Resarch critical appraisal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Resarch critical appraisal - Essay Example urvey, using a 17-item questionnaire, of 112 respondents between the ages of 37 to 87 years old of both male and female genders, all of whom speak Swedish. The actual research did not entail significant ethical concerns considering that much of it was presumably done personally and voluntarily by the respondents by filling up the 17-item questionnaire after informed consent was obtained. Aside from the individual informed consent, the researchers also acquired prior approval from Research Ethical Committee at the University of Gothenburg. The researchers, however, failed to state how they were able to gain access to hospital data regarding patients who are scheduled for THA. Privacy and confidentiality of medical records relative to medical research studies have always been problematic areas from the perspectives of patients (Lo 2009 82). It is notable, however, that the research has specifically excluded patients who are critically ill and mentally impaired. Employment of mentally impaired persons in research studies is ethically questionable considering that historically they have often been subjected to research abuses (Lo 2009 145) . Pain management, which is the focus of the research paper, is an important area in nursing (Holzemer 2009 39) making the paper significantly relevant to the profession. Although the subject itself is well delimited, the research may not have successfully delimited the parameters of participating respondents considering that their ages ranged from 37 to 87 years old. The variance of pain experience between age groups is noted by the researchers themselves who made a vague reference to it on page 454 of the research paper. In addition, the paper fails to explicitly state its working theory at the beginning as such although the entire paper is obviously underpinned by it and refers to it under a different heading. It is evident that the research is trying to prove that a realistic expectation of the pain entailed by a THA surgical

Sichuan Province Earthquake Effects On Tourism Tourism Essay

Sichuan Province Earthquake Effects On Tourism Tourism Essay Sichuan province is located in the Sichuans plateau in the inland of Southwest China; it is commonly referred to as the land of abundance. It has an enormous territory and rich in resources and is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in China. This province has several historic and cultural sites and other natural and manmade tourist attraction sites. The attraction sites and the famous Sichuan cuisine normally characterized by hot flavor, and incomparable beauty make the province a wonderland that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Sichuan is also a major industrial region in China; the province has both heavy and light industries. Plans were underway of developing this region into a high tech industrial centre. A massive earthquake, the famous Wenchuan Earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale, hit western Sichuan, China in 2008. According to official figures, released 65,185 people were confirmed dead. Over 68,636 of them were from Sichuan province, approximately 374,171 of others were reported injured and scores of others missing. Millions of people were left homeless and a lot of private and public property destroyed, the economic loss incurred was approximated to be over  ¥ 1,000 billion. The earthquake extremely affected all economic sectors in the quake-hit areas and tourism was no exception. Study of the impacts of the quake on tourism enhances the hypothesis of tourism and more significantly serving as the basis for planning and policymaking. Problem statement The earthquake is believed to have killed 54 tourists in Sichuan province. During the period, over ten thousand tourists were stranded and over 30 flights and 300 vehicles used to evacuate them. The tourist industry lost over $ 7.24 billion in the earthquake. With regard to the contribution of tourism to the regions economy, there have been major reconstruction efforts after the earthquake. Destructive catastrophes, such as the Boxing Day tsunami in the Indian Ocean (2004), Hurricane Katrina (2005), the Wenchuan Earthquake (2008), the Samoan tsunami (2009), and the Haiti earthquake (2010) have lately put the limelight on natural disasters, with real time TV footage screening the events as they unfold. International media issue warnings to tourists to stay away, while local economies experience immediate and widespread impacts from the loss of tourism earnings, and endure many months of uncertainty before a return to anything resembling normal business operation. Tourism destinations are highly sensitive to interruption by natural disasters because tourism operations are reliant on functioning critical infrastructure, including electricity, sewage, communications and water; lifelines which are inevitably damaged and disrupted for a prolonged period following a damaging event (Ritchie 2009). Flow-on effects from disasters also include significant disruption to the supply and distribution chains of even the most prepared businesses (Lee Harrald 1999). Economic losses are attributable to a decline in damage to infrastructure (Laws et al. 2007). The interdependencies of the tourism industry have been one of its great strengths, allowing it to rapidly expand and diversify. However, natural disasters can produce immediate, cascading failures within the tourism sector that have the ability to reverberate within communities and countries for many months and years. This study highlights physical and social impacts of large magnitude earthquakes. According to Sichuans local media, reconstruction in the Sichuan tourism sector has been separated into three levels. The initial stage was trying to attract the domestic tourists to the quake hit areas, followed by focusing on local tourism enterprises to restore global tourism market. Finally reviving the entire tourism sector by or after the year 2010 and make it the leading sector in the region. This earthquake affected the potential tourists perceptions on the Sichuan tourism many still feel that the destination is not safe enough to visit. The Sichuans tourism agency has to spend a considerable budget to convince the potential tourists that the place is safe to travel and that the attractions are still as appealing as they were before the quake. Objectives of the Research Study The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential tourists perceptions towards the Sichuan tourism after the earthquake. This study has not been carried out there giving rise to the knowledge gap that needs to be filled. The findings from this research will fill this knowledge gap and add to the current literature. Findings from this study will also be very significant in identifying the determinants that can be changed to design the best strategies in order to attract more tourists and satisfy their needs. The Sichuan tourism industry is expected to improve services and develop strategies to attract potential tourists and make them feel comfortable in Sichuan. Specifically the objective of this study is to help understand the potential tourists perception towards the post-earthquake Sichuan tourism, and determine what factors are considered significant by the potential tourists wanting to travel to Sichuan. Conceptual framework Scott, N. Laws, E. (2005). Tourism crises and disasters: Enhancing understanding of system effects. Journal of Travel Tourism Marketing, vol. 19, (3), pp. 151-160. The conceptual framework above articulates a set of complete values for disaster management strategies, to the benefit of tourism businesses and destination bureaus. This model follows a linear crisis procedure that is pre-event, emergency, intermediate, recovery and resolution. It goes further to provide insights for successfully assisting the tourism industry and the government in putting up disaster management strategies. Strategic implementation comprise of disaster communication and control, stakeholder collaboration and resource management. The tourism industry should learn from experiences such as the Sichuan earthquake. The work of emergency organizations as well as tourism organizations become very crucial, while that of tourism enterprises is usually less critical during pre- or post crisis periods. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1. Historical background of problem area Tourism in the area accounted for 8% of county gross domestic product prior to the earthquake (Lim, 2009). The earthquake cost Sichuan province US$7 billion in lost tourism revenue (Zhiling Xianyu 2009). In contrast to the consequences of the Chi-Chi earthquake, tourism to the area rebounded in less than a year as domestic visitors flocked to see areas devastated by the quake (Lim, 2009). Government investment in the tourism industry in the region hopes to cash-in on the earthquake tourism phenomenon, with work currently taking place on the construction of a number of earthquake museums in the province, and a quake-relief training centre in Beichuan (Zhiling Xianyu 2008; Lim 2009). Local officials hope to increase tourism earnings to as much as 20% of regional GDP. One local Beichuan man describes his feelings about the earthquake; the earthquake was a catastrophe, but it will be good for the tourist industry (Lim 2009). The travel motivations of domestic Chinese tourists include o bserving the power of nature, to pay their respects to the dead, and to be reminded of the frailty of life (Liu 2009). According to various online news reports, as many as 19 million tourists visited Sichuan province during the National Day celebrations this year (Global Times 2009). The business of earthquake tourism, it seems, is booming in devastated parts of the epicentral region. Tourism disaster management Tourism is a deliberate and peacetime activity, is very susceptible to disparities caused by external environments that may compromise the tourist experience (Santana, 2003). Given that perception is reality in the tourism industry, a negative image results from a catastrophe of any kind, even if inexcusable, and will hinder potential tourists and lead to negative buying behavior. Globalization exposes the tourism industry to greater political, economic, social, and technological changes (Ritchie, 2004). Meanwhile, the butterfly effect further magnifies small-scale crises in one part of the world to other parts. Examples can be found among previous events, regardless of type, such as the Wenchuan Earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale, hit western Sichuan, China in 2008, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami (Santana, 2003). The negative impact of crises on the tourism industry is more significant among destinations that are highly reliant on tourism as their major sourc e of revenue. The world has become increasingly catastrophe prone (Coombs, 1999: Richardson, 1994) and all the economic sectors are on the edge of chaos, Fink argues (1986), Researchers have provided many definitions for crisis. Faulkner (2001) contended that crises are induced by internal factors, or actions or inactions of the organizations, whereas disasters are by external forces, comprising of natural phenomena. Stafford, Yu, and Armoo (2002) further classified external factors into physical, social, and human environment. According to them natural disasters like those that earthquakes and technological failures are affiliated with crises in the former situation, and confrontations, epidemics and war are allied with crises in the latter situation. Foreign visitors satisfaction Hartman developed a customer satisfaction concept in 1993 that consists of three constructs: the cognitive, affective, and systemic (Hartman, 1993). Customer satisfaction is defined by customers post-purchase assessment of service delivered and comparison of customers expectations and the actual service experience (Hunt 2007).This concept was further refined as the expectancy-disconfirmation paradigm by Oliver (2000), with four elements: pre-purchase expectations, perceived performance, disconfirmation and satisfaction. Several approaches to performance analysis in tourism satisfaction such as expectation-performance, importance-performance, disconfirmation approach, and performance-only approach have been used. In terms of travel, Moutinho (1997) notes that this post-purchase construct is primarily a function of pre-travel expectations and travel experiences. Similarly, Pizam, Neumann, and Reichel (1998) define tourist satisfaction as the results of the comparison between a tourists experience at the destination visited and the expectations about the destination. Tourism researches have been interested in measuring the overall levels of tourism satisfaction with their experiences in particular destinations as well as satisfaction with specific attributes at service encounter level such as in a hotel or at an attraction. Foster (2000) while another focus in studying tourism satisfaction is to determine satisfaction with a series of service encounters as experienced in a hotel, in a travel agency or in a tourist attraction (Macintos, 2002). Research interests in methodologies for studying tourism satisfaction have been comprehensive summarized by Kozak (2001).Tourism satisfaction with a destination has been examined as a gap analysis between pre-travel expectations and post travel experiences (Schofield, 1999). Based on the cumulative nature of tourists experiences, Scott, Tian, Wang, and Munson (2005) developed a tourism satisfaction model. Bowen and Clarke (2002) articulated a context Tourism satisfaction level can be attributed to different destination attributes including tangible produces and prices to intangible service quality and the friendliness of the local people (Ryan,1999). The deliveries of good core services alone cannot guarantee customer satisfaction, and overall satisfaction and repurchase intention are differentially influenced by the various service encounters experienced in a chain of service activities (John Tim 2000). Durocher (1994) argued that the speed of recovery depends on three factors: the extent of damage caused by the natural disaster, the efficiency with which tourism partners bring their facilities back online, and an effective marketing message that clearly states that the destination is available to the public (Durocher). Although the first two factors concern the short-term immediate response, the third involves a long-term continuous process that aims to restore consumer confidence. Conventional approaches to crisis management implicitly assume that the primary goal is to restore the precrisis equilibrium level. However, Faulkner and Vikulov (2001) argued that because of the lingering effect of a disaster, trying to achieve the precrisis equilibrium level could be a redundant (or suboptimal) approach with regard to long-term sustainability. The chaos created by a crisis can therefore lead to a creative process with potential for new configurations (Faulkner Vikulov 2001). In other words, the crisis can be an opportunity for innovation, with the launching of new marketing campaigns and development of new products through cooperation with industry partners. These new products and marketing plans should be tailor-made to attract identified key generating markets, because resources are always limited during hard times. Another important strategy is to nurture a healthy and positive relationship with the major media. From the long-term perspective, the restoration of customer confidence is the focus of post disaster recovery, and this can only be done by building a positive image of the destination (Santana, 2003). By inviting major media to visit the area affected, not only the availability of the destination is demonstrated but also the elimination of travel barriers for potential tourists.Although often associated with enjoyment, pleasure, relaxation, and safety, tourism is by nature an industry susceptible to variations in the external environment, including crises and disasters (Santana, 2003.). In times of unpredictable events, government plays an essential role in the response and recovery stages needed to minimize damage and bring life back to normal (Peterson, 1995). The reaction of government agencies and the tourism industry is a critical topic in tourism crisis management that has not ye t been fully addressed (Faulkner,2001). This study represents one of the first attempts to fill this research gap by examining the post earthquake tourists perceptions of Sichuan tourism. METHODOLOGY The study will be a qualitative research, as the qualitative methods will be more appropriate in understanding meanings and experiences relevant to the research. Quantitative methods might however be used if the need arises. Qualitative methods have however, been criticized for not having the scientific firmness. Some researchers have gone further in an attempt to provide systematic approaches to assess its quality. McInnins-Dittrich (1996), for example, identified several dimensions along with which the reliability of quality studies can be assessed: transferability, dependability, credibility, authenticity, and conformability. Guided by the above-mentioned principles, the research will recognize the importance of providing reliable, verifiable, and credible data. The research design will involve a mixed methods approach to help understand the potential tourists perception towards the post-earthquake Sichuan Tourism. To provide an in-depth interpretation of the aims, certain variables will be identified to ensure that all data is utilized successfully to reach the goals of this study, these variables include visitor characteristics, trip characteristics, satisfaction, factors that influence the visitors decision to visit a destination, and Sichuans tourism marketing image. These variables will be fundamentally developed from the examination of previous literature, and the needs for further research as expressed by Sichuan Tourism Administration. Data collection Secondary and primary data collection methods will be used in the research study. The secondary methods to be employed will include literature review, and policy and legislative analysis. Primary methods will include focus group discussions stakeholder consultations, and focused interviews with key informants, interviews with potential tourists in different regions and surveying the attitudes and beliefs across various regions. Survey Considering the questions to be answered by this research, a comprehensive social cultural instrument will be developed. Perceptions, attitudes, and opinion questionnaire (PAOQ) will be informed by literature review and the social cultural factors that are relevant to the target regions. They will also be scientifically validated before administering them across a representative sample in each target region. Using a likert scale, the PAOQ will be a self-reporting assessment of perceptions, attitudes and the opinions of the potential tourists that will be designed for both domestic and international tourists from different regions. The questionnaire will contain several sections: post earthquake perceptions, the attitudes to the Sichuan tourism, opinion on the required action to promote the tourist attractions. The researcher hopes to administer the questionnaires within group settings. Sampling method will be used for the PAOQ. The researcher aims to administer 500 questionnaires across the targeted regions. The questionnaires distribution will depend on the regions population with regions with the high population getting more questionnaires. The researcher also aims for 50-50 representation of the males and females. The key variable will include gender, education, socioeconomic status, age and rural/ urban. Data analysis The researcher will then analyze the PAOQ data using the statistics package for social sciences version 16. The given variables will be analyzed and their contribution to the topic measured. Frequencies will be used to provide the statistics and graphical displays that will be useful in describing the variables to be measured. Cross tabulation, method will also be employed to measure the association of variables. To investigate the possible gender effects, ANOVAs test will be used and conducted between the men and the women on all dependent variables. Differences between the childhood sexual abuse group and the non- childhood sexual abuse group in interpersonal, social, and dynamic personality will be examined using a one-way ANOVA test. The researcher however has the mandate to use any other data analysis technique depending on the kind of data that will be obtained from the field Summary This chapter has described the methodological approaches that will be used to investigate the main objectives of this study. Both objectives will predominantly use qualitative method but where need be the quantitative methods will be employed. It also explains how data will be collected that is through primary and secondary methods. Further describes the researchers survey. Finally, the methods and tolls of data analysis are fully explained research findings and interpretation will be discussed in the next chapter. SECTION 5: BUDGET In order to complete this research, certain amount of budget will be required and the estimate cost is as below: AMOUNT (AUD) ITEMS USD 400.00 Computer and Econometric Software 1. USD 300.00 Conference , accommodation and travel 2. USD 600.00 Data Collection , travelling cost , Stationeries and data analysis 3. USD 1300.00 TOTAL SECTION 6: TIMELINE MARC,2010-APRIL,2011 MARC,2011-APRIL,2012 MARC,2012-APRIL,2013 QTR1 QTR2 QTR3 QTR4 QTR1 QTR2 QTR3 QTR4 QTR1 QTR2 QTR3 QTR4 Candidature Proposal Literature Review Phase 1* Phase 2* Phase3* Thesis Write Up Final Touch UP Submission Phase1*: Data collection Phase 2*: Data Analysis Phase 3*: Thesis Starts to Write up

