Rene Desacartes and David Hume Essay

Rene Descartes and David Hume were two great philosophers during the modern period. Many of their issues focused on the existence of God. Hume’s writings on the existence of God are different to Descartes’. Descartes tries to prove Gods existence while Hume tries to show the foolishness of believing in God. However, both philosophers fail to solve the issue because they both hold many arguments. The major issue between Descartes and Hume is their conflicting methods on how the issue should be approached. Rene Descartes was an Enlightenment philosopher. He was also a rationalist. This is the opposite of empiricism as this theory claims that some knowledge can be known a priori, independently of experience. This means that if God were to be proved then experience would not necessarily be needed as some truth. The explanation of oneself is essential to Descartes’ thesis. That all â€Å"object relations except God are delusions promoted by the coherence of experience† (Weissman); that is, our everlasting subjective experience of the world could be false, although God is known to be true. Having decided that the empirical world and matter could be simply the creation of a devil, Descartes decides to follow his own consciousness, which is the only thing he could rely on. He is the type of person who only depends on himself and always thinks â€Å"I am† in situations. Descartes makes the unnecessary assumption that he is the carrier of his combined states. He states, â€Å"It is so self-evident that it is I who doubt, who understand and who wish, that there is no need to add anything to explain it†. This, as well as the truths of mathematics, is perceived â€Å"clearly and distinctly†. Clear and distinct ideas are very much relied on in the Cartesian philosophy of mind; for Descartes they are the necessary truths, grabbed by the intelligence. This central consciousness he claims equates to a â€Å"person†; the divisible body as an extended thing in space and time is finite, opposed to the infinite, non-physical, monadic soul. This distinction is the foundation of Cartesian ontological dualism. The mind and body are separate materials, existing on their own. Descartes believed that he developed a method by breaking a problem down into parts, accepting ideas that couldn’t be doubted and getting rid of one conclusion from another. Descartes came to the conclusion that the universe has a mathematically logical structure providing a unified body of knowledge. He believed that in order to obtain knowledge, there must be a normal method for achieving the truth, or any experience can not be a dependable source. David Hume was an empiricist which means that he believes all knowledge must come from experience, as there is no innate knowledge within the mind. If the existence of God were to be proved, it would require someone to experience or suppose his existence from experience in some way, because reason alone is inadequate to prove his existence. Hume’s position about knowledge is skepticism, which means he doesn’t believe we have knowledge for certain things. He is heavily influenced by the two philosophers, Locke and Berkley. Hume is similar to Berkley but without the part of believing in God. He believes in the analysis of causation. For example you know your friend is in France when you receive a post card from them in France. Hume’s explanations are more concerned with a passive physical brain and a graphic order of mind; the mind alone can tell us anything about the world. It contains an idea that simple and complex ideas are formed by direct perception of objects or self-reflection. Hume’s change incorporates an explanation on Locke’s ambiguous use of ‘idea’. He refers separately to perceptions of sensations and those of reflection. Simple ideas of Locke such as space and time became complex ideas for Hume. All perceptions are substances, capable of existence independent of the observer. Therefore we are perceptions, with a non-observable ‘self’. Furthermore since there can be no ‘impression’ of self, the idea of identity is weak. It is important to know that in Hume’s plan in order for people to obtain knowledge of something they must experience it first. Descartes believed that everything known, depends on perception, but if perception doesn’t have evidence not only from itself but also from the outside world than it will not be able to verify anything. According to Hume, â€Å"perceptions,† can be cut down to impressions and ideas. Axioms, were self evident principals which were â€Å"so clear and distinct† that they could not be doubted, and therefore accepted as certain contents of knowledge. Contrary to Descartes belief that effects must come from a cause, Hume believed that causes are senseless and uncertain. This contrasts sharply with Descartes’ proposal of ‘primary and secondary’ qualities. The primary qualities of objects are their geometric, indubitable measurements such as their extension, mass and location in space. These are only indirectly perceived through the secondary qualities of appearance, such as colour and tangibility. Descartes seeks to avoid a merely representationalist stance and attempts to further justify a belief in an external reality beyond our mental field of perception, and show that it is dependent on God. This is closely linked with Descartes’ equivocation of â€Å"clear and distinct† ideas; they refer both to the mathematical axioms of geometry – in a â€Å"triangle there is a certain determinate nature or essence or form of it, immutable and eternal, which has not been feigned by me, nor does it depend on [me]† – and to empirical statements about extension in space; in the Fifth Meditation he seeks to discover â€Å"something certain concerning material things†¦

Scientific Research

Scientific Research Scientific Research is method based on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data within a framework. It is Information based on empirical, based on observation or measurement of relevant information or free from bias or emotions and objectivity. All aspects of the investigation are described in sufficient detail, so that the study can be repeated by anyone. Scientific research focuses on solving problems and pursues a step by step logical, organized, and rigorous method to identify the problems, gather data analyze them and draw valid conclusion. Scientific method is techniques or procedures used to analyze empirical evidence in an attempt to confirm of disprove prior concepts† Empirical means something is verifiable by observation, experimentation, or experience. Characteristics of Scientific Research 1. Purposive ness 2. Rigor 3. Testability 4. Replicability 5. Precision and Confidence 6. Objectivity 7. Generalizability 8. Parsimony Purposive ness resea rch start with a definite aim and purpose. Example: The focus is on increasing the commitment of employees to the organization, as this will beneficial in many ways. Less absentees, increased performance level. Rigorous research involves a good theoretical base and a carefully thought out methodology. For example: The manager of a company ask 10-12 employees to indicate what would their level of commitment. If he solely reaches on conclusion how employee commitment can be increased. Its unscientific method. Testability: Formulation of hypothesis and its testability. To test logically developed hypothesis to see whether or not the data support the hypotheses developed after the careful study of the problem situation. For Example: Taking the previous example, the manager or researcher develop certain hypothesis on how employment commitment can be enhanced, then these can be tested by applying certain statistical tests to the data collected for the purpose. Replicability: Repetition of results. If similar finding emerge on the basis of data collected by other organizations employing the same method. To put t differently, the results of test hypotheses should be supported again and yet the same type of research is repeated in similar circumstances. Precision and Confidence Precision: It refers to the closeness of the findings to â€Å"reality† based on a sample. It reflects the degree of accuracy of the results on the basis of the sample, to what really exists in the universe. Confidence: Probability that our estimations are correct. Confidently claim that 95% of the time our results would be true. Objectivity: The conclusion drawn through the interpretation of the results of data analysis should be objective; it should be based on the facts of the findings derived from the actual data and not on our own subjective or emotional values. Generalizability: It refers to the scope of applicability of the research findings in one organizational setting to others. Parsimony: Simplicity in explaining phenomena or problems that occur, and in generating solutions for the problems, it is always proffered to complex research frameworks that considered an unmanageable number of factors. The Hypothetico- Deductive Method 1. Observation 2. Preliminary information gathering 3. Theory formulation 4. Hypothesizing 5. Scientific data collection 6. Data analysis 7. Deduction

Marketing report on Red Bull and its global opportunities Essay

Marketing report on Red Bull and its global opportunities - Essay Example .................................................................................... 5. Conclusion................................................................................................................... References EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Red Bull has found considerable success internationally by giving consumers the impression that it is an exclusive and premium energy drink brand. This market report assesses the current marketing environment in the UAE, an environment with adequate consumerist values and attitudes that could, theoretically, support entry for Red Bull into this market. The UAE is currently becoming saturated with competitors offering different energy drinks, thereby establishing a brand presence. What conflicts market entry is that the UAE is a very risk averse culture where innovation might be rejected, making it difficult for Red Bull, as a new market entrant, to outperform many other competitors already with a brand presence and recognition in this nation. Ch allenges to finding profit success are not just a rapidly saturating market, but also include fiscal concerns with low exchange rates that could significantly raise the pricing structure, per can, with a product that is already highly priced compared to competition. Due to cultural, fiscal and social aspects of the UAE market environment, it is recommended for Red Bull to attempt a direct exporting market entry strategy to avoid high costs and reduce risks to the business. With recurrent promotions, Red Bull can establish brand recognition and work toward building brand loyalty post-entry. Marketing report on Red Bull and its opportunities for launch in the UAE 1. Introduction Founded in 1987, Red Bull GmbH is an Austrian beverage company that, in today’s global marketplace, produces Red Bull, the world’s most popular energy drink. A whopping 4.6 billion cans of Red Bull were sold worldwide in 2011, which represented a significant increase of 11.4 percent from 2010 (Re d Bull 2012). Red Bull currently maintains a 70 percent market share in the energy drink market, hence outperforming even major brands that compete in this industry such as Coca-Cola (Field 2006). Red Bull has managed to create what is referred to in marketing literature as brand recognition, or the extent to which a brand becomes familiar to consumer segments and where consumers are able to effectively link a brand (or logo) to a product successfully (Farris, Bendle, Pfeifer and Reibstein 2010). Red Bull, globally, spends an enormous volume of its revenues on the marketing process, a total of 25 percent of corporate revenues (Boome 2011). Red Bull, through this high capital expenditure on marketing, has managed to build a brand personality domestically and in many foreign nations where Red Bull has entered, which makes it stand out to many different international energy drink producers. This report focuses on the potential for Red Bull to enter the United Arab Emirates and achieve the same consumer loyalty the brand has managed in many other nations whilst also achieving appropriate revenue growth upon entry. A market analysis, including emphasis on consumer behaviour and attitudes in the UAE, supports whether Red Bull will find success in this new market or hinder advancements of this brand. Research indicates that the UAE might be an ideal environment for gaining consumer loyalty and building brand preference based on socio-cultural aspects of UAE buyer markets. 2. The marketing environment in the UAE The United Arab Emi

