Abstract This is a paper that reports on a particular theme in the Mencius, a classic Chinese philosophical text. It gives a very brief discussion of the author and his context and then proceeds to show specifically how Mencius and his co-authors use familiar (and familial) examples to illustrate the overarching principle of benevolence in government. This was meant to appeal to Chinese rulers and bureaucrats at the time, by using simple language and concrete examples as well as a simplified doctrine of governmental behavior that reduces to one principle of benevolent rule.
Abstract This paper explains that Rensis Likert is famous for his innovative 1-5 Likert Scales, which measures attitudes, and the founding and directorship of the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. The author describes the four main types of management styles in modern-day organizations as identified by Likert in his theory of management: exploitative, benevolent, consultative and participative. The paper relates that Likert's books on his theories of management, written in the 1960s and 1970s, became extremely popular in Japan, which impacted modern Japanese organizations and thereby American business management.
From the Paper "Under the consultative system, the leaders did not have enough trust in their subordinates. The motivation was by rewards and most of the employees had some involvement. Those in the higher levels had responsibility to achieve organization goals. There was some communication with the leadership and among themselves as well as some amount of team work. And under the participative type, superiors had complete confidence in their subordinates. Likert considered this the best type. Motivation was by economic rewards, determined by set goals according to participation."
Abstract This paper reviews Paulo Coehlo's novel, "The Alchemist" and suggests that it is a story founded upon Christian (and Islamic) values prizing humanity, beneficence and charity. It specifically examines the benevolence and willingness to give that characterizes the people who assist Santiago (the protagonist) on his long journey of self-realization.
From the Paper "At the same time, the "Old King," is quite interesting because of the biblical connotations and denotations his character offers. He is, first and foremost, an ancient biblical figure - his real name is Melchizedek, as he tells Santiago (Coehlo, 7) who once brought wine and food to Abraham after the latter had defeated his enemies. He is also viewed by scholars as the progenitor of all priesthood and as the King of Uprightness - or at least he is when he surfaces early in the Old Testament. Lastly, the Old King, Melchizedek, receives a tithe from Abraham even though the latter hardly knows him (Thomas, 403-404). Like Abraham in the Bible, Santiago gives the Old King something; in this case, his time rather than a portion of his riches. Beyond that, Melchizedek blesses Abraham (Thomas, 403) and it may be said that Melchizedek, by reminding Santiago of his duty to fulfill his Personal Legend, blesses him, as well. In the end, Coehlo has given a distinctly biblical connotation to the Quest motif at the heart of the story."
Abstract This paper discusses the response to the request for ethics information in relation to advertising, and the following considerations that should be noted prior to the interview meeting that is scheduled for the president and CEO. The first point the paper discusses is how the virtue theory contends that each individual within society has a moral and ethical obligation to not harm others in the social order. Virtue by nature is part of the character of the individual and must guide the person to act in a benevolent manner toward others.This benevolence is based on the concepts of virtue, wisdom, courage, temperance and justice. The paper further discusses how within the theory of virtue there is the consideration that all adults within society are responsible for teaching ethics to young children so that they will inevitably act in a virtuous manner within the social order.
Abstract This paper discusses how Rowson intended "Charlotte Temple" to act as a cautionary tale to the young women of the time to show them the devastating consequences of entering into a sexual relationship before marriage. In particular, the paper looks at how, in analyzing the use of misfortune and benevolence throughout the story, particularly in the relation of the story of Charlotte's parents, we see that "Charlotte Temple" exists beyond the genre of a cautionary narrative, also acting as a parable of virtue to inspire its readers to act with generosity and benevolence to those who had fallen on misfortune.
From the Paper "The opening chapter of Charlotte Temple, in which Montraville first encounters and is enamored by the beautiful and innocent Charlotte, serves to establish a basis for the novels primary plot and themes. The second chapter of the book, however, introduces the subtler plots and themes of the story, with the detailed history of Charlotte's parents. The chapter begins by introducing the readers to Charlotte's father, Henry Temple, the younger son of an English Earl with a kind heart and gentle disposition. Possessing a small fortune and an illustrious pedigree, both society and Mr. Temples family expected him to marry into wealth and nobility. However Henry Temple's rejection of his place at the top of the English hierarchy serves to reveal the true content of his character by exemplifying his kindness, virtue, and benevolence. Further illustrating Mr. Temple's altruistic attributes are his interactions with the Eldridges, a family lowered into a state of poverty and imprisonment by the great misfortunes they endured. Mr. Eldridge, a former army captain with little wealth, borrowed money from his son's friend, Lewis, to fund his daughter's education. "
Abstract This essay puts forward arguments why the United States should attempt to develop positive relations with China. It discusses historical relations and those policies being adopted by the President Clinton as opposed to the isolationist Truman/Eisenhower/Bush, Jr. ideas. The paper discusses China's new growth and industrial potential as well as the effects political relations will have on trade. It also covers nuclear non-proliferation treaties and WTO membership implications.
