Images of Power and Authority in Art Essay Example for Free

Images of Power and Authority in Art Essay Art has been used to portray figures of power and authority many times in history. Different cultures have different ways of portraying the image to have power and authority. One example of using art to portray images of power and authority is the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin. This was made to commemorate King Naram-Sin for his defeat of Lullubi. The King stands alone at the top, taller than everyone else. This shows that he is more powerful than anyone else. The King also wears a horned helmet that shows godliness. Celestial bodies shine upon him also showing him as a deity. His troops are lined up behind him in an orderly fashion, showing his control and also the discipline and organization of his forces. He and his army have complete control of the subdued enemy, showing that he and his army are superior. Art was also used to portray images of power and authority in the times of Ancient Egypt. This is shown in the Statue of Khafre. On the seat Khafre is sitting in there is an image of intertwined lotus and papyrus which symbolizes united Egypt. The falcon covering his head is Horus, the god the sky and heavens. This implies the pharaohs divine status. The pharaoh is also shaped with a canon of ideal proportions, which is suitable for someone as perfect as the pharaoh. Also the expression on the pharaohs face is calm and shows eternal strength and life. Many of the traits in both examples constitute how their cultures image of power and authority. Bibliography 1) Gardners Art Through the Ages Tenth Edition, p.50,75-76. 2) www.coco.cc.az.us/apetersen/ _ART201/old_king.htm 3) www.coco.cc.az.us/apetersen/ _ART201/akkad.htm 4) Ancient Egypt, World Book Encyclopedia, 1990. Images of Power and Authority in Art Art has been used to portray figures of power and authority many times in history. Different cultures have different ways of portraying the image to have power and authority. One example of using art to portray images of power and authority is the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin. This was made to commemorate King Naram-Sin for his defeat of Lullubi. The King stands alone at the top, taller than e veryone else. This shows that he is more powerful than anyone else. The King also wears a horned helmet that shows godliness. Celestial bodies shine upon him also showing him as a deity. His troops are lined up behind him in an orderly fashion, showing his control and also the discipline and organization of his forces. He and his army have complete control of the subdued enemy, showing that he and his army are superior. Art was also used to portray images of power and authority in the times of Ancient Egypt. This is shown in the Statue of Khafre. On the seat Khafre is sitting in there is an image of intertwined lotus and papyrus which symbolizes united Egypt. The falcon covering his head is Horus, the god the sky and heavens. This implies the pharaohs divine status. The pharaoh is also shaped with a canon of ideal proportions, which is suitable for someone as perfect as the pharaoh. Also the expression on the pharaohs face is calm and shows eternal strength and life. Many of the traits in both examples constitute how their cultures image of power and authority. Bibliography 1) Gardners Art Through the Ages Tenth Edition, p.50,75-76. 2) www.coco.cc.az.us/apetersen/ _ART201/old_king.htm 3) www.coco.cc.az.us/apetersen/ _ART201/akkad.htm 4) Ancient Egypt, World Book Encyclopedia, 1990.

The Search for America in Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollo

The Search for America in Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the early to mid-1800's, Washington Irving was an immensely popular writer heralded as one of the 'great' American writers.   Irving's importance lies especially in "Rip Van Winkle" and " The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the sketches in which he creates the vision of the alternate America(n).   His critique of American society through his main characters-Rip and Ichabod-and the towns in which they live gives shape to an America not usually acknowledged by his contemporaries, and thus crucial to American literary studies today.   J. Hector St. John De Crevecoeur, who created the most definitive statement of "American" circa Irving's time, certainly would not.   Indeed, it is Crevecoeur's type of America that Irving opposes.   When viewed against the backdrop of Crevecoeur's definition of America, Irving's sketches portray a very different America-the other America.    Irving will be compared with Crevecoeur in five main sections:   "Building the European," in which Crevecoeur claims that traces of Europe can be found throughout American society; "The Melting Pot," in which Crevecoeur states that the European influences are assimilated into an American whole, and creating a new society; "The American Stranger," in which Crevecoeur claims that no one is a stranger in America; "American Industry," which looks at the spirit of industry found in Americans; and finally, "People of the Soil," which deals with Americans' ties with the land.   In all of these sections, Crevecoeur's mainstream view of American will serve to show Irving's unique America.    I. Building on the European When defining 'American,' Crevecoeur is quick to point out ... ...ary on the Works of   Washington Irving, 1860-1974.   Ed. Andrew B. Myers.   Tarrytown, NY:   Sleepy Hollow Restorations, 1976.   330-42. Pochmann, Henry A.   "Irving's German Tour and its Influence on His Tales."   PMLA   45 (1930) 1150-87. Ringe, Donald A.   "New York and New England: Irving's Criticism of American   Society."   American Literature 38 (1967): 455-67.   Rpt. in A Century of Commentary on the Works of Washington Irving, 1860-1974.   Ed. Andrew B. Myers. Tarrytown, NY: Sleepy Hollow Restorations, 1976.   398-411. Rourke, Constance.   American Humor: A Study of the National Character.   Garden City,   NY: Doubleday, 1931. Rubin-Dorsky, Jeffrey.   "The Value of Storytelling: 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend   of Sleepy Hollow' in the Context of The Sketch Book."   Modern Philology 82    (1985): 393-406.      

