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Essay on Casual Sex Among College Students - 1020 Words

Casual Sex Among College Students Baylor University is a college that carries high moral beliefs and shuns the idea of its students committing acts like casual sex. Students at Baylor find many ways to disregard the morals and beliefs that were given to them as they were growing up. They rely on their animal instincts and sneak around authority to take part in sinful acts. They relax on the weekends with the occasional drinking and inhibiting of their thought functions. Baylor University has created many rules that try to keep students from actions of casual sex, but with students that are trying to show that they can not be controlled go around and break the rules brought forth in hand books, just to show that they can.†¦show more content†¦This only allows students to engage in casual sex, because we as animals look at this as being wrong and engage in it only to show that we are able to go against what we have been taught throughout the years. Therefore, we only show that as college students we are t he average animals. Although we are animals, we tend to add to our sexual demise by putting our selves in circumstances that affect our thinking and actions. Casual sex is not just an animal instinct but is a problem that is created by people adding chemicals to their bodies that affect their thought in ways that make them do things that they do not even realize. Baylor students engage themselves in drinking and some other ways of influencing their bodies. We find ourselves in positions that complicate things because we engage in casual sex. Most influences of the body cause people to become aroused, and therefore we are emotionless and engaging in actions that are only animalistic. Baylor shuns such acts, but it is almost impossible to stop the students from doing such acts. We are college students and have figured out many different ways to get around these rules that Baylor has created. We are intelligent individuals and find that these rules are absurd. We are finally ou t of our parental grasps only to be swept into another authoritative arm. We find ways to show that we can be badShow MoreRelatedThe Use Of Sexual Gratification On College Campuses868 Words   |  4 Pagesheterosexual and homosexual couples and can be facilitated through friends or like-minded individuals. According to one study, this casual and non-committal sexual encounter based form of interaction now finds itself as the predominating heterosexual relationship on college campuses (Stinson, 2010). It may be easy to see why this is the case as the lifestyles of students are busy ones and often little time is available to devote to what is necessary to maintain a more serious involvement. Friends withRead MoreEssay about Hook Up Culture1027 Words   |  5 PagesCollege and universities have made great strides over the years. The campuses have grown, and the resources have improved tremendously. 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Line a Very Special Love Free Essays

Dae as Sarah, Girl 1 and Mother. 0:00 – 0:04 – Brother: What are you gonna do of you meet him in person? (Starts Music) 0:04 – 0:07 – Sarah : I’m gonna love him! Good morning handsome! 0:08 – 0:10 – Narrator : A very loving girl†¦ 0:10 – 0:11 – John Lloyd : Where the hell is my coffee! 0:12 – 0:13 – Sarah: Oh! Coffee! 0:16 – 0:17 – John Lloyd : Who are you 0:18 – 0:22 – Sarah : I’m Layla Magtalas, applying for the position as an Editiorial Assistant. 0:23 – 0:24 – John Lloyd : You’re hired. We will write a custom essay sample on Line a Very Special Love or any similar topic only for you Order Now 0:24 – 0:25 – Sarah : (amazed) 0:26 – 0:29 – Narrator : plus a very unloveable guy :30-0:31- Guy 1 : I wish even his attitudes could also be retouched, right? 0:31 – 0:33 – Girl 1 : Maybe he’s just too pressured.. 0:34 – 0:37 – John Lloyd : Even a child can do this! Layla! 0:37 – 0:38 – Sarah : Yes Sir! 0:39 – 0:39 – John Lloyd : Tear it! 0:39 – 0:40 – Sarah: Oh Yes!! 0:42– 0:43 – Sarah:(Tries) 0:47 – 0:49 – Narrator: equals a very happy realtionship! 0:50 – 0:53 – Mother: those kinds of guys are the one who you’ll have to fall in line for. . 0:53 – 0:54 –Sarah: Okey, I’m gonna fall in line for him! 0:55 – 0:56 – John: Call Somebody else! :56 – 0:57 – Sarah: I am! 0:57 – 1:01 – Sarah: Oh I’m sorry. Not you, oh I mean yeah you, Oh who is again? 1:03 – 1:04 – Guy 1: (laughs) 1:05 – 1:06 – John: What are you doing? 1:06 – 1:08 – Sarah: Sundance sir, so the rain will not fall. 1:09 – 1:14 – John: (rains)You already knew the location is outdoors, has anybody thought that it might rain?! 1:15 – 1:18 – Guy 2: It’s not a good idea to revive the publishing company. 1:18 – 1:19 – John: Can’t you just stay away from me 1:19 – 1:23 – Guy 2: Oh yes we can, it’s our name your putting on the line. 1:24 – 1:25 – John(coughs) :39-1:44 – Sarah: If you think nobody loves you, then you’re wrong, I do†¦ 1:45-1:53 – Narrator: Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo. 2:00 – 2:05 – Mother: When you love, you’re mind should always be awake, you’re eyes should be wide open 2:06-2:09 – Narrator: In a very special film by Cathy Garcia Molina. 2:15-2:15 – Narrator: A very Special Love: 2:16-2:19 – Narrator: Showing on July 30, 2008 2:22-2:23 – John: Lock the door.. 2:24-2:26 – Sarah: S-sir, don’t 2:27-2:28 – John: Lock the door when you leave. 2:29-2:36 – Sarah: Ah, I though it was something else†¦. How to cite Line a Very Special Love, Papers

Bismarck Has Been Described as an Exponent of Realpolitik free essay sample

Otto von Bismarck; the ‘Iron Chancellor’ is widely regarded as a sagacious enforcer of realpolitik and this political approach is greatly responsible for his success in the unification of the German states. Realpolitik is a pragmatic system of politics based on practical realisation of ones goals more so than moral or ideological considerations. This method of politics often relies on the utilisation of opportunities spontaneously as they present themselves at the resignation of prior plans and considerations. Aptly described by Friedrich von Holstein once a colleague of Bismarck as â€Å"someone who uses people as tools, like knives and forks, which are changed after each course†. This description of Bismarck by a member of his inner political circle as a manipulative aggrandizer exhibits Bismarck quite clearly – as a true exponent of realpolitik. Bismarck, was born into a land owning family from the junker class, and graduated from university with a history and law-degree. We will write a custom essay sample on Bismarck Has Been Described as an Exponent of Realpolitik or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He was an alcoholic womanizer who never enjoyed his one-year of military service, finding it difficult to take orders from someone else. This idea shapes Bismarck’s greatest goal of collapsing the Bund and forming a new German confederation with Prussia, not Austria at the helm so that he could devise the terms of European operation and not have to comply with Austria. He entered politics in 1847 and believed that executive autocracy was the only manner of ruling, believing that might was unarguably right. This giving root to his fervent desire to raise a well trained Prussian army and is the reason for his success in the Danish, Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars as well as collapsing the Bund and uniting Germany. Throughout his political career Bismarck shrewdly operated in a manner that many would describe as deceitful, cunning and unscrupulous yet in a time period of less than 7 years he had taken the divided states of Germany and unified them under one flag. In collaboration with Minister of War von Roon and Chief of Staff von Moltke, Bismarck presented to Wilhelm I and the Prussian parliament his intention to increase the size of the army and introduce various other army reforms. This particular request was met with dismay among the liberals who dominated the Diet and Wilhelm who were unsure of the need to expand the Prussian army and unwilling to pay the extra tax to fund these reforms. Upon the understandable rejection of this proposal, von Roon sent Bismarck the famous telegram: â€Å"Delay is dangerous. Hurry†. This was the opportunity Bismarck had been waiting for, tearing up the abdication document, driving liberals from the office, stifling the press and encouraging Wilhelm to create the new units by collecting existing taxation. With an expanded army Bismarck resolved to achieve unification with â€Å"iron and blood† rather than liberal methods. Bismarck famously declared when speaking to the Prussian National Assembly in 1862 â€Å"Majority verdicts will the great decisions of the time be made – that was the great mistake of 1848 and 1849 – but by iron and blood. † The liberal rejection of army reforms gave Wilhelm only one option – the appointment of Bismarck as Minister-President of Prussia. The conflict with Denmark regarding the two duchies Schleswig and Holstein was manipulated by Bismarck to accommodate his goals for German unity. As a clear indicator of his perceptive approach to the annexation of the duchies, Bismarck successfully isolated Denmark by ensuring that it had no major power as an ally. This was a hallmark, of Bismarck’s military strategy, a distinctive modus operandi (mode of operation) used to ensure victory in many conflicts such as the Austro-Prussian war of 1865 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1871. This was swiftly achieved in regard to the Danish war, or the Schleswig-Holstein conflict. Russia was sympathetic to the Prussian cause as a result Prussian support in every act except war during Polish mutiny of 1863, France was bribed by hints of compensation in the Rhineland and Austria was persuaded to form an alliance with Prussia to consume the duchies and expand the Bund in the hope of gaining more territory and taxpayers. Britain obstinately refused to join an alliance standing firmly behind Denmark, British statesmen Lord Palmerston stating, â€Å"if Denmark had to fight she would not fight alone†. Bismarck shrewdly called Palmerston’s bluff and together with Austria invaded Denmark in February 1864. The Danes were soundly beaten and within 2 weeks the war had ended. The Convention of Gastein in 1865 announced that Prussia would have control of Schleswig and Austria would have control of Holstein. No one saw through Bismarck’s policy of annexation. Europe hadn’t realised that the duchies had become a question of force not right or law. Prussia had the required force. Bismarck was now confident that he could initiate a quarrel with Austria over the government of Holstein and he was confident that the might of the Prussian army would over-power the insignificant army of Austria. In joining an alliance with Austria; Bismarck had ascertained necessary information about Austrians military style, size and capability. Using carefully calculated diplomatic skill to manipulate the powers of Europe and his cardinal policy of realpolitik, Bismarck ensured Denmark’s defeat and laid the foundations of war with Austria. The convention of Gastein in 1865 had given Austria Holstein, a piece of land that held immense strategic importance because of the Kiel canal, yet it had been placed between 2 Prussian territories, Schleswig in the North and Prussia in the south giving Prussia strength