IS THERE A CLASH BETWEEN MILLS PRINCIPLE OF UTILI Essays

IS THERE A CLASH BETWEEN MILL'S PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY AND HIS PRINCIPLE OF LIBERTY? In 2006, before a crucial vote in the UK Houses of Parliament that would enact legislation banning smoking in public areas, articles were written with arguments both for and against the ban, and cited on both sides was John Stuart Mill (Reeves: 2007). Whilst some quoted his harm principle and stressed the dangers of second-hand smoke, others drew upon his writings on utility, claiming that the pain of the smokers whose freedoms would be curtailed would far outweigh the happiness of the non-smokers (Reeves: 2007). In this example lies the fundamental paradox of Mill's ideology - ensuring the freedom of the individual, whilst at the same time preserving the happiness of the collective. When reviewed as an ideology, as well as when applied to practise, we are able to recognise fundamental clashes in ideas which makes his position on issues, particularly ones of our modern day, unclear. However, it is certainly interesting to note that Mill is not entirely blind to such clashes - however when they occur we see that fundamentally, he is primarily a libertarian, with utilitarianism as a secondary preoccupation. It is first important to establish Mill's own interpretation of liberal and utilitarian philosophy, and question whether such ideologies are, on the surface, inherently compatible. In On Liberty Mill's strong commitment to liberalism is identifiable, promoting individual sovereignty over matters of thought, feeling and expression (Mill: 2015). He asserts that society may only intervene in the actions of others if such actions harm, or pose a likely threat of harm to others - the maxims both of individual autonomy and social responsibility form what Mill titles the harm principle' (Mill: 2015). On this basis, Mill allows individuals to choose for themselves what to do with their own existence, whilst ensuring that others are entitled to their freedom from pain or danger. However Mill, who was brought up in an environment that heavily promoted utilitarianism, attempts to put forward a second value - in Utilitarianism, it is suggested that happiness is the only desirable ends of human e xistence, and that society has a responsibility to strive for the greatest possible happiness of its people (Reeves: 2007, Mill: 2015). There is a clear attempt to show that the principles can co-exist by asserting that liberty is indispensable in promoting the greatest happiness, but it must be considered that the nature of his ideas creates a conflict of interest (Burley: 2009). The major distinction between the basis' of liberty and utility is their commitment to individualism and collectivism, respectively. It is clear that in On Liberty Mill presents a significant affinity for individualism and eccentricity, claiming that diversion from custom is vital in preventing tyranny of the majority (Mill: 2015, Crisp: 1997). Contrastingly, in his discussion of utility, Mill appears to suggest that individual misery is acceptable if it justifies majority collective happiness. (Struhl: 2007). We are able to detect from this that there is a fundamental conflict between Mill's ideas - his d esire for liberty is ultimately curtailed by his desire for individuals to act in a way that would promote a progressive and harmonious society. Inconsistencies within the principles can be highlighted in instances where the suppression of minority views would lead to the greatest happiness. Mill is strongly committed to the freedom of expression and action, in keeping with the harm principle, as he believed constant challenge to supposed truths was fundamental to societal progression (Mill: 2015). However, if the suppression of such views and actions would lead to the greatest happiness in society, then it seems Mill would have to make a choice between the utility of society and the liberty of the individual. Berlin makes reference to periods in history where there was significant social demand for the burning of witches, which would of course bring the accused witches harm and thus should be subject to societal intervention in accordance with the harm principle (Berlin: 1969). However to do so society would have to neglect the greatest happiness, assuming that the demand for the burning was greater than the witches desire t o live. Similarly, it has been questioned whether, under the principles of utility, genocide

