Aristotle and Relationship at Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Aristotle and Relationship at Work - Essay Example The excellences most properly human, then, are the intellectual excellences, and happiness consists primarily in activity in accordance with those excellences -- it is a form of intellectual activity Aristotle sees happiness as one of the main issues in life of human beings. In his works, happiness is referred as "eudaimonia". To say that happiness concerns the soul or the animator is to say that human flourishing requires the exercise of certain of the faculties by which life is defined; in particular, a person cannot be said to flourish as a human being unless he is exercising distinctively human faculties. "Happiness is an activity 'in accordance with excellence" (Kraut 83). To flourish is to do certain things excellently or well. A man who exercises his faculties but does so inefficiently or badly cannot be said to be making a success of his life. Then what are the excellences in accordance with which we must act if we are to make a success of things Aristotle distinguishes between excellences of character and excellences of intellect. The former include both what we think of as moral virtues -- courage, generosity, fairmindedness, and so on, and also such dispositions as a proper self-respect, an appropriate degree of ostentation, and wit; the latter include such things as knowledge, good judgment, 'practical wisdom'. In addition, Aristotle spends some time in discussing the quasi-excellence of friendship (Chang 64). According to Pangle: For the pursuit of this highest good must begin precisely by questioning the goodness of what is one's own, the goodness of the reigning pieties of those among whom one is born, and the likelihood that simple fellowship with kindred souls can ever be the core of happiness, as bewitchingly desirable as it may seem" (35). Thus any choice or possession of the natural goods, goods of the body, wealth, friends, or any other good, which will best produce contemplation by the god [that is to say, by our intellect, the god within us], is best and is the finest standard; and any which, either because of deficiency or because of excess, prevents us from cultivating the god and from contemplating, is bad.' To flourish, to make a success of life, requires engagement in intellectual pursuits. Aristotle thought that such pursuits were immensely enjoyable, and that the intellectual life offered an unparalleled happiness Chang 64). Friendship is seen by Aristotle as a desired goals of human relations, but he accepts friendship between equals only. Aristotle lists some defining characteristics of friendship. A friend wishes and does what is good for

An Analysis on the Business Strategy of Sony Essay

An Analysis on the Business Strategy of Sony - Essay Example But, their profit was quite short lived. Sony Ericsson mobiles produced at low cost did not deliver the expected quality, leading to mass losses from 2006. Sony Company reported nearly 77% loss for the seventh consecutive year since then, on August, 2012 (BGR.com, 2012). Social Factors: Sony Eriksson’s affordable mobiles got an image such that they were for college students. The competition from the local Chinese company produced phones and the South Korean rival, LG electronics was very high. LG was financially stronger than Sony Ericsson and it kept introducing new luxury mobiles one after another. The targeted the well earning businessmen who had high potential to spend. Technological Factors: Sony was very quick to eliminate the quality issues when it came to technology. They introduced the W800 and W810 mobiles, the first in the Sony Walkman line to tackle the competition from the LG products. Sony Ericsson continuously proved they were superior to the other brands in tec hnology. They were the first to introduce mobiles with 1 megapixel and 2 megapixel camera. Sony Cyber-shot was the first of its kind with 45 minutes continuous video shooting. They designed the first Java based 3D gaming phones as well as the Bluetooth enabled phones. Most of the features found in modern day smart phones were first introduced only in the Sony Ericsson phones, making them one of the best MMS mobiles in the market. Legal Factors: The Company faced several legal complaints regarding their quality in the initial stages of collaboration, before they started producing technically enhanced mobiles. They made use of the stringent laws of the Chinese government to improve their technology and became one of the best companies to produce minimal...Political Factors: The Chinese government rightly predicted the invasion of foreign companies in their mobile market before a decade. This increased the production cost of the 3G handsets Sony Ericsson produced. Sony Ericsson mobiles produced at low cost did not deliver the expected quality, leading to mass losses from 2006. Sony Ericsson continuously proved they were superior to the other brands in technology. Sony Ericsson is now legally known only as Sony. Sony introduced the new Sony Xperia series in various models. This eliminates huge competition for the local market and reduces the headset production cost for the Sony Company. All the major smart phone companies in the world target the Asian especially Chinese market. The new Sony Xperia and Bravia series also contribute significantly to the company’s profits. Cash Cows: Sony Xperia J series, tipo and miro phones targetting the middle class market fetch good profits. Sony Ericsson established itself as the best multimedia phone and music phones in the market. Sony targeted the Asian market when the competition from other brands like LG was very high. It created a negative image for the company. Sony’s competitors like Nokia reduced their other involvements in consumer products industry and stared concentration only on the Smart phone market. This enables them to give superior mobiles at a cost lower than Sony. Sony Ericsson always placed their customers in front of others. The current Sony Company strongly believes it had lost nothing, compared to their initial profits.

