Paradigm Shift from Modernism to Postmodernism Ways of Thinking

Modernism is a school of thought that is believed to have begun during the period of Renaissance. This movement marked the age of Enlightenment in the early 20th century, as it led to rejection of traditional ideals and principles. This philosophical term looked for new perspectives to act as foundation for their knowledge, that is, it aimed at disapproving the irrational and subjective mind of man.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Paradigm Shift from Modernism to Postmodernism Ways of Thinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It supported personal ideologies on issues like religious beliefs; for instance, one does not have to accept an idea because it is religious. Self consciousness was meant to assist in criticizing an idea, then arriving at a conclusion at last. In modernism, one has to identify, evaluate, criticize, and understand a concept, then, choose without external interference. The need for premises/ reasons to attain truth remained fundamental during this time (Johnson, 2007). Notably, Karl Marx (1818-1883), Charles Darwin (1809-1882) and Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) were influential thinkers during the modern era. Specifically, Freud invented the subconscious part of the mind, the superego, which helps in analyzing how one thinks, in other words, evaluating the correctness of the thinking. Together with the superego, were the Id and the ego. In addition, this concept of the subconscious mind dimension analyzes how people think about realistic situations/ideas and how we view our selves. Our thinking starts with the Id, where we do anything necessary to satisfy the impending need for survival (Sigmund Freud n.d.). The next level is the ego, which keeps us with the reality of external world, that is, the world consists of others and, therefore, we are not alone. The ego helps us to adapt to the physical environment and store our experiences. The above theory that a nalyzes the human consciousness was called the Psycho-Analysis. From these dimensions, Freud insisted that things should not be construed to be true as they appear, the reality lies beyond what we can physically see. Therefore, to unearth the truth we have to conduct some complex and perverted actions.Advertising Looking for critical writing on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Clearly, modernism tried to eliminate subjectivity as a means of thinking and arriving at conclusions. Modernism tried to eliminate fixed concepts and ideas on varied issues; therefore, one has to have reasons to support his/her claims. Moreover, in Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams 1900, he reveals that dreams have displaced meanings and abstract symbols that calls for an in depth analysis and recollection in order to find the true meanings or complete validity. His proclamation that one only dreams whatever he/she encounters in life sh ows that a human being is largely a product of his/her environment and experience. Freud links how the brain functions with the nature of dreams. Therefore, one should reflexively be aware of these biases in order to free himself/herself from them and aim to be objective in his/her decisions. In general, the society becomes increasingly more reflective and self-aware of new ideas. Markedly, modernism movement instituted inquisitive minds in people. It begins with self-doubt, which reveals the methodology of justifying mind consciousness in accepting truth (Johnson, 2007). However, the control of unconscious and irrational desires of human beings is contradictive to the enlightenment philosophy that supports man’s reasoning as guidance to truth, yet human beings are essentially irrational beings. This weakness of Freud’s assertion led to criticism of some philosophers like Anouchka Grose. He disagreed with Freud’s Oedipus complex of socialization claiming that it was quite embarrassing as this act increases immoral behaviours and it is universally forbidden. The French scholar Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) supported the existentialism themes in the middle of the 20th century through his pieces of work that touched on nothingness, freedom, alienation and boredom (Mastin, 2008). His cornerstones were the self and ethical interests. Therefore, he reflected on understanding the existence of man by using phenomenological methods. He characterised the human condition with drastic freedom and groundlessness (Mastin, 2008). In his book, Being Nothingness, he outlines various forms of consciousness that lie beyond people’s experience, which involves investigating what is meant to be human. To be conscious means that one must be conscious of something; therefore, the definition depends on another thing.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Paradigm Shift from Modernism to Postmodernism Ways of Thinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In an in depth study of human, he comes up with two types of beings, which are ‘for-itself’ and ‘in-itself’. The later signifies autonomy and non-relational manner. This methodology gives one the power to create an extrinsic self identity. Sartre’s work gave people freedom of creating values for their own lives. On the part of the ego, Sartre acknowledges the existence of consciousness of the world and the ego. Sartre proposes a high levelled procedure of understanding human consciousness, involving pre-reflective and reflective level. He further agrees that people tend to construe that the self is never present prior to a reflective consciousness (Mastin, 2008). When a person thinks of anything, he/she forms a picture in the mind. In case the picture does not exist, then, there does not exist a universal structure thus the intention to be conscious is still unsuccessful. Ethically, Sartre noted that conscious proceedings are spontaneous; therefore, emotional consciousness is pre-reflective consciousness. As a result, voluntary act is different from the pre-reflective act; it has the will, which exists in the reflective act. This complex way of thinking discloses the key to understanding of the self, which has negating powers in it. Upon reflection, instability within the self is created, leading to the lack of self identity. Surely, the methodology supported a complex and valid distinction between two transcendence phenomena of beings (Mastin, 2008). The two analyses of ‘for-itself’ and ‘in-itself’ reveal what is meant by being a human. Sartre’s philosophical methods give people an unlimited freedom of making varied choices, which are not due to their bad faith. But, the freedom has limitations, social and physical constraints. The life of an individual is similar to a project that is unfolding as one makes choices amidst the challenges that constrain the freedom. In the end, a proper coordination of facts and transcendences help disclose an authentic man. One has to avoid pitfalls like bad faith and exercise his/her freedom diligently to continue understanding the nature of consciousness.Advertising Looking for critical writing on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Man is what he makes of himself; he then realizes his existence first before using his ‘will’ in making choices that he/she can be held responsible for (Existentialism is a Humanism, n.d.). Since man cannot change everything, that is, power to change things is limited, despair arises. In addition, the future is fully controlled by someone else. Postmodernism is a recent school of thought that claims that there is no clear reality that can be known objectively; it a relativistic approach that does not depend on absolute truth and objectivity. However, its way of thinking proved that reality can be experienced through objectivity. Manifestly, modernism highly objected subjectivity in arriving at decisions. However, postmodernism does not agree with most of modernity aspects. Postmodernism believes in New Age thinking in arriving at truth (Introduction to Postmodern Philosophy, n.d.). Notably, after the renaissance, the use of scientific method changed the perception of un derstanding the world. Then enlightenment (modernism) followed. The doubts on the ability to understand reality objectively by David Hume led to some instability in modernism. This in turn led to transition from modernism to postmodernism. