Essay on Ant Colony - 1740 Words

BUG’S LIFE THE MOVIE In the Disney movie, A Bugs Life, there are many sociological factors that are present. First there is the difference between the leadership styles of the Queen ant, Princess Atta, and even Hopper the grasshopper. Also, the ant colony it self portrays the differences in social groups and who is looked at as a norm based on the ants perception and those who are deviant from the colony. And lastly, another sociological perspective that can be seen is the symbolic interationist perspective and the way one acts of deviance or norm and if that is based and if that behavior is biological or learned. In what follows the colony of ants will be descried and analyzed through the sociological aspects of, leadership†¦show more content†¦Since she is a queen in training she is not completely confident in her own decisions so she uses the royal council to help her in her decisions. This is portrayed in the scene in which they deliberate about Flik and whether to punish him for h is actions of dumping all the harvest food, or if they should grant his wish to go find bigger bugs to help. She seeks the advice of the council and they all give her the idea of, well if Flik goes to look he may never come back. After hearing them all she decides that yes, Flik can go out and seek help of bigger bugs to get rid of the grasshopper, which in reality it is to get rid of him. Princess Atta highly relies on her subordinates in the royal council when demonstrating her leadership abilities. Within the ant colony different sociological concepts of groups are present. The groups that can be discussed are the primary group, the in- group, and the reference group within the ant colony. The grasshoppers represent the out-group within the ant colony’s realm of socialization. Primary groups are small social group whose members share close, personal, enduring primary relationships. time spent These groups are marked by members concern for one another, shared ac tivities and culture, and long periods of together. The ant colony shows this in the bond they share together. They all work as a team to gather food and leave an offering for theShow MoreRelatedGuided Ant Colony Optimization Based Variable Neighborhood Search For Optimistic Load Balancing2031 Words   |  9 Pages GAVNS: Guided Ant Colony Optimization based Variable Neighborhood Search for Optimistic Load Balancing in Grid Computing Gurveer Kaur Brar1, Amit Chhabra2 1 Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Punjab, India gurveer.dhillon43@gmail.com, amit.cse@gndu.ac.in Abstract Grid Computing resolves high performance computing and throughput issues through sharing of resources. These resources are heterogeneous in nature and geographically distributed to develop large scale applications. SchedulingRead More Analysis of Robert Frosts Poem, Departmental Essay742 Words   |  3 Pagesmany, â€Å"an ant on a tablecloth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Then the ant bumps into a day drowsy moth that is much larger than him. The ant seems a tad bit jealous that the moth lacks the amount of responsibility that ants are burdened with. The ant thinks that if the moth were one of his own race he’d chastise him and send him back to work. He describes how the ant society is much more sophisticated and intellectual than the likes of the moth. Their philosophy is to learn about religion, nature, and space. The ant then beingRead MoreAnalysis of Robert Frosts Departmental Essays733 Words   |  3 Pagesmany, an ant on a tableclothÂ… Then the ant bumps into a day drowsy moth that is much larger than him. The ant seems a tad bit jealous that the moth lacks the amount of responsibility that ants are burdened with. The ant thinks that if the moth were one of his own race hed chastise him and send him back to work. He describes how the ant society is much more sophisticated and intellectual than the likes of the moth. Their philosophy is to learn about religion, nature, and space. The ant then beingRead MoreBreakpoint by Jeff Stibel: Biological Examples for Technological Advancement529 Words   |  3 PagesHarvester ants, who after 5 years reach it’s breakpoint, and continues on rather efficiently because of it’s limits. Once those five years pass the ant colony is limited to 10,000 ants, with the Queen reproducing specifically just to replace the worker ants that die off after a year. Just like neurons, all of the ants in a specific colony strive for one goal. That’s what makes the brain, and ant colonies so intelligent. Eac h neuron only has one task, but through a vast network of neurons and ants, biggerRead MoreSearch Based Software Engineering : Using Traditional Techniques1258 Words   |  6 Pagespoint search metaheuristics or trajectory methods. Population based search involves evolution of group of points in search space such as in ant colony optimization and evolutionary computation techniques. The mode of origin is another basis to distinguish between nature inspired and no nature inspired metaheuristic algorithm.. Evolutionary computation and Ant Colony Optimization belongs to the class of nature inspired whereas tabu search and iterated local search belongs to the class of non nature inspiredRead MoreThe Problem And Defining Fitness Function Essay1376 