The Skinny about the New Trend

Women come in different sizes. Ideally, there should be no ideal weight for men and women alike. A person’s proper weight should be determined, not by aesthetic standards, but by health standards. Thus, a person’s ideal body weight should be determined by his/her bone structure, height, and other relevant factors, and not by the way certain clothing would look on him/her.Unfortunately, there appears to be a current trend favoring skinny women over their more healthy counterparts, especially in the glamorous circles such as Hollywood and the high fashion industry. Thus, top international actresses and celebrities, such as Kate Bosworth, Keira Knightley, and Nicole Richie have been spotted sporting very thin figures.In the related world of high fashion, models could be seen strutting in the catwalks looking too thin for comfort. Indeed, it would be considered very unusual if a plus sized woman appears in a catwalk, unless she is promoting a line of maternity clothing or t hose made specifically for plus sized women.The current culture that favors thin women over their more fleshy counterparts could be explained by at least popular phenomena. The first one involves Barbie, a doll that has captured the fancy of young girls all over the world for many years. Barbie has given birth to a specific image of a perfect woman, which image is the standard being aspired for by women, young and old alike.The other cultural phenomenon promoting the overly thin figure is the skinny trend in Hollywood and the high fashion industry, which sends the message that only skinny women could look beautiful in fabulous dresses. Barbie is a doll that has captured the interest of both adults and children alike, and male and female alike.Indeed, Barbie could be considered a cultural phenomenon since its creation in the 1950s. Barbie is viewed as the epitome of the perfect woman, who has the beauty and curves that is the envy and dream of every girl or woman. Indeed, the picture of Barbie had a profound and lasting influence in the lives of young girls and women all over the world. However, much of this influence had been negative, following her perceived representation of the ideal feminine.Mattel, Incorporated is responsible for creating Barbie, whose full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts (Vaughan). On March 9, 1959, the doll was officially introduced in the market at a major toy fair in New York (Vaughan). This makes the doll five decades old (Vaughan).Barbie was originally conceptualized by her producers to be a doll that has no clear and identifiable personality (Vaughan). Initially, she was designed to be a toy that would allow little girls to project their own personalities (Vaughan).Barbie was a reaction to a popular doll at the time named Lilli (Wolf). Lilli was a German doll that was known for her large breasts and sexy clothing (Wolf). It sold a lot of numbers, which encouraged Mattel to create a counterpart that would appeal to little girls (Wo lf).Barbie’s creators, Ruth and Elliot Handler, intended to design an adult doll for little girls, which was supposed to be radically different from the popular dolls manufactured for young girls at the time, which all looked like babies (Wolf). Thus, Barbie was designed to be 11  ½ inches tall (Wolf). She also weighed 11 ounces (Wolf). Thus, in her debut, she wore a swimsuit, thereby sporting the image of a teenage model (Wolf). Barbie thus debuted as â€Å"the first doll in America with a adult body.† (Wolf).Initially, Barbie did not meet instant success (Wolf). Despite her entrance as the first of her kind in the American market, consumers appeared to be unprepared for Barbie’s arrival (Wolf). In particular, mothers had been primarily horrified at the sight of Barbie’s adult body (Wolf). Mothers were concerned that this new doll was exuding way too much sex appeal to be good for their little girls (Wolf). Hence, upon her entry to the American market, Barbie did not immediately become the cultural icon that she is today (Wolf).Later on, however, Barbie experienced certain changes in and developments in the consumer scene which allowed her to penetrate popular culture (Wolf). The first development involved the introduction of the television set to the market (Wolf). In 1950s, the television was introduced, which presented itself as a major medium that could reach the most number of people (Wolf).This major economic episode permitted Barbie to reach her target market of mothers, teenagers and girls (Wolf). Thus, little girls who saw the television ads asked their mothers to buy them the new beautiful doll (Wolf). This made Barbie a household name (Wolf).The second economical development was a result of the strong economy that emerged after the war (Wolf). At that time, middle-class suburban families began to get on their feet. This allowed teenagers to earn enough money to buy these Barbie dolls on their own, without asking for he lp from their parents (Wolf). This was good for the doll business, because sales of the Barbie dolls shot up (Wolf).

Are Socrates’s Views on Death Consistent Throughout the Apology

â€Å"A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live. † Martin Luther King said these words urging the importance of living with a cause. Socrates was a man who strictly lived his life with a purpose, and according to Plato’s Apology, died for the right to practice philosophy. What perhaps is most interesting about Socrates’s view is his outlook on death. Death, to many, is a frightful end; something to be avoided for as long as one possibly can. Socrates disagrees, as seen most clearly in his very last speech prior to the conviction of his death. But was this acceptance of death with open arms Socrates’s view throughout the Apology?I believe yes, and it can be seen clearly first in Socrates’s defense speech, then the response to the question of what verdict Socrates himself sees fit, otherwise known as the epitimesis, and lastly in the speech immediately following the ruling of death. Since the beginning of the Apology, Socrates has pr oclaimed that he, in fact, knows â€Å"nothing† and because he understand this about himself, it makes Socrates wiser than most. I believe that this fundamental understanding of himself is the foundation for all of Socrates’s views, including his interesting take on death and the end.Throughout the defense speech as well as after, Socrates uses tactics that one convicted of a serious crime would do his best to avoid. Resorting to sarcasm, suggesting the overwhelming ignorance of the jurors, as well as very subtly over-exemplifying his own superior wisdom are all examples of his interesting behavior at court, that, many claim, resulted in Socrates condemning himself to death. During the defense speech, Socrates rhetorically asks himself why he would continue to partake in an activity that puts him in danger of the death penalty.He answers, â€Å"You are mistaken†¦if you think that a man who is worth anything ought to append his time weighing up the prospects of li fe and death. He has only one thing to consider†¦whether he is acting justly or unjustly. (28a-b, p. 54). Socrates clearly believes in the importance of being a good man and an asset to society. His duty, he feels is to lead a just philosophic life, as God ordered him to do, and Socrates feels that to abandon his responsibility for fear of death would not only be humiliating, but shameful and dishonorable as well.In fact, Socrates states that if he did act cowardly and leave his post for fear of death, it would then be just to convict him for disobeying the oracle and failing to adhere to his duties. Socrates believes that whether or not he is acquitted or not, he will never stop philosophizing or change his ways, not even if he has to â€Å"die a hundred deaths† (p. 56). It is not his fear of appearing cowardly, but Socrates’s lack of fear of death that can be directly connected to his core belief that the greatest injustice of all is thinking one knows what he d oes not know.Socrates explains that fearing death is dreading what one does not know, therefore is a form of the greatest injustice. â€Å"I shall never feel more fear or aversion for something which, for all I know, may really be blessing than for those evils which I know to be evils† (p. 55). Socrates goes beyond what many men fail to see, the fact that fearing the unknown is futile, and because of this very understanding he remains so steadfast in his beliefs and welcomes death when it comes calling. Closer to the end of the defense speech, Socrates brings up the idea that if executed, another practicing philosophy just as he did will come to the city.Socrates seems to enjoy subtly tormenting the jurors and almost threatening them with the appearance of another â€Å"Socrates†, as if to suggest the nuisance caused with his actions is immortal. Socrates’s defense speech, hardly served any sort of â€Å"defense† at all. Instead it seems that the preconce ptions and slander that the jurors had about the convicted were actually proved, as Socrates continued to dispel any remorse towards his actions and fear towards forthcoming death. The second part of the Apology is when Socrates is asked to present his epitimesis, or an alternate punishment after the death penalty is issued.The alternate punishment Socrates offers, full of sarcasm and pure ridicule towards the jurors, is a free dinner. Socrates sees his will to philosophize as betterment to the city and its people, so therefore a reward, rather than a punishment, seems appropriate. â€Å"I set myself to do you †¦what I hold to be the greatest possible service: I tried to persuade each one of you not to think more of practical advantages than of his mental and moral being† (p. 65). His actions, Socrates believes, are free of wrongdoing and only benefit the jurors be attempting to convince them of caring for a morally just life.His clear derision of the jurors does anythin g but help Socrates’s case, and as wise man, though he does continue to refute that fact, he understands this. Any other man convicted of a serious crime, and endangered by the possibility of the death penalty would never dream of ridiculing the jurors in the manner in which Socrates continues to do so. As Socrates believes he has done nothing wrong, he also mentions in an almost apathetic way that he has already done as much as he can to convince the jurors of his just innocence.He then goes to mention that as he believes in his innocence, that proposing an alternate penalty proves to be unnecessary. Socrates also states that as he has no knowledge of death, whether it is to be feared or welcomed, he cannot possibly choose another punishment for himself. Furthermore, Socrates continues to say that if he is able to avoid the death penalty, he will never flee from his duties to society and stop philosophizing. â€Å"†¦to let no day pass without discussing goodness andâ⠂¬ ¦examining both myself and others is really the very best thing a man can do†¦life without this sort of examination is not worth living†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 6). It is made clear in the epitimesis, that Socrates is wholly committed to leading a good, just life, and practicing philosophy, whether or not his life is depended on it. Socrates truly believes in his innocence well as his cause, and therefore cannot succumb himself to pleading for another verdict. After the penalty of death has been announced, Socrates seems relatively calm. He mentions that he is so far along in life as it is, death seems timely, and claims that the jurors would have escaped the irksome task of a hearing had they had a little patience and let Socrates die of natural causes.After hearing that one is to be put to death, most would try whatever is left in his or her power to save themselves. Socrates, however, staying true to his beliefs of truth and justice refuses to â€Å"weep and wail† because he feels that doing so would not only dishonor himself, but result him in acting unjustly. â€Å"I would much rather die as the result of this defense†¦ in a court of law, just as in warfare, neither I nor any other ought to use his wits to escape death by any means† (p. 67).Socrates feels that attempting to run from death would result in admitting himself to evil, which he also suggests the jurors are condemning themselves to by prosecuting an innocent man. Socrates believes to die as a just man, rather than live his life any other way, and attempting to escape the finalized verdict would not only be catering to injustice, but would be seen as an insult to everything Socrates has practiced in his life thus. Therefore, Socrates accepts death as a blessing, and also characterizes it as two possible things; a dreamless sleep, or a migration to another place.For the first, Socrates welcomes this possibility, calling it a â€Å"marvelous gain†, considering it calming . If death is a truly a migration to another place, Socrates sees it has a chance to meet and converse with the brilliant minds of the past, and would love to experience such an opportunity. â€Å"I am willing to die ten times over if this account is true†¦at least it would be an wonderful personal experience to join them there†¦heroes of the old days who met their death through an unjust trial†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 70).Not only does Socrates mention how interesting it would be to meet wise men, but he also states that he would want to philosophize with them and try and determine who amongst them is truly wise, exactly the actions for which he is in court for. This shows his avid determination for his cause, and fearless attitude towards death, that even after his end he will continue to practice his duties and adhere by his just beliefs. Socrates’s core belief is understanding that he knows what he does not know, and thinking otherwise is a tremendous injustice.And be cause of this sole belief, he is able to form his fearless views on death and the afterlife. Socrates argues that since we cannot fathom any understanding of the afterlife, there is no use in fearing or running from it, and doing so would be unjust. Socrates does hold this view throughout the entire Apology. The only difference between the speeches may be that Socrates seems more welcoming of death in the final speech, after the verdict is finalized. However, this is not a proof of any sort of altering views.Instead, I believe that Socrates always talked about welcoming death when the time for it arrives, using it as an example of a probable end rather than a confirmed one. After Socrates feels that he has exhausted his own defense and preached the importance of justice and truth, and the verdict to death is the final conclusion, he is able to easily accept the end, and welcome it, since he would much rather see to dying as just man, instead of living in any other manner.In conclusi on, Socrates’s principle beliefs allowed him to keep his views on death and the afterlife consistent throughout his trial as noted in Plato’s Apology. Socrates unswervingly remains true to this values of justice, refusing to succumb to the mercy of the jurors, and continuing to try to convince the court of his innocence through what was morally correct, as well as deity-approved duties. His vow to never give up on his morals and obligations to the city and its people enabled Socrates to die a noble, honorable, and just man, who instead of fleeing from death, embraced it.

