Sufism Mystical Islam Flashcard

Sufism Mystical Islam

Critically discuss from an ethically informed Essay Example

Critically discuss from an ethically informed Essay Example Critically discuss from an ethically informed Essay Critically discuss from an ethically informed Essay Critically discuss from an ethically informed position whether Schon s impression of contemplation has a topographic point in back uping ethical pattern in societal work. The 20th century saw an addition in specialization and a growing in the figure of professional organic structures. The professions, and peculiarly the societal work profession wielded huge power in society. Sometimes this power was erroneously or wrongly used ( for illustration in Cleveland in the late eightiess ) and societal service users suffered as a consequence. Shon ( 1991 ) has argued that: Professionals claim to lend to societal wellbeing, set their clients’ needs in front of their ain, and hold themselves accountable to criterions of competency and morality. But both popular and scholarly critics accuse the professions of functioning themselves at the disbursal of their clients, disregarding their duty to public service, and neglecting to patrol themselves efficaciously( Schon, 1991:11-12 ) . One of the jobs for professionals has been a spread between professional cognition and the manner in which this translates into pattern. Social workers are, in add-on, frequently faced with a struggle of values, on the one manus there is a peculiar client and state of affairs and on the other there is an increasing demand to fulfill bureaucratism by treating a instance every bit rapidly as possible. In a state of affairs like this it is really easy to be governed by regulations and processs and peculiar theoretical attacks that may hold small footing in world. How far is a societal worker being guided by even general ethical rules, allow entirely a specific codification of pattern. The societal worker is pushed into a narrowing of focal point that is outside their control if they had more clip to cover with a instance so they would hold more clip to research their ain feelings and reactions every bit good as concentrating on ethical determination devising. When a practician is driven by mark orientated bureaucratism so he/she does non hold the clip to believe about what they are making and to larn from the procedure. They can therefore unwittingly be drawn into unethical pattern, or pattern that violates their professional codification of moralss. This paper will give a general account of the constructs of moralss and contemplation. Then from a position informed by the Scottish Social Services Council’s Code of pattern, the paper will discourse Schon’s ( 1982, 1991 ) impression of contemplation, and ascertain whether it has a topographic point in back uping ethical pattern in societal work. Ethical motives are moral rules which inform the government of human behavior. Ethical codifications on the other manus, while they may be based on moral rules, are non as generalisable in that they refer to peculiar professions and the manner in which professional behavior is governed. Butler ( 2000 ) maintains that such ethical codifications can non be said to be impersonal or value free because they have arisen in a peculiar context for a peculiar intent and as such are influenced by the political orientations held in that context. Contemplation is a term that has gained increasing currency in many Fieldss including instruction, divinity, research and societal work. Ruch ( 2002 ) maintains that the impression of brooding pattern, peculiarly as it is found in Schon’s work, is a complex one.because it rests on a more holistic apprehension of how and what we know than has traditionally been the instance. Historically cognition has been drawn from discernible facts ( as in scientific discipline ) but this nonsubjective position of cognition has progressively been challenged as a narrow position that maintains there is a specific response to state of affairss that a practician can use and therefore work out a job. This position of societal work, encased as it is in fixed constructions is unable to cover with the diverse nature of modern western society and is really contrary to societal work moralss as it precludes covering with each client and state of affairs on its on virtues. Brooding pattern, on the othe r manus, acknowledges the singularity of each human being and each state of affairs that arguably makes it much more compatible with societal work moralss. Cardinal to Schon’s impression of brooding pattern are the diverse ways of human knowing, rational, experiential and intuitive, what Polyani ( 1967 ) has called a tacit knowing.’ Tacit cognition is knowledge that a individual achieves over clip and may non needfully be able to joint how he or she knows it. Schon ( 1991 ) maintains that this cognition is acquired through procedure or making. It is a cardinal portion of reflective pattern which recognises the importance of non-rational cognition. Arguably this type of cognition is priceless to societal workers because they deal with people. Peoples are complex existences and their interaction takes topographic point at many different degrees that are non ever expressible in any meaningful footings. It is besides this sort of cognizing that helps us to associate to each other as alone persons and to recognize the intrinsic worth of another, both of these things are inextricable from ethical pattern in societal work. In add -on to this contemplation is a necessary portion of self-knowledge. Who a individual is, their life history and their cultural context all affect how they act and justice in a given state of affairs, contemplation is a manner of recognizing one’s ain personal prejudices and whether these may be coloring our perceptual experience of a given individual or state of affairs. Self-knowledge is, or should be a necessary constituent in a societal worker’s go oning development. Papell ( 1996 ) contends that: Social work scholars must comprehend the human state of affairs which they confront in their pattern and recognize that their perceptual experiences are filtered through their ain thought and knowing procedures, through their emotions and feeling procedures and through the manner they themselves integrate and regulate their ain making and acting. Knowing the ego is more than cognizing how one feels. It is cognizing how one thinks and Acts of the Apostless( Papell, 1996:19 ) . Ruch ( 2002 ) maintains that although there has been opposition to reflective pattern in societal work it is now going built-in to the profession. This is because it encourages an apprehension of the ego and the function that it has in professional pattern. Reflection operates on a figure of degrees. Practical contemplation encompasses different sorts of cognizing and enables societal workers to reflect on how they do their occupation and whether it conforms to their organisation’s codification of pattern. Practical contemplation Ruch ( 2002 ) contends makes a practician more unfastened to new and different ways of get bying with clients and their state of affairss. Technical contemplation on the other manus takes a more rational and theoretical attack. These things do non run in isolation but are drawn together in critical contemplation. Critical contemplation stems from the above two procedures and can ensue in a societal worker taking