Friday, January 31, 2020

Elements of Moral Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Elements of Moral Philosophy - Essay Example The utilitarian primary goal is to maximize happiness. John Mill defined happiness as an existence exempt as far as possible from pain and highest possible enjoyment in both quality and quantity. In other words, if people want to embrace utilitarianism moral viewpoint, they would consider these principles to be morally binding. He claims that happiness is a foundation of morality since people desire to be happy. He also supports the claim, arguing that everything that human desires are to bring happiness. Mill argues that justice is based on utility since the rights are put in place for the human happiness. However, there is no agreement about the goals as people view happiness with considerable disagreement. People from varying cultural background may disagree more profoundly with these views. Utilitarian do not put more emphasis on the importance of motive when analyzing the moral of the action. Motives may be acceptable for an action if they deliver a positive outcome and overall best consequences. For instance, an individual may rescue people from an accident to get recognition; however, this does not take away from the good outcome. However, this theory has been criticized by arguing that happiness is not the only important thing. Critics argue that the theory does not provide enough protection for individual rights, as well as not everything cannot be measured by the same standards. Other issues have not been considered such as rights, justice, depression personal relationships, and neglecting our normal lives.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

The Semiotics of Covers :: Books Reading Essays

The Semiotics of Covers I'm going to buy a book today - but not a school book, a real book - a bestseller. I walk past the harmonica man standing outside of the Brown Office Building, clamping my ears shut against the discordant melodies he's spewing out at me. I enter the Brown Bookstore - my Mecca, my Graceland. I strut past the tables near the door and walk toward the bestseller wall, my being allthewhile bombarded by hardcovers seeking my wandering eyes. Howard Stern in drag screams out at me from the left, something about Colin Powell and a journey crys out from the right. Wishing not to be manipulated into buying an expensive book, I squint my eyes and keep on walking, eventually reaching the ordering counter. I pause, close my eyes and turn around. As my eyes slowly open, my field of vision becomes filled with paperbacks. Hundreds of them, displayed out before me like some crude mosaic, each one lined up and facing me on tiny little shelves. They're all roughly the same size, all the same shape - the only thing that differs is their covers. Each book is showing me a different picture, a different color, a different font. Each book juxtaposes its elements in a different way, highlighting certain objects while de-emphasizing others. Each book is telling me something, trying to appeal to my gaze. What are they saying? Will it work? The study of these elements of the cover - each book's signs and the images/ideas they signify- is particularly appropriate in the case of bestsellers. This is not to say that the covers of bestsellers hold a monopoly on sign/signifier possibilities - nothing could be farther from the truth - its just that in the case of bestsellers, the effect these signs and signifiers have on the aura of a book are just more interesting. Proof of this all but surrounds us. Take a look at almost any other section in the brown bookstore: almost all books, with the exception of bestsellers and the very new releases, are presented on shelves with their binding pointing out. The only thing one can really ascertain when gazing upon these books is the title and color on the cover. Such elements are important, but don't grab the eye. Unless you're looking for a specific title or author, what you see on these shelves doesn't really effect one's eyes.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Sports and Drugs