The Unbiased Predictors Of Future Spot Rates Finance Essay

The Unbiased Predictors Of Future Spot Rates Finance Essay Market efficiency is a concept that is controversial and attracts strong views, pros and cons, partly because of differences between individuals about what it really means and partly because it is a core belief that, in large part, determines how an investor approaches investing. This report provides a simple definition of market efficiency considers the implication of an efficient market for investors and summarizes some of the basic approaches that are used to investment schemes, thereby proving or disproving market efficiency. Besides this, in this report I am going to examine whether the forward exchange rates are unbiased predictors of future spot rates or not. As foreign exchange markets are composed of various theories and internationally accepted principles there are no consensus about the theories and implications. Efficient market Levich (1983) defines an efficient market as a market, where prices fully reflects all available public and private information. Efficient market is the market in which the security prices reflect all available information and adjust instantly to any new information. It therefore means that the market is efficient when forward rates accurately forecasts future spot rates. Salavatore (1993) argues that markets are efficient when prices correctly reflect the scarcity of the various resources resulting in allocation efficiency. Efficiency therefore, will also mean that economic agents will not be able to earn unusual profits by exploiting the available information. The history of efficient market hypothesis could be traced back at least to the 1920s. In modern times Fama (1970) is credited as presenting a scholarly abstraction of efficient market hypothesis (EMH). According to his definition, there are three types of efficient market, depending upon the extent of the information reflected in the market: Weak form: a market is said to be weak-form efficient if there is no relationship between the past price changes and the future price changes, in short the prices are independent. No trading rules can be developed to make abnormal returns based on the past history of an assets prices or returns. Semi-strong form: semi-strong form EMH states that no abnormal profits or returns can be made by developing a trading rule based on publically available information. The semi-strong from encompasses the weak form because past history is publically available. Public information also includes non-market information, e.g. economic news, company accounts and stock splits. Strong form: In a strong efficient market not only public but also private information is available which can tell about future spot rates. Therefore no group of investors will be able to consistently derive any above-average profits. So the strong form states that the market should be perfect in which all the information is available to everyone at the same time. Efficient market hypothesis The efficient market hypothesis (EMH) has played an important role in understanding foreign exchange market efficiency especially in the past few decades. It states that if economic agents are risk-neutral; all available information is used rationally; the market is competitive; there are no taxes, transaction costs, or other frictions; then the foreign exchange market will be efficient in the sense that the expected rate of return to speculation in the forward exchange market will be zero (Geweke and Feige, 1979 and Hansan and Hodrick, 1980). The EMH also implies that since forward rates fully reflect available information concerning investors expectations of future spot rates, the forward rates should be unbiased forecasts of the future spot rates. Technically, an efficient market is one in which observed exchange rate deviations from their long run value can be explained within information and transaction costs. So, in the absence of any new and relevant information, exchange rate s will reflect their fundamental values and there will be no opportunities for deriving above-average profits. Thus excess profit or return from business can be defined as: Zj, tâ‚ ¬Ã‚ «1 rj, tâ‚ ¬Ã‚ «1 E (rj, tâ‚ ¬Ã‚ «1 It) â‚ ¬Ã‚ ½Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ­Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   (1) Where rj, t+1 is the actual one period rate of return for holding currency j in the period ending at time t+1 and E (rj, t+1|It) is the expected value of that return conditional on the information set available at t. according to equation the foreign exchange market is efficient if, on average, expectation errors are zero. [E (zj, t+1|It) =0] and these errors follow no pattern that might be exploited to produce profits (zj, t is uncorrelated with zj, k+1 for any value of k). . Implications of EMH in exchange rates In the case of exchange rates, a serious complication exists in the application of the EMH. At one time, it was assumed that the forward exchange rate represented the markets expectation of the actual future value of the exchange rate. However, it is now realized that this need not be the case if risk aversion is a significant factor limiting international capital flows. Alternative theories about the causes of the bias in the forward rate are surveyed by Froot and Thaler (1990). A necessary arithmetic relation exists between the forward rate and the interest differential. For example, if the Canadian interest rate is 1 percentage point higher than its U.S. counterpart, then the one year forward rate for the Canadian dollar must represent a 1 percent depreciation of the Canadian dollar vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar. This is called covered interest arbitrage, and if it did not hold then an opportunity would be available to make a riskless excess profit by lending in one country or the oth er. The forward rate is the mirror image of the interest rate differential that prevails between Canada and the United States, and in principle either one of the could be the cause of the other. If the forward rate were the markets actual expectation of the future value of the spot exchange rate, it would imply that interest rate differentials are determined by the expected change in the exchange rate embodied in the forward rate. In that case, Canada could have a higher interest rate than the United States only because the market expected the Canadian dollar to decline correspondingly in the coming year. To sum up, two alternatives are possible as to what the actual market expectation of the dollars future value is. Suppose the spot rate is 80 cents, the one-year forward rate is 77 cents, and the Canadian one-year interest rate is 3 percentage points higher than its U.S. counterpart. This could mean either: The market expects that the Canadian dollar will decline 3 percent over the coming year, and this is why money does not continue to flood into Canada until it eliminates the interest differential. (This would imply that the forward rate is the EMH predictor of the one-year-ahead exchange rate, because it always shows a 3 percent depreciation when the Canadian interest rate is 3 percentage points higher). Alternatively, the market expects the exchange rate to stay about where it is now. In that case, why doesnt an infinite amount of money flood into Canada to eliminate that wide interest differential? Because, while the central expectation is that the Canadian dollar will remain unchanged, there is a perceived risk that it might depreciate as much as, perhaps, 10 percent, and it may also appreciate 10 percent. But if investors are risk averse, they will put greater weight on the risk of depreciation, and limit their investments in Canada at such a point that the Canadian interest rate remains well above the U.S. interest rates. Either one of these alternatives is possible. Therefore, EMH does not make any clear prediction about what the future value of the dollar will be. Forward exchange rates are unbiased predictors of future spot rates Forward rate is the currently determined rate of exchange for a transaction to be carried out in the future. For example, the 90-day forward rate is the exchange rate to be applied to a transaction which is agreed to be completed at the end of 90 days from the date of agreement. The spot exchange rate prevailing in the market at the end of the 90-day period may be referred as the future spot rate. To find whether forward rate can be used to predict the future spot rate or not, there is a hypothesis, which postulates that the forward exchange rates are unbiased predictors of future spot rates in the exchange market. Technically speaking, an unbiased predictor is one that is just likely to overestimate as to underestimate a value, but these errors in the opposite directions are likely to offset each other in the long run. As discussed above this hypothesis is based on the assumption that for the major free floating currencies, the foreign exchange markets are reasonably efficient. Let us discuss this in light of an example: The 30-day forward rate of British Pounds is $1.40 and the general expectation of speculation is that the future rate of pound will be $1.45 in 30 days. Since speculator expect the future spot rate to be $1.45 and then sell them when received (in 30 days) at the spot rate existing then. If their forecast is correct, they will earn $.05 per pound, i.e. $1.45 $1.40. If a large number of speculators implement this strategy, the substantial forward purchases of pounds will cause the forward rate to increase until the speculative demand stops. Perhaps this demand will terminate when the forward rate reaches $1.45, since at this rate no profit will be expected by implementing the strategy. Thus the forward rate moves toward the markets general expectation of the future spot rate. In this sense the forward rate serves as the market based forecast of predictor of the future spot rate, as it reflects the markets expectation of the spot rate at the end of the forward horizon (30 days in this case). It can also be implied, If todays expectation of future exchange rate is unbiased, and if the forward and future prices equal that expectation, we would find that todays forward, on an average and in the long run equal the subsequently observed spot exchange rate. Thus there are two things to be considered: first, does the forward price equal the markets expectation of the future exchange rate? Second, is todays expectation of the future spot exchange rate unbiased? That is, does todays expectation of the future spot exchange rate equal the actual observed rate? Unfortunately, there is no truly accurate way to observe todays market expectation of future exchange rates. Therefore, most tests assume that the market expectation is an unbiased estimate of future spot exchange rate. Under this assumption scholars have tested the relationship between the forward and observed spot rate. They test the following equivalence: F0, t = St à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (1) Where, F0, t = the forward price at t=0 for contract expiring at time t and St = the spot exchange rate observed at time t. Testing the equivalence in above equation determines whether the forward price is a good estimate of the future spot rate of exchange. Even if there are large deviations between the two prices in equation, it is still possible that the forward price would provide a prediction of the future spot rate. An unbiased predictor is a predictor whose expected value equals the variable being predicted. In other words, if the quantity F0, t St equals zero, on average, the forward prices would provide an unbiased estimate of the future spot rate of exchange. Although the forward rates are predictors of future spot rates, but only in the condition of risk-neutrality. If risk neutral spectaculars are available in sufficient quantity, their profit-seeking activity will drive the future prices toward equality with the expected future spot price. And there are many factors which affect the future spot exchange rates like interest rates, inflation rates and price levels. So, the linkages among interest rates, price levels, expected inflation and exchange rates emphasizes the fundamental relationship that exists between the forward and future foreign exchange prices, on the one hand, and the expected future value of the currencies, on the other. To investigate this relationship let us consider the table shown in appendix. It can be seen that in the left panel, a set of consistent exchange rates, interest rates, expected inflation rates and tortilla prices are presented for March 20, 2009. The right panel presents the expected spot exchange rate for March 20, 2010, along with expected tortilla prices, consistent with the expected levels of inflation in Mexico and United States. Assuming, all of these values hold and that the expected spot exchange rate in one year is MP 11 per dollar. With the Mar, 2010 future prices of 10.45 MP/$, a speculative opportunity exists as follows. A speculator might buy futures contract for the delivery of dollars in one year for MP 10.45/$. If the expectation that the dollar will be worth MP 11 in one year, will be correct, the speculator will earn a profit that results from acquiring a dollar via the futures market for MP10.45 and selling it for the price of MP 11. If we assume that risk-neutral speculators are present in the foreign exchange market, the discrepancy betwe en the future prices of 10.45 MP/$ and an expected spot exchange rate of 11 MP/$ (at the time the future contract matures) cannot exist. In fact, given a profusion of risk-neutral speculators, the only expected spot exchange rate to prevail on March 20, 2010, which would eliminate the incentive to speculate, would be 10.45 MP/$. Of course, different market participants have different expectations regarding inflation rates and expected future spot exchange rates, and this difference in expectations is the necessary requirement for speculation. No predictor is perfect; therefore, it is possible that the forward or future prices may seem to be error-ridden. While earlier studies generally found that forward exchange prices are were predictors of future spot rates, later studies clearly find bias and large errors in the future forecasts of subsequent spot prices. In summary, the errors in forecasts of future exchange rates appear to be large and biases do seem to exist in these forecasts, although the biases appear to be too small to allow profitable exploitation of efficient markets. Conclusion: Famas 1965 insight- Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) irreversibly changed the way we look at financial markets. The impact of the theory of efficient markets has proven to be durable and seems likely to continue to be so, despite its inevitable and painfully obvious limitations. And there have been a number of studies of the forecasting accuracy of future and forward exchange rates. Most of these studies find significant errors or biases in the future based forecasts. However, compared with most professional forecasting services, the forward exchange rates still provides a superior forecast of future spot rates. Only if the investors are risk-neutral, then the forward rates may be a guide for predicting and determining the future spot rate. But normally, the investors are risk- averse and they need some amount of premium over and above the forward rate and because of this premium the forward rate alone cannot shape the future spot rate. References: Aggarwal, R., Mohanty, K.S. Lin, T.W. (2008). Are forward exchange rates rational forecast of future spot rates? An improved econometric analysis for the major currencies. Multinational finance journal. 20 (2), pp-22-25. Ball, R. (2009). The global financial crises and the efficient market hypothesis: what have we learned? Journal of applied corporate finance, forthcoming. November, 5. Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1502815 Accessed at: 1st May, 2010 Buser, A.S., Karolyi, A.G. Sanders, B.A. (1996). Adjusted forward rates as predictors of future spot rates. April, 1996. Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=40165 Accessed at: 3rd May, 2010 Fama, E. (1970). Efficient capital markets: A review of theory and empirical work. Journal of finance, 25, pp- 383-417. Froot, Kenneth A   Thaler, Richard H,  1990. Foreign Exchange, Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 4(3), pages 179-92 Geweke, J. Feige, E. (1979). some joint test of efficiency of markets for forward foreign exchange, review of economics and statistics, 61, 334-41 Hansen, L.P. Hodricks, R.J. (1980). Forward exchange rates as optimal predictors of future spot rates: An economic analysis, Journal of political economy, 88, 829-53. Kolb, W.R. Overdahl, A.J. (2007). Futures, options and swaps (5th Eds). Oxford: Blackwell publishing. Kumar, V.R. (2007). Testing forward rate unbiasedness in India: an econometric analysis of Indo-US forex market. International research journal of finance and economics, 12(4), pp 56-66. Levich, R.M. (1983). Exchange rate forecasting techniques, in George, A.M and Giddy, I.H. (Eds). International finance handbook. New York: Wiley. Nguyen, J. (2004). The efficient market hypothesis: Is it applicable to the foreign exchange market? Economics working paper series. University of Wollongong. Available at: http://www.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@commerce/@econ/documents/doc/uow012181.pdf Accessed at: 30th April, 2010 Salvatore, D. (1993). International economics. New York: Mac Millan Publishing. Sarno, L. Taylor, P.M. (2002). The economics of exchange rates. Cambridge: Cambridge university press. Sharan, V. (2009). International financial management (5th Eds). New Delhi: PHI. Stanley, M. (2009). Market efficiency and risk management. The journal of applied corporate finance, 21(4), pp- 98-99.

