Analysis of “Moral Minimums for Multinationals” by Thomas Donaldson Essay

  In â€Å"Moral Minimums for Multinationals† Thomas Donaldson addressed an issue, which often escapes attention of moral philosophers. The article deals with a rather special ethical aspect of international business relations: relations between people of various cultures inside multinational corporations. This problem appears to be of paramount importance for the author, providing data about expansion of corporations â€Å"devised for colonizing the future†. Manufacturers from India, managers from USA, experts from Japan, employees from the Philippines and directors from Germany – they are all bearers of quite different cultural and ethical traditions, which need to be reconciled inside an international firm. The problem becomes more complicated considering existence of universal standards for business and business conduct, which are most often based on the values of Western civilization. Should managers always insist on the same standards of conduct for all, or should they verify their demands considering particular traditions? In case the code of conduct of a company creates more severe limitations of behavior than the law and customs of the country in which the company acts, should this code of conduct prevail? Thomas Donaldson attempts to answer this and other questions in his work. Donaldson starts from assertion, that although the multinational corporations are not a wholly new phenomenon, their history in a modern understanding starts after World War II, when the growing demand of products, new transport facilities, differences in economic and financial situations in different countries resulted in internationalization of business. Consequently, standards of those companies started to expand. And the multinational corporations faced conflict between their home practices and practices in other countries, especially concerning labor conditions, working hours, age of employees, sums of salary and other issues. Other matters are related to distribution of their products and standards of quality for such products: for example, can a corporation sell pharmaceuticals which do not correspond to the standards of their   home country in other countries, where there are not such standards? Donaldson introduces several universal concepts for solving those problems. He starts with a concept of human right. Rights â€Å"establish minimum levels of morally acceptable behavior† being a kind of bottom line for the corporations, which can not be crossed, a minimum set of responsibilities for a corporation. Those responsibilities of the corporation are at the same time rights of its employees, trade partners and all those individuals which are influenced by the company’s activities. However, there is a problem of control. Who should monitor the observation of those rights and duties: the company itself or its home country, or a country which is influenced by the company’s activities? And where can such minimum standards be found at all. Some response is given by universal human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the UN Charter. However, those instruments include very little of welfare rights, which are of paramount importance for international corporations. Donaldson criticizes the traditional distinction between positive and negative rights, asserting, that often observation of negative rights requires states and individuals to act positively and vice versa. For example, preservation of right to life means also necessity to create sufficient working and environmental conditions. So what rights related to international corporations should be endorsed on international level? Donaldson proposes the following criteria for definition of such rights: â€Å"1) the right must protect something of very great importance; 2) the right must be subject to substantial and recurrent threats; and 3) the obligations or burdens imposed by the right must satisfy a fairness-affordability test†. For Donaldson there are several rights that correspond these criteria: â€Å"1) the right to freedom of physical movement; 2) the right to ownership of property; 3) the right to freedom from torture; 4) the right to a fair trial; 5) the right to nondiscriminatory treatment (e.g., freedom from discrimination on the basis of such characteristics as race or sex); 6) the right to physical security; 7) the right to freedom of speech and association; 8) the right to minimal education; 9) the right to political participation; and 10) the right to subsistence†. For Donaldson this is a minimal list, which can be extended. He notices, that the international companies are able to observe, or at least pretend that they are observing most of the mentioned rights, but the situation is much more dramatic in cases when companies deprive people from opportunities to enjoy their rights. That’s where we once more face the problem of monitoring. Which of the rights should be guaranteed by the corporations and which by the governments? Here Donaldson states, that a corporation is not an institution which is designed to observe human rights, because it’s aim is only profit-making. They are undemocratic institutions by the nature. They strive to maximize their income and actually don’t care of anyone’s rights. Their minimal obligations under Donaldson are related to avoidance of deprivation of others of their rights. For example, the right of physical security includes the company’s obligation to physically protect it’s workers. In turn the right for political participation for the corporations is limited by their duty to respect democratic institutions in other countries. Donaldson proposes to develop test, which would demonstrate whether the actions of the company deprive anyone of his or her rights or not. If the actions of the company would finally result in violations of anyone’s crucial rights, they should be morally inacceptable, whether they are formally rightful or not. For Donaldson â€Å"nothing less than a general moral theory working in tandem with an analysis of the foundations of corporate existence is needed†. Donaldson introduces two types of ethical conflicts for multinational corporations. In the â€Å"type A† conflicts, the conduct of a company would contradict the legal and ethical norms of a country where the company holds business, and in the â€Å"type B† conflicts, the conduct of a company contradicts the laws of its home country. In order to reconcile the aims of the company to generate profit and obligation to act ethically, Donaldson supposes, that in case a particular practice does not violate considerable human rights and it is impossible to carry on business without such slightly unethical practice, a company may sometimes accept such practice (for example to bribe the officials, if this is a condition for further legal operations). Further development of ethical test would, under Donaldson, help to create ethical standards for multinational corporations in the changing global business environment. Donaldson’s article leaves a controversial impression of   Ã‚  Ã‚   incompleteness. It looks rather like a draft of an article, but not an article itself. The author does not propose any single problem or thesis, or his problem is unreasonably broad for such a small piece of text. At the beginning Donaldson speaks of the moral problems of interaction between bearers of different cultural traditions, but later he does not develop the idea, turning to ethical problems, which are actually typical for any business – not only international one. Any company seeks to improve its performance at all costs. Any company is willing to have more money and less responsibility. Any company has to face a moral choice between ethical and legal conduct and temptation to slightly violate accepted norms. The company does not need to be international to face this, therefore, the name and the thesis of Donaldson’s article are hardly related to its content. Talking of employment standards, which can be really interesting when investigating ethical matters connected to international business, we should notice, that they are not limited exclusively to international human rights instruments, as Donaldson asserts. Acts of the United Nations (especially of Economic and Social Council) as well as acts of International Labor Organization do include numerous requirements and recommendations of both legal and ethical nature. It would be wise to consider them when talking of ethical moments in international business. On the other hand Donaldson does not consider numerous business codes of conduct, which do include a number of ethical provisions. So, Donaldson’s article is rather a set of ideas and reasoning about some situations, than a systematic study of multinational business ethics. So, do we need multinational corporations to behave ethically? Obviously, yes. Do we need to develop any new ethical standards? Yes, but we need to be aware of those, which already exist. The situation is not so dramatic, as Donaldson presents. Ethical norms already exist, we just need to correctly apply them and reconcile moral requirements in various countries. Considering that most of the paramount ethical values are somehow reflected in the international law, or recognized universally, this task appears to be not so complicated. Here it is possible to speak of globalization of ethical imperatives, which is a part of globalization processes as a whole. International business act both as agents and objects of such globalization, which is already inconvertible.

