Enquiry Concerning the Priniciples of Morals Essays

In his Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, Hume offers up a number of virtues and qualities which are valued for any of four reasons: they are useful to the individual, useful to society, agreeable to the individual, or agreeable to society. One of the qualities which Hume elucidates is justice. This quality, however, according to Hume, is valued solely for its usefulness and not upon any agreeability to anyone. Hume explains his position thusly. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Hume imagines a scenario in which all things are both readily available and easy to obtain. In this situation, he says, justice is worthless, as there would be no squabbling or conflict over property rights, as replacing that which someone takes from you is†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;To proceed in Hume’s own order, we must first examine the example of the Golden Age, the situation when all things are easily obtained. In this situation, Hume argues, the need for justice would be gone, as anything taken from you can be easily replaced. There are, however, numerous examples of this being entirely incorrect. Take, for example, Hume’s statement that this even applies to land, when it is in extreme abundance. However, you recall the Kansas Land Rush of 1889. In this situation, land was in the millions of acres, all waiting to be had, and yet dozens were killed over one small parcel of it. Jealousy and envy are not dispelled by mere abundance. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;A troubling factor in Hume’s explanations of justice is that they all entail property justice. And what a small part of justice that is! In Hume’s utopia, then, a man whose wife leaves him for another would merely shrug his shoulders and go order a new one? And what consideration would be given, in absence of â€Å"useful† justice, to a man who was stabbed in an argument? Mere abundance of resources is hardly a thing to alleviate all problems. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The second example I discarded immediately, and I will explain more fully for my reasons in doing so. By creating a world in which there is absolute benevolence, Hume has

Financial Analysis of McDonalds Company - 1482 Words

Financial Analysis of the McDonald’s Company MCD, exchange where traded NYSE 2111 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 623-3000 PART 1, COMPANY OVERVIEW: a. McDonald’s is an American fast food chain that sells a variety of fast food alternatives, but most notably has earned its reputation and success for the hamburger. It is the largest fast food chain in the world, with globally recognized â€Å"golden arches† symbolizing a reliable meal can be had in over 119 countries. McDonald’s has continued to develop their menu to reflect the desire/demands of their customers. The current CEO of McDonald’s is Mr. Don Thompson. b. McDonald’s was started in the 1940s as a BBQ restaurant owned and operated by Richard and†¦show more content†¦In order to increase their profit margin, McDonald’s must continue to try and find ways to reduce COGS. This is because many of the other expenses are much harder to influence. Selling General and Administrative (SGA) expenses have most likely already been trimmed to the minimum over the company’s life, taxes are required by the Government, and interest expense makes up only a small portion of expenses. The company may need to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine what may be done to reduce COGS. One idea may to better vertically integrate the company, or to remove menu items which are unpopular and/or seasonal. c. Assets Distribution: Year-end FY 2011 Assets:  Cash 2.3 Accounts Receivable 1.3 Inventory 0.12 Fixed Assets (PPE) 22.8 Other Assets 1.67  PIE CHART OF ASSETS, Year-end FY 2011 COMMENTS: As depicted in the chart, the companies’ assets are largely fixed. This comes as no surprise since the company consists of over 33,000 restaurant locations worldwide. The percentage of fixed assets as compared to current assets does mean though that the company is not liquid, which means it cannot quickly convert its assets to cash. 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Problems with Education in America Essay Example For Students

