Abstract This paper examines the philosopher John Locke's Locke's theory of empiricism, that everything learned through previous experience, is accurate and relevant in today's society. In particular it shows how although Locke's proposal of empiricism is over 300 years old, all aspects are still applicable and how Locke's rejection of innate ideas, his suggestion that all ideas are a result of reflection and sensation and that observations are either simple or complex, are precise and cannot be disproved in today's society.
From the Paper "Individuals often wonder why humans are able to think abstract thoughts and why animals are incapable of this. Locke proposed that in order for a thought to occur, the two foundations of knowledge must be present. These foundations are: observations of sensation and observations of reflection. External observation such as loud, red and cold are observations of sensation; they come to us through our senses. Internal observations such as thinking, remembering, and perceiving are observations of reflection. Locke states "the senses at first let in particular ideas, and furnish the yet empty cabinet: and the mind by degrees growing familiar with some of them, they are logged in the memory, and names go to them" (Locke, 65). "
Abstract This paper explores the issue of campaign finance reform in the United States. The paper looks at both sides of the issue, the first being the continuing quest for money versus complaints about how money taints the process. The paper looks at all other issues related to this topic including whether money is a corrupting influence, the constitutionality of campaign finance reform. The paper concludes that the issues which divide public and political opinion in the U.S. may not be able to be resolved.
From the Paper "It may be impossible to bring the two sides together. The Supreme Court has ruled that donating money to political parties or candidates is a form of free speech, but this does not mean the practice cannot be better controlled--even speech is not completely unfettered from legal restrictions. For that matter, while donations may be free speech, how candidates spend those donations may not be. Public funding of elections, though, would not undercut the need for these vast amounts of money unless restrictions on spending were also imposed."
Abstract This paper presents a review of the life and career of American President Andrew Johnson. As little is known about this man, the writer provides a background and history of his life and a review of the highlights of his presidency. The writer points out that Johnson was the first president to ever be impeached. The paper compares his presidency to other, possibly more well known presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln. The paper includes a review of the major issues which were present at the time of Johnson's reign, including slavery and the reconstruction of the country after the civil war.
From the Paper "As a matter of fact, neither author really tells us much about Johnson, or even how he was nominated as Lincoln's vice-president. In 1864, as the Republicans re-nominated Lincoln, they nominated Johnson, who was perhaps the most militant Unionist serving in the South, as vice president. It was, in a way, a reward for helping to pass a law in Tennessee which abolished slavery in perpetuity. Thus, a Jacksonian Democrat became the running mate for the Republican President, Lincoln."
Abstract This research paper discusses what has been done in recent years and what can be done in the future to make long term care better for the elderly who are no longer able to care for themselves. It looks at the impact of cost, quality and access of Medicare, Medicaid and new technology in nursing homes. The paper defines what nursing homes are, and how they operate.
From the Paper "The number of elderly who are living longer is on the rise because of new methods of treatments, new medications and use of medical technology to improve their life span. On any given day, nursing homes, or as many are now called, "long-term care facilities", are caring for about one in twenty Americans over the age of 65. Almost half of all Americans turning 65 this year will be admitted into a nursing home at least once. It is projected that in 2020, 40 percent of Americans will die in nursing homes. As the numbers increase in utilization of nursing homes, there is increasing concern about cost, quality and access- concerns that need to get attention."
Abstract This paper begins by describing current statistics relating to poverty in American households. It states that the statistics indicate that poverty is disproportionately higher in single parent families than nuclear families. It looks at the social affect of this phenomena - ranging from abuse, high-school drop out rates, pregnancy and drug usage. It also discusses how poverty affects different ethnic groups in America, with the focus on African-American families.
From the Paper "If current trends continue, especially in metropolitan areas like New York, Aless than half of all children born today will live continuously with their father and mother throughout childhood@ (Whitehead 11). Statistics now reveal that there are more than 11.5 million single-parent families in the U.S. According to the U.S., census bureau, about one-third of these families are poor. Poverty does not come merely from a single parent heading a family, but that the majority of these families are headed by women, who have few job skills, and little time to even work, in order to care for their children. Child support received nationwide in recent years totaled more than $28 billion. And there are few signs of this sort of economic cost of single-parent families, the majority black, of being reduced. Why is family structure a major cause of poverty? One answer is the failing family structure of the urban ghettos: AChanges in the family structure resulting in a decline of husband-wife families@ (Wilson 87)."
Abstract The philosophies of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau encompass a spectrum of thought on how a state should be governed. This paper discusses how at one end is the cynicism of Machiavelli and, to some extent, Hobbes. Their ideas are countered by the democratic optimism of Locke and Rousseau. It shows how, at the heart of each of these essays is each philosopher's assessment of the fundamental character of people and how much they can be trusted to govern themselves.
