2017 Top 40 Undergraduate Professors Ron Gebhardtsbauer, Penn State (Smeal)

2017 Top 40 Undergraduate Professors: Ron Gebhardtsbauer, Penn State (Smeal) by: Andrea Carter on September 18, 2017 | 0 Comments Comments 788 Views September 18, 2017Ron GebhardtsbauerClinical Associate Professor,  Actuarial SciencePenn State University, Smeal College of BusinessRon Gebhardtsbauer joined Penn State’s Smeal College of Business after leaving his post as the senior benefits advisor to the chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Finance. Prior, this actuary expert who focuses on pension and retirement benefits, was the Senior Pension Fellow and Spokesperson for the American Academy of Actuaries, a role in which he frequently testified before Congress and moderated the White House Conference on Social Security. In his pre business school days, he also advised international governments on topics from pensions to social security as the lead U.S. delegate to the International Association of Actuaries. Professor Gebhardtsbauer’s real-world expe rience in the realm of actuarial science has made all the difference for him as a standout business school professor. His knowledge and experience in the field has helped raise the caliber of undergraduate education in actuarial science in Smeal’s Department of Risk Management. The school also credits Gebhardtsbauer’s leadership for helping Smeal to tripleover the last five yearsthe number of students who passed five of the necessary exams toward actuarial science accreditation.Age: 65At current institution since:  2008Education:  Fellow in the Society of Actuaries with a Master of Science in Actuarial Science from Northeastern University, 1976List of courses you currently teach: Probability Theory, Financial Mathematics, Financial Economics (Option Pricing, Derivatives Markets), Actuarial MathematicsFun fact about yourself: When a class has been timid at participating in a discussion or answering my questions, I’ve been known to stand on a student’s desk (like in the movie â€Å"Dead Poets Society†) and encourage them to be more confident, as they will be masters of the universe someday (in the insurance benefits world).â€Å"I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when†¦ The head of the Actuarial Program retired and I wanted his job and didn’t want to work in the U.S. Congress any longer.â€Å"If I weren’t a business school professor†¦Ã‚  I don’t know what I’d do. I guess I’d retire.â€Å"One word that describes my first time teaching Fun (so much fun, they needn’t pay me).What do you enjoy most about teaching undergraduate business students? Unlike older adults, college students are still impressionable, so they listen and believe everything I say (well almost everything).What is the biggest challenge that comes with teaching undergraduate business students? They believe everything I say (even when I make mistakes).   I want to teach students to think before they believe.What is the most impressive thing one of your undergraduate students has done? Passed 5 actuarial exams before graduation (on top of a double major)What is the least favorite thing one has done?  I had a student overtaken by heroin (but the good news is that a few years later he overcame it returned to finish his actuarial degree).What does a student need to do to get an A in your class? Understand the material covered (better than 2/3rds of the class), do Homework, and Participate in class discussions.â€Å"When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as †¦ Tough, but fairâ€Å"But I would describe myself as †¦ Tough, but fairWhat are your hobbies? Skiing, biking, hiking, swimming, body surfing, rollerblading, physical challenges (such as Ninja courses), singing, acting, theological discussions, etc.How did you spend your summer?   See aboveFavorite place to vacation: Beach, Mountains, Ski Resorts, ItalyFavorite book: Rabbi Jesus by Bruce Chilton and â€Å"The Kingdom of God is Within You† by TolstoyFavorite movie and/or television show: â€Å"Brother Son, Sister Moon† by Franco Zeffirelli and the many Star Trek seriesFavorite type of music and/or favorite artist: Broadway MusicalsBucket list item #1:   Go to explore ancient ruins in Greece and Palestine/IsraelWhat professional achievement are you most proud of? Being Spokesperson for the actuarial profession in the U.S., and 75 of my students have become FSAs (Fellows in the Society of Actuaries)What is your most memorable moment as a professor? Students clapping for me at the end of the semester and my Teacher of the Year awardProfessor you most admire and why: Keith Crocker – he has many more Teacher of the Year Awards, and he’s heavily published and respected in his fieldWhat are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery youve made from it? N/ATwitter handle: N/Aâ€Å"If I had my way, the busines s school of the future would have.. Much more flexibility in changing degree requirementsâ€Å"And much less of this† BureaucracyLooking ahead 10 years from now, describe what â€Å"success† would like for you.   Happy in retirement, but still alert enough to teach a course each year Page 1 of 11

Tim OBriens Captivating and Life-Changing Story The...

