Liberty Essays (898 words) - Libertarian Theory, Sovereignty

Liberty Leviathan Liberty is the natural rights of all mankind. It was even created even before our time. Since we have so much freedom, we are in jeopardy by one another due to the fact that we threaten one's will. Competition, aggression, and warfare are always taken place for existence and self-preservation. This is the worse of human nature. We are always striving for peace and serenity, and we do everything that it takes to achieve security for oneself. We all want liberty, but in reality, there is barely any liberty here. As for an example, if a living aquatic animal was to reside all his life in water, it is restrained within the contour boundaries that separates land from water. However, in order to live peacefully without fear, we tend to give up our natural rights to attain our true liberty. Hobbes defines liberty in a different sense. He believes liberty minus all the things that you have to sacrifice in order to obtain true liberty. In other words, we have to surrender certain natural rights to achieve peace and harmony with oneself. He believes each individual can be threatened by one another causing them to be in a state of war. All subjects are willing to go any distance to preserve their own life. Since there are limited resources, each form could possibly desire the same object that will give him the power to continue his existence, resulting warfare in obtaining those objects will be a characteristic of the natural state of man. He believes warfare will be continual as long as seeking of power is continual, which leads to constant fear. In the state of nature, there is always competition, aggression, and warfare; therefore, there is no peace, harmony, and equality. Thus, this force the individuals to form a social contract with the sovereign. They are basically t ransferring their rights to the government to provide them with security and felicity. However, when entering a contract with the sovereign, the rights of the individuals will be formally restrained, which is the product of true liberty. The sovereign forms a set of natural laws that each individual will follow to prevent their extinction. Once the individual enters the contract, the individual has to obey the commands of the sovereign regardless if they are dangerous and dishonorable. For example, one must go to war to protect the sovereign when it is endanger even if one has to risk his own life to protect the state or to protect oneself. If one refuses to defend for the sovereign, it would not be consider unjust due to the fact that the sovereign must punish to maintain order in the government. Hobbes really believes that monarchy has what it takes to retain our tranquility. He believes if there is only man to rule, then there is no need to divide the powers among the others. The re will be fewer conflicts. He also believes that he cannot disagree with himself out of envy or interest, but assembly can, which can lead to a war. Although it is ruled by one man, he can still consider in hearing the people's opinion to give him advice to execute their needs. Simply there are only three kinds of government or commonwealth, which is democracy, monarchy, and oligarchy. While monarchy and oligarchy are dictated by rulers, democracy is ruled by the people. The only difference between monarchy and oligarchy is the number of rulers. Monarchy rules by one, which is a king. And oligarchy rules by a few dictators. In my opinion, I believe there is no alternative form of government that can protect our true liberty. If our sovereign is a democracy, we will be in chaos due to the fact that it rules by the people. That is basically starts from square one even before a government is created. There will be many conflicts in opinions and beliefs, which can lead to hatred among each other, resulting warfare. Things will be more complicated to accomplish to each individual's needs, which results failure of the government. Speaking of failure of the government, I also believe that oligarchy is also chaotic because conflicts can take place among the rulers. They can

Us on International Fishing essays

Us on International Fishing essays US action on International Fishing Disputes While the United Nations has passed several resolutions and treaties regarding fisheries, the United States has typically refused to ratify such measurers. UNCLOS III, the most comprehensive attempt at a unified body of maritime law, has yet to be given the consent of the Senate. The sticking provisions of this treaty primarily deal with provisions for deep-sea mineral rights. Many US companies have already begun exploration in deep-sea minerals and the UN convention calls for deep-sea minerals to be the common heritage of mankind. This, along with provisions for the required transfer of marine technology, have prompted Senator Helms (Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee) to oppose this treaty and effectively kill it. While the US may reject certain provisions of UNCLOS III, they did rush to utilize the provisions of the 200 mile EEZ before the treaty was officially adopted. In 1976 Congress adopted a bill known as the Magnuson Act. This piece of legislation made full use of the concept of exclusive economic zones extending 200 miles to sea. The intent of the law was to bring fisheries within that area back into the exclusive domain of US fishermen. This piece of legislation has been the hinge-pin in most US fisheries regulations since 76, and was most recently renewed in 1996. If the United States is often the driving force behind the proposal of many treaties such as UNCLOS III, why does the US fail to ratify them? In short, there is not a single area to lay blame. Procedural rules, American ideology, and the relatively increasing autonomy of US legislators all contribute to making passage of comprehensive treaties extremely difficult. There is a significant procedural and political disconnect between the executive branch which negotiates treaties, and the Senate which ratifies them. The executive branch, here primar ...

