In the Introduction to Democracy in America, Tocqueville claims that a Essay

In the Introduction to Democracy in America, Tocqueville claims that a great democratic revolution is taking place and tha - Essay Example He believed the creation of America, a land of equality and liberty, where all workers are valued with high esteem is a prominent step in world history. Hence he defined it as the â€Å"most continuous, the oldest, and the most permanent fact known in history†. Why Marx Won’t Agree? Karl Marx saw American Democracy as a mere power shift from monarchies to capitalistic companies he referred as â€Å"bourgeoisie†. Karl Marx differed with Tocqueville because of several reasons. The communists were very clear no social equality would prevail in a country whose economy is driven by capitalism. So, who was actually right? In a sense both of them were right. Both these scholars interpreted the happenings of their time with the wisdom they gained from the circumstances they were born, bought up and lived. Tocqueville was a born in a family regarded with high esteem in France. His family was equivalent to that of nobles. He studied politics and pursued a career in the sam e. Born on 1805, the most prominent occurrences of his time revolved around the American Independence and the French Revolution. Tocqueville was bought up as an aristocrat, but his compassion and humanity made him think revolutionarily. He wanted to do something to improve the pathetic life of the peasants. His mindset did not allow him to see them as the equals of the nobles. He viewed the American democracy which provided great labour freedom, high wages and the ability for everyone to become rich as the best way to improve the lives of the struggling men. His view of helping the workers was quite capitalistic. It was seen from the prospective of a noble or a company head. It was similar to a parental love expressed to children. The parents do what they think is best for the children. It is up to the child to make use of the facilities and prosper in life. A Practical and Foresighted View Karl Marx was born on 1818 in Germany. He belonged to a modest middle-cast family. He got mor e chance to mix with the less deprived people in the society directly. He was one amongst them, who rose to great fame, not because of high class education or family background, but just through his self-acquired intellectuality. His view about American capitalism and democracy is similar to that of a friends approach to a fellow’s problem. Friends understand better than parents as they are in a similar situation to the child. A child can grow without parents, but not without friends. Hence, Marx theories gain more importance than Tocqueville principles. Marx’s view of democracy means keeping everything common for everybody, converting every labour into an owner and every owner into a worker. Abraham Lincoln expressed the same view in a different way in his Gettysburg Address. He said â€Å"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master.† He strongly believed anything different from this would only damage democracy. Two Different Poles Tocqueville thought wealth distribution was unnecessary. He simply felt the steps taken by the American government to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich are enough. He strongly felt, division of property will only increase poor’s hatred towards the rich (De Tocqueville, 192). He had no second thoughts about presenting enough opportunities for everyone though. This is where Marx and Tocqueville differ like opposite poles of a magnet. Marx argues there should be no such opportunity present to anyone, as it will pave for another dominant class. The communists

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a youth Essay

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a youth mentor in a formal setting Evaluate with reference to two examples - Essay Example A mentor concentrates on creating a positive relationship with the youths under mentorship, as well as following the goals identified for the mentoring program towards the success of the mentee. The creation of a quality program for youth mentoring is majorly based on effective practice elements. According to the findings by Young and Wright (2001) on the positive effects of youth mentorship, quality practice standards are instrumental in fostering the desired outcomes for the participating youths. In essence, the formal youth mentoring practice is important in enhancing the emotional well-being and social skills of the youths. The youths also benefit from the improved cognitive skills through listening and dialogue, as well as serving as advocates and role models (Whitmore, 2002). The increased number of the mentoring programs has equally compromised the quality of the programs over the long time. According to Trzesniewski (2008), not all mentoring programs and relationships are beneficial to the mentees. In these findings, the mentoring programs that have stronger infrastructure can potentially produce greater positive impacts, since the infrastructure directly relates to the impact of the mentor on the mentees. The solidity of the relationship between the mentor and the mentee is essential towards the improvement of the attitudes of the mentees, together with their performances and behaviors (Tsangaridou, 2008). The formal mentorship programs, for instance, are important in providing the settings for maintaining and developing a solid relationship between mentees and the mentors. Literature highlights particular elements that are considered critical for the effectiveness of a mentorship program. Among the important elements exhibited in the formal mentorship program is the screening process, which facilitates the identification of the most effective personnel to act in the