Crime in Literature

When crime features in literature, there are often many ways it is dealt with. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† by Langston Hughes, Mrs. Jones was almost robbed by a boy named Roger. Instead of calling the cops Mrs. Jones took the boy home to her house, washed, fed and gave him money to buy the sneakers that he had wanted to steal the money for. In contrast, in Roald Dahl’s â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, Mary kills her husband, Patrick Maloney, after he told her he is going to leave her. After killing her husband, she tricks the police that she found him dead when she came home and also tricked them into eating the leg of lamb that she killed him with.While the lesson that is taught in each literature work are far different from each other, both show that crime is treated differently in many cases. However, were as Hughes illustrates the lesson that is being taught about theft, dhal demonstrates the unexpected turn in a common crime. In both works of literature w orks, â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, crime is a common theme. Though in both literature works crime is conveyed differently. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones is almost robbed by a young boy Roger. But instead of calling the cops, Mrs.Jones catches him and takes him home where she taught him that stealing may not be the solution to his problems. In contrast, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, Mary Maloney kills her husband, Patrick Maloney. But instead of getting caught, she finds a way to cover her tracks. Though both themes were crime, it’s shown in different ways. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† the theme can portrayed as crime is solved by forgiveness. Mrs. Jones shows roger forgiveness which made the reader believe that roger will change his ways. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† the theme shows that crime can be solved by lying.Mary will not go to jail because she covered her tracks an d the cops can’t trace her to her husband’s murder. Another example of how the theme is different by the ending of each story. In the end of â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† roger leaves Mrs. Jones house changed, speechless of what just happened to him. However, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary giggles at the end of the story. This can show that both works of literature were conveyed differently throughout each story. Therefore, this shows how he crime is common in both works of literature through to theme is different. These two examples show how the themes are different.In both works of literature, â€Å"Tank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, characterization is a common influence on how each story plays out. However in each works of literature characters influence in different ways. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones helps roger realize what his wrong doing was. Therefore, Mrs. Jones influences roger t o realize what he has been doing wrong. In contrast, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary tricks to police into eating the lamb, the weapon in Patrick murder case. This shows that Mary influence the police to believe that she did not kill her husband.In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones could be characterized as kind. It was kindness that Mrs. Jones showed Roger for him to realize his wrong doings. And yet, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary can be characterized as manipulative. In addition, the characterization could change the seriousness of a crime. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Roger is characterized as a minor. He was just a young boy who had potential of changing his ways. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† marry could be characterized, in this case, as a consequential adult. Mary was dealing with a serious crime that she had committed.This shows that even though both works of literature consist of crime, the authors illustrates a different kind of crime in each by using the characterization of each character. Roger was a kid with a chance of change, who as just committed a robbery, but in Mary’s case she as an adult that had committed a murder. Through characterization, these stories consist of a common trait, but are conveyed differently. These two examples show how the two text are different. In conclusion, throughout both works of literature, there were common traits that consist in the story that is told by convey themselves differently.In both â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† consist of crime, but in each work they convey itself differently than the others. † In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† crime was resolved by forgiveness. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† crime was solved by lying. Both works also consist of characterization that play out the story, but is used differently in each one. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs . Jones characterization help roger for the better. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary’s characterization helped her for the bad. There were common trait but all was conveyed differently to create a different reaction of each literature works.

