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The Ethics of Advertising to Children, 2008.
A discussion of the ethics of advertising to children.
2,630 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at that question of whether advertising directed at children is ethical. It points out that the amount of advertising targeting children continues to grow. Children view an estimated 360,0000 advertisements on television before graduating from high school. The paper also claims that, not until the early 1970s, was advertising directed at children seen as a problem in the United States. The paper argues that, although studies show that children under the age of seven cannot distinguish the difference between an advertisement and fact, there is little if any regulation of advertising directed at children within the United States. The paper compares the US to other countries, which have adopted the philosophy that advertising directed at children is immoral and have stepped in with varying levels of regulation. The paper concludes that, regarding television, it is unlikely there will be any restrictions placed on advertisers; however, with the proliferation of sites such as MySpace, YouTube, blogging, and other future technological advances to the Internet, there may eventually be a public outcry for more stringent regulations.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Advertising & Advertising to Children
Advertising and Its Impact on Children
Why So Much Emphasis on Advertising to Children?
Notable Examples of Advertising to Children
The Regulation of Advertising
Regulations in Other Countries
How Likely Change Is in the Future & Conclusion
From the Paper
"In the US, there are currently few policies or standards for food advertising and marketing aimed at children. The advertising industry maintains self-regulatory policies established by the Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the National Council of Better Business Bureaus. CARU's guidelines apply to all forms of children's advertising, but it has no legal authority over advertisers and can only seek voluntary compliance. CARU has a group of about 20 advisors and 35 supporters, many of whom are from the food industry, such as Burger King, Frito-Lay, McDonald's, General Mills, Nabisco and Hershey. The CARU voluntary guidelines list seven basic principles, which address areas such as product presentation and claims, endorsement and promotion by program characters, sales pressures, disclosures and disclaimers and safety concerns."
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Cloning of Human Beings, 2008.
This paper argues that the cloning of human beings should be outlawed worldwide.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that cloning offers the prospect of scientists being able to create a new individual genetically identical to another person. The writer points out that the science to do this has almost been perfected. The writer notes that some people believe that cloning technology should be vigorously developed, as it offers an enormous potential to cure diseases and so reduce human suffering. However, this essay argues that this potential benefit is outweighed by the massive potential ethical problems. Therefore, it is argued that cloning of human beings should be outlawed worldwide.
From the Paper
"One compelling reason to ban cloning is with regard to the human rights of potential cloned beings. Things that are manufactured are usually, by definition, property, and so do not have human rights. Thus, if a company were to clone human beings, it could possibly have the power to use these people as "spare parts" for rich clients. This potential ethical minefield was explored in the recent film, The Island. In this film, rich people have clones made from their DNA, and "store" them in an underground facility. The clones have no idea they are clones - they think they are the survivors of a nuclear holocaust, kept confined for their own safety. When their "owners" become sick or are injured, the clones are simply killed to provide spare parts. The clones are even used for breeding purposes. In this way, a female customer of the clone company can "give birth" to her own genetic offspring without the inconvenience of being pregnant."
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Ambiguity of Terrorism, 2008.
This paper looks at the concept of the term terrorism, noting its ambiguity and the implications of this ambiguity.
1,173 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that very few words in the English language are meant to be as intentionally ambiguous as terrorism. To some people it is simply a fighting tactic. To others it is associated with a type of person that is sneaky and underhanded. The writer points out that the term is associated with creating fear, but it also insinuates that the terrorist is immoral and illegitimate. The writer concludes that the United Nations is shortchanging the world by not having a concrete definition of the word terrorism. If they did, they would be able to identify countries that commit acts of terrorism and take the appropriate measures in response.
From the Paper
"The terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, have committed the most well known examples of terrorism. They engineered the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Their attacks are perceived as terrorism because they attacked the military and economic hubs of the United States. This attack was in response to the group's belief that Western civilization and culture were threatening their way of life.
"Their attacks had a profound impact on the psyche of the United States. It traumatized millions of Americans who either lived in one of the cities or had a connection to someone involved in the attacks. The terrorists instilled fear in Americans by making them realize just how vulnerable the country was. Airplane travel has gone from an ordinary experience to a hassle that is equal parts fear and inconvenience."
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Argument Against Euthanasia, 2008.
An argument, with case examples, that euthanasia and assisted suicide should not be permitted.