Auschwitz2 essays

Auschwitz2 essays Located thirty-seven miles west of Krakow, Auschwitz was the camp where Jewish people were killed and worked. This camp, out of all the rest tortured the most people. At the camp there was a place called the "Black Wall," this was where the people were executed. In March of 1941, there was another camp that started to be built. This second camp was called Auschwitz II, or Birkinau. It was located 1.9 miles away from Auschwitz I. People that were chosen to come to these camps were expelled from their homes. Their houses were destroyed for the purpose of building Birkinau. Birkinau had nine sub-units. Electrically charged fences that lined their borders separated them from each other. In August 1942, the women's section at Auscwitz I was moved to Birkinau. Nine hundred and ninety-nine women from Ravensbruck camp and other women from different camps joined them also. Birkinau now had over 6,000 women prisoners being held. In the town Monowitz, another camp was being built. This camp was called Auschwitz III, or Buna-Monowitz. Other camps that were located close to Monowitz were moved to Buna-Monowitz. The population of Bikinau was the most densely populated out of all the camps. It also had the most cruel and bad conditions of all the camps in the complex. The prisoners at Birkinau mostly consisted of Jews, Poles, and Germans. There were a number of Gipsy and Czech Jew family camps located at Birkinau for a period of time also. In Birkinau, the gas chambers and the crematoria, where the bodies were burned operated at Auschwitz I. Birkinau and all the other sub-camps were mostly forced labour camps. The most recognised of the labour camps are Budy, Czechowitz, Glenwitz, Rajsko, and Furstenarube. The prisoners here were worked to the Point of death. Trains transported people to the camps, and violently forced them off the train. All of the people's property was left on the train also. They prisoners ...

Health Care Continuum Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health Care Continuum - Assignment Example The concept is manifest in the application of life support machines for the extreme sick cases. Fayetteville, North Carolina has sufficient long-term care options including outsourcing of the health services. Additionally, the health centers in Fayetteville, North Carolina have acquired sophisticated medical equipment to cater for the long term health care services. The other option the region has is the offering of free guidance and counseling services because some terminal illnesses are caused by ignorance of the patients. The continuity health care services, which will be required in my community, include the provision of diagnostic equipment and proper prescription of drugs in order to promote prompt recuperation. Austine and Wetle’s claim that Mental Health Services are a Combination of Services is true because the delivery of medical services can never be unilateral. The health of a person is complex, thus it requires much attention from the medical practitioners. This initiative requires coordination of many health experts in various specializations. The recuperation of a patient results from concerted effort of more than one medical practitioner. In this regard, the continuum health care requires the service of many health care providers in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the health care sector. The integrated delivery systems ensure sound delivery of continuum health care. The continuum of healthcare ensures that there is integration of medical services in order to achieve efficiency and quality of the healthcare service. The headache of the integrated delivery system is the fragmented American health care system. According to Halloran, and Lowenstein (2010), there is a need for the integration of the health care in order to have a regulated health care system. In this regard, health care resources will be utilized for the welfare of the citizens. Additionally, the integration of the services will allow

Rape in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Rape in America - Essay Example This figure translates to an incidence rate of 64.8 victims of forcible rate for every 100,000 women and girls (FBI, 2003). The report also states that around 91 percent of these victims suffered rapes by force while 9 percent reported experiencing forcible rape attempts by another person. Although definitions of rape in every society, culture and nationality varies and considered very complex, the law provides basic situations or conditions for the commission of this crime. The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), established in the 1960s, defines rape as "forced sexual intercourse including both psychological coercion as well as physical force. Forced sexual intercourse means vaginal, anal, or oral penetration by the offender" (Kilpatrick, 2004). "The Federal Criminal Code of 1986 has a different definition of rape. It does not use the term rape per se but uses aggravated sexual abuse instead. According to this law, there are two types of aggravated sexual abuse. These are (1) aggravated sexual abuse by force or threat of force and (2) aggravated sexual abuse by other means". (Title 18, Chapter 109A, Sections 2241-2233). The first type involves the use of force or threat such as death, injury or detention to coerce a person into sexual activity. The second type includes rendering the victim unconscious through force or other means such as alcohol or drugs in order to engage into a sexual act (Title 18, Chapter 109A, Sections 2241-2233). The National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) on the other hand clearly defined the nature and limits of rape in their assessment of U.S. adult women from 1995-1996. There were five instances or conditions in their questionnaire which can be considered as an act of rape. The first is the use of force or threat to victim or persons close to the victim in order to have sex which involves putting a penis in the victim's vagina. The second is the use of force or threat to victim or persons close to the victim to have oral sex. The third is the use of force or threat to victim or persons close to the victim to have anal sex. The third is the use of force or threat to victim or persons close to the victim to put the offender's finger inside the victim's vagina or anus. The last condition includes the above four acts but without actual penetration (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). In the social or psychological science, rape is defined as forcing sexual activity on a person who objects or withholds consent or, in other words, sexual activity devoid of consent and against the person's will. This paper aims to assess the applicability of the narcissistic theory in the commission of rape and the psychology of rapists. Narcissistic Theory The narcissistic theory was presented by several psychologists including S. Freud, C. Lasch, O. Kernberg and H. Kohut to name a few. Narcissism was based from the name of a Greek mythology character called Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection on the water's surface. Narcissism, simply put, is used to refer to self-love or self-admiration (John & Robins, 1994; Rhodewalt et al., 1998; Morf & Rhodewalt, 1993). Freud's adaptation of the term found healthy and pathologic applications of narcissism in his psychodynamic theories while Kohut defines it as a mental illness caused by a defective upbringing resulting to excessive love of oneself and disregard for other persons. Lasch