Final LSL Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Final LSL - Assignment Example Lack of a corridor to the Diablo Range could lead to the death and extinction of these wildlife animals (The Nature Conservancy, â€Å"California: Mount Hamilton†). 4. Ecosystem Management - How can a large-scale or â€Å"landscape† approach to regional planning help wildlife: Planning is essential as it will prevent the depletion of the corridors due to factors such as urbanization or even industrialization. Planning will ensure protection of animals from predators when they are migrating to safer areas. Lastly, planning will help regulate the amount of water drawn from the landscape for the purposes of agricultural practices by the people living close to the corridor thus prevent frequent migration of animals to look for water. All living things and non living things cannot survive without the ecosystem in place. This is what determines where we get our food from and how the plant themselves get food from the soil. The wildlife corridors in our environment are very essential to animals. Their depletion will definitely cause an imbalance the ecosystem this is because; lack of the corridor will definitely lead to the extinction of the rare species of animals that normally depend on the corridor when they are migrating to sustainable area. The corridor helps support animal life because when faced with lack of water, they have to migrate to look for water else if the corridor doesn’t exist, that means that that population is dead. So planning on how big the corridor is should be important as factors such as urbanization and human agricultural activity are proving to reduce water in the landscape and also humans are starting to cover the corridor landscape thus causing the extinction of the animals there . As a conclusion, wildlife in essential to the environment and lack of these animals will definitely lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, and thus preservation of the corridor will lead

The problem with determinism Essay Example for Free

The problem with determinism Essay The traditional view is that of the compatibilists which states that freedom is the ability to act, or not to act, according to the determinations of the will. It is so defined to make it compatible with the theory of determinism, which essentially states that all actions have a causal explanation due to the state of the world in the moment previous. However, the definition is clearly inadequate due to the fundamental flaws of determinism and its failure to account for deliberation or personal choice. A superior alternative is offered by what Taylor calls the theory of agency, but is more commonly known as libertarianism. In discussing a theory one must start with some data in order to prove the validity of the theory, and in discussing determinism this is no different. Two suitable criteria dealing with the decision making process are: firstly that we at times deliberate with the view of making a decision , and secondly regardless of whether I deliberate I sometimes have a personal choice in the decision making process. These criteria are ideal because they are both things that we as individuals are fairly certain of so any acceptable theory must account for them in some way. For common sense, a virtue in argumentation, suggests that it is easier to accept the veracity of partial self-determination in the decision making process than an abstract philosophical theory. To asses the applicability of the data to determinism a more in depth examination of determinism is needed, which Taylor defines as having three tenets: Firstly, that the theory of determinism is true. Secondly, that voluntary behaviour is free unless constrained, and finally that causes of voluntary behaviour are certain states, condition, decisions, and desires. The principle problem of determinism is precisely this last tenet, for what are the causes of the inner states that cause my actions? Where do they come from? Are they under my control? If determinism is true then the problem of infinite causality arises for the causes of the actions must themselves have causes. When applied to the two original data the infinite causality of determinism renders these data false. Take deliberation as an example. I can deliberate only about future actions, but there are always causes to everything I do making the outcome of the deliberation inevitable and the process itself irrelevant. The incompatibility of determinism and deliberation does not bode well for the second datum, as if I am to have a personal choice in an action then I must be able to concretely execute any of the options associated with the action. But if determinism is true there can again only be one option due to the chain of causes thus negating the option of personal choice. A better theory, one that incorporates these two essential data is what Taylor calls the theory of agency, but is more commonly known as libertarianism, which postulates that human beings are frequently, but not always, self-determining beings. To further understand the theory of agency and thus its advantages it is first necessary to examine how it deals with the causation of actions. If an individual is relatively free in his decision making it follows that the individual agent can be considered a cause for the resulting action. For example, if I move my hand then the obvious cause of the motion is me and not some infinite series of causes. The lack of such a sequence of causes, unlike the one put forward by determinism, is an advantage for it allows the theory of agency to be rid of the problems of determinism discussed above. Moreover this allows libertarianism to incorporate the two criteria originally put forth. Under libertarianism deliberation becomes not just possible, but quite logical as it makes sense to ponder a matter over which I have control of the outcome. Then obviously, if I am at least a partially self-determining entity then I have a fair amount of personal choice in what course of action I should pursue. Aside from avoiding the problems of determinism, perhaps libertarianisms greatest advantage is its common sense appeal. For example, if I am considering whether to order a Big Mac for lunch or a McChicken, it makes much more sense to me that through deliberation I can choose which sandwich I would like to eat, rather than the existence of some infinite chain of events that pre-determines that I will eat a Big Mac. It is of course necessary to acknowledge that common sense and simplicity are not absolute truths, but as Bertrand Russell wrote, in support of common sense, in The Problems of Philosophy, Since this belief [in the existence of physical objects] does not lead to any difficulties, but on the contrary tends to simplify and systemize our account of our experiences, there seems no good reason for rejecting it. (Russell, 24) While Russell was addressing another problem the logic of common sense he applied most definitely applies to the case at hand as well. As a concluding argument in favour of libertarianism consider, the very fact of reading and grading this essay. If determinism were true then this essays grade would have long been pre-determined by a series of causes stretching back to before its very creation thus rendering useless the whole process. Texts Cited Russell, B. Problems of Philosophy. Oxford University Press: Oxford, 1997. Taylor, R. Metaphysics. Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall, 1993.