an anti-oppressive stance in their patt ern. From an ethically informed perspective critical contemplation should be a necessary portion of societal work preparation and pattern as an emancipatory and anti-oppressive attitude are critical constituents of ethical societal work. Increasingly subjects of wellness and societal attention maintain that ethical pattern in these countries must be centred on the demands of service users, therefore the Scots Social Service’s Council’s Code of Practice is specifically designed to concentrate on this. The codification of pattern recognises that each individual and state of affairs are alone and therefore necessitate a response that takes history of peculiar single demands. Social workers of necessity intervene in people’s lives and have an influence on state of affairss, ethical determination devising is hence a critical constituent of societal work pattern ( Osmo and Landau, 2001 ) . Some of the issues that societal workers have to cover with and that involve them in ethical determination doing centre around equilibrating the rights of one person against others, around public public assistance and issues of institutional and structural subjugation. The Scots societal worker’s codification of moralss maintains that societal workers mustprotect the rights and promote the involvements of service users and carers( codification of moralss:16 ) . This can affect a societal worker in ethical determination doing i.e. make up ones minding whether advancing the involvements and protecting the rights of one person may encroach on another’s rights. While there possibly certain guidelines for this it is non ever a straightforward procedure and a societal worker may hold to trust on old experience and intestine inherent aptitudes as to the right actions in a given state of affairs. In kid maltreatment instances for illustration the rights of the kid are ever paramount but if the societal worker suspects that the accusals of maltreatment are baseless so he/she has to do a determination on how the state of affairs should be dealt with. It is here that Schon’s impression of contemplation might come into drama. Have at that place been old similar state of affairss, what action was taken and what was the result. This sort of quandary demands careful idea and consideration before any definite stairss are taken. Without contemplation on old actions and how these might associate to the codification of moralss the societal worker could be at a considerable disadvantage in determination devising and could either go forth a kid unfastened to danger or conflict the rights of a perchance guiltless client. Social work intercession must non be aim goaded if it is to be ethically informed. The codification of pattern as outlined by the Scottish Social Services Council demands that societal workers maintain up to day of the month in their field and in current thought sing societal justness and equal chances to this terminal they recommend that professional development and preparation be an on-going procedure in societal work pattern. While go oning professional development can be given to be outcome oriented and brooding pattern procedure orientated, Postle et Al. ( 2002 ) argue that a more inclusive attack is needed where both results and procedure are of equal value in the practitioner’s go oning development. Banks ( 2003 ) has argued that codifications of pattern and moralss are frequently idealistic they can promote a false sense of security as they may be seen as supplying a design for how a societal worker should move when it is impossible to pass for every state of affairs. Social workers need to be able to critically reflect on their ain pattern in order to move in an ethical mode in any given state of affairs. Ethical codifications work from the exterior, they do non hold anything to state about a practician as a individual and whether, and in what ways, the practician might run from what Kant termed the categorical jussive mood. Ethical motives is a subdivision of doctrine that is concerned with right action, and ethical codifications and codifications of pattern are developed with this in head. Contemplation, nevertheless, as this paper has already argued is concerned with a practiioner’s ain responses and with their interior state-how they feel about a given state of affa irs and what they might spot as morally right what has been termed a virtuousness moral principle. It is arguably the instance that virtuousness moralss are at the bosom of societal work pattern because it is concerned with societal justness and the impression of the built-in worth of human existences. It has been argued that virtuousness moralss are excessively inward looking in that they imply a concern with the ego ( Wolff, 2002 ) but this may besides be combined with a concern for others. Attachment to a specific codification of moralss implies that those bound by this codification already possess a certain moral character and will therefore move in conformity with specific values that take into history concern for the public assistance of others whilst besides holding a concern for the ego. It is in this case that Schon’s impression of contemplation is priceless to ethically informed societal work pattern. The rules embedded in Scots Social Work preparation and in their codification of pattern maintain that societal workers must: maintain and advance the self-respect, safety, pick, privateness potency of people who use services and balance these consideration of the demands of others for protection ; dainty everyone every bit, and value their peculiarity and diverseness ; and maintain public trust and assurance in societal services. ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/social/ffsw.pdf p.19 ) It is the statement of this paper that in order to run into the demands of the codification of pattern societal workers need to prosecute in critical contemplation on their ain pattern and on the ethical quandary that they face in any given state of affairs. It is here that Schon’s impression of contemplation and of cognizing through making are an priceless portion of ethical societal work. 2000 words Mentions: Banks, S. 2003 From curses to rulebooks: a critical scrutiny of codifications of moralss for the societal professionsEuropean diary of Social WorkVolume 6 No. 2 July 2003 p. 133-144 Butler, I 2000.A Code of Ethics for Social Work and Social Work Researchhypertext transfer protocol: //www.elsc.org.uk/socialcareresource/tswr/seminar6/butler.htm Karen Postle, Carleton Edwards, Roger Moon, Hazel Rumsey, Tracie Thomas 2002 Continuing professional development after making partnerships, booby traps and possibleSocial Work EducationVolume 21. No. 2 1stApril 2002 Papell, C. ( 1996 ) Contemplation on issues in societal work instruction in: N. GOULD A ; I. Taylor ( Eds ) Reflective Learning for Social Work ( Aldershot, Arena ) . Ruch, G 2002 From trigon to gyrate: Brooding pattern in societal work instruction, pattern and researchSocial Work EducationVolume 21 no. 2 2002 Ruch, G. 2000 Self and societal work: Towards an incorporate theoretical account of learningJournal of Social Work PracticeVolume 14, no. 2 November 1st2000 Slote, Michael. From Morality to Virtue. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992 Wolff, J. 2002 Contractualism and the virtuesCritical Review of International Social and Political PhilosophyVolume 5 No. 2 June 2002 p. 120-132

