Abstract
The paper relates that arguments as to the worth of any philosophical debate usually revolve around the unscientific, argumentative nature of philosophy; arguments that are often difficult to prove or disprove. The paper explains that some proponents believe that there is therefore no point to philosophy, as no one answer can ever be proven; therefore, such critics state, no particular response is better than any other. However, this writer argues that when one follows logic, and eliminates seemingly false arguments in philosophy, answers can be derived that are better than other responses founded in illogical thinking. Therefore, the writer believes that one may justifiably assert one position over another in response to a philosophical question.

From the Paper
"Arguments as to the worth of any philosophical debate usually revolve around the unscientific, argumentative nature of philosophy; arguments that are often difficult to prove or disprove. Some proponents believe that there is therefore no point to philosophy, as no one answer can ever be proven; therefore, such critics state, no particular response is better than any other. However, I would argue that when one follows logic, and eliminates seemingly false arguments in philosophy, answers can be derived that are better than other responses founded in illogical thinking. Therefore, one may justifiably assert one position over another in..."

Tags:philosophy, debate, answer

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of Muhammad Yunus' accomplishment in developing of the Grameen Bank, and delves into the details of microfinancing. The paper discusses the contributions of the Gates Foundation and the ACCION organization in the fight against poverty. The paper explains that microcredit has enjoyed great success around the world, with some good examples of success in Latin America. However, the paper states, there are certain objections and critics of micro credit who question whether micro financing is the answer for alleviating global poverty, and more specially poverty in Latin America? In conclusion, the paper also asks whether the capital gains seen by micro lending institutions undermine the sole objective of micro financing, and if so, what strategies can be implemented to overcome limitations and promote awareness in the field of micro financing?

From the Paper
"One challenging mentality is centered on microlending versus charitable giving. Many have asserted that the money could be better used by giving funds to people free of interest. However, studies have shown that people will accomplish more through responsibility. Individuals taking out loans will self empower themselves, invest the money in their businesses, and generate revenue and eventually life themselves out of poverty. Plus loaning people money allows there to be more funds to lend. As loans are repaid, more loans can be given; however with charitable giving funds run out, and when compared to recipients of microloans, recipients of free money tend to be less productive as reported by the World Bank (Wikipedia Microcredit, 2008, 3). Many high end entrepreneurs are realizing the benefits of microlending. Bill and Melinda Gates have established the Gates Foundation as an endeavor to use their funds to reach those in poverty. The Gates recently expanded their operations to include micro financing. Also micro financing has received huge media attention as reported the article "Give the gift of micro loans" from Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, PBS's Frontline World, and even Warren Buffet (Consumer, 2007, 1). Media attention promotes awareness of microcredit thus allowing the first obstacle in the way of poverty alleviation to be overcome. Through community service involvement, it is obvious that awareness is the first major obstacle. Most high school seniors in honors economic classes, and even teachers teaching these classes, had never heard of microcredit. Even more than that, many students on the college level in business classes and social classes have not heard or studied microcredit. Why wouldn't this be emphasized more especially in business classes where microcredit is profitable solution to a social problem or in social classes where microcredit may be the answer to global poverty?"

Tags:Muhammad, Yunus, Grameen, Bank, ACCION, Nobel, Peace, Prize

Abstract
This paper addresses the common question in public policy on how best to restrict the proliferation of addictive substances in society: drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. The author examines the policies ranging from complete prohibition to the legalization of non-addictive drugs. This paper draws on the historical examples of alcohol and cigarette prohibition to argue that the complete prohibition of drugs is not the best answer to the drug problems faced by significant numbers of Americans.

From the Paper
"Many legislators advocate the prohibition of addictive substances as the best way to limit their consumption and the myriad social and economic ills that accompany it. This zero-tolerance ideal was the basis of the noble experiment of alcohol prohibition during the 1920s, the ban on cigarettes in Canada and 15 American states at the beginning of this century, and, perhaps most pertinently, the War on Drugs that we currently find ourselves embroiled in. Drawing primarily on the ideas formally presented by Chester Barnard, this paper will dissect the historical example of alcohol prohibition in the 1920s in order to demonstrate that prohibition is a poor approach towards tackling the consumption and sale of harmfully addictive substances because of the manifold obstacles to implementation that stand in the way of its success."