Essay --

Gish Jen’s â€Å"Who’s Irish and Amy Tan’s â€Å"Two Kinds† both entail two different stories with similar symbols and themes, these stories also demonstrate a vast amount of cultural differences. In â€Å"Who’s Irish† the Chinese grandmother has opposing views on her son-in-law and his inability to get a job, as well as how her granddaughter should be raised. â€Å"Two Kinds† depicts the lifestyle a Chinese mother is trying to create for her young daughter, as all she wants is for her to become a young piano prodigy and not waste the opportunity of the American Dream. Nonetheless they share several attributes that set them apart from each other as they exhibit parallel battles, characters and story lines. It is evident in the text that both mothers represent oppressive and authoritarian personalities which end up getting in the way of their relationships with their daughters. Given both narrators’ unique characteristics a nd continuous consistency of personalities the audience will be able to set them apart and understand the different cultures in which the narrator’s were raised. The narrator uses a vast amount of symbolism in â€Å"Who’s Irish† to vividly bring out the intended themes for the readers. Throughout the story the narrator could not understand why her daughter’s husband is so incompetent, and why he needs to be pampered. When the narrator uses the line, â€Å"plain boiled food, plain boiled thinking† (par. 13-14) she is expressing bigotry toward other cultures and their incompetence to understand what hard work really is. The symbolism here is being used to emphasize cultural difference that has ruled the working criteria of the American citizens. Consequently this is an example of how difficult is it for the narrator to accept other cultur... ...e two stories contrasts each other on their thematic use in the two stories. In ‘Two Kinds†, Jing- Mei is very stubborn and also very naive. It was through her character that she vehemently prevented herself from being an immense piano player which displays she has no desire to obey her mother’s wishes for her. In â€Å"Who’s is Irish† the situation is very different as the grandmother attempts to raise her granddaughter the way she was raised herself, the Chinese way. Lastly, we can distinguish that the theme and the symbolism in the two stories are very much interlinked, the narrators in both stories have clearly emphasized on their theme using symbolism. Symbolism in its own is a form of communication where the listeners will figure out the symbolic representative in relation to the narrative. Symbolism also demonstrates the narrative theme in the real world scenario.

Prufrock in Progress

Prufrock in Progress In A Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T. S. Eliot, the main character, J. Alfred Prufrock battles with his identification in the world. T. S. Eliot comprises this character with traits that any human being can relate to, like fear and desire, while ironically depicting the character as a monster. This dueling monster lives within Prufrock. His desire to be accepted is bogged down by his unworthy self-esteem because of his lack of human relationships. Prufrock is a relatable character at best, but his self-image ruins his potential of connecting with other people.Some scholars believe that Prufrock is yearning for a long lost lover throughout his love song, but most evidence shows that he is in confliction with himself. Sistani writes Internal Anxieties and Conflicts in The LOVE SONG of J. ALFRED PRUFROCK and states that Prufrock is searching for a female lover in his expression of A Love Song. Sistani believes that J. Alfred is experiencing internal conflict ab out a love source and the need of comfort through a relationship with another woman. This interpretation poses irony continuously established throughout the poem because Prufrock does not even love himself.Sistani explains this insecurity by analyzing, â€Å"The article concludes that the male character’s anxieties and conflicts are all the results of a past unsatisfactory mothering situation during his childhood,† (Sistani 478). This accusation is made from empty evidence that he desires a woman’s affection simply because he did not ever have it. This shows that J. Alfred Prufrock is in a habitual pattern of looking for love in all the wrong places. This interpretation by Sistani suggests that J. Alfred is speaking out in the desire for a loving partner.Sadly, Prufrock’s relationship with his mother was disappointing and unfulfilling, therefore; he longs for someone to fill this place. Unfortunately, his lack of love and acceptance for himself disables h im from relating and loving or even accepting others. Prufrock speaks of attending a party in which none of the women are good enough for him. He talks of their skirts hitting the floor and is infatuated by the women, but then ironically changes his viewpoint stating, And I have known the eyes already, known them all- The eyes that fix you in a ormulated phase, And when I am formulated, Sprawling on a pin, When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall, Then how should I begin? (Gwynn 623). Prufrock is explaining how women prevent him from being his true self. How the presence of them makes him feel like an insect being pinned on the wall; examined and preserved for humans to review and criticize. He deems the question of how to begin the expression of self when all women seem to want is a fixed idea of what a man should be, and that is not what J.Alfred is. Sistani evaluates â€Å"As a dependent character with not good enough mothering, Prufrock, like a child, is always willing to att ach to an external loved object to achieve support and gratification. This need for attachment, to relate to the desired object is constant in Prufrock,† (Sistani 481). The poem in itself is a projection of how Prufrock views himself in comparison to how the reader or another person would view him. He projects only what he wants to be known, and leaves the rest as mystery.He purposefully reveals only what he is comfortable revealing, which will never lead to a sustainable relationship. Sistani concludes in her article, â€Å"Prufrock, with unresolved internal conflicts and anxieties still dreams of the women to attach to in order to fulfill the need for security and comfort,† (Sistani 481). This analysis believes that Prufrock himself feels he will not be able to fully express himself or be accepted without a female partner to lovingly accept him first. Unfortunately and ironically, the cycle persists because J.Alfred Prufrock does not ever have the epiphany that his en tire misery is derived from his lack of confidence and love for himself, not from a lack of an external object or person. On the other hand, Human Voices in Silent Seas: A Reading on Eliot’s Love Song by Videnov uses a psychoanalytic approach to interpret the poem sang by J. Alfred Prufrock. She expands on his internal conflict of worthiness. Throughout the poem, Prufrock battles with the public and private sides of himself, and whether his thoughts and feelings are worthy of expression.Videnov explains this contrast in character by stating, â€Å"Through jarring and easy transitions, Eliot contrasts the privacy of observation, insight, and dream with the social functioning of man, his appraisal by others, and his appraisal of himself as reflected in â€Å"the eyes† (55), thoughts, and words of others. † (Videnov, Valentin A. , 126). Videnov also analyzes the internal and external influences on J. Alfred Prufrock’s psyche. The internal conflict that J. Al fred Prufrock exhibits throughout his love song is evident in his lack of self-confidence that leads to a feeling of disconnection with the human population.On one hand, Prufrock expresses the desire to cultivate a relationship with the external world, or a lover; yet on the other hand, he lets his insecurities define him and refuses to let himself engage in relationships with other people. Videnov explains this by describing Prufrock’s quest, â€Å"a quest for belonging, the examination of which could yield the message of the poem and the ultimately optimistic idea of love, as the title suggests, lurking behind the apparently tragic finale,† (Videnov, Valentin A. , 126).This statement establishes the irony in the desire to fulfill a journey of love, yet the inevitable misery Prufrock lives. The psychoanalytical dynamic of the ego and the true self is brought through in Prufrock’s character. T. S. Eliot repeatedly uses the pronouns, â€Å"you and I,† to d escribe this relationship of the ego and true self that Prufrock experiences. In the interpretation of Human Voices in Silent Seas: A Reading on Eliot’s Love Song, Videnov declares that these two entities are both representative of J. Alfred Prufrock himself. â€Å"You† represents the public face of Alfred J.Prufrock, the ego; and â€Å"I† represents the true self, the self that wants to be expressed but is prevented by Prufrock’s fear and insecurity. The opposing characters within Prufrock are further extended through the symbols of afternoon and evening. The imagery of afternoon is a representation of the light, the desire to express, and the need for connection. The evening represents a darkness, or comfort in the habitual pattern of the introverted mind and it’s self-destructive thoughts. Prufrock expresses his mental state when he says, ‘the evening sleeps so peacefully. † (Gwynn 624) In saying this, Prufrock is confirming within h imself his comfort in the thought pattern of darkness. This leads him to question, â€Å"Would it have been worthwhile? † (Gwynn 625), referring to the desired human connection he wants deep down. He truly believes that expression of the self and what he, as an individual has to say and share, are not going to be accepted by others. Because of his fear of expression, the singer sings a song of love, but predominately and more ironically, a song of sadness. He has continued his pattern of introversion to such an extreme that he suffers from continual loneliness and disassociation.He proves this dissociation when he ends the poem with an insight of his fantasy world of mermaids where he retreats, when he is lonely. He looks upon the beautiful creatures in awe of their unifying world; yet won’t even allow himself to be happy in his fantasy. He states this saying, â€Å"I do not think that they will sing to me,† (Gwynn 625). This prevents him from dreaming himself t o a healthy and loving relationship with himself, or anyone else. The lines â€Å"let us go† (Gwynn 622) used repeatedly are incredibly significant in this poem. Us† being the internal representation of the two conflicting sides that exist within Prufrock, as he yearns for release of this horrible cycle. What J. Alfred Prufrock does not understand is that every individual goes through this experience of questioning self worth. The underlying ironic theme of this poem is the relation of the reader to Prufrock himself. This is a cry of the main character to emerge from the inner seclusion that he feels – a bonding of the afternoon and evening, the light and dark, inner and outer; a battle for the merging of duality to become a union.In â€Å"an overwhelming question† in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by Xue, the main question that J. Alfred Prufrock is consistently in conflict with is whether or not to reveal his true self. Prufrock’s dueling cha racter is established through the language of the poem. The internal conflict of Prufrock is addressed through repetitive language. â€Å"Prufrock is trying to express some deeper philosophical insight or disillusionment with society, but fears rejection. † (Xue 79). This fear causes his misery. Prufrock’s character is dominated by his uncertainty.The repetition of the lines, â€Å"there will be time,† (Gwynn 622) pose irony in the poem. Prufrock is hopeful that he will be able to truly open up to the world in time, yet currently; he is perpetuating his cycle of loneliness by assuming that these desires will naturally unfold without regarded effort. Xue states this in saying, â€Å"The phrase ‘There will be time,’ repeated five times between lines 23 and 36, represents his hesitation and delay, in order to conceal his inner anxiety to the world,† (Xue 80).Essentially, Prufrock is only happy when he is alone with his thoughts because there are no external influences to judge him, yet this is also his cause of misery. Irony is also addressed in the â€Å"you and I† (Gwynn 621) characterization of Prufrock. Xue states the psychoanalytical interpretation of these pronouns, â€Å"In the poem, Prufrock is divided in two selves. One is persuading Prufrock to ask the ‘overwhelming question’, while the other is trying to prevent it,† (Xue 82). Prufrock’s soul really desires is the opposite of what it endures. At the root of his inability to express is his insecurity.Prufrock asks, â€Å"Do I dare Disturb the Universe? † (Gywnn 623) which is direct evidence that Prufrock has serious lack of self-confidence. J. Alfred directly articulates his anxiety about interaction by describing his unappealing physical attributes. He quivers in the thought, â€Å"With a bald spot in the middle of my hair- ‘They will say: ‘How his hair is growing thin! ’† (Gwynn 623). This state ment is directly in connection with Prufrock’s physical insecurity, as well as his emotional insecurity because of his self-image. He uses this as an excuse for his anti-social behavior.He manifests this negative expression of self by bolding stating that if he were to share with another he would, â€Å"Die with a dying fall,† (Gywnn 623). This self-conscious attitude and fear of being mocked for this truth is the entire reason for J. Alfred Prufrock’s cyclical misery. He does not love himself; therefore, he cannot find or receive or the love of another. If he never learns to share his truth, he will never understand the beauty of human connection. The reality of how much Prufrock shares about himself is shown in the line, â€Å"To prepare to meet the faces that you meet; to murder to create,† (Gwynn 622).The real self or â€Å"I†, as Videnov described in Human Voices in Silent Seas, is lost or â€Å"murdered† in society to â€Å"createâ₠¬  a false self or alter ego that functions in society. Another line stating this ego-oriented society and repeating the symbol of darkness reads, â€Å"the evening spread out against the sky,† (Gwynn 622) which refers to the apparent darkness of all humans all hidden under the masks of ego. Yet, if J. Alfred Prufrock understands this is a battle of every individual, he would be able to relate. In conclusion, it is J. Alfred Prufrock’s choice to live in misery.If he were open to see himself as a mirror image of others he would realize that every individual has insecurities of their own. Therefore, I agree with scholars Videnov and Xue in the psychoanalytical approach to J. Alfred Prufrock battling with his own ego versus the exploration and expression of his true self. If he deemed himself worthy of external expression then he would finally be able to share in love with himself and in turn, the rest of humanity. Works Cited Gwynn, R. S. Literature: A Pocket Anthology. 5th. New York: Pearson Education, Inc. , 2012. 21-625. Print. Videnov, Valentin A. â€Å"Human Voices In Silent Seas: A Reading Of Eliot's Love Song. † Explicator 67. 2 (2009): 126-130. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. Sistani, Roohollah Reesi. â€Å"Internal Anxieties And Conflicts In â€Å"The LOVE SONG Of J. ALFRED PRUFROCK. † European Journal Of Social Science 17. 4 (2010): 478-489. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. Xue, Haiqin. â€Å"On â€Å"An Overwhelming Question'† In The Love Song Of J. Alfred Prufrock. † Canadian Social Science 5. 2 (2009): 79-82. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Nov. 2012.