Realism and the Lord of the Ring 3 Movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Realism and the Lord of the Ring 3 Movie - Essay Example Yet again, the absence of a regulating body makes the agents relate with one another on their own without being directed by a higher authority according to Crawford (45). It is also noted that since the players in the realism pitch do so in an environment that is unstable as they scramble for the same resources. As a result, sometimes the players engage in war in which case they have themselves to depend on. Before nationalism came into being as a political doctrine, realism in the political scene involved such jurisdictions as ruling dynasties and kingdoms (Mearsheimer 87). Generally, the realist ideology demands that the relevant agent ensures its own interests and survival before it can extend a glance to others’ needs. Connection between Realism and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) The epic fantasy film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King which is based on the preceding volumes of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In brief, Sauron has been se eking to launch his conquest of Middle-earth. On the other hand, Theoden King of Rohan and Wizard Gandalf join forces to defend Minas Tirith (the capital of Gondor) from the impending danger. In the end, Aragorn claims Gondor’s throne and seeks the help of an army of ghosts to battle against Sauron. Even with the massive and remarkable force behind them, they realize that their lot is bound to be defeat. Sam, Frodo and the Hobbits have to shoulder the Ring’s burden and deal with Gollum’s treachery. A long journey sees them arrive in Mordor, a land that is quite full of danger. They desire to destroy the One Ring where it was created – using Mount Doom’s volcanic fires. The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the... Realism has continued to gain ground especially following the events of the Second World War. Realism, according to political scientists may be defined as the belief that reality essentially exists without respect to observers. Politically, realism is seen at play in international relations whenever national or territorial interests and security are given higher priority over social reconstructions, ideology and moral concerns. Ideally, the growing interest in realism comes about with the view that competitive self interest is the main driver of world politics. The application of realism or realist notions and perspectives is prevalent across the world. The main characteristics of realism include the desire for agents to secure themselves against threats and to protect their interests first before considering those of other players or agents. In the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, realism is beyond doubt in existence. The various battles that are fought in the movie are aimed at protecting the interests of particular jurisdictions or individuals. Yet again the security of the jurisdictions is considered whenever threats seem to emerge from external forces. The absence of a governing body makes the playing field open to conflict as the fight for resources becomes evident. In spite of the above facts, it cannot be ignored that some players overcome the temptations associated with seeking power in a move that downplays the ideals of realism. The Lord of the Ring: The Return of the King is an epic-fantasy movie that starts off with the evil Sauron launching the final phases of his take-over of Middle-earth while Gandalf and Theoden assist in defending Minas Tirith.

International Business - Foreign Direct Investment Essay

International Business - Foreign Direct Investment - Essay Example China still holds and implements its policy that discourages or sometimes bans wholly foreign-owned investment. Certain intangible aspects have been recommended for foreign investors to put into consideration in order to run a successful joint venture in China. These aspects are culture, common sense, law and understanding of finance which jointly complement each other in China business environment. Throughout the 1980s up to mid-1990s, Chinese government oversaw inbound FDI mainly through entry intervention where the government emphasized FDI project ratification in which the government was able to manipulate and influence FDI size, location, timing and sometimes partner selection. China way of dealing with foreigners which is partly contributed by the country’s culture and government policy largely exhibited lack of experience in dealing with most MNCs hence most of these corporations remained regulated (Grosse p.297). The concerns of China’s government during this pe riod largely came to reflect regulation tendencies as to which industries should be opened to foreign investors and where FDI should be channeled to. Most enacted laws and regulations did not grant MNCs total control and operation powers instead these laws, rules and regulations became to be associated with how to control foreign company entry into the nation’s market (Grosse p.297). Carrying out research in 1993 Erramilli and Rao noted that joint venture as a preferred entry mode by MNCs become successful when the cultural space is relatively large between the host and home countries. Further the authors found out that there exist relationship between joint venture entry mode with â€Å"the level of the host country wellbeing, the level of host government restrictions, and the level of competition in the host country† (cited in Jiang, Cristodoulou and Wei par.3 ). At the same time literature postulate that MNCs entry mode decisions is largely affected and influenced b y the host country’s investment policies. The popularity of joint ventures in China has been attached to numerous reasons with popular one being â€Å"direct or indirect government rules requiring them in a certain circumstances to do so† (Jiang, Cristodoulou and Wei par.3). Further joint ventures (JVs) in this country have resulted due to popular and widely held belief that JVs are likely to work with Chinese municipal governments well without much conflicts.