Profit and Loss Essay

Profit and loss accounts, balance sheets Profit and loss accounts, balance sheets Two of the most important financial statements for a business are the Profit and Loss Account, and the Balance Sheet. The Profit and Loss Account shows the profit or loss of a business over a given period of time e. g. 3 months, 1 year, etc. In contrast, the Balance Sheet is like a photograph taken at an instant in time giving a picture of what the business owns and what the business owes at that moment in time. As we shall see it will always balance because what the business owns is financed by what the business owes. The Profit and Loss (P&L account) Net profit takes account of other sources of income and expenditure that are not involved in normal operations e. g. interest paid on loans and interest received on having a positive balance in a bank account. Turnover – is the value of sales made in a trading period. It is some eferred to as sale revenue and is calculated by the average price of items sold x the number sold. Cost of sales – calculates the direct costs of manufacturing items, or buying in items to sell them on. Expenses – are the overhead costs of running a business. These overheads can’t be tied down to particular cost units. For example, it would be very difficult to calculate what fraction of the heating cost of a pen factory can be allocated to just one pen. The Balance Sheet is a statement showing the assets, liabilities and owner’s capital of a business at a particular Downloaded from The100 Edition – http://www. he100. co. uk moment in time, for example the year end. T he Balance Sheet balances because the assets that a business possesses at a specific time have been financed either through the provision of capital by the owner’s or by the creation of external liabilities: Value of assets = Value of Liabilities Value of Owner’s capital. There are a number of things that we can see from looking at a balance sheet, for example: 1. The Net Assets of the business, i. e. the difference between the value of the assets and the value of the liabilities. A growth in net assets tends to indicate a growing business. 2. How solvent the business is. In other words, does it have enough assets that are short term, and hence easily converted into cash, to pay any pressing short-term liabilities. Case Example: A typical balance sheet will be set out in the following way (note that we use two columns. The first column is for minor calculations, the second column is for grand totals): Balance Sheet of Superior Traders, as at 31st December 2004 Fixed assets consist of those items that are kept within the business to create wealth over a period of time e. . machinery, equipment, vehicles, computers, etc. Current assets are used in the short period to generate income for a business. For example, in a manufacturing company like Kraft, stocks would represent products that have already been made and are waiting to be sold onto retailers. Typically stocks will be sold on credit for periods of one month, two months, or three months. Retailers buying s tocks on credit from Kraft would become Kraft’s debtors. At the end of the credit period they will pay up in the form of cash, enabling Kraft to buy more raw materials to create further stocks. Creditors due within one year are the sums that a business owes money to in the short period – otherwise known as current liabilities. Net current assets is a measure of how solvent or liquid a business is. Many businesses need to have working capital. Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets: Working capital = Current assets – Current liabilities Note that the figure for net current assets appear almost in the centre of a balance sheet, and is a figure that many people will look at first to check on the solvency of a business. Total assets – current liabilities is a sum that appears in the balance sheet simply doing what the title suggests. Creditors due after more than one year shows the longer term liabilities of the bsiness. Total net assets is calculated by taking away all the liabilities (both current and long term) from all of the assets (both current and long term). Shareholders’ funds shows the value of the shareholders capital in the business. It