This paper argues in favor of the statement "Any agency which works in secret can behave in a scandalous manner, and the CIA is no exception to this rule."
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes the following statement on two grounds: "Any agency which works in secret can behave in a scandalous manner, and the CIA is no exception to this rule". The writer first discusses whether it is true that agencies which act in secret behave in a scandalous manner and then if so, whether the CIA is an exception or a demonstration of this rule. The writer then makes the argument that all agencies, throughout history and in whatever country, region or empire, that act in secret are inherently prone to dishonesty and unethical acts. Next, the writer maintains that the CIA must act, to some degree, in secret with some of its operations. Finally, the paper argues that the CIA will always be prone to dishonesty and unethical actions, which requires more regular oversight.
Outline:
Introduction
First Hypothesis: There has been an ethical agency in history
Second Hypothesis: The creeping moves toward professionalism have reduced ethical inhibitions
Ethics, the CIA and Recent History
Politics by Innuendo: Contributing to Unethical Conduct?
Conclusion: Is the CIA Inherently Untrustworthy?
From the Paper "All agencies throughout history and across nations are prone to act in a dishonest and unethical manner. The proof to this hypothesis is the null hypothesis: that is, if the author has been unable to find a government agency which acts in secret, which over time has not acted in an unethical manner. A second null hypothesis would be to find a spying operation which has operated in an ethical and honest manner over a long period of time, therefore disproving the above statement.
"One can argue that any government agency requires power in order to be effective. Power comes through the purse--ability to fund, through coercion--ability to force, or through persuasion--ability to convince. None of these methods is, in and of itself, inherently unethical. One can persuade, coerce or bankroll activities in an open and above-board way."
Abstract This paper discusses the responsibility of corporate leaders to behave in an ethical manner in their business environment and business relationships. The paper provides some resources and ideas as to how business leaders should behave and how leaders can become educated and updated on ethical ways to conduct their day-to-day business activities.
From the Paper "In the journal Development Southern Africa the authors present examples of corporate irresponsibility (such as Freeport-McMoRan, a U.S. firm operating open pit copper and gold mines in Indonesia that has dumped tons of waste into mountains and rivers). But the authors also assert that corporate leaders should behave ethically - with "integrity and mindfulness" - and without corporate citizenship education this is not possible. The ways in which companies have, in the past, been coaxed (persuaded) to develop ethical leadership standards - and "counter the erosion in corporate ethics" - is through legislation and enforcement. "But this is not enough" (Prinsloo, et al, 2006), the article asserts. What is also needed is "education and training," and within that training should be a close examination of the "complex challenges and paradoxes business leaders face.""
Abstract This paper explains that children are bombarded daily with evocative material and today's technological society makes sheltering them almost impossible. Therefore, parents must instill respect, honor and wisdom in them during early childhood but this is not an easy job. The author points out that a key component to successful child-rearing is consistency; no matter which parenting technique is used, each will fail if not used consistently. The paper stresses that a common misconception among parents is that respect should be demanded; however, respect should actually be earned because respect gained by imposing fear on a child is false.
Table of Contents
Modeling Good Behavior
Consistency in Discipline
Respect
Discipline
1. Corporal Punishment
2. Reality Discipline
3. Creative Correction
From the Paper "Raising strong, competent children begins with a strong, committed marriage. A child from a single-parent home can succeed, but studies show children thrive best when both parents take an active role. Yet the national divorce rate is at an all-time high and divorce can annihilate a family and the self-efficacy of a child. According to childhood psychologist Erik Erikson, children model what they see. In other words, actions speak louder than words. When parents model love, respect, shared workload, and kindness they will develop these same attributes in their children. However, this works both ways, if children are subjected to a hostile, sarcastic, unloving environment, they will assume these attitudes."
Abstract This paper reviews two plays that portray the ideal way in which families should communicate. This satirical presentation is made from a psychological perspective. The families that are described are dysfunctional families that are behaving correctly.
