Abstract This paper explores how human and embryonic cloning has and will affect our understanding of the nature vs. nurture debate. The paper points out that cloning does not produce individuals identical in personality to the original.
From the Paper "The longstanding controversy over nature vs. nurture is being brought into focus by the introduction of human cloning. In the original debate one faction claimed that a person's nature-heredity and personality-was more important..."
Tags: nature, nurture, cloning, genetic determinism, social determinism
Abstract The different types of stem cell research involve the use of human eggs - and embryos - as intermediates and are at the center of controversy as to whether it should be considered human life. Recent advances are attempting to produce non-embryonic stem cells as well as address the said issue. This paper discusses the nature of stem cells, what they are, how they are produced and the issues surrounding them.
From the Paper "Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop and proliferate into more specialized cells such as neurons or skin cells. These specialized somatic cells comprise the different tissues and organs of the human body. The cloning process currently in use involves the use of the cellular machinery of an egg cell and the genetic material encoded in the nucleus of a somatic cell called somatic cell nuclear transplant (SCNT). First, the egg cell is secured to stabilize it. A needle is inserted into the egg to extract the nucleus and DNA."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the practice of affirmative action, with reference to America's history of discrimination and the Civil Rights movement, from America's beginnings to the present day.
From the Paper "Affirmative action is not a cure at all. It will not eliminate racial discrimination, nor will it eliminate competition the good jobs. Affirmative action programs can only ensure that everyone has a fair chance at what is available. I believe, the larger question to ask is: why are there not enough decent paying, challenging, and safe jobs for everyone? Why are there not enough seats in the universities for everyone who wants an education?"
Abstract This paper analyzes the problem of overpopulation of the human race. The paper focuses on problems of environmental destruction and human consumption and waste production, as well as ways to reduce the human birth rate.
From the Paper "While we humans are growing aware of the need to protect the earth, we are in denial about the main cause of environmental crises: there are too many of us. The problem is that we are exceeding the carrying capacity of our environment. We all must initiate achievable solutions to overpopulation immediately to eliminate the consequences that are occurring at this very moment. An examination of human population growth shows how it has unfavorably affected the environment and offers practical answers to this very complex problem."
Abstract This paper deals with the new attempts to secure airports and airlines after the Sept. 11th attacks. The author argues that passenger safety is more important than the personal rights of any one person. Invasive searches, therefore, are understandable.
From the Paper "With the recent attacks on the US via airline highjacking with box cutters, travelers are questioning airport security standards. It has been suggested that every bag be searched thoroughly for potential weapons. This may be a direct violation of personal privacy but it is in the best interest of citizens across the world. As William Booth and Sara Kehaulani Goo report in the Washington Post Newspaper article entitled Travelers Adjust to New Airline Rules, "some [travelers] wished for even more security measures" (Booth and Goo A1). Items as simple as eyelash curlers, nail files, and spray can deodorant are being confiscated each day in numbers totaling over 5,000 (Booth and Goo A9). To some, this is a hassle but to others this is not enough. These items may be considered dangerous or could lead to fear or serious harm to passengers on airplanes. However, the obvious solution is simple, public safety comes first before any shred of dignity, privacy, or respect."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed description of how the process of cloning is completed. The author discusses the benefits of cloning to our society, as well as the disadvantages. The final section includes the author's own biased conclusion based on his/her research.
From the Paper "Genetic cloning is a scientific practice that will affect our lives for generations to come. Is our society ready for such drastic changes in medicine? Will our government be able to develop legislation that will satisfy both people "for" and "against" cloning? This is perhaps the biggest scientific breakthrough of the century and will surface even more as this practice becomes more popular. Genetic cloning causes more debates and more dilemmas than any other practice in history."
Abstract This paper explains exactly what affirmative action is and how it affects society. The author explains how it could be viewed as reverse discrimination or whether it is just making up for years of mistakes. The author takes a stand and says that affirmative action should be outlawed.
From the Paper "One way that the use of affirmative action can be limited is by giving more money to institutions that have a strong minority population (Sterlitz, 1999). This would give them better opportunities to get a job based on their skill instead of on their race. Sterlitz (1999) says "these institutions would give direction and guidance that is needed by all to play a major role in his/her community."
Abstract This paper discusses how Dr. Victor Frankenstein's creation, thought to be impossible by many, may not be so far fetched in the real world. The author makes comparisons between the monster's creation and modern medical techniques, such as transplantation and cloning.
From the Paper "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein portrays an epic description of immortality. In this movie, many questions are raised dealing with the possibility of raising the dead and living forever. Is this scientifically possible? Is this morally right? Would we be able to handle having this knowledge and only using it when it became appropriate, and in what cases would it ever be appropriate? The answers to these questions are unknown at this moment in time but soon may be unveiled by the flourishing knowledge of science."
Abstract An examination of affirmative action policies in colleges with focus on the treatment of African and Hispanic applications to colleges. The author argues that African and Hispanic admissions are more favorite as well as their admission into the world of work. A discussion of the shortfalls of affirmative action with focus on the system's tendencies to predispose separation.
From the Paper "Webster's New World Dictionary defines affirmative action as ?a policy or program for correcting the effects of discrimination in the employment or education of members of certain groups, as women, blacks, etc. (Lowery, 1995)? Affirmative Action grants preferential treatment to racial minorities. Affirmative Action is also race specific (Williams, 1995). Many people are dedicated to the policy's destruction. Much progress was made in this regard during the "Reagan revolution" (Lowery, 1995). With the GOP in firm control of Congress in 1995 and most of the 50 states, and civil rights groups such as the NAACP weakened, if not under siege, attacks on affirmative action intensified."