The Downfall of Lady Macbeth :: Free Macbeth Essays

The Downfall of Lady Macbeth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth is a play full of magic, mystery, and murder.   The variety of plots, as well as the interesting characters, force the reader to pay full attention at all times.   Unfortunately, one of these characters is a victim of her own imagination. Although Lady Macbeth adds much positive flavour to the play, her character is revealed through her aggressive attitude with her husband, her inhumane disregard for life, and her guilty conscience.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lady Macbeth is very assertive when dealing with her husband's hesitations about murdering Duncan:      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "O never shall sun that morrow see!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Your face... is as a book where men   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   May read strange matters.   To beguile the time,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But be the serpent under't."    This urging causes Macbeth to possess Å’black and deep desires', which lead him to   murder the king.   She takes it upon herself to pressure him and therefore, her bold character is revealed.   Macbeth's intentions would have been less serious if his wife was not more anxious than he was.   She, more than her husband, is to blame for the death of King Duncan, due to her relentless pursuit of power and authority.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lady Macbeth is a heartless fiend with an savage disregard for life. This is evident in the manner in which she downplays the murder of Duncan to her husband:      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "A little water clears us of this deed;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   How easy is it, then!   Your constancy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hath left you unattended...   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Get on your night-gown, lest occasion call us,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   And show us to be watchers.   Be not lost   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   So poorly in your thoughts."    She tries to make Macbeth believe that committing the murder was not a vicious deed and that washing their hands will wash away all the guilt.   Macbeth exclaims that "all Neptune's ocean" will not wash the blood from his hands. Lady Macbeth appears at this point to be a ruthless killer working on behalf of the prince of darkness, which solidifies her character and gives the audience new insights to her psychological state.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The audience is lead to believe that Lady Macbeth will never feel any guilt concerning the murder, but her guilty conscience is displayed near the end of the play. She begins to sleepwalk and relive the murder in her mind:      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Out, damned spot! out, I say!   One; two; why, then   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Å’tis time to do't.   Hell is murky!   Fie, my lord--fie!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   a soldier, and afeard?

