Philosophy :: social issues

Philosophy â€Å"Theories of Connectivity† paints a picture of our tomorrow. It names some of the advancements that we have made in technological areas. Everyday computer companies and universities are devising ways to insert computer systems into every facet of our lives. They have made GPS systems for our cars, palm pilots for easy Internet access, and digital jewelery for easy communication and information storage. We are in an age of network. â€Å"The average American house already contains more than 40 computers. Last year alone, eight billion new microprocessors came into the world.† Gleick traces our path of the present and future of technology. He simply lays out our undeniable urge to invent. When we were children, we played with our toys and loved to explore. Now that child-like motivation has evolved to a greater maturity, and toys are becoming our future. These devices may be complex, but it seems that the goal of electronic companies is to shrink the product in order to make it simpler to handle. Our technology, pervasive computing, seems to be taking over our world today. It seems that we are trying to eliminate human thought and, replace it with computers made by limited human minds. I will focus on Heidegger’s, Habermas’, and Marcuse’s philosophy and their response to today’s technology. Each philosopher has their own philosophy on technological advancements. They do not have the advantage of witnessing some of these new advancements and innovations, but their writing will shed some light on their thoughts. Heidegger believes that technology could be our greatest danger. It has caused such problems as ecological destruction, nuclear danger, and consumerism, and it is using technology to solve these problems, which is even worse. Our society seems to be taking away ration thought and diving deeper into technology to fix our problems. Heidegger will present a possible solution called the saving power. Habermas asks the question, â€Å"How is it possible to translate technically exploitable knowledge into the practical consciousness of a social life-world? He explains where technology should evolve and the power that it holds. He sees technology as a whole new way of life, but it must be applied to the life-world. He will present the knowledge –constitutive interest theory, which will better describe his stance on modern technology. Marcuse follows a thinking that â€Å"the machine†, industry, becomes the center of society. He is an instrumentalist, a view in which technology is neutral and it adds nothing to the ends it serves.

