Human DNA and Sexual Differentiation Essay

There has with respect to understanding human evolution, thus far, hardly been any greater an academic marriage than that which has occurred between physical anthropology and genetics. For anthropologists the union has been particularly beneficial as DNA has been incorporated into the quest to understand human evolution. Some scholars have referred to this as the culmination of the evolution of the once distinct fields represented symbolically by Darwin’s theories on evolution and Mendel’s speculation regarding genes; one scholar has opined that Darwin and Mendel are the core, the essentials of understanding. These basics work together.  The gene pool — the hereditary property of a population of animals — maintains the variation of the population or species, and mutation tends to increase that variation. Darwin’s selection cuts back the less favorable variation, in that way sculpting the inheritance of the species. (Howells 8) Fossils and genes, taken together, illuminate in ways that one without the other simply cannot. This refers to the discovery of positive knowledge as well as the discovery of long-established fallacies in the field of physical anthropology (Marks 131). This essay will focus on a few types of positive knowledge regarding the evolution of human DNA. More specifically, this essay will discuss how DNA variation can be used to explain some of the evolutionary physical features for sexual differences in humans as they pertain to language, sexuality, and visual spatial skills. As a preliminary matter, it is important to acknowledge that human sex differences were not always as pronounced as they are today. There were genetic variations that occurred over a long period of time and these genetic differences are evident in the fossils used by physical anthropologists to piece together how and why DNA has evolved as it has over the course of time. Scholars seem to agree that the evolution of human DNA is unique in certain respects; for purposes of this essay, it is significant to note that, regarding sexual differences in species, â€Å"It is apparent that these same cross-species sex differences have become more pronounced in humans† (Joseph 35). The evolution of human DNA with respect to sexual differences is greater than has been found in studies of other species. It has been demonstrated that DNA evolution led to Homo erectus females experiencing a vaginal reorientation at the same time that males experienced a change in pelvic structure (Joseph 35). The consequences were tremendous as this likely resulted in the development of long-term relationships between males and females; this is because, rather than being dependent on estrus in order to get pregnant, females were now physically and genetically configured to be sexually receptive continuously rather than sporadically. These long-term relationships also seem to have coincided with males and females establishing more permanent or semi-permanent homes. It can be argued, to some degree at least, that this genetic variation led to an embryonic notion of marriage and home. These human sex differences were further accelerated with the genetic evolution of the brain; indeed, as the brain became larger, â€Å"this required a larger birth canal and an increase in the sexual physical differentiation in the size and width of the H. erectus† (Joseph 35). DNA varied to accommodate these changes and they are manifest even today in the way that women walk as well as in the more fragile nature of their pelvic bones when compared to their male counterparts. As the female was evolving there were practical consequences; for instance, â€Å"The transformation of the human female hips and pelvis, however, also limited her ability to run and maneuver in space, at least, compared to most males† (Joseph 35). These DNA variations thus functioned to separate males and females and to lay the physical groundwork for other changes. This evolution in human DNA, in turn, led to a division of labor predicated on these newly exaggerated differences between the sexes. Generally speaking, women became gatherers and men became hunters. Each of these roles demanded different types of skills and the human animal adapted through the mechanism of its DNA. The female role demanded careful language skills rather than violence whereas the male role demanded aggression and physical strength. In explaining how the male DNA evolved to adapt to the male’s developing function, one scholar has noted that â€Å"successful hunting requires prolonged silence, excellent visual-spatial and gross motor skills, and the capacity to endure long treks in the pursuit of prey. These are abilities at which males excel, including modern H. apiens† (Joseph 35). In short, many of the human sexual differences noted today can be traced to the ways in which human DNA has evolved over time in order to adapt to changed environments and to changed sex roles. In the final analysis, even a cursory examination of the history of the evolution of human DNA suggests rather persuasively that there are watershed events which can aid in underst anding the uniqueness of sexual differentiation in humans and how sex roles evolved in response to that sexual differentiation.