Problems with Education in America Essay Many people believe that there is a crisis in the educational system in America right now. People are especially worried about the low scores that high school seniors recently received after taking an international placement test. The U. S. was ranked very low in comparison to forty other industrialized nations. Because of this, a large group of politicians and educators want to increase the standards expected by high schools for their students. However, there are several reasons why this sort of change would be difficult for schools to accomplish. There is some question about whether or not these test scores truly reflect the mathematical abilities of todays students. Two of the bigger problems expected originate from the issues of public school funding and child poverty, although there are several other factors contributing to the problem. The tests are taken by fourth graders, eighth graders, and twelfth graders. The children in the lower grades scored higher nationally within their respective test levels than the high school students, but the scores were still fairly low. Students were tested in four subjects: general mathematics, general science, advanced mathematics, and physics. In general mathematics, American 12th graders did better than those in only two countries, Cyprus and South Africa (Times 1998:2). In physics and advanced mathematics, no country performed more poorly (Times 1998: 2). Because the fourth and eighth graders did better on the tests, experts argued that American pupils start out ahead of their foreign peers in elementary school but as they move through middle and high school are challenged less and less because the curriculum tends to be repetitive (Times 1998: 3). In an attempt to raise the overall average math and science scores of U. S. seniors, certain authorities want to initiate a new set of higher standards in these subject areas. They believe that the trouble stems from poorly trained teachers who do not understand or care about their jobs (Times 1998:1). This is not the case. The real issues are out of the control of educators. One example of these issues is poor school funding. The majority of public schools receive funding locally from property tax; therefore, students who live in wealthier neighborhoods will have access to schools with higher funding because the tax payers in that area will have more to give. On the other hand, students who live in poor, impoverished communities will not have the benefits that more affluent schools have. This creates a problem because until there is some sort of equity in funding for all public schools, raising the standards of education will not be realistic. In a poor school, teachers are scarce and the teacher to student ratio is highly disproportionate. There are often an overwhelmingly larger amount of students than there are of teachers at main public schools. Without the money needed to hire more teachers, update textbooks, and renovate old and decrepit facilities, raising academic standards will not only be a futile venture, it may also put underprivileged students at more of a disadvantage than they already are. If are told that they must meet higher standards, orworseif they are chastised because they cannot do so, then they will have been punished for events beyond their control (Biddle 1997: 6). One proposed solution is referred to as the foundation program (Kozol 1991: 207). According to the specifications of this program, there would be a few different steps in raising more money for public schools. First, there would be a local tax upon the value of the homes and businesses in a given district that would cover some of the funds (Kozol 1991:208). .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .postImageUrl , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:hover , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:visited , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:active { border:0!important; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:active , .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8 .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc8af3b4f6f7f4c9b165ba67969fa3bf8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: After the Civil War ended, chaos engulfed the stat EssayThis would probably be enough for wealthy neighborhoods but in the other cases, the state will then provide sufficient funds to lift the poorer districts to a level () roughly equal to that of the richest districts (Kozol 1991: 208). Although this plan has merits and could perhaps work, it is unlikely that the state would be willing to budget that much money to help fund poor school districts. Until students are able to go to equally funded schools, they will not receive the same quality of education as those students in wealthier districts. The same sort of argument applies to the issue of child poverty. When children grow up in impoverished homes, they are often exposed to chronic pain and disease and communities that are afflicted by physical decay, serious crime, gangs, and drugs (Biddle 1997: 4). They are not able to attend schools that offer quality a education, and therefore will never be able to succeed academically. Even if poorer students are able to go to schools with higher funding, they are generally tracked into lower level courses and designated as at risk students. If this is in fact the case, those students will have to work extremely hard to move up to a different level because their homes provide little access to the books, writing materials, computers, and other supports for education that are normally present in middle-class or affluent homes (Biddle 1997: 3). Therefore, these students often become labeled early on in their lives and teachers tend to expect less of them than they would of those students labeled differently. Raising the standards for these children would be nearly impossible. However, there are some people who believe that the math and science tests which have so many officials worried are not necessarily that important. It is the opinion of some educators that, although education probably does need some improvement, these tests may not need to be the focus. Fourth and eighth graders who took these tests scored significantly higher than the twelfth graders did which may show that recent attention to standards and better schools had begun to pay off but had not reached the upper levels of schooling (Bronner 1998: 2). Others argue that the colleges in America are widely known to be the best in the world; therefore, something had to have gone right in the earlier years to constitute such excellent universities. Other sources say that we should offer a wider variety of math and science courses and that in these courses, we should emphasize problem solving and the application of mathematical knowledge, rather than math that on one mode of computation and usually precise answers only (Brodinsky 1985: 28). American schools seem to offer a more creative foundation of knowledge than other nations. Although the core subjectsmath, science, reading, writing, etc. are important, it is also essential to offer subject such as humanities, foreign languages, and fine arts, in order to produce a well-rounded education. There is no resolution in sight for the problem in American education and, therefore, the debate about what sort of action to take will continue. The opposing sides are equally matched and the students are now left to bear the consequences of any decisions made by politicians and policy-makers about the future of their education. But until we can work out the problems associated with the economic positions of public school students, nothing can be accomplished. We will not make progress through the rigorous testing of students in math and science. These tests are not as necessary as improving the quality of the overall education and learning experience of American students.