‘Reasonably Foreseeable’ Victim Evidence

‘Reasonably Foreseeable’ Victim Evidence 1.  Davina Davina must prove that her depression is medically-recognised (McLoughlin v. O’Brian (1983)) caused by the accident and that she was a ‘reasonably foreseeable’ victim. She must also show that her injury would be foreseeable in a person of reasonable fortitude (Page v. Smith (1996)). Davina is a secondary victim (Alcock v. Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police (1992)) so must establish a close relationship between herself and Bertram, proximity to the accident and that her injury came through sight or hearing of it. Bertram is Davina’s brother; Davina heard the accident and attended immediately afterwards thus her claim should succeed, Whitchester District Council The pothole may constitute a breach of the Council’s duty under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain ‘highways maintainable at public expense’. However, section 58 provides a defence if the Council took reasonable care to ‘secure that the part of the highway†¦ was not dangerous to traffic’. Therefore, if the Council carries out regular inspection and makes timely repairs it will have fulfilled its duty. Ethelred Ethelred may be vicariously liable for Conrad’s negligence, since Conrad is an employee (Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v. Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1968)) acting in the course of employment; although Conrad had finished his deliveries, he was going back to the depot and thus not ‘on a frolic of his own’ (Joel v. Morrison (1834)). Conrad Conrad owed Bertram the recognised duty between road users (Caparo v. Dickman (1990)) and must reach the standard of a reasonably competent driver (Nettleship v. Weston (1971)). Conrad was ‘hurrying’ back to the depot suggesting he was speeding or driving carelessly particularly since he was unable to stop in time. In a case involving multiple causes of injury, Bertram only needs to show that a breach materially contributed to the damage (Bonnington Castings Ltd v. Wardlaw (1956)). Running Bertram over with his lorry would cause a reasonably foreseeable (The Wagon Mound (No 1) (1961)) material contribution to his injuries which would not have occurred ‘but for’ Conrad’s negligence (Barnett v. Chelsea and Kensington Hospital Management (1969)). Alphonse Alphonse owed Bertram the recognised legal duty of care between road users (Caparo) and must show the same standard of care as a reasonably competent and experienced driver (Nettleship v. Weston). There is nothing to suggest that Alphonse was driving carelessly before hitting the pothole. It is unlikely that he will be liable to Bertram. It is likely that his broken wrist would be too remote for liability to arise (Wagon Mound). Alphonse should have been aware of the difficulties walking whilst wearing a neck collar and taken extra care on stairs. Bertram By stepping into the road without looking, Bertram could be considered to be contributorily negligent. The existence of a duty of care is irrelevant (Jones v. Livox (1952). If Bertram is found to be contributorily negligent any damages will be reduced to the extent that his carelessness caused his injuries, considering the relative blameworthiness of the parties. (500 words) 2. Private nuisance Private nuisance can be defined as unlawful interference with use or enjoyment of land. The claimant must be the landowner (Hunter v. Canary Wharf Ltd (1997)) and the interference must be an unreasonable state of affairs causing damage or personal discomfort as a result. Lordly is the landowner. Frequent bonfires will constitute a state of affairs. In considering whether this is unreasonable, the character of the neighbourhood will be considered (St Helens Smelting Co v. Tipping (1865)) in