War Stories Essay -- Literacy Analysis

The Vietnam War was the first war in history to be broadcast on national television. Due to the increasing popularity of television ownership and the introduction of the nightly news programs such as CBS and NBC, the horrors of war found a place in living rooms across the country. Between 1965 and 1975, nine million people served in the Vietnam War, and of those nine million, 58,156 were killed or declared missing in action ("Vietnam War Statistics."). Of the 58,156 soldiers killed, 11,465 of them were under the age of twenty ("Statistics about the Vietnam War"). After surviving the war, Tim O’Brien and Susan O’Neill wrote short stories and novels including Tim O’Brien’s â€Å"The Things They Carried†, and Susan O’Neill’s â€Å"The Boy from Montana†. By putting audiences in the shoes of the grunts led by Lieutenant Jimmy Cross and the surgical gloves of Agnes Reedy, Tim O’Brien and Susan O’Neill immortalized the s truggles experienced by their compatriots and themselves. â€Å"The things they carried† was a short story about Lieutenant Jimmy Cross leading his men through Vietnam. O’Brien describes all of the things carried by the men as a way to symbolize all of the burdens they had. One thing that Jimmy Cross carried was a pack of letters from a girl named Martha who he thought he was in love with (O’Brien). One night Lavender goes out to use the bathroom and on his return, is shot and killed (O'Brien).This causes Cross to realize that his main priority is to lead his men, not swoon over a woman that doesn’t love him (O'Brien). â€Å"The Boy from Montana† is a short story about Agnes Reedy’s account of watching a young boy die in the field hospital she worked at in Vietnam. She says that she thought that all death was the same, but one day she... ...Short Stories of Vietnam. New York: Ballantine, 2001. 3-11. Print. Roush, Gary. "Statistics about the Vietnam War." Vietnam Helicopter Flight Crew Network (VHFCN). 2 June 2008. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. . Taormina, Agatha. "Author Profile: Tim O'Brien." Northern Virginia Community College. Www.nvcc.edu, 10 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2012. . "Tim O’Brien Interview: The Things He Carried." Interview by David L. Edelman. Wordpress, 19 Oct. 1994. Web. 17 Mar. 2012. . "Vietnam Veteran's Terminology and Slang." VIETNAM VETERANS HOME PAGE. 22 Mar. 2000. Web. 15 Mar. 2012. . "Vietnam War Statistics." The Mobile Riverine Force Association. Web. 18 Mar. 2012. .

