Flaws with Utilitarianism Essay

Among the most glaring problems that I see with Utilitarianism is its inclusion of animals under the umbrella that blankets this theory. It seems irrefutable that there exists an inordinate number of cases where the consequence that is against the best interest of an animal is favorable to humans, yet that dictating action is one that has been continually taken and condoned by the general public. This is a fundamental challenge, as the Utilitarian philosophy decrees that the pleasure and pain experienced by all individuals, including animals, has equal worth and must be considered when determining the net benefit of an action’s consequences. The most drastic and prevalent of examples that one could provide to illustrate this contradiction would be the practice of using animals to provide food. It cannot be argued that it is in the best interest of a cow, a chicken, or another animal to be slaughtered to serve the dietary needs of mankind. Accordingly, Utilitarian reasoning suggests, in direct opposition to the intuition of humanity, that it is morally impermissible to kill the animals. While a Utilitarian philosopher might provide the counter-argument that such is natural order of the world that there exist a hierarchical food tree. Further they would insist that the greater good is that humans be nourished and provided for by the meat, for our pleasure is superior in quality to that of the beast. This reasoning, however, is flawed in two ways. Initially, the method by which meat finds its way to grocery stores for our purchase and eventual consumption is not one governed by the ways of nature, but rather is one engineered for efficiency by humans. Animals are bread forcibly, then nourished with specific intent of managing fat content, meat flavor, and healthiness, each of which discounts the Utilitarian claim that nature makes our carnivorous methods ethically permissible. Secondly, and perhaps more fundamentally, such a claim is in direct contradiction to the Utilitarian tenet that each individual has equal value regardless of identity or stature. Because humans could be sufficiently nourished without the killing of animals, it cannot be argued that the consequence of causing death to an animal is equivalent or less substantial than that of feeding a man. Conversely, there exist equally as many challenges to raise had the ethicist taken the alternate position that animals have equal value and accordingly that their pleasure is impermissibly infringed upon when they are killed for human interest. Arguments could be presented for a bevy of actions taken on a daily basis by society as a whole. One might address the fact that using animal testing for the advancement of medicine has benefits that outweigh the pains. Similarly, while the development of land effectively kills the previously animal inhabitants, it is an accepted result that society has displayed it is willing to disregard. In each of these cases, the majority of society condones such behavior, as evidenced by their existence as common public practice. While it is undeniable that opposition to each behavior does exist, the magnitude of this resistance is far outweighed by those in finding the long term benefits worthy of the negative consequences. In the end, it grows apparent that while it may be valuable to consider the interests of animals when calculating the net benefit of a given action, neither their pleasure nor their pain should be equated to ours. Such a principle has been introduced through the ethical thought experiment The Dilemma of the Swine. Resultantly, human existence constitutes higher pleasure that does that of an animal and we are often better served by making such a distinction through intuitive analysis rather than applying â€Å"Hedonistic Calculus. † The fact that Utilitarianism can be forced into contradictions regardless of the stance they choose makes the inclusion of animals under their ethical umbrella a significant problem.