From the Paper "In his play "What I Meant Was," playwright Craig Lucas depicts in a satiric way what members of a dysfunctional family might say if they were really as open and communicative as a therapist might want. The sorts of confessions offered at this dinner table are offered quite matter-of-factly, without the anger and recriminations one might expect for accompaniment. Underlying this sort of conversational series of revelations are the expectations of the audience based on years of theater, television, and films showing the interplay of the generations and specifically conflicts in American society over many of the non-majority populations and communities mentioned in this conversation, references that could usually be counted on to start a fight between parent and child, but here serving only to produce apparent understanding and acceptance. The fact that the son is gay would be a source of embarrassment and shame for the conservative parents of the 1970s, but in the play, they"
Abstract This paper discusses the influences in the lives of adolescents that have a direct impact on how they behave, how they see the world and how they interact within their home, school and community environments. It goes on to discuss which influences have the most dramatic effect on adolescents and discusses possible reasons why this is so. The paper analyzes various articles that examine this subject.
Table of Contents:
Violent Video games
Peer Group Influences (Aggressive Behaviors)
Peer Group Influences (Gifted Students)
Peer Group Influences (Smoking)
The Timing Of Puberty (As An Influence)
Genetic & Environmental Influences
Parenting Influences (On Adolescent Alcohol Use And Impulsive Behaviors)
Family Influences On Detained Adolescents (With Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Maternal Depression May Produce Adolescent Behavior Problems
Parent-Child Conflict Influences Adolescent Behavior (In Negative Ways)
Risky Parental Behavior (And Adolescent Sexual Activity)
Family Planning Clinics And Adolescents
Boys' Beliefs About Delinquent Behavior
Heterosexual Risk Behavior (Among Urban Adolescents)
Peer Pressure To Be Thin Leads To Suicide
The Influence Of The Internet On Adolescents
From the Paper "The article continues, indicating that "high levels of conflict and low emotional attachment between parents and children have been associated" with an indifference on the part of adolescents for the "emotional well being of others." What is negative in the home is then transferred to others in school and the community, who often don't understand the origins of the bad behavior. During the developmental period, it is no secret that adolescents spend more time with their peers than their parents. Hence, the acceptability of delinquency becomes easy for adolescents because there is ample time for a process called "deviancy training," Pardini explains. Discussions about rule-breaking are held on a "regular basis," and the validity of these peer conversations is sealed through "shared laughter." The deviancy training is the same thing as what used to be called "bull sessions." Meantime, the beliefs that are learned during deviancy training become more and more at odds with family and parental values."
Abstract This paper looks at how the literary French artiste' Colette, in a duet of short stories, "Gigi" and "The Cat", is able to explain some of the sexual nuances that make the sexes behave as they do; perhaps bringing some insight into our own present day relationships.
From the paper:
"Light vs. Darkness, Muslim vs. Christian, North vs. South, Football vs. Oprah, conflicts such as these rage on in our 21st century society. Of all conflicts the one furthest from resolution and the most highly contested seems to be the age-old battle of male sexuality vs. female sexuality. What do the opposing "dramatis personae" desire? How do they propose to attain it? Are the variances between the sexes really as vast as we"ve been led to believe" Through exquisite prose and imagery, the literary French artiste? Colette, in a duet of short stories Gigi and The Cat, is able to explain some of the sexual nuances that make the sexes behave as they do; perhaps bringing some insight into our own present day relationships ."
Abstract This paper attempts to address the question of moral values in Homer's world and examines how the Greeks have an established hierarchy and concomitant etiquette rules governing how different members of society can behave to one another. It looks at how at the very top of this society are the heroes, such as Achilles in the Greek army and Hector on the Trojan and how, because they are so prevalent in the action of the poem, their ethics are much discussed. It shows how the notion of a "heroic code" governing how they behave is a controversial one, as is that of a "shame-culture", where shame is the crucial factor in the judgements of the agathoi.
