Civil Disobedience by Henry David

In his essay, Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau introduced his audience to his personal thoughts regarding the injustice of the American government. Moreover, he sought to encourage individual action to boycott any law or institution instilled by the government that was in any way conflicting with a person’s beliefs. A true revolutionary at heart, Thoreau put his words into action by refusing to pay his poll tax for 6 years and was forced to spend the night in jail because of it.Rather than seeking reform by cooperating with the corrupt institutions of his time, he refused to become a part of them and condemned their existence. â€Å"That government is best which governs least† is the quote Thoreau incorporated to his opening sentence. In a nutshell, he was attempting to convey that considering the fact the government exists to serve the people, it should not do much to interfere with the quotidian life of those under its spectrum of power. He sees the American go vernment as an evil that only watches out for the interests of the majority and blatantly ignores those who are not part of that general consensus.He believes that a government in â€Å"which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice† (Civil Disobedience, Page 24) and that is essentially what a democracy represents in his eyes. Contrary to popular belief, he states that all of the achievements that had been accredited to the government were only made possible out of the character of the American people because they embraced the change and put it into action. Slavery was another social injustice that he thought was only in place because of the oppressive nature of the American government.Another one of his purposes throughout the course of his essay is to inspire others to stand up for their values and morals regardless of general opinions. He compared the American government to a machine that when gone astray can only be stopped by the â€Å"counter-frictionà ¢â‚¬  provided by a person’s dissent. Furthermore, he justified the complete disregard for norms instilled by the government by arguing that he thinks â€Å"we should be men first and subjects afterwards† (Civil Disobedience, Page 26).He states that a democracy, although theoretically supposed to encourage reform, suppresses attempts that don’t match up to its ideals therefore making it hypocritical and untrustworthy. He backed up his statements by providing his own personal experience of getting arrested for refusing to pay poll tax. In this way he hopes to convince readers to act out against policies that they disagree with enacted by the government. Lastly, he wishes that a government arises that will not be plagued by the impurity of the one he currently a subject of.He believes that the only way a government can justly rule its subjects is â€Å"†¦until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Civil Disobedience, Page 348). Although Thoreau admits that democracy is a step forward from other forms of oppressive governments, it is not the final step. He believes that a â€Å"perfect and glorious State† would cherish individuality and never impose ideas on the subjects it governs.Although not plainly stated in the essay, equality is one of the many things that it is unknowingly striving for. Overall, Civil Disobedience is a critique of the wrongful practices of the US government that seeks support in achieving change by refusing to participate in its corrupt practices. Thoreau emphasizes the idea of a government that doesn’t taint the ideas and opinions of the individuals and forces them to conform to values that are not theirs.

Relativism, Socrates & Plato, Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, Aristotle II Essay

Relativism, Socrates & Plato, Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, Aristotle II - Essay Example While the former deals only on the â€Å"what is†, the latter is concerned about â€Å"what ought to be†. As such, descriptive ethics looks into the morality of a person in particular or an entire society in general based on the actual conduct and behavior of the people under observation while normative ethics insist that human conduct and behavior must be measured against a universal set of prescribed moral norms which civilizations must follow and comply with. The third level of ethics is metaethics which is a study of the meaning behind ethical language and theories. It not only analyses and compares different moral standards; it also examines the significance and purpose of the ideas and concepts of ethics itself (Lutz 8). Moreover, these ethical theories may be differentiated from one another by looking into how they adopt the theory of relativism. On the one hand, normative ethics acknowledges that certain situations do arise which necessitate deviation from the p rescribed norms and thus require some degree of tolerance. On a case-to-case basis, a specific action is determined whether it is right or wrong by taking into consideration the specific circumstances which caused the deviation or non-compliance with the universal moral norms. On the other hand, relativism in metaethics takes into consideration the fact that people and societies come from different race, culture and set of common beliefs. Some degree of tolerance is given to the idiosyncrasies of cultures that are different from one’s own. As such, there is no absolute moral standard of right and wrong, rather, human conduct is measured against the prescribed norms of a given culture or group to which he belongs. 3.) Aristotle argues that ethics is the science of achieving happiness. What is his argument for this? What is happiness for Aristotle? And why doesn’t he think it is identical to pleasure? Explain the function argument and how it connects rationality with hap piness. What role do the virtues play in this argument? Aristotle argues that ethics is the science of achieving happiness because in order to be happy, a person must first conduct himself properly and attain his goals in life. For Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate goal of every person and the core motivation and driving force for all of our actions. Happiness is where all actions end and one will never stop until it is achieved. A person’s behavior and action can be likened to a pyramid which has a wide base of different goals for different needs. Then, as each goal is achieved, one moves forward and upward to another goal which brings him closer to the top where all other goals converge and end at point happiness. No matter how many or hard the obstacles and circumstances are, a person is motivated to move forward by the prospect of reaching to the top. Lest happiness be confused with mere pleasure, Aristotle expressly clarified that there is a world of difference betwee n happiness and pleasure, the latter being a mere emotion felt by a person when an intermediary goal is achieved. Throughout his journey to the apex of the pyramid, a person may feel pleasure as each specific goal brings him closer to his ultimate goal. Finally, according to Aristotle’s function argument, the function of man is to achieve rationality through different activities which call for the use of the human mental faculties. Human rationality is what separates us from plants and animals; we do not just exist in this world, we

CriticalThinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CriticalThinking - Essay Example This will probably be a rural setting and thus may feel inferior while speaking the formal language. On the other hand, the person who prefers the formal language may be from an urban setting and thus more exposed than the letter. The argument above clarifies to us how the language spoken may say almost everything concerning our values and affiliations (Fisher 43) . Consequently, it is indispensable for one to be vigilant on which language to use when he wants to portray a specific impression. It is also evident that anyone who ignores this is either a child who is naà ¯ve or a drunkard who is simply careless. On the other hand, considering the views of another philosopher, it is very necessary, if we consider objective analysis of views before accepting them as lies or truths. To begin with, we look at a situation were by an individual is giving a testimony in a court of law. In this case, the judge must be careful, analytical and sensitive in order to give a fair judgment. He must make good use of critical thinking, in order to achieve this. In this context, we must make use of certain critical thinking facts, such as having a good understanding of things that may influence our judgment. Some of these factors may include Perception, which is something that may come up in our mind in terms of an impression (Fisher 99). Depending on our upbringing, there are things that we grew to learn as either wrong or right. Dogmatism where an individual only wants to believe in only what he knows and does not want to know anything knew. An individual’s past experience will always influence his thoughts and decisions. For instance, a child who fell from a tree when he was young will always avoid climbing on trees, or if he does climb on one, he will be very careful. These factors will always influence once decisions, and as a result, one must consider them (Fisher 63). In this case, the judge must be able to observe and

Covenants of God with His Children. Pentateuch discussion Research Paper

Covenants of God with His Children. Pentateuch discussion - Research Paper Example Throughout the Old Testament are historical covenants which advance and refine the Covenants of Redemption and Grace. In another perspective of Covenant Theology, the Covenant of Redemption is without evidence, the Covenant of Grace is implicit as the main covenant, and the historical covenants reflect different administrations of the Covenant of Grace. A third perspective of Covenant Theology is that, since the Bible does not specifically refer to any covenants of redemption, works or grace, it is more scripturally accurate to see all covenants as historical, and to see god’s plan of redemption/grace as an overarching purpose, but not specifically as covenants. This paper will discuss these major areas, as well as the historical covenants, as they are found throughout the sections of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetical Books, and Prophesy), shaping Christian understanding and appreciation of the fulfillment of God’s purpose through Old Testament t imes, transitioning our understanding readiness, and application of covenant truths in the New Testament. A covenant is a promise, a contract of protocol, which outlines specific expectations and outcomes of keeping and breaking the expectations, binding on all parties and descendents. In the case of God’s covenants with people, God dictates the terms. The Covenant of Works was established with Adam and Eve, in Eden. God’s instruction was explicit. Adam was told to name the animals and to be a steward over God’s creation. God commanded them to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. They were invited to partake of the abundance of paradise, but were forbidden to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The latter stipulation had a consequence of death, for violation of terms. Freewill obedience demonstrates faith. In exchange for abiding by this covenant, God gave them eternal life in a perfect paradise, control over plants and animals in the garden, protection, and God’s own companionship and love. This covenant was binding on Adam and Eve and all descendants, even to us. When Eve was persuaded by Satan to eat forbidden fruit, and Adam also accepted from Eve, because of Satan’s false rationalization about God’s motivation and agenda, sinful choice separated them from God and paradise, but also separated us from God and paradise. The consequence of death and suffering that became theirs also became ours. There are two kinds of covenants which God makes with man: conditional and unconditional (Warren, 2000). Conditional covenants are where God says what he will provide â€Å"if† people will do what he instructs them to do, and to not do what he instructs them to not do. The Covenant of Works is a conditional covenant (Warren, 2000). The Covenant of Grace, however, was an unconditional covenant (Warren, 2000). There was no â€Å"if† clause. God made a gift, no strings attached. His gift was to send his son, Jesus, to be born without sin (as the child of God), to live a life without sin, and to die as a sacrifice for all the sin ever committed and all the sin ever to be committed by everyone everywhere. This was nothing we could earn, because we had already failed that test, through Adam and Eve, already shown that we would use our free choice in a wrong way. The consequence of death was part of the contract. Only Jesus could pay it, and he willingly did so, and God willingly sent Him. The Covenant of Redemption is the everlasting agreement, within the Godhead, before history began, for Jesus, the Son, to be born as a man, to live a life of obedience to the law and to God, and die a sacrificial death to atone for human sin. This agreement was powered by the Holy Spirit. This can be seen as a covenantal arrangement

