Abstract This work deals with Kant's understanding of the basis for moral actions taken from his work entitled "The Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals". He believes that there is one criterion for moral obligation which he refers to as the "categorical imperative". A large part of this essay discusses the four ways in which this "categorical imperative" can be formulated.
From the Paper "In presenting the one criterion for moral obligation, Immanuel Kant first rejects other moral traditions before his time: among them, the virtue theory, which bases morality on good character traits; and the consequential theory, which bases it on the consequences of actions. In response, he argues that moral actions are based only on a "supreme principle of morality" ? one that is objective, rational and freely chosen -- which he called the categorical imperative."
Tags: Kant, Categorical, Imperative, morality, obligation, objective, formula
Abstract The movie "Fargo" is analyzed within a cinematic criterion that will include characterization, technical aspects of filming, and scene analysis. By understanding the elements of film making in these categories, the process in which this film was made will be reveale.
Abstract This paper reviews the Georgia Criterion reference Competency test (GCRCT), the instrument given to determine the learning capabilities of students at River's Edge Elementary School. In recent years the students in the fourth grade, or intermediate levels have neglected to pass these exams, with the primary issue being related to reading comprehension. The paper discusses the research that was conducted to address this issue by providing a format in which the students could acquire new skills in reading comprehension at River's Edge. The plan focused on predicting, questions generating, clarifying, and summarizing. This was accomplished through before, during and after reading strategies, modeling, annolighted texts, and reciprocal teachings methods.
Abstract This paper examines non-profit organizations, focusing particularly on profit measure criterion, and argues how it can benefit a hospital facility grappling with high costs and high expectations. In so doing, the paper looks at several of the broad characteristics that define non-profit organizations and suggests how an effective policy governance model and health care provisioning can be achieved simply by paying attention to the bottom line. The paper concludes that hospitals must understand that they have finite resources and that offering a few core services at a high level is infinitely preferable to running up a high debt offering numerous services at a low level.
From the Paper "One of the strengths of using the profit measure approach is how it can succeed in ensuring that there is no confusion about who does what, what is expected when they do it, and what the final outcome(s) should be. According to Carver & Carver (2006), the properly-functioning Policy Governance Model will accentuate the following: self-imposed rules (for the board) vis-a-vis the delegation of authority and the method by which "board-stated" criteria will be utilized during the evaluation process; clarity in terms of who is responsible to whom; and a determination to see to it that board decisions (while open to possible change) are never undermined. While Carver and Carver do not touch upon it, the preceding governance approach clearly functions best when there is one easily quantifiable, easily transferable, means of measuring who is performing and who is not performing across the whole breadth of the organization's activities. The profit measure obviously does this and thereby sees to it that long-term goals are not compromised by short-term mismanagement in one department (or group of departments)."
Abstract In this article, the writer offers a pro-life argument, but the paper does not wrangle over at what point the fetus becomes a human being. THe writer stresses that this is a material question, and that a material question cannot determine a moral argument. A moral argument must be forward looking, and must eschew the backward looking mode of investigating facts. The writer maintains that a forward looking argument must abide by the Kantian criterion of duty. It must aim for the universal good rather than pay heed to individual preference. The pro-choice stance does not meet the demands of the categorical imperative. The writer argues that it is obviously a step on the slippery slope, for there is no limit to individual preference.