1,714 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the arguments both for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide. The paper discusses cases where assisted suicide or euthanasia was carried out, looks at the arguments used in each case, and discusses the legal outcomes. The paper also presents flaws in some of the arguments and argues that neither euthanasia nor assisted suicide should be permitted.
From the Paper
"All in all, it has been argued that we cannot allow euthanasia and assisted suicide, for a variety of reasons. Foremost amongst these is that it would open the floodgates to abuses which we cannot tolerate, given our society's commitment to respect for the sanctity of life. Sanctity of life is too important to be left to the digression of individual human lives - not even doctors, for they too have erred. Even parents must not be trusted to make life-or-death decisions for their children, because taking someone's life without their consent is not euthanasia, it is murder. For the sake of good ethics, and for the sake of preserving a safe society for all, we cannot allow euthanasia and assisted suicide."
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Confederate Flag Controversy, 2008.
A discussion regarding free speech and the controversial symbol of the Confederate flag.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the issue of the display of the Confederate flag, an intermittent source of debate in the US for many years. The paper takes a particular look at one case in the late 1990s when controversy over the display of the flag on top of the South Carolina State House in Columbia led to a nationwide boycott instigated by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) against the state. The paper then makes the argument that individuals ought to be allowed to wear or display symbols containing the Confederate flag motif as a simple matter of their free speech rights, both on and off school campuses, or in any other venue.
From the Paper
"In 2006, the Southern Legal Resource Center, a nonprofit civil rights group, filed suit to permit several students at a high school in Knoxville, Tennessee to wear Confederate flag images on clothing. Racial tensions at the school nearly resulted in violent altercations at one point, resulting in a temporary lockdown. The students involved in the suit complained that black students were permitted to wear images of Malcolm X and related symbols without undergoing the same restrictions as the white students, thus raising the familiar argument of the double standard (Watson.) The Southern Legal Resource Center, which focuses on such cases, is also involved in a similar case in Texas, where several students at a high school near Dallas sued for the right to carry purses with the Confederate flag symbol on them, after they had been banned by administration officials. It seem clear that the dispute between administration policies and student rights is a heated one, and has implications beyond that of one particular symbol which some may find offensive. If students are in fact to be prepared for assuming the full rights and responsibilities of adulthood, as has often been argued, it seems reasonable to respect their rights on such a seemingly trivial matter."
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Carl Sagan on Abortion, 2008.
A critical article review of "Abortion: Is it Possible to be Both Pro-Life and Pro-Choice?" by Carl Sagan.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a critical look at Carl Sagan's article "Abortion: Is it Possible to be Both Pro-Life and Pro-Choice?", which provides both sides of the religious and scientific arguments that are currently part of the abortion issue in American society. The paper points out that Sagan provides a two-fold analysis of the science and theological definitions of life and how this acts within the social conflict between pro-life and pro-choice factions in their differing objectives for legislation on abortion. The paper also points out that Sagan seeks to promote the importance of why compromise and balance between these two factions are important in American society and for the creation of legislation on this issue. The paper concludes that, although Sagan provides a mastery of the scientific facts that are part of modern research of life in the womb, he is decidedly biased in his reliance on science.
Outline:
Summary
Discussion and Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The central issue for Carl Sagan is understanding the debate between the religious (pro-life) and the secular scientific (pro--choice) factions that currently debate the issue of abortion. Sagan argues for the issue of pro-life arguments that determine that the life in the womb is 'alive' at first conception, which Sagan refutes by imposing a more scientific point of view that life is not an issue related to conception, but that there is a longer history for human life since the beginning of the Earth, nearly 4.6 billion year ago (201). Yet with science, the clarity of these issues do not always refer a more valid sense of where and how life is determined within religious values. For pro-lifers in the American Christian culture, the idea of conception takes on a human characteristic that must also be taken into account due to missing details of current incomplete scientific evidence that equally philosophize on the nature of life."
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Censorship of Children's Books, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of the censorship of books for children, focusing on Susan Patron's book, "The Higher Power of Lucy".
1,938 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
The focus of this paper is to discuss the censorship of a Newberry Medal children's book, "The Highest Power of Lucky," by Susan Patron. More specifically, the writer questions whether the word "scrotum" should cause a Newberry Medal children's book to be banned from libraries. The writer also discusses whether librarians have the right to ban a book because it has a word or phrase that relates to sex. The writer maintains that the censorship of books is wrong, especially when the book is being banned due to one word or phrase.