Consider if steroids were legal, how much more exciting sports would be and t would be fair to everyone. Why: As an athlete and competing in a high level sport, I easily understand athletes and their reasons for doping in sports. At a high level you’re always striving to be the best you can be ad better than your opponents to win. Also, as a candidate for the Provincial and National Team for Canada I have experience in knowing what you need to know and expect while participating in these events.At a camp for team Canada, WADA showed up unexpectedly and took one of the girls’ urine test. So really this is why the topic of doping in sports caught my attention to is because I can relate to it and I’m interested in learning more about it. Why Illegal: it gives you an unnatural advantage against your opponent. Drugs or blood transfusions can provide a 5 or 10 percent advantage (Thomas Murray, Hasting report). Doping up your body and eliminating the concept of fair pla y is different from exceeding to your best abilities natural and being competitive.When participating in sports, it builds character to be determined, honest, and cooperative, but when an athlete pumps illegal performance enhancing drugs into their system it shows true character on what they would do just to win. It has a big effect on the athlete altogether. Doping also effects the psychological aspect of your morals and becoming a criminal by being dishonest and putting illegal substances in your body, it can be mentally damaging. Not only mentally damaging but doping messes up your body, the natural growth and development of it from unnatural drugs is something all athletes should be concerned about.Sacrificing your body to win isn’t a right way to compete. Most likely sport: From Peter Sullvan: The first overall highest percentage(3. 6) of positive illegal drug tests is cycling, in the 2006 tour de France( Including Floyd Landis in first) the top 5 placed athletes were al l guilty of drug use. Along with Lance Armstrong admitting to doping after winning 7 tour de France titles. Floyd Landis describes cycling as â€Å"Professional cycling is organized crime. † Coming in second not too far behind cycling is Weightlifting with a 3% average of positive testing.Seeing how these athletes need to lift mass amounts of weight, its almost predicted that this sport is top 5 for positive doping statistics. Turkey and Russia are common countries who’s athletes are accused of steroids. Thirdly, Boxing is a candidate for doping in sports with a 2. 9% average. A case in 2007 was where an anti- aging agency was distributing steroids to famous boxers such at Even Fields. Boxing requires strength and stamina and some feel the need to enhance their training with steroids to just be stronger than their opponents. Coming after boxing in fourth, is Triathlon.Athletes involved in this race are super humans, in perspective of many people. To run, swim and bike with out stopping is impressive and takes mass amounts of mental and physical strength. Lastly, Baseball makes top 5 sports in doping with a 2. 5% average in positive testing. Even though this sport isn’t in the Olympics, Major League Baseball players have been known for steroid use in the past of 1999 and early 2000’s, as well this past year 20 players got suspended for steroid use. Types: EPO (Erythropoietin): This is a method of an increase of blood oxygen.Erythropoietin is a natural hormone found in the human body. It revitalizes blood cells to have more oxygen, which then increases anaerobic activity. (Kelland, 2012). CERA(Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator): This is another form of EPO. It increases your blood oxygen level without having to inject yourself as often. Anabolic Steroids: This is a fake replacement of testosterone to help the body utilize protein allowing the athlete to train with more intensity, along with building muscle mass and strength easier. Another aspect is that it acts as an anti- inflammatory to recovery quickly.  (Kelland, 2012)Diuretics: A substance that can mask illegal substances so they wont be detected. Side effects of weight loss. (Kelland, 2012) Blood Doping: Methods of substances to enhance red blood cell mass, to move more oxygen to muscles which increases stamina. 2 types; Autologous is where you use your own blood from being put aside until needed. Homologous is where you take someone else’s blood that’s the same as yours. (Kelland, 2012) Insulin: This enhances glucose in take that helps increase endurance levels by making the storage of muscle glycogen bigger for the athlete.If not used properly it can lead to low blood sugar which leads to unconsciousness and seizures. (Kelland, 2012) Gender? : Which gender is most likely to dope in sports? Well males are a dominant factor for doping. They are much more likely to dope in sports by using steroids. Steroids effect women in a much more negative effect then it does to men. For women, steroids have side effects such as growing hair in unwanted places, clitoral enlargement, and deepening of the voice.T’s easy to tell when a women is taking steroids because of the testosterone over load in their body and manly features. Their physical, behavioural and functional part of the women’s body are out of natural sync as well. Why would women want to take steroids in the first place? other than getting very strong? Women want equality and by taking steroids they can feel equally strong as men in the same playing field. Who’s in charge? the name is WADA (World Agency of Anti Doping). This organization keeps it fair throughout sports.The Olympic committee wanted an agency like this for all countries to follow to specialize on key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti Doping Code and it was quite a success. A cool fact is that WADA’s headquarters is right in Canada, Montreal. Their objective is to have a doping free sporting environment. Consequences: As an Olympic athlete it is important to keep your body clean of illegal substances. Why? Some of the consequences are quite serious.If caught by WADA (The World Agency of Anti Doping) before the Olympics, he/she is suspended for 6 months or longer. (Freedman, 2012) If an athlete has cheated during an event, and won, their medal is taken from them and the results are re-evaluated. Conclusion: In conclusion doping in sports is a serious social issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Doping shouldn’t be seen as a way to make an athlete feel better. Not only are they cheating themselves, but they are unfair to their opponents and should take into consideration what mental and physical harm they are really doing to their bodies.WADA is a great service to help deal with keeping sports all around the world fair by testing athletes for performance enhancing substances in their bodies. As an athlete myself I choose to really look into this topic because I’ve dealt with WADA myself. If you are an athlete, beware of what you put into your body. Its important to train to your full potential without being artificially enhanced with chemicals. The natural way is the way to go! Most important thing learned was how harmful steroids can be to your body and mind. Always important to stay true to yourself and not cheat. Be the best you can be

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Andrew Jackson Was A Leader - 1832 Words