Monitoring Internal Training Load using perception based measures - Essay

Monitoring Internal Training Load using perception based measures - RPE's - Essay Example Training loads are always adjusted at various times during the cycle of training to either increase or decrease the levels of fatigue depending on the training phase. Fatigue is a phenomenon that is complex and multifaceted having several mechanisms that are possible. Monitoring the training load of individuals is seen by many people as an important factor in the determination of whether an individual is adapting to the program of training or not. It is also important to minimise having the risk of non-functional overreaching, illness and injury. Today, monitoring training load has become a common thing, and several reasons lie behind the practice. Inexperience and knowledge on the use of monitoring load techniques may lead to an inability to implement a sustainable and practical system and inability to interpreting the collected information. In order to gaining the knowledge and understanding of the training load and its general effect on an athlete, several markers are available for the coaches, scientists and athletes to use. Nonetheless, few of these markers do have scientific evidence that is strong in support of their usage, and there is yet to have a single one in practice (Viveiros et al. 2011). When monitoring training load, the units of the load are thought of as either internal or external. In the past, external training load was frequently used as the foundation of a several system of monitoring. Whereas the external load is important in knowing the completed work, capabilities, and the athletes capacities, the internal load forms the critical part in determine the training load and the after that adaptation. The training load is influenced in most cases by the volume and intensity of training. A precise knowledge of the training loads that is completed during training is beneficial to the coach as well as the athlete. The coach can use

Edward Hopper's paintings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Edward Hopper's paintings - Essay Example His paintings did not gain any recognition or income, as most of the people during his period were not interested in the realistic style paintings. He struggled to gain identification but was less successful in his attempts of exhibiting his artworks to the people. In 1923, he met Jo Nivison, who was an artist and later his wife, brought a breakthrough into his life. She modeled for nearly all of his paintings, and acted as a strong moral support to him in his career. Soon, he began his second gallery show at New York, a one-person exhibition, where he was far more prosperous and his works became more prominent, making it a commercial success. The reputation of his paintings soared in the coming years and in 1930, his painting, House by the Railroad, was placed among the permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art. In his lifetime, he created more than 800 paintings, watercolor prints as well as many drawings and illustrations. Most of his works presented New York City architec ture, with stark interpretations of American life. â€Å"Hopper sought and explored his chosen themes: the tensions between individuals (particularly men and women), the conflict between tradition and progress in both rural and urban settings, and the moods evoked by various times of day.† Even though most of Hopper’s works were done with oil painting, he also mastered the technique of etching, which brought him commercial success. His works embodied an eerie mood of stillness and a sense of estrangement.

Ethics of Stock Option Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics of Stock Option - Case Study Example The stock option was based on the company shares thus resulted in an increased urge to the executives to raise the stock’s price. Some of the executives chose foul ways of raising the stock prices such manipulating of companies financial statements, firing of employees and closing of plants to increase the company income. The executives thus looked for ways through which they could engineer the stock prices for their own benefits. The grant date for the stock option was also chosen by the executives which meant they could do it in a way that favors them; for instance when the market share price was lowest to benefit the recipients. Stock price manipulation also resulted in increased salary gap between the highly paid employees and the lowly paid employee in the company. During market downturn due to stock price manipulation, investors suffered as a result greedy character of the executives while the executives were being awarded for the failures of the company. (Raiborn, et al ., 2007). All these ethical issues of stock option handling needed to be looked upon for a moral reason. Due to the many shortcomings of the old ways through which stock options were handled, new changes were made that could reduce the unethical issues that arose and enhancing of doing the right things for the right reasons. The changes included new laws of reporting stock option grants within two days of issue, â€Å"synthetic† re-pricing and the indexing stock options. The changes had a great impact on the ethical issues as they enforced rational stock option awarding. (Raiborn, et al., 2007) Manipulation of the stock prices reduced and the employee received what they deserved. Even so, new ethical issues arose from the changes as the adoption of the Spring- Loading and Bullet-Dodging by some companies which benefited some of the participants of the company which was unethical. Stock option handling in the past raised some ethical issues. These were reduced by the recent changes even though more ethical issues arose.

Bipolar Disorder Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Bipolar Disorder - Research Paper Example Also throwing tantrums, high level of restlessness and hyperactivity is seen but the worst part is that at times people facing Bipolar Disorder tend to do harmful things to themselves or others around them. This can be quite straining and affects their families too. Over 10 million people in America have bipolar disorder, and the illness affects men and women equally (Duckworth). The worst scenario is when the person goes through a mixed state. During a mixed state depressed mood accompanies manic activation(Ken Duckworth, MD, 2006).In this state a person might feel a rush to do different things. From driving rashly, smoking up, this eventually leads to Suicide. From using drugs to cutting themselves, they try to relieve the symptoms of stress, pain, anxiety etc. They also lose understanding of what is happening in their surroundings and stay confused a lot. Insecurity usually kicks in and they put themselves in isolation to protect themselves. Danielle Steel states in her writing re cognized as His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina, states a complete narrative regarding the way her son spends his life while he was experiencing bipolar disorder. In the narrative she informs that during the age of adolescence, her son suffered from ADD even recognized as Attention Deficit Disorder. She even states that when an individual suffer from this disorder, individual tends to loose control over his/her impulse and indulge in activities that have negative consequences. Her son was later during his life was diagnosed with the disorder of bipolar and the symptoms exhibited by him were recognized as Manic Depressive symptoms (Ryan). Bipolar disorder is usually found in people from the age group of 15-25 and it usually occurs in families who have a history of bipolar disorder. There are three different types of bipolar disorder. Type 1, (Major Depression), a state in which a person is sad, uneasy and angry. Type 2, in which people experience various periods of high energy which is not as extreme as mania (called hypomania). These periods alternate with episodes of depression. Lastly Type 3 (Cyclothymia) involves less severe mood swings. In this people’s behavior vary between hypomania and mild depression. (A.D.A.M, Medical Encyclopedia). The cause of Bipolar disorder varies from person to person. The major reason is that it might be due to the disorder already being in the genes of the families.But it is not necessary that someone born in a family, who has showed signs of this disease, would end up having it. Normally the case is due to being in an environment where there is a lot of negativity, problems or stress, would interact with the underlying genetic or biological vulnerability to produce the disorder. (Duckworth). But it’s not necessary that these might be the only things which might trigger the disorder. Smith and Segal have figured out that the episodes experienced by individuals suffering from bipolar disorder are triggered due to usage of antidepressants as a medication for depression, these trigger may even lead an individual to suffer from continuous changes in mood, lack of sleep and mania. The triggers can increase the level of symptoms that already exist or result in new sessions of mania. But it is not necessary that episodes experienced due to bipolar disorder are dependant on triggers (Smith&Segal). Though many people are diagnosed with this

Justice System In China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Justice System In China - Research Paper Example These changes have mostly been in response to the changes in the political, social and economic conditions of the respective nations as well as the philosophies followed by them. The developments taking place in the cultural and political spheres have played a key role in shaping and influencing the legal systems worldwide, and are apparent from the introduction of new laws over time. This paper on criminal justice aims to understand, assess and examine the criminal justice system in China, its historical and philosophical origins and the impact and influence of political and cultural elements in shaping the contemporary law in the country. Historical origins: China is regarded to be one of the few nations which boast of one of the oldest legal traditions in the world. However, according to studies, the country has faced several setbacks with regard to establishing and implementing an effective criminal justice system. China has seen a series of powerful dynasties, spanning over 4000 years of rich history, and witnessing the implementation of diverse systems of bureaucratic controls (Dammer & Albanese, 2010). Each and every single dynasty in ancient China had their own set of rules and laws comprising of criminal codes and statutes which were binding on all citizens. Some of the most prominent of these statutes include the Yuxing criminal laws established and implemented during the Xia Dynasty; the Tandxing criminal laws established during the Shang dynasty; the Qinlu criminal laws implemented during the Qing dynasty; the Hanlu laws during the Han dynasty; the Jiuxing criminal laws of the Zhou dynasty; the Tandxing criminal laws of the Shang dynasty; the Tanglu criminal laws of the Tang dynasty; among others. The criminal laws implemented by all these dynasties were governed by the administrative officials (Nwankwo, 2011). However with the change in political powers and the formation of new governance, which began with the establishment of China as the Peopleâ €™s Republic of China, during the year 1949; brought an abrupt end to the criminal laws observed for over 5000 years. When the Communist party assumed power in China, it set out to abolish all the old laws enacted by the previous governments, and replace it with new ones which were in sync with the universal laws and which complimented the new socialist regime (Nwankwo, 2011). The administration of the concept of justice in imperial China was founded on the basis of a set of values and theories. The conceptions of justice was largely influenced by three major schools of thoughts which included Confucianism, Legalism and cosmological. All the three schools of thoughts had a completely different approach although in principle, the philosophical justifications offered were the same. Eventually, the three schools of thoughts were finally merged together to form a common law based on a common rationale, during the Han dynasty between the period of 206 B.C. and 220 A.D. These set of l aws continued to be put to practice till the twentieth century (Muhlhahn, 2009). Philosophical origins: â€Å"Lead the people with governmental measures and regulate them by law (fa) and punishment, and they will avoid wrongdoing but will have no sense of honor and shame. Lead them with virtue and regulate them by the roles of propriety (li), and they will have a sense of shame, and moreover, set themselves right.† Confucius, in Terrill (2009) pp. 556 During earlier times, the concept of equal