Abstract This paper presents the causes and effects of air pollution. Other stratospheric research is concerned with the downward trends in global ozone that have recently been measured over populated regions in the mid altitudes. The author focuses on the various factors associated with global warming.
From the Paper "Air pollution is any visible or invisible substance found in the air that is not part of the normal composition of air. Some air pollution is natural and has always been a part of the earth's history. However, over the past one hundred years or so, pollution created by humans has become a major environmental problem. Natural air pollution has been around for millions of year. Dust and a variety of gases from forest fires, volcanoes, and decaying material in rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water continually enter the atmosphere. Sometimes this natural pollution can have dramatic effects. Air pollution is a major factor in causing humans to get ill. Tuberculosis, bronchitis, heart and chest diseases, stomach disorders, asthma and cancers can all be traced to chemicals in the air. Pesticides and fertilizers release gases and particles into the air which poison people and kill animals."
Tags: ozone, stratosphere, carbon, environmental, dioxide, sulphur, cfc, deforestation, lead
Abstract This paper provides a look at human cloning, and examines the discrimination dimension of the cloning process. The author discusses the pros and cons of cloning, religious opposition, and societal worries. The paper also discusses the problem of overpopulation, financial costs of cloning, and potential discrimination of clones from humans.
From the Paper "Genetics is of increasing importance in the world of the 21st century. New developments in this field are finding more and more applications in every day life. Concerns about this science, due to its inherent conflicts with religious doctrine and traditional norms and unfamiliarity to the public have been frequently presented in the media. Recently, the public perception of genetics has appeared around such as human cloning. While many aspects of this subject are poorly understood, it isn?t in doubt that there raise many questions of great complexity."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial debate over abortion in the United States, as well as the medical aspects of the procedure. The author discusses the difference between induced and spontaneous abortion, alternatives to surgery, the option of adoption, and various abortion rates on a global scale.
From the paper:
"In this day and age, women no longer need to experience giving birth to a child at all. With the legality of abortion, came the option of staying pregnant and giving birth or terminating the pregnancy in the early stages. Abortion is a highly controversial and personal decision. A decision that requires a lot of time for thought. The issue has brought upon a real life tug-of-war match between the pro-lifers and pro-choices. Those who support pro-life beliefs feel that abortion should be abolished and that the laws are too lenient. Those who support pro-choice believe that the decision should lie solely with the mother and laws should not limit her options."
Abstract This paper is a historical analysis of affirmative action in the United States. It covers the period from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the leaders involved in the decision to pass this amendment to the Constitution, and the motivation behind this historic decision. It then compares the policies of more recent years, and shows how the intentions of the originators of this Act have been manipulated, and how the group that it was intended to benefit from these actions, are now suffering reverse discrimination.
From the paper:
"The Declaration of Independence states, "all men are created equal." Our Constitution is based on giving each citizen the same equal rights. However, policies have been implemented since 1961 to go against the words of the founding fathers of this country. Affirmative action is, by definition, "a policy or program for correcting the effects of discrimination in the employment or education of members of certain groups" or "encouragement for increased representation of women and minority-group members, especially in employment." Problems associated with affirmative action include reverse discrimination. Also, merit and accomplishments may be replaced by the requirement of a quota for a certain race or gender."
Abstract This paper looks at both sides of the nuclear power debate. It focuses on global warming, political violence and the likelihood of change. The author looks at Chernobyl, and Three Mile lsland and how activists on both sides used it to further their message. It also looks at different facilities, their monitoring processes and ways to decrease the chances of accidents occurring in these plants. It also looks at recent incidents at nuclear facilities in the United States, Japan and Germany that have led to the re-evaluation of those government's nuclear policies. As a final note, the author presents many examples of demonstrations against the use of nuclear power, worldwide, to show how this has become a global issue.
From the Paper "Yet, dissenting voices call attention to the dangers of nuclear power: specifically, the devastating effects of the explosion at Chernobyl of the former Soviet Union in 1986, and the contamination of the plant Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania which happened earlier, in 1979. The Chernobyl explosion sent nuclear fallout for miles immediately surrounding the plant, making much of the land uninhabitable. In addition, radiation that caused severe environmental damage to the surrounding areas has been attributed to rising cancer rates throughout Europe. Though the plant at Three Mile Island did not suffer such a catastrophe due to a containment facility, which prevented radioactive materials from being released into the atmosphere, and therefore avoided severe environmental damage, the plant is now thoroughly contaminated, and it cannot be destroyed. Environmentalists argue that increased safety precautions are not enough; accidents like the aforementioned can, and will, happen again. The sound the call not for more nuclear power plants, but the halt of production of new nuclear power plants, and in some cases, argue that nuclear energy in its entirety should be phased out of the energy equation (Janger et. al., 219)."
Abstract This paper examines the affects of global warming by utilizing extensive data to support the argument that global warming is a serious issue. This paper argues that he current global warming trend can be halted, but it will take the collaborative efforts of everyone to gradually phase out fossil fuels and replace them with alternative energy sources.
From the Paper "Imagine that you own a piece of beachfront property on the beautiful coast of North Carolina. The house has been in your family for years and you plan on passing it down to your children. In fifty years the ocean will have slowly crept more than halfway up the beach. Every high tide, waves pummel the pilings that support the entire weight of the house. Hurricanes have also become much more frequent and far more powerful. You begin to worry that if this continues, eventually the house will succumb to the forces of nature and crash into the sea. The following year, a devastating class Five hurricane wipes out every home on the beach. All that remains of your once beautiful vacation home is a concrete ..."