The Importance of Being Beautiful

In Sidney Katz’s summary of â€Å"The Importance of being Beautiful†, she suggests that more attractive people can advance faster and easier in life than their less appealing peers. Katz explains her theory with different examples. One example is person perception, which is a branch of psychology that examines many ways in which physical attractiveness, or lack of it, affects all aspects of life. This helps explain the halo and horns effect. The halo effect is perceived as being beautiful, more generous, trustworthy, sociable, modest, and interesting. Whereas the horns effect people are perceived to be physically unattractive, there for they are mean, sneaky and dishonest. Katz also talks about how being physically attractive can help advance your career. If a man is six feet or taller, he will succeed in his career. If women are glamorous, they get higher pay and promotions. She also explains how old age and beauty has its advantages. Katz’s theory explains at nursing homes and hospitals doctors and nurses give better care to the beautiful. The doctors and nurses feel that beautiful patients are more likely to respond to treatment. Everyone judges people on either their looks or simply by what they wear. It is human nature for people to do this. The world shouldn’t be like this but unfortunately it is. Hopefully one day the human population can change the way people perceive one another. In the article â€Å"The importance of being Beautiful†, Sidney Katz suggests that being beautiful has its advantages. Katz states many different examples and theory’s on how being beautiful has its advantages. The author provided significant detail for her theories. Katz presents two points that seem to be true and one point that doesn’t seem to be true. The author explains that being beautiful will help with a career or job. I would have to agree with Katz, based on personal experience. I was up for a job at a hospital against a girl who had experience, I had no experience. I ended up getting the job because of my appearance. The author continues with her theory on old age. She explains that nurses and doctors give better care to the beautiful. I personally would have to disagree with her theory. I have worked in the health care field and have not witnessed anything like this. I believe that Katz should have investigated more into the nurse and doctors personalities’. Katz also has a theory on the halo and horns effect. I would have to disagree with this theory. She explains that the halo effect is perceived as being beautiful which then goes on to say that they are assumed to be trustworthy. The horns effect s perceived to be not as attractive; these people are stigmatized as being mean. With my experiences through life I have learned trust no one, no matter what they look like.

Henry Ford at Highland Park and Toyota during the 1980s and 1990s Essay

Henry Ford at Highland Park and Toyota during the 1980s and 1990s demonstrate that a growing car market is the necessary prec - Essay Example In the context of an automobile industry, higher productivity is one of the key drivers of this industry. The automobile industry is one of the largest industries of the world. In Europe, it accounts for around 7 % of the total manufacturing output. According to several author’s, the reason behind the colossal growth of automobile industry is the increasing productivity (Heneric, Licht and Sofka, 2005). Companies nowadays employ different techniques and methods to improve the overall productivity of the company. This report will shed light on the methods of improving productivity in automobile industry and will also discuss about how growing car market is the necessary precondition for achieving superior productivity. In addition, it will also provide examples of how the conveyor belt production technique affects and help a company with the growing market. Methods of Improving Productivity There are several methods by which the productivity of an automobile company can be incr eased. Some of the techniques are discussed below: - Value Engineering: - Value engineering can be defined as a process by which the value of a product is improved at every phase of the product life cycle. In the development stage, value engineering improves product value by diminishing the total cost and maintaining the quality. In the maturity stage of the product, value engineering reduces the overall cost by substituting the costly constituents by inexpensive components. With the help of this process, companies try to provide maximum value at a lower rate. Hence value engineering improves the productivity by increasing the value of the products. Operations Research: - The operations research method employs scientific and mathematical methods, to resolve issues pertaining to management. In addition, it also solves problems related to productivity. A company develops several alternatives to improve its productivity, but the productivity actually increases if the most appropriate c ourse of action has been selected. Now to increase the productivity companies use scientific methodologies which help them to select the best alternative course of action. Some of the common techniques used are game theory and linear programming among others. Quality Circles: - The concept of quality circles was developed in Japan in the year 1960. Quality circles in general are small group of employees who meet regularly to enhance identify and solve management issues. Apart from that, this group also recommends strategies to improve the operations and productivity of the company. There are also some general ways by which the productivity of a company can be increased. Although they are not scientific methods, but general ways by employing which the companies can gain higher productivity levels. Accountability: - All the employees of an organization need to be aware of the fact that he or she is responsible for the decisions and actions taken. Follow up: - In many cases it has been found that employers set the target and feels that the job is done. However in reality, it is important that managers follow up with the progress of work. This will ensure higher productivity. Manage the work force but avoid micromanagement: - It is a well established fact that employees have to be guided,

Interest Groups Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Interest Groups - Essay Example The students are the affected people when the parent reaches a point that he/she cannot pay the school fees because their learning is affected. The people who are likely to join the group are the parents. The parents will bear the whole burden. When the cost of education increases, the parents will have to strain when looking for fees. They will join the group because the group will assist to advocate for the reduction of fees or some part being subsidized (Sweenay & Grant 2012, p. 77). The strategy I would use is to approach the institution and discuss the rising costs of education. This will be after forming the group and we will accompany each other with the group members. This will assist as we will assist each other when discussing the issue with the relevant bodies in the institution. The first step is to ask the institution the reasons for the rising costs of education. After getting their views in the reasons, we will go to the next step, which will be the possible solutions to the problem. The next step is to ask and check if there are any unnecessary costs on the budgeted expenditure (Nà ­ Bhrolchà ¡in & Beaujouan 2012, p. 103). If there is any cost that is unnecessary, we shall request the institution to drop the expenditure for the sake of reducing costs. This is because the reduction in costs will help the parents not to strain and at the same time, our studies will not be disrupted. If the institution will not respond to our request, we will take le gal steps. This means we shall seek for assistance from the respective law societies. After getting the feedback from the institution, we shall present it to the parents and other stakeholders whom we were representing. The money to be used in this process will be raised from the student unions. This is because there are some funds set for various activities organized by the student representatives in the university. We will present the opinion to the relevant officials of the

Family health Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Family health Assessment - Essay Example The family is financially sound and qualifies to be a middle-income family. The children are students in high school and college. The health patterns are based on Gordon’s list of functional health patterns (2008). The following is the summary of their responses to the assessment questions. The family is conscious about health. The family engages in several activities aimed at boosting their health. The parents and children understand the importance of healthy living and regard each other dearly. There is a very strong bond holding the family together. In addition, the family belongs to the catholic faith that advocates better family values and morals. However, they do not follow the religious tenets fully. The family considers diet as the most influential aspect of their health. The mother is a major decision maker on the type of food the household eats. She expressed her confidence that her meals are well balanced and were the basis of the good health of family members. The family members also participate in sports and other activities with the neighbors to boost their health and maintain relations in the neighborhood. On average, the family sleeps around 7 hours a night. Mostly, the father, who is a professor at a local college, wakes up around 5am to prepare for his lectures. The family admitted that the hours they dedicate to sleep are enough to rejuvenate their body and mind. However, the father is compelled by work to sleep fewer hours, thus is unsatisfied and has to take a nap sometime within the day. The children often slept around 11 pm and wake up for school at 6 am. Due to the busy nature of the parents, exercising is a rare phenomenon. The only notable exercise is when participating in the community games. The daughters are also busy with their education and thus find little or no time for exercises. However, the daughter’s activity level is a bit higher due to schools games and activities that call for their

The monopoly of the United States postal service Research Paper

The monopoly of the United States postal service - Research Paper Example In the course of this assignment I will provide a brief history of the Postal Service, determine what kind of monopoly it is, and examine whether it has engaged in abusive conduct. The Postal Service is a government-granted monopoly established by Congress under the Constitution (Adie, 25). Politicians believed it was important for every citizen to be able to send and receive mail at the same price. The Postal Service has exclusive rights to deliver to mailboxes. It was originally established in the 18th century in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin. Since then it has grown in size and powers. It is one of the largest non-military employers in the United States (Postal Facts). However, times have changed for the Postal Service. It runs a large deficit and is increasing financial trouble. This is in part because it must provide equal access to postal service for all Americans, even those in Hawaii and Alaska and rural areas. It has several niche competitors such as Fed-ex that are much more economically successful. These competitors are only permitted to deliver urgent letters and not to mailboxes marked U.S. Mail. The impact the Postal Service has on the marketplace is substantial. It is responsible for a majority of all the mail. Indeed, it chooses who to permit to compete with it. It sees itself as a natural monopoly, but its competitors do not.

