Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces Free Essays

In Rob Reiner’s 1992 film, â€Å"A Few Good Men†, two ethical approaches to life are illustrated most profoundly in four main characters.    Protagonist Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, is in direct moral contrast to the antagonist of the film, Colonel Nathan Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson.   Kaffee effectively illustrates the importance of using the ethical framework of the common good approach while Jessep shows the flaws inherent in the virtue approach. We will write a custom essay sample on Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces or any similar topic only for you Order Now The approach taken by Kaffee ensures that society is seamless in morality and that the Marines are not a group that is outside of either the law or common morality.   Jessep, however, shows that virtues or ideals that commanders demand of subordinates in the military can contradict the virtues of the common person and the common good. The remaining important two characters are the conflicted and court-martialed Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson and Private Lowden Downey.   These are Marines that rested their trust in their commander and must later learn to trust their attorney Kaffee and the integrity of military law. Dawson and Downey first come to the attention of Lieutenant Kaffee when the two are accused of causing the death of Private William Santiago.   It was later discovered that the two were either directly or indirectly encouraged to initiate a â€Å"Code Red’, which is a form of Marine self-policing, where weaker member were scared via different methods to become stronger, better Marines. The men have allegedly stuffed a rag into the mouth of Private Santiago, resulting in his death.   It becomes clear that the men will not speak of the crime in question, due to the honor code of Marines. It later becomes clear, as well, that Gitmo is viewed as a very different place with very different values.   When the Marine Commander Jessep is accused of his role of creating such an immoral climate that results in a man’s death, he states that he has â€Å"a greater responsibility than [you] can possibly fathom†. Learning that the military culture may have a separate moral culture surrounded with different ethical mores, the question becomes are Dawson and Downey are morally blameworthy? Since Colonel Jessep appears to utilize the virtue approach while simultaneously instilling an atmosphere of silence and brotherhood in his Marines at Gitmo, a small island apart from the rest of the world, to not follow his instructions would be unthinkable.   To Jessep, his Marines are men above reproach and question and given the task of protecting their fellow soldiers in a place that is always in danger of outside harm.    The virtue approach that he instills in men like Dawson and Downey are to the effect that â€Å"a person who has developed virtues will be naturally disposed to act in ways consistent with moral principles† (Velasquez, et al, 1996). These virtues and principles were the cornerstone of the survival of the two men in question, they believed that there was no possible to way to refute or refuse any orders given by their virtuous commander.   The virtues practiced and preached by Jessep were courage, strength, silence, and submission. Above all else these men learned, also, that they must always submit to their superiors in all they were asked to do.   For this reason, these men are not entirely blameworthy, as if they would have refused direct orders, they would have lost their virtue and in essence the very fabric of their lives.   The moral questions of virtue and common good become the fabric of the court hearing. Lieutenant Kaffee concerns himself with the ethical issue of the common good approach to ethics and instills the positive points of virtue theory by displaying compassion, fairness, and integrity.   The Common Good approach essentially deals with an idea that individual good is equated and ensured with public good and that individual, honorable traits should be shared as a community in a healthy fashion. In this way, goodness, is not good if it is not shared.   It can be said, then, that in order to recognize good to share it, we must also be able to recognize bad or â€Å"evil†, in order to know how to counter it in a world of free will. â€Å"Appeals to the common good urge us to view ourselves as members of the same community, reflecting on broad questions concerning the kind of society we want to become and how we are to achieve that society† (Velasquez, et al, 1996). In this way Kaffee shows that Gitmo is a part of the larger world and that justice should be served to ensure that the military and the rest of the world can achieve fairness.   Jessep is shown as culpable in his actions and Kaffee assures Dawson that a person does not need to have a patch on his or her arm to have honor. This phrase means so much to the Marine, who was simply following orders in a misguided mission.   Had he not been subjected to the immorality of his commander, he would have been a good soldier.   But, he cannot return to his duties and must then show honor in his daily life, hopefully Kaffee has illustrated this honor and the uselessness of rank, faulty reasoning, and a simple patch on one’s arm that does not assume morality. In closing, â€Å"A Few Good Men† in an excellent film to analyze in context of morals and ethical approaches.   The two illustrated approaches of virtue and the common good can be seen as a recurring theme throughout the work.   The actors all display their ideas and ideals of morality and a code of honor. The misguided and displaced ethical approaches and results are magnified to display their potential risks while the important and useful ethical approaches are displayed in memorable fashion with justice being more than a part of a court proceeding, it becomes a part of a new honor code for all affected. References Schickel, Richard.   (December 14th, 1992).   â€Å"Close-Order Moral Drill†.  Ã‚   Time.  Ã‚  Ã‚   70. Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T, Meyer, S. J. Meyer M.   (Winter, 1996).  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Thinking Ethically:   A Framework for Moral Decision Making† in Issues in Ethics.   2-5. How to cite Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces, Papers

Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces Free Essays

In Rob Reiner’s 1992 film, â€Å"A Few Good Men†, two ethical approaches to life are illustrated most profoundly in four main characters.    Protagonist Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, is in direct moral contrast to the antagonist of the film, Colonel Nathan Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson.   Kaffee effectively illustrates the importance of using the ethical framework of the common good approach while Jessep shows the flaws inherent in the virtue approach. We will write a custom essay sample on Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces or any similar topic only for you Order Now The approach taken by Kaffee ensures that society is seamless in morality and that the Marines are not a group that is outside of either the law or common morality.   Jessep, however, shows that virtues or ideals that commanders demand of subordinates in the military can contradict the virtues of the common person and the common good. The remaining important two characters are the conflicted and court-martialed Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson and Private Lowden Downey.   These are Marines that rested their trust in their commander and must later learn to trust their attorney Kaffee and the integrity of military law. Dawson and Downey first come to the attention of Lieutenant Kaffee when the two are accused of causing the death of Private William Santiago.   It was later discovered that the two were either directly or indirectly encouraged to initiate a â€Å"Code Red’, which is a form of Marine self-policing, where weaker member were scared via different methods to become stronger, better Marines. The men have allegedly stuffed a rag into the mouth of Private Santiago, resulting in his death.   It becomes clear that the men will not speak of the crime in question, due to the honor code of Marines. It later becomes clear, as well, that Gitmo is viewed as a very different place with very different values.   When the Marine Commander Jessep is accused of his role of creating such an immoral climate that results in a man’s death, he states that he has â€Å"a greater responsibility than [you] can possibly fathom†. Learning that the military culture may have a separate moral culture surrounded with different ethical mores, the question becomes are Dawson and Downey are morally blameworthy? Since Colonel Jessep appears to utilize the virtue approach while simultaneously instilling an atmosphere of silence and brotherhood in his Marines at Gitmo, a small island apart from the rest of the world, to not follow his instructions would be unthinkable.   To Jessep, his Marines are men above reproach and question and given the task of protecting their fellow soldiers in a place that is always in danger of outside harm.    The virtue approach that he instills in men like Dawson and Downey are to the effect that â€Å"a person who has developed virtues will be naturally disposed to act in ways consistent with moral principles† (Velasquez, et al, 1996). These virtues and principles were the cornerstone of the survival of the two men in question, they believed that there was no possible to way to refute or refuse any orders given by their virtuous commander.   The virtues practiced and preached by Jessep were courage, strength, silence, and submission. Above all else these men learned, also, that they must always submit to their superiors in all they were asked to do.   For this reason, these men are not entirely blameworthy, as if they would have refused direct orders, they would have lost their virtue and in essence the very fabric of their lives.   The moral questions of virtue and common good become the fabric of the court hearing. Lieutenant Kaffee concerns himself with the ethical issue of the common good approach to ethics and instills the positive points of virtue theory by displaying compassion, fairness, and integrity.   The Common Good approach essentially deals with an idea that individual good is equated and ensured with public good and that individual, honorable traits should be shared as a community in a healthy fashion. In this way, goodness, is not good if it is not shared.   It can be said, then, that in order to recognize good to share it, we must also be able to recognize bad or â€Å"evil†, in order to know how to counter it in a world of free will. â€Å"Appeals to the common good urge us to view ourselves as members of the same community, reflecting on broad questions concerning the kind of society we want to become and how we are to achieve that society† (Velasquez, et al, 1996). In this way Kaffee shows that Gitmo is a part of the larger world and that justice should be served to ensure that the military and the rest of the world can achieve fairness.   Jessep is shown as culpable in his actions and Kaffee assures Dawson that a person does not need to have a patch on his or her arm to have honor. This phrase means so much to the Marine, who was simply following orders in a misguided mission.   Had he not been subjected to the immorality of his commander, he would have been a good soldier.   But, he cannot return to his duties and must then show honor in his daily life, hopefully Kaffee has illustrated this honor and the uselessness of rank, faulty reasoning, and a simple patch on one’s arm that does not assume morality. In closing, â€Å"A Few Good Men† in an excellent film to analyze in context of morals and ethical approaches.   The two illustrated approaches of virtue and the common good can be seen as a recurring theme throughout the work.   The actors all display their ideas and ideals of morality and a code of honor. The misguided and displaced ethical approaches and results are magnified to display their potential risks while the important and useful ethical approaches are displayed in memorable fashion with justice being more than a part of a court proceeding, it becomes a part of a new honor code for all affected. References Schickel, Richard.   (December 14th, 1992).   â€Å"Close-Order Moral Drill†.  Ã‚   Time.  Ã‚  Ã‚   70. Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T, Meyer, S. J. Meyer M.   (Winter, 1996).  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Thinking Ethically:   A Framework for Moral Decision Making† in Issues in Ethics.   2-5. How to cite Applying Ethics in the Armed Forces, Papers

