Abstract This is a detailed descriptive, persuasive paper about the effects of cloning including many of the ethical issues. It is more of a pro cloning paper then a con. The author discusses how cloning is accomplished and clearly defines many difficult biological terms, and the opposition's viewpoint.
From the Paper "Can you imagine a world full of people with the same genetic makeup? That would be the scenario if the technology to clone humans fell in to the wrong hands. Many people, when they think of cloning, think of a mass production of one particular race and morality concerns. This simply is not true. Cloning can be a useful tool in helping people with disabilities or life threatening illnesses. Cloning should continue to take place in today's society only if its results would be used to benefit the human race. In today's society, many people are concerned with the ethics of some of the advances in biological technology. Bio-technology had advanced so much, that ethics are a major concern to scientists and the people that fund their research. They have to make sure that they are not "playing God" and that their research has some significance to it, but many people wonder if cloning research is really necessary. They think that scientists are performing these cloning experiments just because they have the technology to do so and that they have no significance to them what so ever. This is a common misconception that the average person has. Cloning is being researched today in order to find alternative treatments to diseases that affect certain organs or tissue. Many more people will be willing to accept the concept of cloning and its role in the benefit of the human race if they knew just a little more about the subject."
Abstract This paper is an argument in favor of the death penalty. The author uses several examples to support his position, including the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States and the Oklahoma City bombings in 1991. The author looks at how, since colonial times, it has become progressively more difficult to be sentenced to death. The author also presents evidence that the death penalty does serve as a deterrent for some criminals. The author also states that especially since September 11 there has been a change in many people's feelings about capital punishment, and this evolution needs to be acknowledged when deciding when to apply the death penalty.
From the Paper "Once upon a time the things for which you could be sentenced to death were not so heinous. For example, in colonial America, ?offenses such as striking one's mother or father, or denying the "true God," were punishable by death.? However, that is no longer the case. Surely if we had such small crimes, no one in this modern age would care. But today we have ?More executions now per year than in any single year between 1600 and 1880.? Why? Because today there are more criminals that deserve to die. There is no state today where deny God can get you executed. The only capital crimes in America are murder along with (in various states) kidnapping, narcotics conspiracies, and treason. Despite the fact that we have more executions now than ever before, there is still a decrease in real punishment. ?Indeed, a calculating criminal might look at the extreme rarity of the death penalty and thereby be encouraged in his murderous course.? While we executed criminals every year, there are thousands more we fail to execute, and thousands more that spend the entirety of their natural lives on death row appealing their fates. This is not right."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial topic of abortion in the U.S., particularly non-surgical abortion through the use of the pill RU-486. The author looks at the social, legal, political, and cultural issues surrounding the abortion pill.
From the Paper "Into what is already one of the most intense and polarizing ethical and philosophical issues of the late 20th century in the United States ? the debate over induced abortion ?moves a new element, the medical (i.e. non-surgical) form of abortion that is produced by the use of the drug commonly known as RU-486, recently approved for use in this country by the Federal Drug Administration. Proponents of the drug believe that it will make abortion more accessible to American women as well as less traumatic, both because it can be performed earlier in a pregnancy than a surgical abortion and because the woman herself is more actively engaged in the process. And because RU-486 can be taken in any doctor's office, women will not have to brace the nearly constant protests at abortion clinics, another factor that should alleviate the difficulty in obtaining abortions."
Tags: abortion, clinic, pill, doctor, fda, france, women, united, states, pregnancy, unwanted, Mifepristone, drug, surgical
Abstract A thorough discussion of the history and pros and cons of cloning in general. This paper supports cloning humans to help humanity so long as the ability is not abused. Topics presented include natural clones and philosophical, physical, medical and various other issues.
From the Paper "The word "cloning" once brought to mind a vast array of ideas and thoughts often possible only within the context of science fiction, and yet our technology has now reached a stage in which possibility has become reality. In 1996, the first successful mammalian clone was created and named Dolly - a sheep born asexually who had the exact same genetic sequence as her mother (Hawker). Recently, in 2001 a human embryo was cloned and grew to the 6 cell stage before it died (Hill). These two events have raised an enormous amount of questions surrounding the ethics and benefits of cloning. Even though cloning exists in nature (Identical Twins, bacteria, most unicellular organisms, plants not from seeds, some algae and fungi, many Invertebrates are all natural clones), there is a sense of taking evolution and nature into our own hands by cloning?most especially in context to cloning human beings (Hawker). There are strong arguments both for and against cloning, but I believe cloning is only feasible to help humanity so long as it is not abused."
