Explores issues of morality, happiness, and duty through the writings of Mahatma Gandhi, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Svetlana Palmer, and Sarah Wallis.
Abstract This paper examines and compares Mahatma Gandhi's work, "Hind Swaraj", Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's play, "Nathan the Wise", and Svetlana Palmer and Sara Wallis' book, "Intimate Voices from the First World War", in an effort to explore how these philosophers viewed issues of morality, happiness, and duty. After examining each of the works, the paper poses the question, "is there happiness in fulfilling ones duty?". The paper then answers that each man has to determine that for himself.
From the Paper "Gandhi was a true believer in the laws of karma. Causation and retribution he believed linked all people together. He believed that through an action there is personal growth and moral awareness. Gandhi firmly believed that man reaps what he sows. One of his most famous quotes reflecting how man should behave is as follows: "An eye for an eye is a terrible way to blind the world." How does this relate to happiness, duty and morality? Morality is easy to see in Gandhi's ideology."
Tags: non-violence country friendship sacrifice, free will
Abstract This paper explains that Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the U.S., is located in the Caribbean Sea, one of over 7,000 tropical islands called the West Indies, is a high tourist area because of its breath-taking beauty. The author points out there is an argument about Puerto Rico becoming a state, which would lead to assimilation into the United States' culture, or remaining a commonwealth, a nation separate from the United States; however, the United States has a strong argument when it says that either Puerto Rico joins in on all the responsibilities of being a state or receive none of the benefits, if it does not become a state. The paper relates that the economy of Puerto Rico has had the benefit of a duty-free status, which has brought American owned companies; but, even though there is a minimum wage, there are not enough jobs and therefore there is a marked migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States.
From the Paper "Ignorance about Puerto Rico on behalf of Americans has existed for many years. Most Americans do not know that Puerto Ricans use American currency, that one cannot drive to Puerto Rico, and that every person born on the island is an American citizen. Many Americans are angry that Puerto Ricans receive welfare benefits and citizenship and yet they do not pay into the U.S. Treasury. However, these beliefs about Puerto Ricans are un-educated because in fact, "Against their will, Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917" (Cueto, Fernandez, Mendez ix). In order to fully understand why this is, it is important to study the history of the Puerto Rican people and then to utilize this knowledge to educate other Americans."
This paper discusses the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), a free trade agreement between the United States and the countries of Central America.
Abstract This paper chronicles the efforts of the Bush Administration to pass the CAFTA, the Central America Free Trade Agreement. The author explains of its benefits. The paper delineates the problems of this legislation.
From the Paper " On January ..., President Bush announced that the United States would explore a free trade agreement with the countries of Central America. The President said his Administration would work closely with Congress towards this goal. The President added that the purpose of this initiative was to strengthen the economic ties the United States already had with these nations and to reinforce their progress toward economic political and social reform. The Central American Free Trade Agreement CAFTA is a proposed agreement between the United States and Guatemala, ..."
Tags: Cafa, free trade, central america, opposition, nafta, trade barriers, duties, international trade, benefits
Abstract This paper discusses the important duties of a school principal. The paper explains that the expanding number of duties principals must deal with include managerial and administrative tasks, hiring and retaining teachers, ensuring overall safety of schools, raising funds and ensuring state requirements are met.
From the Paper "One of the primary challenges confronted by school principals is the ever-expanding number of duties that require a tremendous investment of time and effort. Apart from dealing with managerial and administrative tasks, school principals, in recent years, are also being trained to take on the position of instructional leaders.
Abstract This philosophical study analyzes two of Kant's categorical imperatives, which define why they cannot justify the War in Iraq. The writer maintains that in Kant's third imperative or "action" on moral duty, the primary function of long-term warfare for the safety of American citizens cannot justify why America led a preemptive war against a sovereign nation. Also, the writer notes that the 'selfless' nature of Kant's fourth imperative defines a higher loyalty above materialism and personal gain, which was falsely engineered for the invasion through the guise of supporting global democracy and national security in the aftermath of the invasion. The writer concludes that, in essence, Kant's third and fourth moral imperatives define the action and sense of duty that simply cannot justify the War in Iraq and its highly immoral implications for American foreign policy.