How to Write a Discussion Section of a Research Paper

How to Write a Discussion Section of a Research Paper How to Write a Discussion Section of a Research Paper The discussion section of a research paper is dedicated to interpretation of your findings and their significance. Here, you discuss what has already been found about the problem by other researchers, and present your fresh view on the issue, taking into consideration all evidence and facts. This part of a research paper is very indicative of your progress as a student. The discussion section can be considered the most important part of the research paper, because it demonstrates your analytical skills. A good discussion section needs a critical approach to the question, and your ability to synthesize the findings of your research. If it has revealed any gaps in the field, this is also a good section to highlight these gaps, and give your suggestions on the possible improvements. Also, your discussion should be logically structured. There are several types of text structures, so you need to decide which one will be the most suitable, considering the type of research you are conducting. How to Structure Your Discussion Section We can allocate two types of structures you can use to organize the discussion section – vertical and horizontal. Vertical structure of the text is comprised of information presented in a hierarchical manner, relating to general elements and more specific ones. The topic unfolds into subtopics, subcategories and separate arguments. You have to keep in mind, that from your point of view, the argument and facts are arranged in a descending manner, taking into consideration how you intend to communicate your thoughts, speculations and conclusions. On the other hand, your reader will perceive all information in an ascending manner, from more specific elements to the general understanding of your topic. The horizontal structure is formed by creating cohesion between your findings. This cohesion is achieved by means of language devices, such as conjunctions, references and omission of words or phrases that can be logically derived from a sentence. All facts, arguments and speculations should be presented consistently, using logical connectives and references. Which Type of Structure is Better There is no right or wrong, it just depends on your findings. The horizontal structure is especially relevant when you are conducting an interdisciplinary research. There is no hierarchy between independent disciplines, so you need a structure which will highlight the relations between facts that belong to different fields. Vertical structure employs the deductive approach to research. If you start proving your thesis statement from a generalization and build your way to a conclusion by analyzing separate element of the general notion, then a vertical structure is more suitable for you discussion section. Points to Consider Whichever structure you decide to choose, your discussion section should have a brief summary of the importance of your findings for the field you study. You can also give your opinion on possible directions for future research, but add only those, that could not be researched in this particular paper. If you give recommendations for further research, remember to avoid repeating your statements in the conclusion section of your research paper. There is no use in wasting space with repetitions, and it can give an impression that you were careless with your final edit of the paper. And finally, on account of the overall research paper, avoid using first person too much. It can distract the reader from the main point of the paper – research.

Smoking among Teenagers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Smoking among Teenagers - Research Paper Example Not only this but also a teen’s exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. Smoking during the teenage impacts the teenager’s overall health, lung efficiency, reduces concentration span as a result of which his or her academic performance is hampered. Youth is that period of our lives where our mind and body are at their peaks but smoking during teenage deprives one of giving one’s best performance in all walks of life (Hales, 2009-2010). The hazards of teenage smoking and its causes can be traced to the determinants of health as per the ecological model. THE ECOLOGICAL MODEL The ecological perspective on health includes individual and environmental factors. The ecological model stresses that for community assessment, it is important to look beyond individual factors and also incorporate organizational and community factors. As per the ecological model, behavior at the individual level is influenced by biological, physiological, psycholo gical and emotional states. The psychological aspect of teenage smoking is that teenagers have it at the back of their mind that smoking makes them more ‘cool’ and mature. Many a times a teenager tries the first puff just to imitate his or her favorite celebrity. The social and cultural beliefs of family, friends and peers comprise of the interpersonal level. Smoking behavior of a teen is influenced by family: for instance if one of the parents smokes, then the child tends to smoke too. Heredity is the main biological factor: for instance women who smoke during pregnancy are indirectly making their unborn children prone to nicotine. These children develop a liking for nicotine and also show quick addiction. Friends are part family members and usually a teen is more influenced by friends than by his family. Many teenagers testify that their friends forced them to take the first puff (Harris, 2010). The physiological factors for teenage smoking will include nicotine metab olism and excretion. Cultural beliefs are very correctly depicted in the promotions of the Marlboro Man (McLeroy, 1988). At the organizational and community level, economic, physical and structural factors influence behavior. This level encompasses educational programs, mass media, counseling, support groups and organizational incentives. Public policy is another domain at which assessment can be done for a community. The Public Policy shows the state’s stance on health and related issues. For instance public service messages against teenage smoking and awareness programs come under public policy. Not only this but also public policy includes national laws for teenage smoking like a ban on selling cigarettes to a minor (Harris, 2010). Relationships with family, friends, neighbors, contacts at work, and acquaintances form the interpersonal processes which influence health behaviors. These relationships are particularly more influential in a teenager’s life as his mind i s vulnerable and he tends to adopt common behavior in his surroundings. The way a teenager deals with stress is also influenced by these relationships. If an adult smokes excessively during stress than his teenage son would do the same under stress. If the same interpersonal relationships can provoke a teenager to smoke then they can also work as support systems in times of stress and rehabilitation (for smoking or alcohol addicts). However if a