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Essay

Lab 2.1 Exercise 2.1.1 All these elements are necessary because each allows the other to function and do its job. Without Media the signal cannot transmit. Without Interface the computer cannot access the Media. Without the signal the electricity or copper wires cannot transmit information. Without Pattern there would be no established format for the signals. And timing lets the devices know when the pattern starts and ends. Exercise 2.1.2 Almost all networks in use today are based in some fashion on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standard. The core of this standard is the OSI Reference Model, a set of seven layers that define the different stages that data must go through to travel from one device to another over a network. But the OSI is just a guideline. Exercise 2.1.3 The other networking services are: RIP Listener Simple TCP/IP Services UPnP User Interface Exercise 2.1.4 Wi-Fi wireless networks support ad hoc connections between devices. Ad hoc Wi-Fi networks are pure peer to peer compared to those utilizing wireless routers as an intermediate device. Exercise 2.1.5 Lab 2.1 Review 1) A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer but does not contribute to the computer’s primary function. It helps access and use the functionalities of a computer. (ex. Mouse, flash drive, printer) Network devices are components used to connect computers or other electronic devices together so that they can share files or resources. (ex. Router, dsl filter, Ethernet cable) 2) The fewer amount of connections the fast the connection speed with the current connections. 3) A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is created when two or more PCs are connected and share resources without going through a separate server computer. Benefits: 1) It is easy to install and so is the configuration of computers on this network. 2) All the resources and contents are shared by all the peers, unlike server-client architecture where Server shares all the contents and resources. 3) P2P is more reliable as central dependency is eliminated. Failure of one peer doesn’t affect the functioning of other peers. In case of Client –Server network, if server goes down whole network gets affected. 4) There is no need for full-time System Administrator. Every user is the administrator of his machine. User can control their shared resources.