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was instrumental in this transition, as he out rightly rejected Kant’s theory that believed that all people perceive the world (reality) similarly; he supported the objective truth. Philosophers had to first grapple with textual interpretation. On interpretation, the postmodernism philosophers agreed that objectivity cannot be applied in understanding the correct meaning of any written script. Therefore, meaning comes out through engagement in a dialogue with the original author. Again, there was a problem on whether language could objectively reveal the truth. Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) concluded that this could not happen as language development is socially habituated; therefore, the truth is socially constructed, just like language. Modernism recognised humans’ capabilities to find solutions that had been perennial since the medieval times. In addition, it respected human rights of expression. It did not also define the limits of objectivism and reasoning. Postmodernism, on the other hand, came up to correct the already existing imbalance; for instance, by convincing us that we have a limited potential to comprehend and change the universe. In essence, postmodernism corrects the problems, but it over-corrects the problems (Introduction to Postmodern Philosophy, n.d.). In the 20th century Michel Foucault (1926-1984) was among the great philosophical figures who defined the key issues of postmodernism. For example, a close scrutiny of the correspondence theory of truth that made people believe that scientific truths were equal to absolute truths was altered by removing the equivalency since no scientific researcher made an unlimited number of observations to show that such exceptions exist. Postmodernism, actually, helps man in knowing that knowledge acquisition and explanations have limits. This reveals the cause for the drastic shift from modernism to postmodernism. Further, it holds on the coherence theory of truth, which supports that an idea remains true to man if it also coheres with other internal perceptions that man holds about the world (Introduction to Postmodern Philosophy, n.d.). Nonetheless, scientists can still invent new methods of making people understand how the world works. For example, just as the discovery of the spherical nature of the earth was disapproved, early scientists believed that the earth is flat. Although postmodernism overreacts on the coherence theory, the philosophers were correct in summing up that correspondence theory has its boundaries, being contrary to what modernism held. Postmodernism promoted the willingness to borrow information from earlier movements and openness to diverse ideas from all places. It did n ot hold fixed definition to all terms. This movement promotes self-thinking, which can make people rebel following a defined curriculum and divert to their own understandings. Social epoch affects one’s way of thinking. For example, sociologists make assumptions that humans have room to make their own choices and that social forces can shape the behaviour of people within a society. Clearly, social environments influence the way one thinks and possible course of action. In the 18th century, Western Europe underwent social and technical changes that forever changed the whole world. For example, the invention of steam engine by James Watt in the year 1769 and invention of antiseptic barrier by Joseph Lister in 1865 impelled social changes in the entire world with the aim of solving some social and economic problems (Epochs in Philosophy and Socio-Economic Epochs, 2010). Remarkably, this social group altered people’s thinking towards looking for solutions to the then worl d problems since massive inventions took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. Later, industrial revolution took centre stage in Britain, which prompted rural urban migration of people to secure jobs in the newly created industries. This shows how social epoch affects the way of thinking of human beings in the entire world. From the historical perspective of the epoch, the global problems seem to be similar. A historical problem/issue will divert people’s attention in order to find solutions to it. For example, researchers on HIV/AIDS have been receiving support from other new researchers who aim at discovering the new drug that can cure the disease (Epochs in Philosophy and Socio-Economic Epochs, 2010). The research has influenced the thinking of doctors, medical lecturers and their students from a historical perspective. Both the social and historical epoch increases the thinking perspectives in the philosophical aspect, since every research has to be doubted, tested, u nderstood, and then approved/verified for application in its respective field. Lastly, philosophical theories also base their assumptions on the culture or history of any given group. References Epochs in Philosophy and Socio-Economic Epochs 2010, Problems of the History of Philosophy, http://leninist.biz/en/1973/PHP462/7.2-Epochs.in.Philosophy.and.Socio-Economic.Epochs. Existentialism is a Humanism n.d., alexvermeer.com — understanding and mastering our brains to do cool stuff, http://alexvermeer.com/%E2%80%9Cexistentialism-is-a-humanism%E2%80%9D-by-jean-paul-sartre/. Introduction to Postmodern Philosophy n.d., Postmodern preaching, http://www.postmodernpreaching.net/philosophy.htm. Johnson, L 2007, The Enlightenment to Modernism: A Brief Examination of this Revolution in Thought and Society, Socyberty | Society on the Web, http://socyberty.com/philosophy/the-enlightenment-to-modernism-a-brief-examination-of-this-revolution-in-thought-and-society/. Mastin, L 2008, Existenti alism: By Movement / School, The Basics of Philosophy: A huge subject broken down into manageable chunks, http://www.philosophybasics.com/movements_existentialism.html. Postmodernism: Philosophy n.d., Britannica Online Encyclopedia, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1077292/postmodernism. Sigmund Freud n.d., Letters, Arts Social Sciences, http://www.class.uidaho.edu/engl_258/Lecture%20Notes/freud%20dreams.htm. This critical writing on Paradigm Shift from Modernism to Postmodernism Ways of Thinking was written and submitted by user Mya K. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Animal Rights Quotes by Alice Walker and Others