Abstract The paper shows how stem cell research has quickly made its way into the media headlines and is among one of the most controversial subjects in America today. The debate on whether or not to use stem cells for research is a scientific one, but it has also become a political question, as well. The paper explores the ongoing conflict between pro-life advocates who feel that the moral costs of the research far outweigh any potential benefits and the scientists, who see the possibilities of research as awe-inspiring and bewildering - and yet no one denies the moral dilemma of the stem cell debate.
From the Paper "Women who are having abortions are obviously pro-choice, and most likely believe that human personhood begins much later in pregnancy. They probably see the killing of surplus embryos to be acceptable morally, especially if it offers so many potential benefits to the advancement of mankind. What would happen to these stem cells if they were not donated to research? The answer is nothing. The abortion already happened. The stem cells are ready for use but if not donated, they would go to waste."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of euthanasia and attempts to define whether euthanasia should be considered morally wrong or right. In order to give an answer to this question and as part of con and pro arguments several cases of voluntary and involuntary euthanasia are discussed in this paper. The case of Robert Latimer occupies a central place in this discussion and ultimately brings into the debate several moral principles-- benefit, sanctity of human life and autonomy.
From the Paper "Robert Latimer's trial was described in the press as "Trial by popularity" and as newspapers' headlines stated "despite his second murder conviction, Latimer retains legal and public support" regardless of the fact that he caused death of his 12 year old disabled daughter by carbon monoxide. Support and sympathy for Latimer has poured in from all parts of Canada bringing with it the question of the moral rightness of what Tracy's father did."
Abstract This paper explains, compares and evaluates gun control in the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Switzerland and Japan. The author concludes that in the United States guns are so much a part of the culture that gun control alone is not enough. The United States must combine sensible gun laws with efforts to change the culture that values easy access to guns for gaining personal power.
From the Paper "The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution says,
?A well regulated militia, being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.? The United States Constitution was completed in 1787, not long after the citizens of the newly-formed country had formed militias, taken up their personal arms, marched to war, and won a revolutionary war to create one of the most powerful and influential countries ever seen. It is hard to imagine our Constitution being written without that amendment, given the times in which it was written."
Tags: second, amendment, united, states, constitution, culture, national, rifle, association, nra, netherlands, great, britain, handguns, switzerland, japan
Abstract A paper which presents a detailed discussion about the war on terrorism and the media's manipulation of the war. The writer outlines the societal views of the US attacks on Middle Eastern soil. The writer also describes the way the media has manipulated society members regarding the attacks by refusing to cover certain issues and cooperating with the US government.
From the Paper "One of the earliest ways that the media began to manipulate the world opinion about the United States attack in the Middle East was its coverage of Bin Laden's reaction to the attacks on 9-11. The media on an almost world wide basis began to claim in November that Bin Laden had proclaimed credit was his for the attacks(Truth pg 10). Media in the United States, Britain, New Zealand and other nations insisted that he had admitted, "we did it" (Truth pg 10). It was reported that he confessed on a news network in England. This would have a very heavy impact on the way society would view Bin Laden and the war against the Middle East. Until this occurred, America as well as other nations were outraged at the attacks on America which killed thousands of civilians but there was a hesitation about who to attack. "
Abstract This paper studies the immediate effects of the attack and its influence on the U.S. economy. It then moves on to the event's international impact, namely, the threat of the first synchronized world recession of the globalization era. Surveys are cited and the importance of globalization to the U.S. is explored. It concludes with an inclusion of the positive aspects of terrorism's influence on globalization.
From the Paper "On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States resulting in the destruction of the Twin Towers and the deaths of thousands. As a result, the repercussions of the attacks have rippled through the American economy and affected the phenomenon of globalization.
"As a result of the terrorism attacks, many businesses were forced to shut down or downsize; travel and luxury industries experienced an enormous blow; and trade around the world decreased."
Abstract This paper examines the issues involved in assisted suicide.The writer describes the difference between physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. The writer explains that physician-assisted suicide is carried out with the consent of a competent and terminally ill patient. Euthanasia, on the other hand, is basically mercy killing. The writer discusses personal opinions and views concerning the "die with dignity" issues.