on all fronts. As well as the geographical gains, Bismarck was confident that he could now proclaim the whole of the northern German states under Prussian control and drive Austria from her dominant position in Europe. Claims of maladministration from Bismarck were immoral but were necessary to appeal to more delicate consciences like King Wilhelm and infuriated the Austrians and so Bismarck proposed a reform the Confederation by which Austria would be entirely omitted from German affairs. Suggesting a German parliament would replace the Confederation Diet in an attempt to get liberals and nationalists on his side. This further angered Austrians who felt that a war would be necessary to re-assert themselves as the dominant power in Europe and to prevent further manipulation by Bismarck. The Austrians vehemently believed that they should attack the insolent Prussia, with Bismarck at the helm. The Austro-Prussian war had come, and Bismarck had convinced the people that it was purely defensive. Schleswig and Holstein was cleverly manipulated by Bismarck from a political debacle to a casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war). The war with Austria was no different to the conflict with the Danish duchies of Schleswig and Holstein in that Bismarck successfully isolated the enemy by denying them the opportunity to establish any allies with a major European power. Once again, the Russians were benevolent to the Prussian cause as a result of their support during Polish rebellion of 1863. Whilst the French were kept removed from the war with talk of future compensation offering Belgian territory and the Bavarian Palatinate an area laced with coal. Napoleon proved his ingenuousness to the situation once more thinking an Austrian victory was imminent and that both combatants would be exhausted from the conflict hoping to reap the advantages following the war. An alliance was created with Italy so that they would attack in the rear if the war would come within 3 months, with a Prussian victory ensuring the annexation of Venetian territory. Britain were uninterested in continental affairs rather concerning themselves with their expanding empire in India, South Africa and Australia. Against hostile states in the North and centre, the Prussian army walked in and took possession, with victory at Konnigratz (Sadowa) and Bohemia the conflict was settled with Austria and Saxony. The Prussians superior weaponry, training, railway and tactical planning had swiftly done away with the crumbling Austrian empire. The entire conflict was over before the guileless Napoleon III could reap any advantage from it, whilst the Italians had no real influence in the main seat of war; they were rather used as a distraction on Austrian’s southern front in a successful attempt to divide the Austrian armed forces. The magnanimous conditions that Bismarck imposed on the defeated Austria was another explicit example of his employment of realpolitik. Bismarck was aware that he did not want a permanent enemy in the Austrians and so he demanded a halt of any victory marches and ensured that the only annexation of Austrian territory would be the province of Venetia to the Italians. He ensured that no war indemnities were inflicted and rapidly ended hostilities to rob France of a chance to intervene. His goal was not to make Austria a permanent enemy but simply to expel her from German leadership, this arrangement formed the Treaty of Prague in 1866. This treaty inflicted a blow greater than any indemnity could; it forced Austria to recognise the abolition of the Bund and the establishment of the North German Confederation in its place which saw her the Austrian states excluded. The defeated German states entered the Confederation except for Bavaria, Baden and Wurtemberg at the discretion of Napoleon III. He felt that the extension of German territory past the river Main would endanger the safety of the French nation. Napoleon was now terrified of this all rapidly developing political giant on its Eastern border and the autocrat who was unifying it. Prussia’s victory over Austria in the recent Austro-Prussian war of 1866 increased tensions between France and Prussia. Napoleon felt that Prussia was growing far too strong to be ignored. Many French military leaders were perturbed by the surprising Prussian victory at Konnigratz and demanded urgent military reforms. The Austro-Prussian war served as an abrupt warning to their rapidly diminishing military prowess. The realization that their unchallenged military power 50 years earlier was now subordinate in light of the growing empire to their  east frightened many French leaders and resulted in frantic attempt at military ameliorations. Both Bismarck and Napoleon III needed a war too address their respective political desires. After the war of 1866, a war between France and Prussia was imminent and could have happened at any time. During these four years both were preparing for war, Bismarck was gathering southern German support in Bavaria, Baden, Hesse and Wurtemburg the catholic German states of the south that had not joined the Northern German Confederation. He was rousing German nationalism and was waiting for a pretext for war, he needed a casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war) so that he could convince his southern states that France was the aggressor and persuaded them to join the Prussian military. Napoleon on the other hand was ruminating as to how he could beat this Prussian army, and spent this time gaining support for his army reforms. It was imminent that France and Prussia would go to war and thee victor would establish themselves as the presiding European power. In 1869 the Spanish Cortes (parliament) presented Bismarck with his casus belli (an act or situation provoking or justifying war). They offered the throne of Spain to Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen nephew of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Bismarck shrewdly recognised this as his opportunity for war, if he could place Leopold on the Spanish throne France would have two German Hohenzollern monarchies on its borders. For Bismarck there remained one goal in German unification. Austria had been displaced and her crumbling empire had been removed from its supremacy in Europe. The north German Confederation had been formed; and liberals who had been Bismarck’s opposition of yesteryear were in awe by his success had forgive Bismarck for everything. Bismarck’s main supporters formed in the National Liberty party made up of the nationalistically minded liberals who broke off from the radicals. Yet the main south German states still remained outside despite the economic and military binds that they shared. He knew however, that bound in the close vicinity of these two European superpowers, these two states couldn’t maintain neutrality in times of heightened animosity and Bismarck needed them on his side; and thus he knew that he needed France to appear the aggressor. Bismarck insisted that Leopold accepted the offer and when the French minister of foreign affairs, Antoine Alfred Agenor, Duc de Gramont, whom Bismarck touted â€Å"the stupidest man in Europe† heard of it he hurriedly convened the legislature and made a threating speech. He knew that the French army was weaker than the Prussian army, but he ignorantly assumed that if war came, Austria and Denmark would support him as a result of their respective wars against Bismarck. Gramont demanded that Wilhelm renounce the offer and afraid of risking war, he complied. Just as the crisis was entering its final stages without any aggressive action taken by anyone, Gramont rekindled it, writing a letter to Kaiser Wilhelm that he must sign and publish a document renouncing all Prussian claims to the Spanish throne. A report of this was telegrammed to Bismarck who was elated by this, much to the surprise of many of his contemporaries. He sought to engineer a French declaration of war by rewording the famous Ems dispatch to make it sound as if the Kaiser had treated the French envoy in a demeaning fashion. He succeeded to coerce the French into declaring war on Prussia so that the southern German states would join the north German alliance and ensure the neutrality of the other great powers. The telegram was reworded and aroused war fever in France and the Germanic states. No-one saw through Bismarck’s aggressively subtle foreign policy and on July 19, 1870 France declared war on Prussia. The catholic German states in the south seeing France as the aggressor, swiftly came to the aid of Prussia. The Franco-Prussian war astonished Europe b the ease with which the much-vaunted French military prowess crumbled before the ruthless efficiency of the Prussian troops. Strasbourg, Sedan, Metz were at Prussia’s feet. The organisation of Bismarck to secure the requisite political conditions ensured the work of Roon, Moltke and the Kaiser were not in vain. The political ingenuousness of Napoleon III was harshly exposed by Bismarck’s diplomatic brilliance in his isolation of any major powers. Italy was readily on Prussia’s side, while France occupied Rome and as a result of the annexation of Venetia back to the Italians. Russia was bribed not to interfere by suggestion that she should repudiate the clauses of the 1856 treaty restrict her right to warships on the Black Sea. Britain was alienated by Bismarck’s publication at the critical moment of the French proposal of 1866 to annex Belgium. Austria and the south German states had been partly reconciled by the lenient treatment after the Seven Weeks’ War, and the south German states were bound in military alliance to Prussia. France had no friend in Europe and left alone in a state of internal dissension to face the Prussian armies she was powerless – and it was as a direct result of Bismarck’s implementation of realpolitik. Bismarck’s main object had already been achieved prior to the end of the war and the signing of the treaty of Frankfurt. In the flush of ebullience and enthusiasm for the common cause the south German states were ready to unite with the North German Confederation into a German empire. On 18th of January 1871 in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles the German Empire was solemnly proclaimed with William as the first German emperor or Kaiser. The setting was pertinent, Versailles stood more than anything else for the historic, aggressive glory of France. Now, in its place, with the capital Paris lay starving and under siege, a triumphant Germany rose by and through the humiliation of the most brilliant civilisation in Europe. The Hall of Victors would reflect another scene of equal importance before 50 years were out, with the roles of the victor and the vanquished reversed. And so, Otto von Bismarck the iron chancellor of Prussia had taken the Germanic states of Europe and unified them by carefully manipulating opportunities as they presented themselves and meticulous planning in seven years. His utilisation of realpolitik is heralded as the defining factor in Prussia’s military success between 1864 and 1871 and as a result the unification of the German states. It is without question that the achievements of Bismarck stand testament to the innumerable claims of an unscrupulous, cruel, manipulative, deceitful prime minister of Prussia, yet they also manifest themselves to conclusively display the brilliance of the man and his policy of realpolitik.