From the Paper "Every debate must be guided by morality and justice. The pro-choice argument seems to be, at first sight, not without a moral basis. It is a morality that bases itself in individualism and utilitarianism. The woman is said to have the right to control her own body, and the unborn fetus is claimed to be yet a part of the mother's body, and not yet a distinct human being. In this way, it is argued, she has the right to terminate the life of the fetus, which constitutes abortion. Against this the usual pro-life argument holds the line that the fetus is not only a part of the mother's body, and that it is indeed a distinct human being. This paper argues that it is a mistake to engage the pro-choice believer in a materialistic argument, and that he cannot be won over in this manner. The resolution must be only through a moral argument, and in this light it stresses the Kantian concept of duty. Kant gives us the categorical imperative by which to test the moral content of an act, and I will employ this test to show that the pro-choice argument is flawed, and that an act of abortion can in no way be seen as being moral. Indeed it must be classed as immoral, because it is really doing nothing, and is allowing animal instinct to rule human behavior. "
Abstract This paper explains that Nicod's criterion of confirmation is one of the most important evidences around which the "Ravens' Paradox" revolves. The author points out that the "Ravens' Paradox" itself seems to revolve around two elements. The first is that the observation of a purple cow really has nothing to do with the generalization of the statement "all ravens are black", and the second is that such an observation also proves that "all ravens are white". The paper concludes that Hempel's solution to the problem resides in the fact that he manages to fit in both Nicod's criterion and the equivalence condition by introducing probabilities.
Table of Contents
Nicod's Criterion of Confirmation and the Equivalence Condition
The Paradox of the Ravens
From the Paper "Carl Hempel was the first to publish the paradox of the ravens in Theoria, a Swedish periodical, in 1937, and ever since, the paradox has been a source of numerous controversies. In his paper, Hempel concludes that the generalization of a simple statement, such as "all ravens are black" can be confirmed by another simple observation, such as that of a purple cow. The observation of a purple cow would, in Hempel's opinion, increase, even slightly, the probability that all ravens are black. Briefly summarizing his paradox, Professor Hempel notes that the statement "all ravens are black" is logically equivalent to the statement that "all non-black objects are not ravens" (this is a true logical equivalence). Therefore, finding a purple cow weakly confirms the statement that all ravens are black, because it confirms its logical equivalent that all non-black objects are not ravens."
Abstract The object of this paper is to define the characteristics and motivations of companies looking to increase the performance of their help desks by expanding beyond the areas of a web-based portal to a more multi-channel based approach. According to the paper, these multiple channels include enabling web self-service, intelligent routing and real-time chat. The paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on the topics of help desk strategies in the context of broader multi-channel services strategies, by implementing the following three criteria: correspondence criterion, coherence criterion and pragmatic criterion. The paper concludes by providing recommendations to companies looking to adopt help desk service strategies.
Outline:
Research Thesis
Problem Definition with Research Questions/Hypotheses
Literature Review/Appropriate Background with Primary and Secondary Data, Theoretical Basis for your Proposed Research Project
The Role of Technology in Self-Service
Proposed Research Methodology with Rationale
Data Collection Methods with Rationale, Including Population, Sampling
Ethical Method Description
Describe Quantitative (statistical) or Qualitative or Mixed Methods of Analysis with Rationale
Validation and/or Verification Methods Proposed, with Rationale
Method of Communicating Report Results with Rationale
From the Paper "The intent of this first phase is to accomplish the following tasks. First, the questionnaire will need to be fine-tuned based on how respondents perceive the questions. Completing the survey with a few respondents in person will assist in finding areas where the questionnaire can be improved. Secondly, there are issues and concerns that may not have been covered in the questionnaire, and in this phase, these considerations will be discovered. Finally there is the issue of capturing the nuance and areas of emphasis respondents have on specific projects. Having this face-time with respondents is critical for all these reasons."
Abstract This paper examines the character of Captain Ahab as a tragic hero in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". The author discusses the criteria for a tragic hero and how Ahab fits each criterion. The paper looks at how Captain Ahab's weakness turned him away from success, and how he recognized his personal suffering.
From the Paper "Captain Ahab is a man of substance, or outstanding in a positive way. He is also turned aside from success due to his own weakness of character. This weakness of character causes him to suffer which in turn this suffering causes Ahab to find recognition of himself and discover what is happening to him. He also causes the sensitive and intelligent reader to feel a sense of waste. Ahab causes a disruption in a system of order as well. He is classified as a paradoxical figure and shows sign of humanity. With two proofs or more for each of the eight criteria of a tragic hero Captain Ahab proves himself to be a more than adequate tragic hero in Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick. "
Abstract This paper concerns itself with applying Thomas H. Green's taxonomy of revolution leadership, "Comparative Revolutionary Movements" to two cases in a comparative manner: the enigmatic personas of Samora Machel and Sam Nujoma. The author provides extensive background information on the revolutions and revolutionaries in question. The paper discusses how Green sets out an analytical framework for comparing revolutions based on the comparison of leadership, support, ideology, organization, techniques and external support.