Contract Law – Intention to Oontract

Contract Law 1 Intention to Create Legal Relations In order for a contract to be valid there must be intention to create legal relations. Enright notes ‘the requirement of intention to create legal relations is a final doorkeeper in contract. It determines which agreements supported by consideration shall be covered by contract law and which shall merely be morally binding. ’ This requirement was expressly stated for the first time in Heilbut, Symons & Co V Buckleton.Friel notes that important as there are a great many agreements and arrangements that, though possessing many of the characteristics of contract, probably are not intended to attract legal consequences. Intention to be legally bound operates on the basis of presumptions. The test for intention is objective. The court will impute intention to create legal relations to the parties on the basis on external factors rather than on the workings of the parties’ minds. Intention and Presumptions There are two presumptions in this area: 1.There is a presumption that agreements between family members or friends are not intended to be legally binding. 2. There is a presumption that agreements which are made in a commercial context are intended to be legally binding. Social and Domestic Arrangements A close family of social relationship raises a presumption of lack of intention to create legal relations. The seminal case, Balfour V Balfour involved maintenance payments to be sent home to his wife while he was working abroad. The court held that agreements between husband and wife are not intended to be legally binding.The closer the blood relationship the more readily the presumption will be raised and the more distant the degree of blood relationship, the more likely the courts will infer an intention to be legally binding. This can be seen in Simpkins V Pays where an informal agreement between a landlord and his lodger, to enter into a weekly competition, held lodger entitled to share of winnings, despite landlord’s evidence that there was no intention to be legally bound. Rogers V Smith shows the same principal in Balfour V Balfour applied to other family relationships. It was held in this case that the agreement between a mother nd her son did not attract legal relations. Likewise in Mckay V Jones where a nephew had worked on his uncle’s farm for some years without payment, claimed that the uncle had promised to the farm when he died. Deale J. Ruled that it was nothing more than a statement of intention or wish by the deceased†¦.. no promise was made as the agreement was between family members. In contrast to this case is McCarron V McCarron where a child worked without reward for 16 years. The child was said to have lost out more in McCarron and therefore had a greater detriment or reliance on the compensation promised.The dates between this cases may explain the different points of view. In Leahy V Rawson found that an agreement between her no n-marital partner’s brother, did not attract the presumption as it only applies to the closest family kinships, such as parent and child and spouses. The courts also held the same principal in social arrangements as was shown in Hadley V Kemp. In this case the court raised the presumption that an agreement as to the sharing of songwriter’s loyalties with other members of his band (Spandau Ballet) was not intended to create legal relations.Enright notes that a degree of intimacy is required between the parties in order to raise the presumption. The issue is not of status but closeness. We can contrast Balfour with Merritt V Merritt. As in Balfour, the parties were husband and wife and the agreement concerned an allowance, yet, in Merritt, the court chose to enforce the agreement. Merritt is distinguished however, on the grounds that the husband and wife were separated, so they were not in a close relationship any longer and so the presumption of lack of intention to cre ate legal relations could not be raise.For the same reason, and as it appears in Courtney V Courtney, a separation agreement will not attract the presumption of lack of intention to create legal relations. It is the parties’ relationship at the time of contracting which matters. That is clear from the mother-daughter case of Jones V Padavatton. In this case, the mother agreed to maintain her daughter if she came home and studied for the Bar. Over time their relationship broke down but the presumption of lack of intention to create legal relations stood because of their close relationship at the time. Rebutting the PresumptionThere is some authority to the effect that the courts are more likely to find that the presumption of lack of intention to create legal relations has been rebutted where one party has relied on the agreement. This is seen in Parker V Clarke, involved two couples who were close friends. The Clarks told the Parkers if they sold their cottage they could move in with them, that the Clarks would leave some of their considerable estate to the Parkers on his death. Sometime after the couple moved in they fell out and the Parkers were forced to move out. They sued the Clarks for breach of contract.Because of the parties close relationship at the time of contracting, the presumption was that it was not intended to be legally binding. However, the court found that the Parkers’ detrimental reliance on the agreement in leaving their home was a factor strong enough to rebut the presumption, and intention to create legal relations was thereby found. The party alleging that a family agreement was intended to be legally binding bears the onus of rebutting the presumption that it was not so intended. It is significant that in a family agreement was made in a business context.So, for example, an agreement made in connection with a family business, such as that between brothers, directors of the company in Snelling V John G Snelling Ltd, is unl ikely to fall foul of the presumption of lack of intention to create legal relations. The words used by the parties in setting out their agreement and, in particular, the level of certainty attaching to the agreement were also important. The fact that the parties have taken time to set out their agreement with formality and precision suggests that they intended it to be legally bound.On the other hand, where an agreement is expressed in vague terms, it tends to suggest that the parties did not intend to create a legally binding agreement. This is clear from Vaughan V Vaughan. This case concerned a couple who were no longer living in amity. They had agreed that the wife could stay in the matrimonial home. However, they had not decided how long she could stay for, or on what terms. Accordingly, their agreement was so vague in its essentials that the Court could not confer intention to create legal intentions in it.Commercial Agreements Commercial agreements raise the presumption that intention to create legal relations is present. It is difficult to rebut this assumption. The burden of proof is on the party seeking to deny it and that burden, according to Edwards V Skyways, is a heavy one. Vagueness on the essential terms of the contract tends to suggest an absence of intention to create legal relations. For example, the courts will rarely be able to find intention to create legal relations in so-called sales puffs.Thus, in Lambert V Lewis, no contract arose from a manufacturer’s statement that his product was ‘foolproof’ and ‘required no maintenance’ because his statements were ‘not intended to be, nor were they, acted on as being express warranties’. A lot depends on the facts of the case at hand. In Esso Petroleum V Commissioner of Customs and Excise, a binding contract was deemed to arise from a transaction in which football tokens were offered to anyone who purchased four gallons of the plaintiff’s petrol .According to Lord Simon ‘†¦. the whole transaction took place in a setting of business relations†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, the purpose of the offer being commercial: Esso wanted the public to buy its petrol. Rebutting the Presumption Cadbury Ireland Ltd V Kerry Co-Op shows how a number of factors can operate to rebut the presumption of intention to create legal relations. In this case, a clause held not intended to be legally binding despite its solemnity: it was an argument to draw up a detailed agreement, but could not be relied upon itself.Even in a commercial context, the presumption in favour of the intention to create legal relations can be dispatched by a very clear expression of lack of intention. A classic example of this is in Rose and Frank Co V Crompton Bros. In this case, the parties had agreed that the plaintiff would be permitted to distribute the defendants’ goods in the US. The agreement however contained an ‘honourable pledge clause’. The cour t held that the agreement could not be enforced because of this clause. The court also found the wording precise enough to rebut the presumption in Jones V Vernon’s Pools Ltd.Collective Agreements Where a trade union negotiates an agreement with an employer on behalf of its members, does this agreement attract the presumption of intention to create legal relations? In the English case of Ford Motor Co Ltd V Amalgamated Union of Engineering and Foundry Workers, it is said that the presumption in relation to collective agreements is that they are not made with the intention to create legal relations. However, Irish Law takes a contrary view, tending to favour the enforcement of collective agreements via contract.So in Ardmore Studios V Lynch, it was suggested that a collective agreement which is set out in a clear specific manner will take legal effect. The Supreme Court took up this thread in Goulding Chemicals V Bolger. For the purposes of Irish Law, it seems safe to say that collective agreements can be enforced in the same manner as any other commercial agreement and attract the presumption that the intention of legal relations is present. In O’Rourke V Talbot Ireland, Barrington J treated a collective agreement as a commercial agreement.Similarly, in King V Aer Lingus the Supreme Court took the view that some of the commitments given by Aer Lingus to its employees as part of a collective agreement were binding. A problem that continues to afflict collective agreements, however, is their characteristically vague language – the majority of collective agreements will be void for uncertainty. Letters of Intent V Letters of Comfort Enright notes that a letter of comfort is a document designed to reassure the person to whom it is provided about certain matters while stopping short of making any binding promise.A good example of the effects of a letter of comfort arose in Kleinwort Benson V Malaysia Mining Corp. Bhd. In this case, the plaintif f bank had agreed to lend money to the subsidiary of the Malaysia Mining Corporation. In the course of negotiations for the loan, the bank received a letter of comfort stating that: ‘it is policy to ensure that the business of our subsidiary is at all times in a position to meet its liabilities to you under the above arrangements. ’ Despite this reassurance, the Court of Appeal concluded that this statement did not bind the defendant.The letter was not, in fact, purporting a binding promise. It was simply stating that company’s policy, a policy that might be changed or adjusted in response to novel circumstances. It is important to note, however, that there is no concrete rule precluding a letter of comfort from giving rise to legal relations. Whether or not such letters creates a legally binding promise is a matter to to be discerned primarily from the language used. The simple fact that the words ‘letter of comfort’ have been used, while evidently relevant, may not conclusively prevent the agreement rom having legal implications. There is a lot of uncertainty in this area as in seen in the case of Wilson Smithett & Cape (Sugar) Ltd V Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation. A letter of intent, in contrast to a comfort letter, is one in which a person or company seeks to induce another entity to undertake work to incur expenditure, while denying or limiting liability to that other entity, often by insisting that liability turned on concluding a formal contract at a later date.In AC Controls Ltd V BBC, the court summarised the principals in relation to letters on intent. The general principal on letters of intent that seek to authorise work, materials or services pending the conclusion of a later contract is that such letters will be viewed as contracts in themselves as long as objective is present. In ERDC Group Ltd V Brunel University, the Court held that the work done prior to September had all been on the authority as set out in the series of Letters of Intent.The judge thought that the usual requirements for a contract were all there (intention to create a legal relationship, certainty, etc) and had all been there until 1 September. He therefore found that there had been a contract until then. Accordingly, ERDC was to be paid on the basis specified in the letters – the JCT rules. Conclusion It is contended that the requirement of intention to create legal intentions largely makes sense.Social and domestic agreements have the presumption as not having intention to create legal relations as there is a belief that such formalities are not required in this type of relationship. Enright notes that there are two reasons why this is employed. Firstly, if the rule were that social and domestic agreements were always legally binding, the courts might be flooded with petty disputes and the second is because it is felt that people should have the freedom to make certain types of private, persona l agreements without drawing the interference of the law into their lives.It is also understood that Commercial Agreements are correct as they do have the intention to create legal relations as there is the acceptance that such formalities should be required in this type of relationship. The ways to rebut this assumption also makes sense as it can be rebutted if the essential terms of the contract are vague or if the party seeking to deny it can prove that there was no intention. Enright notes the burden of proof is on the party seeking to deny it and that burden according to Edwards V Skyways, is a heavy one.