Mahatma Ghandi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mahatma Ghandi - Essay Example He was also of the opinion that violence would have the effect of leaving behind a trial of bitterness and hatred that would make attempts at achieving a genuine reconciliation almost impossible. Gandhi’s campaigns against non-violence in both India and South Africa had an enormous influence as they led to the development and diffusion of nonviolent campaign skills and insights. In most societies today nonviolent action has largely become the preferred approach. Nonviolent campaigns have the advantage of their being largely spontaneous and organized without much planning, preparation and training. Considering the large amounts of efforts and money that go into planning armed operations, it is highly likely that non violent action will continue to become more effective in future. However, there are some criticisms targeted at the premise of non-violence, some of the probably reservations and objections that a skeptic might voice and the probable approach that Gandhian might use to answer these objections include; In answering this claim, a Gandhian might point out that this statement is essentially not true as history is rife with examples of just how non-violence has been used to successfully obtain victory against oppressive systems backed by violence. An example of this is that in India, Gandhi was able to successfully build up a non-violent movement against the oppressive British colonials. The non-violent movement engaged in peaceful protests that included noncooperation, exemplary hunger strikes, economic boycotts and rampant acts of disobedience that had the effect of causing the oppressive British imperialism to become unworkable. Other examples of the successes of non violence are demonstrated by Lannstrom (10) who points out that Martin Luther used non-violence in achieving civil rights for black