Death of a Salesman Essay Essay

The play ‘Death Of A Salesman’, the brainchild of Arthur Miller was transformed and fitted to the movie screen in the year 1986. The play itself is set in the house of Willy Loman, and tells the melancholy story of a salesman whom is in deep financial trouble, and the only remedy for the situation is to commit suicide. In the stage production of this tale, the specific lighting, set, and musical designs really give the story a strong undertow of depression. And logically the screen and stage productions both differ greatly in regards to the mood they set. Moreover the movie production can do many things that just cannot be done on stage, with reference to the setting of course. To generalize, the play gives us a good hard look at the great American Dream failing miserably. However the combination of both the stage and screen productions accurately depict the shortcomings of the capitalist society. Death of a Salesman specifically focuses on four characters, the first being the main character Willy Loman, his wife Linda, and their two sons Hap and Biff Loman. As mentioned, the focal point of this play is Willy Loman, a salesman in his early sixties. Throughout the story we are told the hard life, emotions and triumphs of Willy the salesman. Early in the play we learn that he has recently been demoted to working for commission, which later in the play,(on par with his luck) translates into Willy getting fired. As the plot unfolds we discover that Willy had a rich brother who recently died named Ben, whom Willy looked upon with great admiration for becoming extremely wealthy and the ripe old age of 21. However Willy also becomes very depressed when Ben leaves, the fact being that he re-realizes the meagerness of his own life, and that he is still making payments on all of his possessions. Willy then comprehends that by the time his worldly possessions are paid for†¦they shall no longer be of any use. For example, the Loman house has become virtually unnecessary now that the two sons have moved out. It isn’t until after Willy’s death that the final mortgage payment is made†¦.for a house with no one inside it. The one example of this statement is given by Linda during the final paragraph of the play, ‘I made the last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there will be nobody home. We’re free and clear†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.we’re free†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.we’re free†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦we’re free’ As the plot thickens, Willy the salesman plummets deeper and deeper into depression until his most likely route of action, which of course is suicide. However the reasoning behind this course of action, we find, is his genuine love for his family, along with Willy’s deep longing to supply his family with as much money as he can possibly get his hands on. As we learn more about Willy’s trials and tribulations, the age old expression ‘like father like son’ appears out of nowhere like a beacon. Like his father, Willy’s son Biff also has some problems of his own, the main one being that Biff cannot seem to find his niche in life. Furthermore, we are told that Biff at one point did in fact have his future all planned out. It turns out that Biff was a shoe-in for a position on the University Of Virginia State football team. However, that chance was all but lost when Biff did not qualify to pass his final mathematics course. Now as you can imagine the fact that Biff had to explain this to his father was quite a large problem in itself. But to add insult to injury, when Biff made the trip to Boston to explain his mathematical dilemma, he is horrified to find that his father has been with another women. And this one incident would leave Biff being an entirely different person altogether. He didn’t even make an attempt to finish his math in summer school. After Boston, Biff couldn’t have cared less what happened to his own life. However, as is in life, out of something horrible comes something worthy. And Biff finally comes to the realization that he in fact wants to make his future. And that future entails working in the outdoors on a farm. The other reasoning behind this life decision is of course, is to go against the wishes and values that his father has tried to instill in Biff his entire life. Biff pours his heart to his brother Hap one quarter through act I. †¦..’To devote your whole life to keeping stock, or making phone calls, or selling or buying. To suffer fifty weeks a year for the sake of a two week vacation, when all you really desire is to be outdoors, with your shirt off †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Fortunately for Biff, he determines his future by the play’s conclusion. He comes to the understanding that he and Willy were never meat to be business men. Including that they were intended to be working on a farm with their hands. And after vexing to procure Hap to come with him (which is to no avail), he escapes from his home to continue on with the rest of his life. Which for Biff seems to be the soundest choice, the decision that Willy just couldn’t make. Hap on the other hand stays with his father, and at play’s end decides to follow in Willy’s footsteps. That of course is to succeed at business at all costs. Both the stage and screen rendition utilize a melange of distinct effects to set the tone and to enact the specific place where the action transpires. For example the stage interpretation utilizes a unique convention that involves walking through the set to delineate circumstances in the past, or episodes going on inside the mind of Willy. This illusion can be easily created with specific crossfades and musical underlay, and of course willing suspension of disbelief. Divergently, in the screen production the set is obviously utilized in a completely different manner. On that account the movie uses a distinct fading and brightening lighting technique, that still stays true to the conventions set forth by the playwright. The one device that the screen production contains that the stage does not, is the ability to display the past events of Willy’s life in a completely accurately set manner. Meaning when there is a flashback to a previous happening, the setting travels back in time as well. Which, from a certain perspective, better illustrates the past recollections of Willy and his family. As mentioned the stage production successfully employs music to delineate certain characters or the tone of that particular instant. There is in fact music used in the movie, however it is only a small aspect of the screen medium whereas it is an integral component of the stage version. Although you cannot fully comprehend the importance of the music by simply reading the play, it must be performed right in front of you.. While the movie gives you a generally decent feel for the musical intonation. In its entirety the music does an excellent job of setting the mood that Willy is in. The play is set inside the house of Willy Loman. Surrounding his house are some tall building that are quite visible on the edges of the set. The house itself contains two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen. This is also where the majority of the action of the play takes place. All other action happens outside the house lines. Which for a stage audience requires them to suspend their disbelief even further. Whereas in a movie the viewer isn’t required to stretch any of his or her imaginations. Although this particular screen production utilized a uncommon convention that allowed the viewer to actually see through the set. One other interesting convention used by the designer was that there was no roof on the house at certain times during the performance. And in place of the roof were huge buildings and skyscrapers. These buildings were used to divulge a over-powering feeling of gloom. This tool is much more effectual in the movie, due to its original and abstract nature. This was also was very helpful during Willy’s dreams, on account of the house would exude an aura of peace an tranquillity. Together with the prevalent set in the movie, (where there is a roof and normal fencing), the idea is very well perceived. In spite of the fact that this play has been described as a modern tragedy, there has been some controversy to that description. The reason being that it does not accompany the standard protocol of tragedy. Traditionally speaking, a tragedy usually begins with the main character in the midst of a prominent position of piety. And over the course of the play becomes transformed and that character flips to a lower level of status. A tragedy is also reputed to acquaint its audience with regard to life. The audience should leave a tragedy feeling virtuous about themselves, even though the tragedy concludes on a note of melancholy. This is why scholars say they cannot include this play in the definition of tragedy. This famous tale of a salesman contains a singular main character; Willy (The Salesman)Loman, his two strapping young lads Happy and Biff, and of course his adoring wife Linda. Willy struggles to climb his way up the American capitalist hierarchy, but its seems his ship will not come in. In spite of the fact that Willy would much rather be laboring with his hands, he is set  in the mindset that his real love could never make enough money. Disappointment after disappointment Willy decides that his only way to provide for his family would be to commit suicide. The number one son of the salesman, Biff, is paving his way for a discouraging life. Symbolically speaking, the character of Biff represents Willy at a younger age, for they both carry the same characteristics. However Biff is given the same chance to do something with his life, and surprisingly enough he takes it. As for Willy’s other son, Happy decides that he will take the same long, hard road as his father, only he t hinks that he’ll make it. The Character of Willy Loman seem to be the consummate model to illustrate the dissension of the American capitalist ideals. For example he is a salesman who dons an aged suit that is ceaselessly creased during the course of the screen production, moreover in the script is directed to appear dilapidated. He drive an archaic, run down vehicle on the brink of extinction. While on the contrary, a proper salesman must appear presentable and attractive to market his goods. And Willy definitely does not harmonize with the ideals of being a salesman, divergently he pains to match it. Moreover that is the reason why he doesn’t belong inside the world of business. As exemplified in the passage made by Biff in the requiem. ‘When he’d come from a trip; or on Sundays, making the stoop†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.You know something Charley, there’s more of him in that front stoop than in all the sales he ever made.’ This story seems to epitomize the frivolity of agonizing to achieve something as insignificant as money and power. It definitely makes one question the social values of the American capitalist system, and why certain individual continue to pursue the ideals of that system on a daily basis. For the downside to the capitalist dream is hopelessness. And that downside is more than apparent in the Loman family. Quote on page one: Death of A Salesman, Arthur Miller, Viking Penguin Inc. 1949, Pg.139 Quote on page two: Death of A Salesman, Arthur Miller, Viking Penguin Inc. 1949, Pg.22 Quote on page four: Death of A Salesman, Arthur Miller, Viking Penguin Inc. 1949, Pg.138