From the Paper "This aspect of the boundaries of duty and inclination are much more difficult to discern, as they are separate but not without the greater appearance of duty making the merchant look far more honest on the exterior. Kant was aware of these types of motivations of a person in relation to using reason to discern personal desire, which would eventually result in the merchant making a great deal of personal wealth out of a behavior that appeared socially honest and moral. The crucial blend of a selfish personal interest and the veneer of national security helped to promote a war that was false and immoral along Kant's own categorization of duty. Kant would ultimately agree with this principle, due to the exterior factors that made it appear as if Hussein was developing these weapons. In this manner, Kant would find this 'action' immoral due to the more selfish reasons for invading a sovereign country unilaterally under the pretense of national security."
Abstract The paper discusses the philosophical arguments about 'free will' and 'human agency,' which both focus on the capacity of human beings to act on their own. The paper looks at Marxism with regards to free will and human agency and describes the concept of alienation. The paper discusses the main classes in capitalism; the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The paper also compares free market capitalism to Marxism and contrasts their approaches to free will and human agency.
Outline:
Marxism and Free Will/ Human Agency
The Alienated Individual
The Individual and His/Her Social Class
Free Market Capitalism and Free Will/ Human Agency
Comparison of Marxism and Free Market Capitalism and Their Views on Free Will or Human Agency
From the Paper "A similar concept is 'human agency'. Human agency states that human beings do in fact make decisions on their own and apply them accordingly to their own situations. Whether by free will or due to some other consequences that drive human beings to act is not the question. What is important is the claim that human beings can be agents of change. They are capable of altering their own conditions. Because people are seen as decision-makers, they are now regarded as under the obligation to think and apply value judgments to the consequences of their actions. Human beings are now to be held responsible for whatever decisions they make. It must be noted that 'human agency' does not merely imply the ability of the individual, rather the capacity of a group of individuals or a collective unity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_agency)."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of free speech, with special emphasis on the American college campus. The writer argues that free speech should never be banned or regulated as it is a protected right under the United States Constitution. The author examines how today's college administrators wrestle with the idea of free speech at their institutions. The author concludes that free speech must exist in order for the Constitution to be protected and so students can continue to grow in their ability to ascertain fact from fiction.
Outline:
Introduction
The Subjectivity of it All
The Ultimate Decision
Conclusion
From the Paper "As much as most individuals will agree that certain speech is hurtful to others society by and large has the ability to correct itself by ignoring or shunning those who insist on voicing opinions that are unpopular or hateful and college students are capable of the same shunning which in turn brings pressure to the speech giver to cease and desist.
We cannot pick and choose which part of the constitution we are going to protect as the entire document embodies what the founding fathers intended when they put it together."
Abstract The paper explains free enterprise (FE) as the principle that individual people and companies should be allowed to pursue their own enterprise without threat from over-regulation by government and from government intervention. The paper details the basic components of private property, a free press and a laissez-faire economic environment. The paper explores the benefits of FE for a state and its people if implemented correctly.
Outline:
What is It?
What Can FE Do?
Basic Underlying Components
Free Enterprise and How to Use It
Government in Free Enterprise
From the Paper "American Free Enterprise (FE) has its foundation in the principles of free enterprise and capitalism as outlined by Adam Smith in his ground breaking work on economic theory, The Wealth of Nations: "...the basic principles were first laid down in a book published in 1776 by the Scottish economist Adam Smith (1723-1790). Known as The Wealth of Nations...it has often been referred to as ''the bible of capitalism''..."(Shaffer 1). One of the basic tenets of FE as propounded by Adam Smith and as embraced by the United States is that individual people and companies should be allowed to pursue their own enterprise without threat from over-regulation by government and from government intervention."
Abstract This is an investigation of the attitudes and debates surrounding free trade with the United States on the Canadian side of the border during the period of 1985 to 2000. The author examines the reasons for free trade and the events that led up to the entry into agreements as well as the hopes, fears and results of free trade between the two countries with focus on Canadian fears.
From the Paper "There are 8,893km of virtually unprotected border between Canada and the United States; the longest in the world. With over 100 years of peaceful coexistence and general friendship, it is also one of the world's most peaceful borders. It comes as no surprise then that the cultures and histories of both countries are so intertwined or, to take the more cynical view ? that Canada's culture and history are disproportionately intertwined with that of the United States. Whatever position taken, the phenomena exists and as a result of this closeness have arisen more practical issues ? such as concerns dealing with the environment, mutual defense and trade."