The Economy of China (Globalization Effect) Essays

The Economy of China (Globalization Effect) Essays The Economy of China (Globalization Effect) Essay The Economy of China (Globalization Effect) Essay Research Essay Lewis Carroll The effects of globalisation on Economic growth and the quality of life in China. China holds the second largest economy in the world, measured by Purchasing Power Parity (a technique used to determine and compare the relative value of different currencies). From the late 1970s, the Chinese economy has become more market orientated, rather than its former closed and planned political system. This change has played a major role in the development of their economy and impact of globalisation. At present, it is the worlds fastest growing major economy. Growth ates in the Chinese economy have averaged 10% throughout the past 30 years. By utilising Chinas perfect environment for manufacturing with low minimum income levels compared to other countries, and little to no policies surrounding work place health and safety, in 2010 China became the worlds largest exporter. In 2010, 19. 8% of the worlds manufacturing output was produced by China, and Industry and Manufacturing account for 46. 8% of Chinas GDP. Apart from the thriving Manufacturing industry, China also produces 45% of the worlds steel and is the worlds third largest Automotive Manufacturer. Over recent years, Chinas Urban wages have received a 13-19% increase to an average of $2472USDp. a. The Chinese Economy has gained both benefit and been disadvantaged by globalisation trends. One advantage is China has received extensive amounts of high GDP over recent years, although it sometimes due to the over exploitation of their unbelievably cheap labour compared to other countries. China has become almost an essential to the global supply chain because of its cheap labour leading to the massive growth we have seen over recent years. Other Positive effects of globalisation include the mprovement of living standards due to higher employment and therefore larger income and contribution to the economy. The amount of employment in china has increased due to the rise in growth and creation of TNCs and movement of production due to globalisation. This means that in order to meet demands, they need to create more Jobs which is suited best in China because of low minimum income levels Negative effects of Globalisation on China include environmental changes and urbanisation. The Chinese Environment has been damaged due to rapid pollution and industrialisation consequences. The growth of industries pecializing in manufacturing has caused the pollution of the air, ground and permanent damage on the surroundings of these factories due to production processes such as burning or pollution from capital goods. The growth of urbanisation was a result after the rapid increase in Jobs around cities, but this can also lead to the lowering of standards of living and the amount of Jobs and resources available elsewhere. The urban cities are unable to provide necessities and services the population need. By the end of 2012 52. 6% of the Chinese population had become urbanised, an increase from the former 26% in 1990 . Although currently, the ities cannot provide for the amount of people urbanising, the government has aimed to create services, increase availability of necessities and support a range of mass transit around and inside the city as a part of their 5-year-plan for 2011-2015. lowest income earners and reduce homelessness. Another problem with this sudden spark in urbanisation is the lowering of workplace safety regulations yet to be created. The people are working in factories with very poor standards which reduce hygiene and can also cause mental issues such as suicides. The Chinese Economy has implemented particular strategies in order to promote and stabilize the conomic growth and development they have received. These policies and strategies are a result of increasing demand because of globalisation in China. The introduction of the Open door policy (essential opening china into a mass of once protected foreign direct investment) created a huge utilisation of Chinese labour. Chinese capital and labour resources have become efficiently allocated, which then has greatly boosted economic growth and productivity. The Chinese economy then strategically utilised their obvious comparative advantage in export orientated and labour intensive industries. The Chinese Economys rapid growth is due to creation of particular strategies such us export Incentives and decentralisation of government. Export Incentives are monetary, tax or legal motivations designed to encourage businesses to export certain types of goods or services. This large labour force, huge investments in efficient technology and the introduction of subsidies and incentives have created the perfect environment for mass growth of this emerging economy. Chinese exporting alone has generated up to a staggering 36 per cent of Chinas GDP (2006). Since the Decentralization of Government (the process of redistributing, owers, people or things away from the government) the Chinese GDP per capita has risen from its previous $674 in 1978 to $5,085 in 2004 (ppp adjusted). That is over 7 and a half times greater than the previous recording. This change in government, liberalization of prices, reduction in agriculture resources, and integration into world markets, had proved to be a major cause of the Chinese economic boom over the past 30 years beginning with the open door policy The use of Special Economic Zones in china created an ability to alter the policies and investments in areas suited. For example, lower taxes and lower tariffs and other protection policies were introduced in order to encourage the exportation of technology. Their immediate success fuelled the way for more specific zones in order to utilise the economic boom they were currently experiencing. The implementations of a practise known as the household responsibility system was a specific quota for agricultural demand created by the government in order to remain self-sufficient in agricultural goods, but continue to redistribute their resources to other more profitable and efficient areas. The farmers and producers were given compensation for completing these merit goods that compared to other industrialised productions, were not very profitable. These strategies allowed the Chinese people and economy to thrive during economic boom but also increase their standard of living. The Chinese Government has introduced a way to change economic strategies and policies in order to relate to the current economic activities. This plan is called the 5-year-plan, a set of policies that have to remain active for the remaining 5 years until they are reassessed for the new economic activities. This 5 year plan applies for all regions of china, and is used in order to map strategies for economic development, setting growth targets, and launching reforms. The 12th 5 year plan (2011-2015) outlines their planned building of new low-income apartments to reduce poverty and increase the standard of living for the Chinese Population. The policies can also aim to stabilize their current growth, make incomes more equal and improve social infrastructure. The Chinese government believe that the increase of employment and reduction in unemployed population is the top priority to create stability in their rapidly growing conomy. By the end of 2005, the registered unemployment population in urban areas reached 8. 39 million, and the registered unemployment rate in the urban areas was 4. 2 per cent. In order to counteract the growing unemployment, The Chinese Government applied structural Proactive employment Policies in order to create incentive and encourage unemployed members of the Chinese population to look, create, or innovate their own employment These practises were used to promote the economic growth but also increase the poor standard of living in China. These included: 1. Encouraging the unemployed to start up their own businesses. Reducing taxes and charges, plus small loans with discounted interests created a perfect environment and incentive for the Chinese unemployed to stimulate the economy and its growth. 2. Exempting and reducing taxes on enterprises willing to employ disadvantaged unemployed people. 3. Offering particular insurance subsidies for flexible employment terms. Evaluation of Economic Growth and development Strategies: Strategies used by the Chinese Government are all aimed to create, stabilise and promote growth of the Economy and the quality of life of the Chinese people. The Open Door policy has unlocked the swift growth of the Chinese Economy by allowing the flooding of Foreign Direct Investment. With an increase of Chinas GDP per capita from $153 to $1284 , this single indicator outlines the success of opening China to Foreign Direct Investment. The open door policy has also created an opening for greater employment, income and therefore better living standards for the Chinese population. This is because the open door policy allows more TNCs and large enterprises to base their factories and outlets around the Chinese population. Export nd business incentives have also fuelled a large amount of success though the encouragement of reaching the technical optimum in economies of scale, and employing more people, once again, creating more Jobs and increasing living standards of the Chinese population. The Decentralization from government is a strategy that started the growth they have received and the increase of economic development in China. Through this decentralization, the redistribution of income and resources has unlocked the flood for foreign direct investment, creation of employment and increased the living standards of the population. The 5 year plan as fulfilled its potential by maintaining the economic stability of china, whilst still creating growth. Through the increase of GDP, employment rates, and living standards of the Chinese population, it is obvious that the changing of political policies and goals have succeeded in guiding the Chinese economies growth. This planning allowed the government to change into a market orientated system whilst still keeping the benefits of planning goals, rates and living standards to predict the future of the Chinese economy. The strategies under the Proactive employment unemployment and increasing the living standards of the Chinese population. Not only has the policies reduced the people unemployed, but they also can be used to raise the minimum income. Overall, the effects of globalisation on economic growth and the quality of life in china have been mostly benefiting. Through the introduction of new employment, high income and standards of living, and the decentralization of the Chinese government, China continues to gain expediential growth over any other country in the world. The industrialisation of China has proven to be a crucial time for reassessing political strategies and adding policies to benefit the Chinese population.