John Adams- On the Transmigration of Souls free essay sample

For many, attending a performance of John Addams new piece â€Å"On the Transmigration of Souls† written for the New York Philharmonic is like being invited to a party but being given the wrong address as a cruel prank. Early on, one realizes a mistake has been made, one grave enough to potentially ruin the entire evening. All is not lost on this musical experiment, however, which presents itself as a rambling, rather over-zealous source of mockery. What makes it all so frustrating is that everything (save for the music) is perfect: the elegant setting of the auditorium, the acoustics, the warm tonal qualities of the instruments, and the pristine pitch of the Oregon Symphony Choir. The piece, an orchestral homage to September 11, is intriguing in its nature but fails to lift itself from its initial melodramatics, languishing instead in its pretentious and overtly-modern filth. The precision of the symphony is undeniably honed, and although executed marvelously, â€Å"Transmigration† simply looms over ones head, like a pinata which spills forth Brussel sprouts instead of candy. We will write a custom essay sample on John Adams On the Transmigration of Souls or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page If â€Å"On the Transmigration of Souls† teaches us anything, it is to find the humor in any scenario, no matter how disappointing; although this joke is on us, we are all afforded a hearty laugh in retrospect.

E. Coli essays

E. Coli essays In Walkerton Ontario, many people dont even drink a glass of water from the kitchen taps, for fear of their lives. This is because of Escherichia Coli (E. coli). This bacterium has been found to be the cause of over 2,300 illnesses and either the main factor or a contributing factor in 7 deaths. As far back as 1978, tests revealed fecal coliform contamination in Walkertons wells. (Verma and Donovan, Oct. 14/00) *(1,2,3) E. coli was found in water testing, on May 15, and it was not until six days later that the citizens were informed of the deadly bacteria. The outbreak laid bare how a decade of neglect, government cutbacks and weakened controls has undermined the safety of our water supply. (Verma and Donovan, Oct. 14/00) In May of 2000, 7 people died and approximately 2,300 became ill because of harmful bacteria called E. coli in the Walkerton water. Total coliform bacteria are a collection of relatively harmless microorganisms that live in large numbers in the intestines of man and warm and cold-blooded animals. A specific subgroup of this collection is the fecal coliform bacteria, including the Escherichia coli. These organisms have the ability to grow at elevated temperatures in the fecal material of warm-blooded animals. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in a water system indicates that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or other animals. The presence of fecal contamination is a warning that a potential health risk exists for individuals exposed to this water. Escherichia coli 0157 was first identified as a serious cause of illness in humans in 1982. The bacteria binds to the intestinal lining, multiplies and produces a toxin that destroys small blooded vessels, causing clotting in the colon, kidney and brain. In two to ten days, most people develop bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The clotting can lead to organ failure and death. The...

