Tags:free economics market, health license

Abstract
The paper shows how Lawrence Sterne's "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy" appears at first to be a travel journal, narrated by, Yorick, a jester and a fool, taking his name and style from the famed Shakespearean scene in "Hamlet". The paper notes that a jester, like Sterne makes light of life's serious matters and are known for their wisdom. It shows how Sterne's light, self mocking tone and his humorous style combine with his serio-comic narrator to produce a serious theme. The paper shows how the experiences of Sterne's wise fool show that sympathy for others, especially for those who may seem strange or foreign, opens the human heart and that the knowledge that Yorick gains from his travels is not mental knowledge but heart knowledge which leads to universal love and friendship.

From the Paper
"Sterne does not wish his writings to be considered dangerous, merely light and humorous, so he plays the fool and lets Yorick travel the world with all his foolish baggage, getting mixed up with characters from all walks and levels of life and admitting if his adventures: "I am never so perfectly conscious of the existence of a soul within me, as when I am entangled in them" (211). Yorick, wiping Maria's and his own tears alternately feels "such indescribable emotions within me, as I am sure could not be accounted for from any combination of matter and motion." 213 Toward the end of the book Yorick enjoys "a feast of love" with a large family (221) after which he participates in the joyful "grace" of the family dance that is the best sort of thanks to heaven that an illiterate peasant (or learned prelate) could pay" (224)."

Tags:sense, of, humor, Count, Maria

Abstract
This paper examines Descartes dualist thesis that mind and body are different things and his "Conceivability Argument" in his Meditations on First Philosophy. The conceivability argument uses one's ability to conceive of a mind without a body as a proof that mind and body are necessarily different things. The writer provides an objection to this argument from the point of view of an Identity Theorist, who believes that mind and body are in fact the exact same thing. The objection takes the meaning-reference distinction approach that states that mind and body essentially refer to the same thing but mean different things.

From the Paper
"One of the central pieces of Descartes' dualist thesis is his conceivability argument, which attempts to establish that mind and body are necessarily different types of things. As it provides grounds for substantiating that mind and body are distinct, this argument also serves as the backbone of a prominent objection to the claims proposed by the simple identity theory. The identity theory makes the claim that all types of mental states and experiences are equivalent to types of brain states or other physical states. This clearly conflicts directly with the dualist's view of an independently existing mind that is responsible for the realization of mental states and experiences regardless of the existence of any corresponding physical entity to go with them. As such, the dualist must have significant objections to the identity theory. One such challenge to the identity theory is well summed by a single claim: "I can imagine myself turned to stone, and yet having images, aches, pains and so on." In this paper I will first demonstrate how an objection to the identity theory centered on this claim can be constructed. I will demonstrate how this objection is quite similar in nature to Descartes' conceivability argument, which will necessitate a brief explanation of Descartes' argument. I will then offer a response from the identity theorist to this objection, which will rely on the relationship between "concept" and "meaning" and the distinction between meaning and reference. In presenting this reply, I will show that this response to the dualist's objection also works against Descartes' conceivability argument."

Tags:argument, body, conceivability, descartes, dualism, identity, meaning, meditations, mind, reference, theory

Abstract
This essay considers three interpretations of "Harrison Bergeron" a short story by Kurt Vonnegut. The story was originally conceived as a warning against abandoning the free market, and later as a diatribe against forced equalization. It now appears that the symbolso fot ehsotry are most consistent with a satire attacking the narrow-minded views that Americans maintain about collectivization.

From the Paper
SYMBOLISM AS USED IN VONNEGUT'S "HARRISON BERGERON" In his short story "Harrison Bergeron," Kurt Vonnegut presents a strange futuristic tale of life in the United States of 2081, when "everybody was finally equal" (Vonnegut 7) As a result of Amendments 211, 212, and 213 to the United States Constitution. George and Hazel Bergeron are watching television on the day when their 14-year old son, Harrison, has been "taken away" by agents of the Handicapper General. But George and Hazel "couldn't think about it very hard" (Vonnegut 7). As they watch television, Vonnegut reveals how equality has been forced on everyone in the society, at least to the point of hobbling anyone with

Tags:vonnegut, symbol, setting

Abstract
This paper analyzes the different ways in which it is possible to conceive of God's relationship to the universe: theism, pantheism, and panentheism. It also considers each one's strength's and weaknesses. The writer discusses the common ground of each of these schools of thought.

From the Paper
"In theological discourse there are several different ways to conceive of God and his relationship to the universe. The three most significant are theism, pantheism and panentheism. Although these schools of thought espouse differing views of God's place in the universe, there is common ground as they all center on a fundamental belief in God. Indeed theism pantheism and panentheism are all able to provide meaningful guidance in developing one's spiritual life. In the end, however it is panentheism that seems to offer the most benevolent view of ... "

Tags:theism, pantheism, panentheism, God, universe

Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that in the past few decades, several advanced current-day fertilization techniques for women that have difficulties conceiving children have emerged at the forefront of medical technology. The writer points out that medical professionals are now able to prescribe a few different treatment options for women that are unable to get pregnant naturally. If treatment has not resulted in pregnancy after four to six menstrual cycles, fertilization techniques may be considered. The writer concludes that it appears that different techniques have roots in in vitro fertilization, which is predicted to see improvements over the next few years. The writer maintains that the future of human fertilization appears bright.