The Gladiator

The Gladiator An essay on The Gladiator based on Sobchacks conceptualisation of genre movies and Singers notions of melodrama specifically about moral polarization. Ridley Scotts The Gladiator (2000) is about, Maximus (Russell Crowe) a respected honourable general, loyal to both his emperor and Rome. He leads his troops into battle, and emerges victorious from all of them. The one battle he is unable to win is that he is unable to save his family from being condemned by the new emperor of Rome, Commodus (Joachim Phoenix). Maximus goes through numerous gladiator battles and finally comes back to Rome to take revenge on Commodus. Maximus eventually gets a chance at revenge for his family, when he is put against Commodus in the ring. After a long struggle, he succeeds in killing Commodus, and restores the power of the Roman senate. This Hollywood movie is a good example of a sensational melodrama and, as such, it illustrates many of Singers notions of melodrama. This film is also a good example of an adventure film or swashbuckler and as such illustrates well Sobchacks conceptualisation of genre movies. According to Singer, melodrama â€Å"as it generally is used today refers to a set of subgenres that remain close to the heart and hearth and emphasize a register of heightened emotionalism and sentimentality† (page127). In other words, Singer defines melodrama several main concepts: excess, situation, moral polarization, non-classical narrative structure, pathos and finally sensationalism. Excess is the element perhaps most often associated with melodrama; according to Singer, its a certain â€Å"overwrought† or â€Å"exaggerated† quality. But also portrays emotional excess in the villains expressions of hatred, envy, jealousy, spite, or malice. For example, Maximus symbolizes all admirable qualities, and has a heart of gold. He is, however, opposed by the jealousy, obsessive and power-hungry Commodus who abuses his position of authority, as Caesar. This being said the viewers sympathy goes towards Maximus. On the other hand we feel distant from the emperor Commodus since we feel anger and hatred towards him. Melodrama also activates various kinds of excess in the spectators visceral responses. A good Hollywood melodrama is one that makes you cry, or one that arouses strong sentiment, particularly powerful feelings. Situation is another concept which merits consideration as a core feature of melodrama. Situation is a rather difficult to narrow down, but it could be defined as† a striking and exciting incident that momentarily arrests narrative action while the characters encounter a powerful new circumstance and the audience relishes the heightened dramatic tension†.(p128) In other words we are presented with a situation often entails a starting reversal or twist of events that creates a dramatic impasse, a momentary paralysis stemming from a deadlock. Situation involves a considerable amount of suspense: Suspense about how the deadlock will be broken. Illustrations of such suspense can be either about; how the hero will win a fight or how the â€Å"good guy† will escape from captivity. An example of a deadlock in the movie is noticed when Maximus had just killed Commodus and then just stands alone dreaming of opening the gates of heaven without any noise being heard. The dead lock is later on broken when Quintus had repeated Maximuss name twice, in order to get him out of his dreams and Maximus replies with â€Å"release my men†. What brings most viewers to watch movies like â€Å"The Gladiator† is one of its themes of hero vs. villain or â€Å"good guy† vs. â€Å"bad guy â€Å", which according to Singer is called moral polarization. This aspect of melodrama, where the formula of good vs. evil is used, expresses a realistic effect on the viewer. Maximus is a character to be that of a â€Å"common man,† one who had the virtues of wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. But on the other side we have Commodus a man full of hatred because of his fathers choice of the next ruler. He has no merci and will kill all those who come in his path to glory. People enjoy watching and experiencing the, thrill, adventures, violence, love, gore etc†¦ of the constant action and suspense that plays throughout the movie. This is called Sensationalism. It is used by making ordinary people live through extraordinary things (played out by actors). This causes the viewers personal emotions to awaken w ith intense feelings of pathos.. A situation in the movie when we see how good vs. evil always finish is when the camera is on Maximuss face as he tells Quintus â€Å"release my men†, this phrase shows that that the evil is being killed and the good is being released and by doing this Rome could now flourish. According to Sobchack, genre film is a film which belongs to a particular group of films that are extremely similar in their subject matter. The Gladiator is defined to be a melodrama which according to Sobchak, â€Å"even though we know that the protagonist will triumph in the end or that a satisfactory solution will be found to the central conflict, we also know that the dangers which threaten the protagonist are life-and-death matters.† (192)Sobchack defines genre film in terms of the concepts of formula and iconography. Formula is when â€Å"The basic conflict of the story is familiar, and we know from past viewing experiences none or less how the story will be resolved†. In other words, the â€Å"usual† happenings of a plot, like the conflict between good and evil, always end ups by having the good triumph. Most of the time, the hero is given some sort of power. With which he is designated to take on the mission of saving the society and bring back peace. In the movie the power which best suits Maximus is the loyalty which Maximus has. This loyalty appears many times throughout the movie and becomes evident, since each of his fellow gladiators, as well as his masters, is willing to die for him. Iconography refers to â€Å"certain costumes, objects, landscapes and performers to signify by their presence elements of plot yet to come† This means that when a viewer sees those icons, they immediately associate a theme or plot direction for the narrative. Colors, lights and costumes were frequently used. We see a clear usage of light in â€Å"the Gladiator† when towards the end; the light is directly aimed at Maximus and Commodus while all the other characters are in the dark, making these two main characters the â€Å"premier plan† of the movie. For the color, we see Commodus dressed all in white in order to represent himself as being pure good and the rightful emperor that Rome needs to control everything, At the very end of the movie, before the final battle, we see Maximus a slave in white, and who is differently dressed compared to the other slave, whom they on the other hand are dressed in dark colour to keep them separated from this specific slave. The kinds of shots were very present carefully done throughout the movie. The shots are here to make the viewers feel either they are the character or the people around the main character. For example, after the war with the German tribe, Maximus converses with Marcus Aurelius, the camera is focused on Marcus, which in turn makes us feel like we are Maximus himself. Through these camera shots we are able to feel these emotions, of being confused and not really comfortable with the offer. The theatrical genre of melodrama uses theme-music to control the spectators emotional response and to represent character types. In other words, the suspense music is used throughout the film in order to heighten the tension of the film and to keep the viewers at the edge of their seats. A movie soundtrack is used to praise the story being told on the screen In fact, Gladiator in essence had very little to do with gladiators. It dealt with the tragic changing of power, deceit, and old alliances. Bringing up a so called SWASHBUCKLER as would Sobchack say. Who struggles against decadence in the Roman society and his efforts to give Rome back to the people while at the same time revenging his murdered family. Movies like â€Å"The Gladiator† are usually The Gladiator portrayed an adventure, being filled with blood, action and getaways with suspenseful plots. This movie primarily focuses on leadership, drama and politics. Its a tale of betrayal, bravery and survival. As said earlier Maximus is trying to get back to Rome to get his freedom and revenge on Marcus Aurelius. This relates to Singers notion of melodrama because the movie is able to accomplish some sort of relationship with a vast audience and have many people relate and sympathize with Maximus. Singer mentions that melodrama is a distorted view on reality, where impossible situations occur constantly one after the other but with the realist effect.Excess is present during the battles of Maximus and Tigris of Graul. In this scene we are drawn into the action completely as if we were observers in the Coliseum itself. The constant roar of the crowds and their urging for death capture your ears and keep the adrenaline rushing; you become a Roman and are cheering for death yours elf. Every clash of swords, every bang of metal on metal, and every cut, slash, puncture, punch and kick are all felt by the devastating realism of sound and camera angles. An awesome aspect of this scene is the fading in and out of the crowd while the fight surges. A favorite of mine, which caught my full attention, was the chains of the tigers running through the rings, symbolizing danger, as they were the only distinct sounds. The music draws you into the scene with its constant growth of intensity besides music, we see exaggeration in how the villain Commodus is very jealous of Maximus. Throughout the movie all battles in which Maximus takes place, bring up the notion of sensationalism since the viewers are excited to watch Maximus fight and triumph over his enemies. Finally, when Commodus is killed, there is a moment of suspense where everyone is wondering what will happen next this is a deadlock coming from the notion of situation Now looking at the movie from Sobchaks point o f view, we could see a presence of a melodrama genre. Since the hero, is going through obstacles which he cant always find himself victorious. These obstacles are gladiator battles which put Maximus life in danger, but also death situations through time. The formula used in this movie is that the viewers know from the very beginning of the movie that Maximus will be able to overcome everything and anything which stands in his path to revenge. Sobchaks formal aspects, as defined earlier, are the colors, lights and costumes. A good scene, where the presence of all these aspects are found is when, Maximus is tied up and gazing upwards towards the heavens. This shows us that he has finally reached his goal and destination, which is to avenge his family and join them in the afterlife. Gracchus then comments, â€Å"who will help me carry him†, and many people step forward and an almost royal procession is made as he is carried out the arena. Commodus can be seen in the corner of th e aerial shot in his robes ignored and forgotten. This again symbolizes that the evil has gone and the good prevails. Singer and Sobchack both offer conceptualization of genre melodrama. Both accounts are relevant for the movie The Gladiator. This Ridley Scotts realization brings out the deep thought about greatness, principle, life and death through a great story about a simple but encompassing idea of a good vision, a vision of freedom: the general who became a slave, the slave who became a gladiator, and the gladiator who defied the emperor. The story shows us what greatness means. That greatness is being true to your word, being truthful to yourself and doing a noble and generous deed. It is not about being rich or being poor nor being a king or slave it is something in the character of the individual. No matter who or what he is. Maximus proves his worth as being a good man by being true to his promise to King Marcus Aurelious. The idea also shows us about freedom. That it can be won by staying together for a good cause and having true friends. Working together for a vision to attain a goal de spite dangers. Greatness is an act that teaches men wisdom, wisdom to have strength and honor to the extent of risking ones life. Maximus adventures appear to be in everyones everyday life. People might not be fighting in the same way; but at the end of the day, people always find themselves in their own battles throughout their lives which they must overcome in order to succeed.