will always be the same value as the total net assets and it balances the account. Downloaded from The100 Profit and loss accounts, balance sheets Profit and loss accounts, balance sheets Two of the most important financial statements for a business are the Profit and Loss Account, and the Balance Sheet. The Profit and Loss Account shows the profit or loss of a business over a given period of time e. g. 3 months, 1 year, etc. In contrast, the Balance Sheet is like a photograph taken at an instant in time giving a picture of what the business owns and what the business owes at that moment in time. As we shall see it will always balance because what the business owns is financed by what the business owes. The Profit and Loss (P&L account) One of the most important objectives of a business is to make a profit. The P&L account shows the extent to which it has been successful in achieving this objective. Companies are expected to keep their P&L accounts in certain formats. Typically the P&L account will show the revenues received by a business and the costs involved in generating that revenue. In simple terms: Revenues – Costs = Profits. A typical P&L account will look like the following: Case Study: P&L Account for Superior Traders as at 31/12/2004 You can find out the gross profit of a business by deducting cost of sales from turnover: ? 100,000 – ? 50,000 = ? 0,000 You can find out the operating profit by deducting the expenses from the gross profit: ? 50,000 – ? 30,000 = ? 20,000 You may also come across the term net profit. Operating profit is earned from carrying out a businesses normal operations e. g. producing confectionery, or selling Christmas cards. Net profit takes account of other sources of income and expenditure that are not involved in normal operations e. g. interest paid on loans and interest received on having a positive balance in a bank account. Turnover – is the value of sales made in a trading period. It is sometimes referred to as sale revenue and is calculated by the average price of items sold x the number sold. Cost of sales – calculates the direct costs of manufacturing items, or buying in items to sell them on. Expenses – are the overhead costs of running a business. These overheads can’t be tied down to particular cost units. For example, it would be very difficult to calculate what fraction of the heating cost of a pen factory can be allocated to just one pen. The Balance Sheet is a statement showing the assets, liabilities and owner’s capital of a business at a particular Downloaded from The Times 100 Edition – oment in time, for example the year end. The Balance Sheet balances because the assets that a business possesses at a specific time have been financed either through the provision of capital by the owner’s or by the creation of external liabilities: Value of assets = Value of Liabilities Value of Owner’s capital. The re are a number of things that we can see from looking at a balance sheet, for example: 1. The Net Assets of the business, i. e. the difference between the value of the assets and the value of the liabilities. A growth in net assets tends to indicate a growing business. Creditors due within one year are the sums that a business owes money to in the short period – otherwise known as current liabilities. Net current assets is a measure of how solvent or liquid a business is. Many businesses need to have working capital. Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets: Working capital = Current assets – Current liabilities Note that the figure for net current assets appear almost in the centre of a balance sheet, and is a figure that many people will look at first to check on the solvency of a business. Total assets – current liabilities is a sum that appears in the balance sheet simply doing what the title suggests. Creditors due after more than one year shows the longer term liabilities of the bsiness. Total net assets is calculated by taking away all the liabilities (both current and long term) from all of the assets (both current and long term). Shareholders’ funds shows the value of the shareholders capital in the business. It will always be the same value as the total net assets and it balances the account. Downloaded from The Times 100 Edition.