From the paper:
"In the past, the U.S. has shared benevolent, if at times, uncertain, ties with China and Taiwan. Profitable trade with the Q?ing dynasty in the 1700's for opium, tea and coal let subsequent 19th century administrations to continue with Sino-engagement through an ?Open Door Policy.? U.S. forces even fought alongside the Republic of China (ROC) against Japanese forces during World War II. However, in five short decades, 200 years of close ties have unraveled due to ideological differences. The People's Republic of China (PRC) and the U.S. have pursued divergent roads to civil society. Communism and a command economy have monopolized China, while democracy and capitalism have absorbed America. The U.S. needs to form a constructive relationship with China for several reasons."
Abstract An analysis of the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism and the religious and ethical guides they form. The author looks at how this ethical system emerged and its teachings about propriety, ritual, etiquette, righteousness, honesty and trust, benevolence and loyalty to the state.
From the Paper "Religions vary greatly from country to country. Before the Communist Revolution in China, many different religions were practiced there. Confucianism and Taoism both originated in China many centuries before Christianity. These religions were established as ethical guides for individuals and officials. Confucianism is based on the teachings and writings of the philosopher Confucius, K'ung Fu Tzu. He was born in 551 BCE in the modern day Shantung Province."
Southern intellectuals' justiications based on physiological, racial, social, religioius, cultural and economic levels. Argument that slavery was a more benevolent institution than Capitalism.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 15 sources, 2001, $ 63.95
From the Paper "In spite of the process of emancipation and criticism against slavery, the South hung onto slavery even after the Revolutionary Period (Moore 140). At first, they defended the institution of slavery as a necessary evil. However, in time, the South, through the voice of the intellectuals, wove an impressive web of justifications. It not only defended the institution, but extolled it as an ideal system to be emulated by all societies. In their complete embrace of slavery, these intellectuals justified the institution on several levels: physiological, racial, social, religious, cultural and economic.
By pointing out the physiological and racial differences from the whites, the doctors and scientists of the South played a large part in undermining the humanity of the slaves. This "knowledge" set the stage for the justification of the ..."
Abstract The paper shows that while Boswell's "The Life of Samuel Johnson" is somewhat jaded by personal benevolence, Boswell was more in tune with Johnson's flaws than, for example, his own. It shoows that between his self-praise and esteem for Johnson, James Boswell manages to provide the reader with instances that truly reveal a complete portrait of the great writer and give a glimpse into the wit, intellect and wisdom of Samuel Johnson.
From the Paper "The selection from "The Life of Samuel Johnson" by James Boswell must be interpreted contextually as it is relayed from the perspective of Boswell who clearly throughout the piece voices obvious bias in favor of his subject. Boswell's own arrogance is another glass through which the biography is conveyed and a significant portion of the text is devoted to that. However, there are certain instances, particularly in the quotes he records, where Boswell seems to truly capture the essence of Johnson's personality. Samuel Johnson is described as a somewhat liberal Christian who, although he holds high regard for the knowledge of the Ancients, lives his life in a style more befitting the Moderns of the day."
Tags: 17th, augustan, british, classical, enlightenment, literature
Abstract This paper examines Hume's emotive thoery that whatever motivates a person is not reason ? as rationalists and other thinkers did and do ? but emotion and that reason cannot provide that motive and reason is not a desire. It analyzes Hume's two types of emotions: the self-regarding and the non-self-regarding and how pride is a typical example of the first type, whereby one takes pride in an achievement or possession because it is his or hers and how benevolence and sympathy are examples of the second type which do not consider any connection between the person/s receiving the emotions and the giver. It shows that the emotive theory of Hume is really an ethics of brotherhood, of humaneness and of love, which approximates the teachings of the New Testament on charity and in a much deeper way, resounds true brotherhood as taught by Christianity. This theory makes Hume sound less of a skeptic that he claims to be and more Christian than many pontificators.
From the Paper "Hume also maintains that the goodness or rightness of human acts does not lie outside of the person performing such acts, but only inside of him. His philosophy is based only what is directly and physically experienced by the senses, which rejects reason. Good ? or evil -- acts, according to him, cannot be observed physically as the objective property of anything, and therefore, can come only from the observer's mind. An act or thing is good because the observer feels it is good and it is bad because it repulses the observer. If it cannot be demonstrated, experienced, measured or proved empirically, to Hume it cannot be a fact."
Abstract Description of the life of Confucius and his important influence in Chinese culture. Development of the philosophy of legalism. Reliance on duties, righteousness, relationships and benevolence towards others. Importance of order. "The Analects." The Five Classics and their impact on legalism as a system of methods and principles for operating a State.