Newtons Absolute Space1 Essays - Classical Mechanics,

Newton's Absolute Space1 When Newton proposed his axioms describing fundamental laws of physics, he insisted on the necessity of absolute space to a completed theory of mechanics. Absolute space can be best described as not-relationally-dependent space. Newton purports that there is something more to space than just being a vessel to conceptualize positional differences between specific bodies; he claims that there is some objective truth to space -- that spatial differences are not dependent upon the matter contained within space. In his Principia, he states that the difference of relational and absolute space becomes manifest in the consideration of place, velocity, and acceleration. These considerations serve to metaphysically establish absolute space in themselves. However, Newton attempts to support the existence experimentally in his famous 'bucket experiment'. Through an explication of his reasoning and an analysis of his motivation, I intend to show that Newton's notion of space is, at best, incomple te. Newton describes the difference between absolute and relative space in the scholium to definition eight in the Principia: Absolute space...without relation to anything external, remains similar and immovable. Relative space is some movable dimension or measure of the absolute spaces (152). His first relevant explication in the scholium is of place. Place is that which a body occupies in space. Absolute place differs from relative place in that it requires no relationship to any other body to be determined; it is determined by the construct of absolute space itself. Absolute motion, then, is the translation of a body from one absolute position to another. In the same trend, absolute velocity is constant absolute motion in time, and absolute acceleration is a change in absolute velocity in time. With that clearly laid out, Newton has explicitly shown how absolute space is conceptually applied to mechanics. The validity of absolute space in itself still remains in question. These definitions of absolute mechanics are, in fact, used retroactively to validate the existence of absolute space. In using discussions of absolute place, velocity, and acceleration, Newton's proponents hope to show that there is a difference between these and their relational counterparts. There is an inherent flaw, though, in arguing for an independent, self-evident difference between absolute and relational in considering place or velocity. However, acceleration, as considered in the bucket experiment, shows promise. The difference in absolute versus relational place is mere semantics; instead of being defined by making reference to another body, absolute place is determined by making reference to the unsubstantiated concept of absolute space. The question can be asked: What if the universe were to be moved four inches that way? Such a shift would be entirely undetectable, because there would be no shift from any point of reference, save a place in a presupposed absolute space. Only after accepting absolute space does absolute position make sense. Claiming theoretical superiority would be entirely based upon preconceived bias. Absolute velocity is equally indiscernible from relational velocity. Velocity of a body can only be determined in reference to something. In common perception, I determine the velocity of a body by reference to another. In absolute space though, that velocity, considered in the absolute sense, might have a different magnitude. Newton's example of a passenger on a ship roughly runs: A man standing still on a ship moving at a constant velocity can be said to be in absolute motion, though he is in relative rest to the ship. An observer not on the ship is able to see that the man is in motion. Theoretically, it would be an observer, aware of absolute space in itself, that would be able to determine the man's true motion (as it is known by Newton). However, there is no such observer, save maybe God, with such an awareness, and thus absolute velocity is indiscernible. It requires a pre-established absolute point of reference to be determined. True motion is a technical term that Newton employs. The existence of true motion, he thinks, directly lends to the existence of absolute space. Newton distinguishes absolute and relative motions by the forces impressed upon bodies to generate motion (156). True motion of a body is motion that occurs as a result of a force imparted directly on that body; relative motion can occur as a result