Abstract The debate in Canada over free trade with the United States has always been heated. Both sides have consistently pointed to evidences that appear to support their own argument. There has, for instance, been reason to believe that free trade has had a beneficial impact on Canada. But this story is somewhat more complicated since the overall impact of free trade on Canada appears to remain negative. Because the American and Canadian relationship is uneven to begin with, it has been no surprise that the United States has benefited disproportionately to the agreement.
Abstract This paper introduces the book, "Free to Choose: A Personal Statement", by Milton and Rose Friedman and, in particular, indicates which school of thought the authors are from and gives a short critique of the book. It looks at how "Free to Choose" is probably one of the most famous books written on economic theory, how PBS created a 10-part documentary in concert with the book, and how the book remains a textbook on economic and political thought today. It also shows how it is a fascinating look into economic theory and a must-read for anyone who would like to learn more about the free-market economy we live in today.
From the Paper "The Friedman's are clearly of the monetary school of thought, but they advocate a "less is more" form of government, thereby utilizing money more effectively. They advocate a free-market economy, and take care to explain just why planned or controlled economies fail. The Friedman's are definitely capitalists, and do not adhere to the socialist economic theory. Ultimately, the book equates economic freedom with political freedom, and the authors go on to explain their theories that "less is more" in all forms of government, and the people should be free to choose whatever they want, despite whether it is good or bad for them, they should still have the right to choose for themselves."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses changes in free will throughout the lifespan of a human being. The writer examines what influences any changes in free will. The writer also discusses how the notion of free will is molded to fit in with the needs of society.
From the Paper "According to Daniel Dennett, a distinguished philosopher, most philosophers abandoned the idea of a free will taking place behind and before any physical activity occurs, was abandoned long ago, in favor of a view in which agency comes with ongoing control and ongoing responsiveness to reason or other cognitive activity. This is a compatibilist view of free will which has replaced the interventionist conception. In this new view, there need be no single moment of decision, but a decision is something which the whole person makes and ... "
Abstract The paper discusses how the United States' government as a federal employer instituted a drug free workplace program in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan. The program was intended to focus on the growing concern of individuals being addicted to drugs using drugs during working hours and the consequences of drug use was to include health issues. The paper explains how the federal government believed at the time that if a drug free workplace program were created for federal employees, other employers throughout the country would follow suit developing national awareness regarding the issue. The paper notes that the federal drug free workplace program has clearly defined policies regarding drugs and government employment.
Abstract This paper analyzes Kant's philosophical system with reference to Descartes. The author explores Kant's system which raises many questions, particularly concerning freedom and the interaction of the two wills. If our definition of free will is re-evaluated and understood in a subjectivist sense, (much like the Copernican Revolution), Kant (and Descartes) provide a new concept of freedom as autonomy. Therefore, instead of preserving free will, these two philosophers produce a new understanding of it. The dual nature of the phenomenal and noumenal world continues to be a problem, but it remains so because of its very nature. It explains the human predicament: the cohesion of body and mind, and can go no farther.
From the Paper "Causality is a complex issue for philosophers who want to maintain morality and God. Although Immanuel Kant logically shows the necessity of causality for experience, he is unwilling to dismiss the idea of freedom. After all, moral and ethical judgments can only arise from a free will, for only if one's will is free can one be held morally accountable for one's actions. Kant, therefore, attempts to provide a metaphysical basis for believing in a free will, while still supporting causality."
Abstract This paper examines the potential financial and social benefits that free trade would have on Nicaragua's coffee bean farmers. The paper shows that free trade coffee in Nicaragua is an important part of ensuring the livelihood of the Nicaraguan coffee grower and the continuation of the coffee industry. The paper provides a brief history of this coffee growing industry and economic statistics.
From the Paper "On the average Saturday afternoon in Bellevue, WA, the door of the Starbucks at Lohemans Plaza is almost impossible to get through- not because there is a rush on frappiccinos or lattes, but because protestors are blocking the entrance (Ahlers 2002). This small yet dedicated group of protestors is disappointed in many aspects of Starbucks business practices, yet their major problem lies with the issue of fair trade. While this phenomenon is not a common occurrence throughout the country, awareness of fair trade practices, specifically in the coffee industry, has caught the attention of political activists of all ages."