Animal Rights Quotes by Alice Walker and Others Supporters of the animal rights movement and their opponents often use quotes to bolster their arguments. Unfortunately, some of these quotes are taken out of context, misattributed, or otherwise incorrectly used. Famous quotes about animal rights, from Paul McCartney to the Bible, are explored and explained here. Alice Walker One quote taken out of context is attributed to writer Alice Walker. Its a beautiful quote clearly about animal rights: The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites or women for men. Its one of the most famous quotes bandied about in the animal rights movement. The fact that it is attributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple, a book that inspired a  movie by the same name, as well as a Broadway musical, makes it all the more credible and poignant. The problem is the quote is taken out of context, and Walker wasnt expressing her own views. The source of the quote is Walkers preface to Marjorie Spiegels 1988 book, The Dreaded Comparison. In fact, the very next sentence is This is the gist of Ms. Spiegels cogent, humane and astute argument, and it is sound. So Walker was simply summarizing someone elses views, not her own. Its easy to see how something like this spreads. Its a great sentiment, coming from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. And technically, Alice Walker did write it. Adolf Hitler Critics of the animal rights movement, and specifically the aspect of it that involves vegetarianism, are quick to point out that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. Buzz such as this is a phenomenon of the internet age where misinformation spreads like wildfire if said information furthers one’s agenda. This rumor allegedly started because in his article in Psychology Today writer Hal Hertzog  reported that Hitler was overheard telling a female companion who ordered sausage while they were on a date: â€Å"I didn’t think you wanted to devour a dead corpse†¦the flesh of dead animals. Cadavers!† Subsequent inquiry and research have proven that Hitler was not a vegetarian, a fact clearly indicated in a 1964 Gourmet Cooking School  Cookbook written by Dione Lucas, who spoke openly about Herr Hitler’s favorite meat dishes. So much for anti-animal rights people trying to demonstrate a link between vegetarians and the world’s most evil bastard. Other Quotes About Animal Rights Paul McCartney was a vegan who famously and openly discussed his vegan lifestyle. He actually did say: â€Å"You can judge a mans true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.† Paul and his late wife Linda McCartney were both proponents of animal rights. Linda wrote in her book Lindas Kitchen: Simple and Inspiring Recipes for Meals Without Meat wrote: â€Å"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, the whole world would be vegetarian.†Ã‚   Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson also spoke of slaughterhouses, saying: â€Å"You have just dined, and however scrupulously the slaughterhouse is concealed in the graceful distance of miles, there is complicity.†Ã‚   Other quotes about animals and vegetarianism have been borrowed from other social movements. The context of these quotes is not directly related to animal rights, but the message is applied to the argument in favor of animal rights. Dr. Martin Luther King said: â€Å"Lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?† There are other quotes related to social movements that are attributed to Dr. King and used for animal rights. This includes: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Animal rights critics are also famous for citing biblical references to support their claim that people are supposed to use animals any way they desire, including eating them. This often used argument stems from Genesis 1:26-28:   Let us make  man  in Our image, according to Our likeness; and ...let them have  dominion over  the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air.   Some theologians have suggested that the word â€Å"dominion† was translated incorrectly and should actually be â€Å"stewardship.† Though Susan B. Anthony  likely was not responding to the use of the Bible to oppose animal rights, she did say: â€Å"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.†Ã‚   While there is no evidence to support the idea that King or Anthony were vegetarians, their words are universal. Is there any harm in commissioning their moving words to inspire a kinder world? -Edited and updated by Michelle A. Rivera