Comparing the Role of the Narrator in Melville’s Benito Cereno, Henry James’ Daisy Miller and Hwang :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Comparing the Role of the Narrator in Melville’s Benito Cereno, Henry James’ Daisy Miller and Hwang’s M. Butterfly Written stories differ in numerous ways, but most of them have one thing in common; they all have a narrator that, on either rare occasions or more regularly, help to tell the story. Sometimes, the narrator is a vital part of the story since without him or her, it would not be possible to tell the story in the same way, and sometimes, the narrator has a very small role in the story. However, he or she is always there, and to compare how different authors use, and do not use, this outside perspective writing tool, a comparison between Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno, Henry James’ Daisy Miller, and David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly will be done. One of the basic functions of the narrator is to describe the actions that occur from an outside perspective. Since almost no characters will describe the basic actions, i.e. how people are moving, in the plot, it is necessary to use the narrator as help in this issue. All three works that are compared in this essay, Daisy Miller, Benito Cereno and M. Butterfly, use this technique quite often and in very similar ways. First of all, we have James who never writes any words without explicit meaning to the story. As a result, the narrator’s descriptions of simple actions are often short and concise; â€Å"Daisy looked at him for a moment† (James 108). However, since M. Butterfly is originally written to be performed and not read, Hwang uses the narrator to describe the stage for the reader. Therefore, most of the narrator’s comments are related to how the characters move on stage, and how the stage itself looks like; â€Å"They start to walk about the stage. It is a summer night on the Beijing streets. Sounds of the city play on the house speakers† (Hwang 21). Melville, on the other hand, uses the narrator for more detailed purposes. He often adds specific details to the descriptions; small hints of what is still to come in the storyline. A good example of this is when he describes how the two captains in the story are standing on the deck: â€Å"While most part of the story was being given, the two captains stood on the after part of the main deck, a privileged spot, no one being near but the servant† (Melville 45).