From the Paper "Confucianism and Legalism
Confucius
In many respects, had there not been a Confucius, it could be argued that the philosophy of legalism would not have developed, or would have developed much later (Murray, 1992). Confucius, often called one of most influential figures in the history of China, was a teacher, a politician, a prophet, and, curiously, a failure when he died.
He lived roughly from 551 BC to 479 BC, a period when China was in great flux, a time when there was no political stability and a time when there was no unified nation. Confucius' teachings (usually found in his "Analects") reflected a practicality and a focus on ritual and the way things should be. He believed, for instance, that mankind was obligated to act within the "five virtues," comprised ..."
Abstract This paper is a critical and historiographical examination of the nature of warfare and the natures of the men who wage it. It analyzes the fundamental moral prohibitions against warfare and violence and the circumstances and situations in which the human responses of sympathy and morality can be broken down. It looks at how philosophers and scholars have long debated the fundamental tenets of human nature and how some, including Thomas Hobbes, argue that man is naturally barbaric and that social constraints are necessary to restrain these violent tendencies. Others, such as Immanuel Kant, contend that man is inherently benevolent and that the group dynamics of society should seek to harness these altruistic forces.
From the Paper "However, certain factors can overwhelm and neutralize these moral responses, thereby effecting a fundamental transformation of the people involved in the acts of violence. War often results from the manifestation of the destructive, cruel, and violent tendencies that coexist within all humans along with the restraining forces of sympathy, compassion, and respect. Glover maintains that the moral resources typically restrain the savage impulses of humankind, but when these moral resources collapse in the midst of war, barbarism and cruelty rise to the foreground. In his descriptions of various instances of torture and cruelty in times of war, Glover makes a compelling case for the perverse appeal of such cruelty for many people, particularly emotionally stunted males seeking to buoy their self-confidence through the assertion of their power over weaker creatures."
Tags: nature, violence, nazis, stalin, conflict, society
Abstract This paper examines how social research is very dictated by political leadership, political parties and particular cult-of-personality politicians. It looks at how this concept took an evil approach in Nazi Germany, but a more benevolent approach in the post-war West. It evaluates how social research thrives on method, but relies on politics to take its cue and therefore topics such as cloning research are as relevant and as popular as a social science study not only because the pure science has advanced so much that such a feat is possible, but because the politicians in America and other more conservative countries have cried out long and hard against it.
From the Paper "Eugenics, viewed today rightfully as a racist study of genetics, had surprisingly innocuous roots: It began in Stanford University, and one of its proponents was Alexander Graham Bell. From these surprising roots, eugenics became the driving force for Hitler to exterminate the Jews, whom he believed were genetically inferior and therefore pollutants to the Aryan race. Such spurious philosophies were not relegated only to the government offices to Hitler's cabinet meetings. Nor were they relegated only to the Army and to those who carried out Hitler's maniacal vision. No, the politics in Hitler's social theories affected social research in Germany to the extent that talented philosophers, scientists and sociologists were swayed to follow Hitler down his path of racism and violence."
Abstract It is ironic, but entirely understandable, that black slaves in the American south so readily embraced the religion of their oppressors. Christianity was used by the slaveholders as a justification for slavery as well as a tool of mental control. However, because slaveholders prohibited the practice of African religions among the slave populations, Christianity became central to the slave's spiritual, social and personal life. The paper shows that, moreover, a unique syncretic religious culture emerged in the antebellum South, one that differed from that which was born in the Caribbean or other parts of the slaveholding Americas. African religions were most noticeably combined with the dominant white religion of Christianity in the revivalist meetings and in the spiritual songs sung by the slaves, rather than in the rituals of Haitian Voudoun and Cuban Santeria. The paper shows that for southern American slaves, slave masters? hypocrisy did not interfere with a genuine religious faith and belief in an omniscient and benevolent God. Christianity offered for the slave a means to transcend the pain of mundane existence; the next world would offer the joy, abundance, freedom, peace, and love that slavery denied them. Religion therefore served as both diversion and divine intervention in the individual and collective African-American soul.
From the Paper "Praise meetings arose from the combination of Christian evangelism and the intense emotional experience of bondage. Blassingame notes that blacks had a "more intense emotional involvement with their God" than the whites who introduced them to Christ. The passionate longing for freedom and emancipation contributed to the unique character of black-led praise meetings in the American south. These meetings combined elements of traditional black religious practice such as music, song, and dance with Christian theology. Shouting and singing were methods of inspiring slaves and emboldening an otherwise degraded spirit. The tenets of Christianity were combined with themes of freedom to create a specifically African-American experience of that religion. This experience and the practice of Christianity differed from that of the white slaveholder. For a slave, Christianity had immediate relevance. Praise meetings served as direct communion with God, as a vehicle to transcend the brutal conditions of daily life. God was personal, not abstract. God was immanent and omnipresent. Praise meetings infused Christianity with emotionality, passion, and sorrow."