Accounting a Level A2 Specimen Paper

Corporate and management accounting Specimen Paper First examination May 2005 Time: 3 hours Materials required for examination Answer Book (AB16) Items included with question papers Accounting paper (AB34) (6 sheets per candidate) Instructions to Candidates Answer FIVE questions, choose TWO from Section A and THREE from Section B. In the boxes on the answer book, write the name of the examining body (London Examinations), your centre number, candidate number, the subject title (Accounting), the paper reference (9011), your surname and signature. Answer your questions in the answer book. Make sure your answers to parts of questions are clearly numbered. Use additional answer sheets if necessary. If the accounting paper provided does not allow you to set out your answer in the way you wish, rule up a page of the answer book to suit your requirements. Information for Candidates The total mark for this paper is 100. The marks for parts of questions are shown in round brackets: e. g. (2). This paper has 7 questions. Calculators may be used. Advice to Candidates Write your answers neatly and in good English. This publication may only be reproduced in accordance with London Qualifications copyright policy.  © 2005 Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes 23 SECTION A Answer TWO questions from this section 1. The balance sheets of Limsol Ltd as at 31 October 2003 and 31 October 2002 were as follows: 31October 2003 Fixed assets (Net) Current assets Stock Debtors Bank ? 127 500 79 500 27 000 234 000 Creditors: due within one year Creditors Proposed dividends 117 000 37 500 154 500 79 500 979 500 78 000 30 000 108 000 177 000 897 000 ? 33 500 102 000 49 500 285 000 ? 900 000 31October 2002 ? 720 000 Creditors: due after one year 10% Debentures 195 000 784 500 90 000 807 000 Issued share capital 750 000 ordinary shares of ? 1 each Reserves Share premium General reserve Profit and loss 750 000 7 500 27 000 784 500 600 000 150 000 57 000 807 000 24======================Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Ac counting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes Additional Information: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) During the year ended 31 October 2003, fixed assets with a net book value of ? 0 000 were sold for ? 37 500 and fixed assets costing ? 300 000 were purchased. An issue of one bonus share for every four shares held was made on 30 June 2003. To improve the working capital position the directors sanctioned a further issue of debentures on 1 November 2002. An interim dividend of ? 15 000 was paid on 31 May 2003. Required: (a) Prepare a statement reconciling operating profit to net cash inflow or outflow from operations. (13) Prepare a cash flow statement for Limsol Ltd for the year ended 31 October 2003 in accordance with the requirements of FRS 1. 9) â€Å"The management of cash flow is more important than profitability to ensure the survival of a business†. Explain this statement. (4) (Total 26 marks) (b) (c) Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Paper s and Mark Schemes 25 2. The balance sheets of Rumba Ltd and Samba Ltd at 31 July 2003 were as follows: Rumba Ltd ? 240 000 93 750 333 750 29 625 31 050 28 950 89 625 50 250 39 375 373 125 225 000 27 000 121 125 373125 Samba Ltd ? 144 000 37 050 181 050 15 675 14 280 7 455 37 410 43 680 (6 270) 174 780 135 000 39 780 174 780 Fixed assets Premises at cost Vehicles at net book value Machinery at net book value Current asssets Stock Debtors Bank Current liabilities Creditors Working capital Financed by: Ordinary shares of ? 1 each Share Premium Profit Loss On 1 August 2003 Combo Ltd was formed, with an authorised capital of 750 000 ordinary shares of ? 1 each, to take over the assets and liabilities of both companies at book value with the exception of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) The premises of Rumba Ltd were revalued at ? 300 000, and Samba Ltd at ? 180 000. The purchase consideration was settled by issuing to the shareholders of Rumba Ltd and Samba Ltd ordinary shares in Combo Ltd at ? 1. 50 each. Required: (a) Calculate the purchase consideration and the number of shares issued by Combo Ltd. (11) (b) Journal entries to close the books of Rumba Ltd. (Narrations are not required). An extract from the balance sheet of Combo Ltd at 1 August 2003 to show the share capital and reserves. (4) (Total 26 marks) (11) (c) Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes 7 3. The directors of Kaslan Ltd are considering investing in one of two machines to increase production capacity. The details are as follows: Machine Y ? 300 000 120 000 140 000 60 000 30 000 Machine Z ? 300 000 45 000 75 000 180 000 135 000 Capital cost Estimated net profit: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 The estimated profit is calculated after deducting straight-line depreciation. Both machines will have a life of fo ur years and an estimated scrap value of ? 60 000. The cost of capital is 15%. Present value of ? 1 Year 1 2 3 Q 15% 0. 870 0. 756 0. 658 0. 572 All costs and revenues occur at the end of each year. Required: (a) Calculate, for both machines, the: (i) cash flows (6) (ii) pay back period (4) (iii) net present values. (8) 28======================Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes (b) Using your answer to (a), state with reasons, which machine you would recommend the directors of Kaslan Ltd to purchase. (5) The accounting rate of return method of investment appraisal has one advantage, it is simple to calculate. State three disadvantages. 3) (Total 26 marks) (c) Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes 29 SECTION B Answer THREE questions from this section 4. Dynamic Ltd has an authorised capital of 100 000 ordinary shares of ? 1 each which had been issued in full. In accordance with the required procedures the authorised capital was increased to 200 000 shares. The directors deci ded to issue to the public a further 75 000 shares as follows: ? 0. 30 0. 70 0. 50 Application Allotment (Including premium) First and Final Call Applications were received for 112 500 shares. Applications for 15 000 shares were rejected and the monies refunded. The 75 000 shares were alloted on a pro-rata basis, the surplus application money was applied to the amount due on allotment. The total due on allotment was received in full. The amount due on the first and final call was also received in full. Required: (a) Show the ledger accounts to record the above transactions. (A bank account is not required). (10) Give three advantages to a company and its shareholders of making a rights issue. (6) (Total 16 marks) (b) 0======================Revised GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Accounting 8011/9011 – Specimen Papers and Mark Schemes 5. Patel Ltd manufactures three products, X, Y and Z.  · The standard time for each unit produced is: X Y Z  · 12 hours 9 hours 16 hours Labour details: Actual direct labour hours worked 9 251. Standard hourly rate of pay ? 6. Actual wages ? 55 320.  · During August the act ual output was: X Y Z 320 units 260 units 180 units Required: (a) (b) Calculate the standard hours of actual output. (2) Calculate the following variances: (i) (ii) (iii) (c) Total direct labour variance.