On Dumpster Diving Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

On Dumpster Diving - Essay Example In the end, this contributes to wastage. For example, in the article, Eighner states that college students would throw away good items at the end of a semester even when such items could have lasted until the start of the new semester. It is also clear that the consumption culture in America encourages people to focus on the wants and luxuries- things they do not need. The culture of consumerism is one that can affect the economy greatly since it encourages wastage of resources. Eighner’s article also brings to light the kind of foods people buy. In this article, he notes that rarely does he find fresh foods in the dumpster but instead find food such as yoghurt, chocolates among others. This shows that consumerism is a culture that encourages people to engage n unhealthy consumption habits where little consideration is given to the quality of foods eaten. This can further be extended to other items as well, such as electronic devices and clothing. The fact that people are interested in satisfying their demands, little attention to given to the nature of these products and the harm they cause to the consumer and the

Diverse workforce management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Diverse workforce management - Essay Example Diverse workforce is necessary for the successful management of cross cultural business. For example, it is impossible for American company Apple to manage their business successfully in China with the help of American employees alone. It should be noted that the locals have better knowledge about the local market and hence their services are essential for Google like big international companies to manage their business successfully at different parts of the world. Moreover, immigration has been increased a lot in the recent past because of globalization. Exchange of workforce between countries is a common thing nowadays because of globalization. In America, Middle East and European countries, manpower is extremely scarce and hence it is extremely expensive there. On the other hand, in India and China like countries manpower resources are abundant and hence it is cheap there. Globalization helps expensive labour oriented countries to utilize cheap labour force available in India and China like countries. In short, management of diverse workforce is essential in most of the international companies at present. This paper analyses management of diverse workforce by taking American company Apple Inc. as an example. ... Torrington (2011) pointed out that â€Å"Apple is currently facing lot of difficulties in its recruitments and selection processes. â€Å"The key difficulty in recruitment process is the lack of specialist skills in the labour market† (Torrington et al., 2011, p.43). America is a country which is labelled as an expensive labour oriented country. In other words labour costs in America are extremely high compared to the labour costs in other parts of the world. So, in a heavily competitive business world, it is difficult for Apple to manage their business functions with the help of locals alone. It is necessary for Apple to exploit the services of overseas workforce not only for their American operations but also for their international operations. Kirton & Greene (2005) mentioned that â€Å"Diversity exists among men and women of the same ethnic group. It also exists among women community as well as men community of the same ethnic group (Kirton & Greene, 2005, p.14). In othe r words, diverse workforce is not at all a term related to people from different cultures or communities. Diversity can exist even among domestic workforce since no two individuals are alike. So, managing diversity means managing individuals of different kind. â€Å"It can be the integration of different parts of an organization; it can be the issue of national culture within a multinational organization and it can be the development of equal opportunities† (Kandola and Fullerton, 1998, p.6). Even though Apple is keen in maintaining a diverse workforce, several overseas employees working in Apple has many complaints about the attitude of the company towards them. Many of the top managers in Apple Company behave like

Clinical NutritionThemainelementsof dietaryfiberare Non-starch Essay

Clinical Nutrition - Essay Example Different non-starch polysaccharides have unique physical-chemical properties very vital to their physiological properties owing to the structural variability. The physicochemical properties of NSP such as viscosity, water-holding capacity, fermentation, and the capacity to bind organic and inorganic molecules makes it an essential component of the diet. According to (Mann, et al., 2007), these physiological properties associated with their consumption include; a. Reduced bowel passage time and improved stool bulk. It helps prevent constipation by increasing bulk of the gut content by their ability to bind water, thus allowing easy passage through the human intestine. Hence speeds the passage of foods through the digestive system, which facilitates regular defecation. b. Reducing concentrations of post-prandial blood glucose and /or insulin. This means that it enhances improvements in glucose tolerance and the insulin response by adding bulk and weight to the diet. There are improvem ents in glucose tolerance and the insulin response since NSP attracts water.. c. Reducing concentrations of blood total and/or LDL cholesterol. It reduces hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and other coronary heart disease risk factors by lowering total and LDL cholesterol. d. Reduces the risk of colon cancer. There is the reduced risk of developing some cancers such as Colorectal through balancing intestinal pH and restricts the production of harmful by-products of protein. e. Improves gastrointestinal health. There are improvements in gastrointestinal health through toning of the gut muscles plus fermentation of NSP improves absorption of minerals, especially calcium. The short chain fatty acids assist to lower the pH of the colon, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms, increasing mineral absorption, maintaining normal bowel structure and function, preventing or alleviating colon-based diarrhea, and stimulating the colonic blood flow and fluid and electrolyte uptake.

Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Culture - Essay Example In the early years, immigrants shared a common ethnic and religious profile: white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant (McDonald & Balgopal, 1998). The first wave of European immigrants ‘melted’ into the mainstream American culture easily due to this similarity of the ethnic background. Israel Zangwill’s concept of America as a ‘melting pot,’ in which immigrants of diverse ethnicities assimilated into one homogenous cultural identity, pertains to this age. Present, second wave of immigrants is largely from the developing nations of Asia and Latin America. They bring with them a diversity of languages, customs, distinct physical traits, religions and ethnicity, which does not submit to easy assimilation. Today, â€Å"there is more emphasis on preserving ones ethnic identity, of finding ways to highlight and defend ones cultural roots† (Booth, 1998). America is now a multicultural ‘Mosaic,’ in which various groups preserve their ethnic identities and yet remain a part of the larger American way of life. The Chinese exemplify this ‘mosaic’. This group retains its ethnic identity and also makes significant contributions to the American culture. Steven Chu, Samuel C. C. Ting, and others are Nobel Prize winners. (â€Å"Chinese American Culture†, 2010). Amy Tan is one of today’s most popular American writers. Chinese take-away is as much a part of American cuisine as apple pie. The teachings of Confucius are part of the curriculum of many American universities. The benefits of Chinese meditation, green tea, and acupuncture are a part of American life. Chinese calligraphy, character tattoos, and martial arts have permeated American culture. In this age of immense diversity, American culture is no longer a ‘melting pot’ which blends all its composite groups into a homogenous whole. There is no single American identity. â€Å"Ethnicity

Z302-ch15 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Z302-ch15 - Case Study Example 15.2 If one is in charge of the restructuring efforts at Starbucks, rather than imposing the needed changes, which would apparently generate savings for the organization, one would first solicit inputs, comments, suggestions from the employees themselves to determine the best practices and techniques that evidently have been used and proved to be effective in facilitating exemplary service to the customers. By enjoining the employees’ participation, resistance to the proposals for change would be minimized and other suggestions could even prove to be more efficient in cost-savings and revenue maximization for the organization. 15.3 An expansion and venture in China would necessitate being more aware of the cultural facets that are being practiced by the people. A change in organizational structure for Starbucks should therefore incorporate a point-person or management personnel who would be in charge of overseeing cultural awareness and practices which fit the national culture of China. Likewise, if people to be employed in Starbucks stores would be predominantly of Chinese descent, then, relevant inputs should first be solicited from these people to determine which values, norms, traditions, and preferences could be channeled towards the organizational culture and which could be slowly integrated as part of the organizational culture and structure of the home country. These are significant to avoid resistance to change and to ensure smooth transitions to a culture which is significantly different from that of the

The Legacy of Womens Soccer in the United States Research Paper

The Legacy of Womens Soccer in the United States - Research Paper Example In the early years of 80’s, teams of girls in colleges started playing soccer and popularized the game. It was in the year 1985 when the first national squad of women’s soccer was established. It took another ten years to launch National Women’s League for the first time and after the Women’s soccer team won the World Cup in 1999, professional women’s league was introduced in 2001. United States was late to initiate the Women’s Soccer, but as it took off there was no looking back. It had a huge participation in amateur level from the youth and a craze to be the best. This spirit made them victorious both in the World Cup and the Olympics. There was a spirit of vengeance in the team which won two World Cups. Today US dominates the rest of the world in all women’s games and the interest for women’s game grew among sports-lovers along with the media attention. The phenomenal success of women’s soccer has a story behind it1. Earlier organized soccer which is played all over the world was mostly male dominated and women were not used to participate in it, but there is some information about women’s participation which is before the organization of modern soccer. It is believed that there was participation of women in ‘mob’ games, played between neighboring villages, which was suppressed by the government. The information also reveals that in those games use of legs are the main features and they were used to be Rugby/Soccer type games. So, this suppression of women in those days must have some impact on today’s passion that is showed by women in sports of US. The topic of argument among the US officials at that time was whether women should be allowed to play a male-oriented game like soccer or not. These debates got suppressed with the phenomenal success of the women’s soccer team but it caught

Disruptive Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Disruptive Innovation - Essay Example The new entrants come up with new innovative hard disks that could not be used by the customers because of little raw performance. The innovations that leads to something unique and move out of the traditional market, making it a nontraditional one, despite of various limitations that make it unattractive to the mainstream is termed as Disruptive innovation. In short, present players in the market wins the battle by sustaining innovation but new entrants win the battle by disruptive innovations (Anthony, 2008, p. 4). Straining strategy leads to influence or shape the market in which one competes whereas disruptive strategy â€Å"redefine the market, create a new one and defend against attacks from below† (Anthony, 2008, p. 5). Historically companies have succeeded in using sustained innovations at a market with higher tier by charging the uppermost price from sophisticated and demanding customers. In this way, the company achieves profit. This in turn opens the door for Disrup tive innovations. A disruptive innovation helps the consumers at the bottom of the market to access such products that were previously accessible to only those customers who had lots of money and skill. The characteristics of disruptive innovation include â€Å"lower gross margins, smaller target markets, and simpler products and services† (Disruptive Innovation, n.d.), which may appear not so attractive to the existing solutions when compared with the traditional ones. These innovations offers the market with a lower gross margin making it less attractive for the firms moving upward and making space for the new competitors. Thus having a brief idea about the disruptive innovation as exhibited by Christen, some further elaborations about the model of disruptive innovation is required. This study deals in selecting a sector where any type of disruptive innovations has taken place. Assessing the response of the companies and finding the factors responsible for such response and the correlation with the model developed by Clayton Christensen. The sector which is taken in this paper for analysis is cloud computing technology. But before moving into the detailed explanations, a brief knowledge about cloud computing procedure needs to be discussed in a clear manner and the model developed by Christensen can be explained. 2. Christensen model of disruptive innovation The model of disruptive innovation by Clayton Christensen is basically a hypothesis which can be generally exploited for the purpose of explaining the impact of new technologies on the existence of a firm. The term disruptive innovation was first coined by Clayton Christensen in the year 1997 in his book named, â€Å"The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail".  It has been seen that time and again associated with the failure or displacement of the organizations from their respective industries the organizations â€Å"could see the break coming, merely did nothing until it was excessively late†. Through doing well, the companies are alleged to do and they actually provide to their most profitable customers and highly concentrate on the investments in areas where the profit margins are majorly attractive. This situation generates due to the resourcefulness allocation processes of the constituted