Women in the Military Essay - 531 Words

I have chosen my persuasive essay to be focused on why women should be in the military. I chose this topic in order to get a full view on how women in the military are thought of. I have done some research and have learned a lot more then I originally expected. According to the U.S. Constitution, all men are created equal, this also includes women. I believe that a woman in the military is just as capable as any man. Some people will argue this because they feel as though it is not right to have women wounded or killed in war. I understand that it would be hard to see and hear about but remember that female police officers and firefighters are wounded or killed daily. How can one rationalize that a woman†¦show more content†¦They have been prisoners of war, led men into battle, operated our most sophisticated machinery, flown combat aircraft, and have fired lethal weapons. They have assisted the military as far back as the Revolutionary War but there are still some positions that women are restricted from. Although women comprise about 15 percent of the American armed forces, our military policy states that females are prohibited from serving in all combat zones. Some of these zones include infantry, armor, most artillery units, and women are not authorized to any units whose mission is to engage the enemy. I feel as though that this is unfair, it limits our women’s opportunities to help serve and protect our country. I can not understand why someone would want to deny a person the right to do so. Although there are some areas in which women are restricted from, there are some. Before World War 1, women mainly served as nurses or helpers, but, for World War 1, the very first enlisted women served as radio and telephone operators, translators, and clerks. It was not until World War 2 that women became a part of the regular military. The first of these units was the Women’s Army Corps (WAC’s), it enlisted 400,000 in the war to work in jobs that freed men so they could fight. In WWI more then 25,000 US women served in Europe. Although women still died in wars, the US women were never putShow MoreRelatedWomen and the Military1125 Words   |  5 PagesWomen and the Military Statistics show that the U.S. armed forces currently employ over 229,000 women in its various branches (Donnelly 8). This figure had been increasing exponentially for over 30 years. It s no surprise to men that women are becoming an important factor in the U.S. military and now occupy every position expect those on the front lines. With the infiltration of women in the services in 1972, great controversy has arisen and has become a highly argued issue (DonnellyRead MoreWomen in the Military1458 Words   |  6 PagesGender integration in the military has always faced the question of social acceptance, whether society can accept how women will be treated and respected in the military. Throughout the history of the military, our leadership has always sought ways in how to integrate without upsetting the general public if our females were captured as prisoners of war, raped, discriminated or even blown up in combat. My paper will discuss three situations pertaining to the fi rst female submariner, fighter pilotRead MoreWomen in the Military1453 Words   |  6 PagesWomen have done incredible things within the history of the world. They have proven time and time again that they are equal in just about every way with the opposite gender. However now the question of whether they can or even should fight beside men in combat has come up. Many people think that because almost the whole world has recognized that each individual has all the same basic rights, regardless of their gender or race, that everyone can do the same job equally. This is simply not true andRead MoreWomen in Military1248 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in the United States have long fought for the right to be included in many facets of society such as the right to vote to breaking into professions like the medical field and getting females elected to major government offices. But one of the most intriguing questions of integration has yet to be fully answered. Apart from all others is the b attle to allow women the right, the honor, and the privilege of serving and defending their country as part of the United States Armed Forces. Being inRead MoreThe Military : Protections For Women In The Military1715 Words   |  7 Pagesin 2016 compared to 6,082 last year, an annual military report showed. This was a sharp jump from 2012 when 3,604 cases were reported. Few bills have been presented in Congress against the institution for fear of disrespecting those who are fighting for our country. By attacking one section of the military for injustice and abuse, there is fear that this could possibly only be scratching the surface of the issue. Protections for women in the military seem to have a bleak outcome due to the fact thatRead MoreWomen in the Military Essay1469 Words   |  6 Pages Women have fought alongside men in the United States Military in every major battle since the American Revolution. The roles of women in the military have evolved over time to allow the incorporation of women in expanding military career fields. Women have proven themselves to be an asset to the military despite some of society believing women would weaken America’s military effectiveness. Today more than 200,000 women are active-duty military, this is about 14.5% of all military. Currently, womenRead More Women in the Military Essay637 Words   |  3 Pagesfollowed. In 1920, the 19th Amendment granted suffrage to women. Since then, women have been gradually stepping up on the ladder of success. Everyday more and more opportunities are opening themselves up for women. Because of these changes, we have had to add unheard of words such as congresswoman, policewoman, etc. to the dictionary to keep up with their advancement. The United States military is even inviting women into their ranks. Military Women rising up in status and prestige is a great thing, butRead More Women in the Military Essay1112 Words   |  5 PagesShould women be allowed in the military? My answer was at first a resounding â€Å"no.