Kant Deontological Theory Essay

The Formula of Humanity- Act so that you use humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means. The Formula of the Kingdom of Ends- Act in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends. The moral duty is what we should be doing. Good is defined as doing what is right and avoiding doing wrong. We have a duty to act in such a way that our actions are moral even if it produces unfavourable results. What is good, according to Kant â€Å"Nothing is good but a good will†. (Good intentions). It is good to be creative or to have good fortune with good outcomes the world becomes a better place. Goodwill is having the good intention to perform one’s duty. The consequences of our actions do not make an action good but rather the goodwill. What is having a good will? Kant proposes that when someone acts out of goodwill that is when someone is acting out of duty. According to Kant â€Å"Duty should be done for the sake and duty alone†. How do we know our duty in a certain situation? Duty has nothing to do with a certain situation or what happens all that matters is the decision is good and the outcome is good. Kant suggests act as if our decision applies to all people at all times. It is always in order to tell lies if the outcome is favourable? Kant would disagree with this. When we act purely out of duty we act reasonably in a manner that we fulfil our duties. Having goodwill is to perform one’s duty It is our duty to do our duty even though we might not be rewarded in this life but we will be rewarded in the next life. Deontological Ethics. Kant Deontological theory of ethics it is linked to moral law of ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action. Origin: 1820–30; Greek deont- that which is binding (stem of deo) (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. ) The word deontology comes from the Greek word meaning duty (deon) and science (or study) of (logos). In moral philosophy, deontological ethics Ethical are theories that maintain that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its intrinsic qualities. (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter). A Quote from Kant â€Å"Awe and wonder fills the mind†. â€Å"Starry heavens a metaphor (scientific absolutism) above and the moral law within†. Like gravity and science these are laws which are absolute as well as moral laws. We have a choice we can all still identify the moral law: e. g. do not steal. Kantian deontological theory of ethics is an absolutes theory something which is considered wrong i. e. suicide will always be wrong. Kant argues that morality is rooted in reason; he states that the demands of morality are unconditional or categorical and it presupposes freedom, we have a choice and can identify and rationally identify morality. Kant states that morality must be unconditional it has to be categorical. Kant distinguishes between categorical imperatives from hypothetical ones. The categorical imperative is not about desires or goals but rather about personal well-being. Categorical imperatives are absolute and universal. Categorical imperative is necessary truth and cannot be without self-contradiction or irrationality. The Universal Law Act only in accordance with that maxim through that at the same time, will that it become a universal law. One’s actions must be universal. The Universal law is that one should act on the maxim a law which can become a universal law in nature when acceptable and sustainable. We know that lying and stealing is wrong. If everyone did this society would fail. Perfect duties are without exceptions, but we understand that torture and suicide is always wrong. Suicide is always wrong if this was universalized society would fail. We know that making False Promises that cannot be fulfilled, is always wrong if we cannot regard this as a universal law society would fail. Breaking promises when it in my interest he states that this inconsistent and therefore cannot be a moral imperative. Imperfect duties is seeking the perfection of our duties are contradictions to our will. We ought to be seeking to promote the happiness of others. We understand that this is not always possible. He does not exclude pleasure in doing duty, but that pleasure should not be the guide to what one’s duty is. What is duty? Kant says â€Å"Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the Law†: Kant believes that duty should be crowned in the end with happiness. Obedience he says is a maxim that is universally binding as a law to all rational beings. Treat humans as ends to themselves and should respect and never to treat others as a means to an end but only as an end. This means that we should respect others, because every human possesses an intrinsic value. We are to consider whether our actions are moral and acceptable. Kant argues that morals are about following the rules. Kant moral theory can be summarised in two ways Kant argues that we all have a choice that we can all identify the moral law. The Categorical Imperative Kant designed the Categorical imperative as a framework used to make moral law, which states that one must do what one expects other to do in a similar situation. The Categorical Imperative is the central concept in Kant’s ethics and the groundwork to Metaphysics of Morals. It is based to the â€Å"supreme principle of morality† (4:392), from which all our moral duties come from. He believed that moral requirements were based on a standard of rationality and he named this the Categorical Imperative. By using the Universal Imperatives we use our reason (as long as it is not corrupted) to guide us in a path which is morally virtuous. He states that we should act according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it becomes a universal law. Kant uses the example of a person who lends money and is unable to repay the loan. He states that this cannot be a universal law people will no longer believe each other and no person will lend money to another. This can be explained in three ways The Universal Law means that one should act on an action which can be sustained. It is important that we should consider if an action is right or wrong. This action will eliminate selfish action towards other human beings. Imperfect Duties Imperfect duties to seek the happiness of other people this cannot completed always. The moral law will most certainly collapse if everyone told lies and were to steal. It is expected of one to perform ones duty in every way. The Kingdom of Ends is in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends is an ideal society every person must act in such a way that it benefits the greater number of people for the greater good. Every person should act in such a way as if the person through their maxim were universal lawmakers as members in the universal kingdom of ends. One cannot say I will kill myself out of love; this is acceptable and cannot be regarded as a universal law. He argues that humans have an intrinsic worth, and occupy a special place in creation, therefore people are to be treated with respect and dignity because we should understand that we are all rational agents. We possess the freedom to make our own decisions set targets and guide our conduct by reason. He believes that God is the Supreme Being speaking through our conscious. Therefore Gods existence although it remains unproven it is necessary in order for Kant’s ethical theory to be sound. He states that is freedom and immortality. â€Å"God is the law giver to be obeyed† Kant argues that there must be a God and an after-life since it would be intolerable if there were no reward. Kant states that if humans were to disappear from the planet the moral dimension would disappear too. Critique on Kant’s theories: Humans are motivated by pleasure and not only by reason. The question is it possible to act unselfishly, it is necessary to take consequences into consideration. Kant ethics places great emphasises on lying as a form of wrong. He fails to offer an understanding of conflict between different duties, Kant theories does not take into consideration social conditioning and free will. I disagree with Kant that feelings are subjective and selfish and find that he focuses too much on pure practical moral reason he excludes feeling and desires. Kant tries to combine ethics with reason but this seems unrealistic as the concept of reason does not exist in isolation from human beings and their feelings and actions. Ref: Jorge J. Gracia E, Gregory M, Reichberg and Bernard, Schumacher N. The Classics of Western Philosophy, (Blackwell Publishing Ltd). 2004. Ref: Mc Coy A. An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Christian Ethics, Continuum. London , New York Ref: http://www. slideshare. net/t0nywilliams/kant-9170093.