Words   |  6 Pages. Population based search involves evolution of group of points in search space such as in ant colony optimization and evolutionary computation techniques. The mode of origin is another basis to distinguish between natur e inspired and no nature inspired metaheuristic algorithm. Evolutionary computation and Ant Colony Optimization belongs to the class of nature inspired whereas tabu search and iterated local search belongs to the class of non nature inspired algorithms. Metaheuristic algorithms areRead MoreNature Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms Essay2010 Words   |  9 Pagesnature-inspired algorithms become a current trend and is applicable to almost every area. This paper provides a wide classification of existing algorithms as the basis of future research.. This paper reviewed the existing algorithms Firefly Algorithm (FA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Bat Algorithm (BA), Cuckoo Search (CS) and Other Nature Inspired Algorithms. However, the study reveals the existing algorithms to improve the optimization performance in different analysis. The purpose of this review and comparisonRead MoreMosquito Flying Optimization ( Mfo )1665 Words   |  7 Pagesapplications as reported b y Michalewicz[4]. There are number of meta-heuristics available till date and some of the most successful meta-heuristic algorithms include genetic algorithm (GA)[5], [6], [7], ant colony optimization [8],[9], particle swarm optimization (PSO)[10],[11], and artificial bee colony (ABC)[12] . Some of the recently proposed meta-heuristic algorithms include cuckoo search[13], [14], seven-spot ladybird optimization (SLO)[15] and bacteria foraging algorithm (BFA)[16]. These meta-heuristicRead MorePlanning a Mobile Robot in Static and Dynamic Environments1086 Words   |  4 Pagespotential field method, ant colony algorithm, genetic algorithm and so on. Artificial potential field method is suitable for underlying real-time path control with the lack of global information. But it has the problem of local path planning. Neural network method has good ability optimization of problem. But in the network structure becomes large when considering lots of obstacles or dynamic environment and the neuronal threshold value constantly changes as time goes by Ant colony algorithm can achieveRead MoreConstruction Projects Of Saudi Arabia991 Words   |  4 PagesLP/IP Hybrid method for time-cost tradeoff C. Using fuzzy multi-objective particle swarm optimization (FMOPSO) for time-cost quality tradeoff D. Stochastic construction time-cost trade-off analysis using Genetic Algorithm E. â€Å"Non-dominated Archiving Ant Colony Optimization† (NA-ACO) algorithm to model time-cost tradeoff F. Time/cost optimization using hybrid evolutionary algorithm Methods Using potential quality loss cost (PQLC) model in time–cost tradeoff through Linear Programing a. Suggested Method

Fahrenheit 451 - 771 Words

Thought Imagine a world with no free thought and where reading books is viewed as a threat to society and the happiness of its citizens. Ray Bradbury did just this in his novel Fahrenheit 451. Concerned by the rise of technology and the relationship between burning books and burning people, Bradbury sought to highlight the dangerous path that society is on, one that could lead to mindlessness and thoughtlessness. In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury challenges thoughtlessness and promotes freethinking through the construction of his characters. He uses the character of Mildred and her friends to show the consequences of a superficial, dumbed-down society that focuses on pleasure, while Montag and Clarisse show the power and importance of free†¦show more content†¦Ultimately, Montag’s desire for free thought ensures his survival as he has fled the city that is destroyed by a bomb. By the end of this novel, the reader is left wondering whether Bradbury’s predictions may come true, at least to some extent. He predicted the rise of television and walkmans which, many would argue, are slowly degrading our propensity for free thought. He shows us very clearly through his characters what the consequences of such a society would be – mindless, thoughtless people who are driven by pleasure and are not actually happy as a result. Novels like Bradbury’s are important to us now because even though he was writing over 50 years ago, the ideas he puts forward are still relevant. We should be fighting against ignorance and fighting to keep knowledge at the centre of our world.Show MoreRelatedFahrenheit 4511365 Words   |  6 PagesBradbury s novel, Fahrenheit 451, was written at the onset of the fifties as a call to the American people to reflect on how the dominant social values of their times were effecting both the lives of individual Americans and t heir government. Fahrenheit 451 attacks utopian government and focuses on society s foolishness of always being politically correct. (Mogen 113). According to Mogen, Fahrenheit 451 depicts a world in which the American Dream has turned into a nightmare because it has beenRead MoreFahrenheit 451704 Words   |  3 PagesSTUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR FAHRENHEIT 451 As you read each section of the novel, answer briefly the following questions. Part I: The Hearth and the Salamander (pages 1-65) 1. What do the firemen do for a living? In our world, firemen fight fires. In â€Å"Fahrenheit 451, â€Å"the firemen burns books. They do this to fight ideas and to keep their society safe from disruptive influences. 