Ethical and nonethical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical and nonethical - Essay Example (Ethical 2011) Un-ethical is simply the opposite of ethical, or an action that avoids the moral issues surrounding said decision. Non-ethical simply calls for a lack of ethical obligation one way or the other. Someone can be un-ethical, however, an object cannot be. Though the object can be non-ethical and in fact by definition is. An example is a vehicle which is non-ethical by default as it cannot make decisions or reason and therefore cannot be un-ethical. Some examples of ethical issues in the workplace can be related directly to me in that ethically I am bound to complete the tasks given to me according to the agreement made to work in said workplace. Additionally ethical dilemmas may arise when called upon to preform outside of the set duties given to me by my mangers. I could perform the work however, would expect additional pay as a result, otherwise the management is preforming in an un-ethical manner. Generally outside of that there are only personal ethical dilemmas such a s potential relationships within the workplace with coworkers, policy is such so that personal fraternization is frowned upon and seen as a potential ethical dilemma. Specifically this would become a serious breach of ethics and policy if that fraternization was occurring between a member of management and a non-management employee. The reason for this is that anyone fraternizing in a manner that could possibly be influenced or influential upon the others career is a serious breach of ethics and in most companies policy as well. This has not occurred at this point, however it is a clear example of an ethical dilemma. Ethical,. (2011). definition of ethical. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethical Second questions- The three models of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are the economic model, philanthropic model and the social web model. The Harvard Kennedy school of business defines Corporate Social Responsibility as, â€Å"beyond philanthropy and compli ance and addresses how companies manage their economic, social, and environmental impacts, as well as their relationships in all key spheres of influence: the workplace, the marketplace, the supply chain, the community, and the public policy realm.† (Corporate Social Responsibility, 2011) Understanding the definition of the term CSR is an important part of understanding which model is the most persuasive personally. In looking to the text and additional resources the idea supporting the social web model seems the most appropriate of the three models. The social web model is a beneficial model for society as a whole and provides support through interaction versus simply giving services or products away or selling for a profit. People chose to interact simply because that is what humans and other animals do, they socialize and travel and live in groups. The social web model helps align the goals of the corporation with the daily life challenges and decisions faced by all those i nvolved in the local or global society. While this is a beneficial approach for other humans it may not always reflect as such with the bottom line, especially when profit is required by stockholders in any publicly traded corporation. As a result the most utilized CSR model is likely the economic model, a balance of economic decisions based on the need for profit and the need to contribute to the social web as

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Reflection Paper - Essay Example Up to this point in time, including this very moment, the Roman Catholic Church is undergoing many changes as secular culture continuously challenges the church to keep up with the signs of the times. We find the church moving in various directions as a result of the many cultures and sub-cultures in America that need attention. It is so important for the church to adopt ways, strategies and techniques so that the mission that was handed down from Christ through the Apostles will be carried out to the end. As a contemporary Roman Catholic priest in today’s America, my vision is to lead my flock to the concept of piety and holiness reflected in these ideas. I hope to live up to the vision of our founder and lead the flock based on the work that was handed down to me by our brothers as it is shaped and defined by the modern era. I will continually seek innovative ways, strategies and techniques to achieve the social, political, economical, religious, institutional and personal goals of the individual members of my flock in keeping with the traditional values and beliefs of our order. Considering these goals, I am recognizing that each one of us is affected one way or the other by those around us and this will be a major challenge. My own vision of the piety and holiness to which I want to lead my flock is that it must first be based on the personal, social, political, emotional, cultural, intellectual and religious background of what I have had experienced throughout the course of my life. This will not be easy as my experiences here in America are an ongoing learning experience culturally and mentally. It will require consistent reflec tion and self-understanding. However, in understanding these things, it is very crucial to consider and internalize the many changes experienced in both the American culture and the Catholic Church on a

Product Life Cycle Stages Essay Example for Free

Product Life Cycle Stages Essay As consumers, we buy millions of products every year. And just like us, these products have a life cycle. Older, long-established products eventually become less popular, while in contrast, the demand for new, more modern goods usually increases quite rapidly after they are launched. Because most companies understand the different product life cycle stages, and that the products they sell all have a limited lifespan, the majority of them will invest heavily in new product development in order to make sure that their businesses continue to grow. Product Life Cycle Stages Explained The product life cycle has 4 very clearly defined stages, each with its own characteristics that mean different things for business that are trying to manage the life cycle of their particular products. Introduction Stage – This stage of the cycle could be the most expensive for a company launching a new product. The size of the market for the product is small, which means sales are low, although they will be increasing. On the other hand, the cost of things like research and development, consumer testing, and the marketing needed to launch the product can be very high, especially if it’s a competitive sector. Growth Stage – The growth stage is typically characterized by a strong growth in sales and profits, and because the company can start to benefit from economies of scale in production, the profit margins, as well as the overall amount of profit, will increase. This makes it possible for businesses to invest more money in the promotional activity to maximize the potential of this growth stage. Maturity Stage – During the maturity stage, the product is established and the aim for the manufacturer is now to maintain the market share they have built up. This is probably the most competitive time for most products and businesses need to invest wisely in any marketing they undertake. They also need to consider any product modifications or improvements to the production process which might give them a competitive advantage. Decline Stage – Eventually, the market for a product will start to shrink, and this is what’s known as the decline stage. This shrinkage could be due to the market becoming saturated (i.e. all the customers who will buy the product have already purchased it), or because the consumers are switching to a different type of product. While this decline may be inevitable, it may still be possible for companies to  make some profit by switching to less-expensive production methods and cheaper markets. Product Life Cycle Examples It’s possible to provide examples of various products to illustrate the different stages of the product life cycle more clearly. Here is the example of watching recorded television and the various stages of each method: 1. Introduction – 3D TVs 2. Growth – Blueray discs/DVR 3. Maturity – DVD 4. Decline – Video cassette The idea of the product life cycle has been around for some time, and it is an important principle manufacturers need to understand in order to make a profit and stay in business. However, the key to successful manufacturing is not just understanding this life cycle, but also proactively managing products throughout their lifetime, applying the appropriate resources and sales and marketing strategies, depending on what stage products are at in the cycle.