Numerous poems Essay

Numerous poems tackle the theme of loneliness using invented or any of the variety of available poetic forms. Most often, the feeling is expressed through either a single and extended metaphor or through a number of interconnected imageries with the purpose of creating a tight and unified construction that would arouse the reader’s empathy towards the poem’s meaning. In poems like these, the focus is the metaphors used to put the theme across. The form is also important, but secondary to content. However, for other poets meaning can be conveyed equally by both content and form. For e. e. cumming, the form can even dictate the metaphor. His post-modernist poem â€Å"leaf falls on loneliness† illustrates how structure can be used to communicate the meaning of a poem even more that its metaphor, thus evoking varied and more vast experiences with the reading. The nine-line poem consists of one to five letters per line. Seven lines are made up of two letters each, one line has three letters, while the longest final line has five. The entire poem spells out the word â€Å"loneliness†. The word is interrupted, however, by a phrase written inside a parenthesis: â€Å"a leaf falls†. The interruption occurs after the first letter, cutting off the letter â€Å"l† from the rest of the word. The irregularity in the grouping of letters is not arbitrary. The form of the poem obviously seeks to approximate the fall of a leaf. One could imagine the leaf as it sways from side to side, then twirls in space looking like a narrow spinning band, until it eventually rests flat on the ground during the poem’s longest final line. The visual fall makes the reader understand the poem’s metaphor: loneliness, like a falling leaf, is a sinking feeling. The image of a falling leaf is a cliche but e. e. cummings makes his poem different not only by employing a unique structure scheme but also by putting both the metaphorical image and the theme stated plainly together in the poem. A greeting card or an amateur exposition would attempt to define the word â€Å"loneliness†. An inferior poet would only focus on the â€Å"falling leaf† metaphor and wax poetic about the possible meanings behind the image. Cummings put both together and in the process does not only call the reader’s attention to the connection of the words with the image but, because of the placement of the letters, raises other points of discussion. For instance, the detachment of the letter â€Å"l† from the word â€Å"loneliness† only means that to be lonely means to be detached from the rest of humanity as much as a falling leaf gets detached from the rest of the leaves in a branch. This is further emphasized with the parenthesis, another symbol of breaking-off one part from the whole where it came from. Still another interpretation for the interruption may be that the feeling of loneliness occurs when one’s life is interrupted by the sight of a falling leaf, which is a metaphor for many sad things in life. Also, the letter â€Å"l† in the first line, which reappears on the eighth line, may also be read as the number one, a solitary figure. A lonely person feels alone. Finally, the poem’s form and metaphors bring upon the reader’s mind other images of loneliness. The metaphor of the falling leaf recalls autumn with its falling leaves, people at the brink of death or snow on a bleak winter’s night falling on a desolate landscape. All these pictures are used in many poems expounding on the same theme and all these associations will be awakened within the reader because while the poem is sparse, it has the ability to involve the reader to deep thought. Meanwhile, the slimness of the poem evokes the briefness of life. At the same time, it could mean the fluid downward movement of life, after one has passed the prime of life, the individual slows down to old age until he dies, and nothing would remain eventually. At first glance, the disinterested reader may think that e. e. cummings has employed gimmickry with â€Å"leaf falls on loneliness. † Closer inspection and repeated readings would prove, however, that unlike most poems whose beauty rests on the metaphors used in the lines, the form of a poem can also be exploited to be the metaphor itself. It can elicit so many associations, making the reading more profound as when one tries to make meanings out of words in another poem. Cumming’s poem is a great example of how form can also dictate the beauty of a poem.