From the Paper "Hector's fear that a lower-class individual will mock his cowardice is one instance where social values are shown in the poem. Of course, the Iliad is set in a martial environment, and so ideas of a society as a whole rarely feature. The poet of the Odyssey makes more of this. One element of an agathos is his position as a head of a clan, such as Achilles and his Myrmidons. Thus they must lead others who are not agathoi, and occasionally enforce their status. This happens memorably in Book II, where Odysseus beats Thersites with his staff, for dissenting in the council and speaking in it when, as a commoner, he is not allowed to. In his abusive call for a return home, he exhibits none of the noble qualities which agathoi possess, and shows disrespect to his betters. "
Abstract There are many reasons why teachers use extrinsic motivation, sometimes also called external rewards or tangible rewards, in the classroom and there are differing points of view as to whether this style of reward is appropriate for students. This paper explains that one of the main concerns is whether this teaches children that they should receive something for good behavior. Children may behave better in the hopes of receiving some reward, but they may also behave poorly if the reward is not something that they feel they want or need. The paper shows that, because of this, teachers and others that work in the education field must decide if extrinsic motivation is right for their students based on the age-group that is being taught and other factors. There are both advantages and disadvantages to extrinsic motivation in the classroom and the key is to determine whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when deciding whether to use this type of motivation with a particular group of students.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Description of the Topic
Advantages and Disadvantages For Classroom Use
The Debate Surrounding Extrinsic Motivation
Implications For the Field of Teaching
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Proper behavior in the classroom must be rewarded, just as negative behavior or inappropriate behavior is often punished. Tangible rewards such as candy, notes home with happy comments, parties, free time, and other issues work very well. However, intangible rewards such as speaking to a student about how well he or she has performed on something particular or simply giving the student a pat on the back and letting him or her know that he or she has done a good job often goes just as far as getting something tangible, depending on the student, and on the way that the message is delivered."
Abstract The paper examines the theoretical contributions to social science and anthropology made by Edward H. Spicer and the context in which he developed his theories of culture. The paper explains Spicer's concept of culture as the idea that people everywhere behave in accordance with patterns which they have learned in the process of growing up in whatever society they have been part of. The paper looks at his theories of how Yaquis behave. Spicer explains how the Yaquis have managed to maintain their cultural identity despite almost overwhelming pressures to submerge it. The writer considers how Spicer's personal background is what influenced him to develop his theories.
From the Paper "Spicer's work may at first reading appear to be simplistic, but Spicer has a proven method of instructional narrative well in place; his anthropological expertise is offered in plain-spoken presentation style that is easy for the lay person to digest. In describing his concept of culture, he points out that the slow and "sometimes painful" lessons one learns while growing up with one's own customs and practices have several "important implications.""
Tags: anthropology, Yaquis, identity, security, prestige, order
Abstract The paper offers several definitions of leadership and shows how defining leadership definitively is probably impossible because the definition must depend on a number of changeable factors, such as the nature of the organization and the style of the given leader. The paper develops several general definitions, each offering a particular view of the way the leader behaves and how effective the leader can be. The paper stresses that how a leader actually behaves depends on what style he or she adopts, which in turn depends on personality traits and other elements that may be different in different situations.
Outline:
Introduction
Definitions of Leadership
Application
Leadership Styles
Conclusion
From the Paper "Leadership is a concept many people think they understand instinctively, but numerous definitions have been offered of leadership over the years, along with many theories of why leadership is important, what elements make up leadership, how leadership can be most effective, and what sorts of organizations may require what sorts of leadership. Indeed, the concept of leadership has been given special attention by numerous writers and academics who seem to see special qualities that define leadership and that one might pursue to be a better leader."
Abstract This paper explains that B.F. Skinner became known for his theory of operant conditioning in relation to behavior. The author points out that, through experiments in his laboratory, Skinner determined that the human was similar to the rat because rats could be taught to behave in any manner if they knew that a reward would follow the behavior. The paper argues that, while many in society proclaimed that Skinner was attempting to create a system that would prevent individual's from being in control of their own lives, he simply demonstrated that the environment was a substantial factor in how people behave. The author describes the behavior of the student Mike and concludes that Skinner would have determined that Mike's behavior was because of extensive operant conditioning in which Mike learned through both positive and negative reinforcements.
Table of Contents:
Skinner's Theory of Operant Conditioning
Rat Experiments
Behavior Modification
Criticism
Student Case Study Observation
From the Paper "Skinner believed, nonetheless, that if the entire process of setting the timer, ringing the bell and serving the food were repeated eventually that the rats would resume their previous operant behavior. This was because Skinner found that "re-teaching" the rats to act in a certain manner was a simple task, as the rats appeared to mentally recall the process that they had learned previously. Initially teaching the rats required "continuous reinforcement" on the part of Skinner, which meant that every time, regardless of the hour, that the rat completed a task that Skinner had determined the rat would be rewarded with food."
