Abstract This paper examines the Taoist principles of abiding by the yin or abiding by the soft. Specifically, in Taoism, this means that one should favor approaches that are flexible and adaptive rather than rigid and forceful. The essay uses the martial arts as examples of this principle at work in human endeavors, specifically drawing on examples from kung fu and aikido.
From the Paper "Abiding by the Soft in the Martial Arts On the surface, one of the hardest principles to understand in Taoism is the idea that individuals should favor the yin principle in their lives, or, rather, that they should abide by the soft. Conceptually it is rather counter-intuitive, especially in Western culture, which often favors strength and brashness over subtlety and finesse. But that is the basis for the point that Lao Tzu was making when he advised fellow Taoists to abide by the soft. It is the idea that all actions will eventually be dominated by the yin principle. Taoism is built on this assumption. While this can seem complicated to understand, it is nevertheless apparent in many human endeavors. Specifically, I will draw on examples from the martial arts to illustrate just how abiding by the soft can be especially useful in mastering those skills."
Abstract This paper examines the George R. Stewart book "Earth Abides". The book deals with a viral plague that wipes out most of humanity, leaving only a few scattered survivors who have the responsibility for rebuilding and reconstituting the human race. The paper examines how the main protagonist, Isherwood and the other few survivors have to start, as it were, from 'ground zero'. After retracing the novel's plot and critiquing the actions, motivations and symbolic significance of Isherwood and others, the paper then discusses the novel's many positive reviews by literary critics.
From the Paper "The novel is remarkable for a number of reasons. Firstly, it deals with relevant issues that pertain to contemporary society today. Secondly the work does not follow the conventions or stereotypical patterns of apocalyptic fiction. In essence the novel is a comment and a sociological and philosophical analysis of contemporary society. For example, the issue of racial differences and inequality were very prominent in the time that the novel was written. It is therefore a comment on society and the possible future of modern society when the main character chooses a black women for his wife. The book also makes it clear that he does not choose her for her looks or any other superficial reason, but for her character, good sense and intelligence."
Abstract The paper discusses the argument that has sent the world into a tailspin as to whether or not people suffering from terminal or excruciatingly painful illness have the right to take their own lives by way of physician-assisted suicide. It shows that proponents contend that what one does with one's life is of no consequence to anyone else -- that it is humane to allow someone to be relieved of constant ? if not unbearable ? discomfort. On the other hand, critics claim that the act of euthanasia is nothing more than a fabricated form of murder. The paper shows that both sides have pertinent points when it comes to understanding and assessing the conflict, but argues that euthanasia supporters have a significantly stronger argument when considering the bigger picture. The general argumentative point of this paper is that physician-assisted suicide is not only the right thing to do for someone seeking such a decision, but it is ethical and humane for a physician to abide by the patient's wish.
From the Paper "The primary focus of conflict with regard to physician-assisted suicide is whether or not it is ethically sound. To determine what is ethically sound, however, one must first define the meaning of ethics. This may appear rather simple to achieve on the outset, but one would soon find that defining such a concept is an extremely personal interpretation. There is no black and white definition of ethics, because each and every person subscribes to his or her own value system; therefore, placing a blanket definition upon the ethical implications of physician-assisted suicide is no different than doing the same with religion or politics: one size does not fit all. To ascertain the ethical nature of euthanasia is to find out what it means to the person requesting the procedure. One will find that to these people, who have suffered terribly at the hands of debilitating and terminal illnesses, the ethical attributes of physician-assisted suicide are far more forgiving than to those who stand by and ignorantly criticize."
Abstract In the book, "Doing Justice", by Andrew Von Hirsch, the theory of retribution is re-addressed. The writer points out how it is Von Hirsch's belief that the purpose of the penal system is to provide punishment proportionate to the crime. The paper explains how the book takes retributivism one step further, arguing that the criminal who breaks the law is taking advantage of the law-abiding citizen and that a proportionate punishment restores the balance to society. It proposes that both benefits and burdens of the system would be limited if the time spent incarcerated was limited.