The Impact of Lowering the Drinking Age on State University Essay

The legal drinking age in the United States will always be a point of contention. No one can settle upon a drinking age that everyone is in agreement with; should it be 18 or 21? Ages 18 and 21 are the most popular options, yet neither one has 100% of the vote. With the current legal drinking age in America standing at 21, meaning that people under the age of 21 cannot purchase or consume alcoholic food or beverages, there is the question of whether or not to lower it to 18 or 19 years old. This paper will argue that the drinking age should be lowered, and examine its impact on State University. Almost everyone has an opinion on what the drinking age should be. Some people believe that it should stay at 21. However, others argue that it should be lowered for the sake of teen safety. The opposition to lowering the drinking age backs their argument with science. Advocates of keeping the drinking age above twenty one believe that alcohol causes permanent damage to the still-developing brains of teenagers. This group of people includes scientists such as Susanne Hiller-Sturmhà ¶fel, and H. Scott Swartzwelder, who have conducted scientific trials studying the effects alcohol has on the human brain. On the other hand, proponents of lowering the drinking age believe that the pros outweigh the cons of their story. To this group of people, including Ruth C. Engs, lowering the drinking age will come with restrictions still, although most of the restrictions will help educate young people about alcohol in the hopes of preventing alcohol related deaths. This is where universities come into the picture. Would keeping the legal drinking age at 21 prevent students on campuses from obtaining alcohol, therefore keeping them safe? Or wo... ...ty, Choose. "The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Debating the Issues."chooseresponsibility.org. 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. "State History of MLDA 21, 1933-present." ProConorg Headlines. ProCon.org, 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 04 Nov. 2013. Sullum, Jacob. "College dry: drinking age debate." Reason Dec. 2008: 16. General OneFile. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. University Center & Michael D. Rose Theatre Policy Manual. Memphis: University of Memphis, n.d. PDF. Wechsler, Henry, PhD, Jae Eun Lee, DrPH, Toben F. Nelson, MS, and Meichun Kuo, ScD. "Underage College Students’ Drinking Behavior, Access to Alcohol, and the Influence of Deterrence Policies." Journal of American College Health 5th ser. 50 (2002): 223-36. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. The Impact of Lowering the Drinking Age on State University Essay The legal drinking age in the United States will always be a point of contention. No one can settle upon a drinking age that everyone is in agreement with; should it be 18 or 21? Ages 18 and 21 are the most popular options, yet neither one has 100% of the vote. With the current legal drinking age in America standing at 21, meaning that people under the age of 21 cannot purchase or consume alcoholic food or beverages, there is the question of whether or not to lower it to 18 or 19 years old. This paper will argue that the drinking age should be lowered, and examine its impact on State University. Almost everyone has an opinion on what the drinking age should be. Some people believe that it should stay at 21. However, others argue that it should be lowered for the sake of teen safety. The opposition to lowering the drinking age backs their argument with science. Advocates of keeping the drinking age above twenty one believe that alcohol causes permanent damage to the still-developing brains of teenagers. This group of people includes scientists such as Susanne Hiller-Sturmhà ¶fel, and H. Scott Swartzwelder, who have conducted scientific trials studying the effects alcohol has on the human brain. On the other hand, proponents of lowering the drinking age believe that the pros outweigh the cons of their story. To this group of people, including Ruth C. Engs, lowering the drinking age will come with restrictions still, although most of the restrictions will help educate young people about alcohol in the hopes of preventing alcohol related deaths. This is where universities come into the picture. Would keeping the legal drinking age at 21 prevent students on campuses from obtaining alcohol, therefore keeping them safe? Or wo... ...ty, Choose. "The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Debating the Issues."chooseresponsibility.org. 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 19 Nov. 2013. "State History of MLDA 21, 1933-present." ProConorg Headlines. ProCon.org, 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 04 Nov. 2013. Sullum, Jacob. "College dry: drinking age debate." Reason Dec. 2008: 16. General OneFile. Web. 13 Nov. 2013. University Center & Michael D. Rose Theatre Policy Manual. Memphis: University of Memphis, n.d. PDF. Wechsler, Henry, PhD, Jae Eun Lee, DrPH, Toben F. Nelson, MS, and Meichun Kuo, ScD. "Underage College Students’ Drinking Behavior, Access to Alcohol, and the Influence of Deterrence Policies." Journal of American College Health 5th ser. 50 (2002): 223-36. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.

Fighting Racism in Africa

In September 1984, the segregated townships of the blacks in South Africa’s Vaal Triangle, around twenty five miles away from Johannesburg, were suddenly lit up – burned by the fury of resistance. It seemed as though the helplessness felt by the blacks for two years during which their rebellion had been controlled had suddenly turned into extreme anger. In any case, it became apparent at the time that the region was ungovernable by all means. Moreover, it appeared as though the Soweto revolt of 1976 was being repeated in the history of South Africa (Davis). After all, the blacks had not been able to secure their rights in their own countries during that time. It is ironic that the blacks have had to fight racism in their own countries for a very long time. The African National Congress was established to struggle for their rights. On its website, the African National Congress describes itself thus: The ANC is a national liberation movement. It was formed in 1912 to unite the African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social and economic change. For nine decades the ANC has led the struggle against racism and oppression, organizing mass resistance, mobilizing the international community and taking up the armed struggle against apartheid. The ANC achieved a decisive democratic breakthrough in the 1994 elections, where it was given a firm mandate to negotiate a new democratic Constitution for South Africa. The new Constitution was adopted in 1996. The ANC was re-elected in 1999 to national and provincial government with an increased andate. The policies of the ANC are determined by its membership and its leadership is accountable to the membership. Membership of the ANC is open to all South Africans above the age of 18 years, irrespective of race, color and creed, who accept its principles, policies and programs (â€Å"What is the African National Congress†). Stephen Davis, in his book, Apartheid's Rebels: Inside South Africa's Hidden War, describes the African National Congress in greater detail. According to the author, this movement has acted as the chief mobilizing agency of black resistance in South Africa. Furthermore, the unrest experienced by South Africa during the mid-1980’s was staged by the African National Congress through a tremendous transformation of the blacks. The unrest was neither unplanned; nor was it short-lived. Rather, the main adversary of Pretoria – the African National Congress – had developed it through an ever-widening network of secret cells where blacks were politicized as well as schooled in all manners of confrontation (Davis). Although the African National Congress has played a part in the governance of South Africa, Davis claims that the movement is rather unruly in the sense that it employed clandestine couriers that slipped across international borders, in addition to insurgents that primed themselves for attacks, including sabotage, against their enemies who were understood to be superior in both numbers as well as weaponry. The author also details the relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party – an ally. The propaganda of Pretoria had exploited this connection, while the legislators of the United States had been troubled by the effect that sanctions would have had on this friendship. According to Davis, the South African Communist Party was influential enough in the policymaking process of the African National Congress to be a cause of worry. The surge of new recruits that had been trained in violent rebellion had also given rise to apprehension within the African National Congress. Oliver Tambo, an exiled leader of the African National Congress, had taken a rather radical position because of this friendship. Nevertheless, Tambo argued that the majority of the blacks would simply balk at the endorsement of Marxist rule if free elections were to take place in South Africa. Hence, Davis believes that the relationship between the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress was merely one of convenience for the latter. The African National Congress enjoyed the assistance of the South African Communist Party in its underground operations. Moreover, the South African Communist Party was known to supply weapons as well as intelligence information from its Russian sponsors to the African National Congress. At the same time, the South African Communist Party acknowledged the importance of the struggle against apartheid that the African National Congress was engaged in. What is more, the South African Communist Party hoped to establish a Marxist society once the African National Congress had won its struggle (Davis). Thus, Davis’ study describes the struggles, divisions, and weaknesses of the African National Congress, while also dwelling on the successes of the movement. As an example, the African National Congress was able to transform itself at a time when it was almost forgotten. The movement was able to spread its roots far and wide by nurturing alliances with the United Democratic Front, a movement of mass protest, in addition to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Davis). Undoubtedly, the African National Congress has come a long way. At the same time, however, its history leaves a number of questions unanswered for the reader. The main question seems to be the following: In a world applauding the power of information and knowledge – must we continue to fight against discrimination? Sadly, the answer is, ‘Yes, our world is not civilized enough at this point. ’