Informal Reading Assessment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Informal Reading Assessment - Case Study Example III. GENERAL OBSERVATION †¢ Interpersonal response to the clinician On the examination day, john entered the assessment room when he was so frightened. He seemed to be scared because I was new to him. Moreover, the class teacher did not brief him about the assessment. After I explained in details the purpose of our meeting, john was extremely inquisitive to know why I was assessing him. In fact, he asked me if their class teacher was not qualified enough to conduct the assessment. I explained to him that all the other students were to undergo the same test. As I was about to start the test, I realized that John was busy trying to find out what was in my laptop. I asked him what his favorite class program was, and he told me about a cartoon TV program that he always watches at home in the evening. I listen to him so that he would feel appreciated. John answered short answer questions extremely well. However, I kept quiet and looked at the laptop when I asked him to explain some q uestions. This was expected because at his age, a child does not like challenging things or questions. †¢ Perceptiveness of the task of reading From how he read the passage in one of the story books, it was so evident that John enjoyed reading short passages. He could struggle to pronouns some long words and those with silent syllables. †¢ Attention and concentration during assessment John’s attention during the assessment was commendable. However, he was often distracted by the laptop, that made me realized that he likes computers and video games. The student’s overall grades levels are as follows Independent grade level was 0 miscues in word recognition, 90% miscue in comprehension and 0 miscue in listening level. This come to an average of 99% Instructional Grade level were 2 miscues in word recognition, 3 miscues in comprehension and 2 miscues in listening level. This come to an average of 90% Frustration Grade level were 8 miscues in word recognition, 49 % miscues in comprehension and 4 miscues in listening level. This come to an average of 90%=49%. It is very evident that the student’s performance is good. However, a few improvements should be made, since the student has a potential of performing higher than this. IV. Discussion on the assessment Word recognition results and graded word list John did not have many problems on the word list. In fact, all the questions on the word list for grade three were not an issue to him. He was able to handle them with a lot of ease. His frustration manifested on instructional and partly independent level, where he could miss the pronunciation of words whose syllables are almost similar. The greatest problem is where he could say the words that are particularly common in the text books whenever he sees a similar word. For example, it was†¦. For any sentence that start with It. This also resulted to confusion of words whose last syllables changes. For instance, he said enabled instea d of enabling. Another problem was reading long words. He had a habit of skipping such word because they were hard to pronounce. In addition, he would interchange the pronunciation of some words. For instance, t instead of d. this is attributed to the influence of child’s first language. Goal The teacher needs to give more concentration on john’s points of weaknesses. The best way to improve on such areas is giving more assignments on the same and monitoring him closely. The books