Outline:
Introduction
In Vitro (test tube) Fertilization
Third Party Donor
Gametic Intra-fallopian Transfer
Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Currently, in due to improvements in ultrasound imaging, surgery is no longer necessary for most in vitro fertilization patients. Technological progress has allowed for the use of a sonographically-guided needle to replace the surgical procedure which previously was used to recover eggs. This procedure, called Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval, requires neither hospitalization nor general anesthesia. Instead, the woman undergoes about two weeks of intensive preparation, including hormonal therapy with fertility drugs. Blood tests and ultrasound scans of the ovaries are used to determine the optimal time to retrieve the eggs from the ovary, and at the proper time, an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia will allow the female's eggs to be visualized by ultrasound and retrieved from the ovary by placing a needle through the vaginal wall. The woman experiences pain similar to a pap smear and is able to return home and resume normal activities. The embryologist places the sperm with the eggs when they are ready for fertilization, maintaining them in a laboratory dish in a nutrient mixture which acts as a substitute for the environment that would otherwise have been provided by the fallopian tubes."

Tags:test-tube, pregnancy, conceiving, egg

Abstract
This paper presents a psychological case study about a woman called Jennifer. The paper explains that Jennifer, who is having problems conceiving, suffered a miscarriage and the death of her mother and is facing putting her father into a nursing home. Overriding all her problems, Jennifer is a perfectionist but her self-esteem has gone down due to her inability to conceive. She seems to be running out of patients at work and home. The author concludes that Jennifer needs to see a therapist to help her accept her life and to get through these issues.

From the Paper
"Jennifer needs to figure out what she wants. This will involve getting her priorities set in stone. She must begin to focus on her family issues first and foremost. Her body might not be ready to have a child right now due to all the stress from her father and being overworked. She seems to think that work is more important at this time in her life. She is trying to be a perfectionist at work. She needs to know that she does not have to take on the world all by herself or be perfect in her work performance."

Tags:superego perfectionist self-worth, support group, feelings

Abstract
In recent years, medicine has been so greatly affected by technological advances that it has gone beyond therapy and towards the limits of our imagination. Unlike a few years ago, when conceiving a baby girl or a baby boy was a matter of chance, today's prospective parents can choose to alter the genetic make-up of their children in order to enhance their offspring's well-being in the future. This paper shows, however, that it is not clear if modern society is ready to face the consequences of genetic engineering. On one hand, scientists agree that, from a medical standpoint, genetic technologies do, in fact, hold promising potential. The paper shows that, on the other hand, genetic engineering focused on improvement of the human species involves profound ethical and political risks that are to be taken into serious consideration. The paper argues that not until we become fully aware of the issues surrounding genetic technologies should we pursue the illusion of creating a "perfect baby" and intrude upon our children's lives by intervening with their genes.

From the Paper
"What does modern germline engineering have to do with eugenics of the past? Obviously, contemporary genetic technologies are nowhere near encouraging or discouraging certain groups of people from reproduction. However, the science seems to be turning away from its primary purpose of bringing human beings to life free of diseases towards enhancing otherwise normal human beings. This trend looks like a resurrection of eugenics at a more advanced scientific level. Daniel Wikler confirms that people are clearly worried about genetic engineering moving from "medical" concern for the individual to "eugenic" ambitions for improving the gene pool in general?(because) this move was accompanied, early this (last) century, by great wrongs, harms justified by the greater good?" (14). Is germline engineering simply a new name for eugenics? "

Tags:disease, enhancement, eugenics

Abstract
This paper compares how Marx and Durkheim relate to religion through their writings. It shows how in his "Selected Writings," Karl Marx devotes much of his early text to the study of religion, essentially regarding it as a false notion which contributes to the alienation of man from himself. On the other hand, Emile Durkheim's "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life" approaches religion from a more purely sociological perspective, examining religion as a tool which may endow individuals with a means for conceiving of and relating to the society in which they live.

From the Paper
"Marx's conception of religion surely does not flatter theology. To be sure, his examination of religious life is highly critical in nature, revealing himself to be a true atheist. Marx presents religion as a symptom of a man and indeed a society that is lost; it is the "self-consciousness and self-awareness of a man who either has not yet attained to himself or has already lost himself again"(Mc Lellan 63). In this sense, religion is a formidable hindrance to any human progress in society. Religion is an illusion, an "illusory happiness of the people"(Mc Lellan 64) in that it works on levels outside of the world of man. Therefore, it is an imaginary pastime; Marx insists that "Man is the world of man, the state, the society"(Mc Lellan 63), he is not to be bound up in some abstract thing like religion. And yet the horrors of religious suffering are very real indeed, and also very unnecessary (Mc Lellan 64). Thus, Marx establishes religion as a paradox; it is an illusory happiness, and yet with tangible sorrows. This conception leads Marx to denounce religion as "the sigh of the oppressed creature, the feeling of the heartless world, and the soul of soulless circumstances. It is the opium of the people"(Mc Lellan 64)."

Tags:god, spirit, science, society

Abstract
This paper examines the issues surrounding 'In Vitro' fertilization. It describes what it is medically, who is eligible for this treatment, and the legal ramification of conceiving a child outside the biological uterus. The author writes that IVF often causes birth defects in children.

Table of Contents
Introduction to Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization
Causes of Infertility
Indicators for IVF (in vitro fertilization)
Steps in the IVF Treatment
Positive and Negative Effects of IVF Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In vitro treatment is often used as an infertility treatment because "IVF offers couples who cannot have children naturally, a chance of having a baby" and even though fertilization takes place outside the woman's body, the couple will still experience the process of natural pregnancy and conception, as well as the opportunity to conceive their own child. In vitro fertilization also prevents the problem of custody over a child that usually happens when couples adopt or subsist to surrogacy, wherein the child was conceived in another woman's womb (fertility Confidential 2001). These problems are not only legally demanding, but also emotionally straining to couples that have used these measures to have their own child."

Tags:treatment, fertility, infertility, ivf, women, body, conception, child, custody, adopt, surrogacy, legal