Disadvantage of democracy Essay

The primary disadvantages of democracy are a general lack of accountability, the prospect of personal interest becoming the predominant factor in decisions, and negative financial implications. A democracy lays the power to make decisions in the hands of the majority. This, ironically, places an emphasis on both individual and group power. A group controls the decision-making process, but an influential individual can control the group. The issue with democracy, in spite of the power of the people to control the decision-making process, is that there is no sense of accountability when the group makes a decision that turns out to be a bad one. Even particularly influential individuals in the group who may have persuaded the majority to vote for what led to the bad decision is free from blame because, ultimately, everyone in the group is responsible for his or her choice. In this way democracy, although a group-oriented approach, can become very much about what individuals believe is best for themselves and not for the majority. This type of decision-making also can be very expensive and have negative financial implications. First, a considerable amount of money can be spent in persuading voters to support an idea or cause. Second, voters may embrace an idea or cause, such as lowering taxes, because it sounds ideal when, in practice, it could lead to financial disaster. Disadvantages of Democracy Making the wrong choice In a democratic country, it is the common man who has the supreme right to choose their legislature and their prevailing authorities. As per a general study, not all the people are completely conscious of the political circumstances in their nation. The common masses may not be acquainted of the political matters in their society. This may lead to common man taking an erroneous selection during election. Authorities May Lose focus As the government is bound to changes and modification after each election tenure, the authorities may function with a interim objective. Since they have to go through an election procedure after the conclusion of each tenure, they may lose focus on functioning effectively for the citizens and  instead might concentrate on winning elections. Hordes Have Influence A further disadvantage of democracy is that hordes can manipulate citizens. People may vote in support of a party under the pressure of the bulk. Constrained or influenced by the ideas of those around, an individual may not put across his/her accurate judgment. Democracy averts radicalism and encourages teamwork and synchronization. It also slows things down, stops those in authority doing what they wish regardless of the majority’s desires. Since the military incursion into the Nigerian political scene on January 15, 1966, all the woes of this country are placed on the military. Most Nigerians do not want to hear the word â€Å"military†. They see the military as synonymous with evil. But does the military symbolize evil? Colonel Muamma Gaddafi is a military officer who seized power from the Libyan Monarch in 1969. Colonel Muamma Gaddafi as a military leader, was able to transform Libya to the envy of the world so much that other nationals including Nigerians are queuing at the Libyan embassy for her visa. Under a military leadership in Libya, Nigerians are rushing to the country on a daily basis because the country has a lower inflation of 1% than that of Nigeria which is 20% and a per capita of $8,400 while Nigeria’s per capital is $50. If military regime is synonymous with evil, why are Nigerians running from a country that is under civil rule to a country which is under a military leader? Ghana, our neighbouring West African country was also transformed from a corrupt and poverty stricken nation it was, to a transparent and an accountable nation by a military officer, Flight lieutenant, John Jerry Rawlings. At the moment, Nigerians are running to live in Ghana because the country has improved tremendously in terms of economy and infrastructural development. Ghana has also attained democratic growth and stability having transited from one democratically elected government to another two times. However, let us now compare and contrast the difference between military and civil rules in Nigeria. Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Out of the 50 years of Nigeria’s existence as an independent  nation, the military has ruled the country for 29 years. Within the 29 years the military ruled the country, 3 years were used to prosecute the Nigerian civil war, between 1967 to 1970, this means the military actually spent 26 years to rule the country. Out of the 50 years of the nation’s existence, civilians have ruled for 21 years. So, the difference between the years the military have ruled the country and those of civilians nine years. The questions one is asking are, if the military has destroyed the country within the space of 29 years as claimed by the civil leaders, can’t the civil leaders repair it within a space of 21 years? How long does it take to repair what is damaged? What has the civilian leaders be able to remedy since they have been ruling the country? Since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, we are still hearing the same old song by politicians, â€Å"You know the military have destroyed the country and you know that it is not easy to repair what has been destroyed†. I find this excuse unacceptable to the Nigerian people because something that was destroyed can be repaired. For instance, Germany, France, Austria etc were devastated during the first and second World War but today they have rebuilt to enviable status. Of all the things the military destroyed, which of them has the civilian leaders been able to put right? Some politicians who are out to deceive the poor masses will say that â€Å"the worst civilian regime is better than military regime.† But is it always true that the worst civilian regime is better than military regime? Politicians are also quick to say that â€Å"at least we can talk now that we are in a civilian regime and that we could not talk during the military administrations.† I found this argument very amusing because our mouths were not muzzled by the military during their administrations. I make bold to say that we spoke more during the military administrations than we do today because then we all saw the military as our common enemy and were united to fight against them. There were so many civil society organizations such as National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which was headed by late Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Campaign for Democracy headed by late Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti, Civil Liberties Organization headed by former President of Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Afenifere, the Yoruba socio- cultural group headed by late Pa Abraham Adesanya, Association of Senior Staff Union of Uni versities, headed by the INEC Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN ), headed by Chief Frank Ovie Kokori etc. These civil society groups spoke openly against the ills of the military and sent them back to the barracks. At that time too, journalists engaged in revolutionary journalism which made the press very vibrant and added impetus to the voice of the masses. During the military era, television and radio stations were mostly owned by both states and the federal governments. DAAR communications, owner of African Independent Television and Ray power Radio station and Minaj television and FM radio station which started in 1994 were the only privately owned broadcast organizations in the country, the rest belonged to both the states and federal governments. Would the governments have allowed the masses to use their media to criticize them? There is no government that allows such a thing in any part of the world. Let us assume that we did not talk during military administrations, what have we achieved since 1999 that we have been talking? Have those who claimed to be representing us both in th e State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly ever taken our advise? We said the National Assembly should pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law, have they done it since it was introduced into the house? We said the Justice Mohammed Uwais recommendations on Electoral Reform be adopted by the National Assembly, have they adopted them? The Federal Government has earmarked #6.6 billion towards the celebration of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary, which the masses condemned in totality, yet the Federal Government is bent on wasting such amount of money on the celebration of failure. Will the States and Federal Governments ever listen to the masses? We said the huge allowances our so call representatives are receiving should be reduced, did they agree to reduce their allowances? A senator receives #45 million allowance quarterly, while each member of the House of Representatives receives #27.2 million allowance quarterly. Each senator receives #500 million constituency development allowance yearly which is not accounted for. Their salaries and other benefits are not included these allowances. Is there justification for such huge allowances considering the fact that they sit for 180 days in a year? Can we say with a sense of pride that the lives of Nigerians have improved positively since we returned to democracy in 1999? Let me make it clear that democracy is not just about having freedom to talk, it goes beyond mere talking. Democracy is about quality leadership that translates  into accelerated development and growth in all areas of human aspirations. Democracy goes beyond just having civilians in government. Any administration, be it military or civil government that cannot better or improve the lives of the people is a monumental failure. The main purpose of governance is to coordinate and harness the wealth of the people for an effective development that will enhance the standard of living of the people. Have we seen such achievements and development since 1999? Let us compare and contrast civil administrations since 1999 till date and military administrations from 1985 till 1999 when the military handed over the reins of power to civilians. We shall start this comparison with the economy. Before the civilians took over government in 1999, a 50 kg bag of rice was sold for N2,500, today it is selling for N8,000. A small bag of beans that was sold for N1,800, now sells for as much as N7,000. Is this not outrageous. Before the commencement of the Obasanjo’s regime in 1999, Nigerians were able to eat twice daily. Morning and night, which was popularly called one –zero-one. At present, most Nigerians eat once daily, which is popularly called zero – one- zero. Is this not regression? If the agricultural sector is well funded and productive, why are prices of foodstuffs on the increase? The unemployment rate has gone up drastically because many industries are closing down while some are relocating to our neighbouring countries due to lack of regular supply of electricity. The Obasanjo’s regime in 1999, inherited 3,500 megawatts of electricity from the military, today it has reduced to a mere 2,500 megawatts for a population of 150 million people. The problems of industries and other organizations that consume large quantity of electricity are compounded as a result of the high cost of petroleum products such as petrol and diesel. These products are used to power generators which provide alternative power for industries. As at the time Nigeria return to democracy in 1999, the prices of petroleum product were cheap. But before ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, who also doubled as petroleum minister, left office in 2007, he had increased the prices of these products eleven times. A litre of kerosene that cost N9.00 in 1999, now sells for N125.00. Petrol that cost N11.00 at that time, now goes for N65.00 while diesel that cost N10.00 then now sells for N120 per litre.