Definition and Examples of Duality of Patterning

Definition and Examples of Duality of Patterning Duality of patterning is a characteristic of human language whereby speech can be analyzed on two levels: As made up of meaningless elements;  i.e., a limited inventory of sounds or phonemesAs made up of meaningful elements; i.e., a virtually limitless inventory of words  or morphemes  (also called  double articulation) Definition [D]uality of patterning, says  David Ludden, is what gives language such expressive power. Spoken languages are composed of a limited set of meaningless speech sounds that are combined according to rules to form meaningful words (The Psychology of Language: An Integrated Approach, 2016). The significance of duality of patterning as one of the 13 (later 16) design features of language was noted by American linguist Charles F. Hockett in 1960. Examples and Observations Human language is organized at two levels or layers simultaneously. This property is called duality (or double articulation). In speech production, we have a physical level at which we can produce individual sounds, like n, b and i. As individual sounds, none of these discrete forms has any intrinsic meaning. In a particular combination such as bin, we have another level producing a meaning that is different from the meaning of the combination in nib. So, at one level, we have distinct sounds, and, at another level, we have distinct meanings. This duality of levels is, in fact, one of the most economical features of human language because, with a limited set of discrete sounds, we are capable of producing a very large number of sound combinations (e.g. words) which are distinct in meaning.(George Yule, The Study of Language, 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2006) Duality of Language and Animal Communication The level of sounds and syllables is the province of phonology, while that of meaningful elements is the province of grammar and semantics. Has this kind of duality any analog in animal communication systems?... The short answer to [that] question seems to be no.(Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy, The Origins of Complex Language: An Inquiry Into the Evolutionary Beginnings of Sentences, Syllables, and Truth. Oxford University Press, 1999) It is hard to find clear and uncontroversial examples of duality of patterning outside our own species. But let us say that we can find them- and there is evidence, from the way some animals like birds and dolphins manipulate melodies, that this might be true. This would mean that duality of patterning is a necessary condition for a communication system to be a human language, but that by itself it may not be enough. There is no human language without duality of patterning.(Daniel L. Everett, Language: The Cultural Tool. Random House, 2012) Hockett on Duality of Patterning [Charles] Hockett developed the phrase duality of patterning to express the fact that discrete units of language at one level (such as the level of sounds) can be combined to create different kinds of units at a different level (such as words)... According to Hockett, duality of patterning was probably the last feature to emerge in human language, and it was critical in separating human language from other kinds of primate communication...The most difficult bit to figure out is how and when duality of patterning could have emerged. How did individuals manage to isolate various bits of calls so that they could be endlessly combined into arbitrary symbols? Hockett thought that if two calls each had two distinct parts, then perhaps something in the blending process might alert individuals to the existence of discrete units. If you can combine breakfast and lunch into brunch, then does that alert you to the possibility that br is a distinct unit of sound that is combinable with other dis tinct units of sound? Solving this puzzle remains one of the thorniest of the problems in determining how language became possible.(Harriet Ottenheimer, The Anthropology of Language: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Wadsworth, 2009) The Structures of Phonology and Syntax The question of whether the structures of phonology and syntax are separate and distinct is relevant to the notion of duality of patterning... The division between meaningful and meaningless elements is less sharp than it appears, and the fact that words are composed of phonemes is arguably just a special case of the pervasive hierarchical structure that is present in language...Of all Hocketts design features, duality of patterning is the most misrepresented and misunderstood; in particular, it is frequently conflated with or linked to productivity (Fitch 2010). Hockett seems to have regarded duality of patterning as the single most important breakthrough in the evolution of language (Hockett 1973: 414), yet he himself was unsure whether to ascribe duality of patterning to the dance of the honeybee (Hackett 1958: 574).(D.R. Ladd, An Integrated View of Phonetics, Phonology, and Prosody. Language, Music, and the Brain: A Mysterious Relationship, ed. by Michael A. Arbib. MIT Press, 201 3)