Hinduism and Buddhism, and Their Respective Elements

Two known eastern religions and philosophies shared the area of India for centuries, which probably lasts up to this date. These two are Buddhism and Hinduism. Since both concept of Buddhism and Hinduism originated from a single source, it would be possible to identify similar concepts between the two, or at least some form of derivative of a concept belonging to one of the two mentioned religions and philosophies. The focus of this paper primarily entails the comparison between the two great religion philosophies of Buddhism and Hinduism. There is bound to be a difference between them, as one of them originated earlier than the other.One cannot simply judge that the latter one is a mere copy of the one that existed before it. In relation to death and the afterlife, there are two concepts which can be identified in both Buddhism and Hinduism: Reincarnation and Samsara, the Wheel of Life wherein rebirth is usually based. For now, it is best if the both Buddhism and Hinduism be discern ed and identified as a separate entity. The Two Eastern Religion Philosophies: Buddhism and Hinduism As mentioned earlier, the two primary religions and philosophies that proliferated in India were Buddhism and Hinduism. Both of which had a significant amount of followers.Buddhism and Its History. Basically, Buddhism is the basic religion to which its disciples and members follow the scriptures and teachings of Buddha. After Buddha's death, its followers—mostly monks—congregated in order to discuss which scriptures and teachings would fit best to the aims of Buddha and the proliferation of Buddhism around India, and in other parts of the world. Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism after witnessing a carnage he produced. After being converted, he dedicated his life and a whole lot of structures to Buddhism, and to Buddha—his life and death.He ordered the construction of numerous pillars which contained the scriptures and teachings of Buddha, spreading it through these stone pillars (Boeree 1999). It was Emperor Ashoka who allowed Buddhism to proliferate across India and beyond its borders, sending messengers to promote Buddhism within those areas. Hinduism: a Brief History. It has been mentioned by historians that Hinduism dates back around 5,000 years ago, proving that it is a much older religion than Buddhism. The word was actually derived from the river â€Å"Indus†, from an area of which it originated (Kolanu 2009).The daily practices of the area's inhabitants gradually turned into a religion or concept, upon which it revolves around the peoples' religious, philosophical, and cultural practices native to the Indian sub-continent (Kolanu 2009). It has had many names before Hindu. However, many of its followers would prefer to call it as Hindu, after the name—or at least a close version of it—of the place wherein it originated. It would be later known in history as one of the main religions in India, which is still qu ite true today—Islam is the second main religion during the contemporary period.The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths is one of the basic doctrines that Buddhist follow. It basically involved the dispossession of material things, which Buddhist do not really need. The First Noble Truth entails the realization that every aspect of existence is unsatisfactory as these are all subjected to birth, decay, disease, and death (Lorentz 2007). The Second Noble Truth is the cause of dukkha. The Third Noble Truth entails the freedom from dukkha, wherein one is required to remove the craving of the senses.The Fourth Noble Truth leads to the end of the dukkha by following the Eigthfold path: Perfect understanding, Perfect Thought, Perfect Speech, Perfect Action, Perfect Livelihood, Perfect Effort, Perfect Mindfulness, and Perfect Concentration (Lorentz 2007). India's Caste System. Hinduism entailed a social hierarchy in which identified their society, based on social ra nkings upon which was born into, or had been reborn into. When the Aryans came to the Dravidian-occupied Indian subcontinent, they implemented a caste system which separated them from the Dravidian.It composes of four major components wherein the bottom was reserved for the Dravidian people. The topmost was known as the Brahmin class, made up of religious officials. The second was the Kshatriya, which was reserved for warriors and rulers. The third was the Vaishya, which was reserved for artisans and other skilled workers like farmers. The last one was the Shudra, wherein they serve the higher castes (Flesher 1997). Intermarriage was disallowed because they believe that it will reduce their rank. One is also required to perform well, and promote goodness in order to maintain the rank or move upward when they are reincarnated.The opposite happens to those who promote evil. It has also been mentioned that some Buddhist from other areas practice the same Caste system implemented by the Aryans. However, they implemented new ideas in order to promote equality among the classes, which is a chief principle of Buddhism. The Life of Buddha: Who was He anyway? Buddha was said to have been born in the body of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince of Kapilavastu which was near the Indian-Nepalese border, during the fifth century B. C. (Delattre 2009).At around this time period, India had a prolific spiritual heritage, with Hinduism at the forefront. It has been described in spiritual scriptures—probably from Hindu sources—that an ascetic will be born and become the greatest spiritual teacher. This ascetic would also realize the ultimate truth (Lorentz 2007). It has also been mentioned in Hindu scriptures that after the prince was born, seven Brahmin priests observed the baby, concluding that the baby will become a great spiritual leader who will leave his royal status behind him; the basic principle of Buddhism.However, his father wished for him to become a Great K ing, giving him the best education which a prince deserved. His curiosity of the world beyond the walls of their palace urged him to sneak out and realize the truth about the world they lived in. After this realization, he vowed to help the people by living life as an ascetic, leaving his royal status behind. While on his spiritual quest, he went under the wings of great teachers, to which he was able to surpass. Realizing that there is still dukkhas to be flushed away, he left his teachers and practiced by himself.He was able to attain his complete spirituality without the practice of extreme asceticism. For the next four or so decades, he ordained new followers and taught them what he had learned from his spiritual quest (Lorentz 2007); he became Buddha. End of the World at the Presence of Seven Suns In Buddha's sermon of the Seven suns, he envisioned that Seven suns would appear on the sky and wreak havoc towards the Earth, through a series of cataclysmic events (Jayaram 2007). T his will occur after many hundreds and thousands of years in the future; as do all â€Å"end-of-days† prophecies.In Buddha's version, the presence of the seven suns will cause the following: first sun would cause severe drought; second sun will evaporate streams and ponds; third sun will evaporate great rivers like the Ganges; fourth sun, after a long lapse, would evaporate the great lakes; After another long lapse, a fifth sun will gradually drain oceans; After yet another long lapse, a sixth sun will scorch the earth and cause volcanic eruptions; After another long interval, the seventh sun will turn the earth into a ball of flame and then explode and disappear. A Slight Taste of Death and the AfterlifeBoth Hinduism and Buddhism believed in reincarnation, as the caste system which they followed required reincarnation to reward or punish people. However in Buddhism, one must attain Nirvana—enlightenment–in order to escape the endless cycle of reincarnation. If the person failed to do so, he or she will be reborn into one of the following six states of life: Heaven (has 37 different levels), Human life (under the caste system), Asura (Demi-Gods), Hungry ghost (taken literally), Animals (those who have killed animals), and Hell (the lowest level) (Tang, Urbandharma.org 2002). References Boeree, C. G. (1999). The History of Buddhism. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Delattre, M. (2000, November 18). The Illustrated Life of the Buddha. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Flesher, Paul. (1997, February 8). Social Organization: The Caste System. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Jayaram, V. (2007). Buddha's Discourse on the End of the World.Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Kolanu, P. (2009). The History of Hinduism. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Lorentz, M. (2007). Buddhism. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from Tang, T. H. (2002, March 22). Buddhist View on Death and Rebirth. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from

A Compare/Contrast of Monet’s Grainstack(Sunset) and van Gogh’s The Sower

In this essay I will compare and contrast two paintings. The first is Grainstack (Sunset), painted by Claude Monet in 1891. The second is The Sower, which was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888. Both paintings were painted around the same time and are very similar in style and subject, but their differences illustrate the change that was happening from the Impressionist to the Post-Impressionist movement. Just beginning with the obvious, both Monet and van Gogh used the same medium, oil on canvas. Both Grainstack and The Sower were paintings of the outdoors around sunset, focusing on the way that the setting sun played with the colors of the environment. They are representational artworks, portraying natural objects in recognizable form, although Monet’s Grainstack is more naturalistic than van Gogh’s Sower. When Monet painted Grainstack, he was experimenting with perceptual color. The idea of the Impressionist movement was to objectively record nature as it was seen by the painter, focusing on the effects of color and light. He painted Grainstack the way he saw it; not the actual color that we know it was, but the colors that the sunset made it appear. Van Gogh, at the beginning of the Post-Impressionist movement, was not merely trying to paint what he saw, but wanted to express emotion in the colors and lines. He was initially drawn to the subject matter by the contrasting colors of the sky and the field, how the contrast of the violet shadows on the field and the yellow sun in the sky almost irritated the eye. Where Monet painted what he saw, van Gogh changed and softened the image so as to portray the emotion in the contrasting colors while still making the painting pleasing to the eye. This became a recurring theme for van Gogh, as can be seen in The Night Cafe, which he painted very soon after The Sower. In both Grainstack and The Sower, the artists use a technique very similar to pointillism. They paint with visible brushstrokes, using colors that blend together to create the images that the artists wish us to see. However, where Monet uses smaller, thinner strokes to create a more streamlined image; van Gogh is more loose and free with his brush strokes, conveying emotion in the broad, expressive lines. This is another example of the transition from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism. The way that Monet and van Gogh approached these two paintings are slightly different. The focal point of Grainstack is the actual haystack. Its lines lead you toward the center of the page, but the main focus is the haystack, sitting off to the side. This gives it a slightly unbalanced feel. In The Sower, van Gogh achieves an asymmetrical balance by countering the visual weight of the farmer on the right, with the path, the birds and the house, all leading the eye to the left and back into the contrasting colors of the environment. While these two paintings may not seem very different at first glance, once you delve into them a little deeper, their differences almost outweigh their similarities. Painted right on the cusp of the transition from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism, these two paintings illustrate the slowly changing style of the period. Their color, line, and subject matter make Grainstack and The Sower perfect examples of the embodiment of their respective movements, and the subtle changes in style that were occurring. References: Doyle, Marc; Art Movements Timeline; The Art Industri Group Van der Wolk, J.; Vincent Van Gogh: Paintings and Drawings; 1990

Language And You Essays - Gangsta Rappers, Death Row Records Artists

Language And You Essays - Gangsta Rappers, Death Row Records Artists Language And You Language and You In my opinion, language is certainly the most essential quality human beings have inherited. It is the only way to communicate, and it sure is fascinating how we can convert our thoughts into words. Since language lets us express our feelings, I think learning a second language gives us valuable life skills, as well as, a wider vision of todays world. Undoubtedly the most interesting thing about language is how influential words can be, especially when they are coming from your favorite musician. Since language is our most important, if not the only, means of communication, I think it actually brings people together. Whenever we use language, we are expressing our intelligence through words. It is impressing what the power of words can do; it can break or make a person. Once people realize the power they hold in their hands, they tend to use language to induce the opinions of others. As a result, a single word can affect a persons behavior, as well as, life enormously. I also think mastering a second language gives us priceless life abilities. Being bilingual myself, I think it is an advantage to know a second language because it gives me access to a larger pool of information, and thus a wider area to seek employment and cultural enrichment. Therefore, I think language plays a major role in my life and it also gives me the chance to have a more extensive vision of the world. When contemplating language, I cant leave out the person whose words have inspired me the most. Although he passed away, Tupac Shakurs poems and song lyrics still live in me. His unique way of rapping about real life situations really caught my ear since the first time I heard him. Even though many people thought Tupacs lyrics were dark and inappropriate, I think it was absolutely necessary for a man, who had such a disturbing adolescence, be able to share his problems with the rest of the world. Tupac clearly wrote lyrics that I could relate to in one way or another. I have to admit that he might have said them in an offensive way, but in todays society, people are entitled to say, think, and believe in what they feel strongly about. Finally, I can say many things about language mainly because it is important and it allows us to not only express ourselves clearly, but to influence the way other people think. For this reason, I think knowing a second language enhances the quality of life. Not only do we gain a better understanding of who we are, but we also have a broader access to other cultures. Due to the many experiences I have had with language, I think I have learned to appreciate the fact that I can speak, read, and write. I also have to give credit to my favorite song writer and poet, Tupac Shakur, whose words of wisdom have inspired me and many of todays youth.

Pythagorean Therom essays

Pythagorean Therom essays When the name Pythagoras is mentioned, most people (who have taken a geometry or another higher mathematics course) automatically think  ¡the Pythagorean Theorem ¡. But what many people do not know is that Pythagoras contributed a lot more than just  ¡a theorem ¡ to the world of mathematics. From traveling to many cities near and far from his birthplace in Samos, Ionia (569 B.C.), to having a mysterious unknown death, Pythagoras has been placed above many mathematicians as the  ¡ first pure mathematician. ¡ (Cajori, 17) Details of Pythagoras ¡ life are not of those, which have been documented by him, instead information about Pythagoras ¡ life comes from early bibliographies, which were written by authors whom had grown very fond of Pythagoras and his work(s). The information in this paper was pieced together by various sources that had many major facts that repeated throughout the sources. Some resources have other in order facts about Pythagoras that were not found in any supplementary texts or Internet sites. The research that I chose to incorporate in my paper about Pythagoras was based on what seemed valid and credible. Pythagoras ¡ traveling and learning began at an early age, when he would travel out of Samos with his father to conduct business. The childhood of Pythagoras is like that of a lost treasure at the bottom of the ocean ¡s floor. It is almost as if Pythagoras was bore to his parents, but really did not starting living his life until he was between the ages 18 and 20. During those years, Pythagoras was introduced to the  ¡ancient ¡ Thales and his apprentice Anaximander who both lived on Miletus. It is said that Thales did not teach Pythagoras much, however he was the one person to get Pythagoras ¡ interested in mathematics and astronomy. (www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history) During direct instruction, under Thales, Pythagoras was advised to trek to Egypt and teach the citizen...

Why Use Endnotes, Endnotes vs. Footnotes

Why Use Endnotes, Endnotes vs. Footnotes Even though parenthetical style citations have become popular in modern academia, there are plenty of times when they are not quite appropriate. You might find that you are dealing with an old-school editor who requires the use of endnotes. In fact, for many manuscript publications, endnotes are the preferred method of citation. Why Use Endnotes? Endnotes are a wonderful solution to the break in flow that citations can sometimes create. When you use them, you can be sure that your text will not be interrupted by more than a single superscript number. The reader can then turn to the back of the book or paper to read the entire citation, if they so choose. Much of the reason that we use any type of citationwhether an APA style citation or Chicago Style citationis to provide healthy proof for our claims. We want to make sure that we can write with authority, and provide backing for the theoretical points we make. We also want to be sure that we can properly utilize the works of those who have gone before us. Endnotes vs. Footnotes Because of this, few readers are interested in reading footnotes at the end of each page. In fact, many readers find it distracting, and will only desire footnotes for further investigation on the topic at hand. Because of this, endnotes have remained a quite popular reference solution in the publication realms.