Financial Crisis in Asia Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Financial Crisis in Asia - Term Paper Example   South Korea had a very strong economy but a high level of debt which existed in the economy was given very little attention. The borrowed funds by the South Korean economy were invested very wisely in assets so it made perfect sense and reassured the economic stability, but when the funds were invested in assets it also gave rise to various risks pertaining to the same. The short debts touched alarmingly high levels in the South Korean economy, â€Å"In 1992 short term debt constituted about one-third of its total borrowing, but by 1996 short term debt had risen to two-thirds of its total of $158 billion of foreign debt. South Korean firms were operating at a high degree of leverage. The typical leverage ratio for South Korean firms was in the neighborhood of six to one and some South Korean firms had leverage ratios of 600 to one.† The crisis in South Korea was triggered by the collapse of Thai Baht (currency of Thailand) in 1997. The currency had devalued due to stemming of reserve outflows by the central bank in order to ensure growth for money supply in the crisis period. The strategies adopted by the South Korean economies always left them prone to many dangers, a classic example of the same follows: The Korean First Bank got itself in a vulnerable position because of the hefty amount of loan issued to Hanbo group, with in no time the Hanbo group went bankrupt and its inability to pay the loan back to the Korean first bank resulted in the bankruptcy of Korean Bank.  

Potential impact of Chimps making spears for hunting on American Term Paper - 1

Potential impact of Chimps making spears for hunting on American Culture - Term Paper Example e developing into a human form, the study of this behaviour of the chimpanzees gives a great deal of insight into the hunting skills and the weapons that might have been used by the early man. (Pruetz JD and Bertolani, 2007) The research was conducted by two anthropologists Jill Pruetz and Paco Bertolani. Dr. Jill Pruetz who specializes in Biological Anthropology is an associate professor of Anthropology. Her research work has taken her to places including Peru, Costa Rica, Kenya, Nicaragua and Senegal. (www.terradaily.com, 2007) The research mainly focussed on the behaviour of spider monkeys, chimpanzees and howling monkeys. The observation of chimpanzees exhibiting predatory behaviour to hunt food has increased her interest to study the influence that ecology might have exerted in developing feeding habits and social behaviour of early man. (news.nationalgeographic.com) She is currently in Senegal undertaking a research funded by the National Geographic Society and the National Science Foundation. Its aim is to study the behaviour of chimps in an environment that is as simulated and close to the condition that existed during the times of the early man. She also co-founded DANTA which is a non-profit organization and is also actively involved in teaching and other conservation activities. (www.anthr.iastate.edu, 2011) Paco Bertolani is a Phd student and an anthropologist of great promise who successfully conducted these research experiments with Dr. Jill and has formulated several key aspects on behavioural policies exhibited by chimpanzees. A dissertation presented in 1994 dealt with the challenges faced by primates in food consumption and their social interaction. In 1997 another dissertation on adoption scenarios being taken up by chimpanzees was also a major achievement. (www.human-evol.cam.ac.uk) Paco also has a wealth of field experience. He was present in 1994-1996 to study the behaviour of forest chimpanzees. In 1998-2000 field studies were also

Bookertee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bookertee - Essay Example He stressed that Blacks were not ready for the traditional form of education; rather they should take up an occupation or a skill by which they can support themselves. Washington showed a path to the struggling Negroes by which they can create their basic identity and be self sufficient in the long run. However, there were negative aspects to this plan as future academics such as Du Bois pointed out. Washington had stressed that the Blacks needed selective education, that they were not ready to be educated in the traditional form. But, according to Du Bois the African Americans deserved the same form of education as the Whites. He believed in the philosophy that Fast and Fury wins the race. According to him unless and until the Blacks made a struggle to educate themselves they would limit themselves to the lower segment of society prone to be harassed by the Southern Whites. Another negative aspect of the plan was Washington’s stress that the Blacks adopt a subordinate role towards the Southern Whites. He is actually asking the Blacks to let go of their struggle against Whites and continue to be backward and underprivileged member of the society. IF the Blacks had continued to follow his advice, there would not have been many prominent African Americans in the country. According to me Washington was right in asking the Blacks to take an academic route to liberate them from White oppressiveness. He asked the members of his community to stick to education and acquire any useful trade so as to gain economic independence. A steady income would help in supplementing all the essential elements of life. Education would open their mind to newer possibilities in life and make them come out of their shell. This policy is still followed by a number of African American of today who have shifted to trade and commerce to acquire richness in life and move ahead in the economic ladder. a. A Negro Love Story: This poem

Gods Existence and Aquinas Objection Essay Example for Free

Gods Existence and Aquinas Objection Essay I was in the debate team in high school. And there were times that our team would take the against side of the statement. In his famous work Prologion, written in 1077-1078, Anselm presents the idea the God exists because God is the greatest thing of all, that the idea of thinking of God exists prove its existence. Hundred of years later, Thomas Aquinas brings up the account that addresses Anselms idea in objection 2 of Question II, First Article of Summa Theologica. Aquinas objects Anselms argument later in his work by attacking the idea that God is something that can be thought greater. To understand Anselms argument for Gods existence, one must first understand the principles that forms the argument. The first principle is the claim that â€Å"nothing greater can be thought. † There is too types of existing, existing in understanding (existing0) and existing in reality (existing1). Then, we try to think of something is existing1. Anselm let â€Å"something† be â€Å"something than which nothing greater can be thought (NGT),† or in another word â€Å"a being than which nothing greater can be conceived† according to the Proslogion. The very first act of thinking that something is existing1 serves as the basis of it existing0. Because in the process of trying to think of something greater, we already establish its existence0. For example, there is a flower A, existing1. This flower A is the most beautiful flower, that this flower is a NGT. In order to prove this flower is NGT, one has to think of all the flower he has seen, flower B, C, or D. In the process of searching through ones mind trying to think of a flower that is more beautiful than flower A, flower A already exists in ones mind, which is existing0. To open his argument, Anselm then said an example of NGT is God. The second principle is the principle of â€Å"thinking of non-existing objects (Principle E). † Anselm uses the example of a painter conceiving the drawing he will paint, then executing his plan in mind to make the painting exists in reality. To breakdown his argument, lets begin with something that exists0. Because one has the ability to imagine that something exists0, one can also imagine that the same thing exists1. This priniciple is the most uncontroversial because it is just a matter of imagination. The fact that one has imagination allows him to imagine whatever he wants. For example, one imagines he won the lottery and has a million dollars. It is safe to say that one can proceed to think of that million dollars is existing1, regardless of if the million dollars truly exists1. Applying Principle E back to the argument of NGT, if one can imagine NGT in existence0, one can also go ahead and imagine NGT existing1. The third principle is â€Å"thinking something greater than something (Principle G). This principle compares the greatness of existing0 and existing1. Anselm proposes that â€Å"greatness† has two faces: qualitatively and existentially. To further support his argument, Anselm implies that greatness qualitatively means everything positive, such as, more beautiful, more knowledgeable, more influential, etc. Base on this assumption, Anselm argues that, â€Å"Suppose it exists in the understanding alone: then it can be conceived to exist in reality; which is greater. † To apply this principle in daily life, one can relate to a million dollars example above. One can imagine having a million dollars in his mind, but that million dollars doesnt exist1. In another case, one owns a millions dollars, which means that million dollars exists1. The rhetorical question here will be, which case is more appealing to you, which scenario is â€Å"greater? † Back to Anselms claim, the â€Å"it† in his argument is, of course, NGT, which is God. That God exists1 is better than God only exists0 but not exists1. The next principle returns to the basic meaning of NGT. Principle N presents the idea â€Å"if something can be thought to be greater than x, then x is not an NGT. † Assume something is an NGT, nothing greater can be thought. If there is another thing that is greater then it. This â€Å"something† is no longer an NGT. This principle is pretty self-explanatory. To put it in everyday examples, imagine the beautiful flower A is the most beautiful flower in the whole wide world. However, one found another flower more beautiful than A. Now A is no longer an NGT, regardless in existence0 or existence1. Now substitute God in for NGT in the equation. Because Anselm already claimed that God is an NGT, if one can think of something greater than God, God is no longer an NGT. According to the Proslogion, â€Å"God cannot be conceived not to exist. God is that, than which nothing greater can be conceived. That which can be conceived not to exist is not God. † The upcoming principles idea bases that of principle E. Principle T simply proposes the idea that â€Å"an NGT can be thought. † Because one has the ability to think of an object either exists0, exists1, or even both, one can also think of NGT existing0, existing1, or both. The idea that one can think of something is very broad and universal, that â€Å"something† can simply be anything. The final piece of Anselms argument is Principle M. This principle presents the very vague idea that â€Å"if something must be thought as existing1, then it exists1. † If one must think of a flower exists1, then that flower does exist1. Now that all principles Anselm needed to support his argument that God exists are gathered, he begins his argument with a â€Å"fool (thinker)† that â€Å"understands [God] is in his understanding; although he does not understand it to exist. † To fully understand this argument, one has to accept Anselms assumption that God, indeed, is an NGT. The argument that the thinker has the ability to think of NGT existing1 is based on Principle E that if one can think of an object then he can think of it existing1. The idea of thinking NGT exists1 is â€Å"greater† than the idea of thinking NGT exists0 but doesnt exist1 (Principle G); therefore, one can think of something greater than the NGT that exists0 but not in reality. However, this violates the basic meaning of an NGT (Principle N), nothing greater can be thought. So the idea that one can think of something greater than the NGT that exists0 but not in reality is contradictory to the fundamental element of an NGT. Which comes to the agreement that if one think of an NGT it is to be existing1. The conclusion implies the principle that one can thought of NGT exists1 (Principle T). Also, one can and must only think of an NGT exists1. This lead to the final conclusion. If one has no choice but think of something exists1, that something must be existing1 (Principle M). Therefore, an NGT, God, exists. Aquinas gives an condensed version account of Anselms argument in Summa Theologica. In objection 2 of question II, â€Å"Whether the existence of God is self-evident? †, Aquinas addresses the idea much abruptly. He first implies that Anselms idea of God is an NGT is equivalent to saying â€Å"things are said to be self-evident which are known as soon as the terms are known,† that the significant of the word â€Å"God† is nothing better can be conceived. He follows the account by stating that the word â€Å"God† â€Å"exists actually and mentally is greater than that which exists only mentally. † Therefore, if the word â€Å"God† is understood mentally it has to be understood to exist actually. Both Anselms argument of Aquinass account of it come to the same conclusion that God exists, that the thought of it existing lead to its real existence. Aquinas objects Anselms idea by stating that not everyone understands the word â€Å"God† will agree that it is an NGT. He follows his objection by stating: Yet, granted that everyone understands that by this name God is signified something than which nothing greater can be thought, nevertheless, it does not therefore follow that he understands that what the name signifies exists actually, but only that it exists mentally. Aquinass main objection is that the idea of NGT can be interpreted that it can only exists mentally. However, for Anselms argument to work, one has to understand that God can exists in reality; therefore, Aquinas further objects Anselms claim by stating those â€Å"who hold God does not exist† will not admit the fact that God is an NGT and it exists in reality. In Anselms defense, he based all his argument on the fact that God is â€Å"a being than which nothing greater can be conceived. † As a true believer of God, Anselm would have simply oppose those who does not believe in God has not fully understand the meaning of â€Å"God†; therefore, they fail to grasp the idea God exists in reality. If one understands God, he will be able to think of Gods existence in mind then agree to think of it in reality. After reading excerpts both from the Proslogion and the Summa Theologica, I am more inclined to support Aquinass claim. Although I do not think Aquinas has successfully destroyed Anselms argument, I think there are more weak links in Anselms argument than that of Aquinass. The most apparent loopholes are Principle M and Principle G. First, Principle M states that if one has to think of something as existing1, then that something has to exists1. However, Anselm neglects the fact that what one believes exists1 does not has to be true. For example, children were told to believe Santa Claus exists in reality and many of them do believe that idea. The contradiction being what those children â€Å"can and must† think exists1, Santa Claus, does not exists1. Second, the positivity of â€Å"greatness† implied in Principle G is too vague. The concept of greatness of reality is â€Å"better† than that of in mind can be subjective. Just because one person thinks the existence in reality is greater than existence in mind does not equal others perception of greatness. With doubts in Principle M and Principle G, I think Aquinas has a stronger position compare to Anselm does.