Interactive Writing Essay

Animated productions and video games offer customers a world to get lost in. In this world, creative writing plays an integral role producing an atmosphere that progresses and sustains fluidity. Although graphics and user controls are typically the talk of animated production writing is just as significant. Without creative writing these worlds of animation might be a little bleaker and less interactive. Graphics would have no bearings if they did not have a background of description to be created from. Game and Production writers play a crucial role in the development of the media. Video games usually have paths to follow, and offering misdirection, speed bumps and challenges to overcome. It takes a large amount of skill to transfer ideas into a media, and that is where developers come in, but if they do not have a game plan to follow a mess can occur. Writers are becoming increasingly more involved in the video game and animated production business. In order to efficiently supply these elements a production has to be planned out or time lined. In this time line, it takes writer’s input to create a structured story which is critical for the flow of the game and the story being portrayed. A well developed story or plot can draw in players to purchase the media and any games that might follow. One writers expresses why a well written video game is more than important, â€Å"As gamers age, the complexity of both the plot and the theatric elements tend to resemble short skits along the lines of â€Å"Godfather,† leaving the days of Super Mario Brothers long lost in the dust† (Brewer, 2002). Writers are essential in creating a world beyond any gamers’ imagination. Typically animated productions or video games are stemmed from a developer’s idea, but it is the writing that carries the developer’s initial thought. It is up to writers to be very descriptive. After the story board and character development it is up to an interactive writer to begin on a script. The script can make or break a game’s potential. A productions script must be carefully combed using effective words that will spark user’s imaginations as well as guide them easily through the set path. A writer must be very descriptive in their script leaving little discrepancy over the visual settings. Also, the game’s story will need to be broken into parts in order to have levels or sense of accomplishment for the user. A article suggests,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There are three main points to the written script: describe the environment; what does everything look like -and what does it feel like, what is the accompanying material, is there music, and sound effects , what are the things that are going to happen, what decisions will be made, and what rooms or areas are the decisions tied to† (Kalif, 2008)?It is the writer’s job to create substance. If a game is not well put together and has only one path to the end of the media, then it is less likely to be played again. When productions set on a buyer’s shelf it means they are less likely to buy the game when a new version is created. Video game companies now spend sufficient money to hire creative writers. If a gaming company is known for their extraordinary atmospheres, settings, and characters, users are more likely to try games from the company without much knowledge of the particular game. These writers become so involved in their stories, they create more opportunities to make a game company more money with the ability to produce other games, movies, action figures. A video game writer said in an interview, â€Å"I fall in love with every game story that I work on, enough so that I can envision countless stories, sequels, movies, and books all emanating from within this one world† (Duffy, 2007). Animated production and video game writers are essential in the development process. These productions have progressed significantly over the past ten years and a lot of the progression can be accredited to the ever more use of writers. As we have seen, writers take an idea and form it into something more tangible that users can relate to and are drawn to in order to continually play a game. A creative writer can serve in many roles and typically do not get as much credit as the producers or developers, but it is these unsung heroes that provide the developers with an atmosphere and a descriptive setting for their characters. Old games like â€Å"Pacman† are fun and can be entertaining, but it is the new games like â€Å"Grand Theft Auto† that drive the industry even more toward creative and efficient writing. References Brewer, Melissa, (2002). Writing for the Gaming Industry. Retrieved on December 15, 2008 from http://www.writing-world.com/freelance/games.shtmlKalif, Will (2008). Writing a Script for a Video Game. Retrieved on December 19, 2008 from http://www.stormthecastle.com/video-game-design/writing-a-video-game-script.htm. Duffy, Jill, (2007). How I Became a Game Writer. Retrieved on December 19, 2008 from http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/424/how_i_became_a_game_writer_an_.php?page=4.