From the Paper:
"Revolution has pervaded the landscape of modern African history with a plethora of different examples. To be sure, from Algeria to Guinea Bissau, Angola to Mozambique and Zimbabwe to Namibia, Africa has seen her fair share of transformation-orientated uprising. Each of the myriad of African revolutions has their own story to tell regarding causes, characteristics and outcomes. This paper concerns itself with the characteristics of revolution. To be specific, the leaderships aspects of revolution. Now, African history is colored with many great revolutionaries: Hendrik Witbooi, Joshua Nkomo, Robert Mugabe, Jonas Savimbi, Ben Bella, john Chilembwe and Bambatha all invoke in their own right memories of the some of the greatest African leaders of our time and that of the generations before us. It is important to understand the socio-psychology of this very unique type of leadership. To this end, we can employ the criterion of Thomas H Green, developed in his seminal work "Comparative Revolutionary Movements."
This paper analyzes Michael E. Porter's view of the business world as outlined in "On Competition", a collection of his works that examines the Hobbesian nature of the international economy.
Abstract This paper analyzes Michael E. Porter's book "On Competition", a collection of his works that details the international economy. Porter's work has defined our fundamental understanding of competition and competitive strategy. His book is organized around three primary categories: Competition and Strategy: Core Concepts, The Competitiveness of Location, and Competitive Solutions to Societal Problems.The first section of the essay collection takes on competitive strategy, evaluating strategies and weaknesses for business, while the second addresses the role of location in competition experienced by government entities. Porter also analyses a number of sectors of the economy using his criterion of competition from what makes some global companies work to the relationship between business success and environmental regulation.
From the Paper "It isn"t only that there isn"t any free lunch. But while you?re shelling out hard-earned bucks for your repast someone else is pushing their way ahead of you, probably egged on by people you thought were your friends. At least that's Michael E. Porter's view of the business world as outlined in On Competition, a collection of his works that examines the Hobbesian nature of the international economy. The credentials that Porter brings to this project are impressive: a Harvard Business School professor, Porter is one of the most respected and innovative economists of his time. The author of 15 books, he advises both elected officials and business leaders in all parts of the world."
Abstract This paper outlines a theoretical background of the importance of health assessments. The writer claims that health assessment is a basic criterion for recording patient information, of which cultural assessment is also an important part. The paper discusses six cultural phenomena that nurses must understand and practice to ensure effective patient care. To substantiate this study, the paper provides a model for health (and cultural) assessment - an indigenous female in a maternity ward.
From the Paper "The commercial nature of medical care in institutions today forces medical practitioners to adopt a highly professional and impersonal attitude towards patients. This clinical attitude towards patients has been the result of standardization of medical processes. Studies indicate [Leininger, 1991] that personal care provides critical information regarding the patient, enabling doctors and nurses to diagnose patient's illness effectively. In a multicultural environment like Australia, treatment of ethnic patients requires such personal care. However, nurses who interact with patients, operate without having knowledge of the cultural background of their patients, are in danger of violating professional code of conduct. There is a need for cultural assessment along with health assessment for effective inter ethnic relationship building between patients and nurses. To achieve that, data pertaining to the patient's culture within the context of the disease is required. This could only be achieved through a health assessment."
Assesses impact of applying information technology (networking, centralization) to global trade, using Pareto Criterion (relating equality of opportunity & economic efficiency).
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 11 sources, 1996, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Information technology has been and continues to be applied in a wide range of economic activities. Most frequently, one hears only of the benefits associated with the application of information technology in some specific industry or to some particular economic process. Costs, however, also are associated with the application of information technology, although such costs may not outweigh the benefits of such application or even cause disequilibrium and dislocations over long periods. The purpose of this research was to assess the contention that the application of information technology to the process of international trade leads to Pareto Optimality. The finding..."