â€Å"The Things They Carried† is a short verisimilitude story. It was written by Tim O’Brien, who is a Vietnam veteran. He never dreamed it would have been such a captivating and life changing story that it has become. Tim O’Brien introduces us to life during the Vietnam War. He captures the feelings of each soldier as they were in the battle field. We are involved in their dreams, fears, and the ghosts that haunted them. These were some of the things they carried. â€Å"First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters from a girl named Martha† (OBrien, 1990). This is how we are introduced to Cross. He is a young soldier that is responsible for his platoon. He is only 22 years old. He carries his love for a young lady by the name of Martha. He also†¦show more content†¦This was one less burden he had to carry, but the other 16 had this burden. He also carried a ghost. Dave Jensen, we are introduced to him as a hygiene fanatic. He carried a â€Å"too thbrush, dental floss, and several hotel-size bars of soap he’d stolen on RR in Sydney, Australia† (OBrien, 1990). He also carried extra socks and foot powder. Jensen also carried vitamins for night sight. He carried a rabbit’s foot for luck. He also carried a ghost. Ted Lavender was scared and carried many things to keep himself calm. He carried tranquilizers and dope. He also carried extra ammunitions because of his fear. Lavender ended up being the biggest weight that the others had to carry. His death affected each of them in different ways. Rat Kiley was the platoon medic. He carried comic books and a â€Å"canvas satchel filled with morphine and plasma and malaria tablets and surgical tape† (OBrien, 1990). He carried all the things that would be needed for combat injuries. There was nothing he could do for Ted Lavender, except to pronounce him dead. He also carried a ghost. Kiowa is introduced as a devout Baptist and as an Indian. He carried his New Testament Bible that was given to him by his father. â€Å"Kiowa also carried his grandmother’s distrust of the white man and his grandfather’s old hunting hatchet† (OBrien, 1990). Kiowa also carried the vision of Ted Lavender being shot. He repeated the moment in his mind endlessly. He carried the guilt of not being able toShow MoreRelatedAnd Symbolism In Sweetheart Of The Song Tra Bong, By OBrien1362 Words   |  6 Pagesdevelop a version of the story individually. It makes the reading a more personalized experience that helps the reader to understand what’s going on. When O’Brien was just about to escape to Canada to avoid being drafted, he described the scene that was presented in front of him. â€Å"The shoreline was dense with brush and timber. I could see tiny red berries on the bushes.† In this quote, the reader can visualize the setting of the lake where he has to make his life-changing decision. It appeals to the

Descartes s View Of God - 1499 Words

Descartes proved in earlier Meditations that he himself exists because he is able to think and reason. His thought and his own mental idea of himself acts as the only proof of his existence that cannot be doubted. Descartes has in himself the idea of God and says that something, including that idea, can’t come from nothing. So that idea must have come from somewhere. He purposes that he cannot be the cause of the idea that God exists because he is finite and God is not. God is infinite. Descartes knows that God put this idea in him because he himself cannot think of it. He cannot come up with something that’s more than he can conceive of, and if he is a finite being, he cannot conceive of a being that is infinite. Just as a finite being, a†¦show more content†¦It is like you wouldn’t know that â€Å"white† lacks color if you did not already know that there were colors. You would not walk around seeing all white and wonder â€Å"Where’s the blue?† unless a greater being put the idea of â€Å"blue† in you. Here is another objection to his argument that Descartes considers: Perhaps I am something greater than I myself understand. Perhaps all these perfections that I am attributing to God are somehow in me potentially, although they do not yet assert themselves and are not yet actualized. For I now observe that my knowledge is gradually being increased, and I see nothing standing in the way of its being increased more and more to infinity. Moreover, I see no reason why, with my knowledge thus increased, I could not acquire all the remaining perfections of God. And, finally, if the potential for these perfections is in me already, I see no reason why this potential would not suffice to produce the idea of these perfections. (77) In other words, maybe Descartes could think up the idea of infinity, because he is getting more and more perfect, moving in that direction, and that enables him to imagine perfection. If Descartes was practicing running and he was running shorter miles everyday: 7 minute mile, 6 minute mile, 5 minute mile†¦ Someone might say that though he has not run a 4 minute mile yet, because he is progressing towards this, he is able to conceive of doing so. Descartes rejects this, saying: While it is true that my knowledge isShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between Descartes And Nietzsche s View On God s Existence937 Words   |  4 Pagestruly a God or