Business Functions and Processes (Google. Communication and Research Paper

Business Functions and Processes (Google. Communication and Information Technology) - Research Paper Example Moreover, changing supplementary, either by incorporating computer investments without firm change in organization, or only partially enforcing some organizational requirements and changes, can generate significant productivity losses as any advantages of computerization are normally more than outshined by negative interactions with present organizational policies and practices (Brynjolfsson, Renshaw and Van Alstyne 1997). The necessity for ‘all or nothing’ changes between complementary systems was a part of the logic behind the organizational reengineering shift period during the era of 1990s (Hammer 1990). Furthermore, it can also elaborate why many large scale information technology projects are unable to perform as expected and miserably fail (Kemerer and Sosa 1991), while successful information technology adopters earn substantial rents (Brynjolfsson and Hitt 2000).There are various examples reflecting the historically high cost of information gathering and processi ng as well. For example, hierarchical organizational structures can diminish communications costs because they reduce the number of communications links essential to connect multiple economic factors as compared with the more decentralized hierarchical structures (Malone 1987; Radner 1993). Analogously, producing simple and standardized products remains to be the most efficient way to utilize scale intensive and inflexible manufacturing technology. However, as the cost of automated information processing has diminished by over 99.9 percent since the 1960s, it is not likely that the work practices of the earlier era will remain the same ones that best leverage the value of inexpensive information along with flexible production. In this spirit, Milgrom and Roberts (1990) develop and provide a model in which firm’s transformation and transition from ‘mass production’ to flexible, computer-enabled modern manufacturing’ is pushed by exogenous changes in the inf ormation technology price. Within the same context, the Bresnahan (1999) and Bresnahan, Brynjolfsson and Hitt (2000) highlight that how changes in information technology costs and capabilities direct to a cluster of changes in work organization and firm strategy increasing the demand for skilled labour. Changing interactions with the suppliers Managing a constant and result-orientated interaction and correspondence with suppliers offers numerous pitfalls. The organizations are generating a view that it is no more a feasible option to permanently rely on suppliers and may not disregard this option as for as the short term objectives are concerned. The organizations contend that suppliers have not been able to expectedly fulfil their role and part of work and they provide their excuses for delays. Keeping this view in mind and due to other problems coordinating with external suppliers, large firms often generate and develop many of their required inputs in-house. General Motors is the appropriate successful story of a company whose success was considerably supported by high levels of vertical integration. However, the latest technologies such as internet-based procurement systems, electronic data interchanges and other inter-organizational information systems have substantially diminished business process cost, business design and development cost and other difficulties of interacting with suppliers. Within the same

Myths to the Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Myths to the Renaissance - Essay Example The system was meant to check on excessiveness of a ruler. During this period, the empire was under Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus (son to Marcus Aurelius) and his adoptive brother and son in-law Lucius Verus1. He was a stoic philosopher2 who established himself as the more powerful of the two emperors. During his reign, the Roman Empire was full of all sorts of nefarious deeds. Led by the emperor himself, sexual sin was not a secret. In the film, we encounter concubines being depraved in his presence. He was a womanizer and a homosexual at the same time. The film gives us an understanding of the political system in ancient Rome. This was a political system structured a way that to reflect some sort of modern day democracy. It did not support tyranny. This was the main objective of the joint leadership by two consuls during the time of the ‘Republic’.3 The empire had other notable political entities apart from the monarchy. There was the senate made u p of senators, Plebian Tribunate and Comitia Centuriata. The entities, together with the two consuls constituted the form of political systems, which the Romans referred to as the ‘republic’. In the film, it is evident that the Roman Empire was ruled by militant monarchial leaders. ... He had an arena where he displayed his hunting skills. In this arena, euphemism is brought into play. The killing of ostrich by the emperor was meant to pass a message to the senators that the same could befall them if they disobeyed him. People who displayed reformist minds were assassinated by the regime5. The film depicts the Roman Empire as one full of people with greed for power. There area many instances where characters assassinate rulers to take power. It is claimed that the main character Commodus murdered his father to take power. Barely three months into his rule, there were plans to execute him too. After his death in the arena, the senate met and declared Pertinax the emperor. Some characters in the army could not warm to the idea of being led by a son to a former slave and ended up assassinating him. Tattooing was an in thing in the mercenary dominated Roman army. The deserters could easily be identified through the tattoos, hence are means of checking against deserters . The tattoos such as the one worn by Maximus in the film Gladiator were a reserve for the lowly regarded in society. In the army, they were meant for mercenaries, lowly ranked and miners during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The film portrays the tattoos as an epitome of paganism, superstition and marginalization in the Roman Empire. It was not just an ordinary practice but a law that was applied ruthlessly6. The film portrays a society that idolizes violent sports as a form of fun. Whenever the empire was peaceful, gladiators provided an alternative to war heroes for people to idolize. The gladiators were the heartthrob of many Romans girls. During the era in which the movie is based, the gladiators were a thorn