From the Paper "Justice is an ambiguous term that refers to a sense of equality and 'fairness'. Social justice refers to the way in which this ideological term is put into practice. At its most basic level, social justice is the way in which a community is governed: the laws, norms and sanctions that are put into place according to the form of government. With criminal behavior, the issues of safety and moral decision-making become an important component of the debate. If crime is considered an environmentally caused event, as opposed to a personal characteristic and, or, choice, then the type of system is needs to be re-evaluated and reconstructed. The importance of commitment in conventional social control is well established, however, there has recently been an increase in interest and a 'reframing' of many of the core concepts associated with "the need to settle a score" or punishment. Commitment has come to mean the same thing as incarcerated when viewed from certain philosophical tenets."
Abstract This paper explores the abiding elements of Jewish belief, including the origins of the major ethical, ritual and theological aspects of Judaism, as described in David Ariel's book "What Do Jews Believe?" This paper discusses how various Jewish sects have vigorously searched for a better understanding of God as well as the influence of Kabbalah in Judaism. This paper also examines the differences between orthodox, Hassidic and conservative Judaism.
From the Paper "It is intriguing how the various Jewish sects vigorously have searched, with their intellects and their souls, for a better understanding of God. The difficult question Ariel tackles is the seeming duality of God's nature, His nearness and distance from the world and humanity or "(His)transcendence and immanence." In rabbinic Judaism, God is regarded as "different from and above the world, on one hand, and closely involved and concerned with the world and its inhabitants, on the other. This paradoxical information of God's simultaneous transcendence and immanence is central to understanding rabbinic conception of God." The rabbis believe that they as "designated disciples" are able to be the interpreters of the divine."
This paper discusses the secret harboring of fugitives and knowledge while comparing Susan Glaspell's work "A Jury of Her Peers" and Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Sharer".
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that both Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Sharer" and Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers," depict law-abiding individuals who gradually come to identify with people who have violated the law. The writer looks at both works in order to examine this issue. The writer maintains that as a result of their identification with these individuals who have allegedly transgressed, the married women of Glaspell's tale and Conrad's nameless sea captain gain a new sense of identity. The writer concludes that the changes undergone by the characters in both works are both external and internal, and both are life-long changes, although the changes that take place in the Glaspell story may have greater external consequences.
From the Paper "Like "A Jury of Her Peers," Joseph Conrad's short story "The Secret Sharer" is also told in retrospect. The narrator is a sea captain who finds a man named Leggatt, drowning in the water, who seems to be his 'double,' much like the women of Glaspell's story perceive Mrs. Wright to be their double, or a physical mirror of their personal pain. Leggatt is also condemned as a murderer like Mrs. Wright, but rather than reject the fugitive, Conrad's narrator gives him a place to stay. The image of the law arises, but like the woman, the captain has already experienced a kind of internal, moral shift. Like the woman the captain cannot bear to morally condemn the murderer, or reveal the fact that Leggatt is on his ship when the authorities arrive. Captain Archbold wants to act according to the law, like the men of the Glaspell tale, but Leggatt's protective captain pretends the ship is empty and points out that Leggatt's actions helped save the ship during a storm."
Abstract This paper discusses how companies need to create policies that abide by governmental standards and regulations if they are to be successful in the American market. Marketing advertisers will also need to abide by these company policies, since computer technology (internet) provides consumers with a wide variety of information on what is a good product or what is bad. The paper further discusses that the highly competitive nature of consumerism in the modern era demands these critical conscientious facets of marketing and production line values.
From the Paper "Worker's rights are the growing sense of social response from workers who want better environmental and wage conditions. The emergence of post-industrial business trends has forged a greater sense of political and social responsibility to be thrust on businesses that do not provide humane conditions in the workplace (Gibson 145). Greater freedoms on the part of workers will create a service-based society, which will inevitably be independent, but can also be reliant on larger corporate institutions. Through the technology based market beholding a larger part of the American economy, transportable computers and worker services will be highly mobile and independent due to greater freedoms in the workplace. Diversity helps to garner greater resources that were one limited by race or class."
This paper examines some of the major NAFTA provisions and concentrates on specific U.S.-Mexico NAFTA obligations and the current debate about whether or not to allow Mexican trucks and drivers onto U.S. highways.