Ethics and Professional Code of Conduct Research Paper - 1

Ethics and Professional Code of Conduct - Research Paper Example Police chiefs and Sheriffs are responsible for integrity, ethics and morality in the police force. However, they are unable to supervise the juniors effectively necessitating other approaches like training. According to Popa, Naghi and Isopescu (2012), professional ethics is from the Greek words â€Å"Deontos† and â€Å"Logos† meaning, â€Å"What must be done† and â€Å"the science of†. It includes a set of rules and regulations, which all professionals in the government including the police must follow at all times. The objective of the professional code is to ensure professionals respect the rule of law, the natural law and moral rule (Popa, Naghi and Isopescu, 2012). Rule of law dictates what is right and wrong in accordance to the law (Popa, Naghi and Isopescu, 2012). The natural law dictates what is right or wrong naturally and morality dictates what is right or wrong basing on the accepted principles (Popa, Naghi and Isopescu, 2012). Professional ethics and integrity are important to the police for many reasons. One, the police swear to protect the interests of the people in a given jurisdiction when starting their career. In this case, they are indebted to ensure that all people feel safe in their homes businesses and across the jurisdiction (Kadleck, 2003). Second, failure to follow the set rules and laws may lead to injustice even when the police officers have good intentions (Kadleck, 2003). Thirdly, lacks of ethics and professional code of conduct weaken the society (Kadleck, 2003). In this case, when people realize something bad is happening in the society, they do not report because they know the relevant authorities will not address the issue accordingly. For example, when a person breaks the law and instead of police officers arresting and charging the person, they take bribe and free the person. If the society gets to know of such things, they would be sceptical

Case Analysis on Product Design or Process Design Term Paper

Case Analysis on Product Design or Process Design - Term Paper Example In order to understand better product design, this essay, will be looking at the case analysis of product design at the shipper manufacturing company. Company Overview The Shipper Manufacturing Company started in the aerospace business in the 1960s. In the early years, the company developed and produced the Echo weather satellites, which were launched into space. More recently, the Shipper manufacturing company had diversified into three divisions a) the materials division b) electrical products c) advanced products division, located in Faribault, Minnesota. Over the years the advanced products division has not been consistent with sales and profits as a result of this the divisions corporate strategy was changed. The Advanced product division manufactured the company’s specialty products for custom orders such as helicopter blade liners and mine stoppers. To produce these, the APD relies on the Materials Division production of laminate plastic materials. The Electrical Produc ts Division is responsible for producing the circuit boards and other electrical products. The company focuses on providing low volume specialty products to individual short run customers assuring the quality of their products. Strengths According to scholars (Ayres, 1984), in an industrial nation’s economic future may lie in the so called flexible systems of production, technically advanced and skill intensive industries which make customized products. In order to exhibit its strengths the company has to consider criteria’s such as its competitive strengths and its innovative aspects. The Shipper manufacturing company being based in the United States has an advantage to be in the centre of technology with a higher access to information technology systems that could ease its product design without compromising the customer’s demands. It should also respond to individual customer design demands and adapt new products to the unique requests of the customers; this has been something the shipper manufacturing company has done without equal whilst maintaining high quality standards. Weaknesses The manual system used at the Shipper manufacturing company incorporate the human component. Frequently, this human component may lead to a muddle or inefficiency mostly caused by delays in production due to negligence or an operative’s error. In addition a manual system of record keeping is used, these records are not transparent and no backups are available in case of an emergency. Opportunities The Shipper manufacturing company will restrict its market development resources to certain market divisions of growth and to shrewd industries where there is a realistic opportunity and presumption of inhabiting a presiding or strong competitive position Threat In measuring threats, the change in business strategy will require a corresponding change in manufacturing strategy. The business unit is growth oriented with substantial resources directed to new product or new market strategies, making it a medium-to high-risk operation. Recommendation Voice of the customer exercise - The Shipper manufacturing company should hold this exercise to brainstorm and communicate external and internal demands and expectations by customers. In addition the company should ensure that its customers are satisfied. This can be achieved by quality function deployment, define by Akao (1990) as the specific method for ensuring quality thought out at each juncture of product development process. The author claims that the use of quality function

Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

Annotated Bibliography Essay In this report, Hanna Rosin argues that increasing taxes on junk foods may encourage people to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables instead of high-fat, sugary snacks. According to Rosin, researchers have conducted experiments that tested whether people would choose low-priced healthy foods over regular-priced junk foods in vending machines and in high schools. In each experiment, she contends, sales of low-calorie snacks, fruits, and vegetables increased, and sales of unhealthy foods decreased. These experiments, in the author’s opinion, suggest that increasing the cost of junk foods may promote healthy food choices. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. According to Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation (2001), the fast-food industry â€Å"took root alongside that interstate highway system, as a new form of restaurant sprang up beside the off-ramps. † Fast food operators established restaurants in strategic places, targeting busy intersections and commercial hubs. Schlosser said that McDonald’s, the largest fast-food chain in the world, is in fact one of the world’s largest buyers of satellite photography, using it to predict the direction of suburban sprawl. With the apparent â€Å"ubiquitousness† and the intense advertising schemes, Schlosser and other critics have feared that fast food does not only capitalize to attract us in spending our hard-earned money to buy their products, but they also act irresponsibly in failing to adequately inform consumers of the health risks involved in eating fast food. Fox, M. K. , Hamilton, W. and Lin, B. H.(2004). Effects of Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs on Health and Nutrition vol. 3, Literature Review, Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Report no. 19-3. Washington: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. In this report, Fox et al. (2004) revealed that the U. S. Congress has recently allowed after-school programs in seven statesDelaware, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oregon, and Pennsylvaniato serve suppers as well as snacks to children in areas where more than 50 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. With this program, some low-income children may eat three meals and a snack every weekday during the school year from federal food programsa fact that highlights both the growing importance of the federal child nutrition programs for children in low-income families and the need to ensure that the foods these programs serve are consistent with the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Graham, Rob and Kingsley, Sarah Williams. New Study Finds That Food is the Top Product Seen Advertised by Children – Among All Children, Tweens See the Most Food Ads at More than 20 a Day. Kaiser Family Foundation. 28 Mar 2007. 06 Nov 2007. http://www. kff. org/entmedia/entmedia032807nr. cfm. This news report revealed that childhood obesity is related to food advertising target children. Policymakers in Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and agencies such as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have clamored to have necessary changes in the advertising unhealthy foods. In the report entitled Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that tweens ages 8-12 see the most food ads on TV, an average of 21 ads a day, or more than 7,600 a year. Teenagers see slightly fewer ads, at 17 a day, for a total of more than 6,000 a year. Of all food ads in the study that target children or teens, 34% are for candy and snacks, 28% are for cereal, and 10% are for fast foods. Four percent are for dairy products and 1% for fruit juices. Alarmingly, of all the 8,854 ads reviewed in their study, there were none for fruits or vegetables targeting children or teens. Schlafly, Phyllis. Fat Kids: Who’s Responsible? Eagleforum, 17 Sept 2003. 06 Nov 2007. http://www. eagleforum.org/column/2003/sept03/03-09-17. shtml. This position by Phyllis Schlafly declared that â€Å"public schools must take a big share of responsibility for the current epidemic of childhood obesity†. Schlafly maintained that rather than contributing to childhood obesity by providing easy access to junk foods and sodas, schools must take action to reduce it. In her opinion, schools exert a powerful influence over what children eat and the amount of time they spend exercising, and could thus be a powerful force in fighting obesity.