Outline:
Looking at the Book, "The Highest Power of Lucy"
Why the Author Used the Word
Censoring Children's Books
Censorship Creating Problems with Educational Staff
The Problems with Censorship
From the Paper
"Only at the end of the book does Lucky trust her guardian to ask the meaning of the word. Lucky is similar to many students today who have single parents in their lives. Lucky can also be compared to many latchkey children who fend for themselves while their parents are at work. Many of these children learn words and actions that are not appropriate, but it is a part of their every day life. Reading about Lucky will not reveal words that these children know anyway."
"When deciding to ban a book, the librarian should consider the purpose of the book. Why has the author created this book? What is the main purpose of the book? These questions should be considered before deciding whether the book is inappropriate. The themes of the book center on Lucky becoming a grown-up who needs to learn about language and body parts. If Lucky does not learn the meaning of words from her guardian, then more than likely she will learn about different words from her peers. Children will learn the definitions to different words whether they do it through parents, friends, or peers. Would it be better to learn different words from parents or peers?"
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Implementing Diversity Training, 2008.
A discussion of effective ways to implement diversity training in the workplace.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper proposes possible ways of implementing diversity training. Firstly, it maintains that non-confrontational techniques are considered the best way to approach training. The paper suggests that it is better for a facilitator to lead the group and promote constructive action and talking, and then follow the group's ideas, rather than to have an expert drive a course where no interaction is allowed. The paper also suggests that practical, real-world examples be used in training, as theory-based or academic teaching can be staid and uninvolving. In role playing activities, the paper suggests using positive examples rather than negatives ones as a guide for future behavior. The paper further asserts that the group should be unified as one rather than polarized, which is best achieved by a participant-centered approach to learning rather than an expert-centered approach to learning. In its conclusion, the paper stresses the importance of regular evaluative reports on the overall success of the diversity training program - including opportunities for employee input - on a monthly basis or less often if the program is going well.
From the Paper
"A good way of keeping employees engaged during the training is by making homework mandatory. This may seem a little like forcing an unwilling child to do homework, but training sessions should be inclusive and interesting enough to make this form of homework informative. The employees should remember that their homework is to contribute to the happiness of their work environment. It is also a forum through which the employees can offer their opinion - a right which is often a problem in diversity-challenged workplaces to begin with. Employees should be encouraged to give their input throughout the diversity training, but they should also be encouraged to be positive and refrain from blaming or shaming individuals (ibid). Whilst diversity training is implemented to correct past problems, its goal should be to look to the future. The goal is for employees to be unified, not divided."
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Global Warming and Canada, 2008.
An analysis of the environmental and political effects of global warming in Canada.
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at global warming and its impact, both climactically and politically, upon Canada. In particular, the paper asserts that global warming has impacted Canada's environment in a tangible way and has also transformed Canadian politics - perhaps not for the better. Additionally, the paper examines how global warming is impacting vulnerable wildlife species and aboriginal or native societies in various regions of Canada. Furthermore, the paper looks at global warming's effects upon Canadian politics, with special attention devoted to the charged rhetoric surrounding the issue. The paper concludes that global warming is sharpening the ideological and political divide between those Canadians who believe something drastic needs to be done and those who do not feel so inclined.
From the Paper
"The more temperate Northern Canadian climate also has serious implications for ultraviolet B exposure in Canadian inland waters. Although one recent study suggests that "dissolved organic matter-mediated ultraviolet B exposure" is not a serious problem for those Canadian inland waters that were examined, the same report also found that "optically clear" and at-risk ponds were much more common (perhaps even surprisingly common) in the artic eco-zones - particularly in the Northern artic and in the artic cordillera (Molot et al, 2511-2512). To sum up this entire section, Canada's climate is changing in ways that put many aquatic and terrestrial species in harm's way."
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Same-Sex Marriage and Artificial Insemination, 2008.
This paper argues against same-sex marriage and the related issue of artificial insemination.
2,075 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer looks at same-sex marriage and at the artificial insemination of lesbians with an eye towards asserting that both are offensive on religious, moral, and sociological grounds. The paper first points out that the Holy Scriptures provide a number of compelling justifications for the elevation of heterosexual marriage. Proceeding further, the writer argues that there are moral reasons why artificial insemination (and gay marriages involving children) are unacceptable. Finally, the writer maintains that there is sufficient evidence decrying the effects of households headed by homosexual couples upon children for our society to re-examine its glib acceptance of the idea that homosexual couples (perhaps couples inseminated by artificial means) should automatically be given carte blanche to be parents.