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) in strengthening beams in Literature review

The use of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) in strengthening beams in the u.k - Literature review Example The fibres are usually glass, carbon or Aramid. Fibre reinforcement enhances strength and stiffness. FRP can be categorized in a class of materials known as composite materials, which are made up of two or more materials. When these materials are put together, they retain both their chemical and physical characteristics. FRP differ from other construction materials such as steel or aluminum that are viewed as traditional construction materials (ACI 440.2R-08, 2008). FRP contains properties that are apparent in the direction of applied load while steel or aluminum has uniform properties in all directions. The text will look at FRP and its role in strengthening structures as compared to other construction materials. ... The composite is named after the reinforcing fibre. For instance a composite that is reinforced by carbon, will be referred to as Carbon Fibre Reinforced polymer (CFPR). The three fibres have different properties and carbon is viewed as the most suitable for strengthening. All the three fibres are said to contain a higher stress capacity than ordinary steel. They are also linear elastic. Stiffness and tensile strain are the properties that differ between the fibre types. The three fibres are presented in figure 1. They are compared with an ordinary steel bar and a steel tendon Fig. 1 Properties of different fibres and typical reinforcing steel (ACI Committee 440 (1996) and Dejke (2001). The fibers used in FRP composite material have unique characteristics that make them desirable for strengthening purposes. Some of the characteristics include high levels of elasticity for application in reinforcement, high eventual strength and low disparity of strength among fibers. Other significan t characteristics are enhanced stability to endure manipulation techniques and consistency in diameters and surface dimension in the fibers. Some of the fibers used in FRP composites include glass fibers, carbon fibers and Aramid fibers. Glass fibers These types of fibers find application mainly in the naval and industrial areas to manufacture composites of relatively high performance. They are beneficial due to their high strength. The glass fibers are composed of silicon (SiO2) having a tetrahedral structure (SiO4). The material is further strengthened with aluminum oxides and additional metallic ions. Between the two types of glass fibers, the S-glass fibers normally have an enhanced tensile strength compared to the E-glass. Fiberglass is manufactured through the

Leading Edge Supply Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Leading Edge Supply - Essay Example The importance of logistic edge supply is to trail down the circulation of the company stock and performance analysis. Initiating the aspect of logistic edge supply, intelligent platform comes into play since this provides key management data that in turn enables one to analyze critically the strengths and weaknesses attached across the supply chain. Other key management information includes optimization of planning route, understanding fraudulent activities that comes within the supply chain and enhance the workflow that usually is driven by data caused by intelligence platform (Ballou, 2003). Many companies ensure that implementation and utilization of leading edge supply is taken into consideration within the logistic systems of any organization. For the articulations be fully met, an organization is required to operate within the pre-requisite objectives that influence achievement of organization goals. When there is a presence of effective logistic in a management system of an organization, success comes at hand. However, this comes because of an organization chipping in to make sure that they employ qualified personnel, and tap into labor market using and adopting new technology that in turn boots operation within the management of an

The inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Assignment

The inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust - Assignment Example Goals: According to the annual report of 2008, the basic goals of the trust were as follow. They wanted to develop and maintain the position as the first preference of a broad range of acute services. They wanted to achieve this by increasing the diagnostic direct access. In this way, the patients can make direct bookings for the diagnostic tests such as scans. Moreover, they wanted to decrease the waiting time of the patient in the hospital and to improve their experiences. By expanding the range and nature of services, they declare their ultimate goal was to increase their market share. They were trying to achieve this particular goal by developing the interventional cardiology services and implementing the marketing strategy. Further, they wanted to develop specific services into the Centres of Clinical Excellence. They were trying to expand the services of the hospital by developing the Dermatology Centre of Excellence, Orthopaedic and Rheumatology clinical expertise and scope of practice. They wanted to develop a seamless service provision across acute and community service. To bring the services closer to the patient’s home, the trust wanted to develop outreach consultant clinics. Other than this, they wanted to provide services like chemotherapy, in the homes of the patients. It was also part of their goals to develop services on the Cannock Chase Hospital site so that they can better meet the needs of the community. This was done by maximising the use of Cannock Chase Hospital, by relocating the trust services into two floors. With the help of partner organisations, they wanted to develop new health related services in vacant accommodation. Their last goal was to be the cleanest place in the town. This can be done by further investing in the recruitment of cleaning staff. This goal can also be achieved by providing high quality services with modern facilities. Likewise, they would be able to have strict hygiene standards (Mid Staffordshire NHS Fo undation Trust Annual Report, 2008). In the coming years, these goals were not given the due importance by the management and thus, were ignored by them. Since the management did not stick to its goal, the trust collapsed when it was reported that around 1200 patients died due to the negligence of the staff between the years of 2005 and 2009 (Ellicott, 2010). As a result, on 9th June 2010, the secretary of State announced a full public inquiry in the form of commissioning, regulatory bodies, and supervisory (The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, 2010). Literature review on healthcare system Heath care has emerged as a complex and dynamic organization. As the environment is ever changing and competition is becoming intense, the healthcare has also become technology oriented. This is done because in a small span of time they are expected to please their patients, keep good relationship with the staff, accommodate the shareholders, and meet the requirements of othe r stakeholders such as government, financial institutions, consumer forums, professional bodies and others. To maintain all the desires, management of the healthcare has to stay in touch with latest developments and the recent trends in patient care. Other than this, the management should improve their skills for better use of the existing resources and powerful technology. The management has to assess

Company law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Company law - Essay Example VTB Capital plc is an England integrated and regulated bank, although it is majority owned by the Russian government bank. VTB got into a contract loan accord with RAP; a Russian company, where VTB loaned $ 225 million to enable RAP purchase several Russian dairy entities from Nutritek. 1 RAP failed to pay on the loan, prompting VTB to bring a court action alleging that it had been fraudulently induced to come into a credit contract by Nutritek. VTB claimed that Nutritek and RAP presented themselves as if they were not under common control while indeed they were. Moreover, both companies represented the price of the dairy companies at a higher value that their real value. VTB claimed that these representations were false since the RAP and Nutritek were owned by a Russian businessman Malofeev. VTB claimed that Nutritek was liable as VTB relied on false information offered by Nutritek to enter into a contract with RAP. The two principle issues that have legal implications were: 1. Juri sdiction issue on whether VTB ought to be given authorization to supply actions out of the court’s authority. VTB held that the conditions in which deception involving foreign parties, but concerning to frauds apparently perpetrated in England ought to be heard by the English bench. 2. Piercing the corporate veil where VTB wanted to treat Malofeev as a contracting party to the loan agreement. This meant that Malofeev would be jointly and severally accountable with RAP. Appropriate forum One of the outstanding legal implications in VTB v. Nutritek & Others [2012] case is that; the Supreme Court has established a precedent that decisions on the forum will hardly be re-opened for appeal. This resulted from the strong words of the Supreme Court’s president lord Neuberger on claim parties having to set up mini trials on preliminary issues like jurisdiction. Lord Neuberger asserted that it is purely inconsistent for parties to bring high costs upon themselves, and use up cou ntless days in court on a jurisdiction hearing. His counsel to appellate courts to be vigilant in disheartening appellants from arguing the advantages of evaluative interlocutory verdict made by a judge reinforces this fact.2 Lord Neuberger held that such re-openings would be allowed when a judge has made a noteworthy principle error only. The court of appeal refused VTB authorization to serve its claim out of the jurisdiction, noting that the law governing the supposedly tort claims was the Russian law. The Supreme Court upheld jurisdiction decision by referring to the case of Spiliada Maritime Corpn v Cansulex Ltd  ([1987] AC 460)3. The Spiliada case set that the burden of proof is left on the claimant. Therefore, VTB had to establish that the English courts were indeed the right forum for the action trial. VTB claimed that there was a strong presumption in favor of English jurisdiction because the action of tort happened in England, referring to Berezovsky v Michaels (2000)   case and the Albaforth (1984).4 The Supreme Court ruled against VTB holding that VTB was using an unhelpful approach by referring to â€Å"presumption† as this was setting the bar too high. The court held that it has to consider all factors as set by the common rule standard on jurisdiction as set in the Spiliada  case. The ruling has the legal implication of giving clarity on the relationship involving the Albaforth and the Spiliada

Globalisation and International Institutions Essay

Globalisation and International Institutions - Essay Example Globalization and enlightment Globalization and enlightment envisages ideas moving across the world with ease at any given time. The world, instead of promoting globalization, encouraged slave trade, especially the more developed nations. This is building up of economic slave trade which is not similar to the nature of debates that the current world needs to be engaged in. For instance, Adam Smith propagates government intervention and free trade across borders not minding the effects it may have on the economy of those countries (Stilglitz, 2002 p. 38). According to Professor Joseph, for industries to develop, the magnitude of development needs to be in line with the government policies. According to smith, when cities develop, the rural sector will be negatively affected or rather; will feel the impact at a great level. Joseph therefore, argues that, no development can occur automatically without a favorable government policy. Two decades ago, smith may have anticipated the ideas t hat reflected the ideas of globalization. Smith was aware of the marketing professions and limitations of the government that played a role in what happened after the policy setting (Smith, 1901) Globalization and enlightment has caused moral values problems and the confrontation of different societies that has resulted in people of diverse cultures mixing through migration. This is exactly what Joseph believes is a propeller of globalization and enlightment. He believes that the value of tolerance is necessary if we have to achieve this, because we need to learn living with people from diversified cultures and backgrounds without conflicts. Therefore, to enhance globalization, we need to establish some standards that all individuals need to conform to. They include, basic human rights, labor standards, and establishment of the rule of law that should be agreed upon by all the countries, for example, a rule against the torture of children (Stilglitz, 1993 p. 143). Globalization has a future and if we attempt to go beyond these confines, then we will be trying to ignore the values, which must be followed for a positive achievement. Convention of torture is undermining the international rule of law hence affecting the way we live together as the international community that the Bush administration failed to live up to. The world needs to push for the values like looking at the IMF imposations on basic economic world standards. He argues that tolerance leads us to live towards achieving different economic goals and globalization (Younis, 2008). Second is the set up rules that are set and imposed by the international community, for example, rationality and pragmatism which positively affect globalization. Adam smith rejected this ideologies was at the heart of the enlightment. He became the father of a new ideology of the free market ideology which turned out to a religion. Adam Smith’s argument promotes self-interest instead of promoting moral issues that may enhance enlightment and globalization. Professor Joseph subscribes to issues that do not compromise globalization, but rather enhances the well-being of the society leading to globalization. Self-interests do not lead to economic improvement but rather it pulls down the chances of economic efficiencies. The higher the profits accrued from the ventures, the better the business environment and basic social