The Moral Dilemma of Euthanasia essays

The Moral Dilemma of Euthanasia essays Every day we face countless choices that involve doing the right thing; however, the right thing to do isn't always the easiest thing to do. Each of these choices involves thousands of messages whirling inside our brain. In a split second our minds review the facts, explore our feelings, study consequences, compare the options against our beliefs and priorities, consider what others may think, and give the cue for action. Decisions happen so quickly but the consequences can last a lifetime and may affect others. That's why careful consideration is vital, but sometimes we do not have the time to consider the answers. A code of ethics/morals can help in determining right from wrong under these circumstances. They can determine the direction our lives will take as a result of such decisions, as my life was swept up in this moral/ethical dilemma. I made a choice as a young girl and the daughter of my mother, to take care of my mother when my father left, moreover because of my sense o f duty, than of my sense of moral or ethics as at this point I am not sure I had a code of ethics, but I have found out since that I had a strong code of ethics. I this choice never imagining it would be an obligation that would last for over 3 decades, a choice of insurmountable proportion, I made this choice when I was only responsible my myself, not realizing one day I would have a family. A choice which led me to the biggest moralethical decision that would ever effect my life and the life of my family. In the end I wanted to be as moral and as responsible for my decisions not only for myself, but also my children, I wanted to be a good strong moral example which would impact their lives as much as mine had been my children so if ever faced with a similar dilemma their choices would be just as morally right as mine. My dilemma in the end was whether or not to euthanize my mother. After 12 years of catholic school I was taught to believe in God...

Free Essays on The End Of History

In this paper I will compare two separate thoughts on the new look that International Relations is going to take in the future. Actually these changes have already started to take place; in â€Å"The End of History† Francis Fukuyama believes that international conflict will occur through religion and nationalism. In â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations† Samuel Huntington states that these changes will happen at the civilization level. Both theories are valid and describe each in their own way, the changes in how the world operates with international conflicts. Basically since the end of the Cold War there has been a general movement towards peace. Francis Fukuyama believes this procession towards peace is leading to the end of cultural differences. The spread of Western consumerism (free trade) has stretched nearly everywhere in the world. The end of the Cold War also brought the infiltration of Western liberal democracy. Even if a country remains non-democratic there are still hints of Western consumerism throughout. Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel first coined the term â€Å"the end of history†. Hegel stated that â€Å"mankind has progressed through a series if primitive stages of consciousness on his path to the present, and that these stages corresponded to concrete forms of social organization, such as tribal, slave owning, theocratic, and finally democratic egalitarian societies (Fukuyama, 1989).† This is the modern understanding of man. Hegel, unlike later historians, believed that history would conclude in an absolute moment. After this moment a rational form of society is formed. Hegel’s theories have gained him recognition as the philosopher who most accurately speaks of our time. This happened around the time of the French Revolution and is the key turning point in â€Å"the end of history†. Hegel said that the end of history would occur in 1806, with the fall of Napoleon’s empire to the Prussian Monarchy. His ideas spu... Free Essays on The End Of History Free Essays on The End Of History In this paper I will compare two separate thoughts on the new look that International Relations is going to take in the future. Actually these changes have already started to take place; in â€Å"The End of History† Francis Fukuyama believes that international conflict will occur through religion and nationalism. In â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations† Samuel Huntington states that these changes will happen at the civilization level. Both theories are valid and describe each in their own way, the changes in how the world operates with international conflicts. Basically since the end of the Cold War there has been a general movement towards peace. Francis Fukuyama believes this procession towards peace is leading to the end of cultural differences. The spread of Western consumerism (free trade) has stretched nearly everywhere in the world. The end of the Cold War also brought the infiltration of Western liberal democracy. Even if a country remains non-democratic there are still hints of Western consumerism throughout. Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel first coined the term â€Å"the end of history†. Hegel stated that â€Å"mankind has progressed through a series if primitive stages of consciousness on his path to the present, and that these stages corresponded to concrete forms of social organization, such as tribal, slave owning, theocratic, and finally democratic egalitarian societies (Fukuyama, 1989).† This is the modern understanding of man. Hegel, unlike later historians, believed that history would conclude in an absolute moment. After this moment a rational form of society is formed. Hegel’s theories have gained him recognition as the philosopher who most accurately speaks of our time. This happened around the time of the French Revolution and is the key turning point in â€Å"the end of history†. Hegel said that the end of history would occur in 1806, with the fall of Napoleon’s empire to the Prussian Monarchy. His ideas spu...

