A Comparison of Moral Views Essay

When we think of ancient philosophies, we immediately think of the early Greek philosophers. Among them were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, considered as the Fathers of Philosophy. Although they have different views on some certain aspects, we all know that they are the most influential thinkers not only during their respective times but today. This paper will focus on the similarities and differences of the moral and ethical views of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Socrates believed that self-knowledge will meet the conditions of having a good life. For Socrates, knowledge and virtue are of the same category. If a person could not learn knowledge, he cannot learn virtue. With this, he argued that virtue can be taught. â€Å"The unexamined life is not worth living.† Socrates believed that the pursue of knowledge and wisdom should always come first before any private interests. For him, seeking knowledge is in accordance to ethical and moral actions. Socrates, considered to be the greatest philosopher of all time, assumed that reason will lead to the good life. He believed that the real happiness a person achieved was influenced mainly by doing what seems to be right. When a person’s true value and function is found, he will achieve happiness. The Socratic ethics can be categorized as teleological in nature. We humans act towards the good and these actions naturally have their purposes. Plato, like all the early philosophers, based his beliefs on ethics on virtues and human well-being. Plato’s beliefs on happiness diverged significantly from other philosopher’s views. Due to this, his time on describing his own concept of happiness was divided. He spent lots of time criticizing the customary beliefs of the good life. Plato also considered happiness as perfect and is not easily understandable since it is supported by metaphysical assumptions that appear to be vague and is impossible to be understood. The focuses on Platonic ethics are the problems and difficulties of an individual, not happiness as a factor of good-living. For Aristotle, ethical knowledge is considered to be a general knowledge and not a precise knowledge. He argued that ethical knowledge is not a theoretical discipline but rather practical in nature. Aristotle believed that to become good, a person should have experienced the actions of life and is in accordance to fine habits. He did not believe that merely studying virtues will make a particular individual virtuous. One should do righteous and honorable to be good and virtuous. Aristotle believed that reputation and respect only would give a person his happiness. He argued that an individual finds happiness by fulfilling his functions as a human being. For Aristotle, a human’s function is to utilize what he has that everything else does not, his capacity to think or reason, or logos. A person using his ability to reason fulfills his nature as a rational soul and therefore finds his absolute happiness. For me, Aristotle’s ethical philosophy is the most applicable and the most practical to adapt. Unlike Socrates’ belief that an individual will be virtuous if he studies the virtues, Aristotle believed that one should act good to be good – not by merely studying how to be good nor what is good. Plato, on the other hand, focused on what should not be done in order to make a person’s life good. Aristotle argued that understanding what is good does not make a person good. So I think, Aristotle’s concept on morality stands among the three of them, just like the saying goes â€Å"Actions speak louder than words.†

Book of Numbers

Exegesis of Old Testament books meaning, significance to Jewish history faith, human-God relationship, critical analysis, importance of Torah, role of Moses. The text of Numbers 13, begins, The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Send men to scout the land of Canaan . . . . Most commentators regard this event of the sending of the spies into the Promised Land to be a confusing part of Scripture. Indeed, Rashis exegesis on Numbers 13:1 begins with the question: Why is the section of the spies adjoined to the section of Miriam? Nachshoni admits that Hashems command that spies be sent out is puzzling, and it is only later, when we read Deuteronomy 1:22-23, that we discover the whole episode was instigated by the Israelites: Then all of you came to me and said, Let us send men ahead to reconnoiter the land for us and bring back word on the route we should follow and the cities we shall come to. I [Moses] approved of the plan . . . . Ginzberg writes that this unseemly desire was presented to Moses not in the customary way