Contemporary management issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Contemporary management issues - Essay Example The project would be conducted through a critique of secondary sources on a wide range of topics that relate to the Greek financial crisis. To this end, various authoritative sources would be examined to provide important information about the topic under review. The Greek Financial Crisis Video images of demonstrations and other harsh economic conditions in Greece are not uncommon in the media. Greece has been at the forefront of a major financial situation that can be attributed to their inability to meet the requirements of the European Union (Sladek, 2010). Many debates and arguments have ensued about the appropriateness of the country continuously remaining as a member of the European Union (Sladek, 2010). However, the rules of the European Union requires that the country discharges its obligations to the European Union and works to meet all the requirements of the Common Market. On the other hand, many Greek citizens are very unhappy about the changes and adjustments that are r equired. The root of the Greek financial crises can be traced to the fact that the country has maintained a government that carries out uncontrolled spending which leads to high sovereign debts (Pasiouras, 2011). The European Union requires that member states' governments cut down on subsidies and excessive spending amongst other things (Levy, 2012). However, Greece has a history that goes back to years of running a welfare-state modelled on the principles of Communism (Grawitzky, 2012). This is because from the period before Greece joined the European Union, the nation maintained a system whereby the public sector was the primary engine of the economy. The public sector was the largest controller of resources and the public sector also employed the vast majority of workers in the country (Grawitzky, 2012). Impact of EU-membership on Greece Greece's membership of the European Union came with several requirements and expectations from the article of membership (Pettifer, 2012). This is because the European Union is built on the elements of supply-side economics which requires the private sector to be the main and primary engine of growth of the economy (Pettifer, 2012). This is connected to the fact that the European Union was formed by nations that were on the Capitalist side of the Cold War. These nations believe in allowing people to work to earn their expectations in life, rather than get the state or government to control resources. The clash between the European Union and the Greek economy meant that there was an inevitable conflict which would require Greece to dismantle its public-sector oriented economy in favour of a more privatized system. The European Union seeks to create a Single Market that would promote property owning democracy across member states with the hope of promoting efficiency through the principles of Capitalism. Greece joined the Union in 1981 but it has been slow in dismantling its welfare-structured system in favour of a Capitalist model of governance where competition was encouraged (Sladek, 2010). In spite of these realities, Greece has been repeatedly ruled by parties that are Socialist in outlook (Sladek, 2010). These parties have continued to uphold the welfare-oriented practices of the government and reforms and conformity with EU principles have come rather slowly. Around the year 2005, pressure from the European Union increased and the problems in the Greek public sector was uncovered (Pasiouras, 2011). The country was not able to pay its sovereign debts and the International