Terrorists society Essay Example for Free

Terrorists society Essay Perhaps the most known terrorist in the world is Osama Bin Laden. Just as other terrorists of his ilk, there are certain psychological features that are inherent in him. Though it is impossible to study the psychological profile of a single terrorist, researches by psychologists identify a certain trend in their way of thought and actions (Kaplan, 1981). This paper outlines the psychological makeup of terrorists, traits that are observed in Osama Bin Laden. There are certain risk factors that make one highly likely to become a terrorist. These factors combine to give a profile that is general to terrorist the world over. Although a terrorist’s profile can be narrowed down to individuals, there is always a generational transmission of extremist beliefs that starts in early life. A terrorist also feels alienated or oppressed by others in the society. This perceived alienation could be from the locality or at more extended levels as global perspective. A terrorist also has a psychology of being victimized for the ills of the society. Terrorists also believe that any violations by the enemy should be retaliated by equal measure of violence (Post, 2008). The response meted out to the enemy affords the terrorist higher moral standings among his/her peers who regard him/her as a hero. In addition to the above, terrorists believe their ethic, class or social group is special and superior to others and are targeted by others for destruction. Terrorists in most cases lack the political powers to initiate and carry out their plans to success. They therefore turn to violence as the only means of attaining their goals. Terrorists would not carry out their activities if they had no criminal mentality. Moreover, terrorists do not have any fear for death and believe the high esteem from peers is more important than the legacy left behind by dying in the process of carrying out an attack (Hoffman, 1999). Terrorist will always identify with a certain group where the members share the course, suffering, and trauma. At the same time, the group may provide camaraderie and a sense of significance to its members. Historical and Socio-Cultural Antecedents to September 11. Different opinions have been voiced on the most likely antecedents of the 9/11 attacks. These range from religious animosity between Christians and Muslims to the US Occupation of Arab countries and the perceived foreign policies of the American Government. While it is apparent that Al-Qaeda was responsible, theories have been proposed to explain the causes of 9/11 attacks. Some researchers have blamed the Muslim madrasas for instilling a simplistic view of Jihad in young Muslims. Poverty has also been cited as a cause of the 9/11 attacks by a section of world scholars. There have been theories relating the attacks to the democratic principles of the American society, a position vehemently denied by Osama himself. He asked why he did not attack other free-countries such as Sweden. There is also a feeling that efficient funding from wealthy Saudis supported the terrorists in the planning and execution of the attacks. The historical aggressiveness of the U. S towards certain countries due to their oppressive governance and weak systems and institutions has made these countries terrorists’ haven. Decline and stagnation in the Middle East and the humiliation of the Islamic world also led to the attacks. These weak and falling states have been terrorists’ bases from where they plan attacks on real and perceived enemies (Simonsen et al, 2000). In addition to U. S occupation of Arab countries, the clash of civilization between the Arab and American world also led to the attacks. The differences in ideologies such as communism between the U. S. and the Arab world also played a role in causing the attacks. Radicalism resulting from Afghan Jihads against the Soviet Union contributed to the attacks. The generation that participated in the war was radicalized and developed criminal mentality as well. Mental Illness and Terrorism There has been an on-going debate on the role of mental illness in terrorism among scholars. Most studies have dwelt on expert opinions instead of involving the community directly to study the causes of terrorism (Sageman, 2004). This trend has resulted in different conclusions on the role or mental illnesses in terrorism. Most of the studies have failed to factor in on the human vulnerability of the isolated groups and focused on the belief that a terrorist must be mentally unstable to conduct such cruel acts. While some mental experts believe that one should not blame mental illness for terrorist attacks, others feel the mental stability has a role in terrorism. The root causes of terrorism are social factors and not mental illnesses. Mental experts of this line of thought think that psychiatry is not the tool to counter terrorism. Psychiatrists who have tested failed suicide bombers have diagnosed little psychiatric illnesses in violent or mild terrorists. Certain studies have only concentrated on individual instead of the larger terrorism set. Studies should focus on the collective societal needs that compel a group of people to become violent and not on individuals. People become terrorists because of the feeling of being marginalized, oppressed, or targeted by others whom they henceforth consider enemies. Any means to carry out a revenge on such enemies is thus justified. Conclusion Studies have shown a certain mind-set that is inherent in terrorists, albeit in different proportion. Terrorists always see their society to be threatened by others for extinction or victimization based on ideological differences. They react to these notions by violent means that they consider justified provided the intended goals are achieved. They are motivate by the social ills they feel target their society. References Hoffman, B. (1999). Inside Terrorism. NY: Columbia University Press. Kaplan, A. (1981). The psychodynamics of terrorism: Behavioral and quantitative perspectives on terrorism. New York: Pergamon Post, J. M. (2008). The mind of the terrorist: The psychology of terrorism from the IRA to Al-Qaeda. Palgrave Macmillan. Sageman, M. (2004). Understanding terror networks. University of Pennsylvania Press. Simonsen, C. , Spindlove, J. (2000). Terrorism today: the past, the players, the future. NJ: Prentice Hall.