2. What is never washed off completely? 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In the novel, Guy Montag becomes disillusioned with the illiterate ignorance of his society. Through a series of tragic events, Montag finds the vapid world must be changed. This change will be the only way to attain true knowledge, thus freedomRead MoreFahrenheit 4511858 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿Jhoan Aguilar Mrs. Armistead English III H (4) October 24, 2013 The Exhort of Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury created the novel Fahrenheit 451 as a way to admonish future generations against social and economic trends that would emerge during the twentieth century. I. Introduction II. Reasons behind novel A. World events B. Personal events III. Economic trends of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries A. The economics of consumerism B. Economic effects on society IV. Social trendsRead More1984 And Fahrenheit 4511505 Words   |  7 PagesOrwell, and Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, the concepts of totalitarianism and censorship are addressed in various ways. Both texts are of dystopian fiction, set in post-nuclear war nations, although they are somewhat of a different nature. The concepts of totalitarianism and censorship are explored throughout the texts by addressing the issue of ‘knowledge is power’, the use and abuse of technology and the desensitising of society. Although these are mentioned in both 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, they areRead MoreFahrenheit 451 Essay1581 Words   |  7 PagesViolence Is Frequently Relevant To the Society in Fahrenheit 451 Fahrenheit 451 is a novel written by Ray Bradbury. In Bradbury’s futuristic novel, violence is prevalently revealed in the society. Violence in society is aggression, cruelty, rough or injurious physical actions and treatment towards the citizens and civilization in the society, where everyone has the same theory and beliefs on the way one should act. In Fahrenheit 451, everyone is careless and relatively violent with the exceptionRead MoreFahrenheit 451 Essay1076 Words   |  5 PagesAs renowned author Ernest Hemingway said, â€Å"There is no friend as loyal as a book†. This can be true at times, but in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, many people in the novel’s dystopian society think otherwise. In this essay I’ll be discussing the 5 books I’d save from the firemen if I was Guy Montag in Fahrenheit 451, and which of the 5 I’d choose to remember and â€Å"become†. The books I’d save would be Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Jandy Nelson’s I’ll GiveRead MoreAnalysis Of Fahrenheit 451 1142 Words   |  5 PagesParis. What do all of these places have in common? They fell victim to unpredictability. Mass shootings are not new to our society, but they are still a devastating problem that should not exist any longer. Mass shootings connect to the novel, Fahrenheit 451, through both the unnecessary violence and the absence of humanity that are evident in the novel. Mass shootings are a devastating problem in our society, and now their numbers have escalated to a new level. This change reflects how both our societyRead MoreSociety In Fahrenheit 4511659 Words   |  7 PagesOur society is heading for destruction, similar to the destruction in Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451. In this novel, the characters live in a society that is truly awful, but the author shows us that our society is heading down that path also. However, in the story, the beliefs of the main character Guy Montag change drastically, from beginning the novel as an oblivious citizen to ending it by trying to change his society for the better. Guy lives in a society in which the government outlaws

Simeon Stylites Influence on Later Ascetic Practices free essay sample

James Lanbro Religion 204 April 10th, 2013 Saint Simeon Stylites Influence on Later Ascetic Practices Saint Simeon Stylite the Elder was a pioneer of early Christian monasticism. He is noted today as the man who sat atop a pillar, braving the cold, heat, sleet and rain, day and night, for 37 years. Living mostly in the fifth century, he was highly influential in convincing Pagans and Jews to convert to Christianity (1). After his death, he became a prime example influencing Monk’s in the practice of asceticism. His extreme examples of fasting, self-torture and prayer were all examples of how to become closer to the Biblical Lord. Simeon was born approximately 389 CE to a middle class family in a small village in northern Syria. His family owned a flock of sheep to which he tended in his youth. At the age of 13, while herding his sheep, he stumbled upon a Christian Church on a Sunday. We will write a custom essay sample on Simeon Stylites Influence on Later Ascetic Practices or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There he heard a sermon that influenced him to become a Christian. By the age of 18 he left his family to live in a nearby monastery to become a monk. As a monk he practiced extreme forms of ascetics including hermitage, fasting and self-torture (2). â€Å"Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. As many were astonished at him – his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men- so shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand. † Isaiah 53. 