5,930 words (approx. 23.7 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 141.95
Abstract This paper examines the effects that The North American Free Trade Agreement has had on both the American and Mexican economies as a result of its inception. The author also examines how the U.S. has not abided by all provisions of the NAFTA and the resulting conflict. In doing so, the author addresses the following question: Is allowing Mexican trucks to operate on U.S. highways a safety risk, or an obligation under NAFTA?"
From the Paper "The North American Free Trade Agreement (hereafter referred to as NAFTA) was created to eliminate tariffs and many non-tariff barriers between its three members: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Many tariffs ended when NAFTA took effect on Jan. 1, 1994; others will be phased out over 15 years. Among NAFTA's principal objectives, the conflict lies in one of the most important objectives of all: to promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area. The elimination of trade barriers and the unrestricted facilitation of cross-border movement of goods between the territories of the parties is a necessity if this objective is to be achieved. However, trade with Mexico since the inception of NAFTA has seemingly been one-sided."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of human rights violations. The author gives some examples of how and why human rights violations tend to occur and examines how it effects society.
From the Paper "To understand the conditions in which a human rights violation would not occur we must first address what a human rights violation is and its function in societies. In class we discussed the idea of first, second, and third generation rights. The first generation rights encompass political and civil rights. Economic and social rights are explained in the second-generation rights. Development and self-determination are covered in the third generation of rights. All three generations outline a human's inherently given rights according to where they are born and the culture that they stem. These rights are supposed to be guaranteed by the governments in which they live under. However, there are times in history when those rights have been purposefully violated in order to benefit another group of the society. When this happens it is said that a human rights violation has occurred. In short, one group's rights being sacrificed for another group's rights."
Abstract This paper details the various holidays and festivals celebrated in Roman times. The author discusses some of the traditions and customs that people abided by and examines the way these are similar to today's society.
From the paper:
"Holidays, most often religious festivals, were common in ancient Rome. Holidays were considered important by Romans because they used them to win the support of the gods who controlled the weather, crop growth, animal breeding, etc. Holidays were also declared to celebrate a military victory. Slaves bathed only on holidays."
Abstract An investigation of women's rights in Afghanistan. The author examines the rules and laws that women must abide by concerning work, travel and education, punishment and specific difficulties that they encounter such as health care. The paper provides a look at some personal stories.
OUTLINE
I. Introduction
A. Who are the Taliban?
B. Life Before the Taliban
II. Rules
A. May not work
B. Ban on education
C. Travel
D. Contact with males
E. Hiding in home
F. Dress
G. Bathing
III. Punishment
? Death for traveling with man not her mahram
? Whipping, beating and verbal abuse of women not clothed in accordance with Taliban rules, or of women unaccompanied by a mahram, for having non-covered ankles.
? Women have been shot at for leaving their homes without a male escort to receive medical care.
IV. Specific difficulties
A. Employment
B. Health care
V. Personal stories
A. SUMAYYAH KARIMI
VI. Conclusion
From the Paper ?The plight of women in Afghanistan has received much media attention since the start of the United States war on terrorism. This war has focused on Afghanistan because the Taliban government allowed their country to be used as a safe haven by terrorists. While the women of Afghanistan have lived under restrictions unfamiliar to many women living in Western countries, since the Taliban took control of the majority of Afghanistan in 1996, they have been subjected to a series of rules and punishments unprecedented in any other country of the world.?
This paper investigates the facts surrounding the use of the FBI Internet program 'Carnivore' in obtaining communication and other incriminating evidence from possible terrorists and criminals.
Abstract The paper thoroughly examines the issues surrounding FBI's use of 'Carnivore' Internet Program in terms of the violation of personal privacy and freedom, its use as vital tool in hunting and apprehending criminals who use the Internet as a medium of communication, in particular after the events of September 11, 2001. The paper argues the government's "Carnivore" program erodes our constitutional freedom for the majority of law-abiding citizens.