† However, once I started my research, my opinion changed. In 1948, Congress passed the combat exclusion law that prohibited women in the Air Force, Marines, and Navy to hold combat positions; however, the Army can assign these duties as they see fit (Schroeder). Some people assume that Americans are not ready to see a woman wounded or killed in war; however, there are female police officers that are wounded or killedRead More Women in the Military Essay667 Words   |  3 PagesI am in favor of equality for women, just not when it comes to women in combat. There have been women in society doing heroic things since the Revolutionary war. There have been brave women in war posing as men so they could fight. There are a select few women who could ha ndle war and combat. The negative aspects of women in combat outweigh the positive. Women should not participate in military combat. However they may join the military and served in traditional roles such as nurses and office staffRead MoreEvolution of Women in the Military3618 Words   |  15 PagesThe Evolution of Women in the Military Abstract Women are without doubt an integral part of the military services. It took the determination of women throughout history to pave the way for the 400,000, women that serve today. From the early years of the military to the present conflict in Afghanistan, women have made continuous progress towards equality. It is through their contributions that the military has evolved, consistently opening more jobs to women in combat. Time has proven that

Cost of College - 1120 Words

Argumentative Essay Ever since you were little, your parents have been talking about this wonderful thing called college. They told you that you have to go there to get an education before you can get a good job. Many kids have dreamed of going to college, and being able to get the job of their dreams. By putting in hard work and dedication to good grades in high school, you had high hopes that you would be able to get into an Ivy League school. The American dream of being able to go to college to get a degree is sliding away from many people due to rising costs. With increasing tuition prices and job loss, the college dream is slowly and surely slipping away from many students and their families. The first step in the college†¦show more content†¦With lack of financial aid students are not going to be able to afford college on their own. They are relying on their parents to help them, but is there anything they can do? In order to get a decent paying job, you have to have a college degree. Many people will not be able to go to college full time because they have to work part-time or full-time to be able to afford college and can not move on to a higher paying job with out it. Low income students have always struggled with college bills. Financial and political forces are making it harder than ever to get a college degree, which is crucial to getting a high paying job (Philadelphia Inquirer, 1). It is extremely difficult to get a job and go to college full or part time, just to have a higher paying job. Many students hope to avoid a soaring loan debt. They work long hours; take courses part-time and are commuting to college rather than living on campus. These compromises greatly reduce chances of earning a college degree in a timely manner if at all (Philadelphia Inquirer, 1). As a result, students must rely on even larger loan debt to get through school. Many students have to put off getting their degree and some never go back to get it. Graduation rates have dropped because of the size of debt that students acquire while at school. Students nowadays are expected to pay all of their tuition with no help. The economy is in horrendous shape andShow MoreRelatedThe Cost Of College For College1473 Words   |  6 PagesPricing of College Every 7 7 in 10, 226 million college graduates has student loan debt; thats over 1.3 trillion dollars. This paper will give a rough estimate of what someone may need in college and how much it will cost to get them. There will also be averages of college tuition and credit hour costs. College is an important aspect of life now that a degree is needed to get most jobs. There are many ways to decrease the prices of college and there are multiple ways to pay for college but college willRead MoreCollege Is The Cost Of College1346 Words   |  6 PagesAs a senior in the last few weeks of high school, college is definitely something that’s been on my mind. More specifically: the cost of college. As many students work part-time for low paying jobs, looking at college websites and seeing numbers between twenty and thirty thousand dollars is more than a little intimidating. Even more intimidating than that is the fact that these costs are steadily rising every year. Students like me must borrow more and more to remain in school, digging themselvesRead MoreCollege Cost Project : College Costs Project3460 Words   |  14 Pages Ivan Kozlov Math Analysis II, Mods 7-9 Trimester One College Costs Project October 24, 2014 College Costs Project A: Plan of Investigation What will be the cost of obtaining a college education in University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business for Business Administration Management or NYU Stern School of Business for Management and Organization? In this project, the student will determine the cost of receiving a college education in one private school, as well as a public schoolRead MoreThe rising costs of college1169 Words   |  5 PagesYoshimasa Hirano Thomas Jordan Basic Composition 2/7/2014 The rising costs of college In the US, higher education is really important to succeed in the future. â€Å"In 2003, the typical full-time year-round worker in the United States with a four-year college degree earned $49,900, 62 percent more than the $30,800 earned by the typical full-time