10 Vital Reasons a Study in Psychology Can Come in Handy in Everyday Life

10 Vital Reasons a Study in Psychology Can Come in Handy in Everyday Life 10 Vital Reasons a Study in Psychology Can Come in Handy in Everyday Life Do you think that the study in psychology is all about boring research and textbooks? You couldn’t be more wrong. Psychology is the study of human behavior. It’s the foundation of our relationships, our motivations, our conflicts, and our obstacles. On a basic level, psychology is really everything, and we use it every day without even knowing it. Here are all the ways that studying psychology can help you. Motivation. Studying psychology helps you understand the reasons why you want something, whether it’s good grades, a new job, or to go to a certain school. When you know the reason you want something, you will set clear goals and work much harder. Decision making. Whether it’s choosing a career or deciding what to eat for breakfast, psychology gives you the tools to analyze a decision from multiple perspectives to make the right choice. You will learn about the â€Å"six hats† of effective decision-making: the rational, the emotional, the intuitive, the creative, the positive, and the negative. Finances. Often our emotions lead us to make poor choices where money is concerned. You may put off saving for things like graduate school or even retirement. Or you may buy something you don’t really want that much because all your friends are buying it. Psychology makes you more aware of these emotions so that you will save more and spend less. Health. Learning about psychology gives you insights that empower you to have a healthier lifestyle. For example, if you tend to eat too much, psychology will help you understand the reasons for the overeating so you can address them. Understanding and empathy for others. Psychology builds your emotional intelligence. That means you understand your own emotions and those of others, an ability that some believe more predictive of success than traditional intelligence. Relationships. Psychology can help you avoid suffering from one failed relationship after another. It’s much easier to live with another person if you understand their behavior. It also helps you tell whether or not a potential friend or partner is compatible, eliminating heartbreak later. Communication. The ability to communicate involves not just speaking, but listening. It also means reading non-verbal cues. Understanding nonverbal communication helps you get your own message across more clearly because it keeps you and the other party on â€Å"the same page.† Leadership. You may not be the CEO of a company, but leadership is still a skill that you’re going to need in life. Studying psychology teaches you the skills to empower others to be their best selves, whether it’s a youth sports team you’re coaching or a subgroup at the office that you’re chairing. Persuasion. Why is it that some advertisements are so effective? Because their creators understand psychology. It’s a valuable tool to persuade others to your point-of-view. And who doesn’t want that? Self-confidence. Psychology helps you to know yourself better and to work on your weaknesses. You can be confident in the knowledge that you have strengths and that you are always improving. And other people will notice that confidence and respond positively to it. As you can see, psychology doesn’t just live at the pages of lab reports and research studies! It’s in the world all around you. So dive right in and learn how it affects you. We promise you’ll be glad you did.