Research propsal - Operation Managerment (TQM) Essay

Research propsal - Operation Managerment (TQM) - Essay Example The study shows that though economies of scale, access to technology and sales operations channels remain significant factors to the advantage of big companies, they remain vulnerable to price wars and product switching schemes initiated by smaller players in the industry. The conclusion is that companies need to focus globally competitive strategies while remaining local in approach to consumers. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (2004), the retail and consumer industry is one of the industries exhibiting one of the highest growths today. Though the UNCTAD subsequently report reduced the expected growth rate projections in 2006, the industry remains to be an attractive industry (Awbi, 2006a; Tesco expands in Japan, backtracks on China, 2006). As early as 2001, analysts have already predicted a developing price war among UK's supermarkets due to jockeying in the UK for market position as a platform of expansion (UK 'poised for supermarket wars'). Another important factor contributing to the competition in industry has been due to the entrants of small and big players into the industry which included the vigorous expansion of Wal-Mart in the UK (Schrage, 2005) However, indicators from the second half ... ed growth rate projections in 2006, the industry remains to be an attractive industry (Awbi, 2006a; Tesco expands in Japan, backtracks on China, 2006). Research Rationale As early as 2001, analysts have already predicted a developing price war among UK's supermarkets due to jockeying in the UK for market position as a platform of expansion (UK 'poised for supermarket wars'). Another important factor contributing to the competition in industry has been due to the entrants of small and big players into the industry which included the vigorous expansion of Wal-Mart in the UK (Schrage, 2005) However, indicators from the second half of 2006 have indicated that earlier projections in 2004 may still be achievable due to market growth in Europe (Awbi, 2006b). The UK supermarket industry has is critical in establishing market presence in the European Union (EU) and this is the motivation behind most companies in the industry vying for position in the local supermarket industry. This highlights the importance of developing TQM strategies that secure a retailer's position in the supermarket industry (Easterby - Smith et al, 2001). Objectives At the end of the study, the research aims to be able to enumerate the key TQM strategy elements that companies need to be competitive in the UK supermarket industry. The study will be able to identify key industrial characteristics that drive the market's movement as well consumer motivations and expectations. The study will provide insights on the dynamics of the UK supermarket industry as it continues to grow in significance globally. The study does not aim to prescribe the strategy to be taken but rather highlights what TQM programs are being utilized in the industry and their value in the formulation of individual companies'

Characteristics of Public Health Summary Measures Essay

Characteristics of Public Health Summary Measures - Essay Example Additionally, it will indicate how these characteristics contribute to and improve our understanding of diseases burden in the population. One of the characteristics that I believe a public health summary measures should possess is absolute or relative change. This should be in term of health status for a given period of time. For example, if the mortality rate is 10 percent in a given location for a certain month, then in the next month it increases to 12 percent, this indicates an absolute increase infant mortality (Zack, 1993). Measures should be taken to ensure that there is a reduction in relative change in infant mortality which is a useful measure of the public health. This will reduce the cost of living since the fund that would be used to cater for infant mortality will be used in other economic growth activities and increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The second characteristic is validity, which is a measure that indicates the health status of an individual like a report of health indicating as excellent, good, and poor among others means of rating. This means a record for this validity should be kept where it reflects a change in the health status of individuals (Murray, 1994). This characteristic will be of importance since when one visit a health care then his or her status will be known and intensive care will be undertaken depending on the report. The third characteristic is that population should be sensitive to major health changes for example in the case where alcohol and tobacco taxation is increased. This means the reduction in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in the location, will be a measure to improve the health of individuals by addressing mental health, chronic diseases among others (McKenna and Michaud, 2005).  Ã‚  

How would you explain the popularity of the cakewalk in the late Essay

How would you explain the popularity of the cakewalk in the late nineteenth-century United States - Essay Example This kind of song and dance competition took place among the slaves in the southern part of the US mainly before the emancipation but it is needless to say that even after emancipation the dance and song style did not die off. This paper seeks to explain the popularity of the cakewalk in the late nineteenth-century United States. Most of the facts of cakewalk dance and song were not extensively documented as at 1981. However, there existed a myriad of accounts about the dance. Brooke Baldwin in his 1981 articles (in the Journal of Social History) the Cakewalk: a Study in Stereotype and Reality submitted a nearly complete compilation of the already existing accounts of the dance (Baldwin, 1981: pp203-212). The compilation was, to larger part, accounts of the eye witnesses of the dance. These eye witnesses were the ex-slaves who may have also took part in the dance. The accounts by the Virginia and Georgia ex-slaves had already been verified by the WPA researchers in the 1930s. Baldwin clearly notes in his article that after the 1930 WPA research, it became immensely difficult to hide the happier side of slavery (Baldwin, 1981: pp207). One of the respondent recalled how she used to sing the songs and cakewalk. She also added how cakewalk was indeed fun among the slaves during the slavery times. According to this specific respondent, the women wore long dresses which were often ruffled and the men wore not only high hats but split tailed coats. They sometimes used walking sticks during the dance. The dance was done in couples and the couple that danced the best would receive the prize. It is interesting to note that the white slave owners would attend the cakewalk dances and they enjoyed a lot watching the slaves dance. Actually, the slave owners decided the winning couple. This account was a first hand account from a former slave in Virginia. Besides the first hand accounts, Baldwin also