Abstract The paper explores the way Muslims behave, Muslim beliefs in the U.S. and the basic beliefs and principles of Islam. The paper describes the organizational structure of Islam, the nature of Islamic religious experiences as well as the role of the group and the lives of Muslims in society. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of Islam on Muslims' natures.
Outline:
The Way Muslims Behave How Muslim Beliefs Differ in US Than Elsewhere
Basic Beliefs and Principles of Islam
The Organizational Structure of Islam
Nature of Islamic Religious Experiences
The Role of the Group and the Lives of Muslims in Society
The Effects that the Exposure to Islam has had on Muslims
From the Paper "Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States of America. By the year 2010, America's Muslim population is expected to exceed the Jewish population, making Islam the country's second-largest faith after Christianity (Power, 34). The American Muslim community is a mosaic of cultures, its members having come from all of the five major continents; in fact, a recent survey showed that most Muslims are immigrants--77.6% versus 22.4% U.S. born ("Zogby International"). As America moves forward in the 21st century, its people will be forced to assimilate and reconcile the ever growing Muslim population within its mainstream American culture."
Tags: beliefs, principles, religion, Muhammad, worship, pilgrimage, Quran
From the Paper "How we behave as individuals in regard to our inner world is just as important and may even be more important than how we behave in regard to our outer world. Jung's psychological theory is based upon the primary assumption that the human mind has both a conscious or outer realm and an unconscious or inner realm. Because we tend to live and function in our conscious world, it is here that we try to resolve our individual and societal problems using the same behavior patterns over and over until they no longer fit the situation and if these conscious behavior patterns did not fit the situations found in 1957, they certainly do not fit the situations found in 1998. Because of this, Jung believes that the resolution to conscious problems lies in the unconscious realm and as long as humans deny the contents of the unconscious they are also denying a fundamental part of themselves and society. "
This paper provides a description of early American views regarding the legal and political rights of women, the growing discontented awareness of such women as to their legal status.
3,625 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 6 sources, 1998, $ 100.95
Abstract This paper examines the history of women's rights in Colonial America, and primarily, among Puritan women. The author discusses the inequality between the sexes, and the almost legal nonexistence and subordination females were subjected to. The paper looks at the different social classes, the differences between married women and single women's rights, especially property rights, under the law, and how females, in general, were expected to behave in a deeply religious society.
From the Paper "It has been argued that colonial women could not attain liberty because they were isolated from one another. They were not isolated in the physical sense, rather in the sense that they each had different needs and desires when it came to political rights. As they came from different walks of life, diversified social classes and different educational backgrounds, women may have found it difficult to come together on a common ground in order to speak out for their basic constitutional rights as citizens of the new republic. Whatever the true reasons may have been, it is apparent that with the changing social and economic conditions in colonial America came the change in the colonial woman's role. Gradually, as she became aware of her ability to act as an independent entity, own property or conduct businesses, whether she was a feme sole or covert, the colonial woman found herself understanding the need for education, and searching for a political as well as legal identity."
Abstract This paper uses the case discussed in Jonathon Harr's book "A Civil Action" to explain the system of Anglo/American tort law--the workings and limitations of the system and the intended goals as opposed to real life actualities. It follows case facts and describes the outcome, while explaining all the ensuing legal factors. Also included is an account of the historical divergence of civil obligations and tort law.
From the paper:
"Harr's book relates the story of a type of case that is all too sadly familiar: A large corporation (in this case actually two large corporations) contaminate the environment because it is cheaper dump solvents than to dispose of them legally. The reason that corporations are supposed to be restrained from such cheap but illegal dumping is the threat of either criminal charges being made or of civil litigation. In other words, corporations are supposed to behave themselves because if they don?t then they will get sued. But the important catch to this argument, as this book shows, is that corporations do not in fact have a great deal to fear from civil litigation. All too often, the person who wins civil litigation is the person (or corporation) who can continue to pay for a lawyer longer than the other side. The results of civil litigation have less to do with right and wrong than with whose pockets were the deepest to begin with."