Realism In International Affairs Essay Example for Free

Realism In International Affairs Essay Realism in politics is a political philosophy, which tries to observe, shape and predict political relations. It is based upon assumption that power should be the primary goal of any political act, both in international or domestic sphere. As far as domestic affairs are concerned, this theory states that political figures are supposed to direct all efforts to maximizing their power. Accordingly, in the international sphere nation should aim at maximizing its power among other states. This theory can be regarded as a prescription to be followed by politicians and states or as a description of current affairs of the state or politician pursuing self-interest. Realism in politics is often defined as a principle of power supremacy, and it has a long history since the ancient times. It was reflected in Peloponnesian War by Thucydides. This theory was also touched by Machiavelli in his writing The Prince, as well as by other outstanding philosophers like Spinoza, Hobbes and Rousseau. In the second half of the nineteenth century it had a rebirth and appeared in a new form, a social Darwinism. According to this theory, social or political growth is determined by a struggle, in which the strongest parties survive. According to the theory of political realism, interests should be satisfied by means of power exercise, and the world is defined by competing powers. In this context, the adherents of Marxist theory refer to classes, while other political theorists to states. (Ahrensdorf) Political realism is explained in the following way: â€Å"Prior to the French Revolution in which nationalism as a political doctrine truly entered the worlds stage, political realism involved the political jurisdictions of ruling dynasties, whilst in the nineteenth century, nationalist sentiments focused realists attentions on the development of the nation-state, a policy that was later extended to include imperialist ambitions on the part of the major Western powers-Britain and France, and even Belgium, Germany and the United States were influenced by imperialism. † (Viotti, Kauppi). Important difference between social darwinism and other branches political realism is as follows: adherents of the former state that some nations are destined to rule over other nations, while other part of realists pays most attention to the need of ensuring that nation, culture or politician sets or secures own needs before needs or interests of others. Political realism in international affairs Political realism of an expressive kind stands for the suggestion that international commonwealth is distinguished by anarchy, since there is no absolute world government, that could rule with an all-purpose policy code. Since the anarchy does not need a chaotic nature, thus allowing member nations be involved into trading schemes or treaties, the theorists mostly agree that morality or law are not the dominating factors outside one particular state. In this particular characteristic this hypothesis agrees with the Hobb’s theory: Where there is no common Power, there is no Law: where no Law, no Injustice ? if there be no Power erected, or not great enough for our security; every man will and may lawfully rely on his own strength and art, for caution against all other men. (Hobbes, Leviathan , Part I, Ch. 13 Of Man, and Part II, Ch. 17, Of Commonwealth, cited in Griffiths, O’Callaghan). Respectively, without any supreme international force, nations treat each other with hostility or fear, and it damages the system. Another aspect of the theory is an assumption that a state can promote its interest against the needs and interests of other states, it proves that international surrounding is not stable. Any order is affected if states compete for the same need, and under such circumstances, as the realists state, the nation may rely on itself only. There are definite contradictions that can be found in the concept of political realism: descriptive realism may be regarded as a true theory or false concept. Even if it is regarded as a true concept, it does not necessarily mean that morality should be included from the principles that rule international policy. One of the strong forms if descriptive type of political realism states that states should be self-seeking, that they should build their policy basing upon desired gains of the nation and should not ignore their interests and demands. Simultaneously, â€Å"if descriptive realism is held, it is as a closed theory, which means that it can refute all counter-factual evidence on its own terms (for example, evidence of a nation offering support to a neighbor as an ostensible act of altruism, is refuted by pointing to some self-serving motive the giving nation presumably hasit would increase trade, it would gain an important ally, it would feel guilty if it didnt, and so on), then any attempt to introduce morality into international affairs would prove futile. † (Stern) The assessment of expressive kind of political realism power depends upon the chance of understanding political reasons, which requests understanding the causes of state diplomats and representatives. The pattern of officers’ relations, their motives and actions is complex. Waltz says that the closed nature of expressive realism includes a oppose scheme that nations does not serve any needs at all, or can serve the needs of others only. The logical value of the three theories resulting from this concept offers that preferring one condition to another is an optional decision, if an assumption is accepted, or not. (Waltz) The present international sphere of nations’ interaction is defined by the lack of supreme power. In the past, wars were a strong argument in support of political realism – there have been more than 200 wars since the middle of the 17th century. This condition seems to have a chaotic nature, and some thinkers are likely to compare it to domestic anarchy, when state government is not able to rule the state: ‘Without a world power, war, conflict, tension, and insecurity have been the regular state of affairs; just as a domestic government removes internal strife and punishes local crime, so too ought a world government control the activities of individual states-overseeing the legality of their affairs and punishing those nations that break the laws, and thereby calming the insecure atmosphere nations find themselves in†. (Kegley, Wittkopf) At the same time, such comparison leads to a conclusion that the relations between the state and the individuals are alike. Such argument includes the personification of the states and collectivization of individuals. Some theorists state that the relations between states and the citizens cannot be compared to the relations between the states and the relations of the individuals, and therefore should be differently judged. In addition to the propositions of descriptive realism, there are notions offered by prescriptive political realism, for instance, the statement that a certain nation should follow its own interests and needs independently of the relevant state of international relations. This theory can be divided into various aspects, depending upon proclaimed interest of the nation and the allowability of the tools that would be used to reach desired goals. As far as the national interest is concerned, there are distinct opinions of what it should be, but all of them agree that the state should be self-efficient in economical and political sphere, cutting dependency on other nations. (The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations) The statement supporting the supremacy of self-sufficiency of the state has appeared long time ago. Plato and Aristotle referred to this aspect as a ground necessary to provide security of the national power, they insisted that nation should import only insignificant commodities. This economic theory has been used for supporting political realism, especially in the 18th century the theorists of political sphere stated that the political power of the nation is reached and supported in the terms of reduced import and increased export only. Difference between neorealism and classical realism Conflict is regarded as a key element in politics, including international affairs, by all realists, however, there are two different sources of conflict, pointed out by different realist authors. For instance, classical realism theory starts with a pessimistic viewpoint on the human nature. As the adherents of this theory believe, selfish, competitive and striving for power behavior in inherent for the humans. Hans Morgenthau states that each individual is enforced to act uncaringly to protect himself, and this situation leads to the disagreement: â€Å"What the one wants for himself, the other already possesses or wants, too. Struggle and competition ensue. Man cannot [therefore] hope to be good, but must be content with not being too evil†. (Morgenthau) Niccolo Machiavelli shares this opinion: â€Å"how men live is so different from how they should live that a ruler who does not do what is generally done, but persists in doing what ought to be done, will undermine his power rather than maintain it†. (cited in The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations). These ideas performed specific approach to a strategy applied in international affairs: a careful statesman must avoid optimistic view on others’ aims and intentions and limits their initiatives to those that may help if the situation goes better. For instance, Henry Kissinger warned the leaders of the USA and Israeli against the intentions of Syria and Palestine, during the negotiations on Middle East conflict: â€Å"It is likely that agreements will be reached because the alternatives will, in the end, seem more dangerous. But when this happens, we must avoid euphoria. An agreement will represent a strategic interlude for the Syrians and most of the Palestinians, not a commitment to a new world order. † (Legro, Moravcsik) In other words, classical type of realism regards conflict and competition as essential element of international affairs, referring the origin of conflict to the human nature. Humans struggle with each other for resources they need and strive for power to rule over other people. This is a set pattern, which cannot be changed. Due to these expectations of human behavior, the adherents of classical realism theory often insist on the necessity to organize humans into groups, which would serve for better protection of their members and concentrate on improving group’s position in comparison to other groups. Another theory, neorealism or structural realism, refers the origin of conflict to interstate condition, the lack of legally restricting rules in particular, rather than to human nature. The adherents of neorealism state, that â€Å"the absence of a neutral authority that can enforce rules and agreements creates an insecure, self-help situation in which all policy makers are pressured to act competitively, regardless of their individual natures or personal preferences. † (Kegley, Wittkopf) This statement is not new, it appeared in the 17th century in the work of Thomas Hobbes. In his writing Leviathan he states that the in the world, which lacks supreme power that could provide security, people has a right to use any tools to protect themselves. Besides, he assumed that â€Å"all mankind [has] a per ¬petual and restless desire of power after power that ceases only in death. † (cited in The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations) Modern tradition in neorealist theory declines the assumption that individuals strive for power due to a natural inclination, and concentrates on the motives produced by a lack of a neutral power that can set rules for interstate relations. For instance, Kenneth Waltz says that â€Å"the main cause of war must lie in some regularity at the level of the interstate system, rather than within particular leaders or states, since war has been waged for all sorts of specific reasons and by good as well as bad leaders. † (Waltz) According to Waltz, this regularity is the pressure, produced by anarchy: â€Å"Without enforceable interstate rules, states must either resist possible domination by others through a policy of balancing against others power capabilities, or by bandwagoning-joining a coalition that supports an aggres ¬sive state, in hopes of turning its aggression elsewhere†. (Waltz) Waltz states that large states possess the capacity and desire to withstand the strength of other states. This results, as he sees it, in a tendency of competitiveness among states independently of the views of their leaders concerning domestic policy. Actually, the prediction of this statement is not much different from the assumption made by the adherents of classical realism. As soon as it is based on the assumptions concerning human nature, classic realists expect that the makers of policy also act competitively. The difference lies in the way this conclusion is reached. As Waltz sees it, this is the pressure of competitiveness, produced by anarchy, which significantly influences the human behavior. Those strategies that are oriented on power, appear because the leaders are forced to struggle for security, rather than because they desire just to obtain power. Realistic approach in modern international affairs Realism was a concept for analyzing world politics since remote times, because much of humankind history was characterized by wars. As soon as the states’ interests come across in conflict, it is expected that leaders pay much attention to their positions in power. â€Å"The classical realist worldview appealed to many statesmen during the period that states were evolving in Western Europe-an era rife with conflict, as medieval forms of rule broke down and rulers asserted new claims to authority against feudal lords or the Pope. It jumped to the United States when the experiences of World War II were followed by the onset of the Cold War. Neorealism later emerged when the bipolarity of the Cold War drew analysts attention to the effects of the structure of the interstate system†. (Lieven, Hulsman). At present, ethical realism is offered to the USA as a leading principle that should define the foreign policy of this state. As it is described by the supporters of this type of realism, it bases upon â€Å"prudence; a concentration on possible results rather than good intentions; a close study of the nature, views and interests of other states, and a willingness to accommodate them when these do not contradict Americas own truly vital interests; and a mixture of profound American patriotism with an equally profound awareness of the limits on both American power and on American goodness† (Lieven, Hulsman). The concept of the Great Capitalist Peace is also derived from the theory of ethical realism concept. It is based upon the ideas of Kennan and Morgenthau, including the concepts of diplomacy purposes and international order. It proclaims that a global order is needed to be agreed by the largest states, to provide the promotion of their interests and reduce the threat of terrorists. Accordingly, the USA power is treated as an element, vital for keeping the Great Capitalist Peace. At the same time, it is added that the limits should be put on the US power, in order to legitimate interests and needs of other states should be satisfied. Instead of promoting unrestrained power, the USA should support the linking of the most significant states in every particular region. For instance, in the Middle East region the USA should use its power and resources to support creation of a regional patter for the states, including Syria and Iran, and to make this pattern functional enough to regulate Iraq conflict after withdrawal of the US troops from this country. (Lieven, Hulsman) As far as the Far East is concerned, the USA should paid attention to the primary role, which should be played by China in this region, but not by the United States. China is treated as a state, ready to act in cooperation with other states and act responsibly, that’s why USA should allow China to occupy a leading position in finding resolutions to the actions of the regime in the North Korea, and other possible challenges in this region. (Lieven, Hulsman) Sources Waltz, K. N. Structural Realism after the Cold War. International Security. Summer. 2000 Morgenthau, H. J. Politics Among Nations: the Struggle for Power and Peace. McGraw Hill: NY, 1993. Stern, G. The Structure of International Society. London: Pinter Publishers, 2000. The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations. edited by Baylis, J. and S. Smith. Oxford University Press, 2004 Griffiths, M. , O’Callaghan, T. International Relations: The Key Concepts. London, Routledge, 2002 Kegley, C. Wittkopf, E. World Politics. Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005. Viotti, P. R. Kauppi, M. V. International Relations Theory: Realism, Pluralism, Globalism. Macmillan Pub Co, 1993. Legro, J. W. Moravcsik, A. Is Anybody Still a Realist? International Security. Fall 1999 Jervis, R. Realism, Neoliberalism, and Cooperation.. International Security. Summer 1999 Ahrensdorf, P. J. Thucydides realistic critique of realism. Polity Winter 1997 Lieven, A. Hulsman, J. Americas World Role Has to be Realistic and Moral. October 17, 2006, retrieved at http://www. realisticforeignpolicy. org/archives/2006/10/americas_world. php.