Using Blooms Taxonomy for Effective Learning

Using Bloom's Taxonomy for Effective Learning The hierarchy of Blooms Taxonomy is the widely accepted framework through which all teachers should guide their students through the cognitive learning process. In other words, teachers use this framework to focus on higher order thinking skills. You can think of Blooms Taxonomy as a pyramid, with simple knowledge-based recall questions at the base. Building up through this foundation, you can ask your students increasingly challenging questions to test their comprehension of a given material. Utility By asking these critical thinking questions or higher order questions, you are developing all levels of thinking. Students will have improved attention to detail, as well as an increase in their comprehension and problem-solving skills. Levels There are six levels in the framework, here is a brief look at each of them and a few examples of the questions that you would ask for each component. Knowledge: In this level students are asked questions to see if they have gained insight from the lesson. (What is... Where is... How would you describe?)Comprehension: During this level, students will be asked to interpret facts that they learned. (What is the main idea... How would you summarize?)Application: Questions asked during this level are meant to have students apply or use the knowledge learned during the lesson. (How would you use... How would you solve?)Analysis:Â  In the analysis level, students will be required to go beyond knowledge and see if they can analyze a problem. (What is the theme... How would you classify?)Synthesis: During the synthesis level of questioning students are expected to come up with a theory about what they learned or use predictions. (What would happen if... What facts can you compile?)Evaluation: The top level of Blooms Taxonomy is called evaluation. This is where students are expected to assess the information learned and come to a conclusio n about it. (What is your opinion of...how would you evaluate... How would you select... What data was used?) Corresponding Verb Examples Remembering: arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce, stateUnderstanding: classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translateApplying: apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, writeAnalyzing: analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, testEvaluating: appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose, compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluateCreating: arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write

Nutrient Absorption in the Digestive System

Nutrient Absorption in the Digestive System Digested molecules of food, as well as water and minerals from the diet, are absorbed from the cavity of the upper small intestine. The absorbed materials cross the mucosa into the blood, mainly, and are carried off in the bloodstream to other parts of the body for storage or further chemical change. This part of the digestive system process varies with different types of nutrients. Nutrient Absorption in the Digestive System Carbohydrates An average American adult eats about half a pound of carbohydrate each day. Some of our most common foods contain mostly carbohydrates. Examples are bread, potatoes, pastries, candy, rice, spaghetti, fruits, and vegetables. Many of these foods contain both starch, which can be digested and fiber, which the body cannot digest. The digestible carbohydrates are broken into simpler molecules by enzymes in the saliva, in juice produced by the pancreas, and in the lining of the small intestine. Starch is digested in two steps: First, an enzyme in the saliva and pancreatic juice breaks the starch into molecules called maltose; then an enzyme in the lining of the small intestine (maltase) splits the maltose into glucose molecules that can be absorbed into the blood. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to the liver, where it is stored or used to provide energy for the work of the body. Table sugar is another carbohydrate that must be digested to be useful. An enzyme in the lining of the small intestine digests table sugar into glucose and fructose, each of which can be absorbed from the intestinal cavity into the blood. Milk contains yet another type of sugar, lactose, which is changed into absorbable molecules by an enzyme called lactase, also found in the intestinal lining. Protein Foods such as meat, eggs, and beans consist of giant molecules of protein that must be digested by enzymes before they can be used to build and repair body tissues. An enzyme in the juice of the stomach starts the digestion of swallowed protein. Further digestion of the protein is completed in the small intestine. Here, several enzymes from the pancreatic juice and the lining of the intestine carry out the breakdown of huge protein molecules into small molecules called amino acid. These small molecules can be absorbed from the hollow of the small intestine into the blood and then be carried to all parts of the body to build the walls and other parts of cells. Fats Fat molecules are a rich source of energy for the body. The first step in digestion of a fat such as butter is to dissolve it into the water content of the intestinal cavity. The bile acids produced by the liver act as natural detergents to dissolve fat in water and allow the enzymes to break the large fat molecules into smaller molecules, some of which are fatty acids and cholesterol. The bile acids combine with the fatty acids and cholesterol and help these molecules to move into the cells of the mucosa. In these cells, the small molecules are formed back into large molecules, most of which pass into vessels (called lymphatics) near the intestine. These small vessels carry the reformed fat to the veins of the chest, and the blood carries the fat to storage depots in different parts of the body. Vitamins The large, hollow organs of the digestive system contain muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement of organ walls can propel food and liquid and also can mix the contents within each organ. Typical movement of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine is called peristalsis. The action of peristalsis looks like an ocean wave moving through the muscle. The muscle of the organ produces a narrowing and then propels the narrowed portion slowly down the length of the organ. These waves of narrowing push the food and fluid in front of them through each hollow organ. Water and Salt Most of the material absorbed from the cavity of the small intestine is water in which salt is dissolved. The salt and water come from the food and liquid we swallow and the juices secreted by the many digestive glands. In a healthy adult, more than a gallon of water containing over an ounce of salt is absorbed from the intestine every 24 hours. Digestion Control A fascinating feature of the  digestive system  is that it contains its own regulators. Hormone Regulators The major hormones that control the functions of the digestive system are produced and released by cells in the mucosa of the stomach and small intestine. These hormones are released into the  blood  of the digestive tract, travel back to the  heart  and through the  arteries, and return to the digestive system, where they stimulate digestive juices and cause organ movement. The hormones that control digestion are gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin (CCK): Gastrin causes the stomach to produce an acid for dissolving and  digesting some foods. It is also necessary for the normal growth of the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.Secretin causes the  pancreas  to send out a  digestive juice  that is rich in bicarbonate. It stimulates the stomach to produce pepsin, an enzyme that digests protein, and it also stimulates the liver to produce bile.CCK causes the pancreas to grow and to produce the enzymes of pancreatic juice, and it causes the gallbladder to empty. Nerve Regulators Two types of  nerves  help to control the action of the digestive system. Extrinsic (outside) nerves come to the digestive organs from the unconscious part of the  brain  or from the  spinal cord. They release a chemical called acetylcholine and another called adrenaline. Acetylcholine causes the muscle of the digestive organs to squeeze with more force and increase the push of food and juice through the digestive tract. Acetylcholine also causes the stomach and pancreas to produce more digestive juice. Adrenaline relaxes the muscle of the stomach and intestine and decreases the flow of blood to these  organs. Even more important, though, are the intrinsic (inside) nerves, which make up a very dense network embedded in the walls of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. The intrinsic nerves are triggered to act when the walls of the hollow organs are stretched by food. They release many different substances that speed up or delay the movement of food and the production of juices by the digestive organs. Sources Your Digestive System and How It Works. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Updated Sept. 2013. Web. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Anatomy/your-digestive-system/Pages/anatomy.aspx.