Conflict Resolution-Mediation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Conflict Resolution-Mediation - Essay Example A working agreement which spells out the rules of engagement and conduct during the negotiations is essential in the process. The mediation process involves acceptable third party intervention and confidential caucuses which enable the disputants become the decision makers in ending the conflict. The caucus stage entails making confidential meetings with each of the disputants whereby each party is allowed to reveal his or her grievances to the dispute. Party-directed mediation process can be summed up in to five stages which include the opening statement, the education phase, and the alternatives generation phase, the actual negotiation phase and the final closing phase. There are two pillars of the party-directed mediation that is the preliminary meetings which comprises of the pre-caucus and pre-mediation. Mediation process saves the parties to the dispute money while managing conflicts. Mediation is applicable in a wide variety of situations thus its effective in resolving disput es. Unlike arbitration where a third party makes a decision for the disputants, mediation is neutral process that accords the disputants the opportunity to solve their dispute with the support of a third party. The objectives of the pre-caucus are to enable the parties to the mediation to reduce the negative emotions to mediation and enable the negotiators to mediate more effectively. The initial aim of the pre-caucus is to facilitate empathic listening and develop an active listening approach as developed by Carl Rogers in the client-centered therapy. The initial joint session enables each party to confront the other through interpersonal negotiation while avoiding all the dysfunctional behaviors. Workplace mediation is always different since the parties address the working relationships which are part of the job and as a legal obligation. Party-directed mediation is useful in particular when mediating ethnic clashes or deep-seated interpersonal disputes between two individuals. Me diation process helps the parties to the dispute to develop tools which are critical in examining their disagreement. I agree with the book that the third party acts as a quasi arbitrator to the dispute. The pre-caucus affords the parties to the dispute an opportunity to vent their emotions, discover the blind spots and increase their commitment to resolving the dispute. The individuals at this stage will learn on how to listen to each other, and understand the issues of confidentiality to the mediation process. I have learned that empathic listening is an essential skill to effective mediation process since it encompasses attentive listening, asking questions about the mediation process as well as suggesting solutions to the dispute. The diagnostic stage of effective listening motivates the parties to speak without feelings of fear of being judged due to self-understanding and confidence. I personally believe that opening statement of the mediation process is aimed at ensuring conf identiality to the negotiations and setting the rules of engagement. The education phase provides an ample opportunity for all the parties to share their perspectives of the dispute and relive any negative emotions. The parties should aim at building cordial and close working relationships at this stage. The options generation phase entails brainstorming on all possible alternatives of resolving the conflict. In

Basic Ethics Essay Example for Free

Basic Ethics Essay According to Michael Boylan’s book Basic Ethics the study of ethics concerns itself with â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong, judgments that assign praise or blame. In the case of ethics, these judgments are usually assigned to people or to actions (Boylan, 2009). This essay will discuss three major ethical theories, virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It will also provide a personal experience to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to utilitarianism. The three ethics theories discussed herein are the virtue ethics theory that examines a person’s character over a long period of time and is forgiving of an occasional mistake that is not consistent with a person’s past character. Deontological ethics or duty-based morality is a theory based on a â€Å"nonconsequentialist† view of people and moral decision-making. Deontological ethics supports that actions are not justified by their consequences. Rather, factors other than good outcomes determine the â€Å"rightness† of actions (Deontological Ethics, 2014). Utilitarianism in the most basic term is based on measuring â€Å"good† in terms of usefulness. Utilitarianism is often defined as an effort to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. Also this principle advocates that the ends justify the means in other words if a negative action must be used to reach a greater good then its justified (What Is Utilitarianism?, 2014). There are marked differences between the three ethics theories. Unlike deontic or action based theories of morality that focus on the actions a person performs, the virtue theory, aka character ethics focuses on helping people develop good character traits, like kindness and generosity, â€Å"The deontological ethics is grounded in the â€Å"Categorical Imperative,† The Categorical Imperative simply declares, â€Å"Act as if the maxim of thy action  were to become by thy will a universal law of nature.† The Categorical Imperative is very similar to the â€Å"Golden Rule† of Chri stianity, and other religions (â€Å"do unto others as you would have them do unto you†)† (Deontological Ethics, 2014). On the other hand utilitarianism revolves around the concept that the end justifies the means. A personal example I have of utilitarianism being practiced was when my Father was in hospice with terminal throat cancer. He ordered a DNR, do not resuscitate. My family and I did not like his wish but it is what he chose for himself and we all accepted his final wish. Although many feel this is not right to just let someone die without trying to help the person dying the attitude on these decisions is purely determined by the person dying. The utilitarian approach can be selfish in nature because the judgments is strictly that of the person thinking of his own truth in my Fathers case his last dying wish. So depending on what kind of person you are, how you were raised, the environment you live in, your faith, the influences you may have from the social circle you belong to you all these factors could influence your ethics and depending on the situation on hand you may find yourself moving towards one or the other of these ethic theories. Morally or ethically, I would never let my Dad die without making some attempt to resuscitate him but on the other hand I set aside my moral belief and my ethics to allow my Dad his last and final wish. References Boylan, M. (2009). Basic Ethics (2nd ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Deontological Ethics. (2014, February 17). Retrieved from allaboutphilosophy .org: http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/deontological-ethics.htm What Is Utilitarianism? (2014, February 17). Retrieved from wisegeek.org: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-utilitarianism.htm