US Foreign Policy in the Balkans

Introduction United States occupies a distinguishing position in global affairs. Never in history has a single country conquered the international arena to the extent that the U.S. does today, courtesy of its foreign policies, which continue to draw mixed reactions, ranging from admiration to envy and hatred (Cameron, 2005 p. xvi).  However, admirers and critics of U.S. foreign policies are often in agreement that no matter what the indicator – military might, economic vitality, democratic principles, political persuasion, and cultural model – the country is indeed in a league of its own.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on US Foreign Policy in the Balkans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The U.S. is the only superpower in the world and the only country able to project power and influence in every part of the world (Glenny, 2000), a fact reinforced by Cameron (2005), who notes that the U.S. h as been involved in resolving conflicts on every continent since the early 1990s either through military engagement or peaceful negotiations. This demonstrates that contrary to assertions made by critics to the effect that the U.S. does not have sound foreign policies (Kavalski, 2005), it is indeed in the frontline when it comes to expediting its values and interests in foreign countries.  This paper will critically evaluate the U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans, both during the cold war era and also in post-cold war period. According to Cameron (2005), â€Å"†¦foreign policy refers to a consistent course of actions followed by one nation to deal with another nation or region, or international issue† (p. xvii). In the context of this paper.  Therefore, the U.S. foreign policy would refer to the values and interests projected by the U.S. in the Balkans, a region largely made up of a number of countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Mace donia, Montenegro, and Serbia (US Department of State, 2011). Apart from Kosovo, which was considered as a province in Serbia, the other countries were considered as republics under the Yugoslavia federation during the cold war era, not mentioning the fact that they heavily leaned towards communist principles and ideologies perpetrated by the former USSR immediately after the Second World War (Eskridge-Kosmach, 2009). These political and ideological leanings towards communism greatly affected United States relations with Eastern Europe, and it was not until the collapse and disintegration of the USSR and communist ideologies in 1991 that real progress in the U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans began to take shape (Trachtenberg, 2008). US Foreign Policy in the Balkans during Cold War Era Immediately after the Second World War, the U.S. and her allies became cognizant of the fact that they had lost significant control of Eastern Europe to the Soviet Union. As such, the U.S acknowledged anti-communism to be its guiding standard to foreign policy in the region during the cold war era.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The U.S. adopted a non-military foreign policy to stabilize Western Europe and prevent communist ideologies from encroaching Western Europe territory, while devising rigid policies that could decrease the Soviet Union’s influence in Eastern Europe and at the same time not be seen as a direct provocation to the Soviet Union (Trachtenberg, 2008). Some scholars have argued that the U.S. attempted to pursue a foreign policy that would make countries under Soviet’s influence in the Balkans to become economically dependent on the West and, if possible, coerce them into joining Western alliances, including NATO (Cameron, 2007 p. 9). This policy was meant to decrease the Soviet’s control, achieve potentially considerabl e geopolitical advantages, bring democracy to the Soviet bloc, recover lost trade and markets in the Balkans, and ensure a more stable and prosperous Europe (Trachtenberg, 2008). In 1948, the U.S. saw an opportunity to project its foreign policy in the Balkans when Josip Tito’s government in Yugoslavia split with the Soviet Union for pursuing domestic and foreign affairs policies that, according to Stalin, fundamentally deviated from the Marxist-Leninist line of thought. Yugoslav literature reveals that the breakup with Moscow was precipitated by Tito’s idea of pursuing a separate course towards socialism that could not be reconciled with the hegemonic model of the hierarchical organization witnessed in the socialist bloc (Perovic, 2007). The breakup notwithstanding, many scholars have underlined the â€Å"importance of Yugoslavia to the United States in its ‘wedge strategy’ directed towards the Soviet Bloc countries† (Eskridge-Kosmach, 2009 p. 383) . Of importance is the fact that the Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower administrations saw emergent opportunities for the U.S. to develop relations with Yugoslavia, a former strong ally of the Soviet Union. According to O’Brien (2006), this foreign policy was meant to alleviate the Soviet military power in addition to discrediting the Soviet tactics in the Balkans. This gives credence to the idea that a major hallmark of the U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans during the cold war was to discredit communism and prevent its spread.  The above policies failed to achieve much, prompting the U.S. to initiate a new foreign policy in the Balkans in the 1960s under the â€Å"New Deal.† According to Eskridge-Kosmach (2009), the new foreign policy focused on initiating â€Å"economic reforms aimed at the improvement of the system of ‘workers self-administration,’ stimulation of the private initiative in agriculture, and de-centralization of the economic man agement† (p. 385). In addition, the U.S. also encouraged communist countries to disobey Soviet imperialism, hoping that the economic reforms would trigger an ‘evolution’ from the communist model to national independence and free democratic societies (Trachtenberg, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on US Foreign Policy in the Balkans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Humanitarian relations and bi-lateral trade agreements with preferential terms were encompassed in the U.S’ â€Å"building bridges† concept that it entered with countries in the Balkans who exhibited a desire for political liberalization and the establishment of a representative government (Eskridge-Kosmach, 2009). It is worth mentioning that the U.S., in its attempts to progress these policies in the Balkans, did not want to break with the Soviet Union or create a scenario that would have led to a military confrontation with the Soviet, thus employed diplomacy and foreign aid to reach out to countries in the Balkans. However, much of the aid to the Balkans remained humanitarian assistance, not development aid (O’Brien, 2006). US Foreign Policy in the Balkans in Post-Cold War Era Opinion remains divided about the U.S. post cold war foreign policy in the Balkans, with some commentators arguing that the U.S. has been keen not to be drawn into geopolitical and ethnic-related conflicts that rocked the region after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (Brown, 2005), while others suggest that the Balkans has indeed become an emblematic feature of post-cold war geography of United States’ international relations (Joseph, 2005). According to Daalder (2002), â€Å"the U.S. debate over engagement in the Balkans has been conducted primarily in terms of the burdens the United States and Europe should carry in attempting to improve conditions in the region† (p. 3). While the EU accepts that it should bear the main burden in the reconstruction of the Balkans, it also expects others, including the U.S., to contribute. It is clear that the U.S. foreign policy of military intervention through NATO-sanctioned air strikes against Serb targets helped to end the wars witnessed in the Balkans in the 1990’s, though many analysts still maintain that the U.S. was late in its contribution, leading to the massacre of thousands of people (Brown, 2009). However, it should be remembered that in the mid-1990s, the U.S. diplomatic efforts played an instrumental part in the establishment of the Dayton Peace Agreements, which led to the halting of hostilities among warring parties in the Balkans by crafting the decentralized political system of Bosnia. However, the Dayton political compromise is largely viewed across various quarters as an unworkable one, and which hinders the successful integration of Bosnia into Euro-Atlantic institutions (Woehrel, 2009). One major post-cold war objective of the U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans is to stabilize the region in a way that is self-sustaining, democratic and does not require the frequent intervention of NATO-led forces and international diplomats (Woehrel, 2009), In equal measure, the United States has considerably assisted in the transition of the Balkan countries that were formerly under the Soviet bloc by encouraging political and economic reform, and by orienting them to join the EU and other Euro-Atlantic institutions (Veremis, 2001; Wisner, 2008).Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many countries in the Balkan are now holding free and fair elections, have vibrant civil society groups that are free to express a wide variety of views, and the independence of the media is almost guaranteed (Woehrel, 2009). This again demonstrates that the U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans has clearly underlined the need for the countries involved to shed off communist policies and ideologies, and embrace Western democratic principles and values. To support the rule of law and the punishment of initiators of the 1990’s Balkan war, the U.S. continues to condition developmental aid to Serbia on the full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTFY), not mentioning that the U.S. has initiated active mechanisms to support NATO membership for the countries in the Balkans (Woehrel, 2009). The U.S. continues to demand constitutional reforms in countries such as Bosnia and Serbia, implying that its foreign policy in the Balkans is more orie nted in solidifying the democratic gains so far been achieved. Woehrel (2009) also notes that the Balkans still â€Å"have a higher strategic profile given U.S. use of military bases in Romania and Bulgaria, which could be useful for U.S. operations in the Middle East† (p. 1). The U.S. has also played a role in facilitating economic reform in the Balkans and ensuring that countries achieve fiscal and monetary austerity. However, resistance to economic transparency, weak and corrupt state structures, and the absence of the rule of law in a number of countries continue to hinder progress in the economic front (Woehrel, 2009). It is important to note that the U.S role in the Balkans is largely viewed as peripheral since the EU is the mandated institution to oversee economic and political reforms in the Balkans, and to bring countries to join Euro-Atlantic institutions, thus stabilizing the region and the whole of Europe (Veremis, 2001; Joseph, 2005). The observation can be reinf orced by the fact that President Bush’ foreign policy in the Balkans oscillated along â€Å"controlled and gradual military and economic disengagement from the Western Balkans, allowing EU to fill this gap† (Sakellariou, 2011 para. 3). Through diplomatic means, however, the U.S. played perhaps the most fundamental role towards Kosovo’s independence, by pushing the latter to unilaterally proclaim her independence and by pressuring other EU member states to also recognize Kosovo’s independence (Dunn, 2009). Although the U.S. still maintains ground forces in Kosovo, and although the U.S. still retains its political and diplomatic clout in the region, it has substantially reduced the costs of its commitments in the Balkans, particularly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States (Sakellariou, 2011). International concerns, including the war on global terrorism and political stabilization of Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East, have substantially placed strains on U.S. resources, forcing the country to reduce its attention in the Balkans. In keeping with its current main foreign policy priority, however, the U.S. still actively engages the Balkans to stop terrorists from operating in countries such as Bosnia and Albania (Brown, 2009). The U.S. has also succeeded in bringing many countries in the Balkans to support the war on global terrorism. It is worthwhile to note that the Obama Admistration still pushes for further stabilization of the Balkans, but has continued to keep the region low on the U.S. foreign policy radar, in part due to the war on global terrorism and the stabilization of Iraq and Afghanistan. Conclusion Many policy analysts still feel that the U.S. should strengthen its foreign policy in the Balkans due to the perceived incapacity of the EU to give the needed impetus in the region, and also due to increasing Russia’s influence (Sakellariou, 2011). It is indeed true that the U.S. has for over a decade provided significant aid, advice and troop deployments to countries in the Balkans, but more still needs to be done to solidify the political, economic and democratic gains so far achieved, to uproot possible terrorist networks in the region, and to enhance trade ties with the region (Wisner, 2008; Joseph, 2005). It is imperative to note that unlike the EU, the U.S. still enjoys a substantial political credibility and good will in the Balkans, particularly among the Bosniaks and Albanians (Sakellariou, 2011). As such, it is only proper for the U.S. to remain committed towards solving the serious problems that still affects the region, including weak government structures, ineffective and politicized public administrations, weak and politicized judicial systems, government corruption and organized crime (Woehrel, 2009). A stable Balkans will not only ensure peace and prosperity in Europe, but also in the whole world. Reference List Brown, K. 2009. â€Å"Evaluating U.S . Democracy Promotions in the Balkans: Ironies, Inconsistencies, and Unexamined Influences.† Problems of Post-Communism 56, no. 3, 3-15. Cameron, F. 2005. â€Å"US Foreign Policy after the Cold War,† 2nd Ed. New York, NY: Routledge. Daalder, I.H. 2002. â€Å"The United States, Europe, and the Balkans.† Problems of Post-Communism 49, no. 1, 3-12. Dunn, D.H. 2009. â€Å"Innovation and Precedent in the Kosovo War: The Impact of Operation Allied Force on U.S. Foreign Policy.† International Affairs 85, no. 3, 531-546. Eskridge-Kosmach, A. N. 2009. â€Å"Yugoslavia and US Foreign Policy in 1960-1970s of the 20th Century.† Journal of Slavic Military Studies 22, no. 3, 389-418. Glenny, M. 2000. â€Å"Has anyone seen our Policy?† Washington Quarterly 23, no. 4, 171-175. Joseph, E.P. 2005. â€Å"Back to the Balkans.† Foreign Affairs 84, no. 1, 111-122. Kavalski, E. 2005. â€Å"The Balkans after Iraq†¦Iraq after the Balkans: Who’s ne xt?† Perspectives on European Politics Society 6, no. 1, 103-127. O’Brien, J.C. 2006. â€Å"Brussels: Next Capital of the Balkans?† Washington Quarterly 29, no. 3, 71-87. Perovic, J. 2007. â€Å"The Tito-Stalin Split: A Reassessment in Light of New Evidence.† Journal of Cold War Studies 9, no. 2, 32-63. Sakeilariou, A. 2011. â€Å"Obama’s Policy in the Western Balkans: Following Bush’s Steps.† Web. Trachtenberg, M. 2008. â€Å"The United States and Eastern Europe in 1945.† Journal of Cold War Studies 10, no. 4, 94-132. U.S. Department of State. 2011. â€Å"Balkans Region.† Web. Veremis, T. 2001. â€Å"The End of History – American Views on the Balkans.† Journal of Southeast European Black Sea Studies 1, no. 2, 113-122. Wisner, F.G. 2008. â€Å"The United States and the Balkans: Achieving Kosovo’s Independence.† American Foreign Policy Interests 30, no. 4, 189-195. Woehrel, S. 2009. â€Å"Fut ure of the Balkans and U.S. Policy Concerns† Congressional Research Service. Web. This research paper on US Foreign Policy in the Balkans was written and submitted by user Zayden Tyson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Any realistic and achievable environmental ethic must be based on a weak anthropocentrism

Any realistic and achievable environmental ethic must be based on a weak anthropocentrism Introduction Effective maintenance of environmental ethics is one of the main pillars that support harmonious existence of organisms within an ecosystem. However, this view has been affected by the practice of anthropocentrism which purports that human being is the most valuable and important factor in the universe.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Any realistic and achievable environmental ethic must be based on a ‘weak anthropocentrism’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is without doubt that while anthropocentrism is widely supported as a major resource for human beings, it has significant implications.1 I fully agree with the latter perspective since the attitude which the idea of anthropocentrism creates gives human beings the potential to exploit resources. This is perhaps the main reason why there is widespread and unsustainable system of resource exploitation which has resulted into massive extin ction of animals such as Great Auk and Dodo among others. In addition, this form of exploitation has led to massive degradation of biological resources. In spite of the general consensus that anthropocentrism is unacceptable, it is agreeable that weak anthropocentrism is quite critical since it provides a platform that enables attainment of robust environmental ethics. In addition, it eliminates the incongruity of ascribing intrinsic worth on non-human subjects as explored in this paper. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to critically analyze the perceived inconsistencies of both strong anthropocentrism and weak anthropocentrism.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the paper will discuss alternative paradigms of weak anthropocentrism and explain how it enables realistic achievement of environmental ethics. Anthropocentrism It is a fact t hat the past, present and future welfare of human beings can never be separated from their relationship with the natural environment bearing in mind that both of these two aspects are interdependent. The current practice that supports the implementation of anthropocentrism has raised numerous concerns and questions on how best human beings should relate with their environment. McNab indicates that this creates multiple ethical frameworks.2 It is important to highlight that anthropocentrism offers an approach which suggests that human beings should be in control of nature. This goes against non-anthropocentric paradigms and related conceptual counterparts that suggest that there is need to appreciate nature. Moreover, according to the arguments posed by Pluhar, it can be attained through the processes of deep ecology, ecocentrism and biocentism.3 Pluhar further indicates that there are ardent supporters of non-anthropocentrism and anthropocentrism who espouse those that critic, point out their flaws and oppose their tenet flaws.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Any realistic and achievable environmental ethic must be based on a ‘weak anthropocentrism’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is indeed plausible to mention the fact that anthropocentrism exclusively adheres to human perspective of pleasure and happiness. According to an analysis by conducted by Wolloch, it is evident that non-human animals as well as the non-human world are largely concerned with the production of human resources and factors of instrumental value.4 One would agree with the widespread and strong rejection of this view by animal liberation groups led by Tom Regan, Peter Singer and others. This group views and compares anthropocentrism to sexism, prejudice and filled with unwarranted bias. My view is that anthropocentrism might be objectionable since it gives humans the opportunity to exploit animals and othe r resources for the sake of trivial gains. In fact, some even use animals for experiments with little regard to the suffering which animals go through. Besides, various views held on anthropocentrism by businesses have caused major environmental issues and concerns. Over the last two decades, unacceptable business ethics have turned out to be a major facet in assimilation of a competitive advantage at the local and global market. This has been assimilated as a major shenanigan by the business managements even as the understanding of the resultant impacts on the environment and resources become more evident.