cases. The United States of America has had a dangerous imbalance of power in favor of national security since the adoption of the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001, and the imbalance has continued to the present even after the passage of the USA FREEDOM Act in 2015.This thesis will be a comparative analysis of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 to the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015. This thesis will show what specific powers are granted through provisions of the acts, whether or not the provisions are unconstitutional, how the privacy and security of American citizens will change due to the provisions in the USA FREEDOM Act, and suggestions for how the United States federal government can continue to tilt the balance between security and liberty to ensure more protection for civil liberties and a decrease in national security powers. The suggestions will include three options for gaining the protection of civil liberties and the elimination of certain national security powers and the options are through Supreme Court cases on national security laws pertaining to individual cases or states, Congress passing concurring minor bills with the proposed plan to fully repeal granted national security powers without disturbing congressional alliances on other measures, and Congress passing a single act called the State Surveillance Repeal Act in order to fully repeal the USA PATRIOT Act provisions that would still be in effect after the passage of the USA FREEDOM Act.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004862, ucf:45466
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004862

Title: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.
Creator: Smith, Stefen, Naccarato-Fromang, Gina, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Same-sex marriage is a subject that has been heavily discussed and argued since the concept of marriage came into existence. Marriage is a relationship that most American citizens are entitled to although it is not yet a fundamental right. As of a very recent court decision, Strawser v. Strange, Civil Action No. 14-0424-CG-C finalized on February 9, 2015, Alabama has legalized same-sex marriage; furthermore, thirty-seven states now recognize the legality of same-sex marriage. Marriage,...
Show moreSame-sex marriage is a subject that has been heavily discussed and argued since the concept of marriage came into existence. Marriage is a relationship that most American citizens are entitled to although it is not yet a fundamental right. As of a very recent court decision, Strawser v. Strange, Civil Action No. 14-0424-CG-C finalized on February 9, 2015, Alabama has legalized same-sex marriage; furthermore, thirty-seven states now recognize the legality of same-sex marriage. Marriage, whether it is between a heterosexual or a homosexual couple, should be a fundamental right enjoyed by all. This thesis will explain why same-sex marriage should be a fundamental right. The research presented in this thesis will be scrutinized and thoroughly examined showing the obstacles that same-sex couples face when wanting to legally marry. The United States Constitution, the Due Process Clause, and the Equal Protection Clause will be analyzed and discussed to prove that all fifty states should allow same-sex couples to wed. Citizens view what constitutes a marriage differently depending on their upbringing and residence. This thesis will illustrate why same-sex marriage has been such a widely discussed topic, and it will investigate the influence of religion and the church. Historically, the tradition of marriage has always been between one man and one woman. By examining how the tradition of marriage is changing and using case law decisions, an argument can be formed that marriage should be a fundamental right for all people.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004779, ucf:45391
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004779

Title: THE FORGOTTEN THIRD BRANCH: THE SUPREME COURT, PUBLIC OPINION, AND THE MEDIA.
Creator: Pitchman, Adrien, Schmidt, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The three branches of government rely on public engagement for the prosperity of the nation. Moreover, informed public opinion is a fundamental tenant of democracy. With that in mind, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the Judicial Branch and the public. Specifically, this paper examines and questions the Supreme Court's efficacy communicating with the public. American constituents are inundated on a daily basis by the clamor of D.C. politics. The twenty four hour news cycle...
Show moreThe three branches of government rely on public engagement for the prosperity of the nation. Moreover, informed public opinion is a fundamental tenant of democracy. With that in mind, this paper aims to explore the relationship between the Judicial Branch and the public. Specifically, this paper examines and questions the Supreme Court's efficacy communicating with the public. American constituents are inundated on a daily basis by the clamor of D.C. politics. The twenty four hour news cycle has given way to politicized headlines and exaggerated pundit commentary on contentious national issues. In a technological age where information is instant and the public has become accustomed to soundbites for education, the Supreme Court is left out of place. Both the Executive Branch and Legislative Branch converse directly with the public when necessary. Politicians frequently address their constituents or discuss complicated issues with voters first hand. However, the Supreme Court has rejected this strategy and instead relies almost exclusively on the press to relay their decisions. The judicial branch is the only third of our government without constant communication to the American people. As a result, the judiciary is relatively ignored by its citizens. By discussing a number of landmark cases since the turn of the century, this paper aims to analyze how those decisions were both announced to the public by the media and how the public received them. The Court has certainly adopted the press as an agent of communication. But is the media truly the proper outlet for the Court's rulings?
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004771, ucf:45392
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004771