Domestic Violence During Pregnancy Research Paper

Domestic Violence During Pregnancy - Research Paper Example                                  Domestic Violence During Pregnancy Introduction: This paper aims to discuss various effects of domestic violence during pregnancy. Domestic violence is becoming an epidemic in almost every part of the world. This is a public health issue, seriously affecting the health of women. According to a recent report by a US daily, out of 33 developed countries, the United States is in the 27th position for life expectancy after birth. â€Å"Pregnancy is a time when friends, family, and health professionals expect a woman’s partner to be particularly concerned about and attentive to her health and well-being. It is difficult to imagine that anyone, let alone the father of the baby, would intentionally injure a pregnant woman, thereby jeopardizing her health and the health of the fetus† (Humphreys & Campbell, 2011, p. 155). In a recent government health plan call â€Å"Healthy People 2020† released by the U.S. Departmen t of Health and Human Services mentioned that domestic violence during pregnancy is found out to be the cause of complications like pre-term birth or low birth weight-outcomes. This type of violence also can cause various risks of maternal, prenatal and child health, miscarriage, infection, fetal injury and fetal death. While domestic violence occurs, injuries to the abdomen, breasts and genitals are some of the common factors. Apart from these physical risks, abusing during pregnancy can cause end number of psychological consequences like depression, stress and dependence to tobacco, drugs and alcohol. â€Å"Common sense demands that pregnant and nursing women minimize their exposure to xylene, just as they should minimize their exposure to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs† (Pregnancy, 2007, p. 68). Apparently, these psychological consequences affected the baby most as the majority of the time the mother losses attention in her or her baby’s physical condition, both t hrough the pregnancy and following the child is born. â€Å"One study found that 15 percent of women were assaulted in the first four months of pregnancy and 17 percent were physically abused during the last five months of pregnancy† (Sterne et al. 2010, p. 48). Nursing Care Consideration to Domestic Violence: What Nurses can do? Research found that around 324,000 pregnant women in the United States are battered by their intimate partners every year. Hence, there is a need of creating awareness against domestic violence during pregnancy keeping in mind the fact that domestic violence is becoming the largest cause of injury for women in the United States. As per nurses are concern, all nurses and health care professionals of all specialties are likely to assist help to the women sufferer of domestic violence. Nurses must assure the sufferer a proactive assistance to this dilemma. They should involve themselves to treat the sufferers of domestic violence. They should take a hel pful and empowering approach towards the patients. While assessing the patient who faced domestic violence, it is very necessary for the nurses to create a believing and accepting environment, so that the patient does not lose her self esteem. Various researchers found that believing, accepting and supporting patient by the nurses can improve the psychological healing of such patients. What are the impacts of battering to the individual client, newborn and the family? Although there are lots of literature reviews, the impacts of domestic viole

Special offenders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Special offenders - Essay Example In the case of adults, the main aim is never to rehabilitate the offender as adults are sanctioned by the court of law in compliance with the severity of their crime. The main goal of adult criminal justice system is to ensure that future crime is deterred either by sentencing the offender or by assigning a punishment which is harsh enough so that others do not indulge in deviant acts. In case of juveniles, their criminal records are not made public as it is believed that they will be rehabilitated and they will be fit to be a part of the society and in order to ensure that they do not experience stigmatization. This is why, their trials are not held publically. In the case of adults, their trials are made public and their records are even publically accessible. In case of juveniles, cases are handled in a psychological manner and the entire history of the offender is considered while treating a juvenile. The trials that take place for juveniles are not regarded as trials and are reg arded as hearings. In case of adults, trials take place and these trials are conducted on legal details. Juveniles may even be detained if it is necessary for the security of the individual as well as the society. In case of adult justice process, they are allowed to be a part of the society on bail. ... Juvenile Crime Gangs is a term used to refer to a group of individuals who join hands together and even comprise of figurehead and this group tends to identify themselves with certain amount of area in a particular community and they participate in deviant behavior as individuals as well as a group. Researchers such as Cohen asserts that such gangs are mostly joined by boys who belong to weak socio economic backgrounds so they can join together in order to fight the issue of status experienced by them in various socialization settings such as schools (Burfeind, 2011, p.236). Juveniles fall into one of the four categories of juvenile offenders. These categories include: informal probationers who are those who have committed crimes that are of lower level of severity and the probation officers decides whether these delinquents are to be placed under juvenile courts right away or they might be placed under these courts in future. Next are statuses offenders who commit unique crimes that are not usually committed by juvenile offenders and these offenders are not detained but can be made part of formal probation. The next category of offenders are criminal offenders who age below the level of 18 years and have committed a serious crime and these offenders fall directly under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts and can experience detainment before being adjudicated or incarcerated after being adjudicated. Last category of offenders are Juveniles remanded to superior court, their crimes are highly sever in nature and may be regarded as unfit to be adjudicated and they may be tried in the court of law as an adult offender is. The states have the power to decide whether to accept a criminal offender as juvenile offender or not and for this