Immanuel Kant Essay Example for Free

Immanuel Kant Essay A. Kant’s ethical theory Standard rationality is the major foundation of Kant’s ethical theory. Moral requirements are also associated with the standard rationality but this standard could be based on instrumental principles of rationality or based on the sui generis rational instinct. A conventional conformity could be achieved through the analysis of rationality with instrumental principles. Kant argued that conforming to instrumental and non-instrumental principles (â€Å"Categorical Imperative†) will both be justified to rationality (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). Kant supported his arguments that being rational reflect free will, law of autonomous will. Each of us is accepted based on our self-governing reasons and gain equal respect from other people. According to him, the standard of rationality is the key foundation of moral requirements. Violation of such rule is thereby irrational. Kant believed that a â€Å"good will† is the highest notion of being such ‘good person’, or ‘a person of good will’ (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). There are no other qualifications of being ‘good’ other than ‘good will’. Basically, the notion of ‘good will’ is the possession of a will that is consistent and on the basis with the notion of the moral law. A person of good will is the one who make decisions, do good things in such a way that he/she told to be morally and taking moral considerations According to Kant, the outcome for search for the inherent and fundamental ‘good’ was not inherently good. Happiness and pleasure could be the result from most evil acts. In fact, he use the term good to describe the ‘good will’ – the resolution in accordance with duty. He believed that reason would give individuals to work out what one’s duty was. Kant also criticized the notion that we are free. According to him, we can’t be described as free if our actions are just circling around a defined boundary. He also stressed that following the belief that god and life is existing, morality would make no sense. The principle that one should act in accordance with such truths was criticized by Kant for this principle says that we would perform these actions of which it is true that they are right and ought to be performed. Wolff’s principle tells that actions must be performed if it falls under the concept ‘to be done’. Autonomy and Heteronomy In philosophical perspective, autonomy refers when a person/individual acts by himself/herself based from his/her internal drives, needs and ideals while heteronomy is defined when an individual acts based upon outside forces and responsibilities. According to Kant, â€Å"Autonomous agents† acts to what their instinct tell them (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). In addition, they act in accordance with the categorical imperative of willing what is univerzable to be known and consistent with moral law. â€Å"Heteronomous agents† think first to the possible consequences of their actions as affected by their environment (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). They derive principles of actions from outside by putting into consideration the consequences of their action or the perception of others towards one thing or object. In a narrow perspective (person), autonomy reflects to selecting right decisions for one-self. In broader sense (political perspective), autonomy reflects the right of self-determination (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). A heteronomous will lies its rules of actions that have been legislated externally to it while autonomous will is completely self-legislating. Kant’s Categorical Imperative Kant is known form his theory called the ‘categorical imperative’ rooted from the idea of duty. According to him, categorical imperative is a principle that is essentially and fundamentally legitimate; universally good to him and to others; it requires to comply with when the situation is associated with the moral law.   Ã‚  Ã‚   His theory is the fundamental foundation at the basis of all our moral values and duties. If we observe, it coined the word â€Å"imperative.† His theory is an imperative for it is a command. It informs and commands us to exercise our wills in a particular way, and not performing the opposite of the theory. Kant distinguished another form of ‘oughts’ other than our moral duties. This principle is so called â€Å"hypothetical imperative† (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004) which is being based on a quite different kind of principle. Like categorical imperative, hypothetical imperative is also a command that also applies to us in virtue of having a good will. However, it is not simply a virtue for we have need of to exercising our wills. Hence, this theory is a command in a conditional form. Kant listed three formulation of the categorical imperative which he believed to be   almost equivalent Formula of Universal Law (First Formulation), Formula of the End in Itself Second Formulation), and Formula of Autonomy (Third Formulation). The Formula of Universal Law simply states that the maxim should be selected. A supreme law guides this formulation – to do deeds in harmony with that maxim. The first formulation is interpreted as â€Å"universality test† having five steps: (1) finding the agent’s maxim; (2) putting oneself in a parallel circumstance on the real world agent followed that maxim; (3) decide on contradictions; (4) if there’s contradiction, acting on that maxim is not permissible in the real world, and (5) if there’s no contradiction, acting on that maxim is allowed. The second formulation simply says to respect for humanity. Don’t put an end to a certain situation by doing bad deeds just to serve as a getaway. According to him, we must all act accordingly to every rational being and to place restrictions on the acts we adopt on the search of our ends, do not accept it. Kant enumerated two kinds of imperative – hypothetical and categorical. Hypothetical imperative requires an immediate action because it is a necessity and a requirement. In example, if I am hungry, then I must eat something. Categorical imperative refers to an unmodified, categorical prerequisite that is both a requirement and justified. In Kant’s hypothetical imperative, he believed that it would not be accepted. Hypothetical moral systems cannot be as bases for moral judgments since imperatives are subjective. What is morally accepted in an individual may not be absolutely true for others. Consequently, the categorical imperative was presented as an option to the inconsistency of hypothetical imperative (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). Categorical Imperative: Autonomous Ethical Choice The foundation of Kant’s theory states that human wills are self-directed. He believed that we could understand and justify moral requirements if we could be self-governing. Freedom is not merely consisting of any law that everyone is liberated to perform a certain actions. However, freedom is consisting of a law in such a way that this law, in some sense, would allow individuals for one’s own making. The idea of freedom as autonomy is where a person has laid down laws where he has also the decisive authority. Kant explains that free will is naturally inexplicable. A rational person would base his/her decisions on reasons and justifications of his/her act. Categorical Imperative is met when a person justified his/her acts. Thus, reflecting to autonomous ethical choice of a person. With our free will and/or autonomous ethical choices, we act on it objectively. B. Kant’s Ethical Theory: An Analysis For me, I support Kant’s theory on ethical decision-making. Kant pointed-out, we cannot exceed to the limitations of our thinking. Based from our line of reasoning, we justified things objectively. We make decisions based on our understanding. I think these statements are true and absolute. Kant’s argued that categorical imperative must reflect on our free will. He argued that instrumental and non-instrumental principles are necessary to meet the categorical imperatives. General facts may or may not be true for a person who do not understand its concepts or understand it on the other perspective. Good will responds to the universal moral law and we follow these laws according to our autonomous acts. We accept humanity, rational agency as represented by our understanding.