From the Paper
"The reasons why homosexual union appears to be frowned upon by the Church ties into the notion of complementarity; that is to say, pairs of men and pairs of women cannot conceive children via natural means. In short, the procreative process, at least if it involves natural means, is only possible if one man and one woman are involved. As May understands the matter, natural fertility is a blessing of God and demands the active participation of both genders. More than that, the ability to have progeny invests in human couples the creative power that would otherwise be limited to God alone; thus, the natural process of mating is an act that should not be trifled with inasmuch as man and woman - in their natural states as God designed them - have been rendered in God's image, or at least man has been rendered in God's image and have been given the responsibility of carrying out a procreative act sanctioned by the Almighty. Clearly, man and woman have been designed the way they have for a reason, and it would be unwise to alter this complementary state by allowing lesbians to become pregnant via artificial insemination."
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Abortion and Rights, 2008.
A critique of George and Sheila Grant's 1986 article, "Abortion and Rights."
1,532 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the logical fallacies in George and Sheila Grant's 1986 article, "Abortion and Rights". Particularly, the paper looks at the Grants' use of a faulty premise, their use of ad hominem arguments and their appeals to the reader's sympathy, their use of the "slippery slope" argument and their use of appeals to antiquity and to authority.
In the end, the paper argues that these logical shortcomings diminish the force of their arguments even in the eyes of readers who are inclined to share their position.
From the Paper
"To begin with, it may be said - even though this writer is sympathetic to the argument presented in many ways - that they (the Grants) are guilty of producing a faulty (or at least highly dubious) premise in one of the central arguments of her paper. For instance, when discussing the controversial 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, the Grants state that the High Court chose to resolve the case on the basis of individuals having inalienable rights within a democratic society. But, in settling the case in the manner it did, the Court essentially concluded that the mother has all of the rights and the fetus has no rights at all. As George and Sheila Grant argue, by negating the rights of the fetus - by making it non-existent - the Court is stating that the fetus has no right to continued existence. At this juncture, the authors become guilty of injecting their faulty premise into the proceedings. Specifically, they assert that, since the fetus is the same species as the mother, the fundamental question becomes the following: what is it about the mother (or any person) that makes it appropriate for her to have any rights herself (118)? The question is a faulty one inasmuch as there is no acknowledgement of the possibility that the fetus is not really "human" at all; in other words, if it cannot live independently outside the womb, if its basic organs are not sufficiently developed to allow it to live in the same environment that humans live in, and if it cannot "think" or excogitate in the way that human beings can, then perhaps the fetus is (as feminists often state) merely a bundle of cells. Naturally enough, if the fetus can be differentiated from the human family, then it can also be differentiated from the mother; to wit, just because a fetus does not have certain inalienable rights does not mean that the mother should not have certain inalienable rights. On this basis, the couple predicates their argument upon a premise that may very well not stand up to scrutiny. As an addendum, it could be argued that they commit a formal fallacy inasmuch as they compose a deductive argument - humans have rights; fetuses are human; therefore, fetuses must have rights - that is (maybe) probable, but certainly not "air-tight" because there is too much uncertainty over whether or not fetuses (at least in the early stages of pregnancy) really are human.
At the same time, a case can be made that the Grants commit the logical sins of engaging in ad hominem and "appeal to pity" arguments that do not server their paper well. For example, the ad hominem argument takes place - at least in the view of this writer - when the authors write about how history is riddled with terrible examples of persecution carried out by regimes that have decided to leave entire groups of people outside the scope of human rights. As they put it, "Mass murder comes when we forget what a human being is, and begin to regard people as accidental conglomerations of matter" (Grant & Grant, 119). Leaving aside the earlier doubts about the veracity of claiming that fetuses are human, the argument is compromised by the fact that the couple is implicitly associating those who have abortions (or those who carry them out) with mass-murderers who have exterminated (or tried to exterminate) whole classes of people. In this sense, they are launching an ad hominem attack of sorts insofar as they are focusing upon their adversaries and their perceived moral deficiencies and not upon the validity of their arguments."
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Helen Longino's "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom", 2008.
This paper rejects Helen Longino's position on pornography as presented in her work, "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom: A Closer Look".