Case Study: Goal Orientated Counselling Treatment

Case Study: Goal Orientated Counselling Treatment Case Study Scenario #1 Angela Townsend Scenario Mario is an illegal alien from Mexico. He has lived in the U.S. for five years and worked various construction jobs in the South. Mario’s family stayed behind in Mexico so he struggles with loneliness and has a poor social network except for an outreach ministry at a local Catholic Church. Mario was pulled over and charged with a DUI. He was sent to your agency for mandatory counseling in addition to attending a drug treatment support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. Personal Information In counseling, the first session is very important. As a counselor, it is important to collect as much information from the client as possible. The initial intake with Mario will take about an hour to gather as much about his background and personal information. Also, I would like to get family history, his educational background, any work skills, as well as his current living conditions in order to begin forming his taxonomy needs. The case clearly reveals that Mario now lives in United States away from family for the past five years and worked at various construction jobs. According to Mario, his family stayed in Mexico and he is struggling with loneliness not being with his family. I want to learn as much about Mario as possible to give him the best possible solution to his situation. Utilizing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a premise for disclosure, I can construct needs evaluation that arranges needs as far as characteristic, extraneous, and significance (Maslow, 1943). By evaluating Mario’s needs against Maslow’s hierarchy, I can start finding what is inadequate in Mario’s life which has made the issues he is encountering. Case in point, being isolated from his family is belonging need. Everyone has a need of belonging and this is a physical interconnected need. A need to get affection and recognition as well as being wanted as a person (Maslow, 1943). Based on the information, it seems that this need is not being met, it is showing in his conduct and actions. Personal Biases and Limitations In Mario case study, I would need to consider my own predispositions and restrictions carefully. It is very crucial for a counselor to be as honest as possible about their limitations. As a Christian, I understand the importance of taking care of our bodies according to the Word of God (I Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV). Our bodies are the temple of God and doing harm to the body either psychically or profoundly could be harming to the soul. One of the real inclinations that I have is with the alcohol and drug addiction treatment. The major problem I have in regards to the addition treatment that people believe that the 12-Step Model does not work. It does if you work it properly. Will power alone cannot do it. This program is based on Christian concepts, even though there is a failure rate in this program, but I do believe it will work for Mario if he allows it to. One thing I do not like is that alcohol and drug addiction is called a disease in which it is not. It is a choice that peopl e make. In this world, we are given choices to make every day. We have the choice to do right or we have the choice to do wrong but the ultimate decision is ours. This is an addiction not a disease. A disease is inward in which sometimes you did not have a choice such as breast cancer. A person did not make a choice to have breast cancer. Drinking alcohol is outward; it is a choice a person makes. It takes faith to be delivered from alcohol and drugs. I tend to believe that people with alcohol or drug problem are more responsible for their condition. No one can want recovery for them. The person must want it and be willing to do what is necessary to heal. When counseling clients, it is important for me to inform my clients of my personal core values and beliefs about my faith in God giving the client the information to make an informed decision to continue counseling sessions Goals Goals should be attainable in Mario’s case. Mario reports of loneliness because not being with his family. He also has poor social skills. He is not a citizen of the United States and have worked various construction jobs. There are several goals that can be implemented for him to achieve. The first thing for him is to do is attend an AA meeting group, which is required by the court for alcohol and drug treatment. I believe signing up for the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program will not only help him develop other relationships but also help him to make better decisions in life. This program will help Mario take control back in his life. The main purpose of him attending these meetings is to see that he is not alone. Loneliness is a human response to being alone because God created humans with a need for relationship. Feelings of loneliness can be helped. Lonely people can attend church (Hebrew 10:25), be a friend to someone else (Proverbs 18:24), listen to Christian music, and pray for God to wok in and through them to take away the lonely feelings. It is very important for Mario to learn how to deal with stressors. Everyone has a need of belonging. In Mario’s case, she will be encouraged to find an activity that will force her to associate with other people. The goal is to get into a situation where other people will get to know him. Since Mario is part of his local church outreach ministry, I will encourage him to get more involved and be committed to it for no less than three months if he is open to incorporating the Word of God in his life more deeply. Too many people leave friends, jobs, or organization because of being offended. I am not sure if this is the case with Mario for the reason to work at various constructions jobs. The important thing is to have a goal in mind to keep him employed. Theoretical Approach The psychodynamic approach I believe will be the most effective in Mario’s case. Mario has a few fundamental issues that are occurring which should be analyzed. Being separated from his family and disengagement from his community is one of the biggest issues. The approach of dealing with these issues Mario is facing would be to utilize journaling as a method for convey mindfulness and control to Mario’s conduct and contemplations (Howes, 2011). At the beginning of each session with me, I will have Mario record anything of significance and importance to him, positive or negative occasions or sentiments that have happened between sessions. It is imperative that Mario and I meet weekly until he accomplished his goals. I would also urge Mario to search out other support group resources because this would give him the required support he needs. Therapeutic Progress and Success The objective is for Mario to achieve his goals. When Mario get involved in a support group and get into healthy activities this should satisfy his need of belonging. All people need to feel like they belong According to Ephesians 1:4-6,which states explicitly that we are chosen for belonging with God, â€Å"just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be hold and without blame before Him to love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.† The measure of this achievement is fairly subjective on the grounds that it will be based on his journaling and the assessments of his present way of life. An example, if Mario developed healthy relationships this will reflect his conduct and possibly diminish his drinking. Conclusion The issues that Mario was facing was a great negative impact on his life. Advising Mario with goal oriented counseling approach will keep him on track. Mario must make a decision to stay on track to improve his life. By doing so, he will diminish the drinking problem especially when he gets involved actively in support groups as well as his church ministry. Through regular counseling sessions with Mario, I will be in a position to develop an intervention plan that will lead him to a solid and satisfying life. References ACA Code of Ethics (2015): American Counseling Association, Alexandria, Virginia Corey, G. (2010). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Howes, R. (2011, January 26). Journaling in Therapy Supersized therapy? Write on! . Retrieved from Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/201101/journaling-in-therapy Khantzian, E. J. (1986). A contemporary psychodynamic approach to drug abuse treatment. The  American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 12(3), 213-222. LeBeauf, I., Smaby, M., Maddux, C. (2009). Adapting Counseling Skills for Multicultural and Diverse Clients. Compelling Counseling Interventions: VISTAS , 33-42. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Retrieved June 17, 2015, from York University, Toronto, Ontario : http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm Schmidt, C. D. (2014). Integrating Continuous Client Feedback into Counselor Education. The Journal for Counselor Preparation and Supervision , 6 (2), 2-12. Wilson, W. (2001). Alcoholics anonymous. New York, NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. Police Stop and Search Powers: Effects on Public Trust Police Stop and Search Powers: Effects on Public Trust Introduction The increased powers of stop and search afforded to the police by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) have seriously contributed to a lack of trust and confidence in the police service, particularly among ethnic minorities. This essay will focus particularly on how the new powers have been used more extensively on ethnic minorities, which undermines trust and confidence in the police particularly among these communities but also perpetuates ideas of corruption and racism. Stop and search powers have further contributed to the notion of over policing not simply because they lead to greater police intervention in individuals lives, but because it leads to a greater influx into the process of the criminal justice system as a whole, known as attrition, especially among ethnic minorities (Home Office 1998). Stop and Search powers: historical backdrop The history of stop and search powers has provided the context for increasing mistrust of police felt by ethnic minorities and the notion of over policing. PACE was enacted to deal with problems that had resulted from a perception on the part of the public that the previous powers granted to the police to stop and search potential offenders were far too broad. These rules were known as the Judges Rules (Ormerod Hooper 2009). These rules allowed police to stop, search, and then arrest a suspicious person without and need to have obtained a prior search warrant. It is empirically difficult to say whether it was due to actual over-use, or merely a perceived increased resort to this power when police were among the black community. As a result of the powers, there were race riots throughout various parts of the United Kingdom in the early 1980s which resulted in the Judges rules being repealed. Pursuant to PACE, the law states that a police officer must have reasonable suspicion before he has the legal grounds to stop a person and search them. These practices, which confer very broad and intrusive powers, are often seen as the most glaring example of abuse of police powers. Although now under PACE 1984 a stop and search power can be carried out only when there is reasonable suspicion that stolen property or prohibited articles are being carried, the grounds for reasonable suspicion as defined in PACE are not of a very high threshold (Sprack 2008). This has been reinforced repeatedly in the case law regarding police stop and search powers under anti terrorism. Parker v Hampshire Constabulary (1999) note the suspicion must be based on reasonable grounds. Lord Devlins words, a state of conjecture or surmise. He goes on the further add In my judgment this state of mind, suspicious but uncertain, was based on reasonable grounds. The relationship between mistrust and a lack of confidence in the police and the stop and search of ethnic minorities is most keenly felt. Police data for 1999/2000 found that there was a five-fold increase stop and search used on blacks than on white including the same pattern for stops under early Prevention of Terrorism legislation. In 1997, 7% of these stops were black which is a clear example of discrimination and further creates an idea of police racism, over policing and decreases confidence in the criminal justice system overall. Even when deploying these powers outside the Terrorism Act, police intrusion and formal action remains significantly greater where the suspect is not white. More stops, more searches and more intrusive searches lead to increased suspicion. (Hayman Newburn 2001). However there are problems concerning the methodology of this research. The methodology of calculating stop and search is questionable as it can be based on outdated census figures. It is submitted that rates should be calculated on available rather than resident populations then findings for black people and ethnic minorities were mixed, both under and over represented for different localities this research emphasises the need for caution in assessing disproportionality in stop and search. For example, ethnic minorities may be subject to direct discrimination in schools and therefore be excluded, becoming unemployed and therefore more being available to be stopped and searched by the police. Clothing and hoodies and even a certain car type that can be associated with ethnicity. These all contribute to the process of criminalization which increases stop and search, which further increases distrust in the police system and over policing of deprived areas based on what is at least as sumed to be police prejudice. However the 2000 British Crime Survey (BCS) found ethnic origin only a predicator for car stops not foot stops. Clements (2006) found in London, reasonable suspicion was often absent in use of stop and search often used not for detection but for intelligence gathering used by supervisors of the metropolitan police to measure performance in that the more stop and searches conducted, the more successful arrests that will be made and a police officer will gain credit within the police as being successful. What is required is official acknowledgement that stop and search powers must be regulated to safeguard the individuals right to privacy due to the danger extent of discretion and limitations of legal regulation coupled with vague notions of reasonable suspicion. This is further exacerbated by the fact that most stop and searches occur outside the supervision of the police station. The relationship between Stop and Search, Arrest and Over policing The role of stop and search has only one role in explaining the over-representation of black people in arrest and imprisonment statistics due to the fact that only a small minority of stop and search in ethnic minorities lead to arrest. This statistic can further represent the lack of trust and over policing due to the fact that these searches are deemed as, and witnessed to be unnecessary. Undoubtedly, the police use of stop and search powers makes at least a modest contribution to over-representation of blacks in arrest population, and a significant contribution to the increased arrest statistics which further leads to a notion of over policing among black areas. This perceived abuse of stop and search and poor response to racist victimization has lead to wide ranging loss of confidence in policing and undoubtedly public perception, particularly among ethnic minorities has been harmed by these negative interactions. Arrest PACE 1984 requires that reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed exists before an arrest is made. There was a four times greater rate of expected arrest of blacks in 1999/2000 considering their numbers in general population (particularly for robbery 28%) and arrests for asians also higher than it was for whites (again in fraud and forgery). The fact that once having been arrested and in custody, ethnic minorities tend to exercise the right to silence, opt for legal advice and deny guilt. This can cumulatively disadvantage them in the criminal process, as least punitive outcome of an arrest, a caution, can only be given if guilt is admitted. This leads to higher rates of imprisonment and an even greater perception of over policing as these people become filtered in to the Criminal justice system (Phillips and Brown 1997). Black offenders are therefore both more likely to be arrested and more likely to be held in remand. Moreover being held in remand can mean that the magistrates court is more likely to refer their case to the crown court, which instantly makes their prospective sentence more likely to be serious. This clearly shows that whatever the subjective intent of officers, there is attrition process which results in incorporating more offenders into the net of the criminal justice. Most studies on the actual sentencing of ethnic minorities suggest there is little or no difference in practice but they do not take account of the aforementioned complex process of incorporating black suspects into the system. Hoods ground-breaking study in 1992 using a different 16-point methodology showed that 503 blacks were sentenced to custody when only 479 should have been making an overall increase of 5%, which, if employed in every Crown court in the country would make for serious racist discrimination. Hoods findings have, however, been criticised by Hakevy as having a 0.7% probability that the result was random as opposed to the normally accepted figure of 0.5% which indicates that results are above the level of random coincidence. The attrition process provides further evidence of discrimination against ethnic minorities with them being filtered in to the Criminal Justice System (CJS): ethnic minorities therefore comprise only 7.3% of those arrested but make up 12.3% of those imprisoned (Hood 1992). The cyclical nature of the CJS with reoffenders, who have been in custody before receiving harsher punishments further exacerbates the racist discrimination, leading to a cumulative disadvantage on the part of minorities (Phillips and Bowling 2002). Prosecutorial Decision -Making and Sentencing The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) potentially has the ability to divert individuals from further action after a police officer has officially charged a suspect. The CPS must consider whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether the case should proceed on public interest grounds. These grounds include the seriousness of offence and the involvement of defendant. Case Termination: A break on Criminalization? Only 2 research studies have examined whether these differ depending on ethnic origin. Phillips Brown (1997) 12% cases whites terminated compared to 20% blacks terminated and 27% against asians ethnic origin predicated an increased chance of case termination. This again reinforces that ethnic areas are being over policed, due to ingrained social ideas of racial criminality and institutional racism. It is submitted that this break should be taken note of and provides a real opportunity to change the publics view of over policing if it is used as an opportunity to decrease police stop and searches in ethnic areas. These studies raise serious questions about the use of stop and search powers in our criminal justice system as there is implied discrimination and presumption of guilt selectively applied by police. CPS break on criminalizing ethnic minorities can be explained because at this point in CJS discretion and subjectivity at minimum guided by stringent code for Crown Prosecutors. Pre-sentence processes: decision to remand or bail Remand prisoners are more likely to receive custodial sentences if found guilty cannot be presented in a positive light by smart dress or newly gained employment and unfortunately ethnic minorities are much less likely to be given bail (Hood 1992). This could merely be because ethnic minorities have an increased risk of being of no fixed abode this is apparently a neutral factor but it can still lead to the perception of over policing. The higher acquittal rates for blacks and asians, which are consistent with the case termination by CPS discussed above. This again raises questions about previous actions of police and leads to an even more entrenched mistrust of police action and allegations of over policing. Moreover pre-sentence reports where 16% written on black offenders and 11% on asians reinforced stereotypical attitudes to race. There have been documented higher rates of committal to Crown Court for ethnic minorities even before sentencing decisions are made, blacks face a m ore severe punishment than their white counterparts (Hood 1992). Sentencing Most studies suggest little or no difference exists between those from over policed areas (which tend to be areas dominated by ethnic minorities). However, these studies have a limited methodologically: it is almost empirically impossible to consider the wider range of legitimate legal factors which influence sentencing decisions, including subjective intention on the part of the judge. Hoods (1992) pioneering used 16 variables, which best predicted possibility of a sentence. 503 blacks sentenced when there should only have been 479, which was 5% greater probability of blacks being sentence: if practised in every court would show serious racial discrimination. The results of a study like this originate with over use of stop and search powers. Hoods findings provide clear evidence of discrimination which reinforces negative public opinion and mistrust of police and racially motivated over policing policies. Conclusion Over policing as in the proactive policing of areas populated by ethnic minorities does not go unnoticed and the greater use of stop and search powers creates bitterness and mistrust among these populations, which eventually undermines any positive work the police are trying to accomplish. The perception of over policing undoubtedly starts with the PACE 1984 stop and search powers, but as the offender progresses through the criminal justice system, and these powers are shown to have led to unnecessary arrests, the bitterness created by their use increases. It is difficult to think of a precise solution as the notion of reasonable suspicion, although an objective one in legal terms, is necessarily employed by the police based on their subjective judgment, which as a result of social factors and institutional racism, appears to be geared towards searching ethnic minorities. Mistrust is a two-way street and perhaps even contributes to increased criminality.