13 – 15 John the Baptist, Jesus and his disciples and Saint Paul practiced ascetics and were Simeon’s major influences. Both John and Jesus practiced a 40 day fast, and both suffered a greatly terrible tortured death. Ascetics were a giant part of Simeon’s methods of operation. From the time he discovered the Gospel as an adolescent he began fasting as a form of worship. When he was in his physical prime, he only ate a small amount, once a week, on Sundays. On two occasions, he celebrated Lent without any food for 40 days (2). Simeon practiced many forms of self torture. He kept a wound open on his leg and encouraged infection to live in constant pain. He experienced sleep deprivation, creating devices that would awaken him if he were to fall asleep. He also vowed to remain standing and did so, for over 50 years. In his early career, he tied a rope around his mid-section and left it there for three years. When it was removed, his flesh had grown around the rope. The smell was noted as being so horrendous that he was asked to leave the monastery. Another reason for being asked to leave the monastery was that his ascetic practices were too extreme and the other monks were jealous of him (3). In the medieval era, hermit living and isolating oneself from society was considered an effective way for a monk to become closer to God. Society was considered full of mistruths and temptations. Simeon took hermitage very seriously. He locked himself away into a hut for ten years to pray and repent. He was fed by other monks who passed food through a gap in the wall. Simeon tied himself to a post for a year and a half, as to help quell the temptation of returning to society comforts (4). Being so extreme is his ascetics, people began to talk about Simeon. His fame grew and he began having difficulties with pilgrims who would insist on begging Simeon for a miracle. They would often want to rip a piece of his clothing for a relic souvenir. This attention led Simeon to sit atop his first of three pillars, high above the physical grasp of the public (2). Simeon’s pillar living was designed as a means to an end. His fame was growing across Christendom and he needed to somehow further isolate himself from his followers. He located his pillar on top of a small mountain where he could be closer to the heavens. He dwelled just outside of the city of Allepo, in Syria. Simeon remained atop a pillar for 37 years. He came down twice only to ascend a higher pillar built by thankful wealthy pilgrims. His final pillar was 20 meter’s high, making his public sermons indiscernible. When people of high rank needed correspondence, they would climb a latter to speak to him (5). He ate through the support of a nearby monastery. They would bring his a bag of food, including goat’s milk and bread on a weekly basis. They would lift the bag using a pulley and rope. Simeon never finished his weekly ration. Because of the lack of nutrients ingested, he rarely defecated and when he did it was quite minimal (4). Prayer was very important to Simeon and he was known to have completed 1244 postulations during his nightly prayer. Simeon prayed early in the day and gave sermons in the late morning, and he would address his audience in the early afternoon (6). Simeons fame was reluctant. The more righteous he became with his ascetics, the more society gained interest in his plight. His close relationship with God gave him the ability to perform amazing miracles of healing. His fame grew around Syria and the surrounding countries, and people from far and wide began to visit him looking for advice. As he performed more and more miracles and spectacular events, his fame spilt across Europe as far as the British Isles and into the Far East. He eventually felt required to live on higher and higher pillars to better concentrate on his prayers and ascetics (3). It is quite ironic that the more Simeon isolated himself from society, the more society sought his advice, prayer and blessing. He was influential in politics of both the state and the church. Emperor Theodosius II would send for his advice on ruling the Byzantine Empire. Upon his death, Constantine argued to have his body moved to Constantinople (3). There are three writings from the fifth century that report the biography of Saint Simeon Stylite the Elder. The first was written by Theodoret during Simeons lifetime, when he was already living atop the third and highest pillar. Theodoret, who was also sainted, wrote a book to record the practices of ascetic monks in the Middle East. His writing gave a very detailed account of Simeon’s life and accomplishments (3). The second writing was written just after Simeon’s death. His pillar was used as a relic for a monastery around which it was built. It was so well built that its ruins remain well intact today. Unfortunately, the pillar itself is nothing more than a stump, as pilgrims have removed small pieces as souvenirs over the years. The monks in Saint Simeons