Classical and modern day music

Classical and Modern day Music From the 12th century to the 21st century music has been vital to everyday life. Whether the music is coming from the trumpet playing an old time classical or from the beat of a rapper raping his favorite tune or song; the creativity and passion for music starts to flow out of every person who lets It. Music had changed drastically over the years. Three ways music has changed Is by adding Instruments, changing the message, and by changing the purpose.A lot of people have been exposed to music, whether it's classical or everyday modern. The basis of music has changed, since the early days of Just playing one Instrument and singing the thoughts that pop Into the singers head. Music started out with little equipment and has only progressed since. Today, music goes through a process before It's even heard. There Is so much work put Into having a song sound good. Back In the old days, music was played out of enjoyment. It came from the heart. Lassie music Is known to have a did dynamic range and will often speed up and slow down at different times. While modern music often expresses emotion through the singer, there is more of an emphasis and variation that in classical music. From classical to modern music the amount of instruments has increased tremendously. In classical and modern music the message differs in each century. Whether the people know it or not music can affect their mood and influence their behaviors as well. Music had personalities, which can express what people feel.Each song touches someone through ways like caching a life lesson or by touching your heart. Every generation has music that impacts the world by motivating people to do certain things or defines a person's personality. Each had music sums up the generation. Classical music generally gives the message of relaxation and peace. Modern music had many messages depending on the genre. There is a song for every mood. Within each century the message changes throu gh each passing mood. In modern and classical music the purpose for the songs written had varied.Classical music's purpose is generally to entertain an audience and to excite listeners emotionally and intellectually. While some modern music is developed to stimulate in similar ways, it also diverges from classical music. Whether your purpose is to dance and Jump around or to relax in bed, there are endless possibilities. Throughout the years, each music genre has been imperative to oneself. Music is what moves everyone, and without It, life would be meaningless. From and old hymn to a funky lyric; the Intentions have changed but one thing still remains.Music has and will always be a way of life to our culture. Music has transformed by adding Instruments, changing the message, and by altering the purpose. Although music has changed through each passing year; It Is still vital In how we view life today. Music starts to flow out of every person who lets it. Music had changed drasticall y over the years. Three ways music has changed is by adding instruments, changing since the early days of Just playing one instrument and singing the thoughts that pop into the singers head. Music started out with little equipment and has only progressed since.Today, music goes through a process before it's even heard. There is so much work put into having a song sound good. Back in the old days, music was played out of enjoyment. It came from the heart. Classical music is known to have a oneself. Music is what moves everyone, and without it, life would be meaningless. From and old hymn to a funky lyric; the intentions have changed but one thing still transformed by adding instruments, changing the message, and by altering the purpose. Although music has changed through each passing year; it is still vital in

The Invisible Man essays

The Invisible Man essays The novel Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is the story of a black man and his insights into his place in the world as a black man in a racist society. Throughout Invisible Man, the main character, who narrates the novel, comes to a self-realization by means of his encounters with the individuals he meets. The narrator tells the reader of his journey through life; he walks the reader through the treatment he receives while growing up. Many characters in the novel mistreat the narrator because he is black. Many of these encounters can be compared today. In countless ways racism has decreased since the printing of the book in 1952, but there is still much room for improvement. In Chapter One of the book, the narrator is sent to a hotel for a gathering of the communitys white leaders to give a speech. He and a few other boys at the gathering are given instructions to box each other, and afterwards to pick up money off of a rug they find (only too late) is electrified. Also, during his speech the narrator is ignored and laughed at. Before leaving the meeting, the narrator is given a briefcase and told that someday it will hold important papers that will shape the destiny of his people. The narrator finds later that the briefcase contains a scholarship to the college of black youth. During this experience, the narrator gets by with being blindly obedient. He believes that doing what the white men tell him to do and ignoring their comments will win him praise and respect. The narrator does not believe that protecting himself and standing up for his beliefs will do him any good. Instead of being strong and independent, he follows along with the belittling and ridiculing that the white office holders put him through. If this same event had occurred today, many things would be different. People today could not get away with the verbal mistreatment that they gave to the narrator. Regardless of what the audi...