John Locke on Tacit and Unintended Consent Essay example -- Empiricists

In his Second Treatise on Law and Government, John Locke outlines clear and coherent standards for what constitutes a legitimate government and what persons one such government would have authority over. Both are determined by citizens' acts of consenting to relinquish to the government part of their natural authority over their own conduct. Unfortunately, the situation becomes much less clear once we consider how his standards would apply to the political situation existing in the real world today. If we continue to subscribe to Locke's account without altering its standards, we would see a precipitous drop in the number of people whose interests existing governments are responsible for serving. In this paper I will show that with certain changes and clarifications to Locke's standards, the responsibilities of existing governments need not be allowed to shrink so drastically. This creates a tradeoff, however. Changing the standards to apply more closely to actual functioning govern ments has the consequence of making it more difficult to determine the legitimacy of those governments. Some of the clarity of Locke's theoretical model is lost in translating it to apply to actual instances of government. A cornerstone of Locke's political philosophy is the idea that a government holds power legitimately only through the consent of the governed. A civil society consents to grant a particular government rule over it, and each person chooses on an individual basis to become a member of a particular civil society (II, 117). As giving such consent has far-reaching consequences over a person's life, Locke provides further explanation of what "consent" entails in this context. Only one way exists to become a member of a civil society: express consent. From Locke's account this would have to be a fairly formal business, which the individual enters "by positive Engagement, and express Promise and Compact" (II, 122). Locke's original wording is important because it seems to imply that unless a person actually makes a public agreement to submit to government law in return for protection of person, liberty, and property, she has not expressly consented. He makes it clear that there are no alternatives to this official process if one is to become part of a civil society, (II, 122). Even if one is not considered part of a particular civil society, she mus... ... of a government can be measured by the effective options available to its citizens. If we had held to Locke's standards for consent to membership in a civil society and submission to government rule, we would have concluded that most people in the world are tacitly consenting to the rule of governments created by very small groups of explicit signers of social contracts. This would lead to a bizarre picture of the political landscape very much at odds with intuition and with modern reality. By changing standards for consent to mean compliance with official requirements for citizenship when other options are available, we are able to account for those who consider themselves and are considered members of a civil society without having given explicit consent, while at the same time freeing those not given a choice from the appearance of having given consent. A government is then legitimate to the extent that its citizens have given consent according to these standards. It is one of those rare examples where laws have made the situation clearer. Sources: Locke, John. Second Treatise. From Two Treatises of Government, Laslett, Peter, ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1988.

Militant Monks Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Knights Templar, a military order of monks answerable only to the Pope himself, were founded in 1118. Their primary responsibility, at least initially, was to provide protection to Christians making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. They rose in power, both religious and secular, to become one of the richest and most powerful entities in Christendom. By the time of their disbandment in 1307, this highly secretive organization controlled vast wealth, a fleet of merchant ships, and castles and estates spanning the entire Mediterranean area. When the crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Muslims in 1099, the Church encouraged all faithful Christians to visit that holy city in order to affirm their faith. The area, however, was still subject to sporadic attacks from various non-Christian factions. A small group of knights, led by Hugh de Payens, vowed to protect the pilgrims. The group was granted quasi-official status by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, who allowed them quarters in a wing of the royal palace near the Temple of Solomon. It is from this initial posting that the order derived its name. They took the standard vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and were bound to the rules of the Augustinian order. [Upton-Ward 1] The order languished in near-anonimity for several years, despite generous contributions from various European personages. In 1126, Count Hugh of Champagne, having donated his estates to Bernard of Clairvaux for use in building a monestary for the Cistercian order, arrived in Jerusalem to join the Templars. This action indirectly obligated Bernard to support the newly chosen advocacy of his benefactor. He wrote to the count, "If, for God's work, you have changed yourself from count to knight and from rich to poor, I congratulate you." [Howarth 49] In the year 1126, King Baldwin found two reasons for wanting official recognition of the order. First, he had, perhaps prematurely, bestowed upon Hugh de Payens the title of Master of the Temple. Second, the king had the opportunity to launch an attack on the city of Damascus, but he needed more knights. Papal recognition would allow open recruiting in Europe for the order. King Baldwin sent a letter to Bernard of Clairvaux, the order's primary patron, later known as Saint Bernard, asking him to petition the Pope for official recognition of the order. [Howarth 50-51] The King's letter ... ...ghts Templar. The final blow, however, was probably three-fold: a general unpopularity of the order among the European aristocracy, due in part to jealousy; a chronic shortage in the French treasury, despite heavy taxation; and Master de Molay's refusal to consider a merger of the Templars with the Hospitallers, as suggested by the Pope. The fact remains, however, that no evidence of heresy was ever found. [Burman/Templars 180] An order founded by nine knights in Jerusalem came to amass great wealth and power, which speaks well of their integrity and discretion. They became the "shock troops" of the Holy See. When they lost their original mission of protecting pilgrims upon the fall of Jerusalem, their downfall became inevitable. [Sinclair 37] Works Cited: Burman, Edward. The Inquisition. New York: Dorset, 1984. --. The Templars. Rochester, VT: Destiny, 1986. « Howarth, Stephen. The Knights Templar. New York: Dorset, 1982. Payne, Robert. The History of Islam. New York: Dorset, 1987. Robinson, John J. Born in Blood. New York: Evans, 1989. Sinclair, Andrew. The Sword and the Grail. New York: Crown, 1992. Upton-Ward, J. M. The Rule of the Templars. Suffolk: Boydell, 1992.

