Abstract This paper begins by looking at Plato's views on education in which he believes that educators must have a deep concern for the well-being and future of their subjects. He believed that education is a moral industry and the goal of educators should be to search for truth and virtue. They should use this truth and virtue to guide those that they teach. It then shows how John Locke's thoughts in "Some Thoughts Concerning Education" was similar to Plato's views in "The Republic", as Locke asserted that the goal of education is not to create a scholar, but rather to create a virtuous man.
From the Paper Plato revealed his ideas for an ideal society in The Republic, providing great detail regarding the shape and curriculum of an educational system. According to Plato, in an ideal society, the guardian class would be solely responsible for overseeing all matters. As an ideal society would already be perfect, there would be no need for change. Every person would have his place and slaves, craftsmen and merchants would understand what was expected of them. Slaves would serve others. Craftsmen and merchants would serve apprenticeships. And the guardian class would be educated to become rulers."
Abstract The writer of this paper believes that the entire story of Frankenstein provides the reader with a walk through the theory of Marxism and its foundational characteristics as well as a proposal about why Marxism did not succeed. The paper shows sections of the story of Frankenstein and compares them to the theory and beliefs of Marxism, exploring their similarities and differences.
From the Paper "Throughout history authors have used their works to present messages to the society that reads them. It is not always intentional, but as the story begins to unfold the similarities and differences to various political and social theories begin to present themselves. The story may take a direction that at first does not appear to be at all related to the theory in question but once the top layer is peeled off and the underpinnings are completely examined it becomes clear. One example of such literature is the story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This story at first glance appears to be about a man creating a monster, but when one examines the underlying and subtle messages provided throughout the book one will see the clear cut comparison of the story to the theory or Marxism."
Abstract This paper basically begins with a brief introduction to social security and how the money is distributed. It then gives a list of stakeholders (people interested and effected by the outcome of social security), with explanations of why they are stakeholders. The paper then describes the three main alternatives to the present system (raising taxes, cutting benefits or privatization). The author of the paper then proposes a solution to the social security problem (with costs, benefits and reasons for choosing the solution).
From the Paper "The future of Social Security has become an important topic of debate around the nation. Social Security, a pay-as-you-go system, is expected to start paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes by 2017. The program is financed by 12.4% payroll tax which is divided between the employee and the employer. Social Security needs to be reformed, and it needs to be done quickly. America will face a crisis in the upcoming decade if nothing is done to improve the system."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyze "The Prince" by Machiavelli. Specifically, the paper discusses what Machiavelli believes are the qualities of the best rulers and of the best states. It also attempts to answer the questions: Why does he support these qualities? Why does one need to have such qualities? Is Machiavelli right? The paper then uses an example of a good ruler and shows that he (or she) has these qualities. The writer claims that Machiavelli's work "The Prince" illustrates how power and those who wield it have not changed throughout the centuries.
From the Paper "The Prince" is probably one of Machiavelli's best-known works. He wrote it in 1513 to gain favor with the Medici family, actually the ruling "princes" of Italy at the time. He also wrote it to urge them to fight the "barbarians" who continually invaded Italy during his lifetime, thus tuning it into the "battleground of Europe." However, the book did not gain him favor or a place in the Medici's powerful political domain, as he had hoped. In fact, the book was not published until at least 15 years after he wrote it, which occurred after his death."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the Fourth Amendment, the amendment itself and whether the rights covered are threatened today. Considering the current political climate in the United States since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, this paper discusses whether searches and seizures are unconstitutional when the nation's security is at risk.
From the Paper "Americans hold very dear the Bill of Rights. Among the ten amendments that make up the Bill of Rights is the Fourth, one many refer to as the most ambiguous of the all the amendments. Search and seizure law is drawn from the Fourth and over the years the Supreme Court has come to view that its main purpose is the protection of a citizen's property and privacy. However, according to the conclusion of the Court, the Fourth Amendment does not ?protect all property interests or apply to all situations where people might wish to protect their privacy.? Perhaps, never has this amendment felt more threatened than today. The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, spurred the White House Administration to create the office of Homeland Security and pass the Homeland Security Act, an act many feel treads on citizens? rights protected by the Bill of Rights, in particular Fourth Amendment. "
This paper explains what the trade deficit is, what causes it and how and why it is growing at the rate that it is. It discusses whether or not the trade deficit presents any kind of problem or risk to our economy as well as some possible solutions.
Abstract Hearing media reports of America's trade deficit most people are led to believe that it represents a drain on our economy and is caused by unfair trade practices of other nations. This paper explains why these notions are not entirely true. Both the upside and the downside of the trade deficit are discussed. It explains why foreign investments are the driving force behind the trade deficit, why protectionist policies are not effective in reducing it, and why it is part of a growing economy. It examines the potential risk inherent in an ongoing trade deficit and discusses what our government could do to bring it under control.
From the Paper "The United States' trade deficit, also known as the current account deficit, is a measure of the balance of the flow of goods, services, and investments between the United States and the rest of the world. In other words it is the difference between how much we are selling to the rest of the world and how much we are buying from the rest of the world. A country that is selling more than it is buying is said to have a trade surplus. A country that is buying more than it is selling is said to have a trade deficit. The United States has been running a trade deficit for many years and in recent years it has been rising rapidly."