something superior to us? Yes of course. Conversely, atheists are people who don’t believe that God or a divine being exists. For the most part, atheists have acknowledged that the most reasonable conclusions are the ones that have the best evidential support. They have argued that the evidence in favor of God’s existence is too weak or the arguments in favor of concluding there is no God are more compelling. Two ancient philosophers, Descartes and Nietzsche’s have different views on God’sRead MoreWilliam Robertson Smith, A Scottish Orientalist, Old Testament1692 Words   |  7 PagesThe god can no more exist without his people than the nation without its god. This quote means that the amount of belief that people have on God reflects on how much hope God has for a nation. This quote ties into various discussions that have been going on for a long time, and that is whether or not God exists. A well known philosopher who shares his view on this argument would be Rene Descartes who says, I think therefore I am. This assertion has come to be known as the cogito. Descartes struggledRead MoreDescartes Theory Of Reasoning1184 Words   |  5 Pagesexplaining Antoine Arnauld’s objection to Descartes’ circular reasoning, I will be presenting a response given by Descartes. Then I will attempt to consider, on behalf of Arnauld, if the response is of adequacy, then I shall decide which view offers the best account. I suspect, however, that no matter what kind of response Descartes is to give, nothing will be able to save him from the torment of the so called ‘Cartesian circle’. In objection to Descartes’ reasoning behind his attempt to establishRead MoreEssay about Descartes vs. Spinoza1588 Words   |  7 PagesTerm Paper, Philosophy 1107 Aaron Davis Evaluation Comparison Between Descartes and Spinoza About The Paper: What I will do in this following paper is to discuss two very interesting philosophers, Rene Descartes and Benedictus de Spinoza. I will discuss each philosopher’s perspectives and insights on their most recognized theories and thoughts. I will then evaluate them and then give my opinion on the given topic. By doing this, I will contrast the similarities andRead MoreDescartes Meditations On First Philosophy1080 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout Rene Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy, God is not mentioned until the third meditation. Descartes point of view on God simply claims his existence through the act of being. According to his claim, God must, essentially, exist as well as being an outcome of His own creation. Descartes was greatly interested in the idea that God’s being promoted an external force that controlled all beings that supported his presence. Descartes declarations, presented in his Meditations onRead MoreDescartes Belief in God Essay1503 Words   |  7 PagesDescartes and God In his groundbreaking work, Meditations on First Philosophy, the French philosopher Rene Descartes lays the groundwork for many philosophical principles by attempting to â€Å"establish a bold and lasting knowledge† (171)1. The foundations for knowledge Descartes established would go on to influence a plethora of other philosophers and philosophical works. Descartes argues in his meditations first from the point of view of complete skepticism, using skepticism as a tool in order toRead MoreThe Views On The Senses, But At The Same Time1368 Words   |  6 PagesMichael Geathers Philosophy S. Yeng 10/2/15 The topic of paper will involve an in-depth discussion of two differing views on the senses, but at the same time. These two epistemological and ontological views have been discussed by French philosopher Rene Descartes and Greek philosopher, Socrates. The first view, where Socrates proposes that in understanding knowledge, the senses should not be of great importance to humanity. He instead believes that understanding the world of ideas is the theoryRead MoreJohn Locke s View On Identity963 Words   |  4 Pagesis John Locke acknowledged in society? Rene Descartes became accredited by what? Well, people knew these men for their philosophical views, their views on identity varied undoubtedly. For example, Descartes famous line I think, therefore I am alludes to the fact that he most certainly exists. On the other hand, Locke believes that if you committed a crime, but cannot recall your actions, then you should not serve time for your crime. Hence, Descartes perspective of identity contains the self, asRead MorePropelling Rational Thought Over Compelling Empiricism1459 Words   |  6 Pages In this paper I intend to examine the rationalist philosophy of Rene Descartes and fundamental empiricism of John Locke’s philosophical arguments, in particular their ideas relating to the science of man, his identity and attempt to explain distinctions between the two. As I lay the framework of my argument it is important to understand the precepts that serve as the underpinning for the views considered by Descartes and Locke respectively. Rationalism and empiricism are two modes of thoughtRead MoreEssay about Descartes First Meditation924 Words   |  4 PagesDescartes#8217; first meditation, his main objective is to present three skeptical arguments to bring doubt upon what he considers his basic beliefs. Descartes believes this to be an intricate part of his complete epistemological argument. Descartes skeptical arguments are not intended to be a denial of his basic beliefs. On the contrary, he uses these arguments to help prove one of his main theses, which is the ex istence of God. One of the main premises that Descartes uses in his proof for

Rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead a play by to Essay Example For Students

Rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead a play by to Essay m stoppardHamlet one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, where the young prince of Denmark must uncover the truth about his fathers death. Hamlet a play that tells the story of a young prince who’s father recently died. Hamlets uncle Claudius marries his mother the queen and takes the throne. As the play is told Hamlet finds out his father was murdered by the recently crowned king. The theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are infested with evil. Many of the characters within the play hide behind a mask of falseness. Four of the main characters that hid behind this mask are Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern), the king Cluadius. From behind this mask they give the impression of a person who is sincere and genuine, in reality they are plagued with lies and evil. There appearance will make it very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth, the characters hide behind. Polonius the kings royal assistant has a preoccupation with appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of loving and caring person. Polonius appears like a man who loves and cares about his son, Laertes. Polonius speaks to his son with advice that sounds sincere but in reality it is rehearsed, hollow and without feeling. Polonius gives his advice only to appear to be the loving caring father. The reality is he only speaks to appear sincere as a politician, to look good rather then actually be good: â€Å"And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!† Act 1Polonius gives his son Laertes his blessing to go away, he sends a spy to follow him and keep an eye on him. This shows his lack of trust for anyone, he gives the appearance of a confident father who trusts his son to go off on his own. In reality he l ies about his trust for his son by sending a spy to watch him. His advice he gives his son is rehearsed and only said to give the appearance of a loving father. Polonius further adds to the theme appearance verses reality by ordering Ophelia to stop seeing Hamlet. He lies to her telling her that Hamlet does not love her, he only lusts for her, in truth he does love her: Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know, When the blood burns , how prodigal the soul Through the play Polonius hids behind his mask appearing to be honest loving parent. In reality Polonius lies, manipulates people and eavesdrops on peoples conversation. Polonius helps contribute to the theme appearance verses reality by showing how his appearance is not his true nature, behind the mask there lies someone totally different. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two of Hamlets childhood friends who when asked by the king, try to find out what is troubling the young prince. Both help to contribute to the theme by showing there appearance of being Hamlets friends. The pair go to Hamlet pretending to be his friends when in truth they are only there because the king asked them to find the truth. There is some irony within the twins, they are asked by the king to find out the truth by hiding within a lie, by pretending to be his friend: A dream is but a shadow Act II. Hamlet knows their purpose for their visit is to dig into his soul to find the real reason for his actions as of late. As the play continues the twins are asked again by the king to go to Hamlet and try again to find the real reason for Hamlets behavior. Hamlet insults them at every chance knowing they are lying to him about there purpose of the visit: Tis as easy as lying; govern these ventages with you finger and thumb, give it breath with your mouth†¦Act IIIAs the melodrama continues Hamlet goes with the twins to reclaim money that another state owes Denmark. Hamlet is sent by the king to retrieve the assets. In actuality Hamlet is sent off to wither because the king, Claudius knows that Hamlet knows too much and must be killed. The twins show there appearance of being Hamlets friends but in truth they have a hidden reason for visiting with Hamlet. Both show that it will be very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the fidelity hidden within the lies. .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .postImageUrl , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:hover , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:visited , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:active { border:0!important; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:active , .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc21455446c4fc78167c6aaabb95b026c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Master Appeal EssayClaudius the king of Denmark conduct in council gives him the appearance of an Honest and honorable man. In Act one scene two Claudius in the presence of council shows his true skill and ease of manner at speaking. Claudius speaks well of the spent king by showing a general love for him by all his subjects. Claudius show respect for the old sovereign by speaking kind words of him. In reality he cares little for the old king, he speaks kindly only to give the appearance of loving brother. Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe Act I. As Claudius sends Voltimand and Cornelius off to give the king of Norway the message of Fortibras, he thanks and gives them complete trust, in the deliverance of the notation. This shows his trust and caring for his subjects in front of the council, wining even more consent from the council: We doubt it nothing: heartily farewell. Act I Claudius increases his appearance of a honest and honorable man, in front of the council by showing his respect for Polonius. He gives him the power to let his son Laertes stay or leave for Norway. Claudius speaks highly of Polonius giving him thanks and saying the he was responsible for Claudius becoming king: The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. What woudlst thou have, Laertes (Act I ii, 47-50)This council would see this as a man who greatly respects his subjects and cares for them. This adds to the difficulty of uncovering the truth for Hamlet later. Hamlet e nters the council chamber and speaks with Claudius. The king (Claudius) speaks with Hamlet seeming to be concerned with Hamlet. He gives advice that over grieveing is not healthy, this shows a concern for Hamlets well being. This conduct of Claudius gives him the appearance of being kind in front of council that accepts him even more for his family values: How is it that the clouds still hang on you? Act I Claudius appears to be even more caring when insulted by Hamlet he still shows love and general care for Hamlet. A normal king would have become angry and Hamlet would have gotten into trouble. Claudius shows the council that he is understanding of Hamlet’s grief over his father: A little more than kin, and less than kind. Act I . Claudius gives Hamlet advice that over grieveing can be harmful and not healthy. Claudius tells Hamlet that he is a admirable person for grieveing for so long over his dads death. Yet again Claudius keeps putting on the appearance of the honorable man. Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning duties to your father: But, you must know, you father lost a father; That father lost, lost his; and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term To do obsequious sorrow; but to persever In obstinate condolement is a course Act IClaudius further makes it difficult to uncover the truth by announcing that Hamlet is next in line for the throne of Denmark. This shows that Claudius would let Hamlet become the next king when he is gone. This reveals a love and care for Hamlet to the council and Gertrude making Claudius appear to be kind, loving person: You are the most immediate to our throne; And with no less nobility of love Act I Claudius final conduct that makes him a difficult truth to uncover, is his care and want that Hamlet remain in Denmark. Claudius is insulted by Hamlet, he asks Hamlet to stay only that his queen Gertrude wants Hamlet to stay. Claudius appears to be concerned with Hamlets we ll being, Gertrude and council see this ,making Claudius a more deserving person to be king. .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .postImageUrl , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:hover , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:visited , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:active { border:0!important; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:active , .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1 .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u48554cfa4e3da00bcd15207dcdd4a4d1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Government Policies and their Effects on the UK Construction Industry EssayAs Claudius speaks in council he gives the appearance of someone who is a deserving person that should be king. Claudius is voted in as king meaning he is already approved by everyone. Claudius gives respect to his subjects giving the council the impression that he respects them. The king shows general concern for Hamlet, his nephew. This will make it very difficult to prove the truth about Claudius in the future for he has not only, one the love and respect of council (that voted him in). But also has prevented a attack on Denmark (from Fortinbras) proving that he is good king that can protect the state from harm. Claudius makes it very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth about the true nature of Claudius in the future. Through the characters within the play all help to show the theme, that being appearance verses reality. Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern) and the king all appear to be good and honest. As Hamlet finds out, all contain lies and have hidden intentions within them. As each character is presented in the play all appear to be good and honest making it a difficult task for Hamlet to uncover the hidden truth about the nature of each character. As Hamlet best said it something is rotten in Denmark That being the lies which have replaced or covered the true state of each character.