information management training :: essays research papers

University International Trying to find a qualified Chief Information Officer (CIO) these days can be a very daunting task. The requirements span across many different disciplines, therefore the perfect candidate must have a resume that displays a very unique blend of formal training and actual experience. Many CIO job descriptions read as follows: The Chief Information Officer is responsible for providing the vision, leadership, planning and management for the development, acquisition, implementation and support of information technology. Must partner with management team to align company information technology with strategic direction and build and develop the IT organization processes and procedures to support business needs. Plans, directs and manages the IT department in order to ensure the development and implementation of cost effective systems and efficient computer operations to meet current and future decision making requirement. The Chief Information Officer is ultimately responsible for development, implementation, and maintenance of application systems, operation and the centralized data processing center, establishment and maintenance of a standard charge-out distributing system for Information Technology Department (ITD) services, and maintenance of acceptable service levels for City user department. The Chief Information Office oversees a continuous program of education and research to ensure City-wide standards are maintained and the cost effective utilization of ITD resources. Work is performed with considerable independence and judgment, subject to review on the basis of results achieved, under general direction of a Deputy City Manager. The requirements to fill these types of positions vary based on the type of organization that is hiring. The variance usually comes ion the form of years required versus disciplines. Simply put most organizations want the same type of background however the number of years varies. Some of the prerequisites to fill these types of positions are: Education „à Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bachelors/Masters Degree in Computer Science or related field „à Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bachelors/Masters Degree in Business Management/Administration Experience „à Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7-10 years experience in IT management „à Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 years experience in business management In addition to the requirements above a CIO must have solid people skills, this is something that isn ¡Ã‚ ¦t really taught. CIO ¡Ã‚ ¦s are at a constant crossroad. They have to satisfy everyone, which is basically an impossible task. As I stated earlier in this paper a good CIO is difficult to find many organizations settle for a person they feel they can develop and groom to be the CIO they want. A new poll of chief information officers (CIOs) conducted by the CIO Executive CouncilTM (founded by IDG's CXO Media Inc.

To what extent was the Crimean War (1853 †1856) ‘disastrously planned and poorly executed’ (Economist 2014)