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Helen Longino argues in her article "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom: A Closer Look" that pornography by its nature is harmful to women and should be controlled and eliminated. The author maintains that Longino bases this position on tenuous distinctions between pornography and erotica and on the liberal use of universal claims about the effect that pornography has on women and their place in society. The paper contends that, despite her superficially well-reasoned article, a closer examination of Longino's claims and analysis reveals problems that undermine her argument. The paper then asserts that pornography cannot be considered necessarily and categorically harmful to women. The paper concludes that the marginal harm that pornography might cause in isolated incidents is not great enough to justify banning pornography and restricting this form of sexual expression.
From the Paper
"Longino argues that these harms are cause enough to invoke laws and regulations that would limit freedom of expression and sexual expression. But are these harms entirely plausible? Is the potential for these harms to be realized justification enough to ban pornography. F.M. Christensen would say no, that efforts to ban pornography through limitations on freedoms--especially freedom of expression--is reprehensible and much more harmful to society than the potential ills of pornography. On this point, I agree with Christensen."
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The Sunni and Shiite Conflict, 2008.
This paper examines the ongoing conflict between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
3,323 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the beginnings of the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite factions of Islam and explains their ideological differences. The paper focuses on the twentieth century and why the Islamic conflict continues. The paper discusses how concessions to the Islamists will not work because wiping out the West is part of their agenda. The paper points out, however, that a better understanding of this conflict among Westerners can only yield positive results by clarifying how our interests lay with the Muslims who do not answer the Islamist call to battle.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Beginnings
The Schism
The Contemporary Sunni-Shiite Divide
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This essay will examine the ongoing conflict between the two principle branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. This is a relevant, even critical topic for anyone interested in today's world events. The current War on Terror and the struggles between Palestinians and the Israelis make understanding the acrimony between Sunni and Shiite Muslims necessary. The secular, Christian West remained generally ignorant of Islam until September 11, 2001, when members of Islam's radical fringe besmirched their faith in the eyes of the world through an amazing act of terrorism."
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Responses to Global Warming, 2008.
This paper discusses the role of science, knowledge and risk in environmental problems such as global warming.
2,677 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the planet is currently facing the challenge and danger of global warming. The writer maintains that science and technology have brought us to this crisis, in that industrialization has led to global warming. It seems highly likely that we will have to rely on these very same things, i.e. science and technology, to rescue us from the peril we are in due to global warming. Within the ambit of scientific responses to global warming, two basic kinds of response exist: mitigation of global warming, or adaptation to the effects of global warming. This paper examines the research to determine which approach seems more appropriate and useful for saving ourselves from global warming. It recommends that we look to adaptation using science and technology, as mitigation has clearly failed.
Outline:
Abstract
Essay
From the Paper
"Examples include sequestering carbon in trees. This would involve planting a vast number of trees, because trees take in carbon dioxide. They incorporate in into their leaves, roots and stems via photosynthesis. Due to the long life of trees, this would mean that the carbon had been sequestered away from the environment for about 100 years. Another approach is carbon management, in which carbon dioxide emitted during the burning of carbon fuels is caught and then sequestered away from the atmosphere. The question of course is where to store it. One suggestion is to sequester it in the ocean. The problem with this solution is that we do not know what the long-term effects on the ocean would be. In addition, the technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions are still in the very early stages. Fertilizing the ocean with iron is an innovative idea propounded by an oceanographer in 1987."
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The Military-Industrial Complex and the War in Iraq, 2008.
An argument that President Eisenhower's military-industrial complex warning is connected to the War in Iraq.
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts the war in Iraq with President Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex. The paper argues that because President Eisenhower's warning in 1961 of the growing power and influence of the military-industrial complex has been largely forgotten, we are now burdened with the consequences of a war in Iraq. The paper claims that the Iraq war is reaping massive profits for the defense industry, but is bankrupting the American Treasury and bitterly dividing the country.
From the Paper
"Unfortunately, neither the American people nor their leaders have sufficiently heeded President Eisenhower's warnings over the past forty-five years, for the military-industrial complex exists today and has power and influence on a far vaster scale than existed in 1961. The interlocking associations between government leaders and institutions, powerful defense industry corporations, and the Pentagon have produced skyrocketing budget deficits, immense profits for weapons manufacturers, rampant political corruption in Washington D.C., and a bloody fiasco in Iraq."
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