Contribution of study to the market segmentation and product Essay

Contribution of study to the market segmentation and product differentiation debate - Essay Example Contribution of study to the market segmentation and product differentiation debate For example Unilever Company gets it easy to market its products due the nature of branding it imposes .As explained in the international market; there is a need for good brand so as to get the best market for the named product. Hence the above case study argues very little on the issue of the Brand value. Contribution of study to the market segmentation and product differentiation debate Market segmentation ifs the process by which the market is subdivided in the way that the goods can reach the consumers at all corners of the named region in any type of a business. This means that its aim is to bring the product at any point. The product differentiation is where by certain product is designed in a way to make it different from other products of the same class so as to outfit the other products in the market (Ronkainen 2007). The product can be differentiated through branding or even packaging. In this study the issue of decentralization whose main aim is to ensure that each consume r gets what he/she needs gives an insight to the debate of market segmentation hence it is well catered for in this case study. The two terms as described above are very important in the international market. Free trade has the advantages that it leads to a variety supply of goods to the consumers hence creation of competition avenue which helps the consumers to get good prices on the goods they buy (Ronkainen 2007). The disadvantage of this is that the many goods from outside the country may be dumped which will affect the market of the importing country negatively. Protectionism has the advantage of protecting the market of the companies so as not to be affected by the cheap goods from other countries .The disadvantage of this is that the country will mainly rely on the own goods and this may lead to insufficiency in case a very high demand arises or the country’s producing companies becomes slow in production. Case study 3 The implications for a multinational company registered in New Zealand seeking to open a subsidiary company in Brazil The implication that may follow is that the company will improve on its accrued profit (Ronkainen 2007). This is because there is little indiv idualism in Brazil as compared to New Zealand hence the company would not have any kind of discrimination .The effect of individualism

Globalisation and International Institutions Essay

Globalisation and International Institutions - Essay Example Globalization and enlightment Globalization and enlightment envisages ideas moving across the world with ease at any given time. The world, instead of promoting globalization, encouraged slave trade, especially the more developed nations. This is building up of economic slave trade which is not similar to the nature of debates that the current world needs to be engaged in. For instance, Adam Smith propagates government intervention and free trade across borders not minding the effects it may have on the economy of those countries (Stilglitz, 2002 p. 38). According to Professor Joseph, for industries to develop, the magnitude of development needs to be in line with the government policies. According to smith, when cities develop, the rural sector will be negatively affected or rather; will feel the impact at a great level. Joseph therefore, argues that, no development can occur automatically without a favorable government policy. Two decades ago, smith may have anticipated the ideas t hat reflected the ideas of globalization. Smith was aware of the marketing professions and limitations of the government that played a role in what happened after the policy setting (Smith, 1901) Globalization and enlightment has caused moral values problems and the confrontation of different societies that has resulted in people of diverse cultures mixing through migration. This is exactly what Joseph believes is a propeller of globalization and enlightment. He believes that the value of tolerance is necessary if we have to achieve this, because we need to learn living with people from diversified cultures and backgrounds without conflicts. Therefore, to enhance globalization, we need to establish some standards that all individuals need to conform to. They include, basic human rights, labor standards, and establishment of the rule of law that should be agreed upon by all the countries, for example, a rule against the torture of children (Stilglitz, 1993 p. 143). Globalization has a future and if we attempt to go beyond these confines, then we will be trying to ignore the values, which must be followed for a positive achievement. Convention of torture is undermining the international rule of law hence affecting the way we live together as the international community that the Bush administration failed to live up to. The world needs to push for the values like looking at the IMF imposations on basic economic world standards. He argues that tolerance leads us to live towards achieving different economic goals and globalization (Younis, 2008). Second is the set up rules that are set and imposed by the international community, for example, rationality and pragmatism which positively affect globalization. Adam smith rejected this ideologies was at the heart of the enlightment. He became the father of a new ideology of the free market ideology which turned out to a religion. Adam Smith’s argument promotes self-interest instead of promoting moral issues that may enhance enlightment and globalization. Professor Joseph subscribes to issues that do not compromise globalization, but rather enhances the well-being of the society leading to globalization. Self-interests do not lead to economic improvement but rather it pulls down the chances of economic efficiencies. The higher the profits accrued from the ventures, the better the business environment and basic social

Rites of passage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Rites of passage - Essay Example felt that the United States of America has the best higher education institutions in the world and also offer numerous opportunities for career growth once I complete my studies. This made the decision to come pursue my higher education in the United States of America much easier. This paper will discuss my transition from high school to college and the challenges encountered. After making this crucial decision, I started making the necessary arrangements. I had to look for the best higher education institution in the United States that would suit my needs. The institution had to be well known, have excellent facilities and staff that would assist me in achieving my goals. I also had to secure admission in the institution. I was also forced to look for the necessary travel documents before I could leave my country. This was crucial as without the travel documents I wouldn’t be allowed to leave for the United States. This was an important stage in my life as I had reached the majority age. This meant that could be a citizen in my own right. This allowed me to be able to convince my parents that I was mature enough to take care of myself in a foreign country miles away from them. As a foreign student, I had to first of all, learn English which is the native language used in America. This proved to be harder than I thought. However, everyone, especially the tutors were very understanding and encouraged me a lot. I also had to leave behind my family and friends. Whom, I had gotten used to seeing and being around. I also had to leave behind the Chinese food and culture. On the positive side, I had gotten my chance to pursue my higher education studies in one of the best universities in the world. It also gave me an opportunity to meet new people and learn about their culture. It also gave me an opportunity to travel the world. Deciding to come to pursue my higher education in the United States has helped become a better person. I have learned how to manage my

Developmental Psychology Observation Assignment

Developmental Psychology Observation Assignment Introduction The development of children starts from junior wonderful youngsters to early stages and after that to adulthood, they are bit by bit influenced by their encompassing surroundings around them. They are additionally influenced by the heredity, their father and motherpass down to them (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). As the kids develop they will change and create in numerous diverse ways. Today, the kids will experience numerous phases of social and good improvement from the time off ahead of schedule adolescence through immaturity. Outset is the first run through period in Hanna life that will start during childbirth and proceed through 2 years of age. Throughout the voyage of early stages youngsters create socially and ethically. Since the precise starting during childbirth kids will be to understand that individuals are dynamic, expressive, and react effectively. They additionally understand that individuals have life to them that questions dont (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). At this early age a child acknowledge on the regular basis that how to act suitably and how to act keeping in mind the end goal to attain an objective. My nieces (Hanna) for example realizes that on the off chance that she is great while at the store, no doubt we will get her a prize that could be anything. Despite the fact that my niece has discovered that on the off chance that she doesnt get her direction and doesnt get her sweet she can yell and through her fit to the extent that she may please and that it wont change the conclusion she s till may not get what she is needing. Most newborn children will connect four or point to demonstrate they need a certain question that he or she may need. In the second year of early stages kids get more mindful of individual mental states, and they will have a consciousness of other individuals consideration centre and feelings (Eileen, Marotz and Lyn). By the age of a year and a half kids will get exceptionally mindful of how their activities impact the individuals around them. Time began: 2:00 pm Time finished: 3:00 pm Name of kid: Hanna Age: 5 Physical aspects of Hanna The physical development of Hanna has dependably been that of ordinary kids. Hanna first birthday, she could remain up without anyone else present and began strolling in no time thereafter. As per Feldman, Hanna met these points of reference near the normal times of most newborn children and babies. Hanna is currently five years of age and shows common physical attributes. She is about 39 inches tall and his weight is similar to most other kids of her ageà Ã‚ ¾ She is not, one or the other overweight, nor underweight. Her sound stature and weight may be an after effect of the way that she consumes well, both at home and at day mind. Her guardians attempt to keep a sound equalization of nourishments, and Hanna consumes almost different types of nourishment given to him. Hanna has had no genuine ailments while growing up. She gets an icy once in for a short time, which could be normal with preschool kid Setting: The setting occurred in a play territory/corner in the classroom of the school where Hanna goes to. Hanna is playing with teddy bears and there are likewise other kids present, playing in the same play territory. Perception: Hanna is sitting in a play territory with a companion playing with teddy bears at a little table. He is playing and talking like the teddy bears. Hanna is getting up and running, imagining he is flying. He then sits back up at the table and gazes nearly toward the teddy bear, attempting to return her head protector on the teddy bear. She says to her companion, Gee golly, how would I get power officer protective cap once more on, Yuma? Her companion doesnt react, and he says once more, Yuma! Help me, Yuma! Hanna then tosses the teddy bear over the room out of dissatisfaction. After he tosses the toy, he recognizes that an alternate kid has begun to shout. So Hanna gets her energy officer that he simply tossed and brings it to the tyke who was hollering and says, â€Å"Do you need teddy bear? Hanna appeared resentful and extremely worried that this kid was yelling. Hanna didnt get an answer so he set the teddy bear alongside the tyke and did a reversal (while biting on her fingers) to the table he was sitting as he continued taking a gander at the yelling kid as he strolled back. Inevitably the tyke came to the table where Hanna was sitting and gave Hanna the teddy bear and Hanna says, I like you Jane, Jane youre a nice kid. Interpretation: As I was watching Hanna I could see that a significant number of her movements and conduct was regular for her age. I will talk about my perceptions as far as the cognitive and psychosocial areas of human advancement. I will likewise talk about my perceptions utilizing the cognitive hypothesis. All through this chore I will be talking about the improvement of a 5year old tyke. With the backing of important hypotheses, including the work of Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, I will examine the natural impacts that advertise the physical, cognitive and psychosocial advancement of a 5year old kid. I will additionally survey the vitality of play in the youngsters advancement and propose an action of a play that would improve the kids improvement. In the realm of a 5year old kid there is a great deal of evolving. For in the fourth year in most western social orders this is the time they will most generally start going to kindergarten/preschool. Lively and inventive best depict the 4-year-old. Creative energy all of a sudden gets more excellent than life for the 4-year-old, who regularly confounds actuality and make-accept. five-year-olds like the things they can do, show self-assurance, and are ready to attempt new exploits (Lesley). Development of the body and mind, tangible limits, engine abilities and well being are all parts of physical improvement (Lesley). By the fourth year the youngster has accomplished more amazing control over the little muscles, enhancing attracting aptitudes and capabilities to tie shoelaces and secure catches. Their equalization likewise enhances, so they additionally are currently better at running, jumping, skipping and tossing balls. As indicated by kid analyst and scholar Erik Erikson, the 5year old kid is as per her hypothesis, in the activity versus blame stage. These methods the youngster is getting more free and sure about their capabilities. This activity is directed by blame as the youngster understands that their drive may put them in clash with others Conclusion In a rundown, folks must give careful consideration to their childs correspondence capacities, understanding capabilities, and why. Firstly, a childs correspondence capacities might be enhanced by encountering open circumstances. That is providing for them the chance to identify with general society. Likewise, turning into a part of outside exercises will help children to figure out how to correspond with others. Folks should likewise show their children the route how to talk at their house. Correspondence capacity can make a difference Works cited Allen Eileen Marotz Lyn â€Å"Developmental Profiles: pre-birth through to Eight† Albany: Delmar, 2009. Holditch Lesley, â€Å"Understanding Your 5 Year Old† The Tavistock Clinic. Rosendale Press, 2002.