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, the economic effects have been very profound with analysts predicting future doom if the problem is not addressed promptly. Poor business ethics form one of the most important factors that negatively affect the national and global economy. This has been especially evident in the recent past whereby more business units tend to assimilate unethical operational practices that largely promote their short term gains while inducing long term dents to the economy. The last two decades have seen some of the most remarkable destructions of the natural systems in the history of the globe. Equally important have been the heightening calls for greater efforts to reduce the negative impacts of environmental degradation. Whereas many individuals as well as business enterprises understand the role played by the natural systems in facilitating their overall production capacity, little efforts have been put in place to counter the same problem. According to Pluhar, the modern market pla ce has forced most of the businesses to view environmental resources as being free and therefore indefinite in nature.5 However, this is not true as exhibited by the current revelation of the finite status of the petroleum resources. As a result, there has been a strong withdrawal of resources from the natural environment with little focus to their resilience capacities. Though it has been viewed as a minor shenanigan under the business practices of minimizing their overall costs, the economic growth is highly unsustainable in the long term bearing in mind that there is no guarantee of the same products in future. In addition to the above facts, many industries have been directly associated with vast pollution of the natural environment. In a complex tie up, the US has over the years failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a notion that has been interpreted to give the business units a direct leeway to act unethically on the same line. Due to the trans-boundary nature of the air pollut ants, the impacts are felt on a global scale with US equally included. Global warming, resilience of the tropical diseases, and harsh climatic conditions has prompted the need for many nations to shift their resources towards addressing these disasters as opposed to concentrating on its economic development. According to the observations made by Sztybel, pollution of the environment has been a major player in reducing the ability of the economic resources that are needed to holistically support the fast enlarging economies of the various countries across the world.6 For instance, water pollution usually interfere with the stable nature of water resources since it reduces the usability of water resources for domestic purposes as well as the demand and pre-treatment processes before being put to industrial use. Consequently, there have been further increases in the overall cost of production and subsequent poor competition of the manufactured products at the market place. Weak anthrop ocentrism It is agreeable that anthropocentrism is a disaster to environmental ethics. However, my view concurs with that of Sztybel. The latter author is of the opinion that discarding this process to embrace non- anthropocentrism for satisfactory environmental ethics is not the solution.7 Rather, we can adopt a weak anthropocentrism. Boesch uses Henry David Thoreau’s view on nature and posits that it has more than a simple instrumental value. In fact, it is independent of human consciousness.8 In my perspective, this perspective has a direct correlation to certain religious beliefs and practices especially those drawn from Jainism and Hinduism. these two religions value nature and explicitly advocate for safe practices that may not harm the environment. Utilitarianism While this theory has been concerned with pain and pleasure, animal liberation members such as Peter Singer use it to indicate that animals, just like human beings, are capable of experiencing pleasure and pai n and as such, should be treated with the much needed respect9. A redefinition can also be made on the central principle of the theory to include non-animal entities. However, critics of the theory are of the view that some of the species in an environment neither experience negative nor positive effects. While considerations should be made to determine the balance of interests and pleasure between human beings and the environment, weak anthropocentrism is critical since it provides the rule of utilitarianism. In other words, it allows human activities to continue, but encourages sustainable development and organic farming among other practices. Aggreably, my view is that conceptual approaches which weigh the consequences of human actions on the immediate environment should be embraced. Kant’s ethical theory While Kant perceives nature as a phenomenon that has no intrinsic value, one cannot fail to see the areas in his theory that support weak anthropocentrism. It is true fro m his perspective that trees and other non-human animals do not have any inherent worth.10 Kant’s perspective can largely be used as a hypothetical model of evaluating actions and determining whether they are good or bad. By being categorically imperative, we are tasked to universalize actions by answering questions whether others would act in a similar manner if faced with similar situations. Categorical imperative as Kant argued should be driven out of motivation and intent for one to be considered dutiful. Deontological ethics The philosophy was developed in early 1930s by Broad. D. who emphasized that people’s actions should be judged according to their obligation to duty.11 In particular, the philosophy contrasts the previous consequentialist perspective by emphasizing that an action should be considered good if only the underlying will is fine. It is important to mention that Broad’s consideration of deontological ethics was greatly shaped by the previous work of Emmanuel Kant who brought out the first tenet of deontological philosophy of categorical imperative.12 Under this consideration, individuals should always act in a manner that quantifies their actions into universal laws. This notion has made the philosophy to be of great importance in the practice of weak anthropocentrism and conservation of the environment because people tend to review their actions to ensure that the outcome is positive and based on acceptable virtues. Deontological ethics further advocate for non-aggression principle by indicating that the ultimate intent of such actions is to cause harm and therefore the actions are wrong.   This is in line with the natural law which encourages conservation and rejects environmental abuse. According to the ideas presented by Acampora, deontological philosophy give exceptions to this non aggressive orientation by pointing towards weak anthropocentrism in the sense that it is acceptable to use resources when in need and for whatever reasons.13 The tenet which elicited greatest debate in the 20th century is the consideration of categorical imperative when dealing with the environment. Under this tenet, Andrew reports that people are allowed to implement anthropocentrism if its intention is to cause greater good.14 A good example is the felling of trees to provide fuel for energy. However, the perspective sharply contrasts with existentialism which refers to nature as unique and therefore important. This philosophy greatly informed and guided leaders, managers and workers on the need to develop the correct values and attitudes towards the environment. Viable ethical approaches Libertarian extensions Libertarian extension is an important approach that calls for equal rights to everything existing in a community. In an environmental understanding, human and non human aspects are part of a community and have an ethical worth. The social movements and civil liberty approach which requires harmony to be established between the products considerations of reality appears to be more promising in the sense that it factors the demands of human beings and non-human animals. Andrew agrees with the social movements’ consideration that indeed anthropocentrism presents a high level of uncertainty to the environment and therefore the need to take effective precaution. In addition, their emphasis on ecological sustainability presents their inter-generational concerns for mankind. On the other hand, though governments have the overriding forces in influencing the use of biotechnology, it is no doubt that their supporters are fast becoming highly polarized and may eventually face mass resistance as more people through unions and social movements join the fight. Ecological extensions All abiological and biological entities have a fundamental interdependence which largely calls for the recognition of their rights.15 While addressing the problem of strong ecological extensions, Serpell argue s that there is great omission of environmental ethical concerns.16 Serpell further argues that though feeding people is indeed very crucial, it is more dangerous to threaten the survival of animals and resources because of two core factors. First, the expected negative results are unclear and therefore making it even harder to prepare for it. Then the resulting problem may indeed obscure the benefits that had been accrued and perhaps form an expanded basis. For example, the act of deforestation results to ecological breakdown. The resulting implication could include climate change, irregular weather patterns, and loss of biodiversity which are very hard to restore. Conclusions I have held the opinion over the years that embracing weak anthropocentrism is the best way to go and that opponents of this notion are not genuine. In particular, the reports and pictures of