The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman

The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman, chronicles the influx of a large number of new players on the global economic stage that has created a strong force that is already starting to affect Americans. Friedman believes that these looming changes have the potential to produce both positive and negative results. An example that illustrates the range of Friedmans analysis is his argument about the impact of the dot-com bubble and its eventual bust. He suggests that although the bust was bad for some investors, it turned out to be good in opening up global markets. The overcapacity which produced the bust also produced very low prices for telecommunications, thereby enabling players from smaller economic regions to participate in a game usually reserved for bigger players. Friedman describes several examples of different firms in these regions that have emerged to provide technology services to American business. One example, involving an Indian firm that does basic tax-return work for an American accounting company, reflects his view that although cost advantages are important, the real significance are the competitive proportions and innovations made possible by this new technology. One of the most important acumens of his book is that Americans should get used to the fact that the United States will not long remain the strongest player on the field. From my point of view, the United States have badly needed a good dose of humility, and these global shifts Friedman identifies promise to move us that way. While many passages point toward the advent of a system of global cooperation where no one player claims dominance, many others assume a win-lose scenario, in which Americans will be dominated by the Indians and Chinese if they dont get their act together. Friedman starts one of his chapters with a brief recounting of what happened to Americas previous world dominance in basketball, describing it as a great metaphor for what is happening in the global economy. Instead of grasping the new flatness of the global economic system, he wishes for the glory days when the United States was still head honcho. He writes too often as if the only choice Americans have is to play and win, or to be losers. This propensity is particularly self-evident in his frequent references to the determination of high-stakes competition. There is no time to rest; we have to work harder; the Europeans are delinquent because they value having more holidays. Friedman writes as though this is not an option, but th ere are choices, or there ought to be. If the current system diminishes many of those choices, perhaps we should change the system. Globalization is about efficiency. But as Friedman admits, theres more to it than that. He considers the stresses and downsides in globalization in the chapter titled The Great Sorting Out, but he still seems reluctant to seriously explore the consequences. Friedman seems unwilling to acknowledge that the system is significantly affected by global political structures or the absence thereof. For example, he mentions the need for the United States to develop an energy-independence policy, especially to cope with the expected huge increases in the demand for energy by China and India. But most of this discussion occurs in a chapter on how to jump-start American science and technology education so we can stay competitive. Friedman does a pretty good job of acknowledging globalizations impact on workers. He recognizes that the world is not yet really flat yet because there are still millions of people who are not able to compete in the global market. But he is still reluctant to point at structural problems. Friedman offers an evaluation of how the non-democratic political structures of the Middle East do not include much of the population who live there from the benefits of expansion and improvement. I should think that we need more than hope; The United States needs to develop public policies that have global reach, that make certain that at least the key players are at the global dining table can cooperatively address some of the well-known problems. If the price of these policies produces a loss of efficiency, we should have an honest debate about this trade-off, rather than assuming that efficiency always wins.

A Stressful Life :: Biography, Faulkner

William Faulkner was an American Poet, and writer. When he was young he loved football and later discovered that he also liked writing. When he started to work as a writer he started to fill stressed by the pressure he had so he started drinking. William Faulkner was born on 25 September 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi (Akers 1). He was the son of Murry Cuthbert and Maud Butler, and the first out of his four brothers (Kawin 1) His other three brothers were Murry born 1899, John born 1901, and Dean born1907. He learned to handle guns and hunt during his childhood. He lived among horses and dogs while their father ran the livery stable (Skei 2). He became shy, and did not do his schoolwork (Inge 6). He later quit school, returning only during the fall to play football (Skei 3). He attended school until eleventh grade because he was denied graduation (Inge 6). His family was well known for banking and the railroad. His father soon became the secretary and business manager of the University of Oxford (Kawin 1). Attended the University of Mississippi studying William Shakespeare(Skei 4). During his early life he worked as a store clerk, carpenter, general construction- worker, coal shoveler, deck hand, cadet –aviator, and in a bookstore in NY (Akers 2). He also worked at his grandfather’s bank and learned the medicine value of his liquor (Inge 1). Then he returned to Mississippi and worked as a postmaster from December 1921 to October 1924, but was accused of throwing all incoming mail into the garbage can (Inge 3). In 1918 he tried to join the U.S. Army Signal Corps, but did not meet the height and weight requirements (Kawin 1). He liked the British uniform and was nicknamed â€Å"Count† because his uniform was the latest in fashion (Inge 6). So then he enlisted in the Canadian RAF. He joined the air force in 1918 and got a commission as a R.F.C. pilot (Kawin 1). In training he crashed a plane that cost the British government $ 84.30 (Inge 1). World War 1 ended before he finished his training as a pilot (Inge 2). In 1919 he entered Oxford Unive rsity as a special student until 1920. As a special student he surpassed French and Spanish but did performed awful in English (Inge 2). In 1918 Estelle Oldham announced her engagement with Cornell Franklin. She had two children from her marriage with Cornell (Skei 3).

My Mom, a True Hero Essay -- Personal Narrative

My Mom, a True Hero You may not realize it, but you may already be someone’s role model, someone’s hero. It’s such an amazing concept. Stop and think for just a moment about those around you. This ability to influence others is extraordinary and yet it can be so easily misused. Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, anyone can be a hero. Young or old, male or female, heroism has no prerequisites. Heroism amounts to more than just saying and believing in certain ideas. It is only through action that heroes emerge. I say this as a means to understanding the true traits of a hero. While there are those who preach of wonderful things, it is the hero who goes out and accomplishes the extraordinary. Firefighters are heroes. Police officers are heroes. Every time firemen storm into a burning building, they risk their lives to save others. Every time police officers go to work, they fear the might not be coming home that night. Their willingness to risk their own safety an d sacrifice their own well-being to protect others is a true example of what heroism is all about. However, these aren’t the only heroes in our world. There are many heroes that often go unrecognized for their wonderful actions. I know a hero. Her name is Linda Gomez. I have known Ms. Gomez for as long as I can remember. It was so long ago that we were first introduced that I cannot imagine life without her. What makes this woman a hero is the ability she has shown to overcome all obstacles. It was not until 1999 that I began to understand just how special this woman truly is. After going through a messy divorce from her husband, it was the court’s decree that the children of the marriage be sent to live with their father. Unfortunate... ...ssist with the son’s college funding and has forced Ms. Gomez to produce the entire amount on her own. Because of the existence of the three other children, this is extremely difficult for her. Never once though has she complained or been unable to provide him with the money. In her I see a true hero willing to do anything to take care of her children. This parent’s love for her children is so deep that nothing could destroy it. She is a mother so loving of her children that her own wants and her own wishes are merely afterthoughts. To know a hero is to be truly blessed. Twenty years of life has shown me that Ms. Gomez is indeed a hero. She has sacrificed so much of herself and has the characteristics of a true hero. She is extremely giving, absolutely selfless and willing to lend a hand in any possible situation. I’m so grateful that I can call her mom.

Capital Punishment for Women that Have Abortions :: abortion argumentative persuasive argument

Capital Punishment for Women that Have Abortions    Abortion is the worst thing a woman can do against human dignity. It is a crime against life. No woman has the right to kill a new living being. Many countries ban abortion and many institutions fight against it. Abortion is immoral and it should not be legalized.    Abortion is also a threat to the mother's health. A woman can suffer an infection or internal bleeding. She could also become sterilized, the permanent inhability to bear a child. Abortion not only kills the baby but may kill the mother too. During an abortion, despite the use of local anesthesia, 97% of the women report severe pain, and if a more powerful drug is used she could suffer dangerous side effects. Many complications are common after an abortion, like inflammation of the reproductive organs. As well, there is strong evidence that abortion increases the risk of breast cancer. Women that abort increase their chances of getting breast cancer by 50%, and teenagers with no previous pregnancies that abort after the 8th week increase their probability by 800%. Unicef states that 250,000 women die every year because of legal and illegal abortions: 75,000 of them die of self-inflicted abortions; 75,000 die of convulsions; and the other 100,000 die of blood poisoning caused by an infection of the uterus.   Therefore, if abortion is legalized there will be not only more fetal murders but also more mothers will die.    None of the methods women use to abort are completly safe. One of the most common methods used is Suction Aspiration. The doctor uses a special tool to suck the baby into a collection bottle. Great care must be taken to prevent the uterus from being damaged, which would cause hemorrhage. A woman with hemorrhage will need a blood transfusion that could cause her AIDS. Also infection may easily occur if fetal tissue is left behind in the uterus. Another method used for babies as old as twenty four weeks, is the Dilation and Evacuation. Sharp jaws are used to grasp different parts of the unborn baby which are then torn away. The skull of the baby must be crushed to facilitate the procedure. Another technique used by a lot of pregnant women is the RU486.