Katherine Sheppard Essays -- Katherine Sheppard

"A great woman has gone whose name will remain an inspiration to the daughters of New Zealand, while our history endures". This quote was read at the funeral for Katherine Sheppard. The political advancement of women in New Zealand was brought about by a handful of courageous women, particularly Kate Sheppard. Kate Sheppard was born on March 10, 1847 in Liverpool, England. Her full name was Katherine Wilson Sheppard, but she preferred the name Kate. After her father's death in 1862 when Kate was only 15, Kate's mother, took her and her two older brothers over to New Zealand, in 1868 and settled in Christchurch. Then in 1871, Sheppard got married to a merchant named Walter Allen Sheppard. Together they had one son, named Douglas who was born in 1880. She was an active member in her church and was very religious. Later in her life she became a big leader in the fight for Women's rights. Three heroic traits that a hero should possess are being a leader, strong, and devoted. Leadership s kill because lacking this skill will keep people from knowing what is expected for them to accomplish. Strong will power would allow the hero to get things done. And lastly the hero needs to be devoted to their cause, while having the mindset of not giving up until something is accomplished. Katherine Sheppard portrays great leadership, a strong will for what's right, and a devoted mindset; all of which signifies that she deserves the title of a hero. Telling people to accomplish something without a purpose is one thing, but being able to lead a vast amount of people with a purpose to succeed their goal is a whole other story. Katherine Sheppard has proven that with great leadership skills, she was able to band together many organizations and peo... ...and. Kate should always remembered not only for her work to bring change to New Zealand women by gaining the right to vote, but for her pride of being a woman, at a time where being a woman was seen as a weakness, which is inspiring to me. Work Cited "Kate Sheppard, 1847-1934." Kate Sheppard 1847-1931. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012. "Lightner, Barb. "Kate Sheppard." Kate Sheppard (2009): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 5 Dec. 2012. "Sheppard, Katherine Wilson." - Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. Sheppard, Kate." Britannica Biographies (2012): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 5 Dec. 2012. Sheppard, Kate (1847-1934)." Dictionary of Women Worldwide: 25,000 Women Through the Ages. Ed. Anne Commire and Deborah Klezmer. Vol. 2. Detroit: Yorkin Publications, 2007. 1713. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 5 Dec. 2012

Physics of Wormholes :: physics science wormhole wormholes

Science fiction will often have fantastic stories about humans traversing stars at great speeds, faster than light. Vast interstellar civilizations are maintained by fleets of starships that fly from world to world in a matter of days or weeks. The truth, sadly, is far less fantastic. The universal speed limit is the speed of light, or approximately 2.998x108 m/sec. Nothing can move faster than that constant. Even at that extreme speed, it would take approximately 4 years for any spaceship to reach the closest of other stars. To make matters even worse, the energy required to accelerate an object increases exponentially as it gets closer and closer to the speed of light to the point where we cannot input enough energy to make the object actually go the speed of light. So how can we have these great galaxy spanning civilizations and expand our frontiers beyond the boundaries of our solar system? One possible solution is wormholes. This web project will attempt to inform on some of the basic theories of wormholes and how they could be used to traverse great distances and possibly even time itself. History Einstein first proposed wormholes in 1935. He co-wrote a paper with Nathan Rosen in which they showed that general relativity allowed for what they called â€Å"bridges.† They theorized that there could be places where space/time is folded that allowed transfer of matter from one point to another in the universe. After this initial burst of ideas in the thirties, wormhole theory was pretty much dropped by the world of physics in general. It wasn’t until the 1980’s when Carl Sagan wished to write his book Contact was wormhole theory revisited. Sagan wanted to have his protagonist leave Earth and arrive at a distant star system in a relatively short amount of time without being completely scientifically invalid. He turned to his fellow physicist Kip Thorne to develop an at least somewhat scientifically appropriate method of faster-than-light space travel. Thorne came up with much of the modern framework for wormhole theory that is in existence today for the book, which is now a major motion picture starring Jodi Foster. Definition A wormhole is a tunnel in space that matter can traverse through. It works in four dimensions with time being the fourth. It connects two points in the universe. A useful analogy for how a wormhole works is a two-dimensional piece of paper with a pair of dots on it.

How Does Owen Use Nature To Convey His Feelings About War? Essay

Wilfred Owen uses nature to convey his feelings in his poems, using many different techniques. In both the poems that I am examining, Exposure, and Spring Offensive, he’s uses nature to show pain and suffering. For example, in exposure, he uses brambles to convey pain; â€Å"Watching, we hear the mad gusts tugging on the wire, Like twitching agonies of men among its brambles.† This quote gives the soldiers the painful reminder that men have been killed easily by the barbed wire, and natures way of portraying barbed wire, is through brambles. The brambles symbolise pain, because brambles are obviously painful. This gives the reader a knowledge of what the soldiers are thinking of. Also this shows that by getting caught in the wire, that they are being held back from fighting, and this gives the soldiers a feeling that they have lost the war. Another thing that nature portrays is love and protection. Not all nature was used to portray pain. In Spring offensive, he uses several terms to portray love and protection; â€Å"And though the summer oozed into their veins Like an injected drug for their bodies’ pains,† This quote shows that that nature can be used to benefit the soldiers, by giving them strength to go on and fight. Nature can also benefit the soldiers, by giving them camouflage, and to protect them from harm, so that the German soldiers cannot see them. Another method that Owen uses to portray his feelings using nature, is the weather, in which he shows mood and feelings, cold weather representing hurt and pain. He uses cold weather a lot in Exposure; â€Å"We only know war lasts, rain soaks, and clouds sag.† This quote shows that the soldiers are waiting for attack and that there waiting will be long, but their fighting will be longer. They are saying that this is inevitable, like rain does soak, and clouds do sag. â€Å"Tonight, this frost will fasten on this mud and us, †¦and their eyes are ice, But nothing happens.† This quote proves that war is long and frustrating. This is saying that they have waited so long that the frost from the cold had killed them, not the war. This is a strong symbol, that nature is stronger and more powerful than war. I think this is one of the main reasons that Owen uses nature to portray his feelings, because it often has a stronger impact on the readers. â€Å"Till like a cold gust thrills the world At which each body and its soul begird And tighten them for battle. No alarms.† This quote has a tense feel about it because the cold wind represents harsh reality that they have to face, which is not what they have been told it was. This would make them uncomfortable, tense and nervous. I think that he uses this to deter men from going to war, because he was anti-war, and the men were being told thaat it was a walk in the park, all a big game. Owen wanted to tell the men about what war was really like. Aswell as cold weather, warm weather is used a lot in spring offensive, to show peace, strength and protection; â€Å"The sun, like a friend whom their love is done. Oh larger shone that smile against the sun. Mightier than his whose bounty these have spurned.† This quote shows that the soldiers get strength from the sun. As the sun comes up, they can feel the warmth, and see the light, which tells them that they are still alive. It gives them hope, because it its a conformation of there existence. Also is says that the sun is mightier than god, refered to as â€Å"his†. I think that this means that they would rather feel the suns warmth then die for their country. I think that the main reason that Owen uses nature to portray his feelings because it is an easy way of expressing deep emotions and feelings about a thing you feel strongly against a subject, eg: war. Owen’s expressions are strong, in the sense that they get his point across, and they are emotionally thought provoking, in the sense where they make you think about what is must feel like to serve, sometimes, against your will in something as horrific as a world war. I think that using nature to portray feelings and emotions, thoughts and views in poems is a very effective way.