Tags:alcohol, cigarette, drug, experiment, legalization, noble, marijuana

Abstract
This paper is in a question and answer format which deals with general ideas in psychology. Various issues are addressed, and the answers are concise yet informative. The questions involve short-term memory, nature versus nurture and couples living together before marriage. Within the short answers, noted scholars are quoted and various models presented and discussed.

From the Paper
"What are some of the possible benefits and limitations for a person to know their IQ score?
"In the case of adults there are some that believe that with an IQ trainer one can improve their IQ scores, so knowing them would be beneficial in order to improve them (Phyto, n.d.). In the case of children it is thought that identifying low IQ at an early age helps to get these children the help that they need as soon as possible. The limitations of knowing ones IQ would be that if the score is low it is possible that a person could get labeled and thus not reach their potential because of the way that the score affected them and the way the world perceives them.
"4. Why cannot the issue of nature vs. nurture ever be resolved?
"There are some scientists who believe that people behave as they do according to genetic predispositions or animal instincts. This is referred to as the nature theory of human behavior. Other scientists believe that people think and behave they way they do because they are taught to act in a certain ways. This is called the nurture theory of human behavior..."

Tags:Atkinson-Shiffrin model, Piaget, Lewis Termans intelligence test, IQ

Abstract
This paper begins with a historical look at sex offenders and the crimes they commit. It offers statistics on the number of repeat offenders. It also provides evidence on how many offenders are missing or non-compliant which makes it difficult to track and maintain a surveillance. It concludes that a possible intervention to be taken would be to micro chip offenders in order to keep track of there whereabouts at all times and possible procedures that can be taken if this were to happen.

Outline:
History and Causes
Stakeholders
Systems Analysis
Barriers to Change
Goals
Defining the Target Population
Client Selection and Intake Procedures
Program Components
Job Descriptions
Developing an Action Plan
Monitoring
Evaluating Outcomes

From the Paper
"Electronic monitoring bracelets are not a fail safe way of monitoring offenders. Offenders can easily break the monitoring hardware or simply flee due to the bracelet only being able to let officials know that the device is out of range. With the micro-chip implant there would be virtually no way for the sex offender to abscond because of the implanted device. There are not many ways around the micro-chip as there are the electronic bracelet such as landline issues and self information to the police where honesty can be an issue.
Not only will absconding be less of an issue but the implementation of this micro-chipping policy would also be viewed as a deterrent to sex offenders. With the development of this program I strongly believe recidivism rates will decrease and law enforcement will have an easier time trying to manage the problems that need to be addressed as it pertains to sex offenders."

Tags:recidivism, crime, sex offender

Abstract
Two articles provide differing views on the issue of ecotourism. The first by Agness Kiss raises questions about the effectiveness of Community Based ecotourism, primarily from an economic and global standpoint. Jill Belsky provides a case study from Belize to further illustrate the same point. These two articles bring into question the effectiveness of ecotourism as a means of protecting habitat in the developing world.

From the Paper
Why Is Or Is Not Ecotourism the Answer For Conservation in Developing Countries? Both Jill Belsky and Agness Kiss raise questions about the viability, effectiveness and ethics of ecotourism as a means of conservation in developing countries. Neither author outright says it should not exist, but both raise important issues about the implementation of ecotourism and illuminate some hidden problems that seldom are discussed openly. While Kiss raises broad questions about ecotourism in general terms, Belsky focuses on a single case study involving the Village of Gales Point Manatee in the Central American nation of Belize.