year-round worker with only a high school diploma† (U.S. Census Bureau). That means if you have a bachelor’s degree, you would get a better job and salaryRead MoreThe Cost Of Attending College Essay1356 Words   |  6 PagesThe cost of attending college has risen drastically over the years. Statistics show that there has been a 260% increase in tuition costs since 1980. The increase in tuition cost equates to an increase in money borrowed to fund higher education. An increase in money borrowed results in an increase in debt accumulated over time. As a result of the rising figures, the economy as a whole has also suffered because of the restricted financial space many graduates find themselves in upon completio n of theirRead MoreThe Cost Of A College Education1265 Words   |  6 PagesIt is obvious to anyone who looks that the cost of a college education is rising at an alarming rate. Increased tuitions, decreased government funding, and increased institutional debt contribute to a $1 trillion student debt crises. These factors, along with critical mismanagement of funds on the part of Universities create an environment where education has risen at more than twice the rate of inflation. By examining educational institutions finances, we can begin to understand the problem, andRead MoreIs College Worth The Cost?880 Words   |  4 Pagesthe minds of young people in America and all across the world for so many generations that the point seems hardly worth debate. Now the question has become, â€Å"Is knowledge money?† The cost of a college education has skyrocketed to the point that many would be students are asking themselves, is college worth the cost? This is a question that cannot be answered universally for all who ask it. Statisticians and Department of Labor bean counters can crunch the number all day and develop some very compellingRead MoreThe Cost Of College Education1362 Words   |  6 Pageswhat if I told you that a post secondary education can be of no cost to you or your parents, meaning no high interest rates, or additional fees to pay back. All you need is the desire to better your circumstances. No loan applications and debt required! Well, I wish that had been offered this proposition before graduating high school, and not worry about whether or not my parents could afford to send me to a traditional 4-year college. We are all currently sitting in this classroom to satisfy oneRead MoreThe Overwhelming Cost of College856 Words   |  4 PagesThe overwhelming cost of college has caused high school students debating whether to continue pursuing a higher education. Many of these high school students have decided that the price of the accumulated debt is not worth the investment, and end up choosing a full-time employment without a college degree. It is, however, important to invest on knowledge because it edifies and sets a base for the future. To fully comprehend how important it is to invest on higher education, one must be aware of theRead MoreThe Rising Cost Of College951 Words   |  4 PagesRegardless of what a student’s major is, college offers a person the knowledge that they will use throughout their entire life. It arms a person with skills such as communication, critical thinking, analytical capabilities, cultural literacy and leadership. John Henry Newman believed that acquiring such skills was the most important aspect of college and that its purpose was â€Å"training good members of society† (53). However opinions shifted on what the purpose of college is, people began to see it simply

The Divine Comedy Illustrates Dante Pilgrim’S Heroic Journey

The Divine Comedy illustrates Dante Pilgrim’s heroic journey that is commonly displayed in numerous other epic poems of his time. However, Dante cannot begin his journey through his starting place in Hell, which is where his beloved Virgil comes into the text. Inspired by Virgil’s writings, especially the Aeneid, Dante willingly accepts to follow Virgil on a journey into an unknown world. Dante as a character develops his personality as he nears Heaven, which makes him consider Virgil to be less of a guide and sees them as independent individuals. Another intriguing perspective is that Dante is trying to reach Heaven, yet he allows Virgil, a shade residing in Hell, to lead him on his journey towards enlightenment. The spiritual changes†¦show more content†¦Dante endorses Virgil for his success as a poet, through which he mimics the writing style of Virgil. Virgil was not chosen as a guide for Dante because he was the right person for the job; instead, he was ch osen because he is the right guide for Dante. Dante feels comfortable around Virgil, as he has trust in his idol. Virgil admits to Dante that he is a pagan, but he had no choice to reach Heaven as he says, â€Å"And if they lived before Christianity, they did not worship God in fitting ways; and of such spirits I myself am one. For these defects, and for no other evil, we now are lost and punished just with this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Inferno. IV. 37-42). Thus, Virgil did no evil to earn his spot in Hell because he did not have the opportunity to show his love for God during his time on Earth. Dante does not judge Virgil due to his lack of love for God but pledges to follow him in their journey. Dante’s acceptance of Virgil is the first key piece that ignites their ongoing relationship. Dante shows the promising faith and trust he has for Virgil. Virgil is a wise man who shows Dante valuable life lessons throughout Hell and up until they reach Heaven. Not only is Virgil wise, but is also a trustworthy guide that attempts to protect Dante at all costs. On the trip through Hell, Virgil explains the sin committed in each circle and sub-ring to teach Dante what to avoid when he returns to the above world. The lessons Virgil teaches Dante is only beneficial if he listens to everythingShow MoreRelatedThe Sonnet Form: William Shakespeare6305 Words   |  26 Pagessuccessive rhymed lines that are equal in length. A heroic couplet is a pair of rhyming lines in iambic pentameter. In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often speak a heroic couplet before exiting, as in these lines from Hamlet: â€Å"The time is out of joint: O cursed spite, / That ever I was born to set it right!† Quatrain: A four-line stanza. The most common form of English verse, the quatrain has many variants. One of the most important is the heroic quatrain, written in iambic pentameter with an ABAB