Natural Law Theory

According to Jenkins, â€Å"The natural law theory begins with theories about the nature and purpose of the world and moves on to ask about the purpose of every action or object. The right thing to do is that which fulfils the natural purpose. † Natural law was developed by Thomas Aquinas, in which he believed that there is such a thing as natural moral law. Natural law ethics depends on the belief that the world was designed by a creator, God. It teaches everything God made has a purpose, including every aspect of human life, and everything should work towards the purpose assigned to it.If we fulfil this purpose we do ‘good’, for example it is good to preserve life (â€Å"Do not kill†). If we frustrate the purpose for which something has been created then it is morally ‘wrong’, to destroy life is against the will of good. In addition, human sexuality was designed for the reproduction of the species. Any action which helps towards the fulfilmen t of this purpose is good; anything which hinders this fulfilment is bad. Aquinas believed there were four primary precepts, â€Å"God’s aims for humans†, which we are to follow to live according to natural law.These are to reproduce, learn and develop potential, live harmoniously in society and worship god. These precepts are moral absolutes and under no circumstances can be broken. Natural law is therefore a deontological theory. According to Aquinas natural law was the, â€Å"moral code which human beings are naturally inclined towards. † There are also the secondary precepts to take into account, which are the rules and regulations which help us achieve these aims. These are actually man made laws which are based on God’s principles.Natural law is a fusion of the secular philosophy of Aristotle (who claimed that everything had a purpose and therefore the fulfilment of these purposes was good, e. g. a good knife cuts well) and the religious tradition o f the church by Aquinas. Natural law was to be a supplement of the laws given in the scriptures and draws much inspiration from the bible. Paul in Romans 1-3 argues that the moral law of God is evident from the nature of humans and the world, â€Å"Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible nature, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. (Romans 1:20) In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus observes that natural law should make it clear that divorce is wrong, â€Å"For your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wife, but from the beginning it was not so. † Marriage was designed for the building up of the married couple by each other and for birth and secure upbringing of children; divorce goes against God’s aim. Peter Mullen, Working with Morality, states, â€Å"Reason and the regularities of the natural world should be your guide. † Though are ability to reason we can get a sense of right and wrong.We can think freely for ourselve s and discover God’s intention and follow natural law. In other words we must use our reasoning powers in order to work out what is moral. This helps us deal with ethical issues which are not dealt with in the scripture e. g. euthanasia. In his book, Summa Theologiae, Aquinas maintained that we have four cardinal virtues (‘cardo’ meaning ‘a hinge’) on which are morality hinges and these four things inform as reason as well as the Decalogue. It has also maintained that we have seven capital vices. The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and self control.Pursing what is morally right will help us to develop these virtues and vice versa. The seven sins of morality are just the vices of pride, avarice, lust, envy, gluttony, anger and sloth. Aquinas maintains that these, in contrast with the four virtues are totally opposed to achieving the goals set out for humans in natural law. These natural virtues are expanded by the revealed virtues of faith, hope and charity derived from St Paul in Corinthians and â€Å"Aquinas held that the greater the extent to which these are developed by the individual, the greater the obedience will be to natural law. (Vardy and Grosch) When people sin according to Aquinas, it is because they are pursuing what they think is good. Human nature is generally good and therefore if we do wrong it is because we are in pursuit of an apparent good, e. g. abortion, can seem like at a good thing at times. According to Vardy and Grosch, â€Å"Humans seek apparent good, but this is not true good; only apparent good because it does not conform to the perfection of human nature which all humans share. † A historical example would be that of Hitler and Stalin, who did not seek out evil but sought what they thought, was right.The theory of natural law states that you are only responsible for the immediate consequences of your actions – not for the secondary or unintended effects of your acti on. This adds flexibility to the theory of natural law in such areas as just war and etopic pregnancy. According to Thompson, â€Å"Natural law is based on nature as seen by human reason enlightened by Christian faith. In the light of Jesus’ teaching and belief in God, reason can decide, by looking at nature, what is right. † Natural law however has some faults. It depends on the belief that the world was designed by a creator.Aquinas assumes that all men must seek to worship God, atheists not taken into consideration. According to Thompson, â€Å"†¦ if someone does not believe in God, then the natural law theory loses its foundation. † The theory also suggests that reproduction is one of God’s natural purposes of creating humankind, not considering those who are biologically incapable of having children. Thirdly, naturalistic fallacy, there is a problem with the assumption that just because something is a matter of fact in nature does not mean it ou ght to be obeyed by everyone. Hume argued that what is the case and what ought to be the case are different ideas.According to Jenkins, â€Å"sex does produce babies by this does not necessarily mean that people ought to have sex only for this purpose. † In some situations it may be necessary to against natural law to achieve a better end result, natural law is too flexible. According to Peter Mullen, â€Å"it may be necessary, for example to torture an innocent person to save the lives of thousands. † Finally, how do we define what is natural and what isn’t, there are some basic ideals but these are too vague to apply to specific situations. For example should we try to prolong the life of someone who is ill, for death is the ‘natural’ result?Natural law also puts too much emphasis on human reason. Human reason can be corrupted by sin, e. g. holocaust. However there are strengths of the natural law theory. First of all, it is a universal guide. It provides humanity with a set of common moral principles and can be sued if you are religious or not (Aristotle). Secondly it is a simple, straightforward set of rules – we look at the evidence of the natural world and apply our reason to consider if something is right or wrong. And thirdly, the principles of natural law can be applied to solve pecific moral problems – casuistry. In conclusion, â€Å"The natural law is written and engraved in the soul of each and every man; because it is human reason ordaining him to do good and forbidding him to do sin. † (Pope Leo XIII) It is claimed that everyone holds certain fundamental rights simply by virtue of being human. Some argue that rights are a modern western invention, rights are something â€Å"constructed† by a historical culture, seeking self justification for its own purpose to expand the notions and even to impose them on other cultures regardless of their traditional ways.The words ‘human rights ’ have come to mean the political norms and prescriptions that are found in international human rights documents such as the European Convention of Human Rights(1950) or the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights(1948). They deal with the way in which people should be treated by their government and its institutions. This paper proposes to develop the argument that making human rights universal is problematic, this will be done by firstly looking at the historical development of the concept of human rights, secondly the approaches taken towards questioning the validity or justification of the doctrine.Finally, to explore cultural, religious as well as gender differences which interact making human rights difficult if not problematic to universally enforce. Historical Origins and development and creation of the theory and practice The roots of human rights doctrine can be traced back to the times of Aristotle and Stoics. In his ‘Nicomachean Ethics’ Aristotle c reates the basis for the existence of a natural moral order. This would provide a potentially universal criterion for evaluating the authority of man made legal systems.Aristotle distinguishes natural justice and legal justice, â€Å"Natural justice is that which has same value everywhere and does not depend on acceptance† But the concept of rights akin to that of the contemporary idea of human rights most clearly emerges during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe and the so called doctrine of natural law. The doctrine of Natural Law held belief in the existence of a natural moral code based upon the identification of certain fundamental and objectively identifiable human goods. John Locke argued that individuals possess natural rights, ndependently of political recognition given to them by the state. He posits the idea that people held such rights independently of and prior to the formation of any political community, natural law thus is to perceive Gods will which truly gave an authentic moral code. Locke provided the precedent of establishing legitimate political authority upon a rights foundation. Compassionate to the works of the Ancient Greeks and earlier philosophers such as Pufendorf, 18TH century German Philosopher Immanuel Kant, who held that, moral reasoning relied upon the condition that all rational individuals are bound to assent.His notion of the ‘categorical imperative’, doing the right thing is not determined by acting in pursuit of ones own interest or desires but acting in agreement with the maxim which all rational individuals are to accept. â€Å"So the act the maxim of which your will can at the same time be universal law† The philosophical ideals defended by Kant and Locke come to be associated with general enlightenment project during the 17th and 18th centuries. Ideals such as human dignity and equality enshrined in the US Declaration of independence and the French National Assembly’s De claration of Man.Similarly continued through the 19th century in various political movements to extend the political suffrage to those that were denied political and civil rights. The full declaration of the doctrine of human rights occurred in the 20th century in response to the atrocities epitomized by the holocaust. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, enshrining fundamental human rights was adopted by the General Assembly on the 10th of December 1948. One should note that the modern doctrine of human rights is not a mere expression of the natural rights concept; rather it goes beyond it in some respects.James Nickel promotes three ways in which contemporary concept of human rights differs from and goes beyond that of natural rights. Firstly, modern human rights are more interested in viewing equality as requiring positive action by the state for instance providing welfare assistance. Whereas natural rights promoters were apt to view equality in more formalistic terms, essentially requiring the state to refrain from â€Å"interfering† in individuals lives.Secondly, where promoters of natural rights tended to conceive of human beings as mere individuals, advocates of contemporary human rights are far keener to accept the importance of family and community in individual lives. And thirdly, Nickel views modern human rights as more ‘internationalist’ in content and orientation than was typically found within arguments in support of natural rights. One can clearly understand the final assertion, since today human rights are increasingly seen as requiring international action and concern.For the benefit of the discourse, drawing this distinction between natural rights and modern human rights allows one to distinguish the development of the concept of human rights. It will also be beneficial to see the different approaches’ to human rights a well as the categories of human rights. Such discussion of the nature of human rights will demonstrate whether in Raschs view human rights cannot be justified as a universalising project. Concepts of Human Rights There are two categories that are fundamental to understand basis and potential for the application of human rights.Legal rights: these are the rights found in existing legal codes, thus benefit from the recognition and protection of the law. Disputes as to its existence can be resolved by referring to the relevant legal instrument, a legal right cannot exist prior to its passing into law, the limits of which its validity are set by the jurisdiction of the body which passes relevant legislation. Moral rights are not rights in the strict sense, better to see them as moral claims which have the potential to be incorporated into national and international law.For a legal positivist like Jeremy Bentham, there can be no such thing as human rights existing prior to or independently from legal codification. In contrast, Moral rights can exist independently from the ir legal foil. It has been argued that the black majority in Apartheid South Africa possessed a moral right to full political participation in that countries’ political system although no such legal right existed. When rights exist at international level, we speak of them as human rights, but when they are enacted at national level we see them as civil or constitutional right.To develop this even further, one can question the validity of human rights. Firstly, the interests theory approach, which holds that the principle function of human rights is to protect and promote certain key human interests. John Finnis contends, human rights are justifiable on the grounds of their instrumental value for securing the necessary conditions of human well being. The Choice or Will theory, on the other hand aims to establish philosophical validity of human rights upon a single human attribute; the capacity for freedom.Proponents of this theory argue that rights are a manifestation of the e xercise of personal autonomy, the distinctive feature of human agency which should be the core concern of rights. Human rights and Universality In identifying the historical roots of human rights and some basic general conceptual and justificatory approaches’ to the topic, the question whether human rights are â€Å"universal† is to ask whether there are good reasons for believing that the norms and prescriptions contained in the international documents symbolising apply to and obligate all human beings equally, regardless of their cultural, social or geographical location.The argument posed by Rasch is that human rights possess personal character which means in spirit that they cannot intrinsically adhere to the cultural, religious and social differences. This contention will be the basis of the remaining space of this essay. Rasch holds, that both Rawls, Habermas who were inspired by the Kantian project of discerning the rational ordering of human society is the proj ect of a â€Å"universalist ideology† that is homogenous and self justificatory.In other words he is arguing that the natural laws which initially held basic rights of individuals is â€Å"Christianized†. Such is the essence of human rights that truly they cannot be all inclusive and ever embracing. Rasch’s assertion must be examined closely, paying particular attention to the issue about the norms and values inherent in ‘western’ human rights are not the basis for human rights in all corners of the plane Rawls claimed that human rights â€Å"specify limits to a regimes internal autonomy† and that †¦their fulfillment is sufficient to exclude justified and forceful interventions by diplomatic and economic sanctions or in grave cases of military force†. Indeed, it is a generalization to suggest there is a line defined by human rights where national sovereignty ends. The reason being, â€Å"fulfillment† of human rights is a ver y unclear idea, because no country fully satisfies human rights, all countries have human rights problems, some large many â€Å"gross† violations. One of the most significant challenges to contemporary human rights is the presumed objective basis of the doctrine as moral rights.On this view moral principles are inherently subjective in character in that they express individuals’ incomplete preferences Protagoras claimed that â€Å"†¦no persons opinions can be said to be more correct than another’s, because each is the sole judge of his or her experiences†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In modern times, such arguments have been defended by the likes of Richard Rorty, who argues that human