The Concept Of Civil Society Politics Essay

The Concept Of Civil Society Politics Essay It is important to identify the role of civil society in governance because there is actually a controversy about its role in relationship with the state. For example, Tocqueville (1969) argues that civil society is the most credible alternative to the state for the delivery of public goods. On the other hand, Hegel considers its role as being complimentary to that of the state and he puts a premium on the role of the state. Political Scientists such as Stephan (1998), Stocpol (1992) and Keane (1998) agree that civil society organisations are pre-requisite for making good governance. The World Bank and the United Nations also share the view that there can be no good governance without civil society. The term civil society is itself a subject of many debates. In order to identify the role of civil society in governance, It will be necessary to clarify the context in which the term is been discussed in this paper. Even the notion of good governance is contestable and as such will also require some clarifications. Doornbos (2003:4) agrees that there has hardly been a consensus about its core meaning. In this essay therefore, attempts will be made, using available literature to define the terms civil society and good governance, explain the inter-face between the two concepts, identify the roles of civil society in governance, give a brief description of our case study, which in this instance is South Africa, analyse the impact of civil societies in relationship with good governance in South Africa and conclude on the basis of my findings. The Concept of Civil Society. Civil society is pluralistic in meaning. Perhaps the most profound and enduring definition of the term is that of Locke(1963), who describes civil society as a contract between equals founded on the basis of voluntarism. Tocqueville (op. cit.) builds on the definition provided by Locke and extends the concept further by introducing the idea of collective action as a way of curbing state tyranny for the purpose of producing the common good. Thus, the notion of civil society as a model of self-governance through voluntary effort for the delivery of common good was first introduced. Also, the ideas of voluntarism and collective action projected by these authors form the basis of democracy which is crucial for civil society. Friedman and Mckaiser argue that civil society and democracy are interdependent. According to them, democracy is the vehicle through which civil society can acquire a voice to speak for the people. More recently, Edwards(2005) while exploring the ideas of some modern philosophers who project the idea of civil society as the public sphere (Habermas 1989) and the good society( Kant 1970), concludes that the idea of civil society remains compelling because it brings out the best in us and establishes lasting solutions for issues of inequalities, social injustice and poverty. Cohen and Arato (1992) distinguish civil society from the state and market and argue that it could become the needed instrument for expanding civil rights and democracy. This interpretation of the concept emphasises the idea of democracy which is also considered a necessary condition for good governance. There are many other interpretations of this term by different theorists, but for the purpose of this discourse, civil society will encompass all collective actions by voluntary organisations within the public sphere for the purpose of delivering the common good. It will include activities of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Social movements, informal and formal communal groups which collaborate with other institutional pillars to deliver goods of public value. The Concept of Good Governance. Governance as a word connotes control, regulations and order. Court, Hyden and Mease (2004: 16) describe governance as a system of regulations and rules within which social actors must take decisions for the purpose of creating social order. Swilling (1997) agrees that governance is the relationship between power structures to create a civic public realm However, the idea that good governance is dependent on civil society makes the concept complex and pluralistic in meaning too. According to Warren (1999), liberal democrats will define a government as good only if it has the following attributes; freedom of information and freedom of the press, citizens capacity building strategy, upholds the fundamental human rights of citizens, encourages collective action and decision making, provides avenue for public opinion and institutional checks and balances. Evans (2012) advances another idea of good governance premised on integrity in public administration. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Transparency International (TI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are some of the advocates of integrity as new public management strategy for the purpose of achieving accountable, transparent and responsible public institutions (ibid). In this model, the OECD identifies eight different criteria for good governance, which it calls ethics infrastructure. They are; political commitment to integrity, effective legal frame work, efficient accountability mechanisms, workable codes of conduct, professional socialisation of staff, supportive public service conditions, an ethics coordinating body; and an active society performing a watchdog role. In this arrangement therefore, civil societies are assumed to be integrity agents and they are expected to monitor the activities of public institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, competence and responsiveness in public administration (ibid). Grindle (2004), while criticizing modern day advocates of good governance agenda for not putting in place a priority list, advances the idea of good enough governance , which to him is more realistic. This model embodies important issues relating to culture, context and priority national developmental goals. It is evident from the discourse above that good governance means different things in different context, but it has certain common attributes such as poverty reduction (Stapenhurst Pelizzo, 2002),accountability, transparency, minimum level of corruption, competent and efficient public service (op. cit.). These attributes will inform the parameter for determining the roles of civil society in good governance in this research. The Inter-face between Civil Society and Good Governance. It is also obvious from the discourse above, that the notions of civil society and good governance are closely linked. The two concepts share many distinct positive attributes necessary for achieving poverty reduction, sustainable development and economic stability and they are perceived as proffering solutions to most of the worlds problems, irrespective of whether they are local, regional or global(Roy 2008). However, Pelizzo (2011) contends that civil societies can become catalysts for the entrenchment of good governance only and when they make a demand on the political class to check and improve on the quality of governance. Uphoff (1986) also argues that civil socities are able to achieve greater level of development when they are independent from bureaucratic controls. The Roles of Civil Society in Governance. Civil societies play very important roles in governance. In the first instance, as advocates of the good society, they help to promote democratic principles and defend democratically elected governments. Secondly, they act as watchdogs to ensure prudent and efficient use of national resources. Lastly, they help to create public awareness on issues relating to good governance and develop a well- informed society. Dewey (1916) argues that the symbol of a good democracy is its ability to develop a well- informed society. Civil societies must be financially, politically and legally independent from government in order for them to effectively fulfil these roles. To succeed, they will also require the support of the political class, other arms of government and institutional pillars such as; anti -corruption bodies, directors of public prosecution, human rights bodies (TI Sourcebook, 2000). South Africa A Brief Description. South Africa as nation was for several years traumatized because of the struggle to overthrow the apartheid regime. However, in 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first president of post -apartheid South Africa, a National Unity Government was established comprising of the countrys majority party; the African National Congress (ANC), the National Party and the Freedom Party. The governments major challenge was to rebuild the nation which had become politically, socially and economically devastated by so many years of conflict under the apartheid regime. The government immediately set up a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), to address the issues of social inequalities, social injustice, infrastructural deficit, extreme poverty, massive unemployment deep seated insecurity and myriads of other socio- economic consequences of the years of the oppressive rule. Under the RDP, the government designed a well -coordinated and sustainable programme to be executed with the cooperation of the different arms of government, together with civil society organisations and the private sector. The objective was to rebuild the nation within a peaceful and stable environment, characterised by sustainable development and economic growth. The political climate in South Africa changed significantly; the country attempted to embrace some of the neo- liberal economic policies of the West to come up with its own unique system which Andreason (2006) refers to as predatory liberalism. In this model, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) adopted