Legacy of World Civilizations essays

Legacy of World Civilizations essays The great geographical discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries inaugurated the ascension of Europe as the catalyst behind the development of the modern world, helped spread Christianity on a global scale and led to the formation of the first colonial empires, namely those of Spain and Portugal. Between 1450 and 1550 several naval expeditions were organized at the orders of the kings of Spain and Portugal. These expeditions resulted in significant discoveries on the part of European explorers: America, central and south Africa, the shoreline of India, South-East Asia and the Far East. These expeditions were planned and organized efforts, based on strong resources of human energy and material support. The main incentives behind these discoveries were the spread of Christianity - by force where necessary, the need for gold, spices, silk and other precious resources that were not available in Spain or Portugal, as well as the search for glory and a spirit of adventure. Until the begi nning of the 17th century, the Portuguese and Castilian outward empires had no competitors in Europe. The 1800s saw the ascension of the Dutch and English colonies and later that of the French (Payne: Chp10). The 16th century saw Spain and Portugal competing for territories in the Americas. Nevertheless, it is important to note that their methods of exploration and conquest were very different; it is precisely these differences in their approaches that have shaped post-colonial world history. The thesis of this paper is to illustrate that although the Spanish colonial empire was very large as far as total surface, it was Portugal that represented the greatest naval power with world-wide long-lasting impact. The Hispanic peoples were the most prepared for expansion thanks to their politics of reconquest that had driven them to think in terms of warfare and crusading always attempting to push the boundaries of Latin Christendom in their search for gl...

A Conversation About Self Knowledge Essay Plato, Knowledge, Understan

In Alcibiades I, Socrates argues that a person’s self is their soul and their bodies just protect it. Socrates and Alcibiades came to the conclusion that â€Å"What was said just now in pretty much these terms, that first the self itself must be investigated. Now instead of it we were investigating what each individual is. And perhaps this will suffice. For there’s nothing, I suppose that we would say is more authoritative over us than the soul,† (48d). Humans need to firs self and the oracle was that it was to my advantage to be as I am,† (22e). This angered many people because he challenged the idea that â€Å"†¦human wisdom is worth little or nothing†¦,† (23a). Human wisdom is essential to living a life of excellence because if a person does not truly know themselves, what is the point? There is a friend of mine that has self-knowledge but she is aware that sometimes people may not agree because they may not have that same knowledge she has. She also knows when she does not know about something. That is when she either seeks help from others or discovers it herself. Socrates argues in the Apology that not doing philosophy is unjust in the sense that people are living a life unexamined and are going through the motions. Self-knowledge is an essential part of a person’s life because living a life unexamined may lead to an unfulfilling life.

Health care issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Health care issues - Essay Example The Republicans, on one hand, advocate for tax incentives as a measure of expanding private insurance and preventing costs. They want every American family to be able to purchase insurance through such â€Å"marginal incentives† (Mooney). These differences have persisted since the administration of former Republican President George W. Bush. Federalism’s main role in the issue of health care is to provide unity amidst diversity. It is understandable that each federal government feels threatened by the health care reform law passed under Obama’s administration. The law’s provisions tend to intrude â€Å"deeply into the internal affairs of the states† and contradict the very essence of federalism (Moffit). In a federalist set-up, local government units (states) and the national government share governing powers. These states are also vested with constitutional sovereignty and can pass their own laws independent from each other and from Washington. Congress officers’ intrusion is no longer healthy to the federalism espoused by the US. They specify â€Å"how states are to arrange health insurance markets within their borders,† and determine the â€Å"products that will be sold to their citizens† (Moffit). The state of California responded to the health care law by not complyi ng with the federal legislation. As a result, the federal government is passing two bills, calling for its compliance (Haberkorn). The state has not joined 14 other states in blocking the health care law, but is merely enjoying its power to ignore legislation. Governor Schwarzenegger had other priorities in mind, like cutting the health care budget of California and expanding oil drilling in Sta. Barbara (Wood). The governor also said he opted out of compliance and support for the programs because congress was buying votes to pass the health care law (Falcone). The US Constitution prevents the President, acting through