This paper is in essay form and explores the question "What is great art?" by using a definition given by Bernard Shaw ?Great art can never be anything else but didactic.?
Abstract The author, based on Bernard Shaw's didactic statement, evaluates five "great" literary works in search of the answer: F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", Pearl S. Buck's "The Good Earth", Shaw's "Pygmalion", Annie Dillard's "The Writing Life" and Bauby's memoir, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". The author concludes that Shaw's argument has validity only in regards to literature but didacticism alone does not make anything great.
From the Paper "Pearl S. Buck's classic, The Good Earth, is a work of great art that seems to defy Shaw's contention. It is a book whose greatness is attributed to the story of a family's perseverance through the barren land of china as they made their way through the dregs of society surviving famine, working for nothing, watching loved ones die, allowing their home to be ravaged, reviving their land?the story of a family's champion over life."
Abstract The paper looks at the claim that the null hypothesis is always false, as well as the problems with misinterpretations of the significance level. The writer brings to question the editors of psychological journals for the emphasis placed on achieving a low significance level as an unofficial criterion for publishing an article. The paper attempts to informally critique the Significance Test, an alternative to the traditional NHST.
From the Paper "The Null Hypothesis Significance Test (NHST) exists amid a great deal of tradition and controversy. Like any theory, NHST has its strong points and its weak points. While a number of learned scholars appear to agree that the NHST has become ritualized and perhaps misinterpreted, no one seems to honestly feel that the NHST should be completely abolished (Cohan, 1994; Bakan, 1967; Rozeboom, 1960). R.A. Fisher (1951) pioneered the notion of the null hypothesis (H0), which was designed to compliment the hypothesis in which the researcher was interested. Thus the null hypothesis, in Fisher's view, was the hypothesis to be revealed as false, or "nullified" (Bakan, 1967). An example of this would be if a researcher hypothesized that Psychology students have different IQ scores than English students. The null hypothesis (H0) would state that Psychology students and English students IQ scores are equal. Therefore, rejecting the null hypothesis would logically imply that the hypothesis of interest, the alternate hypothesis (H1), was correct. The significance level (p < .05, etc.), is designed to be a measure of the probability that, given H0 is true, these (or possibly more extreme data) could occur (Cohen, 1994)."
Abstract Light beers have become a viable product in the last few years showing a certain ambiguous health consciousness on the part of the public, at least in America, so that people continue to drink beer but try to reduce their caloric intake at the same time. This paper compares the international markets for the products Bud Light (Anheuser-Busch International, Inc) and Coors Light (Coors Brewing Company).
The paper shows that taste may be a consideration in deciding which beer to purchase, but the success or failure of a lite beer in the international marketplace will depend as much on the marketing and distribution apparatus and skills of the companies that produce these beers, thus raising the issue of whether Anheuser-Busch or Coors will be better able to deliver the product to the consumer. The paper concludes that by this criterion in particular, Bud Light is in a better position than Coors Light.
From the Paper "Coors has been making progress in the international marketplace as well, but it has also encountered some problems. Canada is a major market for beer, as noted, and Coors had an agreement with Canada's biggest brewer, Molson Breweries, for licensing rights to Coors' top-selling beers in Canada. A dispute arose in 1996 leading to an agreement that Molson would continue to brew and sell Coors Light, Canada's dominant light beer, and Original Coors through June 30, 1997, with doubts about what would happen after that. A court ruling had found that Molson had breached its licensing deal by allowing Miller Brewing Co., a unit of Philip Morris Cos. Inc., to buy a 20 percent stake without Coors' consent in 1993. Molson Breweries is also owned 40 percent each by Toronto-based Molson Cos. Ltd. and Australia's Foster's Brewing Group Ltd. Molson had to pay Coors damages in the millions of dollars (Schuettler, "Coors/Molson Agree"). Coors Light is the dominant light beer in Canada, commanding a 5 to 5.5 percent share of the beer market, and Coors can ill-afford to ignore this market (Schuettler, "Molson Shares Dive")."