Cost Effectiveness In Prison Management Criminology Essay

Cost Effectiveness In Prison Management Criminology Essay It is unclear what characterizes an offender as elderly. The age of 65 as a marker between middle age and old age was based off of social legislation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for purposes of determining eligibility for social, retirement or other benefits.19 Many offenders are considered by correctional authorities to be a part of the older prison population, despite being aged 15 years or more below societal perceptions of ages traditionally affiliated with being old. States have applied different factors to gauge the true age of elderly inmates as a result of their continuous exposure to the prison environment. Such factors include the stress and anxiety associated with living in an isolated environment, the degree of mental and physical impairment, and the higher risk of victimization due to the offenders advanced Elderly Inmates: A Growing Trend US- Graying Prison, Canada- Japan- HK- Argument against incarcerating the elderly offender Cost of Incarceration Basic Needs and Programs In the US, the courts have ruled that inmates have rights that are essentially dominated by the basic needs of all inmates. Sufficient nutrition, medical care, and safety are a few of the rights determined by the courts to ensure that basic needs are met. Programs have also been initiated for non-basic needs, for example, educational and training program, work programs and therapy and counseling programs. The programs that meet the basic and non-basic needs of older inmates are essentially the same as for younger inmates. However, there is a difference between what is required to meet the basic and nonbasic needs of younger versus older inmates. The discrepancies exist between and inmates needs which result in specialized programs (Wheeler, 1999). To cope with the needs of an increasing older prison population, states corrections departments have been taking steps ranging from developing targeted programs and activities for elderly inmates to providing specialized geriatric care. In a 2001 survey by the U.S. Criminal Justice Institute, approximately 15 of the 44 participating states and territories indicated that they provided supervised recreational programs specifically designed for older and elderly inmates. And other states have established educational programs on wellness and aging issues as part of an overall preventive care program. Ohios hocking correctional facility offers a 50+ and Aging program, which is designed to address the physical, psychological and social needs of older inmates. Such activities as chair aerobics, adult basic education and GED classes are provided as part of the program, as well as specialized recreational options, including bingo, shuffleboard, horseshoes and a walking program. Pennsylvania h as also provided inmate health care education programs, and has even offered a healthy heart food line, featuring low fat, high fiber foods for inmates (Abner, 2006). Accordingly, opponents are convinced that these specialized programs will needlessly consume the limited corrections and tax payers monies. Health Care Needs Another important factor to consider with respect to the incarceration of elderly offenders is the cost of health care. In a survey of the U.S. Department of Corrections in all fifty states, twenty-seven of the thirty-one institutions that responded identified medical needs and related factors as the most important or significant variable attributed to the cost of aging inmates (Wheeler, Connelly, Wheeler, 1994). Most states estimate that healthcare for an elderly prisoner costs roughly two to three times that for a younger prisoner. In some states, like North Carolina, the average annual cost of healthcare for prisoners 50 and older is four times higher than the cost for prisoners younger than 50. Moreover, while only 11% of North Carolinas prisoners are age 50 and older, the $25 million it costs the state each year to provide healthcare to these aging prisoners constitutes nearly 30% of the states total correctional healthcare budget (American Civil Liberties Union, 2012). In Flor ida, prisoners age 50 and older accounted for a disproportionate share of all medical contacts. While 11% of the total prison population was in this age range, these prisoners constituted 38% of all medical contacts for hypertension, 44% for diabetes, 21% for asthma, and 36% for general medicine (ACLU, 2012). As inmates age and the number of chronic illnesses increases, so does an individuals chance of needing hospitalization and geriatric care. Health problems such as strokes, Alzheimers disease, and other form of dementia that increase with age (Atchley, 1994). These illnesses even require specially trained personnel and twenty-four hour care, the type of care offered in nursing homes. Opponents believe just a few of the health care-related costs that currently and will continue in the future to face correction officials and society if we demand incarceration of elderly offenders and do not allow for alternative methods of sentencing. Housing Needs As the age of older offenders increases, whether from aging within prison or entering prison at an older age, their physical, social, and health care needs change. Therefore, modifications must be made with respect to the prison itself. Clearly, most prisons that exist today were not constructed or designed with the needs of older offenders in mind (Wheeler, 1999). Prison are going to have to be designed or renovated to provide elderly-friendly environments that will meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of older offenders. In the years to come, many of Japans 74 prisons will end up looking like Onomichi, an aging prison about 400 miles south-west of Tokyo that first started catering to older prisoners 20 years ago. A handrail runs the length of the corridor, and makeshift wheelchair ramps are kept at the entrance to the communal baths. There is a portable mattress on hand in case anyone feels faint, along with a wheelchair and, placed discreetly behind a desk, boxes of incontinence pads (McCurry, 2008). In the U.S., at the same time, specialized houing for elderly inmates appears to be another trend. At least 16 states provide separate housing facility for older prisoners (Abner, 2006). These examples indicate that with the aging population, there is a growing demand for barrier-free or elderly-friendly physical environments. Thus, opponents believe that the scare resources will be consumed. Safe Guarding the Older Offender Housing older inmates with the general prison population can place them in an environment that put their safety in danger. Older offenders are outnumbered and more vulnerable to attack. They are viewed as prey by younger, more aggressive inmates (Wheeler, 1999). According to a 2004 National Intelligence Council report (Abner, 2006), the lack of personal protection for elderly inmates, who may be frail and therefore vulnerable to the threats of assault by younger predatory inmates, contributes to the emotional stress and physical deterioration they routinely experience, especially among those who may be already vulnerable owing to chronic or terminal illness and who have few options for change in their environment. Providing housing that will meet the basic needs of older incarcerated inmates or simply providing for their safety is not cost-effective. Therefore, the opponents argue that alternative methods to incarceration should be considered. Training Staff Currently, corrections staff are trained much as prisons have been designed, with young, violent offenders in mind. Older offenders present an entirely different population, with different needs that require special training (wheeler, 1999). Very often, correctional and healthcare staff lack appropriate training and technical expertise and have not been properly trained to treat age-related illnesses, such as hearing loss, vision problems, arthritis, hypertension, and dementia (ACLU, 2012). Therefore, opponents view it is not cost effective to train future and retrain present prison staff to handle a relatively small percentage of incarcerated older offenders. There are less expensive and more effective ways of dealing with these problems. Argument for incarcerating the elderly offender Elderly Inmates Often Are Violent Offenders Studies of elderly offender have tended to categorize older inmates in a number of different ways, such as first time incarcerated and multiply incarcerated (Soderstrom, 1999). Teller and Howell state that first-time incarcerated offenders generally tend to have current sentences resulting from crimes committed against others, often in a spontaneous fashion, and thus do not view themselves as criminals. Conversely, multiply incarcerated offenders typically are locked up for premeditated crimes and do in fact view themselves as criminals (as cited in Soderstrom, 1999). Even the percent of violent crimes among elderly offenders are rather small. In the US, this age group constitutes 5.5 percent of all those arrested. Approximately fifteen percent of those elders arrested involve serious felonies, including murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, or drug trafficking (Ronald Jenifer, 2006). Although these percentages are rather small, they do indicate that an identifiable amount of serious crime is being committed by senior citizens, and sometimes these crimes are of a violent nature. Thus, the need to incarcerate some elderly offenders is arguable, given the seriousness of the criminal activity exhibited by at least a proportion of this older criminal subpopulation. Right to Appropriate medical Treatment Already Established The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the rights of inmates to have their medical needs met in Estelle v. Gamble (1976). In this case, the Court stated that deliberate indifference to the serious medical needs of prisoners constitutes the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain proscribed by the Eighth Amendment. Kratcoski Pownall advocated that whether economically practical or not, it clearly has been established through case law that correctional systems must provide a vast array of health care services, including medical, dental, nutritional, acute, and long term care (as cited in Soderstorm, 1999). Therefore, this is not about the cost effectiveness but the responsibility to ensure that the human rights of all inmates are protected. Specialized Programming and Treatment Already Exists for Elderly Inmates Correctional systems increasingly appear to be responding appropriately to the specialized needs of older offenders (Soderstorm, 1999). In the US, the Federal Bureau of Prisons led the way in implementing geriatric care units for elderly inmates, particularly with its creation of a medical unit for male inmates. This specialized unit had 57.6 percent inmates in the 51 or older category according to 1986 figures. Since the late 1970s, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has designated correctional goals to implement these ideal geriatric unit components. Typical programs in such a geriatric facility have included stress management, health wise, drug facts, and positive mental attitude (Kratcoki Pownall, 1989). Thus, it seems that whether economically practical or not, the Federal prison system has accepted the inevitable need to provide extended and specialized services to the elderly inmate. Problems with Age-Segregated Facilities There are a number of arguments against the use of age-segregated facilities, which would be the most costly of methods to handle elderly inmates. Because of the small number of geriatiric inmates that would truly be in need of age-segregated conditions of confinement, the creation of geriatric courts ande other types of age-segregation treatment in the criminal justice system would stereotype all elderly offenders as being feeble and incapable of withstanding regular incarceration conditions (Cavan, 1987). Furthermore, considerable evidence suggests that older inmates actually provide a stabilizing effect on the general inmate population (Rubenstein, 1984). In fact, McCleery (1961) described the inmate hierarchy as being based on seniority. It appears the older inmates serve as unofficial sources of information necessary for successful prison adjustment by younger offenders who tend to be unfamiliar with or unprepared for the rigors of prison life. It has even been suggested that older inmates are respected by younger inmates for their accumulated wisdom regarding the workings of daily prison life, which alleged allows them to manipulate the correctional system to their advantages (Wiltz, 1973). Furthermore, Kratcoski and Pownall (1989) pointed out most federal elderly inmates had been previously incarcerated, so they certainly were not naÃÆ'Â ¯ve about prison life. Therefore, not all elderly really require incarcerated into age-segregated or move toward a separate geriatric justice system.