monastery wrote a slightly different account of Simeons life. This account is considered to be slightly exaggerated and some of the details have been skewed for ease of storytelling (7). A third account of Simeons life has been found in various translations in various ancient libraries across the Middle East. It is estimated that it is mostly an account based on both the Theodoret and the Syrian monks’ writings. Each translation is slightly different from the other. The writings also offer new information that is unavailable in the first two writings (4). Other famous ascetic monks followed Saint Simeon’s examples including Saint David of Whales and Francis of Assini. Saint David of Whales lived in the sixth century and started an order of monks practicing strict asceticism. They avoided meats and beers, eating only water, bread, salts and herbs. They punished themselves further by plowing the fields without the help of animals. They denounced themselves of all earthly belongings to the point that they even had to borrow Bibles to study. Francis of Assini was famous for his vows of poverty. He and eleven followers lived as able bodied beggars, while preaching the Gospel (8). These writings became a framework for future ascetic monks. Stylites become quite popular in the sixth and seventh century. Wealthy towns took pride in having a stylite monk looking over them. Famous stylites would include two more Simeons. Simeon The Younger would gain a great bit of notoriety and influence. Simeon III was actually struck by lightning. Daniel the Stylite was Simeon’s disciple and continued his tradition for 33 years on a pillar near Constantinople after Simeon’s death. Monks followed the practices of Saint Simeon Stylite the elder until the mid nineteenth century (8). St. Luke the Elder lived on a Pillar atop Mount Olympus in the ninth century. Roger Collins, an expert on medieval studies claims that some medieval towns would have more than one Stylite and they would tend to argue theology from atop their pillars (8). Simeon died atop the pillar in 483 CE. He was left dead on the pillar for three days because his followers believed him to be in deep meditation. St. Simeon’s fame grew so large that by his death, the nearby city of Antioch and the Empire Capital of Constantinople fought for possession of his remains. The preference was given to Antioch, and his relics were left there as a protection of the unwalled city (3). In 1833, Alfred Tennyson wrote a famous poem about St. Simeon where he has Simeon describe himself (9): Let this avail, just, dreadful, mighty God, This not be all in vain, that thrice ten years, Thrice multiplied by superhuman pangs, In hungers and in thirsts, fevers and cold, In coughs, aches, stitches, ulcerous throes and cramps, A sign betwixt the meadow and the cloud, Patient on this tall pillar I have borne Rain, wind, frost, heat, hail, damp, and sleet, and snow; (lines 9–16) In Constantine P. Cavafys 1917 poem, â€Å"Simeon,† Cavafy write’s a dialogue thought out by a young aesthetic (10). Ah, don—t smile; for thirty-five years, think of it— winter, summer, daytime, night, for thirty-five years hes been living, martyring himself, atop a pillar. Before we were born—I—m twenty-nine years old, you are, I think, younger than I am— before we were born, imagine it, Simeon climbed up that pillar. And since that time he has stayed there facing God. In 1965, Luis Bunuel made a short film called Simon del Desierto, that is based on the life of St. Simeon. For maximum juxtaposition, the movie ends with Satin banishing the Saint to a modern 1960’s night club. In today’s modern world there have been two pillar dwellers of fame in North America. In 1998, Julia Butterfly climbed a 500 year old tree in California when it was slated to be cut down. She stayed in the tree for eighteen months until an agreement was made with authorities and the lumber company to save said tree (11). In 2002, magician David Blaine spent 35 hours standing atop a 30 meter pillar in New York City. In preparation for his stunt, he fasted for one week, so he wouldn’t have to defecate while atop the pillar (12). Of course, it is always a popular fund raiser to have a radio DJ live atop a billboard for a week to raise awareness about some sort of charity. Simeon Stylite The Elder was a pioneer of early Christian ascetic practices. By his examples, monks of future generations became closer to their God. His life is exemplary of the greatest of great Saints, sacrificing so much for his God. His contributions to Christianity are immeasurable, and his imprint is undeniable. Simeon Stylite The Elder will continue to be an icon of religious ascetism for generations to come. Works Cited 1) Gibbon, Alfred â€Å"Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire† 1781, Sacred-texts. com, accesses April 4th, 2013, http://www. sacred-texts. com/cla/gibbon/03/daf03041. htm 2) Lent, Frederick â€Å"The Life of St. Simeon Stylites: A Translation of the Syriac Text in Bedjan’s Acta Martyrumet Sanctorum, Vol. IV† American Oriental Society, 1915. 3) Brock, S. P â€Å"Early Syrian Asceticism†, Cambridge, England, Brill Publishing, Numen, Vol. 20, Fasc. 1 (Apr. , 1973), pp. 1-19 4) Doran, Robert The Lives of Simeon Stylites† Journal of Roman Studies, 1971. 