Financial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Economics - Essay Example Under CAPM, the variations associated with returns are considered as sufficient measure of the risk related to a particular portfolio. But, on the other hand, there are several other risk factors, which may be considered as influential in the determination of risk involved in the investment in a portfolio. Apart from this, as per the assumption made in CAPM, returns related to assets are deemed to be normally distributed, which in real life situation, cannot be guaranteed as such (Kurschner, 2008). In addition to this, it is also pertinent to note that investors do not possess the same ability to invest and therefore investment costs to be borne by them may vary significantly. Similarly, assumptions relating to no variations in the expected returns and the concept of asset market without friction can also be considered as unfeasible. In fact, markets, which are assumed to be frictionless are reflective of situations where there exist no costs of transaction and other costs relating t o taxes or any limit on transactions. Moreover, the model also presumes that the assets traded in the market can be segregated to an infinite extent, thus enabling them to be held or sold. Apart from these limitations, one other significant limitations associated with the model is that CAPM does not require investors to take into consideration unsystematic risk, as the model presumes that it is not difficult to diversify such risks. But, since returns are directly related to the returns on market portfolio, therefore it is not possible to eliminate such risks with mere diversification (Kurschner, 2008). Roll’s Critique of the Early Empirical Tests of the CAPM Based on the empirical testing of the CAPM, Roll’s critical evaluation of the model relates to the determination of the fact that whether CAPM equation is valid and does it hold its ground? As per the equation of CAPM, E (Ri) signifies the returns expected from investment in a security â€Å"i† (Roll, 1977) . On the other hand, Rf is representative of the risk free return and ? represents systematic risk associated with the security for expected returns are to be determined. Moreover, it is also pertinent to note here that under CAPM making use of expected returns in relation to a real market portfolio carries out the evaluation of investment portfolio. As per the criticism of Roll, there is a relationship between systematic risk and returns expected from investment in a security, which is linear, provided that the value for ? is determined in the form of an index portfolio. Apart from this, the intercept also equates with the return when a portfolio with minimum return is considered. In light of these findings, it can be stated that the assumptions of the model are not required (Roll, 1977). Moreover, Roll also argued that as Capital Asset Pricing Model is concerned with the mean and variances therein in relation to efficiency of market portfolios and since it is not possible to obser ve the investments for which returns are being determined through it, it is therefore not possible to evaluate the model through empirical testing (Roll, 1977). Arbitrage Pricing Theory as an Alternative to CAPM’s Limitations The Arbitrage Pricing theory reflects that pricing of an

Safe and Productive Neighborhoods and Economic Prosperity Essay

Safe and Productive Neighborhoods and Economic Prosperity - Essay Example From this study it is clear that  the emergence of street gangs in some communities is more prevalent in groups of low income families with less education, while the contrary is true to families with relatively higher income and high education. Therefore, it is reasonable for Putnam to say that each person in the community is not only influenced by their own â€Å"choices and circumstances† but also with â€Å"the choices and circumstances of their neighbors†.  Community is a business where social capital would gain utmost importance in the initial and with the whole process of developing it. Generally speaking, there is no one country whose richness is definite and absolute in the presence of poorer communities and less educated people. As observed, such kinds of communities are clustered in a seemingly patterned way, where well-educated and people of ‘decent’ values group together while those who have high dropout probability in school levels are also living in the same community.This paper highlights that  clustering may also be dependent on the economic status of families. In the case of Tupelo, Mississippi, improvement was largely because of financial status and engagement in development activities such as the pooling of financial resources by farmers and businessmen. In the development of employment and education in Tupelo, it has reached a satisfactory reputation nowadays. Communities which are well-developed does not necessarily mean that they have zero crime rates.

Workplace Stress and Aggression Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Workplace Stress and Aggression - Research Paper Example The overall productivity of the businesses may also come down just because of this negative perception about the work place environment in the company (Tom, 2008). The research shows many lethal examples of such violent incidents in different US institutions. At the top of the list, there is an incident of a US Army Major, who was serving as a psychiatrist, killed 13 people at his place in October 2007. Similarly, another horrible incident took place in 2006, when the corps found a dead body of a student at a research building hanging with the wall. The reason behind her death was the violent behavior of the lab assistant (Tom, 2008). In November 2008, an engineer was fired because of the consistent poor performance; he came after a week to his company and shot 11 people in aggression. In another incident in Mississippi in 2003, a plant worker killed six workers and then shot himself too. These are some of the incidents which are highlighted in the research, otherwise the history of US companies is filled with these horrible violent behaviors and therefore increasing the level of aggression and stress in the company employees (Tom, 2008). The increasing rate of work place violence issues need to be addressed soon other it will create a havoc for the rest of the company employees and thus the company management will have to suffer the losses. For this reason, the company management should be aware of the warning signs or the triggering factors which actually provoke these violent behaviors. In this way, company can take precautionary measures to avoid any such hazardous event or incident to take place (Morris, 2005). If a person is not at all comfortable with his or her colleagues at the work place and used to pass negative comments on them then it means that he has an aggressive behavior towards others. His inappropriate remarks towards other are a symbol that he is not comfortable with them. According to these people, they are