A critical study of human resource management in a particular country Essay

A critical study of human resource management in a particular country - Essay Example These differences can be clearly noted and visualized in the fields pertaining to the management of any organization. This paper explores the reasons as to how human resource (HR) and employment practices reflect a distinct demarcation in the policies and the values adopted by organizations across geographical boundaries. India presents a diversified market and business economy and the country has proved to be a lucrative market to the entrepreneurs for investment in business. The human resource management (HRM) practices in the country assume interesting dimensions owing to its diversities and complexities existing in the business environment. The study presents an in-depth assessment of the HRM practices in this country. India is considered to be one of the robust and emerging economics in the world. Many companies overseas are considering India as an epicenter for outsourcing jobs. Indian firms are continuously expanding by adopting the corporate strategy, other financial and mana gement aspects in order to buy sell or merge two companies to form an entirely new entity. This is quite evident from the fact that in the year 1997, Indian companies as a whole had bought 34 foreign companies for about $11 billion dollars. This has been possible primarily because of the rise in capital investment and labor force. It is speculated that by the year 2020, India will add 18 million labors which is more than the entire labor population of Germany (Chatterjee, 2007). This huge labor population has called for an entirely new, reformed and an advanced version of HR concepts and practices in India. Institutional context in human resource management – an overview of theories According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary (2002), an institution is defined as â€Å"an official organization with an important role in a country† or â€Å"an organization founded for a religious, educational, or social purpose† (Hollinshead, 2009, p24). Globalization has tr iggered widespread changes in existing institutional structures within economies. The changes in institutional frameworks and governance practices on account of globalization have fuelled debates and controversies regarding the efficacy and viability of such changes. A number of economic theories and concepts have shaped the economic and social order of countries that provide an idealized platform for economic growth and development (Rodrik, 2007). Adam Smith in his works The Wealth of Nations outlined the doctrine of Neo-liberalism in the year 1776. According to this doctrine the market forces have an inherent capacity of allocating and utilizing the resources according to its own desired way which can restrict and endanger the distribution and usage of wealth. The capital and the labor forces should have a freedom of movement; they should have the flexibility to work anywhere (Hollinshead, 2009). Every individual should pursue their self –interest only in rightful way and i s accountable for his or her own action. Thus according to Adam Smith, the state should not interfere with the movement or the behavior of the labor or capital. There should be no restrictions on the trade and the economic transactions should be allowed to act freely without any resistance by the government (Abbott, 2008). Neo –corporatist ideology, whose ideas and views are quite contrary to the neo-liberalism focuses on the usage and the importance of the state with regards to meeting the interest of the major and influential social groups who are dealing with the human resources and the capital intensive products and services. According to the theory the uncontrolled and non restricted market forces may generate uneven and unpredictable results. This may give

Community assessment and analysis part ii Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Community assessment and analysis part ii - Essay Example The drug abuse problem can be addressed through the establishment of rehabilitation and counseling centers where the affected individuals can receive quality care. Nurses in the region can come up with mobile counseling projects which should cater for all people affected, regardless of their ethnicity. To deal with the problem of ineffective protection, there is need to set up programs that will ensure that the people of New Orleans have access to healthy food. Nurses, community workers and the area’s leaders should combine efforts in ensuring that vulnerable groups get nutritional services and that children who need vaccination to boost their immune systems can get it without a problem. Since most of the infrastructure in New Orleans was destroyed following hurricane Katrina, the hospitals are not sufficient for all people living there. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers, including nurses, to avail healthcare services to the people in any way possible. Mobile clinics can be established to ensure that people who cannot access healthcare facilities get the medication they need. Through the mobile health clinic program, more people will be able to have their illnesses treated and it will be possible for them to get back to their lives, thus reducing the cases of anxiety and stress that came after