Tags:ecotourism, conservation, belize

Abstract
Explores the idea of using twins to determine whether personality development is acquired through environment or genes. The paper also covers the topics of IQ, behavior, disorders, diseases, life events and genetic constellations in twins. It includes some twin study results, as well as criticism of twin studies and evidence for twin studies. The paper concludes with the author's opinions and application of findings to education.

From the Paper
'Personality development in children and adults is one of life's greatest mysteries. Do we develop our personalities in accordance with the environment we grow up in and the events that are imposed upon us daily? Or do our genes and DNA determine whether we become popular and outgoing or introverted and rejected? This controversy of nature vs. nurture in the science of human psychology has raged on for centuries and probably will continue for years to come. A strong preference for one or the other has led the human population to measures of absurdity such as the eugenics (selective breeding) movement that was part of the purpose of the Holocaust. One of the reasons behind the difficultly in solving the nature vs. nurture problem is the near impossibility to scientifically test any theory that attempts to answer the question. This is where twins come in. They are the perfect specimens two persons with the same DNA. Clones. Theoretically, if they grow up to have the same personalities, that means personality is inherited. If they don't, that means personality is acquired through environment. Unfortunately, it isn't as simple as that. There are many other factors to consider, such as the environments they were raised in, together or separately."

Tags:behavior, collection, data, development, genes, iq, disease, disorder, education, studies

Abstract
This paper explores ideas for reducing human environmental impact, citing the belief that environmental degradation is equal to the combination of population, affluence and technology. The author proposes that although many environmentalists argue that focusing on one or another of these factors is the key to environmental success, the relationship of these three factors is synergistic in nature, and they must be considered as a whole in order to sufficiently reduce environmental impact.

Outline:
Introduction and Background
Making an Impact Today
Affluence as a Tool
Technologies of Less
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In a discussion about birth control, McKibben uses the term "technology of less." He states that human beings have a trait that they share with no other species, "the gift of conscious self-restraint." I would like to carry this concept further to discuss technology in general. Much like affluence, technology is a tool. In itself it is not right or wrong, good or bad. As inventors and users of technology, we have choices about what we use and why we use it."

Tags:pollution, green, hybrid

Abstract
This paper discusses the arguments for and against cloning, showing why cloning poses a significant moral dilemma as well as health risks. The writer explains that cloning involves many processes that filter genetic material, and this frequently causes unknown genetic defects in the individual Many claim that cloning allows parents, loved ones and society in general a second chance after a special individual is lost. The paper argues that this dehumanizes the role of a clone, and that many would be tempted to attempt to create another clone at the expense of the current one, if such a clone were to develop a genetic weakness. Moreover, creating a child that has to live up to the expectations of his or her original model is a burden that no one should have. The paper concludes that cloning ultimately undermines the dignity of life.

From the Paper
"Another argument that many supporters claim is that with the ability to clone individuals we can clone those who have benefited our society the most such as political, scientific, musical or artistic leaders in the hope that they can make even greater contributions to their fields. The problem with this logic is that even if it were possible to clone such individuals, we create a prescript of how they should lead their lives. Our expectations of their existence would focus in on their original's contributions to society. Since we cannot replicate the complicated set of circumstances for which any individual grew up and gained motivation to progress or advance their lives, it is impossible to demand a clone to produce the same if not more than their predecessor."

Tags:reproductive technology, human rights, values humanity morality experiment

Abstract
The following paper answers three questions: What have been the major features of Western U.S. water development during the period from the second half of the 1800s to the 1970s/1980s; What were the main water-related priorities of government agencies, and which groups within society benefited or lost; and Do these authors agree that Western water issues entered a new era in the 1970s/1980s? As will be evident, government inertia and mediocrity continue to be major problems.

From the Paper
Important Questions with Answers Question One: What have been the major features of Western U.S. water development during the period from the second half of the 1800s to the 1970s/1980s? Answer: To start with, the long period from the last-half of the 1800s to the final decades of the twentieth century was one in which powerful, politically-skilled coalitions dominated the direction of water development in the US Southwest: Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. During this time, the poor and marginalized were effectively left out of the

Tags:important, water, use