Female Sexuality in short stories by D. Updike and S. Minot Essay

Female Sexuality in short stories by D. Updike and S. Minot - Essay Example In David Updike's story "Summer", one of the main characters, Homer is attracted by the girl whose name is Sandra. Her sexuality is in her innocence. She is a naà ¯ve girl and her purity appeals for male’s interest. A girl from â€Å"Lust† has different sexual features. She is more experienced girl and it looks like she is searching for the essence of her sexual charm. Thus, both authors consider female sexuality from different perspectives. These girls are prototypes of the blessed woman and the strange woman, if to describe them in terms of religion. The literary techniques used by the authors are developed with regards to the specific sexual features they want to show. Thus, Sandra’s naà ¯ve nature is underlined by the color of her skin: â€Å"[when Sandra] first came in her face was faintly flushed, and there was a pinkish line around the snowy band where her bathing suit strap had been, but the back of her legs remained an endearing, pale white† (Updike). Thus, â€Å"pinkish skin†, â€Å"faintly flushed† face underline that the girl is naà ¯ve and innocent. Sandra’s manner to dress is another feature that characterizes her as an innocent little girl, as a virgin. She wears her nightgown and pulls it to her chin while reading at night. In other words, she is conservatively dressed up like a shy little girl. Moreover, the author prefers to use a descriptive manner of writing, metaphors, figurative expressions etc. In such a way he wants to show the abundance and uselessness of figurative lite rary means on the background of innocence and naà ¯vetà © of his main heroine. She is pure and innocent and there is no need to describe her by means of excessive usage of figurative literary means, it is much better to focus on her white skin and purity of her intentions. Minot’s heroine is a victim of her own sexual impulses. It looks as if this girl felt a necessity to be emotionally dependant on her partners. She explains it in a superficial manner: "I thought the worst thing anyone could call you was a cock-teaser. So, if you flirted, you had to be prepared to go through with it. Sleeping with someone was perfectly normal once you had done it (Minot)." Thus, having sex for her is, on the one hand, a normal behavior. But on the other hand, it should be noted that this girl was wandering along labyrinth of her sexual fantasies and could find no exit. From this perspective, this girl is still a â€Å"spiritual virgin†, while her sexual contacts concern her body, but not her soul. In this case, her abundance of sexual life is a self-protection strategy against a cruel world. It looks like this girl is fighting against her another Self. She is a victim of her inner turbulence: â€Å"Their blank look tells you that the girl they were fuck ing is not there anymore. You seem to have disappeared (Minot)." Thus, this girl cannot even identify herself as a personality. She guesses, if she is present or not and who she really is. The authors’ techniques of narration correspond with their main characters way of behavior. For example, Updike perfectly describes summer; he tries to make his readers

College Essay Essay Example for Free

College Essay Essay Do we send students to college to grow personally and intellectually or strictly to develop work related skills? In your opinion what should be the purpose of a college education and what do you hope to gain from your personal experience? College is a big step for anyone, especially teenagers, who is still growing up. Unlike in high school where the main focus is the curriculum, college also focuses on developing personality. College is not about papers and tests; it is about growing personally and intellectually while developing work related skills to help in life. A college education involves more than books and tests. It should be an experience a student should never forget. At Southwestern University, the school motto is â€Å"Be Southwestern. † To â€Å"Be Southwestern† students have to be determined and focused. To â€Å"Be Southwestern† students have to be involved. During my visit to Southwestern University, I noticed that for such a small school there are so many opportunities available to learn in variety of environments and participate in campus life. At Southwestern University the campus life consists of music, plays, Greek life, athletic events, religious interests, and preparation for the study abroad program. I have never been out of this country, and one thing I like about Southwestern is the study abroad program. Personally, I have always wanted to go to Italy. Not just because I am in love with Italian food but because it’s so different from America. I want to go to a college that allows me to see the world and experience new things. A college education should help you meet your desire to explore and interact with the world around you. Another thing I like about Southwestern University is how much help is available for students from professors. I want to go to a college that has small class sizes and cares about me as an individual. Every Southwestern University student I’ve talked to has said the professors will know who you are, will always be available for assistance, and will always help you succeed. At Southwestern University, a student is not just a number. The professors there are dedicated to a student’s personal success. Instead of going to a tutor, a student can schedule a simple meeting with the professor to discuss theclass. A little help can go a long way. As a student at Southwestern University, I hope to continue to strengthen my sense of pride and leadership. I have played the game of softball my entire life and hope to continue to play competitively in college. In my college softball experience, I hope to gain a greater inspiration to push myself harder than ever before both, academically and athletically. I hope one day when I look back on my college career I can say that Southwestern made me the student-athlete I always wanted to be. Through my college experiences, I will see the world in a new perspective, developing new intellectual light in a variety of subjects, and engaging in challenging curriculum and discussions. I want to find out who I am and what kind of person I will become, and I strongly believe Southwestern University will help me do that. A college education should additionally develop an individual’s appreciation for history. I go to a high school that is starting to make its history; however, I want to go to a university that has its history already established. As the oldest school in Texas, Southwestern University has many traditions. I want to be able to engage in these traditions and perhaps help make some new ones while I’m there. I don’t just want to be a part of history I want to make history. A college experience should be one of the best times in a person’s life. The professors, the activities, and the history of the school should help one develop personally and intellectually as a student. I know that my time spent at Southwestern University will make me stronger, confident, and a more independent thinking individual who is ready to face not only challenge of working environment but also whatever life throws at me.