Plastic Water Bottles Essay

Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to stop using plastic bottles because of the health concerns and its harmful effects on the environment. Introduction: How many people know that in the Pacific Ocean there’s a huge island consisting of plastic bags, bottles, and even toys that’s estimated to be twice the size of Texas? For those you didn’t know now you do, environmentalists refer to this island as the Great Plastic Vortex. As plastic use increases, the vortex will only grow more and more. In 2007 8. billion tons of bottled waters were sold, so the number of plastic water bottles is only increasing and ends up accumulating to the great plastic vortex. We can start helping the environment by stopping the usage of plastic water bottles. Thesis statement: Plastic water bottles are being questioned about their safety to both our health and our environment as well. Preview: Today, we will discuss the problems that come about with plastic water bottles and the causes and solutions to help our health and our environment as well. Body: I. There are multiple problems with plastic water bottles, which include danger to people’s health and the harmful effects to our environment. A. Plastic bottles contain a toxin called BPA, which can be a danger to our health. 1. According to Kate Barrett from ABC News, retrieved on April 15, 2008, a report found that exposure to this toxin could have effects on young children and infants by causing changes in the brain development. 2. As we are being exposed to this toxin at younger ages, we stand a higher risk of diseases and health problems. B. There are several ways in which plastic bottles are harmful to the environment. In an article on October 29, 2007 issue of Blast Magazine, Jack Bell says and I quote plastic generates toxic emissions and pollutants that contribute to global warming. 2. As a result of this, promoting the usage of plastic bottles will only create more chaos to our environment. Transition: The problems of the BPA’s potential to harm people combined with the dangerous effects of plastic water bottles on the environment can be associated with two main causes, which we will now go into. I. The two specific causes can be identified as: consumer’s ignorance and the producers lack of responsibility. A.  Consumers have certain habits that don’t even faze them; it is in fact second nature to them. 1. Plastic water bottles are meant for one time use only, yet tons of people reuse them. Most of us think using the same bottle again helps the environment as well as saves us money, but it may be costing us our health. 2. According to the â€Å"Time Magazine†, Lisa Cullen says, plastic bottles are meant for disposable and for one time use only. Reusing them causes bacteria to build up, spreading it throughout the mouth. B. The food and drug administration has deemed BPA safe, but studies and research doubt their decision. 1.  According to the â€Å"Time Magazine†, Bryan Walsh states this toxin might be linked to a variety of diseases, such as cancer and reproductive problems. 2. Even though the FDA has been unintentionally endorsing the use of this chemical, they have been effectively exposing people. Transition: Now that we have explored the causes, we examine the solutions we can do ourselves personally. II. Most of the solutions have to do with a little bit of self -effort. A. One solution is to write to the members of congress, the FDA, and/or the governor to urge for stricter regulations for bottled water labeling, public disclosure, and safety. .The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recommends writing to producers to display information about whether it has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. 2. According to the natural resources defense council there approach will be to write about setting strict limits about contamination and bacteria. B. Another solution is to try to use a non-plastic water bottle. It is recommended that people try to change to either stainless steel or aluminum water bottles. Conclusion: I. Conclusively, now you are aware of the dangers of plastic, more importantly plastic water bottles. With a better understanding of what is causing these problems-consumers ignorance as well as the producers lack of responsibility- we can concentrate on solving this threat. II. As more and more water bottles are disposed, they are only adding to the already giant land fields of plastic bottles. As more and more people drink from water bottles, it is only causing a higher risk for health problems. III. We can take from this as a realization- we need to start doing our part to help save our environment as well as our health.