Literature Review Format Essay

Literature Review This packet details the steps necessary to produce a literature review that may be required for work in various disciplines, including English, history and psychology. This packet is not intended to replace instructor guidelines and should not be used in that manner. The packet’s intended use is as a supplement to classroom instruction on assembling a literature review. Therefore, it contains only general information that must be tailored to fit specific guidelines as required by your discipline and by your instructor. This packet is subdivided into six sections: I. General Information States what a literature review is and what purpose it serves. II. Process Gives step-by-step instructions on how to get started on your literature review. III. Organization Explains the two most common ways of arranging information in a literature review. IV. Format Provides descriptions for two of the most common formats used in a literature review, the item to item comparison and contrast (Format A) and the criteria to criteria comparison and contrast (Format B). V. Checklist Allows appraisal of your completed literature review to assure that it follows all necessary guidelines. VI. Resources Lists helpful resources used to compile this packet so that you may obtain further information. General Information Definition Literature reviews can have two roles: In their first role, they function as a stand-alone paper. At other times they will actually be part of a larger research thesis. In this handout, literature reviews will be referred to in the stand-alone sense. As a stand-alone paper, literature reviews are multi-layered and are more formal and detailed than book reviews. As the author of a literature review, you must become familiar with a large amount of research on a specific topic. You will then develop your own thesis about the topic related to this research. After this, you will classify and critically analyze research on the topic by making a comparison between several different studies and by emphasizing how these studies and their comparison relate to your own thesis. In effect, a literature review is a paper that compiles, outlines and evaluates previously established research and relates it to your own thesis. It provides a context for readers as if they  Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 were researching the topic on their own. Just from reading your paper, readers should be able to gain insight into the amount and quality of research on the topic. Your thesis and the literature reviewed serve several important functions within the paper: †¢ Your thesis creates a foundation for the literature review because it helps narrow the topic by providing a sense of direction; however, you will have to conduct some initial research and reading before deciding on an appropriate thesis. Your personal thesis may be a statement addressing some of the following situations: â€Å"why your research needs to be carried out, how you came to choose certain methodologies or theories to work with, how your work adds to the research already carried out† (Brightwell, G. and Shaw, J. , 1997-98), or it may present some other logical perspective. †¢ Reviewed literature is organized in a logical manner that best suits the topic of the review and the hypothesis of the literature (see Organization and Format). The selected method of organization and style of format should draw attention to similarities and differences among the reviewed literature; these similarities and differences are based on specific criteria you revealed in the literature review’s introduction. According to Brightwell and Shaw (1997-98), your goal in the body of the review â€Å". . . should be to evaluate and show relationships between the work already done (Is Researcher Y’s theory more convincing than Researcher X’s? Did Researcher X build on the work of Researcher Y?) and between this work and your own [thesis]. † Additional information on these topics can be found in the Organization and Format sections of this packet. Therefore, carefully planned organization is an essential part of any literature review. Purpose Although literature reviews may vary according to discipline, their overall goal is similar. A literature review serves as a compilation of the most significant sources on a subject and relates the findings of each of these sources in a rational manner while supporting the literature review author’s own thesis. A literature review establishes which sources are most relevant to its author’s point and which sources are most credible to the discipline at hand. In a literature review, the results of previous research are summarized, organized and evaluated. Discipline-Specificity A literature review’s organization, format, level of detail and citation style may vary according to discipline because different disciplines have different audiences. Examples here pertain to the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. †¢ Natural and social sciences The author of a literature review in the natural or social sciences must pay close attention to measurements, study populations and technical aspects of experimental findings. Typically, a portion of the natural or social sciences literature review is set aside for reviewing sources on the primary topic. Then, a comparative analysis or discussion section is used to analyze the similarities and differences among the sources, tying them in with the literature review author’s original thesis. †¢ Humanities The author of a literature review in the humanities usually does not set aside a special section for reviewing the sources; instead, citations may be found randomly throughout the paper. The literature being reviewed is arranged according to paragraphs based on the author’s points, which in turn, support the author’s thesis. The paper itself may not be called a literature review at all. It is more likely to be called a critical analysis. Remember that the best bet for determining what type of literature review is appropriate for your course is checking with the instructor prior to beginning research. Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 REVIEW 1. What is the purpose of a literature review? What is the connection between the author’s thesis and the literature being reviewed? 2. What discipline will your literature review be classified in? Process 1. Find several articles that deal with your research topic. Sometimes it is helpful to review the bibliography of one of the first scholarly sources that you encounter and compare it to the bibliographies of other sources on the topic. If the same source is listed within several of these bibliographies, it is probably a fundamental, credible source that will aid you in your review. 2. Before you begin reviewing literature, realize that you are looking to accomplish two things: A. Defining your research problem/thesis (examples: finding a flaw in research, continuing previous research, etc . . . B. Reading and evaluating significant works that are relevant to your research problem. You will be conducting Steps A and B simultaneously because the two form a circular pattern. As you read related sources (Step B), you define your problem, and as you define your problem (Step A) you will more easily be able to decide what material is relevant enough to be worthy of reading (Step B). 3. Once you begin reviewing, make an entry with complete bibliographical information and comments for each work that you are going to include in the review. 4. Compare the articles by evaluating the similarities and differences among them. This will be the initial stage in the formulation of your thesis. 5. Form a thesis that is clearly written and can be logically supported by the literature you will include in your review. 6. View the articles briefly again and jot down any notes that seem to relate to your thesis. 7. Decide which organizational pattern and format are best for the topic of your review. 8. Construct an appropriate outline for the literature review. 9. Write an introduction that introduces the topic, reveals your thesis statement, and arranges key issues. 10. Organize and write the body of your paper according to the appropriate format: topical or chronological. 11. Write a conclusion that reconciles similarities and differences on the topic and reemphasizes the criteria used to arrive at this conclusion. 12. Complete the final draft of the literature review. Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 13. Check over the final draft for grammar and punctuation errors. 14. Use the checklist provided here to make sure that all parts of the literature review are addressed and focused. Establishing a Critical Response for a Literature Review You may find this section helpful at Steps 3, 4 and 5 of the process. When reviewing your sources, explore the following areas to help develop your critical response: What is the purpose of the research or work? What research or literary methods are used? How do the major concepts operate? In a research study, how accurate are the measurements? In a literary work, is the author’s position objective or biased? What are the different interpretations of the results of the study or of the literary work itself? REVIEW 1. What do you consider to be the most crucial step(s) in the process of your literature review? Why? Justify your response(s). Organization A literature review can be arranged either topically or chronologically. Topical organization occurs in reviews where previous research being evaluated is divided into segments with each one representing a part of some larger issue. In a topical review, the author begins by describing the characteristics of research shared by several studies and then moves on to analyze their similarities and differences. For more information, see the example below. Example The organization of a literature review begins in the introduction. For example, in the introduction of a literature review about the effect of seating arrangements on peer tutoring communication, you would first introduce the topic and what your literature review will attempt to assess: †¦Writing centers can set the table for collaborative tutoring sessions through a careful consideration of spatial arrangement . . . Then state what angle is going to be explored: †¦These studies will be used to support the author’s claims that spatial arrangement is instrumental in encouraging collaborative environments in the writing center†¦ Then, arrange key issues that will be addressed in this review by answering questions that you have personally developed and are tailored to fit your topic. In the introduction, give the audience a clear picture of how you will organize your paper: Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 In the following, I1 first review some relevant research concerning spatial arrangement and then discuss some recommended and alternate seating arrangements to encourage a collaborative environment in the writing center. Finally, I include some other considerations. In the body of this literature review, you would organize the information topically around each point (or question) that you asked yourself: -Research Review -Recommended Spatial Arrangement -Alternative Spatial Arrangement -Other Considerations. Then, write a conclusion that explains the significance of your findings: †¦While the seating arrangements outlined above are generally a good ‘setting’ for peer tutoring sessions, we should remember that each tutoring session is unique. Not all students will be comfortable with a side-by-side spatial arrangement at a round table. Tutors should be perceptive of and receptive to students who may have other spatial needs†¦ Chronological organization occurs when a review is organized in time order and is most often used when a historical context is needed for discussing a topic from its beginning to its current state; chronological organization is  especially helpful when discussing inactive periods and shifts in perspective on a given topic. Example The organization of a literature review begins in the introduction. For example, in the introduction of a literature review entitled Development of Social Science Research on Attitudes Towards Gender in America, you would first introduce the topic and what your review hopes to assess: †¦This literature review will assess the development of research designed to uncover gender attitudes in America during the latter part of the 20th Century†¦ Then state what angle is going to be explored: .. As research progressed throughout the 20th century, the methods that social scientists use for measuring these attitudes developed and changed as well†¦ Then, chronologically arrange issues that will be addressed in this review: Gender stereotypes still exist today, and varying attitudes can be traced over the past fifty years. Survey instruments used to gather data on these varying attitudes have also changed drastically over the course of time. In the body of this literature review, you would organize the information chronologically, adressing each point (or question) that is being asked for a particular time period: -Stereotypes and Survey Instruments of the 1950’s -Stereotypes and Survey Instruments of the 1960’s -Stereotypes and Survey Instruments of the 1970’s -Stereotypes and Survey Instruments of the 1980’s -Stereotypes and Survey Instruments of the 1990’s -Current Advancements Always clear the use of I with your instructor. An alternative to this would be the use of third person wording, such as â€Å"This paper reviews some relevant research concerning spatial arrangement and then discusses some recommended and alternate seating arrangements to encourage a collaborative environment in the writing center. † 1 Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 Then, write a conclusion that explains the significance of your findings: Although the survey instruments used in the 1950’s and 1960’s developed an obvious bias when surveying Americans regarding gender attitudes, the 1970’s brought about great change. Today social scientists are more careful than ever about testing the quality of a survey instrument before using it on the general public. Format There are also two suggested formats for composing your literature review. Format A is used when comparing several studies that have similar hypothesis but different findings. Each piece of research is summarized individually. Format A is good for reviews with a small number of entries; however, this format may confuse the audience when used with a large number of reviews because descriptions of so many studies may get in the way of the analysis. Keep in mind that each piece of research usually will not receive equal attention in the review. Format A Outline I. Introduction consists of four parts that are usually discussed in one paragraph. a. Identify the general topic being discussed. b. Mention trends published about the topic. c. State thesis establishing the reason for writing the literature review. d. Explain criteria by giving a description of each of the criteria used in evaluating the literature review and rationalizing its organization II. Literature reviewed section is divided up according to study. a. First study is summarized and discussed. b. Second study is summarized and discussed. c. Third study is summarized and discussed. III. Comparative analysis acknowledges the similarities and differences between studies. a. Similarities (if any) among the studies are evaluated and discussed. b. Differences (if any) among the studies are evaluated and discussed. IV. Conclusion/Summary effectively wraps up the review. a. Summarize points of comparison or contrast among the works based on Section III of your review. b. Provide insight of relationship between the topic of the review and a larger area of study such as a specific discipline or profession Format B  organizes the literature review according to similarities and differences among research rather than by literature studied. In a review organized according to Format B, little background information on the literature being reviewed is given outright. Instead, it is worked into the body paragraphs of the sections on similarities and differences. The conclusion then uses these two sections (similarities and differences) to tie in points of comparison and contrast between the works. Format B better suits papers that are topically organized. Format B is outlined below. Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 Format B Outline I. Introduction consists of four parts usually discussed in one paragraph. a. Identify the general topic being discussed. b. Mention trends published about the topic. c. State thesis establishing the reason for writing the literature review. d. Explain criteria by giving a description of each of the criteria used in evaluating the literature review and rationalizing its organization II. Similiarities within the research are discussed. a.  First similarity among research is discussed. b. Second similarity among research is discussed. c. Third similiarity among research is discussed. III. Differences in the research are discussed. a. First difference between research is discussed b. Second difference between research is discussed c. Third difference between research is discussed IV. Conclusion/Summary a. Summarize points of comparison or contrast between the works. b. Provide insight into relationship between the topic of the literature and a larger area of study such as a specific discipline or profession. The most important thing to remember when organizing a literature review is that it is not a list summarizing one work after another. The review should be organized into sections according to theme that are set apart by subject-related headings. REVIEW 1. Which format have you chosen for your literature review? Why? A Literature Review Checklist: Did I . . . . . . ? ? Establish a valid thesis based on the examined research ? State this thesis clearly in my introduction ? Define unfamiliar terms ? Incorporate background information to define the problem ? Begin each entry in the review with a complete bibliographical reference ? List and describe the hypothesis/thesis in each work reviewed Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288 ? Describe the outcome of the work or the research ? Develop and incorporate my own comments, including response to the research, similarities and differences among literature reviewed, and reservations regarding author’s methods or conclusions ? Avoid overquoting ? Check for grammar and punctuation errors ? Correctly cite all references in uniform documentation style Resources Brightwell, G.  and Shaw, J. (1997-98). Writing up research. Retrieved August 20, 2002 from Languages and Educational Development at the Asian Institute of Technology’s Web page at http://www. languages. ait. ac. th/EL21OPEN. HTM Central Queensland University Library. (2000). The literature review. Retrieved July 22, 2003 from http://www. library. cqu. edu. au/litreviewpages/ Cuba, L. (2002). A short guide to writing about social science. New York: Addison-Wesley Publishers. Leibensperger, S. (2003). Setting the table: Encouraging collaborative environments with spatial arrangement in the writing center. Unpublished literature review. Northern Arizona University. (1999). Electronic textbook – A blast from the past: Your literature review. Retrieved May 30, 2002 from http://jan. ucc. nau. edu/~mid/edr720/class/literature/blast/reading21-1. html Taylor, D. , & Procter, M. (2001). The literature review: A few tips on conducting it. Retrieved June 17, 2002 from http://www. utoronto. ca/writing/litrev. html Trinder, L. (2002). Appendix. The literature review. Retrieved August 27, 2003 http://www. uea. ac. uk/~w071/teaching/ppf/Appendix%20Lit%20Review. pdf The University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center. (2001). Academic writing: Reviews of literature. Retrieved May 30, 2002 from http://www. wisc. edu/writing/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature. html *In traditional APA style, this section would be entitled â€Å"References† and would be listed on a separate page double-spaced. Due to space constraints in this packet, it has been formatted differently. Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the University of Houston-Victoria. Created 2003 by Candice Chovanec-Melzow. Email at tutor@uhv. edu University West, room 129 (361) 570-4288.