relation to the degree and type of interference that could be expected in that locality. It is likely that frequent burning of tyres on village outskirts would be unreasonable. Lordly has been unable to enjoy his garden because of the smell; smell is recognised as a recognised category of nuisance (Wheeler v. JJ Saunders Ltd (1996)). Sumpoil would be liable as the creator of the nuisance. Chip will not be able to bring a claim for disruption to his mobile phone as he is not the landowner. Public nuisance Public nuisance can be defined as nuisance which materially affects the reasonable comfort and convenience of a class of Her Majesty’s subjects (A-G v. PYA Quarries Ltd (1957)). Road users have been held to constitute a class (Castle v. St Augustine’s Links (1922)). Moreover, the claimant must have suffered special (particular) damage, which must be different in nature or extent from that suffered by the rest of the class. The smoke has adversely affected visibility for drivers and thus affects their convenience Lordly has suffered further damage and could therefore bring a claim in public nuisance against Sumpoil. Harassment Section 3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 creates a statutory tort of harassment, satisfied if the defendant pursues a course of conduct (on at least two occasions (section 7(3)) that causes another to experience harassment. Such conduct can include words (section 7(4)). Therefore, Chip’s frequent swearing at Sumpoil may give rise to liability for harassment if it caused Sumpoil to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed. Assault and battery Battery is defined as the intentional direct application of force to another person. An assault is an act which causes the reasonable apprehension of infliction of a battery. Sumpoil walked up to Chip carrying a large wrench.. If Chip reasonably apprehended that Sumpoil was going to hit him, then Sumpoil would be liable for assault. Chip punching Sumpoil on the nose would constitute a battery, and, if Sumpoil apprehended the punch, would also give rise to an assault. Interference with business Lordly interfered with the supply of goods to Sumpoil’s business and may be liable for the tort of interfering with business if he knew of the existence of the contract and intend to interfere with its performance (Merkur Island Shipping Corp v. Laughten(1983)) without sufficient justification, leading to an actual breach of contract, causing damage. However, it is not clear whether the delays in delivery constituted a breach of contract or whether Sumpoil suffered resulting loss. (500 words) List of cases A-G v. PYA Quarries Ltd [1957] 1 All ER 894 Alcock v. Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police [1992] 1 AC 310 Barnett v. Chelsea and Kensington Hospital Management [1969] 1 QB 428 Bonnington Castings Ltd v. Wardlaw [1956] AC 613 Caparo v. Dickman [1990] 1 All ER 568 Castle v. St Augustine’s Links (1922) 38 TLR 615 Hunter v. Canary Wharf Ltd [1997] AC 655 Joel v. Morrison (1834) 6 C P 501 Jones v. Livox Quarries [1952] 2 QB 608 McLoughlin v. O’Brian [1983] AC 410 Merkur Island Shipping Corp v. Laughten[1983] 2 AC 570 Nettleship v. Weston [1971] 2 QB 691 Page v. Smith [1996] 1 AC 155 Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v. Minister of Pensions and National Insurance [1968] 1 All ER 433 St Helens Smelting Co v. Tipping (1865) 11 HLC 642 The Wagon Mound (No 1) [1961] 1 All ER 404 Wheeler v. JJ Saunders Ltd [1996] Ch 19 Bibliography Howarth, DR and O’Sullivan, JA (2003) Heppel Howarth Matthews Tort Cases Materials (5th edition), LexisNexis Butterworths, London Mullis A and Oliphant K (2003) Torts (3rd edition), Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke Rogers WVH (2002) Winfield Jolowicz on Tort (16th edition), Sweet and Maxwell, London