a strategy that enabled it to consolidate economic power in itself and effectively ward off opposition. It is pertinent to state that there is a belief in some quarters that the anti apartheid struggle was inspired by civil society organisations. This notion cannot be correct in view of the earlier claim that democracy and civil society are intimate bedfellows. The struggle that brought about the fall of apartheid in South Africa can best be described as resistance against racial oligarchy. Civil Society Organisations and Their Impact on Good Governance in South Africa The post- apartheid government between 1994 and early 2000, attempted to run an open system which enabled civil society organizations to participate in decision making. Friedman and Kihato (2004) assert that the government created a formal avenue for all citizens to participate in policy making, their criticism however was that organizations were not given equal opportunities for participation. It appeared that government concern was to remain in control. Friedman and Kihato observe that the government seemingly acceptance of civil society was a faà §ade to silence them by integrating them into formal state structure like the National Economic Development Council. Fioramonti (2005) reports that though there were many civil society organizations covering a wide range of developmental objectives; their impact could not be felt because government had withdrawn much of its financial support and many of their leaders had taken up political appointments. This emphasises the importance of political and financial autonomy from the state if civil society organizations are to effectively play their roles. The post- apartheid government of the ANC failed to deliver on its national economic plan of 1996 and there was little or no demand by the civil society organizations on government to give an account of its stewardship. Habib and Kotze observe that the government adopted a centralist approach and other developmental partners were completely alienated from the policy decision making process. As the economic crises deepened in South Africa, the ruling party abdicated from providing goods of public value to the citizenry, some interest groups attempted to fill the vacuum left by government. They established crises committees in rural areas to challenge some of the state policies which they considered oppressive and designed to further pauperize the citizenry. The relationship between the government and the civil society organizations became more tensed. Fioramonti (op. cit.) reports that in 1997, Nelson Mandela criticized civil society organizations for not been democratically accountable and also accused them of being agents in the service of foreign donors Huxtable, Smith and Villalon (2005) further report that former President Mbeki in the bid to discredit foreign- based NGOs severally accused them of not being accountable and wanting to control home- based civil society organizations. Fioramonti (op. cit.) concludes that the division that developed within the civil soc iety organisations in South Africa coupled with fierce state opposition made it difficult for them to engage with government on issues of national development. Post- apartheid South Africa has undergone a period of progressive political stability between 1994 and 2007 which led to the establishment of structures for the consolidation of its fledgling democracy. The civil society organisations have also grown in number and influence. Thomas(2004) adduces that the increasing independence of these organisations from the apron of the state together with the influence of neo- liberal economies have helped to build a strong democratic structure for the state. Since the inception of the Jacob Zumas administration in 2009, civil society organisations have made a lot of impact at national, provincial and local government levels. For example, a coalition of civil society organisations namely; the AIDS Consortium, the AIDS Law Project, the National Association of People Living with Aids and Treatment Action Campaign influenced a change in governments policy on HIV and AIDS (Johnson 2006). Friedman and Mckaiser note that focussed civil society organisations with predominant black membership have not allowed racial sentiments prevent them from challenging government on any policy which is not deemed to be in the interest of the masses, in spite of the overwhelming black support for the current administration. This non- racial posture of some of these organisations have ensured a more responsive democracy and by implication good governance, in that the interest of the society takes precedence over every other consideration. However, civil society organisations in South Africa have been criticised for not representing the poor adequately. The vulnerable groups such as the unemployed, workers in the informal sector and casual workers have no avenue for informed representation in governance. The lack of adequate representation of this group in policy decision making has made it difficult for government to effectively address the issue of poverty reduction. There is glaring evidence that government has not been able to align itself with the aspiration of the poor. For example, Friedman and Mckaiser allege that the Centre for Policy Studies reported that in the early 1990s, government devoted a lot of energy to formulate policies that will extend housing mortgage to the poor in spite of clear evidence that the poor were not interested in mortgage facilities. The lack of identity with the grassroots has some negative implications for the civil society organisations. First, the gap has prevented them from building a relationship of trust amongst the ordinary people, to enable the civil society organisations garner support to challenge governments policies which are deemed to be anti people. Friedman and Mckaiser argue that there is a belief amongst South African grassroots that civil society organisations are elitists and many are sceptical about their motives for organizing pro- poor campaign. Secondly, the void in relationship has prevented them from building a well -informed society which can engage government on issues of national developments. For example, it is reported that many poor communities in South Africa erroneously belief that private companies and not government provide potable water and as such are responsible for their inability to access water. On the other hand, some evidence exists to show that civil society organisations actually identify with the plight of the poor. For example, between 1990 and 2009, civil society organisations like COSATU and its allies made some efforts to address the issue of poverty reduction through Basic Income Grant Campaign (Friedman and Mckaiser). The problem however appears to be that their inability to embed themselves amongst the grassroots, have prevented them from fully appreciating the struggles of the poor and from effectively representing the poor. Another handicap to some civil society organisations role in good governance in South Africa is in the area of political affiliation to the ruling party. For example, COSATU which is deemed to be the largest civil society organisation in South Africa is an ally of the ANC. COSATU is seen as been reluctant to form a coalition with other civil society organisations on issues which might appear to be critical of the ruling ANC government, even when they are in the best interest of the masses. It is alleged that COSATU tend to highlight the governments achievements, while keeping mute in the areas of its failures (Friedman and Mckaiser). Again this point underscores the importance of political autonomy by civil society organisations if they are to play their roles as watchdogs effectively. Civil society organisations in South Africa have recorded some degree of success in the area of influencing governments policy on women liberation. Tripp (2001) argues that political changes in the early 1990s coupled with campaigns by civil society organisation transformed the face of womens activism in Africa. According to her, the development opened the door for women to be engaged in civic education, leadership training and run for political office. The most outstanding example in South Africa is Winnie Mandela, former wife of ex- president Nelson Mandela who contested for office under the ANC in year 2009. Conclusion Flowing from the above, civil society organizations have had a positive impact in ensuring good governance in some aspects in South Africa, but in others, they have not done so well. Several reasons are responsible for their limited impact. First, their inabilities to disentangle themselves politically and financially from the ruling ANC party have led to some compromise. For example, COSATU has failed to engage the ANC government on issues that would project it as being disloyal to its close ally (the ANC), even when those issues might be in the interest of the society at large. Second, their inabilities to deepen their roots amongst the poor and effectively represent the grassroots in national debates constitute an obstacle. Third, their disposition to devote much of their energy / resources only to pursue individual concerns / interests, while neglecting to uphold civil liberties, democratic principles and structures poses a threat to their very survival. If civil society organisations are to effectively play their roles in securing good governance in South Africa, they need to severe close ties with the ruling party, source for foreign donor institutions for financial support and re -strategize domestically to have a strong home support to be able to uphold democratic principles, defend the rights of the people and make government accountable to the people.