Lb160 Etma 01

LB160 eTMA 01 Summary of case study on Brompton Bicycles Brompton Bicycles, estimate this year they will sell 19,000 folding bikes with profits of ? 925,000 before tax but they plan to to boost production to 50,000 bikes a year with a ? 1million production revamp and a big sales push focused overseas. The company is aware they need to see significant sales growth both in the Uk and overseas if they want to stay a competitor in the fast growing global market, but they have encountered problems such as capacity and slow production times along with patents which expired 8 years ago.Although they are still covered by copyright other competitors can copy the invention. There is also the problem of being based in London so the company does not benefit from the low wage structure of Taiwan, where 80% of bikes are made. Brompton are unwilling to relocate as they have had to train most of its 85 staff in specific skills.Brompton are competitive in other cost areas as they have kept changes to their bikes minimal over the past 20 years so have been able to invest in tools and all their previous marketing has been through word of mouth, which they do need to focus on in the future. Although competitors may compare on quality and undercut them on price, last year one competitor made 350,000 bikes, Brompton believes in engineering ethos and producing bikes which are built to last so does not want to lose sight of the quality of their bikes and become a mainstream dealer, as this would lose its appeal.

Executive Summary (Benchmark Assessment) Essay

3. The benefits of the program or project 4. The cost or budget justification. 5. The basis upon which the program or project will be evaluated. Share your written proposal with your manager, supervisor or other colleague in a formal leadership position within a health care organization. Request their feedback using the following questions as prompts: 1.Do you believe the proposal would be approved if formally proposed? 2.What are some strengths and weaknesses of the proposal? Submit the written proposal along with the â€Å"Executive Summary Feedback Form.† Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Only Word documents can be submitted to Turnitin.The RN to BSN program at Grand Canyon University meets the requirements for clinical competencies as defined by CCNE and AACN using non-traditional experiences for practicing nurses. These experiences come in the form of direct and indirect care experiences in which licensed nursing students engage in learning within the context of their hospital organization, their specific care discipline and their local communities. This activity is intended to foster demonstration of skills related to leadership and management. Share your written proposal with your manager, supervisor or other colleague in a formal leadership position within a health care organization. Request  their feedback using the following questions as prompts: 1.Do you believe the proposal would be approved if formally proposed? 2.What are some strengths and weaknesses of the proposal?