Brave New World and Gattaca :: Brave New World

Brave New World and Gattaca Huxley   Living in a genetically perfect world is not necessarily a great achievement to mankind.   It makes one think, "where do you draw the line in the advancement of eugenics?"   Both worlds, the Brave New one and Gattaca, are alternative futures (clearly dystopic), written and shown in a believable way (not as much in BNW, though) through the use of satire.   Also, for GATTACA, the director incorporates the traditional elements of movie - a murder-mystery tied in with a love story PLUS a science fiction touch - very effectively.   Satire in Huxley's novel is glaringly obvious (mockery of the education system and the morals of today along with many more topics), as he writes with the purpose of teaching and humoring at the same time.   However, with GATTACA, the satirical messages are not immediately perceivable - even after having seen the movie three times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is apparent that within the GATTACA institution, there is a definite discrimination against the genetic underclass; that naturally born.   Director Niccol is mocking the present-day view of prejudice and racism.   In the future of GATTACA, this prejudice is referred to as genoism - genetic discrimination.   Racism is a less specific form of genoism, and although such discrimination is outlawed, the laws are unenforceable because in this dystopian society, as it is in BNW, one's "genetic quotient" is known from birth.   The underclass people of this world are limited but aware of their social status and they are not particularly happy with it.   With the BNW, the lower castes seem to be (they are made to believe so) aware but they are conditioned to like their "light,...childishly simple" work. (p.204 BNW)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another satirical message explored in both works in that of publicity.   Our society is becoming increasingly accessible, yet controlled, through the use of surveillance of ID.   Huxley and Niccol are merely pointing out that it is incredibly disconcerting to think that one day, our identities will be verified through daily blood and urine samples.   On this topic, the one difference between the BNW and GATTACA is the in BNW, the Director or Controller is aware of the "individuals'" level of promiscuity or behaviour through the word of mouth.   There is also one major similarity; in both worlds, the Director is quite conscious of the existence of the Alphas and in the case of GATTACA, the elites.

