Quantum Applications In Political Science

Undergraduate Research ScholarshipThis paper will show the current state of quantum computation and its application as a political science research method. It will look at contemporary empirical literature to assess the current state of the method in both political science and computer science. Then, by assessing the state of quantum computation, this paper will make predictions concerning quantum computation as a research tool and also assess its capability as a catalyst for international diplomacy and discourse. Quantum computation is an emerging technology with increasing scientific attention. This paper will use IBM’s quantum computer, accessed through the cloud, to model and execute quantum algorithms that show the utility for political science research. Furthermore, through the base mathematics of common quantum algorithms, this paper will show how these algorithms can be expanded. This paper finds that quantum computation is a valuable tool with remarkable potential. However, quantum computing has its limitations and currently resides in an important juncture that will decide whether technology involving it will be resigned as a niche theoretical tool or be continued to be developed into a mainstream technology.No embargoAcademic Major: World Politic

What Does the Happy Life Require? Augustine on What the Summum Bonum Includes

Many critics of religion insist that believing in a future life makes us less able to value our present activities and distracts us from accomplishing good in this world. In Augustine's case, this gets things backwards. It is while Augustine seeks to achieve happiness in this life that he is detached from suffering and dismissive of the body. Once Augustine comes to believe happiness is only attainable once the whole city of God is triumphant, he is able to compassionately engage with present suffering and see material and social goods as part of our ultimate good

Mount Rushmore: A Tomb for Dead Ideas of American Greatness

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands in the Black Hills of South Dakota as a symbol of American greatness. However, the public perceptions of the greatness represented in this memorial do not take into consideration the ideals held by the three main contributors to the development of the mountain, Doane Robinson, Peter Norbeck, and Gutzon Borglum. An exploration into the lives and beliefs of these three men reveals that they possessed a specific definition of America greatness exemplified in the white male farmer of the American West. The four former presidents selected for carving symbolize a general American greatness, but more importantly they epitomize the specific version of greatness championed by the planners of the memorial. Yet, from the earliest perceptions of Mt. Rushmore, the public saw only the representation of a general American greatness that included all members of the nation and eventually the entire world. Visitors to Mount Rushmore do not see the specific ideas of American greatness intended by the planners of the memorial and these ideas of American greatness are now dead

Exploring Factors that Influence Post-Secondary Enrollment in Rural Communities

The purpose of this research project was to understand better the factors that influence post-secondary enrollment in rural communities. Several quantitative studies have examined rural students' school experiences and post-secondary aspirations and provide the foundation for this study. This qualitative case study employed one-on-one interviews and document review at a rural high school in southeastern Ohio. The purpose of this research was to explore the lived experience of rural high school students and the influence of economic and social factors on their post-secondary aspirations. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe students' post-graduation aspirations, (2) examine the influence of high school faculty, community members, immediate family, and economic resources on student's perceptions of enrolling in higher education, and (3) describe students' knowledge of college readiness programs and opportunities. Findings indicate that students need additional support when it comes to seeking a college degree. Out of the students interviewed, half had teachers who encouraged them to seek a college degree. Furthermore, the individuals that students interact with daily influence the chances of a child seeking higher education.No embargoAcademic Major: Agriscience Educatio

Can God Know what Time it is? A Working Paper

Many thinkers hold the following five propositions are inconsistent: The dynamic theory of time (McTaggart’s “A-theory”) is correct God is atemporal God knows tensed facts Free human actions are possible God interacts responsively with humans This working paper uses the discussion in Four Views: God and Time as a starting-point and moves towards explaining how these propositions are consistent