The Prinicple Of Utility Essay -- essays research papers

The Principle of Utility A. 1832)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are two main people that talked about the principles of utility and they were Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. First off I’ll talk to you about Mr. Bentham. It is helpful to see Bentham’s moral philosophy in the context of his political philosophy, his attempt to find a rational approach to law and legislative action. He argued against â€Å"natural law† theory and thought that the classical theories of Plato and Aristotle as well as notions such as Kant’s Categorical Imperative were too outdated, confusing and/or controversial to be of much help with society’s ills and a program of social reform. He adopted what he took to be a simple and ‘scientific’ approach to the problems of law and morality and grounded his approach in the â€Å"Principle of Utility.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Principle of Utility 1. Recognizes the fundamental role of Pain and Pleasure in human life. 2. Approves or disapproves of an action on the basis of the amount of pain or pleasure brought about (â€Å"consequences†). 3.Equates the good with the pleasurable and evil with pain. 4.Asserts that pleasure and pain are capable of â€Å"quantification†-and hence of measure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As with the emerging theory of capitalism in the 18th and 19th Century England, we could speak of â€Å"pleasure† as â€Å"pluses† and â€Å"pains† as â€Å"minuses.† Thus the utilitarian would calculate which actions bring about more pluses over minuses.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In measuring pleasure and pain, Bentham introduces the following criteria: It’s intensity, duration, certainty (or uncertainty), and its nearness (or fairness). He also includes its â€Å"fecundity† (more or less of the same will follow) and its â€Å"purity† (its pleasure won’t be followed by pain & vice versa). In considering actions that affect numbers of people, we must also account for their extent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a social reformer, Bentham applied this principle to the laws of England-- for example, those areas of the law concerning crime and punishment. An analysis of theft reveals that it not only causes harm to the victim, but also, if left unpunished, it endangers the ve... ...od reason. We all need help at some point in time, and I hope that after we get that help we can see that we’ve been helped and maybe now is a good time for me to help out someone else. Another means of money giving is to charity. Just like welfare, charity is another good reason for our society to help people or even groups that are in need for help or research. In our society there are many people that count on others for help. The people that need help for medical reasons or what have you deserve the right to benefit from charities or other outside donations. The one thing that our society can not do is take advantage of these actions and right them off on our taxes. We can not take advantage of the taxpayers money. We need to use our society in the best way we can ethically. Cavalier, Robert http://caae.phil.cmu.edu/CAAE/80130/part1/sect4/BenardandMill.html,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2/9/00. Barry, Vincent, Applying Ethics: A Text With Readings, Wadsworth Publishing,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Belmount, 1983. Cohen, Warren, Ethics in Thought and Action, Ardsley House Publisher, New York, 1995.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

The Negative Effects of the Fast Food French-Fries Production and Distribution Process

Hamburger, soda, and french-fries: This fast food combo is the most powerful trinity in everyday American food. People are attracted to its reasonable price, taste, and convenience. Although most people are still not aware of the issues caused by the production and distribution process of this new age food, the problems are increasingly debated because of the severe repercussions that need to be acknowledged. For instance, the over used containers abuse natural resources, the production of burger meat is known as animal cruelty, and greasy ingredients are accused of a cause of obesity and many illnesses.More importantly, one of the most popular but simple part of fast food, French-Fries, has many harmful effects on the environment, animals, and humans. First of all, French-Fries production has harmful effects on the environment. For example, irrigation of potatoes and other crops from the Snake River causes a drought directly below Milner Dam, located west of Pocatello. The use of fe rtilizers and pesticides, which gives potatoes their equal shape, contaminates tributaries.When potatoes are harvested and shipped with other ingredients, a great deal of fuel is exhausted, creating smog or air pollution. In addition, freezing the potato slices uses ten times more electrical energy than fresh food. This process worsens the greenhouse effect because hydro fluorocarbon coolant, which is used for freezing potato, rises up into the stratosphere and traps heat. Processing potatoes is another factor in pollution of natural water. Because two thirds of a gallon of wastewater is lost during the process, the contaminated liquid pollutes ground water.Furthermore, ketchup, the French-Fry’s condiment, is packed inside of aluminum and plastic which are non-biodegradable and pollute the land and ocean, adding more negative effects to french-fries. In addition to the cause of unbalanced nature by French-Fries, a second impact appears in animal habitation. Water is an indisp ensable resource for all creatures, but cultivation of crops dominates the Snake River by construction of reservoirs and irrigation canals. Therefore, eighty percent of indigenous habitat disappeared from its streamside.Simultaneously, the installation of dams impedes migration of sturgeon and reproduction of salmon because dams block their traffic between the ocean and river. Eventually, sturgeons disappeared from all but three sections, and salmon will follow similar path. Also, the chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides, such as TeloneII and nitrogen, result in hazardous effects on mammals and aquatic life. French-Fries production harms environment and animals; however, there is another negative effect to humans.First, the producer’s profit shrinks because the cost of fertilizers, electricity for freezers, fuel for harvest, and shipping are high. Moreover, farmers will struggle to find water for potato cultivation because the use of fertilizers and pesticides contaminate all the tributaries, including Snake River. The Process of potatoes also creates wastewater, which contains dissolved organic matter and nitrogen, and it sinks underground by rain. Therefore, when it enters in drinking water, some babies develop a fatal illness, â€Å"Blue Baby Syndrome, especially in the Tri-Cities area of southeastern Washington.Spending a few dollars for French-Fries has added a greater cost that damages the earth’s environment, animals, and our future. The production of French-Fries is harmful due to the abuse of water, electricity, fertilizers, pesticides, hydro fluorocarbon coolant, fuel, and other factors. Humans are involved in this vicious spiral because our world is connected, and need to make the effort to correct it. In my opinion, we should continue to produce potato products, but create alternative methods, such as individual agriculture, that can stop abusing our natural resources.