Essay on the book Christianity in the first three centuries by Adolf

On the book Christianity in the first three centuries by Adolf Harnack - Essay Example Thus, the religion of Christianity has â€Å"become a power† (Harnack 312). Initially, Christianity has been known as a part of Judaism; subsequently, it has become one of the most dominant religions in the world. In its evaluation as a popular religion, it has attained a powerful grip on humanity. Harnack, by analyzing both historical developments of dogma and of the relation of the church to the state, along with missionary movement of Christians, investigates the expansion of this religion. Christianity has received a strong foundation to grow and the time too has been perfect in a certain sense, despite the stiff oppositions, constant attacks, enemies, unfavorable rulers and authorities. Harnack’s work is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the humble but dynamic beginning, with the background of Judaism, and the emergence of Jewish religion. Then it goes on to the mission, consequently segregating from the mainstream. The second section concer ns with the contents of the message that influenced the Christians with such a powerful force. The third section dwells on different methods employed, and hostility suffered in the voyage of the mission until it attained the recognition of the masses. This paper offers a critical analysis of Harnack’s work in relation to the mission and the expansion of Christianity. Review: Right at the beginning, in Book 1, Harnack brings to the attention of his audience Christianity’s germination on the fertile land of Jews and examines how it has fared then on. The context has remained favorable for Christianity’s growth. Jewish foothold has been very firm and their propaganda profound. Judaism gradually kept transforming in a philosophical context. However, afterwards, the religion has â€Å"presented itself in the eyes of the law and the authorities as a religion distinct from that of Judaism, its character as a religio illicita was assured† (Harnack 302). Simultane ously, the religion has blended itself into the lives and other aspects of the society in the east. This was syncretism, which looked like a unity from distance but is heterogenous in reality. When â€Å"Christianity came to formulate ideas of God, Jesus, sin, redemption, and life, it drew upon the materials acquired in the general process of religious evolution standing against polytheism.† Harnack showed that Jesus’ preaching and works are the base for further mission work and the impulse given by His genuineness worked as its spirit. The earliest followers, especially Paul, got this profound consciousness of being an apostle to the world. He was driven till the western ends of Roman Empire. The transition from Jewish mission to gentile mission is clearly shown by Harnack. In between, he argues against the Jews’ evilness and unworthiness of God’s grace. He takes it to extremes. In the gospels, first of all, one can find the obligation to go to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Jesus, however, did not give an explicit command for this, which remained further a field to think upon. However, His message was for the whole humanity. Harnack depicted Christianity as a syncretistic religion. But it is not clear to what extent this syncretism or the acceptance of ideas from others, and employing them for own understanding, was present in the words of Jesus and the