Benzene,Lead Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Benzene,Lead - Research Paper Example Following this, health sector has established the need of documenting standards that monitoring medical program as follows. OSHA documentation highlights two fundamental factors that are crucial in optimizing employee health, which are medical surveillance and medical screening (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention 1). The fundamental aim of medical screening is to assess early diagnosis of employees exposed to the chemical and additional medical surveillance for those exposed above 30 ug/m (3) TWA) over one month period. The document outlined clinical manifestations for employees exposed to the chemical including biological examination, details of the medical history, and crucial precautions for interpreting laboratory tests. The standard demands that mployer to inform all employees on the potential health effects of Benzene. Biomarkers are classified into three sections, exposure, susceptibility, and effect (Sakai 128). Urinary metabolites have been outline as a short-term biomarker for benzene exposure. It is commonly used to access the exposure of those affected and not. It estimates the relation of the environmental concentration and benzene exposure. For a continuous examination, there are various direct reading instruments commonly known as real-time instruments that aid in sampling thus, augmenting rapid decision making. The obtained data can be used to comprehend the existing safety programs that assure protection to the exposure. One of the direct reading instruments commonly used is Photoionization detector that ensures that the environmental air concentration being sampled is free from pollution (Sakai 132). The TWA sampling method as per OSHA standard is that, there should be accurate analysis of the sampling methods. The OSHA documentation obligates the importance of including chemical sampling information of a given chemical to offer

Rite of Passage in the Western Culture Research Paper

Rite of Passage in the Western Culture - Research Paper Example At every important point of a person’s life, a rite of passage helps in the transition from one phase to another. The concept of rite of passage has appealed to many sociologist and anthropologists such as Arnold van Gennep who formed the term rite of passage and gave the different ceremonies practised in different religions and societies, a common word. Gennep further categorized the three phases in three phases, namely separation, transition and incorporation. Gennep through studying the different ceremonies in different religions and societies had been able to find a common ground in all these ceremonies by studying the underlying concept in these rites of passage. Rite of passage in different races, religions and societies differ but they usually celebrate the same events in an individual’s life but in different ways. Similarly, the rite of passage of the west differs from that of the east and the rite of passage of Christianity differs from that of Islam. In this paper, we attempt to analyze the concept behind the rite of passage and the western ways of conducting rites of passage. Rite of passage can be likened to Shakespeare’s ‘Seven ages of man’, where a man changes drastically from one stage of another. From the time an individual is born to the time when he is buried, the rite of passage helps him in a smooth movement from one transition to another. According to Victor Turner, rites of passage can be divided into two broad categories, those that ‘accompany the passage of a person from one social status to another and (those that) mark recognized points in the passage of time, such as new year, new moon, Passover and so forth’ (Klingbeil, 2007). Thus rites of passage are both religious and social. Religious rite of passage includes the rituals that are carried forward from endless times and differ in each religion to a certain extent. One can find similarities between the  religious rites of passage of different religions in the way that they celebrate the same events.