5) Visser, Margeret â€Å"St. Simeon the Stylite† Compass, Volume 14, #2, 6) Lamb, George â€Å"Saints for Now† edited by Clare Boothe Luce (Sheed and Ward, Inc. 1952) 7) Henri Stierlin â€Å"Encyclopedia of World Architecture† Art amp; Design Centre, Valletta, 1977 8) Harvey , S. Ashbrook â€Å"The Sense of a Stylite: Perspectives on Simeon the Elder†, Brill Publishing, Vigiliae Christianae, Vol. 42, No. 4 (Dec. , 1988), pp. 376-394 9) Tennyson, Alfred â€Å"St. Simeon Stylites† 1842, accessed April 4th, 2013, http://www. online-literature. om/donne/728/ 10) Jeffreys, Peter â€Å"Cavafy, Forster amp; The Eastern Question†, Journal Of Modern Greek Studies, Volume 19, Number 1, May 2001 11) Fitzgerald, Dawn â€Å"Julia Butterfly Hill: Saving the Redwoods. † Millbrook, Connecticut: Millbrook Press 2002 12) Blaine, David â€Å"Vertigo† www. davidblaine. com Accessed April 9th, 2013 13) Charles C. Torry (and Saint Simeon) â€Å"The Letters of Simeon the Stylite†, American Oriental Society, Volume 20, 1899 14) Miller, Patricia Cox â€Å"Desert Asceticism and The Body from Nowhere Journal of Early Christian Studies, Volume 2, Number 2, Summer 1994

Sociology The Comparative Method Sociologists Have Embraced What Is Kn

Sociology The Comparative Method Sociologists have embraced what is known as the comparative method as the most efficient way to expose taken-for-granted 'truths' or laws that people have adopted. But what is this comparative method and how does it work? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to exposing these false 'truths'. What forms or variations of the comparative method exist? In the pages to follow I will attempt to give you some insight and understanding of what the comparative method is, and how it works. The comparative method, simply put, is the process of comparing two things (in our case societies, or the people that make up society) and seeing if the result of the comparison shows a difference between the two. The comparative method attempts to dereify (the process of exposing misinterpreted norms. Norms that society consider natural and inevitable characteristics of human existence) reified (the human created norms or 'truths') beliefs. Obviously there are various way s in which a nomi (a labeled, sometime constructed, norm or truth) can be exposed. Which form of the comparative method should one use however? The answer, whichever one applies to the 'truth' in question. For example, you certainly would not do a cross-gender form of comparison if you wished to expose whether or not homosexuality has always been feared and looked down upon by most people throughout history. No, rather you would perform a historical comparison of two or more different societies to see if these beliefs always existed, or, whether or not this is a newly constructed belief. Let's look at little more closely at the above mentioned historical comparison and see how the comparative method works with a specific example. There is no question that in today's western society there is a lot of fear and trepidation towards people who are labeled 'homosexual'. The question we will attempt to answer however is whether or not it has always been like this and is this a universal t ruth. In ancient Greek societies people had a very different opinion of men that slept with men. For example, it was considered quite an honor for a family with a young boy under the age of 10, to be given the privilege on an older man of high society taking their son into his house. The young boy would go and live with this older man. The older man would have sex with the young boy on a regular basis until the boy developed facial hair. It was not until then that the boy was considered a man. Society thought that an older mans, of great reputation, semen would help the boy develop into a fine young man. Once the boy developed the facial hair, the sex between the two would stop. The older man's job was finished. Obviously this would be considered an atrocious and disgusting act these days. The older man in this case would certainly go to jail for the 'crimes' that he had committed. However, in Ancient Greece this was not only considered perfectly normal, but as I already stated, it was an honor and a gift that not every boy was 'lucky' enough to be given. Therefore, we can conclude from this comparison that homophobia, as we know it, is not a natural truth, nor is it a universal belief. Rather it is a socially constructed belief that many people have taken for granted as an inevitable part of human existence. It is important at this point to clarify something however. It is said that the role of the sociologist is a descriptive one as opposed to a prescriptive one. That is to say that the sociologist should describe the various practices, customs and structures that exist in various societies rather than suggest to people which one is actually the correct belief or the 'real' truth. Cross-gender comparisons is another commonly used comparison used to reveal socially constructed truths. In Carol Gilligan's book 'In a different voice' we find a fine example of a cross-gender comparison. She states that most people believe that the majority of people, both men and women, view morale issues in the same way. However, through empirical data collection, Carol Gilligan concludes that this is not most often