A Brief History of Lawrence Ferlinghetti :: Writers Poetry Poets Essays

A Brief History of Lawrence Ferlinghetti A prominent voice of the wide-open poetry movement that began in the 1950s, Lawrence Ferlinghetti has written poetry, translation, fiction, theater, art criticism, film narration, and essays. Often concerned with politics and social issues, Ferlinghetti’s poetry countered the literary elite's definition of art and the artist's role in the world. Though imbued with the commonplace, his poetry cannot be simply described as polemic or personal protest, for it stands on his craftsmanship, thematics, and grounding in tradition. Ferlinghetti was born in Yonkers in 1919, son of Carlo Ferlinghetti who was from the province of Brescia and Clemence Albertine Mendes-Monsanto. Following his undergraduate years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served in the U.S. Navy in World War II as a ship's commander. He received a Master’s degree from Columbia University in 1947 and a Doctorate de l’Università © de Paris (Sorbonne) in 1950. From 1951 to 1953, when he settled in San Francisco, he taught French in an adult education program, painted, and wrote art criticism. In 1953, with Peter D. Martin, he founded City Lights Bookstore, the first all-paperbound bookshop in the country, and by 1955 he had launched the City Lights publishing house. The bookstore has served for half a century as a meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals. City Lights Publishers began with the Pocket Poets Series, through which Ferlinghetti aimed to create an international, dissident ferment. His publication of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl in 1956 led to his arrest on obscenity charges, and the trial that followed drew national attention to the San Francisco Renaissance and Beat movement writers. (He was overwhelmingly supported by prestigious literary and academic figures, and was acquitted.) This landmark First Amendment case established a legal precedent for the publication of controversial work with redeeming social importance. Ferlinghetti’s paintings have been shown at various galleries around the world, from the Butler Museum of American Painting to Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. He has been associated with the international Fluxus movement through the Archivio Francesco Conz in Verona. He has toured Italy, giving poetry readings in Roma, Napoli, Bologna, Firenze, Milano, Verona, Brescia, Cagliari, Torino, Venezia, and Sicilia. He won the Premio Taormino in 1973, and since then has been awarded the Premio Camaiore, the Premio Flaiano, the Premio Cavour. among others. He is published in Italy by Oscar Mondadori, City Lights Italia, and Minimum Fax. He was instrumental in arranging extensive poetry tours in Italy produced by City Lights Italia in Firenze. He has translated from the Italian Pier Paolo Pasolin’s Poemi Romani, which is published by City Lights Books. In San Francisco, his work can regularly be seen at the George Krevsky Gallery at 77 Geary

British Imperialism in India

â€Å"All the leadership had spent their early years in England. They were influenced by British thought, British ideas, that is why our leaders were always telling the British â€Å"How can you do these things? They’re against your own basic values. â€Å". We had no hatred, in fact it was the other way round – it was their values that made us revolt. † -Aruna Asaf Ali, a leader of the Indian National Congress. There is no doubt that British imperialism had a large impact on India. India, having previously been an group of independent and semi-independent princedoms and territories, underwent great change under British administration. Originally intended to consolidate their hold on India by establishing a population that spoke the same language as their rulers, the British decision in the 1830s to educate Indians in a Western fashion, with English as the language of instruction, was the beginning of a chain of events, including a rise in Indian nationalism, that led to Indian resentment of British imperialism and ultimately to the loss of British control over India. One of the most important factors in the British loss of control over India was the establishment of English as a unifying language. Prior This in turn led to further resentment of British imperialism, and claims that military regulations were an attempt by the British to destroy the traditional caste system. There was, however, much suspicion that this declaration meant nothing and that Britain had no intention of relinquishing control beyond simple aspects such as health services, agriculture and public works (Cowie, 39, 1994). Ghandi†tms Western education allowed him to develop his radical technique of â€Å"satyagraha†tm or â€Å"truth force†tm, whereby laws were opposed with the force of truth and moral consciousness instead of violence. This movement consisted mostly of British-educated intellectuals, and ironically was made possible by the British encouragement of higher education, originally intended to create a middle management that could carry out simple administration jobs. Ghandi was â€Å"†shrewd enough to utilise the nature of British rule in India to win independence without too much bloodshed† (Masani, quoted in Wood, 32, 1989). With this in mind, the Montagu Declaration was issued in 1917, promising â€Å"gradual†tm and â€Å"progressive†tm self-government for India. As well as the moderate nationalism that grew within the Indian National Congress, extreme nationalism was also becoming prevalent. While earlier in the century, the English language and European political principles gave rise to the Indian nationalist movement, these were the tools used to strengthen the movement and to create unity among the Indian people. † (Cowie, 36, 1994) This Congress, however, had no power in terms of action and it can be seen as an attempt by the British to appease Indian nationalists who wanted progress. The Indian National Congress was the largest and most obvious nationalist group, formed so that â€Å"educated Indians†could express dissatisfaction with the British colonial administration and suggest reforms. Ghandi also gained insight into his culture through â€Å"discussion with English friends on religion, both Christianity and Hinduism, which he now began to discover on a philosophical level† (Masselos, 121, 1972). The publication of magazines and journals in English was also a great influence on the rise of Indian nationalism. to British colonisation, India was fragmented and multi-lingual, with 15 major languages and around 720 dialects. But in both cases there were actually both.