Across denominations in the UK, numerous methods for evangelism are Essay

Across denominations in the UK, numerous methods for evangelism are advanced. Critically evaluate the evangelistic methodologies used by a local church forum you have recently visited - Essay Example Paul performed various actions such helping the needy and preaching the gospel in the street to spread the gospel of Christ. The modern church is experiencing a transformation in terms of evangelism. This results from advancements in technology and civilisation. Members of the present generation are obsessed with change, which implies that the church needs to change its approach to evangelism. In the United Kingdom for example, various evangelistic methods are effective in delivering the gospel of Christ to the people. The United Kingdom is among the countries where evangelistic initiates face resistance from the young section of the populace. Evangelists in the United Kingdom are developing evangelistic methods that attract the attention of the young generation in the quest to preach the gospel of Christ. Evangelistic methodologies differ across various denominations. For example, the catholic evangelists use different approaches compared to their Pentecostal counterparts (Medearis, 2011). There are, however, some similarities in the evangelistic methodologies in Christianity. The purpose of evangelism is to inform the society about the word of Christ through action or preaching. The most common evangelistic method in the United Kingdom is the church and street preaching. Other methodologies include home group evangelism, missionary, community service and friendship, prayer as well as Internet evangelisms (Medearis, 2011). This is an evangelistic method where a church member becomes friends with a non-believer and relays the message of salvation to them. The friendship evangelistic methodology is presently the most challenging evangelistic approach in the United Kingdom. Most members ascribed to the friendship evangelistic groups experience problems making friends with non-believers. Majority of people in the United Kingdom are capitalistic in nature, making it difficult for believers to meet non-believers. In addition, most people

Harvest Moon by Aba Bayefsky Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Harvest Moon by Aba Bayefsky - Essay Example The essay "Harvest Moon by Aba Bayefsky" discovers the painting of Aba Bayefsky. Through out his career there is a recurring theme of destruction, skeletons and dark symbols. His choice of rich, bold colors cause the subject matter to jump out of the canvas, but at the same time, the subject is locked into it’s environment and the piece moves as a solid and single unit. This essay will explore the painting, Harvest Moon, by first discussing the initial reactions to the piece upon preliminary examination at the gallery. Later, the essay will investigate the formal elements of art, such as line, shape and how they interplay to create a haunting feeling for the viewer by drawing upon the familiarity of the subject matter and turning it into an expressionist piece of work that evokes emotion and a response.When first encountering this piece of work it’s simple and rather typical physical size doesn’t instantaneously capture the audience’s attention, especially in comparison to the surrounding works that are much bigger in scale. What’s captivating about this piece is how the viewer is drawn toward it for curiosity’s sake of wondering what’s inside the house, what’s behind the jack-o-lanterns and what the artist is possibly hiding. The soft lighting in the gallery creates a warm feeling that counteracts the â€Å"scary† images so that a sense of safety is felt amongst the gruesome images in the exhibit. In examining the painting the slick quality of the oil paints are apparent and one would imagine. it would be slippery and smooth to the touch with prickly peaks that terminate each stroke. The carved expressions of the jack-o-lantern's faces appear hollowed out just as if they were real pumpkins but these are a hollowing of paint instead of the true pulp. In general, the nine jack-o-lanterns wear uniform expressions that aren't jolly nor sinister, but more vacant and void if anything. Looking straight on at the painting gives a rather flat view, but by approaching the work from the left or the right it seems as though the jack-o-lanterns' eyes are following movement and beckoning the viewer to stop and reconsider it's mysticism. Line in this painting is very straightforward. The lines of the two houses ran horizontally across the top of the canvas, but once one reaches the lower half of the canvas these lines are interrupted by waves, or peaks that divide the houses from the jack-o-lanterns. These waves suggest a division between the two objects, the houses, and the jack-o-lanterns. For an oil painting, the outline of the objects is quite crisp and thin, almost as if the painter were using a printed coloring book that already had the outline, and the painter was left to fill in the empty spaces with paint. The diagonal lines that make up the house's awning direct the viewer's eye to the jack-o-lanterns in the foreground, forcing the eye to forget the homes and instead meditate on the orange of the pumpkins. The straight lines of the house are juxtaposed against the wavy lines of the clouds in the sky creating a balance or harmony between the two so that the painting is not too rigid, nor too flimsy. Shape is rather flat in this piece. In this two-dimensional piece of work shape is primarily offered to the pumpkins, as they appear plump and hearty. The painting is made up of simple geometric shapes that contain the painting to single solid