From the Paper "When we think of assisted suicide, most of us immediately think of Dr. Jack Kevokian, the retired pathologist who was sentenced to two terms of imprisonment in 1999 for helping a man suffering from a terminal disease to die (Humphrey 2002). Assisted suicide is a very passionate issue of debate in this country. There are numerous ethical and moral considerations aside from the legal aspects of the practice. The topic is as controversial as abortion and capital punishment. Most everyone has a deep-rooted belief one way or the other, they are either for or against, few ride the middle ground. It has been my observation that those in favor of pro-life are more likely to favor capital punishment and oppose assisted suicide, and those in favor of abortion and assisted suicide are more likely to oppose the death penalty. It is indeed a passionate issue and will continue to be debated for years to come."
Abstract The paper examines the use of money-laundering to fund illegal activities and terrorism. It describes the basic criminal reasons for laundering money from the view of government, in legitimizing large amounts of illegally acquired money and methods used in doing so. The paper illustrates how large this criminal activity is globally and calls for a global solution.
From the Paper "Recent events such as the World trade Tower attack, the war on terrorism and the collapse of several giants such as Enron have brought the subject of money laundering into the forefront of the media. Mass media is inundated with articles and news stories about money laundering, particularly in relation to the funding of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda. Several organizations have dedicated themselves to the study and dissemination of knowledge about money laundering. Both the US government and other governments have developed strong initiatives to detect and deter money-laundering activities across borders."
Tags: world, trade, center, attack, september, 11th, 911, enron, al-qaeda, us, united, states, government, border, national, PATRIOT, ACT, of, 2001
Abstract This paper expresses strong opinions against abortion, equating it with murder. The writer first provides a definition of what abortion is and some background facts and figures about this phenomenon. It then presents the reader with the thesis statement that abortion does equal murder and provides facts to support this statement. The writer also describes personal examples of women who had gone through abortions and their stories.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Abortion Facts
Meaning of Abortion
Thesis Statement: Abortion is Murder.
Definition of Birth
Reasons why Abortion is Murder
Views and Feelings of Women on Abortion
A Statistically Oriented Example
Conclusion
From the Paper "Abortion has been a topic of discussion for long enough to have some people feel that it has been a lifetime. However, that is not true; it goes way longer. Abortion in its own various, special forms has been carried out for as far as the human history can remember; though it is almost certainly true that many of us do not recognize the fact. I have heard from my teachers at school and read in many books that there was a time when new born, not even a day's old, offsprings who were either disabled, mutated or, in some civilizations, were girls, were buried alive, or left in the wild to "live out their destinies". The family or the tribe in which such a "demon" took birth thought it heretical and sarcastically sacrilegious when such a child was born in their community. And now, in these unspeakable days of "technology" and "modernism", as dubbed by many, we know, humorously speaking, sometimes even before the baby is conceived that we do not require it. It is sad, but that is really true. "
From the Paper "Same-sex marriage has never been allowed in law or religious doctrine, but recently Hawaii has passed a law to allow same-sex marriage. Other stats have objected and fear being forced to recognize such unions. Religious leaders protest as well and see such a law as a threat to religious freedom. Many see same-sex marriage as a threat to the definition of marriage and to the family and marital bonds in society as well. The reasons for these objections are analyzed, as well as the reasons why same-sex marriage should not be enacted into law.
The issue to be discussed is whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry one another. There are a number of rationales that have been offered by those in the gay community as to why they should be allowed to marry, and generally the ..."
From the Paper "The death penalty or capital punishment, which is favored by the overwhelming majority of United States citizens, is an expression of the will of the majority in a democratic society. In any society, especially any free society, "punishment is rooted in the idea of conduct that is considered improper by the community as a whole or those to whom its power is delegated" (Harding & Ireland 94). The punishment is, therefore, a reflection of how the community conceives of the crime and how its perceives its own responsibility to respond, as a community, to that crime. No one would disagree that "every murder demands a communal response" but there are those who argue that, even in a civilized democratic society, the nature of the response is not up to the community as a whole (Gelernter 21). They argue that vengeance is a crude response to any crime and, while it may be..."
From the Paper "In providing students with a curriculum that reflects the widest possible range of viewpoints, school administrations increasingly find themselves under attack by opponents of intellectual freedom. Although in some cases the opposition is justified, in others it merely reflects a growing trend toward intolerance. With religious fundamentalism taking a prominent role in local, state, and federal politics, school censorship has become an issue that shows no signs of abating.
Censorship is a critical issue because it is closely related to the function of education in society. From the very beginnings of the public school movement in America, school administrators assumed the dual responsibility of instructing students in the prevailing social and economic values of society...