Evaluatin of Feasibility of Financial Stability in Increasingly Essay

Evaluatin of Feasibility of Financial Stability in Increasingly Globalized Economy - Essay Example There comes a question whether the current increasing trend of globalization is leading the countries towards financial stability or not, is yet to explore. This article critically discusses the question whether increasing globalization directs the financial stability in detail with both arguments in favor as well as against of this question. This article is structured in such a manner that it is divided into four major parts such that the first section emphasizes on the concept of globalization followed by second section which describes phenomenon of financial stability. Third section of this article provides arguments in favor of the statement that increasing globalization assists in gaining more financial stability followed by the last section which provides opposite arguments in contradiction of that statement. Conclusion will lead to an end of this discussion. Globalization The term globalization has different meanings and different interpretations but over here its meaning is t aken as the phenomenon due to which the individuals have come closer to each other beyond their geographical boundaries. Today, if any individual whether a person or a country wants to develop some sort of relationship with other individual, that decision is not even in his/her capacity such that all other individuals have joined hands and became a unit. So in case, if an individual tries to be isolated and independent from other individuals, this possibility has become quite rare. If this concept of globalization is viewed on a broader level in terms of the international relations developed among different countries of the world, an important trend can be noticed such that more frequent changes have emerged as the nations are shaking hands with each other despite of even having the worst historical experiences. The current trend which is highly adopted by the countries as well as leading towards an increasingly globalized society is the unification of different sorts of block on di fferent basis (Greenidge, 2008). These blocks are developed due to some mutual interests of the countries such that different backgrounds set the stage for the countries to develop such blocks. For instance, oil producing countries have developed their own block and decide as per their own preferences about the production and supply of oil. Similarly, some countries establish a block for their mutual economic interest like the case of European Union. There are blocks which are developed due to mutual defence related interests for the security of those countries. So in a nutshell, the most important reason behind current movement of emergence of globalization is the increasing pattern of building up various kinds of blocks based on the mutual interests of the participant countries (Greenidge, 2008). Financial Stability The concept of financial stability refers to the financial environment whether on an individual level of a country or on global basis such that the participants of tha t environment feel confident regarding the value of their economic and financial resources (Rahn, 2010). Basically, it is the confidence level of the people or countries that bring financial stability into that particular region. If the people or institutions are

Why Is Philosophy Valuable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why Is Philosophy Valuable - Essay Example It characteristically aspires to something quite a bit more ambitious than the rhetorical and political, and presumes to be based on something considerably more substantial than mere assertion. Philosophical investigation is driven by a passion for things like insight, understanding, and truth. Philosophy is thus founded in the human need to make sense of the world and our place in it. What distinguishes it from mere personal opinion and credulity is its rejection of passionate convictions as sufficient grounds for belief and action, and its commitment to careful analysis and systematic reasoning (Granitto n.d.). Philosophy is the discipline which allows a person to be able to think rationally and irrationally. Philosophers are inveterate askers of questions, people who find intractable problems and issues in what to others seems obvious and utterly uncontroversial. It is not for no reason that the philosopher has been considered (to put it politely) a gadfly. So to approach the stud y of philosophy with the expectation of finding a coolly dispassionate endeavor governed by strict laws of logic and marked by widespread agreement on fundamental issues is to seriously misunderstand its nature and underestimate its difficulty. Philosophy is no mere marshaling of views, no purveyor of irrefutable, absolute truths. It is, rather, a messy and disquieting process in which cherished beliefs and comfortable assumptions are subjected to critical scrutiny. Both philosophy and criticism seek to educate sensibilities and enhance critical awareness, endeavors that, it should be noted, ultimately reduce esteem for the pedestrian and the commonplace. Criticism usually draws liberally on philosophical convictions, while philosophy can and frequently does seek to examine specific practices. Any academic discipline that teaches how to think rationally is valuable and worth studying. Yet it is hardly possible to engage in criticism without employing, beliefs as to what constitutes good or proper thinking: beliefs whose formulation and examination are explicitly philosophical undertakings. Philosophy's historical perspectives are no more lodged in some remote and distant past than acclaimed practices critics continue to enjoy centuries after they were created. Philosophy's voices continue to speak to us, and they have a great deal to say if only we try to understand their assumptions (Minton and Shipka 1990). Philosophy is valuable as the decisions and actions that shape philosophical practices are undertaken without such scrutiny. Such practices are likely to be haphazard and considerably less effective than we might hope. Even more to the point, they may inadvertently serve ends quite different from those we envisage. One's choice, in other words, is not so much between doing and reflecting as it is between practice that unthinkingly replicates an unexamined status quo and practice guided by critical awareness of carefully considered ends. Anyone interested in thinking who commits to systematic reflection on that interest engages in activity that is to some degree philosophical. Accordingly, the question is not whether to engage in it, but how to do it well. And we would do well to remember that there is more than one way to do it well. It is sometimes claimed that among philosophy's benefits is its capacity to inspire, to instill in people a