Title: INTERDIFFUSION BEHAVIOR OF U-MO ALLOYS IN CONTACT WITH AL AND AL-SI ALLOYS.
Creator: Perez, Emmanuel, Sohn, Yong-Ho, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: U-Mo dispersion and monolithic fuels embedded in Al-alloy matrix are under development to fulfill the requirements of research reactors to use low-enriched molybdenum stabilized uranium alloys as fuels. The system under consideration in this study consisted of body centered cubic (gamma) U-Mo alloys embedded in an Al structural matrix. Significant interaction has been observed to take place between the U-Mo fuel and the Al matrix during manufacturing of the fuel-plate system assembly and...
Show moreU-Mo dispersion and monolithic fuels embedded in Al-alloy matrix are under development to fulfill the requirements of research reactors to use low-enriched molybdenum stabilized uranium alloys as fuels. The system under consideration in this study consisted of body centered cubic (gamma) U-Mo alloys embedded in an Al structural matrix. Significant interaction has been observed to take place between the U-Mo fuel and the Al matrix during manufacturing of the fuel-plate system assembly and during irradiation in reactors. These interactions produce Al-rich phases with physical and thermal properties that adversely affect the performance of the fuel system and can lead to premature failure. In this study, interdiffusion and microstructural development in the U-Mo vs. Al system was examined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples consisting of U-7wt.%Mo, U-10wt.%Mo and U-12wt.%Mo vs. pure Al, annealed at 600°C for 24 hours. The influence of Si alloying addition (up to 5 wt.%) in Al on the interdiffusion microstructural development was also examined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples consisting of U-7wt.%Mo, U-10wt.%Mo and U-12wt.%Mo vs. pure Al, Al-2wt.%Si, and Al-5wt.%Si annealed at 550°C for 1, 5 and 20 hours. To further clarify the diffusional behavior in the U-Mo-Al and U-Mo-Al-Si systems, Al-rich 85.7Al-11.44U-2.86Mo, 87.5Al-10U-2.5Mo, 56.1Al-18.9Si-21.9U-3.1Mo and 69.3Al-11.9Si-18.8U (at.%) alloys were cast and homogenized at 500°C to determine the equilibrium phases of the system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to examine the phase development in the diffusion couples and the cast alloys. In ternary U-Mo-Al diffusion couples annealed at 600°C for 24 hours, the interdiffusion microstructure consisted of finely dispersed UAl3, UAl4, U6Mo4Al43, and UMo2Al20 phases while the average composition throughout the interdiffusion zone remained constant at approximately 80 at.% Al. The interdiffusion microstructures observed by EPMA, SEM and TEM analyses were correlated to explain the observed morphological development in the interdiffusion zones. The concept of thermodynamic degrees of freedom was used to justify that, although deviations are apparent, the interdiffusion zones did not significantly deviate from an equilibrium condition in order for the observed microstructures to develop. Selected diffusion couples developed periodic bands within the interdiffusion zone as sub-layers in the three-phase regions. Observation of periodic banding was utilized to augment the hypothesis that internal stresses play a significant role in the phase development and evolution of U-Mo vs. pure Al diffusion couples. The addition of Si (up to 5 wt.%) to the Al significantly reduced the growth rate of the interdiffusion zone. The constituent phases and composition within the interdiffusion zone were also modified. When Si was present in the Al terminal alloys, the interdiffusion zones developed layered morphologies with fine distributions of the (U,Mo)(Al,Si)3 and UMo2Al20 phases. The U6Mo4Al43 phase was observed scarcely in Si depleted regions within the interdiffusion zone. The phase development and evolution of the interdiffusion zone was described in terms of thermodynamic degrees of freedom with minimal deviations from equilibrium.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003747, ucf:48778
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003747

Title: THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF FREEDOM OF THE WILL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL PHYSICALISM.
Creator: Gonzalez, Ariel, Rodgers, Travis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Many contemporary naturalistic philosophers have taken it for granted that a robust theory of free will, one which would afford us with an agency substantial enough to render us morally responsible for our actions, is itself not conceptually compatible with the philosophical theory of naturalism. I attempt to account for why it is that free will (in its most substantial form) cannot be plausibly located within a naturalistic understanding of the world. I consider the issues surrounding an...
Show moreMany contemporary naturalistic philosophers have taken it for granted that a robust theory of free will, one which would afford us with an agency substantial enough to render us morally responsible for our actions, is itself not conceptually compatible with the philosophical theory of naturalism. I attempt to account for why it is that free will (in its most substantial form) cannot be plausibly located within a naturalistic understanding of the world. I consider the issues surrounding an acceptance of a robust theory of free will within a naturalistic framework. Timothy O'Connor's reconciliatory effort in maintaining both a scientifically naturalist understanding of the human person and a full-blooded theory of agent-causal libertarian free will is considered. I conclude that Timothy O'Connor's reconciliatory model cannot be maintained and I reference several conceptual difficulties surrounding the reconciliation of agent-causal libertarian properties with physical properties that haunt the naturalistic libertarian.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004628, ucf:45292
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004628

Title: PAUL VERHOEVEN, MEDIA MANIPULATION, AND HYPER-REALITY.
Creator: Malchiodi, Emmanuel, Janz, Bruce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the...
Show moreDutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the conventions of the big blockbuster science fiction films of the 1980s (E.T. and the Star Wars trilogy are prime examples), revealing a deeper exploration of both sociopolitical issues and the human condition. Much like the novels of Philip K. Dick (and Verhoeven's 1990 film Total Recall - an adaptation of a Dick short story), Verhoeven's science fiction work explores worlds where paranoia is a constant and determining whether an individual maintains any liberty is regularly questionable. In this thesis I am basically exploring issues regarding power. Although I barely bring up the term power in it, I feel it is central. Power is an ambiguous term; are we discussing physical power, state power, objective power, subjective power, or any of the other possible manifestations of the word? The original Anglo-French version of power means to be able,asking whether it is possible for one to do something. In relation to Verhoeven's science fiction work each demonstrates the limitations placed upon an individual's autonomy, asking are the protagonists capable of independent agency or rather just environmental constructs reflecting the myriad influences surrounding them. Does the individual really matter in the post-modern world, brimming with countless signs and signifiers? My main objective in this writing is to demonstrate how this happens in Verhoeven's films, exploring his central themes and subtext and doing what science fiction does: hold a mirror up to the contemporary world and critique it, asking whether our species' current trajectory is beneficial or hazardous.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003844, ucf:44697
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003844

Compatibilism (2)	+ -
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Affordable Care Act (1)	+ -
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Amusing Ourselves to Death (1)	+ -
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Bill Hicks (1)	+ -
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. (1)	+ -
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