Introduction Andrew Jackson was a leader. He was a leader on the battlefront, a leader in office and a leader in his beliefs. Jackson had certain fundamental beliefs that shaped him as a person and would be the foundation for which he would rule the country. He stood by those beliefs and fought for what he saw as the right way. During his life, Jackson would fight many battles and tackle many fundamental opponents. Here, the topic brings into focus one area of importance to Jackson, the national bank, and individual states rights, as well as some the opponents he faced during only a few of the many issues he would take on during his lifetime. A few years into his term, Jackson set out to shut down the Second Bank of the United States.†¦show more content†¦Biddle then stated that the Bank would spear head one of Jackson’s personal causes by intending to pay off the National debt, in Jackson’s honor. The offer came with the condition that the Bank would be granted a charter e xtension. Biddle also began to offer loans and financial favors to Jackson’s friends and backers, proving to Jacksons that his initial thoughts were correct in thinking that the Bank could play to the political policies and involve themselves in political processes. (Warshauer) Biddle took Jackson by surprise when he asked for a re-charter four years before their current charter expired, which also happened to be an election year. Biddle played on the belief that he could force Jackson’s hand out of fear from causing an election issue in the upcoming voting. Biddle was incorrect. (Warshauer) The re-charter bill went on the Senate floor in March and was graciously met with much support. Jackson issued a veto that would try not to anger the public and in return, not cost the Democrats support in the fall election. Jackson’s veto played off of the stockholding policies of foreign citizens and the questions the Bank s monopoly, which brought up questions about the Constitutional laws that it might infringe upon. Jackson argued that its favoritism went against the role of a government that should stand for honesty, equality, and fairness. Congress triedShow MoreRelatedAndrew Jackson : The Age Of Jackson1376 Words   |  6 Pagesknown as â€Å"The Age of Jackson†, America was a country on its way to the West. America’s revolutionary generation was quickly fading, making room for a new balance of political power. As the class systems were breaking down, the â€Å"common man† was better able to cast his vote for the new President. Jackson was glori fied by his impressive war accomplishments and humble background of the frontier. This made him the main target for presidency in election 1824. Once coming to power, Jackson no longer portrayedRead MoreAndrew Jackson And Theadore Roosevelt Essay1169 Words   |  5 PagesAndrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt were two men with very many things in common. They both were Presidents in the United States of America at some point in time. They each have served many years as some sort of governor with Jackson being the military governor of Florida and Roosevelt being the governor of New York. Roosevelt and Jackson were major influences towards this country. But even with those similarities between them they were two men with differences. One was a big military man whileRead MoreEssay Andrew Jackson: A National Hero Never to be Forgotten969 Words   |  4 PagesOld Hickory was not a man to mess with. Nick-named for his toughness, our nation’s seventh president was a favorite gener al among his soldiers. Andrew Jackson stood for the common man, being one of the only presidents born into poverty. This victorious man shaped the modern Democratic Party we know today, and is a national hero that will never be forgotten. Andrew Jackson was born March 15, 1767 in Waxhaw, a settlement between North and South Carolina. He resided in the forested region of theRead MorePresident Andrew Jackson: A Conflict of Interest Essay913 Words   |  4 PagesAndrew Jackson is without doubt one of the most influential, controversial, and scandalous presidents that held the office. His ideas created the Democratic Party. His creation of the Democratic Party escalated tensions in Washington D.C. and across the political landscape. These actions led to the creation of an opposing second party. His extreme policies and loose interpretation of the US Constitution affected expansion, commerce, and politics of the nation domestically as well as in the internationalRead MoreJames Madison And Andrew Jackson1394 Words   |  6 PagesINTRODUCTION James Madison and Andrew Jackson are some of America’s greatest presidents. They both did great things including being one of the Founding Fathers and being the most famous and well-known war hero of their time. James Madison and Andrew Jackson have many similarities and differences. For example, both of them served time in the military and they also both agreed with the removal of Native Americans. One of their major differences is that James Madison was born into a rich plantationRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Henry Iv856 Words   |  4 PagesSince the start of civilization, leaders have pondered over the qualities that makeup an honorable and legitimate ruler. In William Shakespeare’s play King Henry IV Part One the audience must decide what makes an honorable leader. Throughout the play the main characters, King Henry, Prince Harry, Hotspur, and even Falstaff, help the audience realize what makes up an honorable leader for others to follow. The first character that William Shakespeare wants the audience to look at is King Henry.Read MoreAndrew Jackson : A Symbol Of The Age Essay1553 Words   |  7 PagesWest. Andrew Jackson was the president in the early 1800’s that made a considerable amount of change. Theses changes and action that he was involved in changed America forever, in which gave him the respect from the people of America. He was a symbol for his age, becoming a true historical figure and a hero for the people. He defeated the British and expanded America to unifying and create nationalism for the common people of America. This essay will discuss the ways in which Andrew Jackson is depictedRead MoreAndrew Jacksons Leadership in the Battle of New Orleans Essay1109 Words   |  5 PagesShayne A. Charles History 485-01 â€Å"Andrew Jackson, The Battle of New Orleans† Andrew Jackson was born in rural South Carolina March 15, 1767, the son of impoverished Irish immigrants. He received no formal education as young child and became a messenger boy in the American Revolution at the age of 13. At the Age of 35, he was elected to the Tennessee Militia as a Major General.(LOC) The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 and was the final major battle of the War ofRead MoreThe Doctrine Of The United States Essay1598 Words   |  7 PagesMonroe Doctrine Policy that was introduced on December 2,1823 that asserted that the Western Hemisphere was not to be further colonized by European countries and the that US would neither interfere with existing European colonies nor meddle in the internal concerns of European countries. Adams-Onis Treaty aka Transcontinental Treaty of 1819; settled a border dispute in North America between the US and Spain; treaty was a result of increasing tension between the US and Spain regarding territorialRead MoreAndrew Jackson And Robert Matthews1411 Words   |  6 PagesThe Making of a Man in the 19th Century Misfortune often contributes to the making of a man. In the cases of Andrew Jackson and Robert Matthews, this is especially true. Both men were orphaned at a young age and both took very different paths that made history. Andrew Jackson grew stronger and became an influential president. He brought the nation together after the Revolution and the War of 1812 and restored it to a state of economic stability. Robert Matthews created a cult-like religion and ruled