Prescription Drug Abuse Essay

Millions of people throughout the world are taking drugs on a daily basis. If you were to ask someone why they take prescription drugs, most people would be taking them for the right reason. However, it’s estimated that twenty percent of people in the United States alone have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.1 Prescription drug abuse is a serious and growing problem that often goes unnoticed. Abusing these drugs can often lead to addiction and even death. You can develop an addiction to certain drugs that may include: narcotic painkillers, sedatives, tranquilizers, and stimulants. Prescription drugs are the most common abused category of drugs, right next to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous drugs. The centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. Addressing the prescription drug abuse epidemic could help build stronger communities and allow those with substance abuse disorders to lead healthier, more satisfying lives. A crucial step in overcoming the problem of prescription drug abuse is to first educate parents, youth, and patients, about the dangers of abusing these drugs. Studies have shown that most people who misuse these drugs are teens and young adults ages twelve to twenty five. They may often believe these substances are safer than illicit drugs because they were prescribed by a professional. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that nearly a third of people age twelve and over used drugs for the first time by using a prescription drug non-medically. In a study of students in Wisconsin and Minnesota, thirty four percent of kids diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) said they had been approached to sell or trade their Ritalin or Adderall. The latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that over seventy percent of people who abused prescription pain relievers got them from friends or relatives. Most people do not lock up their medication or discard them when they no longer intend on using them. This makes them vulnerable to theft or misuse. According to the 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey, about fifty percent of high school seniors said that opioid drugs, other than heroin (e.g., Vicodin), would be fairly easy to obtain. Interestingly, boys and girls tend to misuse these drugs for different reasons. For example, boys are more likely to abuse stimulants  to get high. Girls tend to abuse them to lose weight. Those who abuse prescription medications are more likely to report use of other drugs unl ess this issue is taken into control. Many different things can happen when you abuse prescription drugs. Stimulant abuse can cause paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, and irregular heartbeat. Abuse of opioids can cause drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and slowed breathing. Abusing depressants can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, fatigue, disorientation, lack of coordination, and seizures. Abusing over the counter drugs can impair motor functions, produce numbness, cause nausea and vomiting, and increase heart rate.4 Doctors consider the risks to each patient before prescribing medications. They take into account things like the patient’s age, weight, medical history, the drugs form, dose, possible side effects, and the potential for addiction. People abusing drugs might not understand how these factors interact and can put them at risk. Someone abusing a certain type of medication may overload their system or make themselves vulnerable to dangerous drug interactions that can cause seizures, coma, or even death. In 2000, about forty three percent of hospital emergency admissions for drug overdose happened because of misused prescription drugs. They are designed to treat a particular illness or condition, but they often have other side effects on the body. For example, stimulants such as Adderall increase attention but also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Th ese side effects can be worse when prescriptions are not taken as prescribed, or are abused in combination with other substances. For instance, some people mix alcohol and Valium, both of which can slow breathing. The combination of the two could stop breathing altogether. Cough and cold medications are some of the most commonly abused over the counter medications. They contain an ingredient called dextromethorphan. However, to get to the â€Å"high† craved by people who use drugs, large quantities are needed. At high doses, dextromethorphan causes side effects similar to those of the drugs Ketamine, or PCP, by affecting similar sites to the brain. Ketamine and PCP are considered â€Å"dissociative† drugs, which make people feel disconnected from their normal selves. When taken as directed, over the counter drugs are safe and effective, but high doses can cause problems. It’s always important to read the bottle labels and take over the counter medications only as directed. Not all prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and  addiction. Many drugs don’t even act in the brain. For example, antibiotics are not addictive. On the rare occasion people who take drugs for medical conditions may become addicted. This is why it is extremely important to be under a doctor’s care while taking prescription medication. Most prescription drugs are taken in a form th at gets to the brain slowly at a dose that treats a problem, but doesn’t overwhelm the system. Both of which reduce the likelihood of an addiction. Long-term medical use of prescription drugs can lead to physical dependence, because the brain and the body naturally adapt to chronic drug exposure. A person may need larger doses of the drug to achieve the same initial effects, which is known as tolerance. When drug use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Dependence is not the same as addiction. It is one of the many reasons a person should only take and stop taking prescription drugs under a physician’s care. The risks for addiction increase when drugs are used in ways other than prescribed. Physicians, their patients, and pharmacists all play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse. More than eighty percent of Americans had contact with a healthcare professional in the past year, placing doctors in a position not only to prescribe medications, but also to identify abuse. By asking about all drugs, physicians can help their patients recognize that a problem exists, set recovery goals, and seek appropriate treatment. Screening for prescription drug abuse can also be incorporated into routine medical visits. Doctors should take note of rapid inc reases in the amount of medication needed and unscheduled refill requests. Patients can also take steps to ensure that they use prescription drugs appropriately. These steps include always following the drugs directions, being aware of potential interactions with other drugs, never stop or change a dosing regimen without first discussing it with a healthcare provider, and never use another person’s prescription. Patients should always inform their healthcare professionals about all prescriptions, over the counter medications, and dietary or herbal supplements they are taking before they obtain any other medication. Pharmacists also play a very important role in preventing drug abuse. Pharmacists dispense medications and can help patients understand the directions for taking them. By being watchful for prescription falsifications or alterations, pharmacists can serve as the first line of defense in recognizing  prescription drug abuse. Some pharmacies have developed hotlines to alert other pharmacies in the region when a fraudulent prescription is detected. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) require physicians and pharmacists to log each filled prescription into a State database. This can assist medical professionals in identifying patients who are getting prescriptions from multiple sources. Because prescription drugs are legal, they are easily accessible. Parents, law enforcement, the medical community, and all levels of government have a role to play in reducing prescription drug abuse. Some things you can do to reduce the abuse of drugs may include: Follow disposal guidelines, talk to your children, and seek treatment or support individuals in recovery. By following the guidelines you reduce the risk of unintentional diversion or harm. Talking to your children at an early age can make sure they know the dangers of drug abuse and can be very helpful in prevention. It is always very important to encourage someone you may know with a drug abuse problem to seek recovery. Thousands of individuals who have struggled with addiction are now living happy lives with the help of treatment and recovery services.2 In conclusion, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem that can be overcome with prevention and the right treatment. References 1. Prescription Drug Abuse. Medline Plus. Available at: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prescriptiondrugabuse.html Accessed 9/20/2013 2. Prescription Drug Abuse. Office of National Drug Control Policy. Available at: www.whitehouse.gov/andcp/prescription-drug-abuse Accessed 9/20/2013 3. Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction. CRC Health Group. Available at: www.crchealth.com/addiction/prescription-drug-addictions-2/ Accessed 9/20/2013 4. Drug Facts-Prescription Drugs. NIDA For Teens. The Science behind Drug Abuse. Available at: www.teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-drugs Accessed 9/20/2013 5. Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Available at: www.drugabuse.gov/publications/prescription-drugs-abuse-addiction/preventing-recognizing-prescription-drug-abuse Accessed 9/20/2013 6. The Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic. PDMP Center of Excellence. Available at: www.pdmpexcellence.org/drug-abuse-epidemic Accessed 9/20/2013