From the Paper "The events of September 11, 2001 are, at the least, unforgettable. That day will live in infamy as the point when the nation's false sense of security and personal safety within out country was shattered. The large jagged pieces are still being swept up within our lives, but the cracks in society ran deep, and are, I think, permanent. Out of the ashes of 9-11 have been borne many new approaches to terrorism and law enforcement in general. One such advance is the widespread use of a fairly new technology known publicly as "Carnivore". An Internet based tool, Carnivore, along with many other modern and tried-and-true methods, is used by the FBI to obtain information about possible suspects and even intercept incriminating evidence in a possible terrorist attack or other impending crime, all via the Internet. The upside of this technology is the possibility to reconnoiter suspects via the Internet by intercepting data from said suspect. The downside is unconditional snooping upon possibly non-criminal individuals either connected with or not connected with a suspect. Also known as invasion of privacy."
Abstract This paper gives a factual account of the development of police corruption to the peak it is at today. It speaks of the social contract by which police are to abide, remaining small and dedicated to preserving the safety and law of the land. However, explains the author, as time went on the police force came to be increasingly relied on as an instrument of political and racial power. Recently, police brutality is especially directed to certain American racial and political minorities. This paper concludes that riots and outbursts against police brutality from the minorities will continue until the government puts an end to police corruption.
From the Paper "America's founding fathers were militant revolutionaries. This nation was built upon social contract theory, the idea that the government exists by the will of the people and that they are obligated to obey only so long as that government operates in a moral fashion and in the best interests of its subjects. For many years the police forces of this nation followed the spirit of a social contract, remaining small and dedicated to preserving the safety and law of the land. However, as time went on the police force came to be increasingly relied on as an instrument of political and racial power. World War I saw the beginning of the police as an anti-protest and anti-civil rights weapon. Their roles in putting down political and racial protest came to maturity during the 1960s, as they turned their fire against war protests and race riots. In recent years, the blatant racist and political nature of police power has hidden behind a shield of anti-terrorist and anti-drug action. The ACLU writes that, ?From the outset, the war on drugs has in fact been a war on people and their constitutional rights, with African Americans, Latinos and other minorities bearing the brunt of the damage.? Racial profiling and police brutality daily threaten the lives of American racial and political minorities, while the government turns a blind eye. ?The see-no-evil policy of the feds toward police violence comes at a time when the number of police abuse complaints has soared nationally. The Department gets about 15, 000 complaints yearly.? "
Abstract This paper looks at the three major arguments of gun-control advocates and disproves them one by one. The major arguments are - more guns, more crimes; possible accidental deaths and criminal access to guns.
Thesis: Despite the good intentions of gun control advocates, their means in attaining what they want are entirely misguided and misinformed.
Table of Contents
Accidental Death
Child killed by ownership of firearm
Suicide in relation to ownership of firearms
More Guns More Crime
Gun ownership as a crime prevention
Gun ownership for self-defense is most common
Gun ownership as a deterrent to tyranny
Criminal Acquisitions of Guns
Limiting the attainability legally of guns only limits law-abiding citizens
Criminals acquire guns on black market
Brady Laws do nothing to deter criminal misuse
From the Paper "Gun Control has been a center issue in American Politics for quite some time. Advocates of Gun Control often state the hazards of owning guns and their constant use in criminal activity. The ultimate solution for these people is to completely eliminate the right of an individual to own a gun. On the other hand, the Anti-Gun Control advocates state that people are responsible for their own actions and that the existence of the gun is not what causes crime, or accidental death. So despite the good intentions of Gun Control advocates, their means in attaining what they want are entirely misguided and misinformed."
Abstract The paper analyzes the concept of community policing and examines how effective the strategy of community policing has been. It studies the guidelines on which the concept of community policing is based - the concept has forced the police departments to develop a friendly relationship with the law-abiding people in the community and to cooperate with them in several security and crime prevention related issues. The paper studies the approaches through which the police personnel are trained to deal with a wide array of situations and a range of behavioral problems. Finally it examines the effectiveness of C.O.P in different societal settings and analyzes the use of some other approaches to policing in situations where the concept does not seem to work effectively.
From the Paper "The roots of community based policing can be dated back to the era of Sir Robert Peel, who adopted the system for the London Police department and who is considered to be the father of the modern Police system. According to him, the police should consider itself as a part of the general public and the public should also held itself accountable for certain police related activities. Though the concept of community policing was introduced in that time but it didn't succeeded because of a number of reasons. The primary reason for its failure at that time was that the police department itself lost sight of the principles defined by Sir Robert Peel i.e. defining the relationship of police with the public."