Religion The Sacred And Rituals Theology Religion Essay

Religion The Sacred And Rituals Theology Religion Essay This paper will discuss the challenges of both the Islamic and Catholic religion in terms of defining the rituals, how members practice their religion and the overall terms of their devotion. Comparing is not an easy task as Islam and Catholicism are complete ends of the spectrum. For both religions claiming to be peace loving people, who share some of the same religious texts, and have many common beliefs they often cannot get along. Neither religion will tolerate or begin to accept the other religions if strictly and literally practiced by either Islam or Catholicism. Religion is a personal choice and as much as it is a choice, it should be respected by other religions as well. It does not matter what your beliefs are, if you are truly devoted to your faith, you will understand the need for religious tolerance. Religious tolerance is something that is borne out of a complete devotion to your faith. You will honor and accept your religion as something personal; however, in the same regard, you will accept the teachings, practices and traditions of other religions as well In some ways, Islam and Catholicism parallel each other. Although the rituals, prayers and history are different, they basically mirror each other in the basic aspects. The word Islam means submission or surrender in Arabic. To be submissive, means to be submissive to the will of Allah. Catholics hold a Trinitarianism belief that God is three persons in one, the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit. Muslims, or followers of Islam, maintain that Allah is one God and has no equal and no partner. (Dolphin, undated). Islamic doctrine is based on four separate principles or sources: the Quran, ijtihad (individual thought), the Sunnah (traditions) and ijma or community consensus. The Quran is to the Muslims, the Word of God, as the Bible is to Catholics. Unlike the Bible, the Quran was believed to be delivered from Allah, to the Angel Gabriel. The Quran is divided in to 144 surahs or chapters. Each of the early readings revealed in Mecca, are ethical and spiritual. The early readings also include the Day of Judgment. The surahs in later chapters, teach social, political and moral teaching for the communities. (Dolphin, undated). Muslims are uncertain as to whether they will go to heaven or not. However, like the Catholic religion, there are certain steps that must be taken to ensure eternal life. The 5 Pillars of the Islam faith are: Confession of Faith (Shahada), Salat (prayer), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), Zakat (contributing tithings) and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims recite the Shahada or, Confession of Faith: La ilaha illaLlah; wa Muhammadun rasuluLlah. There is no God but Allah; and Muhammad is Allahs prophet. The Quran has six main teachings and like the Catholic faith, each must be adhered to in order to receive a final reward. The first teaching is that you must believe in Allah. To believe in Allah is to believe in the teachings of the Quran and no other. The word of Allah comes directly from the Quran and there is no room for interpretation by man. Muslims believe the message delivered to the Angel Gabriel is unadulterated and therefore implicit. The second teaching is belief in the Angels who are the messengers of Allah. Although Muslims do not submit to Allah, they submit to the teachings of Allah. Allah is not to be questioned. To question Allah or his existence is to deny the existence of his will. The third teaching is belief in the Books, you must believe in the Messengers, you must believe in the Day of Judgment. Although there is judgment at the time of death, the final judgment comes at the end of time. The final belief is that Muslims have to believe implicitly in fate. The Quran teaches that God has determined both good and evil. By acknowledging the teachings of the Quran, one acknowledges there is no other religion. To consider worship in another religion is to blaspheme Allah. The Quran does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Muslims do not acknowledge Jesus death or Resurrection. Fundamental Islam teaches that Jesus was nothing more than a mere prophet and denies the existence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as a Trinity. Allah and his will are the final word. In essence, Allah is the Master (abd) and Muslims are his slaves (abd). To submit totally to the Master is to have complete faith in Allah. (Robinson, 2012) The Catholic faith can be just as confusing and just as intricate as the Islamic faith. The Catholic Church is full of rituals and traditions that are questioned by many. The Catholic Church recognizes