Life Attitudes of the Government Employees at the City Council of Davao Essay

Factors involved in having satisfying attitudes are that we should enjoy life, be accountable for our own well being, and think in terms of taking care of our whole person. Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it will bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing and strengthening. Based on the facts stated above, the researchers opted to investigate the life attitudes of government employees at City Council Davao City. Statement of the Problem This study aimed to investigate the general Life Attitudes of the government employees at City Council in Davao City; specifically it sought answers the following: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: 1. Gender; and 2. Age? 2. What is the life attitude of the respondents? Is there a significant difference in the life attitude of the respondents when they are grouped according to age and gender? Hypothesis Ho: There is no significant difference in the life attitude of the respondents when they are grouped according to age and gender. Methodolgy This study made use of a descriptive-comparative design. Survey questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. The respondents of this study were the employees of the City Council chosen using the simple random technique. The study was conducted throughout the City Council’s operating hours from Mondays through Fridays starting last January 16 to January 20, 2012 around 1-3 pm. The randomly sampled respondents were asked by the researchers for consent and approval to answer the questionnaire until the desired number of respondents which was 30 has been reached. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The mean was used to determine the employees’ life attitude. The frequency and percent distribution were utilized in determining the employees’ profile in term of gender and age.

Reporting Practices and Ethics Paper Essay

Financial management is very crucial in today’s health care financial procedures. It is one the most important aspects of the financial health care. There are many assessments made- based the financial records and the business transactions that occur within the health care organization. It is crucial the financial records are kept up- to -date and they follow specific guidelines. The books kept up- to- date and in order, this will show the amount of money being brought into the organization for profit and the amount of money the organization has lost in profit. One thing that may cause the honesty of the organization to be on the brinks is the organization financial management and the correctness of the financial books. This paper is about information that will address financial reporting practices and ethics. It will address four financial management functions, summaries that accept accounting principles by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). It will also give an example from an article that has reflected ethical standards of conduct and financial reporting. The basic four components of financial management are planning, controlling, organizing and directing and decision making. The preparation is responsibility for financial management to recognize the purposes of the health care organization. The planning step is to â€Å"set directions and allocates resources, the organizing step brings people and material resources together in working condition, the leading step inspires people to best utilize these resources, and the controlling step checks that the right things happen, in the right way, and at the right time† (Lombardi, Schermerhorn, & Kramer, 2007,). Controlling is the process of the financial management to ensure that each department of the organization are going by the procedures that was decided. The financial manager should have the reports available to study the most recent financial reports. The reports will help to select what department needs the most consideration to keep the organization going. Organizing and directing is the responsibility of the financial manager to decide in what way to make use of the funds of the organizations most efficiently. Resources such as assets will help the manager to ensure the goals of the healthcare organizations are accomplished. Directing is an everyday job provided that control and support. The final step in the element in financial management is decision making. Planning, organizing, and controlling is a correspondence with the decision making process. The choices will be by the financial manager based on evaluation, analysis and information. Generally accepted accounting principles is a set of financial recommendations used for financial accounting. The recommendations are for preparing financial statements and for setting standards for organizations accountants. According to Baker (2011), â€Å" One of the requirements of GAAP is that unrestricted fund balances be separated from restricted fund balances on the statements, so you see two appropriate line items (restricted and unrestricted) in the fund balance section† (p. 108). GAAP are the rules of accounting. Those guidelines are to arrange the reporting of financial statements that will include the cash flow statements, income statements, and the balance sheet. With the reply of these responsibilities, the Organization of Managing Bookkeepers declared principles of moral conduct for employees of managing bookkeeping and financial management. The principles take account for confidentiality, integrity, and competence. A person must maintain knowledge and the necessary skills is what includes competence. They must always maintain their professional responsibilities and duties in accordance with related rules, technical standards, and regulations. Confidentiality when one should not disclose confidential information, such as health records except when given the right authority to do so. Integrity has the responsibility not to engage in activities that would affect prejudgment, favors that will influence their actions and decision making. According to† Ethical Standards† (n. d),â€Å"Specialists of managing bookkeeping and monetarist managing partake an commitment to the community, their line of work, the institute they work for and themselves, to uphold the utmost principles of decent manner. Hewlett-Packard Company CEO, Mark Hurd turn out to be mixed up in the workplace. According to (Healthfield, 2012), â€Å"Mr. Hurd had failed to disclose a close personal relationship he had with a contractor that constituted a conflict of interest† . †Mr. Hurd also â€Å"failed to maintain accurate expense reports, and misused company assets. † This is an example that reflect ethical standards of conduct a nd financial reporting practices. Practicing accuracy end honesty will help continue the capacity to never misuse the financial systems, and abide by the laws laid out by GAAP. Organizations are providing their employees with the necessary training that will equip them as well as sustain the reporting practices operational but at the time use the similar procedures and show them new procedures. Fraud and abuse is something everyone know when being ethical. By using the GAAP guidelines, keeping the organizational ethics and policies would be free from abuse and fraud. By following the guidelines that comes from the GAAP, they can help prevent fraud and abuse from happening in the health care organization itself. These guidelines are there to help the organization benefit so they will always be ready in case there may come a time when they have to show their financial documents to a third party. Therefore in conclusion, it a major responsibility in financial reporting practices and ethics. Financial managers should implement the four elements of financial management in their reports to avoid fraud, abuse and the risk of breaking ethics. Managers should know how to plan, control, organize and directing and decision making. They should always incorporate the GAAP rules and regulations in order to avoid unethical rulings.

A reflective statement Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

A reflective statement - Assignment Example This is done by sharing responsibilities in order to achieve a common goal. The evidence of how interpersonal and team working skills are used are provided in a major reflective section of a final discussion placement report (Rogers, 2009). Collaborative Peer-Assisted learning (CPAL) is one of the ways on how the skills are used. This method helps students and individuals to save time and needless efforts by enabling them to just ask for help from their peers. The other peer students then supply suggestions and solutions that are to be read through and employed for problem solving as required. The CPAL method was included as a way of using interpersonal and team working skills. It is applied through the skills superstore learning function in a form of a team discussion forum so as to facilitate the requirement of interpersonal relation (Rogers, 2009). The other way on how the skills were used is through an effective communication process. Effective communication is achieved through various ways such as oral communication, effective listening, questioning, self awareness, assertiveness, helping, and reflecting. Oral communication entails the effective oral presentations. Effective listening provides a core skill with the ability to listen successfully in a situation of interpersonal range. Questioning enhances the ways of communicating efficiently in an interaction. Self awareness provides an assumed empathy needed for an underlying effective communication. Assertiveness is a vital interpersonal skill for an all-domain interaction. Helping is an effective and important interpersonal competence aspect of team working. Finally, Reflecting is a skill that closely relates to the psychological sciences and provides an ability of presenting reflections in an interpersonal team work (Rogers,