Productive and Counterproductive Behaviors Paper Research

Productive and Counterproductive Behaviors - Research Paper Example In turn, they opt to maximize their work productivity thereby using organizational ‘resources, investments, inputs and infrastructure facilities’ in an efficient manner. The second type actually represents the external side and known as ‘Effective productive’ behaviors. Indeed, this type of workers’ behavior could be defined as one through which employees opt to accomplish short and long run business goals that in turn enable the organization to create value for its potential customers and build relationships, while to reap monetary gains and profits simultaneously. (Anshoria and Suhariadia 2007, p. 1256) On the other hand, Counterproductive behavior can be defined as the deliberate behavior of an employee in an organization who does not abide by organizational values and does not aim to accomplish defined business goals and objectives. This type of behavior is also known as Negative Behavior because it is against organizational and economic well being. (Impleman 2008) Productive behavior put a positive impact on an individual’s job performance. An employee becomes motivated and committed to attain organizational ‘mission and vision’ and thus opt to showcase its optimal performance. In simple words, a worker communicates and collaborates with its organizational co-workers, peers, bosses and business partners to discuss assigned tasks or jobs and to openly share information and personal opinions for betterment of business practices. In addition, the probability that conflicts or disputes among the organizational members could occur is also minimized. As a result, this type of positive behavior is appreciated and endorsed by strategic managers and planners that in turn lead to greater ‘normative and affective commitment’ (with their job) among the workers. In short, the workers maximize their work

It's a Research Proposal Paper so any topic you wish

It's a Paper so any topic you wish - Research Proposal Example Of the total expenditure, electrical and computer appliances grouping contributed the most, giving a total of HK$ 30 million. During this quarter of 2008, more than 1000 advertisers advertised their wares over the internet: 5.5 billion internet advertising impressions and 2800 campaigns. Internet advertising is the mode of promotion, which uses the World Wide Web to communicate marketing messages, intended at attracting customers. Internet advertising is anticipated to grow by 17.4%. This model is expected to overtake advertising over the TV. Previous studies show that advertising – directly or indirectly influences the purchasing behavior of consumers. According to Mehta (67-69) customers with a fair outlook towards advertising are more likely to be influenced by advertising – into making purchases. The inquiry will be qualitative in nature: it will capture the qualitative data captured from the informants, to present the facts, as to the subject, as it exists and as it takes places within the marketing context. Primary data will be collected using the questionnaire method. The questionnaire tools will be disseminated to the study population. Secondary data will be collected through the review of different sources, journals, researches and online libraries: Questia, Ebsco and Science Direct. A total of 250 informants will be reached during the study. These subjects will be selected based on convenience sampling, which is a non-probability sampling method, where study subjects are chosen on the basis of convenience to the study. For this reason, the sample selection exercise will be easy (Anderson et al. 53-55). The researchers will place invitations on the internet (online and offline). Over the internet, social networking sites and forums, this will be used to attract the respondents for the study. The questionnaire will be distributed to the respondents through

Critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural Essay

Critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural differences can assist in managing people in the workplace - Essay Example This paper will critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural differences can assist in managing people in the workplace. There has been a good definition of culture in the above first chapter. It is important to note that culture is either generic culture or local culture (Alatas, 2009). Generic culture consists of shared culture among people in the world, whereas local culture entails schemas that are shared by the only specific social group in this world (Alatas, 2009). Globalization has made this world a global village. In broader terms, globalization has brought people in this world closer. That said, people from different parts of the world have found themselves working together in the same corporations. This is very interesting because it seems hard to deal with people from different cultures. It requires deeper understanding of cultural diversities such as things not to say to people from different cultures, and the ways of communication (Calveley, 2015). A good understanding of cultural diversities by managers will make it easy for them to motivate employees, structuring strategies, and implementing important strategies. As noted in a study by Connaughton (2007), there are many levels where culture works. The first level is national level. Here, the unconscious values of people bring the difference in national culture. These values are taught when people are young. National culture is normally stable but changes afterward in the practices, but the unconscious values do not change (Connaughton, 2007). The second level is organizational level. Here, the level of practices is the one that brings the difference and are often manageable. Organizational cultures usually differ from one company to another, but the firms need to be operating in the same country (Connaughton, 2007). The third is occupational level. This lies between organizational and national cultures. For example, entering an occupation such as service in the