environmental destruction strengthen my conclusion. As a result, my mind became highly polarized towards anthropocentr ism as opposed to holistically analyzing it and its possible negative implications. However, this study has effectively revealed new insights on related problems that should be considered simultaneously if the current environmental problems are to be addressed effectively. There is need to assess the possible future impacts of strong anthropocentrism in society before it can be considered safe. In addition, it is crucial to involve all the stakeholders in the society by incorporating their concerns to gather greater support at all levels of environmental conservation. In order to effectively address this perspective, it must be viewed from the global point of view as opposed to the localized outlook. Finally, I will seek to create a forum that can bring together major stakeholders who will dialogue on key issues and therefore harmonize their understanding on the problem. From this forum, I will seek to expand the involvement of the different professionals and consequently make key r ecommendations that can address environmental issues. Bibliography Acampora, R, Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy, Journal of the History of Philosophy, vol. 44, no. 3, 2006, pp. 480-481. Boesch, C, Away from ethnocentrism and anthropocentrism: Towards a scientific understanding of what makes us human, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, vol. 33, no. 2-3, 2010, pp. 86-87. Coward, M, Against anthropocentrism: the destruction of the built environment as a distinct form of political violence, Review of International Studies, vol. 32, no. 3, 2006, pp. 419-420. Gabriel, AK, Beyond Anthropocentrism in Barths Doctrine of Creation: Searching for a Theology of Nature, Religious Studies and Theology, vol. 28, no. 2, 2009, pp. 175-187. McNab, K, Anthropocentrism: are humans the centre of existence?† Peace Research, vol. 34, no. 1, 2002, pp. 113-116. Pluhar, EB, Non-Obligatory Anthropocentrism, Journal of Agricultural and Env ironmental Ethics, vol. 13, no. 3-4, 2000, pp. 329-330. Serpell, JA, Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy, Bulletin of the history of medicine, vol. 82, no. 1, 2008, pp. 219-220. Sztybel, D, Taking Humanism Seriously: Obligatory Anthropocentrism, Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, vol. 13, no. 3-4, 2000, pp. 181-203. Wolloch, N, Animals, Extraterrestrial Life and Anthropocentrism in the Seventeenth Century, The Seventeenth Century, vol. 17, no. 2, 2002, pp. 235-253. Footnotes 1 K McNab Anthropocentrism: are humans the centre of existence?, Peace Research, vol. 34, no. 1, 2002, pp. 113-116. 2 McNab pp. 115 3 EB Pluhar Non-Obligatory Anthropocentrism, Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, vol. 13, no. 3-4, 2000, pp. 329-329. 4 N Wolloch Animals, Extraterrestrial Life and Anthropocentrism in the Seventeenth Century, The Seventeenth Century, vol. 17, no. 2, 2002, pp. 235-253. 5 Pluhar pp. 329 6 D Sztybel Taking Humanism Seriously: Obligatory Anthropocentrism, Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, vol. 13, no. 3-4, 2000, pp. 181-203. 7 Ibid 8 C Boesch Away from ethnocentrism and anthropocentrism: Towards a scientific understanding of what makes us human, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, vol. 33, no. 2-3, 2010, pp. 86-7. 9 R Acampora Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy, Journal of the History of Philosophy, vol. 44, no. 3, 2006, pp. 480-481. 10 R Acampora, pp.48- 481. 11 Boesch pp. 87 12 R Acampora Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy, Journal of the History of Philosophy, vol. 44, no. 3, 2006, pp. 480-481. 13 Acampora pp. 480 14 AK Gabriel, Beyond Anthropocentrism in Barths Doctrine of Creation: Searching for a Theology of Nature, Religious Studies and Theology, vol. 28, no. 2, 2009, pp. 175-187 15 M Coward, Against anthropocentrism: the destruction of the built environment as a distinct form of political violence, Review of International Studies, vol. 32, no. 3, 2006, pp. 419-419. 16 JA Serpell , Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy, Bulletin of the history of medicine, vol. 82, no. 1, 2008, pp. 219-220

Trademark logos Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Trademark logos - Essay Example While considering the importance of logos and trademarks, the most important factor is that serves in distinguishing the product or service from that of the counterparts. Thus it becomes important that the trademarks are not generic and it does not refer to a geographic origin. However the protection rules for trademarks and logos do not cover such generic symbols and names. Another major importance of these marketing symbols is that they indirectly lead the customer towards the qualities of the product including its uniqueness and quality. In this context the logos and the trade marks add to the reach and extension of the particular product or service. However under the rules and regulations pertaining to trademarks and logos, it must be ensured that these do not deceive the customer and convey wrong message about the product. As described in the definition of World Intellectual Property Organization itself, logos and trademarks helps to identify the product or service of a particular enterprise globally from other products and services. This distinction and identity is quite important in the modern business scenario. This must be read together with the fact that in the liberalised international economy of the day, the chances of competition and deliverance area overlap is quite possible. To explain this concept, the wide acceptance of ‘ipod’ the music player produced and marketed by Apple would be an ideal example. The trade name ‘ipod’ has had such a market identify that the products which came into market with similar applications were also called by the customers as ‘ipod’. (Rao, A Sreenivasa, 2008).This identity would automatically build in a feeling of confidence among the buyers. Conveyance of Business Objective is another core significance of trademark logos in the modern corporate culture. Trade mark logos can play integral role in the extension of the business

Writing Assignment # 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Writing Assignment # 1 - Essay Example One of the factors that reduce diabetes type 2 is physical activity; however, the researchers had also made observations that coffee consumption further reduced the incidences of high blood glucose levels. This was the major reason for this study. The researchers formulated a hypothesis to give a tentative explanation of what they had observed. The researcher hypothesized that regular consumption of coffee lowers the risk of developing diabetes type 2 conditions. This came in the mind of the researcher after observing that there were few or no cases of this condition among those people who consume coffee regularly. The experiments were necessary to prove right or wrong the researcher’s hypothesis. The hypothesis that the researcher made was testable and also addressed a specific point. The next scientific method that was used in this study was testing the hypothesis that the researcher formulated earlier. The researcher arranged an experiment to test the hypothesis. In the experiment, black canned coffee was used after being diluted with water. Concentrations of various components of coffee were determined for example caffeine was 290 mg/l, chlorogenic acid was 190 mg/l, and trigonelline was 230 mg/l. The animals that were used in this experiment were male KK-A each four weeks old. All animals were maintained in the same controlled conditions of temperature and humidity to ensure that different environmental conditions do not affect the results of the experiment. The animals were left to access water and standard laboratory food three days prior to the experiment. The composition of the foods that the mice accessed in the laboratory was proteins, non-nitrogenous foods, crude ash, crude fiber, energy, and sufficient minerals and vitamins to ensure that the health o f the mice was maintained (Yamauchi, 2010). To test the hypothesis two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, mice were separated into two categories. The first group

Classroom Managment Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Classroom Managment - Annotated Bibliography Example questionnaires, was used for the study that reported application of strategies such as physical classroom arrangement, audio equipment, rules, and schedules as strategies. Application of the strategies however differed between public and private schools and yielded different effects. The study is relevant to current topic and its method that suggests reliability and validity is its strength. Potential bias from research participants’ responses is however the greatest weakness and is a threat to the associated strength with the applied research method. Briesch, A., Briesch, J., and Chafouleas, S. (2015). Investigating the usability of classroom management strategies among elementary schoolteachers. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions 17(1), 5-14. The results identified the participants’ ability to use the strategies, suggest application in class set-ups, is valid, and is relevant to the current study. Validity and reliability, based on the applied quantitative approach are the study’s strengths but using participants to measure outcomes is a weakness. Coles, E., Owens, J., Serrano, V., Slavee, J. and Evans, S. (2015). From consultation to student outcomes: The role of teacher knowledge, skills, and beliefs in increasing integrity in classroom management strategies. School Mental Health 7(1), 34-48. Using case study, results show relationship between the variables and therefore identify possible mediator factor to effectiveness of classroom management strategies. Ability of a case study to develop in-depth understanding of a phenomenon is the study’s strength while inability to infer findings, due to the subjective approach is a weakness of the study. Garner, P., Moses, L., and Waajid, B. (2013). Prospective teachers’ awareness and expression of emotions: Associations with proposed strategies for behavioral management in the classroom. Psychology in the Schools 50(5), 471-488. The researchers aimed at investigating relationship between