Essay --

After collecting the data from three different people with different personalities and goals in life, I began to determine the strengths of each individual and see if the data correlated to each of their lives. Person A is currently in college studying mathematics, with an emphasis in actuary studies. The data that I collected from him represents his interest in mathematics well, and also shows his understanding of himself. It was interesting to note that although his specialty is in mathematics, his weakness is in his spatial skills. Person B has acquired an associate’s degree in culinary arts, and is now employed as a chef at a major hotel. The data collected from him shows that his strongest category was his intrapersonal skills. His weakest intelligence is his musical skills. Person C is currently attending university to acquire a degree in graphic design. It was interesting to me to see that her strongest intelligence was in her naturalist skills, considering her love for graphic design. I would have thought that her strongest intelligence would be in spatial skills. Her weakest intelligence was in bodily-kinesthetic skills. As for my data, I have determined that my strongest intelligence is my interpersonal skills, which I believe to be accurate, considering my interest in speech-language pathology. I will need to have good â€Å"people† skills in order to excel in that field. I did find it interesting, however, that my weakest intelligence was in my spatial skills. Although, I suppose it is accurate, considering I do my best work when I have physical directions or information in my possession, rather than creating my own. I have found it very interesting that each of us scored highly in the intrapersonal skills section of the ... ...t they will just start playing with him and he won’t have to do much talking after that. But the quiet kid who sits in the corner doesn’t often get invited to play. Teach your child some social scripts that he can use to initiate those interactions with other kids, such as: â€Å"Hi, I’m Nxx, what’s your name?† or â€Å"Can I play?† Considering that each of the three people that I have interviewed and I have good interpersonal skills, it should not be too difficult to communicate effectively. One way that I think I could definitely get everyone to get along would be to divide up activities. For example, in the morning, we would work on spatial skills for client A, while in the afternoon we would work on musical skills for client B. Then the last activity for the day could be working on bodily-kinesthetic skills for client C. This way, each individual is getting their turn.

The Continued Importance of Books Essay -- essays research papers

Many people don’t realize the potential of books. It is a highly emotional even when a serious book collector takes a well bound book of favorite content into his or her hands; it is as though they are holding and cherishing an invaluable and exquisite piece of art. Books have been an issue of many of religions and even militant factions and yet, they remain today providing us with places to go, an escape from reality, and higher knowledge. First and foremost, books are free voyages to anywhere in the world. You can open a book and with the flick of your eyes and the will of your imagination, be where ever the book takes you. If the book is about Ireland, then you can read about the country as though you were there and the only limitations as to how real it may be, is your own imaginatio...