Affirmative Action Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Affirmative Action Policies - Essay Example As such, matters related to sharing, equality, and fairness are of paramount importance and frequently give rise to need for mechanisms for addressing implications that come along with these mechanisms. Affirmative action traces its roots back in the Reconstruction Era whereby after slaves attained freedom, they had nothing else apart from small skills that could use to earn a living2. As a result, the victorious General T. Sherman set forth a proposal that was to divide the land and goods of the Southeastern Georgia into sizeable proportions and give the freed family 40 acres of land and a mule in order to begin their lives3. This move attracted a huge level of opposition from the sitting clergy. However, almost a century later, this issue of affirmative action has come back to haunt opponents of this policy. Today, the lawful society of the United States recognizes the idea of assisting individuals of minority decency to gain access to American goods. This came via a series of poli tical initiatives and court proceedings that interpreted all the requirements of the civil rights just as provided in the Fourteenth Amendment 4. These initiatives, as well as court decisions, came into books as affirmative action. As the term itself suggests, it is both voluntary and mandatory in that it intends to affirm civically recognized rights of the designated classes of people by employing a positive action in order to protect these individuals from the rampant, all round, and pervasive incidents of discrimination in America. Sources indicate that affirmative action developed about four decades ago following the debate between the Board of Education and Brown5. In terms of Brown, the Supreme Court opined that children of minority races faced segregation and discrimination in areas of education. This fact denied these children equal education opportunities and rejected the doctrine that asserted â€Å"separate but equal† within the public schools6. Following increased cases of discrimination and victorious wins in wars like the Vietnam War, men and women of minority groups intensified their fight for equal rights. These members were able to integrate change in the nation’s existing laws and attained collective address in the Fourteenth Amendment. Following the success of affirmative action, members of the minority groups attained places in the employment and education sector. As the focus of this paper ascertains, changes in both the graduate and undergraduate programs in the US grew due to increased criticism from whites and men who claimed that the policies of affirmative action brought about something they termed as the â€Å"reverse discrimination†. To ensure, successful integration of affirmative action policies in undergraduate and graduate programs, the Court acted before business legislatures and executives and mandated coalition of positive actions in these programs7. As a matter of course, the Court set in place a number of devices that integrated and fostered indiscriminative measures towards students from minority backgrounds. These devices included majority to minority transfers, redistricting, new construction, magnet schools, school pairings, abandonment of all blacks’ schools, and busing. Investigations highlight that implications related to affirmative action particularly when compared to race consciousness and race blind admissions give explanations as to how alternative programs are impractical in general. With reference to a number of discussions, selections that base solely on academia qualifications such as the Medical College Admissions Test and Grade Point Averages

Forensics Research Project 3 Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forensics Project 3 - Research Paper Example The primary purpose of the computer forensic processing method would emphasize certain major factors namely image copying technology, defining principles underneath computer forensic method, formalizing most appropriate methodology in order to assemble as well as to examine the activities of the users and presenting alleged data or information to a court law. With this regard, the framework of this computer forensic method will mainly comply with four major processes that comprise acquisition, identification, evaluation and presentation (Craiger, n.d.). In relation to the provided case, it can be apparently observed that organizational resources have been misused by the staffs during the work schedule in terms of using computers, network and cell phones particularly for electronic gambling. This particular practice can unfavorably impact the overall performance of the organization through various ways. For instance, the misuse of such type of organizational resources can severely imp act on the organization’s performance and reduce its competencies to achieve the ultimate goals and objectives. Moreover, the practice can also negatively effect on time, cost as well as performance of each individual attached with the organization. Steps Required to Investigate, Document and Preserve Evidence The computer forensic process with respect to the provided case scenario will be focused on conservation, recognition along with extraction of computer media with the intention of protecting the organizational resources and intellectual property. In this regard, the major functions and the implications of different steps that can be involved within the computer forensic processing method have been demonstrated in the following discussion. Step1: Acquisition The acquisition step of the proposed computer forensic processing method can be referred to assess or to keep the track of each computer system within an organization. The process significantly helps to preserve deta il evidence of the users concerning their conduct of different activities in the organization (Organization of American States, 2011). In relation to the provided case scenario, the acquisition step within the forensic method will be focused on keeping the track of uninvited or unauthorized individuals through developing any technological system within the organization. The process would enable the administrators to track and assess the activities performed by the users through allocated systems. Moreover, the step will also involve the process of preserving data or information concerning the movement of each user through their systems and enable the administrators to prepare effective documentation regarding the misuse or fraud related activities performed by the employees. Additionally, the step would also facilitate to efficiently maintain effective information flow and help the organization to protect its resources and intellectual property by a certain degree. Step2: Identifica tion The identification step is generally defined as the process of analyzing various sorts of technological aspects that include physical and logical units of the systems that are executed in an organization. The step also involves presentation of different opinion in accordance with the relevance of the

Select 5 poems by Emily Dickinson and analyze them Essay

Select 5 poems by Emily Dickinson and analyze them - Essay Example The poems depart â€Å"from traditional forms as well as conventions of language and meter,† and are characterized by â€Å"her abstract, spare musicality and contemplative introversion† They encompass a wide range of emotions, from sorrow to love (Poets. org.). Emily Dickinson’s poems demonstrate her unique themes, style and use of poetical elements. In â€Å"I'm nobody! Who are you?† Dickinson uses her characteristic, unusual dash-like punctuation. The two quatrains are in iambic meter. The poem is satirical in tone and mocks a society which admires self-aggrandizement. Dickinson uses the simile of the frog to represent a self-important public figure. She goes on to use the derogatory word â€Å"bog† as a metaphor for a vacuous society which cannot identify true worth. By directly addressing the reader and using the word â€Å"us,† Dickinson establishes an immediate rapport and empathy with the reader and defiantly announces her self-identi ty outside social circles. There is a strong note of irony in the poem, as it is evident that the poet actually considers the â€Å"Nobodies† to be superior to the â€Å"some bodies† valued by pretentious society. In â€Å"It Sifts From Leaden Sieves†, Dickinson describes the great beauty of a winter landscape, giving it a sense of calm which soothes the reader. Nature here is seen as a source of peace and beauty. Again, Dickinson make effective use of several metaphors: the â€Å"leaden sieves† refer to gray, overcast winter skies, while â€Å"it† is the snow which dusts the landscape like flour; â€Å"Alabaster Wool† and â€Å"fleeces† represents snowflakes which are fluffy and white like wool and also cold like stone (alabaster); the earth is a face whose wrinkles and ups-and-downs are smoothed over by the snow. In a striking alliteration: â€Å"To Stump, and Stack - and –Stem† (Dickinson 13), the poet emphasizes ever y aspect of the snow-covered landscape. The snow is powdery flour, it is soft and fluffy wool, it is cold snow, it is a heavenly veil which covers the face of the earth, it is lace with ruffles the posts. The poem captures the beauty of winter through a wealth of imagery and metaphor. The poem, â€Å"I Like to See it Lap the Miles,† is in the form of a riddle. It uses metaphor to compare a train to a horse. The poet effectively conveys the image of the train as an iron horse which is voracious in its appetite for land and laps, licks and feeds itself. She also coveys the power of this ‘iron horse’ by metaphorically comparing it to the Boanerges, or sons of thunder. Dickinson uses weak rhyme in this poem, with words which have similar, but not identical, sounds: â€Å"up† and â€Å"step;† â€Å"peer† and â€Å"pare;† â€Å"while† and â€Å"hill;† â€Å"star† and â€Å"door.† There is an underlying strain of a ntagonism in the poem, as seen in the alliterative â€Å"horrid, hooting† (Dickinson 11). Dickinson is critical of the industrial invasion of the natural world by the railroad and feels that man’s closeness to nature is hindered by the effects of civilization. Dickinson’s poem, â€Å"Some Keep the Sabbath in Church,† clearly shows that she sees God in Nature. The quatrains show the traditional true rhyming pattern. The use of alliteration: â€Å"Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice† (Dickinson 5); â€Å"Sexton – sings† (8) and the capitalization of the keywords add emphasis to the poem. As is usual in her poems, Dickinson uses metaphor liberally: she compares the bobolink to the choir and to the sexton, the orchard to