that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered and died on the Cross for our sins. To many, the existence of a virgin birth is inconceivable. Catholics recognize God as Our Father. However, that does not mean that God and the Virgin Mary conceived Jesus. The Catholic religion teaches that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. The conception of Jesus was Immaculate and therefore, The Virgin Mary is recognized as our Mother. (The Holy See, 2012). Mary is not worshiped on the same level as Our Father. Mary is revered as the Mother of Jesus and although Catholics do not specifically pray to Mary, they ask for her intercession through Jesus Christ, her Son. The Hail Mary is the prayer most often associated with reverence for the Virgin Mother. The word Hail is used not as a title to acknowledge Mary as being on the same level with Jesus or the Father. It is merely used as a greeting. The word, Hail was used in biblical times much as we usethe greeting, Hello today. Catholics also recite the Rosary, which is another form of ritualistic prayer. The Rosary is not mentioned in the Bible, it is not a mandatory teaching or tradition. It is a man-made prayer which when said properly, allows Catholics to reflect and meditate on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. From the Annunciation by Marys cousin Elizabeth that she was going to be the Mother of the Most Holy One to the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Rosary is used as a teaching tool. The Catholic Church was founded over 2000 years ago on the Pentecost. This was the day the Holy Spirit appeared to the Apostles. As Muslims recite the Shahada, Catholics recite the Apostles Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles Creed once again, is a historical account of the life of Jesus. It is the basic belief that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, became man and ultimately died for our sins. One interesting concept that differs between the Catholic, and Islamic faith is tolerance for killing. It specifically states in the Ten Commandments, Thou shalt not kill. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and are the framework of a Christian life. The Ten Commandments are basic rules for every Christian and/or Catholic to pattern their lives after. There is no room for interpretation of the Ten Commandments. Although the Commandments are depicted in a particular order, there does not seem to be a Commandment which, when broken, is more severe than the others. Islam has tolerance for killing non-combatants. The Quran calls for the elimination of all and any non-Muslim invaders. If the result is death of the invader(s), the Quran considers it to be collateral damage. In order to keep the Muslim faith pure, it is considered perfectly acceptable to extinguish the lives of any person who does not accept the Quran and the Muslim way of life as their own. The teaching of some radical Imams additionally allows for the killing of Israelis who could as adults join the Israeli army, once again based on the belief that the Quran allows for the elimination of anyone who may interfere with the teachings of Islam. Teachings from the Quran that incite the radical Muslims result in the acceptance of suicide bombings, suicide missions such as the September 11th attacks on the United States and every other form of terrorism that radical Muslims have engaged in over the years. In the Catholic religion, there is zero tolerance for the murder of anyone opposed to the teachings and beliefs of the Church. At this juncture, the Catholic religion deems abortion as murder and will excommunicate any woman who, for whatever reason, opts to terminate a pregnancy. There is no exception for a pregnancy that is a result of rape, incest or any other act that results in the fertilization of the egg by the sperm. In the Catholic view, human life begins at conception. In this sense, it could be viewed as a radical opposition to the choice of a woman to choose whether or not to carry a fetus to term even in the mother is incapable of performing her duties as a nurturer. One example of this type of pregnancy would be for a severely mentally disabled woman to become impregnated. In the eyes of the Catholic Church, it does not matter that the quality of life for the child may be severely diminished. It is not a concern if the life of the mother is endangered either. Like the T en Commandments, there is no room for interpretation. Human life begins at conception. For Muslims and Catholics to coexist, there has to be some form of religious tolerance. Although the basic teachings are similar, when the beliefs and traditions are altered from their original state, that leaves room for views that become tainted by man to conform to his personal, political and self-righteous beliefs.