Thin Lenses Lab Report Essay Example

Thin Lenses Lab Report Essay Example Thin Lenses Lab Report Paper Thin Lenses Lab Report Paper As reaction is reversible, removal of water or the addition of an excess of one of the reactants (cheaper one) drives the reaction towards formation of ester. Excess carboxylic acid is used) Adding excess arbitrarily acid is preferred as it is easier to separate carboxylic acid and ester compared to removing water t] solvent used is (Chocoholic), as water is insoluble in the solvent, so reverse reaction will not take place D using concentrated acid as catalyst rather than aqueous drives equilibrium to the right Reactivity of alcohol: COUCH > primary > secondary > tertiary > phenol In the reaction, no anion can exist, as it is in acidic condition, or acid will react Why dilute the reaction mixture after refluxing? When it is diluted, the ester will be depredation anion and thus enervative as electrophoresis Why sodium bicarbonate is added? To remove excess carboxylic acid and sulfuric acid in mixture Why add brine? Brine is added to remove any water in the mixture as the by product Anhydrous sodium sulfate is added to dry the ester For IR spectrum: C] 1740. CACM-1 (C=O strong absorption shows there is an ester) 0 3500-3100 cam-1 (lack of broad O-H peak shows substance is not alcohol)

Brazillian Pepper essays

Brazillian Pepper essays The word exotic has always called to mind visions of the fascinating, unusual, curious, sophisticated, and even the bizarre (Kramer, 1998:5). This term seems to allure people to investigate, comprehend, and even collect exotic paraphernalia-including plants. The phrase exotic plant does sound glamorous, but not to the native plants in Florida. Native plants live well with each other, sharing food, water, shelter, and space. When brought to a different environment these now non-native plants have trouble adapting with native plants. They take control of the space provided and begin to overcrowd the area, taking out many natives. Non-native species also lack natural controls such as disease and predation, which helps to keep a balance between species. Exotic plants were first introduced to south Florida in the late 1800s and the population of them has been increasing ever since (Public Affairs Office, 1997a, 1997b). Most nonindigenous plants feel welcomed in the Sunshine States partly tropical climate. They are able to stand the heavy rainfalls and Floridas partial droughts (Kramer, 1998). One non-native species that has grown throughout south Florida, and has even been called the Florida Holly, is quickly spreading (Public Affairs Office, 1997b). The south Florida Water Management District surveyed an area of 284,708 Hectares taken over by Brazilian pepper in 1993. This evergreen shrub had the largest range out of six other species surveyed and has almost completely displaced native understory plants (Kramer, 1997). The Brazilian pepper (schinus terebinthiflius) was introduced in the nineteenth century as an ornamental plant, and did not begin to be pervasive until the 1900s-50 years later (Kramer 1997; Public Affairs Office, 1997b). Local distribution of its seeds is primarily by racoons and opossums, while birds spread the seeds long-distances. The Brazilian pepper does not require bar...

Performance Reviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Performance Reviews - Essay Example An organization needs to measure performance because it helps to determine if a function is productive and where to focus energies on (Hendry, Woodward, Bradley & Perkins, 2000). It is essential to understand where to use the quantifiable data effectively thereby justifying the need for additional resources. While many believe an annual appraisal or attention is enough, according to Cascio (1995) it demands daily attention (cited by Connell & Nolan, 2004). Once a year has not been considered sufficient to identify and discuss job strategies and weaknesses of individuals or teams. Performance appraisals have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Ninety percent of the human resources executives are dissatisfied with the current performance appraisal system. Many argue that lack of objectivity in their completion, inappropriate timing of such a review and the lack of appropriate content have lead to their unpopularity among managers and subordinates alike. With diverse opinions available on this issue, this paper will explore the ineffectiveness of performance appraisal. The system of Performance Appraisals was introduced as it was expected to improve organizational efficiency and enhance productivity. Facilitating communication can even help reduce employee uncertainty. Feedback is essential for employees as failure to provide a feedback can have negative implications. Without a system of feedback employees keep guessing whether they are on the right track or whether they should chart another course of path. A properly structured and applied appraisal system can help reduce distractions and promote an increased level of trust within the organization (Schraeder, Becton & Portis, 2007). PA systems provide a forum for collaboration in setting goals for the employees. During the appraisal when individual goals and objectives

Equal Importance of Reason and Emotion in Justifying Moral Decisions Essay

Equal Importance of Reason and Emotion in Justifying Moral Decisions - Essay Example However moral values are always theoretical. Consequently, there had been a difference of opinion among the scholars and philosophers, while defining moral values. In addition, there had been widespread debate over the applicability of reason and emotion to justify moral decisions. One such philosopher, David Hume argued that reason can be construed as a slave to the personal emotions. In contrast to this, Kant addressed the importance of reason in the process of taking moral decisions. Antonio Damsio, the author of Descartes’ Error, had maintained that the theories of Hume and Kant cannot be correct, because reason and emotion do not oppose each other diametrically. He also stated that the processes that take place in the brain were intertwined and complicated (Ingham). The human brain plays a key role in the moral decision making process, whenever the situation warrants such a decision. The brain acts according to the situation in which the moral decision had been taken. In situations, where it is necessary to take some action with regard to a moral dilemma, several factors have to be taken into consideration, before arriving at a correct resolution for the moral dilemma. Furthermore, it is important to apply the highest possible rational deliberation (Moral Judgment Fails Without Feelings). In certain situations, there could be a need to take immediate decisions. In such circumstance the emotions would take an active part in resolving the issue on hand.