Business National Btec Unit 13 Essay

|To achieve a pass grade To achieve a pass | | | |grade the evidence must show that the learner|To achieve a merit grade the evidence must |To achieve a distinction grade the evidence | |is able to: |show that, in addition to the pass criteria, |must show that, in addition to the pass and | |evidence must show that the |the learner is able to: |merit criteria, the learner is able to: | |learner is able to: | | | |P1 identify how two organisations | | | |plan recruitment using internal and external | | | |sources | | | | | | | |P2 explain the impact of the legal and | | | |regulatory framework on recruitment and | | | |selection activities | | | | | | | | | | | |P3 prepare the documents used in selection | M1 compare the purposes |D1 evaluate the usefulness | |and recruitment activities |of the different documents |of the documents in the | | |used in the selection and |interview pack for a given | | |recruitment process of a given organisation |organisation, in facilitating | | | |the interview process | |P4 plan  to take part in a selection interview|M2 analyse your contribution |D2 evaluate your experience | | |to the selection process |of planning and participating | | |in a given situation. |in the recruitment and | | | |selection process. | |P5 take part in a selection interview | | | | | | | | | | | Unit 13: Investigating Recruitment and Selection Task 1: How organisations plan recruitment (towards P1). â€Å"P1 Identify how two organisations plan recruitment using internal and external sources.† You need to understand that there are a number of reasons why vacancies occur and that the decision to recruit will be the result of an analysis by the organisation of its requirements. The vacancy may be filled internally or externally. External sources may be used but they may have time and cost implications. You need to include the following points; Understand the processes involved in recruitment planning Recruitment planning: †¢ reason for vacancy, eg employee leaving, increased volume of business, different work, maternity cover, sickness; †¢ decision to recruit; †¢ internal recruitment; †¢ external sources of recruitment (use of job centres, consultants, recruitment agencies); †¢ cost and time considerations of external sourcing Task 2: How organisations advertise vacancies (towards P1). The vacancy may be advertised internally and externally. If advertised externally, the choice of media will be important in order to reach the targeted market. External advertising is more costly and there are legal considerations to be aware of on all recruitment advertising. You need to cover the following points; Recruitment advertising: †¢ internal advertising; †¢ external advertising (choice of media, use of external agencies, format and type of advertisement, cost implications, legal considerations of recruitment advertising); †¢ methods of application, eg letter, online, telephone. â€Å"P2 Design a concise briefing sheet for a selection panel to guide them on the regulatory requirements of recruitment and selection practice.† This requires an overview of the key legal and ethical requirements of selection interviews. It should be a concise guide that interviewers can easily understand. You need to include the following points: Current UK and EU legislation: †¢ Sex Discrimination Act 1995/97; †¢ Race Relations Act 1992; †¢ Equal Pay Act 1970; †¢ Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005; †¢ European Working Time Directive; †¢ Employment Act 2002; †¢ national minimum wage; †¢ Data Protection Act 1998 (together with any future amendments) Ethical issues: †¢ asking candidates the same questions; †¢ interviewers not related to candidates; †¢ gender and ethnic balance on panels Task 3: Preparing a job description and person specification (towards P3). â€Å"P3 Prepare the advertising, job description and person specification required to recruit an employee for a specific role in a selected organisation.† You will prepare the documentation for an identified vacancy. This will encompass a job description and person specification. The completion of these two documents to an appropriate standard will provide the evidence for this criterion. Prepare the job description and person specification. You need to include the following points: Job description: †¢ purpose and standard formats; †¢ title of job; †¢ department and location of post; †¢ broad terms of job; †¢ responsible to whom; †¢ responsibilities; †¢ scope of post; †¢ education and qualifications; †¢ name of compiler and approver; †¢ date of issue Person specification: †¢ purpose and standard formats, eg job title and reference number; †¢ location in management line; †¢ essential and desirable attributes; †¢ physical characteristics required; †¢ attainments and qualifications; †¢ previous experience; †¢ general intelligence; †¢ special aptitudes; †¢ temperament and personality; †¢ hobbies and interests; †¢ personal circumstances Task 4: Job Applications â€Å"P3 Apply for a job by completing the application documentation.† You should use the Morrisons website to find the application documents. You should complete the process as if you were applying for the post. You should complete the application form and include any other documentation requested, which should include your curriculum vitae and a covering letter. The completion of the required documentation to an appropriate standard will provide the evidence for this criterion. Know the documentation involved in the recruitment process Application documentation: †¢ letter; †¢ application form; †¢ curriculum vitae Task 5: Briefing the selection panel on regulatory requirements. (P4) You need to include the following: Pre-interview: †¢ selection criteria for short-listing; †¢ application packs and information for candidates; †¢ references; †¢ types of interviews (group, individual, team, panel, telephone, multi-stage); †¢ tasks and tests used to complement the interview process, eg occupational preference tests, attainment tests, aptitude tests, psychometric tests; †¢ use of specialists in the interview; †¢ a list of interview questions; †¢ procedure for informing candidates on interview decisions Task 6: Taking part in a selection interview (towards P5). â€Å"P4 Participate in a selection interview.† You should adopt the role of either an interviewee or an interviewer in your pairs for a mock selection interview. You should demonstrate through role play that you have prepared for the interview. Roles can then be reversed to give everyone in the class opportunity to see the recruitment process from the perspectives of both the applicant and the interviewer. If you are not participating in an interview you will be observing and taking notes. Evidence is likely to come from a copy of the documentation used by each participant and a witness statement from the assessor. In your planning you should show evidence that you have considered each of the following points: Interview: †¢ interview protocol; †¢ confidentiality; †¢ fairness; †¢ interview environment; †¢ agreed questions; †¢ checking of personal information; †¢ interview checklist; †¢ control of interview; †¢ decision criteria and documentation; †¢ communicating the decision to candidates; †¢ communication and listening skills; †¢ body language; †¢ questioning techniques; †¢ barriers to communication; †¢ analysing and summarising Task 7: Following up the interview (towards P5). You should prepare the necessary documentation to fill the vacancy and complete the interview process. You should include the following: Post interview: †¢ informing candidates; †¢ making a job offer; †¢ verbal/non-verbal offers; †¢ contents of job offer, eg start date, wage or salary rate, hours of work, holiday entitlements; †¢ other conditions, eg references, medical test, passing specific qualifications; †¢ expenses claims; †¢ candidate’s feedback; †¢ taking up and checking references; †¢ police and/or medical checks including a CRB check; †¢ rejection of unsuccessful candidates Task 8: Comparing selection documents. â€Å"M1 Compare the purposes of the different documents used in the selection process of a given organisation.† You must be able to identify the documents used in the three stages of the selection process. You should know the purpose of the key documents. You should be able to explain the purpose of the information that the completed documents will provide for the interviewers. You should be able to draw comparisons between the purposes of appropriate documents. Task 9: Evaluation of the usefulness of interview documents. â€Å"D1 Evaluate the usefulness of the documents in the interview pack of a given organisation in facilitating the interview process.† You must make judgements on the usefulness of documents that you have collated in the interview pack. This will be informed by a mix of theory and practice. You must be able to demonstrate that you are able to assess the usefulness of documents that belong to a real organisation or that you have used in the role play exercise. In what ways did the documentation contribute to the organisation, management and conduct of the interview and the process of making a selection decision? Task 10: Analysing your contribution to task 5 (see P4). â€Å"M2 Analyse your contribution to the selection process in a given situation.† You must show that you can prepare for and perform in a role-play situation. You should ensure that an application pack is prepared and that all the necessary documentation is provided for the interviewee and the interviewers. The interview should be organised and conducted in a professional manner. Observers will be looking for evidence that the participants have prepared for the interview. This can be judged by observing how the learners organise and manage the sequence of the interview, the ability of the participants to ask appropriate questions, the quality of their participation and whether they have used communications and listening skills to good effect. Evidence will come from supporting documentation such as interview questions that interviewers and interviewees have prepared. The evidence will be supported by a witness statement on the role play of each Participant. Task 11: Evaluation. â€Å"D2 Evaluate your experience of planning and participating in the recruitment and selection process.† You must be able to demonstrate that you can critically reflect on your  experience and draw lessons from it. Evidence will require an evaluation of the role play and this should be linked to the feedback on the witness statement. You must also be able to critically evaluate your experiences of the planning stages of the interview. Websites www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/business_studies.shtmlA changing bank of learning resources and up to date case studies. This site also has links to other useful sites www.bized.ac.uk Includes a number of pertinent case studies from thetimes100 including McDonalds and Cummins www.cipd.co.uk Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development www.thetimes100.co.uk Includes a number of pertinent case studies including McDonalds and Cummins, British Gas and Tesco ———————– Scenario: You work in the HR department at Morrisons where vacancy rates have been high over the past year. Your manager is concerned about this and has asked you to do a presentation to identify why vacancies occur and to compare with a competitor. In your presentation you must also include a plan of how to fill the vacancies using internal and external sources. Presentation date: Scenario: Following your presentation your manager has asked you to write a report on the steps that your department should take to go about advertising a vacancy both internally and externally. Your manager also wants you to consider the possible ways that applicants can apply. Hand-in date: Hand-in date: Scenario for Tasks 3 and 4: You are the assistant to the head of Business at Sheffield Park Academy and you have been asked to find a new Business Studies teacher to join your growing department for this popular subject. Design appropriate advertising for to attract a suitable candidate for the role and submit a report to your manager alongside the advert to show that you made all the necessary considerations. Hand-in date: Scenario: You want to apply for a part time job at Morrisons to get some extra cash while you are studying. Complete the documents to apply for the job. Hand-in date: Scenario: You are head of recruitment at Sheffield Park Academy and will be interviewing candidates for the advertised role of Business Studies teacher. The interview panel will be made up of various senior members of staff and some members of the Business department. Not all members of the panel have interviewed before so they are not familiar with the regulatory requirements. Design a briefing sheet which is easy to follow and will help them plan the interviews. It must include all the important points that they will need to know to avoid any legal or ethical problems. Hand-in date: Scenario: After advertising the position of Business Studies teacher at SPA and receiving several applications, you are now ready to start planning the interviews for the potential candidates that have been selected. Work in groups and discuss how you will select your candidates. Make a list of your selection criteria for the interview panel to follow when selecting candidates. You will role play the interviewee as well as the interviewer so prior to the role play you will need to read a candidates CV to help you prepare and make any notes that you feel necessary. Interview date: Hand-in date: Scenario: You have completed the interview process and selected a candidate successfully. The head of recruitment at your school has asked you to review the selection process by comparing and explaining the purpose of the documents that are used at SPA to recruit new teachers. Hand-in date: Scenario: You have interviewed all candidates using the documentation that you prepared for P4. How useful was this documentation in organising your interview, managing the interview process and choosing which, if any, of the candidates to employ? Hand-in date: Hand-in date: Hand-in date:

History of Abortion Controversy in the U.S.

History of Abortion Controversy in the U.S. In the United States, abortion laws began to appear in the 1820s, forbidding abortion after the fourth month of pregnancy.  Before that time, abortion was not illegal, though it was often unsafe for the woman whose pregnancy was being terminated. Through the efforts primarily of physicians, the American Medical Association, and legislators, as part of consolidating authority over medical procedures, and displacing midwives, most abortions in the US had been outlawed by 1900. Illegal abortions were still frequent after such laws were instituted, though abortions  became less frequent during the reign of the Comstock Law which essentially banned birth control information and devices as well as abortion. Some early feminists, like Susan B. Anthony, wrote against abortion. They opposed abortion which at the time was an unsafe medical procedure for women, endangering their health and life. These feminists believed that only the achievement of womens equality and freedom would end the need for abortion. (Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote in The Revolution, But where shall it be found, at least begin, if not in the complete enfranchisement and elevation of woman? ) They wrote that prevention was more important than punishment, and blamed circumstances, laws and the men they believed drove women to abortions. (Matilda Joslyn Gage wrote in 1868, I hesitate not to assert that most of this crime of child murder, abortion, infanticide, lies at the door of the male sex...) Later feminists defended safe and effective birth control - when that became available - as another way to prevent abortion. Most of todays abortion rights organizations also state that safe and effective birth control, adequate sex education, available health care, and the ability to support children adequately are essentials to preventing the need for many abortions. By 1965, all fifty states banned abortion, with some exceptions which varied by state: to save the life of the mother, in cases of rape or incest, or if the fetus was deformed. Liberalization Efforts Groups like the National Abortion Rights Action League and the Clergy Consultation Service on Abortion worked to liberalize anti-abortion laws. After the thalidomide drug tragedy, revealed in 1962, where a drug prescribed to many pregnant women for morning sickness and as a sleeping pill caused serious birth defects, activism to make abortion easier escalated. Roe V. Wade The Supreme Court in 1973, in the case of Roe v. Wade, declared most existing state abortion laws unconstitutional. This decision ruled out any legislative interference in the first trimester of pregnancy and put limits on what restrictions could be passed on abortions in later stages of pregnancy. While many celebrated the decision, others, especially in the Roman Catholic Church and in theologically conservative Christian groups, opposed the change. Pro-life and pro-choice evolved as the most common self-chosen names of the two movements, one to outlaw most abortion and the other to eliminate most legislative restrictions on abortions. Early opposition to the lifting of abortion restrictions included such organizations as the Eagle Forum, led by Phyllis Schlafly. Today there are many national pro-life organizations which vary in their goals and strategies. Escalation of Anti-Abortion Conflict and Violence Opposition to abortions has increasingly turned physical and even violent, first in the organized blocking of access to clinics which provided abortion services, organized primarily by Operation Rescue, founded in 1984 and led by Randall Terry. On Christmas Day, 1984, three abortion clinics were bombed, and those convicted called the bombings a birthday gift for Jesus. Within the churches and other groups opposing abortion, the issue of clinic protests has become increasingly controversial, as many who oppose abortions move to separate themselves from those who propose violence as an acceptable solution. In the early part of the 2000-2010 decade, major conflict over abortion laws was over termination of late pregnancies, termed partial birth abortions by those who oppose them. Pro-choice advocates maintain that such abortions are to save the life or health of the mother or terminate pregnancies where the fetus cannot survive birth or cannot survive much after birth. Pro-life advocates maintain that the fetuses may be saved and that many of these abortions are done in cases that arent hopeless.  The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act passed Congress in 2003 and was signed by President George W. Bush. The law was upheld in 2007 by the Supreme Court decision in  Gonzales v. Carhart. In 2004, President Bush signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, permitting a second charge of murder - covering the fetus - if a pregnant woman is killed.  The law specifically exempts mothers and doctors from being charged in any cases related to abortions. Dr. George R. Tiller, the medical director at a clinic in Kansas which was one of only three clinics in the country to perform late-term abortions, was assassinated in May 2009 at his church. The killer was sentenced in 2010 to the maximum sentence available in Kansas: life imprisonment, with no parole possible for 50 years. The murder raised questions about the role of repeatedly using strong language to denounce Tiller on talk shows.  The most prominent example cited was repeated description of Tiller as a Baby Killer by Fox News talk show host Bill OReilly, who later denied having used the term, despite video evidence, and described the criticism as having the real agenda of hating Fox News.  The clinic where Tiller worked closed permanently after his murder. More recently, abortion conflicts have been played out more often at the state level, with attempts to change the assumed and legal date of viability, to remove exemptions (such as rape or incest) from abortion bans, to require ultrasounds before any termination (including invasive vaginal procedures), or to increase the requirements for doctors and buildings performing abortions.  Such restrictions played a role in elections. At this writing, no child born before 21 weeks of pregnancy has survived more than a short period of time. Books About the Abortion Controversy There are some excellent legal, religious, and feminist books on abortion which explore the issues and the history  from  either the  pro-choice  or  pro-life  position. Listed here are books which outline the history by presenting both factual material (the text of actual court decisions, for instance) and position papers from a variety of perspectives, including both  pro-choice  and  pro-life. Articles of Faith: A Frontline History of the Abortion Wars: Cynthia Gorney. Trade Paperback, 2000.A history of the two sides and how their proponents developed deepening commitments during the years abortions were illegal and then after the  Roe v. Wade  decision.Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes: Laurence H. Tribe. Trade Paperback, 1992.Professor of Constitutional Law at Harvard, Tribe attempts to outline the difficult issues and why  legal  resolution is so difficult.Abortion Controversy: 25 Years After Roe vs. Wade, A Reader: Louis J. Pojman and Francis J. Beckwith. Trade Paperback, 1998.Abortion Dialogue: Pro-Choice, Pro-Life, American Law: Ruth Colker. Trade Paperback, 1992.

The Church, Synagogue, Mosque or Temple Next Door Essay

The Church, Synagogue, Mosque or Temple Next Door - Essay Example The Gothic style has strong vertical features and sharply pointed arches (Passikoff 85). The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception follows a neo-Byzantine style because of its dome that is the main exterior feature (Figure 1), and because of large open spaces (Figure 2) and lavish mosaics inside (Figure 3). The Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery has a neo-Romanesque style because of its round arches (Figure 4) and pointed roofs (Figure 4), as well as barrel vaults (Figure 5). The Washington National Cathedral has Gothic style with its vertical emphasis (Figure 6) and interior columns and narrow windows (Figure 7). One of the oldest and nearest house of worship where I live is the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery. Architect Aristide Leonori designed this church. The building started in 1898 and finished in 1899. The Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery has both Byzantine and Romanesque influences. It has a neo-Romanesque style because of its round arches and pointed roofs (Figure 1), as well as barrel vaults (Figure 2). There are also round arches outside and as part of the entrance of the church. These round arches are also designed with Christian word and sculptures (Figure 1). It also has several pointed roofs and heavy stonework (Figure 1). The outside facade of the church looks simple and dominated with horizontal lines. Aside from the Romanesque style, the church also has Byzantine influences because of its colorful mosaics and lavish decorations, aside from having large interior open spaces (Figure 2). Figure 3 shows colorful mosaic lavish decorations of the Portico. The arches and ceilings also have numerous colorful designs (Figure 2). Even the altar has a form of tall and ornamental structure around it which shows mixtures of Byzantine and Romanesque influences through having a

Critically Consider the Importance of Public International Law to Essay

Critically Consider the Importance of Public International Law to International Business - Essay Example The universal international laws are those laws which govern the relations of one State with all the States in international arena however; particular international law may only be governing the relationships and conducts of one State with another State. (Bederman, 2002) At a larger scale, public international law governs the relationships of the States with each other and plays critical role in authoring treaties and formal agreements between the States. However, if States agree with each other, the overall scope of the law can also be extended to the individual persons and organizations. What is however, critical to note that in public international law, the political and legal elements are closely intertwined with each other hence the overall implications of the public international law can be significant for the nations. (Aust, 2010) The most important issue which has remained the cause of debate is whether States should only be the subjects of international law or should other s ubjects be also brought under its ambit. Public International law and International Business The debate on increasing the scope of international law beyond States therefore outlines that the international business firms, intergovernmental organizations and other relevant bodies should also be brought under the scope. It is because of this reason that Public international law is now applicable on the individuals, relationships as well as transactions which take place across the borders. International law not only governs the use of common resources of the world but also provides framework for managing the transnational problems faced by the international business firms. (Shaw, 2003) The advent of globalization as well as the spread of the communication technologies also necessitated the... This essay approves that public international law governs the domain of States and their relationship with each other however, over the period of time, its scope and application has increased. The subjects of international law are not now just limited to States and how their relationships are governed however; international organizations are also increasingly coming under the ambit of this law and are greatly affected by the international law. This paper makes a conclusion that one of the key elements of international law is that it governs the bilateral agreements between the States. Bilateral agreements however, also provide required level of protection to the international firms in terms of getting protection of their investment. Foreign direct investment is one of the ways through which international firms make entry into the international markets. However, without bilateral agreements between the States, it may be difficult for international firms to take advantage of such opportunities. International law also can provide a very safe conduit to the international firms for settling their disputes with their host countries. Dispute settlement as well as the settlement of the international financing can be effectively done with the help of international law. Another important significance of international law for the international firms protection provided to their intellectual property. International law can also provid e support to the international firms in dealing with issues like child labor, unfair labor practices as well as human rights issues.