Introduction This essay examines the claim that the Crimean War (1853-1856) was ‘disastrously planned and poorly executed’ (Economist 2014). The first section looks at the circumstances out of which the war arose, providing some background to the conflict while suggesting that from its inception the war was characterised by errors in judgment and miscommunication. The next section proceeds to discuss the many naval blunders that took place during the war, looking both at the Crimea as well as the less commonly discussed Far East. This is followed by a consideration of the land operations of the conflict, paying particular attention to actions of the British. The analysis then turns to the provisioning of the Allied and Russian forces, as well as the quality of services such as medical care. Finally, the last section briefly considers the consequences of the war for the parties involved. It is concluded that the Crimean War was characterised by an unusually large number of errors in t erms of planning and execution. Poor planning and organisation can arguably be seen from the outbreak of war. The desire to access the Mediterranean had been a long-standing ambition of Russia’s by the mid-19th century (Economist 2014; Lambert 2011). Thus the weakness of the Ottoman Empire in the period was seized upon, partially concealed, of course, by excuses about the persecution of Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire. The backdrop to this was a broader dispute about who should rule the Holy Land: Orthodox Russia or Catholic France (Clough 1964). The Turkish-Russian dispute included several lacklustre, abortive attempts at peaceful resolution through diplomacy, after which the Russian Army invaded Moldavia and Wallachia (parts of modern-day Moldova and Romania) on 2 July 1853, sinking the Turkish fleet at Sinope in 1853. This was followed by a Turkish declaration of war on 5 October of the same year (Economist 2014). However, the actions of Russia were to an extent the result of a miscalculation. In spite of a caustic public reaction in Britain and France, the Allied response to the invasion was a cautious one to begin with, characterised by dithering, uncertain diplomacy (Economist 2014). This ‘misled Russia into believing that it could continue its aggression against the Ottomans without consequences’, and Britain and France unexpectedly declared war in March 1854 (Economist 2014). The conflict then escalated when the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont joined the war against Russia the following year. A degree of poor coordination and misunderstanding can therefore be seen from the outset. For Britain and France, this took the form of confused, uncertain policy; for Russia, it was a misinterpretation of the likelihood that other parties would join the war (Lambert 2011). Clough (1964: 917) makes this point succinctly, arguing that war arose from ‘Napoleon’s search for presti ge; Nicholas’s quest for control over the Straits; his naive miscalculation of the probable reaction of the European powers; the failure of those powers to make their position and the pressure of public opinion in Britain and Constantinople at crucial moments’. For Clough (1964), therefore, the war was a disorganised, poorly planned shambles from the very beginning. It was the product not only of confusion but also of the hubris and inflated ambitions of the leaders of Europe at the time. It seems probable that the war arose out of somewhat chaotic circumstances and was therefore tainted from the start, but the question of whether this pattern continued remains. The actual combat side of the war appears to have been shambolic in many cases. This is suggested by the first events of the war. Despite being unyielding in the face of Russian aggression, it seems that Turkey was not prepared for the eventuality of conflict (Economist 2014; Bloy 2002a). When the Russian fleet arrived off Sinope on the southern coast of the Black Sea, the Turkish Admiral was unprepared for battle. His squadron was relatively weak, consisting of only 6 frigates, 3 corvettes, and two small paddle steamers. Additionally, his largest guns were only 24-pounders, and his troops were poorly trained and unready for war. By comparison, the Russian fleet under Admiral Nakhimov was ‘vastly superior in numbers, size and gunpower’ (Brown 1989). The full extent of the imbalance is revealed by the fact that with the exception of one ship the entire Turkish fleet, including 3000 sailors, was destroyed, with the Russians suffering negligible losses. The Turks were not prepared to defend their territories, and probably did not have the ability to do so in any case (Brown 1989). The dramatic outcome of this conflict was a great shock. Few in the navy or elsewhere had anticipated the devastating effect of shells on wooden ships, and as Brown (1989) notes, ‘Naval and public opinion showed surprise, shock and horror at the casualties’. Therefore, even at this early there is evidence of poor preparation and a lack of understanding of how the war would be conducted on the part of the Turks if not the Russians. The same cannot quite be said of the British and French. While many critics expressed shock at the event of Sinope, preparations had been made. The British had tested shells against the Prince George and the French had done likewise at Garve. Moreover, in response to the success of the Russian navy the French began the construction of heavily fortified armament batteries for coastal attack. That this was prior to the declaration of war suggests a degree of naval preparation on the part of the Allies (Lambert 2011). Nevertheless, there were serious shortcomings with the British fleet in particular that suggest both poor execution and planning. In the first place, it was wrongly believed that the Russian Baltic fleet might invade the United Kingdom, which turned out to be unjustified and stalled operations for over a year (Brown 1989). This was a strategic error and what it suggests about execution and planning can be debated. Additionally, when the British fleet went into the conflict it had problems with manpower. For example, admirals were promoted by seniority, which meant they tended to be older than was desirable. More importantly, many vessels were undermanned due to the poor pay and conditions on ships. When Britain declared war these problems had yet to be resolved, which indicates a distinct lack of preparedness (Brown 1989). In recent decades it has been argued by historians that Britain was guilty of extremely poor naval strategy, which would amount to a poor execution of the war on their part. Lambert (1990, cited in Fuller 2014) is among the most famous to put forward this thesis. He argued that ‘the real war could have been decided†¦in the Baltic, and won by the full might of a modern maritime power against a continental one’ (Fuller 2014: 2). When the strength of the British navy at this time, in terms of size and technology, is considered, this argument seems like a strong one. The British navy was notably ahead of its counterparts insofar as it included large numbers mortar vessels and ironclad batteries. Lambert believed that Cronstadt would definitely have fallen to the heavily armed British flotilla, and that the Russian realisation of this fact what forced peace in the end (Fuller 2014). Perhaps, then, the failure of the British to fully utilise its navy’s potential in the Baltic amounts to a strategic blunder. It is doubtful, however, that this part of the war was as poorly executed as Lambert argued. As Fuller (2014) notes, unilateral action (the so-called ‘Great Armament’) against Cronstadt might have alienated the French, who were on poor terms with the British. It might also have driven up the cost of the war to unsustainable levels, stretching the economy to breaking point. This much is suggested by a review in 1856 of the ‘Great Armament’, which noted that Britain could not provide any ‘proof of unabated strength and unexhausted resources’ (Fuller 2014: 38). This warning was echoed by Sir George Cornewall Lewis, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Palmerston’s ministry, who expressed concern that ‘our financial prospect is very bad, a declining revenue, rising prices, a large loan wanted which will be got on bad terms, and more money lent to Sardinia and Turkey’ (Fuller 2014: 38). The so-called missed opportunities in the Baltic, therefore, do not suggest poor planning and execution. Nevertheless, one might make the case that the poor financial prospect of Britain by the end of the war suggests a lack of preparation. Another line of argument, directed once again at the British, focuses on naval operations in the Pacific. Stephan (1969: 257), for example, describes the ‘tragi-comic nature of tactical operations in the Far East’. He notes that despite the overwhelming superiority of the Allied naval forces in around China and the Pacific, almost no headway was made in that sphere. Indeed, the Allies had twenty five ships of war, including six steamers, while the Russians could muster only six which were later reduced to four (Stephan 1969). Poor execution and planning in this case manifested in two ways. In the first place, there was little coordination between the China and Pacific squadrons and the British and French fleets in the area. As Stephan (1969: 258) notes, ‘at the outbreak of war†¦the British Commander-in-Chief of the China Squadron, Rear Admiral Sir James Stirling, was sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong. The rest of the squadron lay scattered among the Chinese treaty ports such as Shanghai, Amoy, and Canton.’ This arose from the folly of dividing command of the fleet, as well as a lack of information about the location of both friend and foe. Indeed, Stephan (1969) suggests that Stirling (who rather tellingly was only appointed Commander-in-Chief on 4 March), probably did not even know the location of Russian warships. There is relatively clear evidence that naval operations were fairly shambolic on the part of both the British and the French. The same is true of events on land. The Battle of the River Alma on 20 Sept 1984, for example, saw the British forces charge headlong against a fortified Russian position, the result of a ‘lack of information and lack of reconnoitre’ which meant that a number of easier routes went undiscovered. The British forces only triumphed because such an imprudent move was considered too unlikely to prepare against. The aftermath, moreover, saw poor execution insofar as the cavalry did not pursue the routing Russians, allowing them instead to fortify Sevastopol and thus draw out the war. This was further compounded when disagreements between the French and British commanders delayed the march to Sevastopol by several weeks, after which the city was heavily defended. The most famous of the blunders was, of course, the Charge of Light Brigade during the Battl e of Balaclava on 25 Oct 1854, in which a brigade of 670 cavalry under Lord Cardigan attacked an extremely heavily fortified Russian redoubt. The now famous calamity during which much of the Light Brigade was destroyed was the product of a simple miscommunication but reflects deeper issues with the British forces related to internal divisions, inexperience, and the unwillingness to question absurd orders. All of this translates to poor execution in warfare. In examining the conduct and organisation of the war more generally it is obvious that there was little sophisticated coordination or planning (Sweetman 2001). At every level of the Allied war effort this was true. Within the British army, for example, the artillery and engineers were commanded by the Master-General of Ordinance while the infantry and cavalry were commanded by the Commander-in-Chief at the Horse Guards, Lord Raglan, which made coordinated planning difficult (Sweetman 2001). Then, of course, the Royal Navy was a separate branch of the military, answerable only to the Lords of the Admiralty. This chaotic set-up hindered the Allied offensive at Sevastopol, as Raglan could not coordinate the British forces on land and sea without undertaking time-consuming and inefficient communications (Sweetman 2001). This is not to mention the fact that there was no overall commander with the authority to coordinate the various national armies of each Allied nation, as had been the ca se during the Peninsula War with the Duke of Wellington. Thus, ‘the entire ramshackle structure palpably lacked coordination’, and it is important to appreciate ‘the constraints that this put on drawing up strategic plans or executing tactical operations’ (Sweetman 2001: 16). The Russians were less culpable in these terms, although there were many shortcomings in their preparations. Urry (1989) has noted how the Russian land forces suffered severely from poor provisioning, something which became particularly damaging in the summer of 1854. By September, there were 50, 000 Russian troops in the Crimean Peninsula, but the Provisions’ Commission was comparatively small and badly managed. Place this in the geographical context and it appears even more serious. Most of the Crimea was barren and sparsely populated, which meant that the troops and animals in the region were more reliant on their supply chain than usual (Urry 1989). The infrastructure necessary to support the Russian war effort was also inadequate in many cases. Roads were of poor quality and transport networks were badly run and unreliable, which contributed to the problem of supplying the troops. Even those supplies that did arrive had often spoiled because of the excessive time it took to transport goods. This situation was improved somewhat when the new Russian Commander, General Prince M. D. Gorchakov, saw the reorganisation of the supply system, but much of the damage was already done (Urry 1989; Curtiss 1979). This is a clear example of poor preparation on the part of the Russians. Poor planning in terms of supplies was also a major problem for the Allies. The most striking example of this occurred on 14 November 1854 when a ‘Great Storm’ sunk 30 ships in Balaclava harbour and destroyed ?3 million worth of supplies, coinciding with the onset of the harsh winter. The Allies, however, had only prepared for a summer campaign, and the results were catastrophic. As Bloy (2002a) put it: ‘The Allies†¦had to make do with summer equipment: tents, light clothes and so on. It took months to re-supply them. Men died of exposure, disease, starvation.’ The situation was compounded by poor organisation and management in the aftermath, as well as the natural barriers of substandard roads and communication networks (Bloy 2002a). As poor as the organisational side of the war was for all sides, the Russian war effort was comparatively impressive. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the Russian were operating under very difficult conditions. Firstly, the defence of Sevastopol was an inherently problematic affair. The size of Russia required a wide distribution of troops, especially in the Baltic to prevent the Allies landing there (Urry 1989). Then there was uncertainty regarding the neutrality of Prussia, and especially Austria, which meant that troops had to be stationed along Russia’s lengthy western border. The barren nature of much of the Russian territory, moreover, especially in the south, was an unfortunate barrier that hampered supply, communication, and the movement of troops (Urry 1989). As Urry (1989) argues, these factors contributed to difficulties experienced by the Russians, and in many cases even good preparation and execution would have made it difficult to overcome such facto rs. On the other, one might argue that the decision to start a war in the face of so many natural barriers should be regarded as a major strategic failure (Jones 2013; Bloy 2002a). One area in which all parties lacked planning was medical provision. The low quality of care afforded to wounded soldiers in British hospitals has become notorious primarily because of Florence Nightingale’s work as Scutari. The quality of French medical care was supposedly slightly better, as is attested by William Howard Russell: ‘Here the French are greatly our superiors. Their medical arrangements are extremely good†¦ and they have the help of the Sisters of Charity†¦. These devoted women are excellent nurses.’ Nevertheless, even this relied on volunteers (Curtiss 1966: 98). The Russians likewise had to rely on volunteers, who operated under the aegis of the Exaltation of the Cross (Curtiss 1966). Testimony from the brace medical volunteers in the Russians forces reveals the shoddy set-up in place, especially with regard to the convoy system designed to transport wounded soldiers. This was supposedly poorly supplied with blankets, had few good driver s, and little in the way of food and water (Curtiss 1979; Curtiss 1966). The Crimean War was concluded peacefully at the Treaty of Paris on 30 March 1856 after the fall of Sevastopol, probably to the advantage of all parties. The conflict itself was of little obvious benefit to any nation, with the possible exception of Turkey, which had captured possessions restored to it by Russia (Bloy 2002a; Seton-Watson 1988). In turn, regions captured by the Allies, such as Sevastopol and Balaclava, were restored. Territories were thus redistributed to the participants in much the same way as before the war had begun. One of the most important effects of war was that it prohibited both Turkey and Russia from establishing a naval or military arsenal on the Black Sea, which weakened the Russian position. However, this turned out to be unenforceable and a few decades later Russia had violated the agreement (Gorizontov 2012; Seton-Watson 1988). The conflict did have important long-term implication insofar as it permanently weakened the position of Tsarist Russia, and sa w the ascendency of the France as the preeminent power in Europe. It therefore saw the end of the Concert of Europe, the balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna in 1815 (Bloy 2002a, 2002b). In conclusion, the Crimean War was both poorly planned and poorly executed. This essay has outlined the numerous strategic, tactical, and logistical failures perpetrated by all sides, but especially by the Allies and Britain in particular. However, as important as these moments were in defining the nature of the conflict and solidifying its reputation, it was problematic from the outset. As Clough (1964: 917) puts it: ‘it was not the result of a calculated plan, nor even of hasty last-minute decisions made under stress. It was the consequence of more than two years of fatal blundering in slow-motion by inept statesmen who had months to reflect upon the actions they took.’ Ultimately, while there are many mitigating factors, moments of triumph, and cases of heroism and coordination – especially in the medical sphere – this is a reputation well-deserved. References Bloy, M. (2002a) The Crimean War: ‘Britain in Blunderland’, The Victorian Web http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/blunder2.html [Retrieved 10/06/2014] Bloy, M. (2002b) The Crimean War: comment on attitudes in Britain, The Victorian Web http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/attitude.html [Retrieved 10/06/2014] Brown, D. K. (1989) The Royal Navy in the Crimean War: Technological Advances http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14517 [Retrieved 04/06/2014] Clough, S. B., ed. (1964) A History of the Western World. Boston, Heath: University of Michigan Press Curtiss, J. S. (1979) Russia’s Crimean War, Durham, N.C: Duke University Press Curtiss, J. S. (1966) Russian Sisters of Mercy in the Crimea, 1854-1855, Slavic Review, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 84-100 Fuller, H. J. (2014) Could Have, Would Have, Should HaveEngland’s ‘Great Armament’ during the Crimean War, the proposed naval assault upon Cronstadt’s defences and the Peace of 1856: Re-examining the evidence, University of Wolverhampton Gorizontov, L. E. (2012) ‘The Crimean War as a Test of Russia’s Imperial Durability’, Russian Studies in History 51 (1), pp. 65–94 Jones, H. P. (2012) Southern Military Interests in the Crimean War, Journal of Slavic Military Studies, 25, pp. 35–52 Lambert, A. (2011) The Crimean War: British Grand Strategy against Russia, 1853–56, Farnham: Ashgate Publishing Seton-Watson, H. (1988) The Russian Empire 1801–1917. Oxford: Clarendon Press Stephan, J. J. (1969) The Crimean War in the Far East, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 257-277 Sweetman, J. (2001) The Crimean War: 1854-1856, Oxford: Osprey Publishing The Economist (May 2014) What the original Crimean war was all about, Economist http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/03/economist-explains-5 [Retrieved 11/06/2014] Urry, J. (1989) Mennonites and the Crimean War, 1854 – 1856, Journal of Mennonite Studies, Vol. 7, pp.10-32