Drugs -Tolerance, Dependence, Addiction and Treatment Essay

There can be a great deal of confusion surrounding the words addiction, physical dependence, and tolerance. People will use these words as if they are referring to the exact thing, but there is a significant difference between them . Misunderstandings about these terms can not only be confusing for the general public but also many in the medical profession. One of the main culprits blamed for this confusion is the fact that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has chosen to use the word dependency instead of the word addiction and people assume this to mean physical dependency. Drug tolerance is commonly encountered in pharmacology, when a subject’s reaction to a specific drug and concentration of the drug is progressively reduced, requiring an increase in concentration to achieve the desired effect. Drug tolerance can involve both psychological drug tolerance and physiological factors. The following are characteristics of drug tolerance: it is reversible, the rate depends on the particular drug, dosage and frequency of use, differential development occurs for different effects of the same drug. Physiological tolerance also occurs when an organism builds up a resistance to the effects of a substance after repeated exposure Drug dependence is that it is a condition resulting from the prolonged and usually intense consumption of a drug or drugs which has resulted in psychological and/or physiological dependence on drug consumption. This dependence causes significant problems in one or more areas of the person’s life.Humans adapt so well to having these substances in their system that they suffer negative consequences if the drug is stopped abruptly – these are referred to as withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the way the brain looks and functions. Drug addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug or a medication. When you’re addicted, you may not be able to control your drug use and you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. You may want to quit, but most people find they can’t do it on their own.What many people do not know trying a drug for the first time is that it can make you addicted after the first time you use it. People thi nk to themselves, â€Å"I won’t be that person who gets all messed up on drugs†,  they try it, and their hooked. Drug addiction is a serious problem we are facing in our culture today. There are many forms of evidence-based behavioral treatments for substance abuse. Some of the most strongly supported include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT can help addicted patients overcome substance abuse by teaching them to recognize and avoid destructive thoughts and behaviors. A cognitive-behavioral therapist can, for example, teach a patient to recognize the triggers that cause his or her craving for drugs, alcohol or nicotine, then avoid or manage those triggers. Motivational interviewing. This therapy technique involves structured conversations that help patients increase their motivation to overcome substance abuse by, for example, helping them recognize the difference between how they are living right now and how they wish to live in the future. Contingency management. Using this method, addiction counselors provide tangible incentives to encourage patients to stay off drugs. Those rewards might include offering cash, clinical privileges, work at a steady wage or even restaurant vouchers for each clean drug test. Although these rewards might seem small in comparison with the force of addiction, studies have found that carefully structured contingency management programs can help people stay clean. These behavioral treatments can sometimes be particularly effective when combined with pharmaceutical treatments that either mimic the effects of the drug in a controlled way (such as methadone and buprenorphine for opiate addiction or nicotine chewing gum for cigarette addiction) or reduce or eliminate the â€Å"high† the user gets from the drug (such as naltrexone for opiate or alcohol addiction). Drug abuse is an increasing epidemic in today’s society. There are so many types of drugs being abused today, both legal and illegal. These drugs affect the human body in many different ways. Drug abuse can lead to addiction. Drug addiction involves the repeated and excessive use of a drug to produce pleasure or escape reality despite its destructive effects. Some medications used to treat pain can be addictive. Addiction is different from physical dependence or tolerance, however. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Addiction is a psychological and behavioral response that develops in  some people with the use of narcotic pain medicines. People who take a class of drugs called opioids for a long period of time may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This does not mean, however, that a person is addicted. In general, addiction occurs in only a small percentage of people when narcotics are used under proper medical supervision. The use of and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs are affecting our health, our society, and creating law enforcement problems all across America. Drug usage is destroying the lives and homes of people each and every day. First, it shatters their lives, breaks families up, and takes away peoples hopes and dreams. Once drug addiction begins, an individual’s problems doesn’t go away, it causes their mental state as well as physical ability to continue to diminish from the immediate and long-term adverse effects from the drugs. They think while they are high that their problems are gone but when they come down from the high they realize the problems are still there. Old saying goes: ‘Once an addict, always an addict’. This is often stated by drug users themselves, and it may be more relevant than it sounds. Like ‘recovering’ or ‘ex’-alcoholics, many dry alcoholics still state that they are alcoholic until the day they die. It is true that heroin addicts who have not used the drug for a number of years are still at risk of returning to drug use should certain circumstances arise. This may mean easy availability of the drug or painful life situations, or both. Throughout history there have been waves of drug and alcohol use. When new drugs are introduced into naive populations, there is a sudden rush of enthusiasm, followed by a learning process as the drug is assimilated by the community. However, the menace of drugs can be fought.Education is the first battle. Children need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can make avoid this problem A second approach is to increase police manpower and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the main target should be the user. Families and counselor s need to talk to children and people at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to become responsible. Jobs are needed to give people a role in society.