Abstract This paper looks at classical theorists such as Karl Marx and Max Weber, as well as modern theorists such as Ralph Dahrendorf, Lewis Coser, Randall Collins and Immanuel Wallerstein. The different views they have of conflict theory are then be applied to the war in Iraq. Once an understanding of conflict theory is established based on how these particular theorists choose to view it, a comparison and contrast of the beliefs that they hold is discussed as well.
From the Paper "Classical theorists include Karl Marx and Max Weber. Karl Marx is basically the father of conflict theory, and many of the conflict and other social theories around today came from his beliefs and opinions. Marx believed in a materialist view of history, and saw the most important part of a social life as being the work that individuals were doing. This was especially true of work that resulted in the basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, and food. The value of society therefore resulted from human labor, and everything that men and women were doing to create society and shape it actually created the conditions for their very own existence (McClelland, 2000)."
Abstract The Monkey Wrenches are a group of people who travel through the United States, protesting against the violation of natural desert by man-made construction sites, their motto being "Keep it Like It Was". This paper discusses the book "The Monkey Wrench Gang," by Edward Abbey. Specifically, it discusses where 'Monkey Wrenching' fits into protest politics as a bridge to mass movement politics. It also questions whether Monkey Wrenching is part of the fabric of participatory democracy. Finally, the paper questions whether Monkey Wrenching has a place in our participatory representative democracy, despite it being extraordinary politics.
From the Paper "Anyone who engages in political protest as the Monkey Wrench Gang does is engaging in extraordinary politics, outside the "normal" boundaries of political behavior. America is known for these political struggles of revolt and protest, from the war protesters during the 60s, who finally helped bring an end to the Vietnam War, to the Monkey Wrench Gang, who band together to fight a common enemy, the destruction of their beloved desert Southwest. Political protest does not always work, but it usually gains attention for the cause, and brings others to join the bandwagon. That is part of the purpose of political revolt, to bring the problem out in the open and get others involved. In the case of the Monkey Wrench Gang, they created an environmental movement called "Earth First!" that still exists today. Civil disobedience and political revolt are the ultimate form of democratic struggle, for it is almost always only found in a democratic system, where people are free to speak their minds, even if they do not speak the most popular notions."
Abstract An historical analysis of the women's suffrage movement, which resulted in eventual equal voting rights for women in America. This paper recants the struggles, beginning in 1647 and ending in 1920 when women finally obtained a Constitutional amendment that gave them the right to vote. The paper includes some information about the significant women who led the way for women rights throughout history.
From the Paper "Women in the United States made the fight for suffrage their most fundamental demand because they saw it as the defining feature of full citizenship. The philosophy underlying women's suffrage was the belief in "natural rights" to govern themselves and choose their own representatives. Woman's suffrage asserted that women should enjoy individual rights of self-government, rather than relying on indirect civic participation as the mothers, sisters, or daughters of male voters. However, most men and even some women believed that women were not suited by circumstance or temperament for the vote. Because women by nature were believed to be dependent on men and subordinate to them, many thought women could not be trusted to exercise the independence of thought necessary for choosing political leaders responsibly."
Abstract A experiential critique of Federalist paper number 10 by James Madison. By understanding the theory of 'union' in a republican democracy, we can learn how Madison argues for his case, and why it is erroneous on certain merits.
Abstract A position paper on George W. Bush's projected re-election campaign in 2004. Cites examples from Gore/Bush race in 2000, as well as news articles and official Bush platform material. Draws on the integrity of his cabinet members as well as his own personal standard of honesty. Emphasis on educational reforms and foreign policy, projected successes.
Abstract In the case of the managed care systems, which seek to accept certain candidates for their facilities, it is clear that money and disability of the older patient is a bar to entrance. This is major problem in the world of health care and this paper will help to see other methodologies and motivations to help bring the older patient back to the family structure or otherwise called: home care. The aim of this paper will be to understand the possibilities and to educate on the proposition of home care for the elderly in today's world.
Abstract The appropriate role of government in the economy is an issue that has been long debated. Several hundred years into the debate, no solid answer exists. Throughout the 20th century alone, several different forms of governance have been attempted, and while some have been more successful than others, the prevailing mixed economy (limited laissez faire) used in most developed countries seems to offer a reasonably decent solution. The key to this form of economy, it seems, is flexibility; with the government more active at some times than others. Good leaders know where the strengths of capitalism lay and what its limitations are. The proper role of government, in this broad sense, is to maximize the benefits of capitalism by staying out of the economy, but exerting some influence in areas where capitalism is deficient.
Abstract The debate over the phenomenon of globalization with respect to culture is comprised of a number of different arguments and perspectives. This paper will examine three of these arguments: (1) globalization of culture as technological imperialism; (2) globalization represents the "Americanization" of local cultures; and (3) globalization is inevitable.
Abstract The first of these two essays examines why Mohandas Gandhi, despite having neither an army nor a formal title, was able to turn a small independence movement into a massive campaign that eventually forced the British to agree to India's Independence. The author discusses Gandhi's personal qualities and presents examples of why Gandhi succeeded. The second essay, discusses why Gandhi's non-violence, non-cooperation campaign was a key to India's ultimate success in gaining Independence from the British without a costly war, and explains why this type of civil disobedience tactic is still effective today.