Table for OneOn Eating Alone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Table for OneOn Eating Alone - Essay Example The Americans apparently got bored of the practice of eating alone and they devised a plan that required everyone to pay their own bill whereas, the group can have a meal together and in this way, the requirement of socialization is fulfilled without overburdening anyone. The practice of joint meals with disjointed payments got popular in all parts of the world because it allows individuals to enjoy the socialization. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, humans have profound and notable urge to socialize (Kingkade, 1). The modern psychology is of the view that people need to cool off in a friendly setting (Trobst, 51). The professionals remain under quite a bit of pressure and they require sharing their problems with others and the ideal place to do that is an eating table. In quite a few cases, the dining table is a place where each one of the family member can share his or her entire day’s story. In the light of presented argument, the dining table can be taken as a place where participants can share their problems and express their emotions in a friendly environment. The practice of eating together offers the opportunity to discuss great ideas and plans as it offers humans the chance to relax. The creativity comes to a relaxed mind and therefore, many great ideas had been famous for being put together on a dining table. Secondly, the featured events offer the people to exercise out of the box thinking. The routinely office environment locks one’s mind and therefore, he or she becomes slave to the already known and established ways of doing things. The great Steve Jobs made his friend Steve Wozniak to work on difficult engineering projects by offering him something to eat. The quoted instance is the evidence of dietary bribery’s effectiveness in terms of stimulating human creativity. Conclusively, it can be argued that eating together gives people an opportunity to socialize with each other. The dining table can be a perfect avenue

Saudi and the western style education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Saudi and the western style education - Essay Example A lot of research has shown a greater effect of Saudi customs, laws, and traditions, on Saudi women than of the religion Islam. Since both religion and culture play a decisive role in the establishment of social practices in Saudi Arabia, one factor cannot be separated from the other as their function is mutual. Consideration of religion would distract the research from its focus. There is a variety of cultural beliefs and traditions that are observed by the different families and communities in Saudi Arabia. Predominantly tribal communities are more conservative in their traditions. This is evident in terms of segregation of sexes directed at reducing sexual temptation and maintaining chastity and modesty. Central regions in Saudi Arabia are more particular about enforcing strict laws related to sex segregation compared to the Eastern Province. Role of Saudi women is more determined by culture compared to tribal families’ tradition or religion. For instance, while Bahrain and Kuwait are Gulf countries comprising tribal families, the two countries do not place restrictions on women from participating in the public life just as Saudi Arabia does. It can thus be said that women’s status and their expected behavior is a consequence of Saudi Arabia’s unique culture. Although this strict segregation has prevailed in the universities, yet this trend has started to change gradually. High-walled universities admit female students who can freely walk around inside the campus. In fact, the primary function of these high walls is to provide the women with security and independence to move around freely. The first women’s university in Saudi Arabia was opened in 1979. Ever since, more universities have been opened for women, though women still have generally lesser educational choices than what are available to men. For example, women have to choose more restricted professions or majors

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 19

Personal Statement Example in Taxation. Another factor that builds on my capacity for an opportunity to pursue this program is the experience I have gathered working as a consultant for Tailite Chemical & Plastic Limited Company. I have gained knowledge pertaining to legal issues of investing in the Midwest states and in the United States and have encountered issues of taxation. This would help me identify with some of the content that I will be taught in my LL.M. in Taxation classes. This would be an added advantage for me because I will be familiar with elements of taxation (Mooih et al 2003, 513). Research assignments that I will be required to tackle while pursuing the program will benefit from the experience I got while on an internship in Direct2supplier Corporation. While on this internship, I learned how to conduct research and interact, meaningfully, with research results. My service with Akzo Nobel (Asia) Co., Ltd also equipped me with a chance to conduct research inclined to legal issues. Roles and duties that I have assumed in different companies that I have worked for in the past have also taught me the prudence that I will use when going about my studies (Mooih et al 2003, 514). This program is the right one for me because it will enhance my practice as a consultant for Chinese companies that want to start businesses in the United States. Currently, I am working with a company that provides companies with the information they need to launch into overseas markets and the trend is that the companies interested in expanding their businesses abroad are increasing by the day. This has motivated me into studying LL.M. Taxation program from the United States. This way, a faculty that has experience in the country’s taxation practices (Mooih et al 2003, 515) will teach me. While working, I have interacted with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and I will ease adapting to the diverse cultural

Saudi and the western style education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Saudi and the western style education - Essay Example A lot of research has shown a greater effect of Saudi customs, laws, and traditions, on Saudi women than of the religion Islam. Since both religion and culture play a decisive role in the establishment of social practices in Saudi Arabia, one factor cannot be separated from the other as their function is mutual. Consideration of religion would distract the research from its focus. There is a variety of cultural beliefs and traditions that are observed by the different families and communities in Saudi Arabia. Predominantly tribal communities are more conservative in their traditions. This is evident in terms of segregation of sexes directed at reducing sexual temptation and maintaining chastity and modesty. Central regions in Saudi Arabia are more particular about enforcing strict laws related to sex segregation compared to the Eastern Province. Role of Saudi women is more determined by culture compared to tribal families’ tradition or religion. For instance, while Bahrain and Kuwait are Gulf countries comprising tribal families, the two countries do not place restrictions on women from participating in the public life just as Saudi Arabia does. It can thus be said that women’s status and their expected behavior is a consequence of Saudi Arabia’s unique culture. Although this strict segregation has prevailed in the universities, yet this trend has started to change gradually. High-walled universities admit female students who can freely walk around inside the campus. In fact, the primary function of these high walls is to provide the women with security and independence to move around freely. The first women’s university in Saudi Arabia was opened in 1979. Ever since, more universities have been opened for women, though women still have generally lesser educational choices than what are available to men. For example, women have to choose more restricted professions or majors

Plato’s argument Essay Example for Free

Plato’s argument Essay I think Plato’s argument that what is holy and what is approved of by the gods are not the same thing is convincing. If we’ll take a deeper look, being holy and being approved of have a big difference in terms of standards and construction. First, what is holy means something that is sacred or sanctified. In terms of standards, the things that are considered holy are natural. Meaning, these are the things that have been blessed and considered holy because of divine interventions. In terms of construction, these are the things that are concrete. Meaning, these cannot be bend or changed in any situation that may occur. On the other hand, what are approved of by the gods are things that are created on a case to case basis depending on different factors like the notion of justice. Compared to those that are holy, those that are approved by the gods may be changed or modified. What is holy may or may not be approved by the gods, while what is approved of by the gods may or may not be considered holy. Discussion 4: Though there are the co-called â€Å"white lies† that are used so that people won’t be able to hurt other people from the truth and protect their personal interests, still a lie is a lie. For me, there are no particular incidents by which we can say that it is right to lie. As I’ve heard before, â€Å"A lie only produces a thousand more lies. † Truth hurts but lies are worst. Also, it has been stated that telling a lie is a sin. May it be minimal, still, it is lying. Kant said that moral good must be based on reason. If a person would tell a lie for the reason of protecting his/her personal interest, is the lie considered moral? Of course not. Because it was also stated that â€Å"Kant wants to use moral principles as a protection against people that would want to behave only in their own best interests, for personal gain, or based only on feelings. † I think, the scope of morality is way too big because morality may also depend on each culture and belief that people possess. Discussion 5: Most situations that we see on TV and even in real life are scenarios of big kids bullying the smaller ones in school. The big kids would harass the smaller ones to make them do their assignments, exams and even take money or snacks from them. This can be a simple example of using other person merely as means. On the other hand, there are also those who are kind who protect the smaller kids and help them to keep away from the bullies. This is a case in which a person is respecting another person as an end-in-him/herself. Referring to Kant’s text, â€Å"The moral system of Kant depends too on the idea of our freedom. Kant describes being free as following our own rational principles, instead of just our desires , I think it is impossible to live a life in which we do not use other people merely as means. This is because, there are no perfect persons in the world and when we sometimes use our freedom, we tend to choose to do the things that would benefit us rather than opt those that are entirely moral and rational. Not using a person in this world is much too ideal. Discussion 6: I believe that people should do what is in their own self interest as long as is morally right and does not oppose any rules or law governing him/her. I don’t agree with Ethical Egoism. Indeed, there are things which we desire or want for ourselves. But, the first question we should ask is â€Å"Do we really need what we want? † because in the first place, not everything we want is really essential to us. A â€Å"want† is different from a â€Å"need†. Also, what we ought to do is analyze the things we want. If we think these â€Å"wants† are justifiable and attainable but in a righteous way, then maybe we can pursue these. If I have the ring, I’ll think very carefully of what to do with it. Ideally, I would do what is rightful and fair. Discussion 7: I don’t agree with Mill that the proper standard of making the world a better place is through happiness. Mill stated that â€Å"actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness†¦ the happiness of a group of individuals taken as a whole is desirable for the group as a whole†. Let’s say for example, we have a group of corrupt politicians. Their action to produce happiness is through corruption and what is desirable for their group is stealing millions of money from the people for their personal benefit. It supports the idea of Mill yet did they make the world a better place? No. therefore, happiness is not the proper standard of making the world a better place.