From the Paper "Throughout The Prince moral codes seem irrelevant to the business of running a state. The survival of the sovereign is the highest priority. At times Machiavelli seems to be writing guidelines for tyrants. According to him, a prince is safer if he is feared rather than loved. It is easier, Machiavelli maintains, for people to offend, or betray, someone they love than someone they fear. How is that fear instilled? ?Fear is maintained by a dread of punishment which never fails.? ( Santoni 120 ).
In Leviathan , Hobbes, like Machiavelli, stresses the importance of a powerful sovereign, however his philosophy of government seems less tyrannical than that of Machiavelli. ?During the time when men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war, and such a war as is of every man against every man.? (Santoni 143)."
Abstract The paper discusses the different forms of political humor available and the range of media now available, from newspaper cartoons to digital clips sent by e-mail. The paper examines how political humor has become an increasingly influential force in the American political scene, with high profile politicians, such as the President, often becoming the main target of jokes. The paper portrays such humor as a useful tool in keeping citizens lighthearted in tense situations.
From the Paper "In the United States, political humor has become a very popular entertaining form of entertainment, and is used as a way to make light of political situations and poke fun at the politicians that have been elected and are in the national spotlight. Political humor has been in newspapers and other forms of mass media since the elections of some of the first politicians. However, unlike the comedians of the French Revolution Era, political humorists today will not be beheaded for making jokes about the president."
Abstract This paper discusses how the attacks on September 11th took the American population by surprise and how they thought they were immune from domestic terror. It demonstrates many of the primary causes of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the resulting effects of such a broad-spectrum attack on the American people. It shows that the perceived false sense of safety and security exhibited by the American people resulted in a complacent attitude within the American government, which affected the effectiveness of the law enforcement agency to prevent the 9/11 attacks. It examines how law enforcement officials overlooked warning signs that may have prevented the attack on the World Trade Center.
From the Paper "What were the causes of the 9/11 tragedies? The effects of the attacks are obvious; the American people find themselves? plunged into a war against a foe unseen. The U.S. government finds itself engaged in conflict unknown. No forewarning existed from our enemy, no warning from our multi-billion dollar defense systems, no prior intent of aggression. How are the American people to know of future impending attacks? What will prevent further terrorist activity and violence from our unforeseen enemy? One can only draw the conclusion that government complacency resulted in overlooking and dismissal of critical intelligence reports and information that might have prevented the World Trade Center attacks, and information that may prevent future attacks."
This paper examines the policy adopted by the U.S. military regarding gays - that if they do not openly announce their sexual orientation, they can not be dismissed.
Abstract This paper argues for the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy claiming that even though it may be considered an infringement on human rights and freedom of expression, it protects the rights of the rest of the military and opens a loophole for gay men to serve in the armed forces. It discusses how other countries have successfully integrated gay men into their militaries and compares the treatment of other "minority" groups in the military.
From the Paper "Under the terms of the Don"t Ask, Don"t Tell policy, military personnel are not asked about their sexual orientation and are not discharged because they are gay. However, gays can be discharged if they either acknowledge their homosexuality by word or deed or if they engage in sexual conduct with a member of the same sex. Gay advocates believe that this policy fosters discrimination against gays in the military. While the policy is by no means an ideal, it does represent the best option for the military at this point in time. The military isn"t noted for facilitating rapid policy change, rather it takes place gradually over time. This coupled with strong anti-gay prejudices and the military's lack of knowledge and resources for coping with the problem make the Don"t Ask, Don?t Tell policy a suitable foundation for facilitating further change in the future."
Abstract Analytical essay which discusses and argues against the argument, by Samuel Huntington in "Clash of Civilizations", that a root cause of the conflicts between nations is differences in religious convictions. The essay also attempts to present the reasons why "Clash of Civilizations" received such severe rebuke by highlighting the loopholes in the author's reasoning.
From the Paper "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order is the masterpiece by Samuel Huntington which is based on the author's view that the clash of distinct cultures and civilizations world over is the potential root cause of the reinvigorated conflicts between nations differing in religious convictions. Huntington considers this clash of religious faith to be the bane of the global peace thereby imposing augmented threat of tumult. The same is the author's thesis, which raises thought provoking questions as well as arguments the role of the world superpowers and challenges the foreign policy makers of particularly the West (Huntington)."
Abstract As Western culture expands and attempts to become the global standard, many societies are forced to take upon themselves Western ideals and notions in order to adapt. This is true with ideas concerning religion and government. This paper discusses the main aspects of an Islamic society and how these aspects would fail or thrive if a democratic government was put into power.