rights are based on sentimental vision of humanity, that human rights are not rationally defensible and fundamentally are emanated by sympathetic identification with others as opposed to reason.Kant differentiated between modes of expressions into objective and subjective propositions. He asserted that if an individual’s analysis is not accepted universally then it remains the moral position of the individual, thus a distinction between law and morality. In other words, one cannot assert their moral views and principles on others and expect them to be accepted. Knowledge acquired essentially should be objective in form.But subjective acquisition of knowledge as Kant saw, through individual reasoning or ‘moral law’ of the individual, acceptance of it will raise the individuals knowledge, thus knowledge is a steady cultural effort, In contrast, Michael Foucault argued that acquisition of knowledge should be subjective , he held that â€Å"truth† is the instrument of power’ which should be used to strengthen knowledge.Human rights are related to moral convictions; moral convictions are determined by underlying cultural commitments; underlying commitments differ fundamentally from one culture to another; therefore, the interpretation of human rights must vary fundamentally across cultures. Cultural Relativism is the most fashionable attempts to challenge the universality of human rights. One may suspect that Muslim and Asian critics of human rights suppose that their own views are in fact superior to Western ideas, and that everyone would be better off if their views came to prevail universally. Because ultures differ, and because human rights must vary accordingly, no one culture can go around trying to impose its view of human rights on others. Islam’s characterization of human rights is based on its followers holding true to the word of the religion. A Muslim sees rights much in the same was as a Hindu, a series of duties to the creator, in order to attain the higher freedom of enlightenment at death. The publication of ‘Satanic Verses’ by Salman Rushdie which offended Muslims worldwide, highlights how the western concept of human rights, to free speech can be incompatible with Sharia law.It is undeniable that the international community derives its values from a liberal consensus that is in essence a secularized Christian ethic. The traditionalist Muslims have not been the only critics of the western standard of human rights, until very recently the Catholic Church has been a strong opposition to what it saw as a conquest over the values of Christian community. The hearts of monotheistic religions are in conflict with the basis of human rights.Human rights doctrine is ‘humancentric’ essentially based on the responsibility and autonomy of the individual, the doctrine takes its premise in the authority of the state i. e. secularism and as its primary aim, to prevent abuse of power by the state over the individual. While monotheistic religions emphasis the will of god through the community. A study of prominent religion and development journals revealed that â€Å"religion and spirituality’’ are under represented in â€Å"†¦development li terature and in the policies and programmes’ of development organizations†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢The unique case of Re A (Conjoined Twins: Surgical separation), where doctors wished to separate Siamese twins otherwise both would have died, the parents opposed the operation on religious grounds, though the hospital and courts were choosing the â€Å"lesser of two evils† in that if the operation was not carried out the twins would die but if the operation went ahead one would live, the operation was allowed. Such a judgment is clearly confrontational with the religious duty of individuals.Furthermore, cultural imperialisms impact on human rights; Cultures are compelled to accept apparent universal standards because they are pressured to do so by more powerful cultures. Donnelly, contends that the American human rights regime can be explained by the power that lies within it, He believes that the dominant power of united states, in exercising its supreme power ensures support and creation of its interests. Essentially, human rights’ as an objective project is in reality established on subjective norms.The global institutions developed, in the hope to exercise their view of human rights through creation of instruments in the form of universal declarations or agreements, to which all cultures agree to, comply. The preamble to the United Nations Charter, demonstrates the clear declaration of universal intention by all member states to agree to a universal set of standards and norms. Who were behind the utopian ideal? The creation of United Nations was a result of recommendations by United Kingdom and the United States, the new ‘cultural imperialists’. We the United States recognise and accept our deep involvement in the destiny of men everywhere† Such was the sentiment expressed by President Eisenhower. During the creation of the UN and even today the membership is still increasingly western with a low presence of Asian, African or Ara b membership. USA evidently believed it was responsible for peace, security and human rights over other cultures, naturally ensuring that their values and norms become universal and dominant.In addition, the delegation for Saudi Arabia to the committee drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1947, expressed that the committee â€Å"†¦for the most part taken into consideration only standards recognised by western civilisation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The delegation contended that the committee was not to â€Å" proclaim the superiority of one civilization over all others or to establish uniform standards for all the countries in the world†Rawls argued that human rights are â€Å"international and universal† in that they apply to all individuals everywhere, however, such sentimental objections outlined are commonly expressed by not only Middle Eastern states but also Asian countries like China, the reason for this is that â€Å"Asian Values† place the goo d of the community over those of the individual, one can deduct that there isn’t universal consensus on the subject of human rights. Western values inherent in international human rights documents such as the UDHR are in what one can term cultural conflict as there is a clash of difference in values and norms.What can also be deduced from the lack of consensus, is that rights are ‘culture specific’, Human rights appear in the context of particular social, economic, cultural and political conditions. This is unquestionably true, since what circumstances brought about human rights in the west cannot be said to exist elsewhere. China has echoed such attitude in a 1991 white paper â€Å"†¦owing to tremendous differences in historical background, social system, cultural tradition and economic development, countries differ in their understanding and practice of human rights†¦Ã¢â‚¬ The dominance of western thought or ideological heritage in eastern or differ ent legal jurisdictions will not necessarily be accepted; rather what should happen is that human rights should â€Å"be considered in the context of a dynamic and evolving process of international norm-setting, bearing in mind the significance of national and regional peculiarities and various historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In line with the last mentioned point, the issue of political sovereignty is worth noting.A state has national sovereignty to determine matters of human rights locally, rather than relying on international agencies to externally determine national affairs. The issue of human rights falls by and large within the sovereignty of each state. In 1995, the Chinese government confirmed its opposition to â€Å"some countries' hegemonic acts of using a double standard for the human rights of other countries . . . and imposing their own pattern on others, or interfering in the internal affairs of other countries by using `human rights' as a pretext. The West's attempt to apply universal standards of human rights to developing countries is disguised cultural imperialism and an attempt to obstruct their development. It can be emphasized that human rights are harms which the law commits and heals through human rights. They are concerned with the terrible rather than with achieving the best. Their aim is achieving minimally good lives for all people, or so it is claimed. For instance, Article 3 Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person’. As outlined earlier in the discourse, legal rights are in essence human rights as their basic action is to extend theoretical recognition and respect to all. But, New rights creating new ways of being in common with others else where open the boundaries of community. Karl Marx insisted that political community both upholds and denies universality of rights since rights support and are supported in turn by the inequalities of economy and culture.Economic exploitation of the urban poor through unemployment, low paid wages, poor health of developing countries through unequal trade and rising debt undermines and ultimately destroys the prospect of self determination when daily survival is the order of the day; all aspirations for social improvement or cultural expression are quenched. Thomas Pogge argues that basic human rights ambit of â€Å"securing life, liberty and security† has not been fulfilled That world poverty is an ongoing harm we inflict seems completely incredible to most citizens of the affluent countries. We call it tragic that the basic human rights of so many remain unfulfilled†¦Ã¢â‚¬  If it is accepted, that affluent nations such as USA, France and the UK are the beneficiaries of advancing the universality of human rights and the doctrine is inherently favorable to them, then what Pogge argues is the ‘nexus between our global institutional order and the persistence o f severe poverty ‘, then the injustice of such an order can also be accepted.It cannot be denied that the values of the consumer society cannot be applied to societies that have nothing to consume, since talking about universal rights is rather like saying that the rich and the poor both have the same right to fly first class and to sleep under bridges. What is justified in Britain in terms of legal rights cannot totally be the same in Malaysia. Clearly, there is a distinction of what law is and what is morally correct from the view of collective individuals, community and ultimately a nation.Rights promoting the equality of sexes are a contentious point The Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by UN General Assembly in 1979, it codified women’s right to equality in all spheres of life as a global norm. Article 2(f) of the convention imposes positive obligation on member states to modify or abolish â€Å"custom s and practices† which discriminate against women. Cultural differences have practical implications. Whether women’s human rights can be universal is at a moot point, since some cultures are seen as patriarchal like Islam and Buddhism.But a controversial but pertinent example of an approach that seeks to strengthen cultural integrity and individual freedom is India’s Muslim Women (Protection of Rights Upon Divorce) Act. This legislation was enacted after the case of Shah Banu, the Supreme Court of India upheld the right of a divorced Muslim woman to alimony, prompting outrage from Muslim traditionalists who claimed this violated their religious beliefs that divorced women were only entitled to the return of the bride price paid upon marriage.The Indian parliament then passed a law to override the court's judgment, under which Muslim women married under Muslim law would be obliged to accept the return of the bride price as the only payment of alimony. F. Raday cla ims that the most widespread inequality women face is the treating of women as housewives or mothers and not being able to integrate fully in the public domain. Equality, despite assertions of Declarations and Constitutions that ‘women are like men’ and that ‘women are different from men’ is a political construct, as Hegel and Marx argued which is expressed through the legal.The law as Hegel argued is ill equipped to accommodate difference human rights claims therefore involve an inconsistent dialectic between an impossible demand for universal equality that is identifiable with the western man. From the above discussion, it has been expounded that human rights cannot be absolutely universal to accommodate societal differences. What is universally different lies in the cultural as well as religious and gender dissimilarities that is the backbone to incomplete consensus on the subject of human rights.Common Western cultural roots are the basis of internation al treaties establishing so called universal human rights, leading non western cultures to conform to prejudiced norms. The knowledge promulgated in the doctrine is inherently subjective in character embodying the dominant cultural preferences. In reply to William Rasch, human rights cannot totally be justified as they are not completely and entirely impartial so as to accommodate cultural disparity.To paraphrase Oona Hathaway International public opinion have often been lured â€Å"that (in the words of Columbia Law professor Louis Henkin) ‘almost all nation observe almost all principles of international law and almost all of their obligations almost all of the times’†. This assertion can definitely be regarded as false when it comes to Human Rights. Examples can be found involving â€Å"almost† all the countries â€Å"almost† all of the times. It took America nearly forty years to ratify, with qualifying conditions the 1948 Genocide Convention.Fra nce has never transcripted in its national law the UN Charter for the Rights of Children (which has never been ratified by the USA). Last but not least, most of the genocides that have been perpetrated since the end of World War II, have taken place in countries party to the already quoted 1948 Genocide Convention (Rwanda, Yugoslavia, Iraq, etc†¦). In fact, it seems impossible to imagine a way of enforcing Human Rights when one reckons that it is already impossible to enforce the principles of international law. Indeed, the respect of international agreements is completely left to the will of the nations parties to these agreements.The respect (or non-respect) of a signed treaty is a matter of sovereignty and no sanction can be envisaged but a military intervention violating this concept of sovereignty. This is also Carlos Santiago Nino’s stance: according to this author the most serious limitation of the strategy of enforcing Human Rights is â€Å"that the still curren t conception of sovereignty of states impose severe restrictions on the obligations that governments accept by their commitment and on the forms of intervention available to external organs for investigating and punishing Human Rights violations†.The conception of a potential international normative system has to clash with the ideal of self determination because there is no ‘global civil society’. Or in Chris Brown’s words â€Å"properly understood, ‘civil society’ requires an effective state, while ‘global civil society’ is characteristically seen as a substitute for such a political order. Furthermore, it may be doubted that the mind-set required to make a civil society work actually exists in the world today†.For that reason, the application of treaties in the different countries stayed a matter of self-determination and self-policing, leading, of course, to consequent opportunities of Human Rights breaches, and impeachi ng nearly all attempts in enforcing Human Rights.5754 wordsBibliography Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) European Convention of Human Rights (1950) The Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979) Re A (2002) Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2000] 3 FCR 577 United Nations Press Release : MEMBERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL UNITED NATIONS ORGANS IN 2005 http://www. un. rg/News/Press/docs/2005/org1436. doc. htm Charter of The United Nations http://www. un. org/News/Press/docs/2005/org1436. doc. htm Secondary Sources Books Douzinas and A. Gearey, ‘Critical jurisprudence’ (Hart Publishing 2005) W. A. 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Renteln, ‘The Unanswered Challenges of Relativism’ (Vol. 7 Human Rights Quarterly,1985)Yimga, Andre Marie (Human Rights League, Cameroon): â€Å"Are Human Rights universal – a common heritage shared among cultures? † Rasch. W . ‘Human Rights as Geopolitics’ (Cultural Critique 54 spring 2003) Websites United Nations Official Website http://www. un. org/Overview/rights. htmlInternational Humanist and Ethical Union http://www. iheu. org/node/2874 United States Institute of Peace http://www. usip. org/religionpeace/rehr/universality. html President Eisenhower’s Second Inaugural Address http://www. homeofheroes. com/presidents/inaugural/34_ike_2. htmlEssays on Popular Politics and Human Rights http://www. irmgard-coninx-stiftung. de/index. php? id=1