Effect of Genes on Personality

Effect of Genes on Personality To do what extent do genes influence one’s personality? Personality is, traditionally, one of the most important objects of study for psychologists due to its major contribution to individual differences. Previous research explored the mystery of human personality to some extent, people gradually realize what determines their behaviours, why somebody feel excited in a certain situation while others do not. However, there is still huge debate with respect to various perspectives of personality. First debate is about the definition of personality which is much more complex than everyday uses of this term. It can depend on what psychologists believe about the causes and formation of personality. A generally accepted definition was proposed by Robins who defined personality as the distinctive and relatively enduring ways of thinking, feeling and acting that characterizes a person’s response to life situations (Robins et al, 2007). Furthermore, psychologists also ask â€Å"what causes personality differences?† Why some twins rais ed in the same family could have different personalities while others could have more similar personalities (Bouchard et al. 2001)? It is generally believed that personality is formed under the combing effect of genes and environment (Riemann et al., 1997; Bouchard et al.,2001; Caspi et al., 2002); however, there is no final conclusion about to what extent genes and environment influence personality. Some psychologists suggest that genes could play a more important role in shaping one’s personality than environment (Schuett, 2013), and some believe that the plasticity of personality is lost after the age of thirty, that is, people’s personality remains constant as a result of their unchanged genes (Conley, 1985). In this essay, the influence of genes on personality will be discussed and evaluated in relation to two perspectives: Eysenck’s biological basis personality theory and twin studies carried out by various psychologists (Eave et al., 1989; Bouchard, 1997; Waller, 1999; Jang et al., 1996). One important theory which is still regularly cited today is Eysenck’s biological basis personality theory (Eysenck 19xx, 19xx; Eysenck and Eysenck, 19xx). This theory explains individual differences in personality in terms of genetic factors based on Eysenck’s â€Å"Gigantic three theory†, which is one of the major theories and instrument for assessing personality traits. According to Eysenck’s account, People’s personality traits can be classified according to three dimensions: Neutroticism the extent to which people experience negative emotion; Extraversion the extent to which people prefer to be alone or with others; and Psychoticism the extent to which people are tough-minded. After the description of â€Å"gigantic three theory†, Eysenck states (1985) that there are two major systems responsible for physiological and psychological variations between individuals: the reticulo-cortical which is located in the brain-stem reticular forma tion as well as the reticulo-limbic which is located in the visceral area and which consists of the amygdala, hippocampus, septum, cingulum and hypothalamus (Eysenck, 1985, cited in Matthews Gilliland, 1999). Although mutation can occur, these differences in the cortex are genetically determined. According to Eyseneck (1985), differences in the Reticulo-cortical could determine whether someone is extroverted or introverted, as the reticulo-cortical controls the cortical arousal produced by nerve impulses which determines levels of motivation, emotion and condition depending on either inhibitions or excitations of the cerebral cortex. To illustrate, Eysenck claims that introverts are more likely to be cortically aroused than extraverts, as a consequence, they are likely to generate larger arousal by themselves than extraverts when they are in exactly the same situations such as in a party (EysenckEysenck, 1985, cited in Matthews Gilliland, 1999). Discrepancy between cortical arousa l of extroverts and introverts, which have a genetic origin, means that the former feel comfortable to talk to people in the party because they are seeking external stimulation compensating for their low level of arousal, while the later remain quiet as they have higher level of cortical arousal in their brain and do not need the external stimulation (ibis). Eysenck also accounts for people’s emotional stability in terms of reticulo-limbic activities (Eysenck Eysenck, 1985, cited in Matthews Gilliland, 1999). Reticulo-limbic in the brain controls people’s response to emotional stimuli. Emotional stimuli induces arousability of limbic system. Eysenck states that the brains of neurotic people are more easily aroused than emotionally stable people (ibid). The arousing activities can then be translated into a predisposition to experience intense emotions such as anxiety or sadness. Therefore, when the same event happens to neurotic and stable person, strong arousability could be generated by the brain of the former, as a result, he or she may response intensely either psychologically and physiologically, on the contrast, little arousability is generated in the brain of the later, leading to very few response in return (ibid). A major limitation of Eysenck’s particular biological account of personality is concerned with its testability. The difficulty to test Eysenck’s hypotheses is considerable, especially due to the lack of appropriate technological instruments (MatthewsGilliland,1999). For example, a measure of cardiovascular activity is sometimes used to measure arousal differences between introverts and extraverts. However, the cardiovascular system has a considerable interaction with the respiratory system which could be a confounding variable in this experiment (ibid). It is very difficult for scientists to exclude all confounding variables and reach a valid result, hence it is difficult to verify the relationship between arousability of brain and personality traits. Nevertheless, further experiments carried out by other psychologists offer evidence that Eysenck’s biological theory was not as well substantiated as predicted. To illustrate, associations between extraversion and t onic measures of central nervous system and automatic nervous system arousal are actually much weaker than that were expected from Eysenck’s prediction (ibid.). It is worth considering, therefore, whether there is any other more important factor giving rise to the differences between extraverts and introverts apart from arousability of cortex as proposed by Eysenck. While the genetic account of personality theory proposed by Eysenck (1985) has remained purely theoretical and is difficult to substantiate, more recent research on twin studies also reveals that personality could largely be influenced by genetic factors (Eave et al., 1989; Bouchard, 1997; Waller, 1999; Jang et al., 1996). Twins can be divided into two types: monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. Monozygotic twins come from the same fertilized egg and are, therefore genetically identical. Dizygotic twins refer to twins who come from two separate fertilized eggs and only share half of their genetics. In the study of influence of genetics and environments on personality, twin studies prove to be an important strand of research (Bouchard, 2001). Because MZ twins shared exactly the same genes, it is reasonable to assume that any variation in their personality could be attributed to environmental differences in their upbringing, which indicates, to a certain extent, the possible envi ronmental influence on personality. Meanwhile, DZ twins shared only half of identical genes and most of them are raised in the same environment. Their personality differences could largely be a result of genetic variations instead of environmental influence. In 1989, Eaves et al. carried out twin studies using the â€Å"Gigantic Three†(Eysenck, 1985) as three major personality dimensions and differences between twins’ personality traits( Neuroticism, Extraversion and Psychoticism) were thus investigated. Twin meta-analysis suggested a nearly zero correlation between shared environments and twins’ personality traits for all three traits, while correlation for MZ was twice that for DZ, indicating that genes play an important role in this difference. Eaves et al. then used falconer heritability to describe the heritability of a personality trait based on the difference between twin studies. The Falconer heritability for Extraversion, Neuroticism and Psychoticism wa s 0.58, 0.44 and 0.46 respectively, which means around half of one’s personality traits could be inherited from parents (BouchardLoehlin, 2001). While Eysenck (1985) described personality traits according to his â€Å"Gigant three † and proposed a genetic account for them. Costa and McCare (1992) proposed an alternative personality trait theory: â€Å"the Big Five† which classifies personality trait into Extroversion, Neuroticism, openness to experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Neuroticism can be described as the tendency to experience negative emotions, notably anxiety, depression and anger. Extraversion refers to high activity, the experience of positive emotions, impulsiveness, assertiveness and a tendency towards social behavior. Openness to experience represents the tendency to engage in intellectual activities and experience new sensations and ideas. Agreeableness refers to friendly, considerate and modest behavior. Conscientiousness is associated with proactivity, responsibility and self-discipline (Costa McCare, 1992, p.xx). There are psychologists, however, who suggested that the â€Å"Big five model† is a more robust and superior interpretation of personality traits compared to â€Å"Gigantic three†, as it could include wider personality scales in the input data(AzizJackson,2000) and more scientifically acceptable nowadays. Similar twin study of â€Å"the Big five† rather than â€Å"the