Discussion # 8 and # 9 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion # 8 and # 9 - Research Paper Example Obama care will cover all the populace, but by 2016 there will still be 30 million uninsured Americans, but they will be mostly those who cannot afford insurance or private medical treatment and fall in the gaps (Gregory, 2013). A Harvard study established that at this rate a huge number between 26,000 to 37,000 Americans will die because of not receiving medical coverage (Gregory, 2013). The major stake holders are the Policy Makers, Health Care providers, pharmaceutical companies, American Nurses Association and the patients who will be subjected to the policy (Bright, 2013; beforeitsnews, 2013; Front, 2009; PBS, 2009). It has been argued that setting criteria for people to be eligible for insurance in not ethical and also the cost of the insurance can be a heavy burden with lesser provision; especially when the burden of the policy is falling in major on the tax payers (Vecchione, 2012). Rather than focusing on health assurance and disease prevention, the Affordable care act focuses on disease treatment. Although America invests $70 billion into health care every year, the annual life span of an individual is 60 to 70 years (Coburn, 2013). A proposal must be written to propagate healthy life style and living; should be forwarded in the city council meeting and discussed there (Anderson and Mcfarlane, 2011. pp. 123-125). The concerned health care givers and stake holders of the community should be involved in the process. Vaccination and annual complete checkup should be an integral part of the disease prevention policy. After the disease prevention policy has been formulated adoption by community health centres and agencies. Educational and awareness programs should be arranged for people and even concerned authorities. The agencies should ensure adoption by hospitals, care givers, care providing facilities and homes. Charts should be maintained and individuals informed of their upcoming checkups. Monitory penalty in form of health neglect should be

Interpretation of Hamlet Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Interpretation of Hamlet - Term Paper Example So, Hamlet becomes the object of counter revenge, Laertes seeking requital for the murder of his father. By the last act of the play, after his adventures at sea, Hamlet is utterly convinced of the rightness of his cause and necessity of killing Claudius, whom he describes as a cancer in society. He himself sees as a humble instrument of heaven, and to fail his duty in removing that cancer would be at the peril of his own soul. Hamlet ends in Victory and failure. The possibility that a man has been picked out to do a deed which society condemns but which a higher, divine authority sanctions is balanced against the possibility that Ghost led Hamlet into delusion and error, and bewildered him till he died. Shakespeare’s Hamlet falls in the category of revenge play. It is called so as he has to avenge the death of his father whom he believes, has been murdered. This seems to be confirmed by the ghost as well. Is the presence of Ghost a hallucination or reality, it could never be confirmed but ghost gives Hamlet a motive, motive to avenge for his father’s death. His father’s death is a shock to him, when he arrives home he finds his mother already married to Claudius, his uncle and assuming the Thorne. Everything appears fishy to Hamlet .He is unable to understand this fact how his own mother could haste into new marriage bed when his father’s funeral ground is still fresh .There is no one to tell him the truth he cannot trust anyone even his own mother. Hamlet has no other way to extract the truth but to feign madness. A theme is defined as a central idea, which a literary works convey. There are various themes that run in Hamlet. The first theme that is found in this work of Shakespeare is the Revenge. Hamlet is at the core a revenge tragedy. It is his desire for the vengeance that leads to his down fall. The revenge tragedy was first introduced in Greece and on Elizabethan revenge tragedies we find large influence of Seneca, a Roman P laywright. A revenge play revolves around the crime committed. The crime is essentially committed but the culprit is unpunished by the standard laws of justice. Now, someone needs to take this responsibility and when Ghost of the king confirms Hamlet about the unjust happening, Hamlet rouse up for vengeance. Another theme is the complexity of action. The action is present in every revenge play but in Hamlet it becomes intricate because the protagonist undergoes a series of thought before performing any action. He is affected by rational and emotional considerations. He thinks too ethically and he broods on the consequence of his action. But when he prefers to act he does it blindly and recklessly .His dilemma is to be or not to be (Act III, Scene II).It is this impasse that makes him a greatest tragic hero. The third theme that Hamlet deals with is the mystery of Death. Throughout the play Hamlet ponders on the idea of death. He thinks about death and the spiritual aftermath. He is so preoccupied with the entire idea that he starts thinking about his own death. He is frustrated of the world around him and ponders suicide but what stops him is this question-Is suicide legitimate in Christianity? He fears if he commits suicide then he would be condemned to eternal sufferings of the hell. His misery is that he is unable to reconcile with his father’s sudden death, his mother’s indifference and his uncle’s apathy. His sufferings are endless. Theme of corruption is