Annotated bibliography: structure, methods, and academic applications

Bandura, A. (1999). Moral Disengagement in the Perpetration of Inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193-209.

Discusses the moral agency embedded in socio-cognitive theory and other self-regulatory mechanisms responsible for restraining immoral personal behavior. Focuses primarily on specific factors that lead to moral disengagement, in which individual root justification for immoral behavior. Author sheds light on the importance of having a moral agency and dangers of not have one. He maintains that in the absence of such an agency, immoral conduct becomes rampant and destroys the moral fabric of the society. The thesis revolves around the idea that "Given the many mechanisms for disengaging moral control, civilized life requires, in addition to humane personal standards, safeguards built into social systems that uphold compassionate behavior and renounce cruelty." I found the article valuable because the author backs his arguments with findings from previous studies. However a moral detailed discussion on development of moral agency would have given the readers a clearer idea of what is meant by this term.

Bandura, A. (2001). Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective. 1.

An exploration of the psychological tools and techniques used to assert personal individual control over behavioral patterns. Discussion focused on personal agency control of socio-structural influences, and the significant social role of interdependence in establishing behavioral control. The work focuses primarily on socio cognitive theory and its role in the understanding of the elusive phenomenon of humanness. The paper pays close attention to the development of human agency and the factors that affect one's quality of life. The author has given a brief history of research in this field to explain how definitions of humanness and consciousness have changed over time. What makes a person take a particular action is the main issue addressed. The author asserts that human being "are agents of experiences rather than simply undergoers of experiences. The sensory, motor, and cerebral systems are tools people use to accomplish the tasks and goals that give meaning, direction, and satisfaction to their lives."

English, A.D. (1998). The Changing Face of War: Learning from History. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press.

A discussion of the evolution of military philosophy in juxtaposition with parallel evolutions in societal development; author theorizes that military tactics and strategies reflect evolutionary change in societal mores. The book is divided into three distinct parts, each focusing on a different time period to examine the changes that have taken pace in military strategies over the decades. The third part appeared most interesting since it relates to our current times. The author sheds light on the possible reasons for warfare in future and studies the impact of things like globalization and information revolution on humanity.

Epstein, B. (1999, Spring). Why postmodernism is not progressive: if you seek understanding or social change, don't go there. Free Inquiry, 19, 43+.