From the Paper "After examining the theories of democracy and how they relate to Islam, one can see that there is no simple answer to the question: Is Islam compatible with Democracy? While many of the principles of democracy contradict Islam in it's purest form, different interpretations of Islamic doctrine have allowed the religion to adopt a more democratic worldview. Perhaps, as history has shown us, Islam can exist within a democracy and still hold true to its faith. But by conforming to varied forms of organized leadership, are Muslims actually holding true to their faith? This question has compelling answers on both sides of the argument, both with support from the Koran itself. Ultimately, one cannot say that Islam is compatible with democracy and be absolutely right or absolutely wrong."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines, compares and contrasts the two presidents? health care reform efforts and their successes and failures. It discusses the many social and political factors involved with each of the presidents? attempts at health care reform.
From the Paper "The party line politics have always been influential in the development of policy in the United States, and the issue of health care reform was no exception. While the federal administrations of Harry Truman and Bill Clinton grappled with the debate over the nation's healthcare system the state administrations lined up on either side of the debate.
Truman was well known during his reign as president to push for health care reform. Truman wanted the nation to adopt a one size fits all type of health care policy that would allow all Americans to receive healthcare regardless of societal, or socioeconomic status. His idea was not only shot down but he was accused of designing an communist based plot to begin the change of American from a Democratic body to one of dictatorship. The scare tactic worked and the idea of Universal Health care was quickly extinguished(Kazi, 1994). "
Abstract The conflict that took shape in the 1790s between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists had a large impact on American history. The paper shows that the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, represented the urban business interests of the seaports. The Anti-Federalists, led by Thomas Jefferson, rallied for the rural and southern interests. The paper shows that while supporters of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton both desired economic growth and development, they differed on how best to accomplish that goal. These alternative policies occurred at a critical time in American history, and the policies that ensued between these two important architects govern the country, even today.
From the Paper "Alexander Hamilton was a Federalist, who believed that a strong federal government was vital to the survival of the new America?s, a view with which Washington agreed with. Hamilton and the Federalists feared that having a weak government would allow for conflicts between the new states, and invasion by foreign forces. Hamilton believed that the wealthy elites were best suited to govern the people, and that commonplace man as was easily led off track (Elkins, 1993)."
Tags: Articles, of, Confederation, James, Madison, Congress
Abstract This paper looks at how the recent history of the Middle East has been dominated by the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict or more specifically the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It evaluates the strategic importance of the area because of its vast oil reserves makes the continuing volatility in the area doubly important. It explores the history of the problem, identifies some key areas of controversy and looks at the differing perspectives of the people belonging to the left, the neoconservatives and the far right in the U.S.. It also examines which branches of the U.S. government have been involved with the issue and analyzes whether the government's response has been effective and according to the people's wishes.
From the Paper "Following a UN Resolution calling for a partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, Israel declared its independence On May 14, 1948. Several wars have been fought between the Arabs and Israelis since then. The first was fought immediately after the formation of Israel which the Jewish state surprisingly won. The war also resulted in the displacement of a large number of Palestinian refugees who settled mostly in refugee camps in the neighboring Arab countries. Most Palestinians still live in those camps. The second Arab- Israeli war followed the nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egypt in June 1956, and the third was the pre-emptive strike in 1967 by Israel on Egypt, Syria and Jordan. In all of these wars, the Arabs were thoroughly humiliated. The six-day 1967 war resulted in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights and all of Jerusalem. It also resulted in a second wave of Palestinian refugees."
Abstract John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a leading British philosopher and economist who left a great impact on the 19th century Western thought in areas as diverse as philosophy, economics, political science, logic and ethics. Mill has left behind several writings on society, politics, ethics, logic, and religion besides economics. This paper includes brief biographical information about Mills and examines his contribution to economics as well as his economic theories.
From the Paper "John Stuart Mills, the eldest son of James Mills (a follower of the Utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham), was born in London on May 20, 1806. He was given an unusually early and rigorous education by his father and deliberately shielded from boys of a similar age, intended to instill intellectual discipline in the young boy. His education began with the study of Greek at the age of three and by time he was 17 Mill had completed advanced courses in Greek literature, chemistry, botany, psychology, and law. ("John Stuart Mill"-Encarta) He grew up a convinced Utilitarian like his father but suffered a nervous breakdown at the young age of 20 that convinced him that there was more to life than the philosophy of Bentham. It was then that he started to study the works of Coleridge, Wordsworth, and Goethe and proceeded to theories that develop that emphasized a scientific approach to understanding social, political and economic change while incorporating the insights of poets and other imaginative writers. (Mautner) His intellectual relationship with Mrs. Taylor (who he late married after the death of her husband) also helped him to climb out of his mental despair that had, in part, been brought about by his overly strict education and severe physical and mental strain."