Gigantic Three† was conducted. Those studies yielded similar results as those for the Giant three (Waller,1999 ; Jang et al., 1996a ; Riemann et al ., 1997), stating that around 40 per cent to 60 per cent personality traits was influenced by genes and the rest of them most influenced by non-shared environment(also 40-60 per cent). Although twin studies(Eave et al., 1989; Bouchard, 1997; Waller, 1999; Jang et al., 1996) has provided a relatively convincing answer for the question to what extent do genes influence one’s personality, studies from different researchers have not always provided consistent results (BouchardLoehlin, 2001). Furthermore, a main limitation of all twin studies is that MZ twins can not be treated as a homogenous group. MZ twins can be further divided into two types: monochorionic MZ twins who share the same placenta and amniotic sac and dichorionic MZ twins who do not. Sharing the same placenta means the twins have the same prenatal environment, which could lead to their higher correlation in personality traits. However, this high correlation was not resulted from similarity of genes but the same prenatal environment. This could be a large confounding variable of twin studies, giving rise to larger proportion of genetic accounts than reality. REF In conclusion, both Eysenck’s biological basis of personality theory and twin studies have revealed that genetics can play an essential role in the formation of one’s personality. However, limitations of these theories and experiments exist and cannot be excluded due to difficulties of current technology. On the other hand, it is worth pointing out that the extent of influence of genes and environment have on personality could be different depending on individuals. For example, people in adverse situations are more likely to change their personalities sharply, while those without big change happened in their lives could keep relative constant personalities. Nevertheless, it is still very difficult to draw a valid conclusion; more research needs to be conducted in this field in the future in order to draw a more valid conclusion. References Chamorro-premuzic, T. (2011). Personality and individual differences (2nd ed.) 46-48. Blackwell: Sussex. Eysenck,H.J.(1981): General features of the modal. In H.J. Eysenck(Ed). A model for personality. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. Eaves, L.J., Eysenck, H.J., and Martin, N.G.(1989). Genes, culture and personality: An Empirical Approach, Academic Press, New York. Eysenck, H. J., and Eysenck, M. W. (1985).Personality and individual differences, Plenum, New York. Matthews, G and Gilliland, K (1999). The personality theories of H.J. Eysenck and J.A. Gray: a comparative review Personality and Individual differences 26(1999) 583-626 Riemann, R., Angleitner, A., and Strelau, J. (1997). Genetic and environmental influences on personality: A study of twins reared together using the self- and peer report NEO-FFI scales. J. Personal. 65:449– 475. Tomas J. Bouchard, Jr.,and John C. Loehlin (2001). Gens, Evolution, and Personality. Behavior Genetics. Vol 31 No. 3. Waller, N. G. (1999). Evaluating the structure of personality. In Cloninger, C. R. (ed.), Personality and Psychopathology, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, pp. 155–197 Schuett W, Dall SRX, Wilson AJ, Royle NJ. (2013) Environmental transmission of a personality trait: foster parent exploration behaviour predicts offspring exploration behaviour in zebra finches. Biol Lett 9:20130120.http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2013.0120 Jang, K. L., Livesley, W. J., and Vernon, P. A. (1996a). Heritability of the big five personality dimensions and their facets: A twin study. J. Personal. 64:577–591.

Office of Homeland Security Essay -- Homeland Security Governmental Es

Office of Homeland Security Just as our parents and grandparents remember where they were and what they were doing when President John F. Kennedy was shot, so will it be with this generation when asked the same questions pertaining to September 11, 2001. This horrific event will be a scar on the body of our wonderful nation until the end of time. Parents lost children, children lost parents, spouses lost their heartmates – so much anguish and emotional devastation demands that something be done to prevent tragedy like this from occurring in the future. This is why President George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security. This cabinet-level position was created in lieu of the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and will report directly to the President himself. In an executive order given on October 8, 2001, President Bush stated as follows: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment. I hereby establish within the Executive Office of the President an Office of Homeland Security (the ``Office'') to be headed by the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. (Boston, sec. 1). The first director of the Office of Homeland Security is a Pennsylvanian Republican, Governor Tom Ridge. â€Å"The post †¦ will be comparable to a domestic variation of the National Security Advisor, said a senior administration official† (Stenger, 2001: screen). Governor Ridge is more than qualified for this illustrious, though sadly needed, position. In the Presidents address to a joint session of Congress and the American people he states that Governor Ridge is â€Å"a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot and a trusted friend† (Address, 2001: screen). His military experience includes serving as infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam where he earned the Bronze Star for valor. As the first enlisted Vietnam combat veteran elected to the U.S. House he was re-elected six times (Biography, 2001: screen). As Governor of Pennsylvania he began his term in 1995. Since then he has cut taxes every year in office. His Education Empowerment Act helped more than 250,000 children in the states lowest-performing schools. The Office of Homeland Security has many functions that it will perform to ensure the safety of the... ...21 by the National League of Cities reveals that two-thirds of cities over 100,000 are reassessing their emergency plans, although 83% have a terrorism response plan in place† (Kenworthy, 2001: screen). The largest impact that the Office has on American citizens is, in fact, a greater feeling of togetherness. Works Cited Boston_Liberty. â€Å"Establishing the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council – Text of EO.† 10 Oct. 2001. Online Posting. FreeRepublic. 1 Apr. 2002. Kenworthy, Tom. Struggling to Create A Homeland Defense. 8 Oct. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. Stenger, Richard. Domestic Security Czar to Tame ‘Bowl of Spaghetti.’ 21 Sept. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. Sept. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. Oct. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. Office of Homeland Security Essay -- Homeland Security Governmental Es Office of Homeland Security Just as our parents and grandparents remember where they were and what they were doing when President John F. Kennedy was shot, so will it be with this generation when asked the same questions pertaining to September 11, 2001. This horrific event will be a scar on the body of our wonderful nation until the end of time. Parents lost children, children lost parents, spouses lost their heartmates – so much anguish and emotional devastation demands that something be done to prevent tragedy like this from occurring in the future. This is why President George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security. This cabinet-level position was created in lieu of the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and will report directly to the President himself. In an executive order given on October 8, 2001, President Bush stated as follows: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Establishment. I hereby establish within the Executive Office of the President an Office of Homeland Security (the ``Office'') to be headed by the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. (Boston, sec. 1). The first director of the Office of Homeland Security is a Pennsylvanian Republican, Governor Tom Ridge. â€Å"The post †¦ will be comparable to a domestic variation of the National Security Advisor, said a senior administration official† (Stenger, 2001: screen). Governor Ridge is more than qualified for this illustrious, though sadly needed, position. In the Presidents address to a joint session of Congress and the American people he states that Governor Ridge is â€Å"a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot and a trusted friend† (Address, 2001: screen). His military experience includes serving as infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam where he earned the Bronze Star for valor. As the first enlisted Vietnam combat veteran elected to the U.S. House he was re-elected six times (Biography, 2001: screen). As Governor of Pennsylvania he began his term in 1995. Since then he has cut taxes every year in office. His Education Empowerment Act helped more than 250,000 children in the states lowest-performing schools. The Office of Homeland Security has many functions that it will perform to ensure the safety of the... ...21 by the National League of Cities reveals that two-thirds of cities over 100,000 are reassessing their emergency plans, although 83% have a terrorism response plan in place† (Kenworthy, 2001: screen). The largest impact that the Office has on American citizens is, in fact, a greater feeling of togetherness. Works Cited Boston_Liberty. â€Å"Establishing the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council – Text of EO.† 10 Oct. 2001. Online Posting. FreeRepublic. 1 Apr. 2002. Kenworthy, Tom. Struggling to Create A Homeland Defense. 8 Oct. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. Stenger, Richard. Domestic Security Czar to Tame ‘Bowl of Spaghetti.’ 21 Sept. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. Sept. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002. The White House. Oct. 2001. 1 Apr. 2002.