Degradable Polymers and Plastics - Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Degradable Polymers and Plastics. Answer: Introduction: The ethical challenge clearly manifested by the article is that increase in the plastic waste in the ocean is a threat to the human health and the marine life. The plastic waste is degenerating into smaller particles that are consumed by fish in the sea. The tragedy is that the sea foods humans consume also contain micro plastic substances that are harmful to ones health. The critical ethical question which is also a central challenge to environmentalists and economist is whether companies should be defiant to this global concern and keep focused to the traditional role of business of maximizing profits or they should use products such as biodegradable material to prevent human suffering. It is disturbing that humans do not care about the environment because of the notorious tendency to use products contained in plastics and dispose off the plastics packs carelessly by the sea side and the surrounding environment. In broad strokes one my easily conclude that the human beings are gene rally ignorant, however, this may predominantly not be the case. Above all, the prevailing argument in this essay is that human being inherently have not embraced plausible ethical practices with respect to protection of the environment and healthy. According to the British Plastics Federation (2008) approximately 4 percent petroleum that is produced in a year manufactured into plastic which are used by companies in packaging products and making pipes. Mitchell (2015) argues that the demand for plastic products has been increasing rapidly. It has been argued that in 2009, the total production of plastics in the globe amounted to approximately 230 millions tones (Sesini, 2011). Hopewell et al. (2009) argues that 50 percent of the plastic that is produced in the world is only used once and disposed. Such a rate of disposal poses a serious threat to the environment and the human life. The plastic products that are produced by many companies are not biodegradable and therefore they remain in the environment and the seas for a very long time (Andrady, 1994). However, Swift and Wiles (2004) contend that plastic waste may not be durable especially in areas that experience high temperatures and excessive sunlight. It is instructive to n ot that the plastic break into small pieces that form plastic debris which accumulates in the environment and the sea thereby damaging the environment (Oehlmann et al. 2009). It appears that most consumers prefer plastic products because they are disposable. Some exponents have proposed that the use of biodegradable plastics is likely to reduce the polymer pollution in the environment (North, and Halden, 2013).On the hand recycling of the plastic waste also significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste that is disposed (Hopewell et al., 2009). Eden ( 1996) argue that although the government may paly a significant role in reducing the exposure of plastic wealth to the environment, such a measure will only be effective and successful if public participation is considered. An overwhelming majority of scholars seem to agree that human beings should adopt pro- environmental ethical behaviors to reduce the effects of plastic waste on the human life (Azeem et al., 2013). Utilitarianism is a theory in ethics that is based on the pleasure and pain principle which was initiated by Jeremy Bentham (Glover, 1990). According to the utilitarian theory the consequences of an action is what determines if an action is ethical or not (Shaw, 1999). Exponents of this theory argue that the human being should enjoy the greatest happiness and minimal pain. An action is ethical if its consequences bring pleasure to the human being. It is apparent that companies that manufacture plastics products should align their actions to promote pleasure and happiness and human beings. According to the utilitarian theory the consequences of manufacturing plastics is that they pose a danger to the health of human beings and the environment which they live in. The surge in the plastic debris in the seas and the environment offend the principle of greatest pleasure and minimal pain. However, business organization can minimize the effects of the plastic debris in the environment by embracing corporate social responsibility practices such as recycling the plastic and cleaning the oceans (Renouard, 2011). A business should calculate its net benefit of the actions that it takes (Norman, 2013). This implies that it should put on a scale of balancer the benefits of an action and the demerits. The primary goal of determining the net benefit is to ensure that the negative effects of any action do not outweigh the benefits. It is evident that plastic waste causes harm to the marine life because they consume it. The environment also undergoes tremendous pollution and animals on land consume the plastics. Human beings also indirectly consume the plastics because sea and land animals are a major source of food. On the other hand, the benefit of plastic is that they are disposable packs and convenient when used to package products. In addition plastics products such as pipes have also been used in constructions. According to the utilitarian theory it is prudent to note that use of plastics causes more harm than good. Although plastics benefit human beings they alternative biodegradable materials can be used in packaging and steel can be used in making pipes. Kant established the deontological theory which states that an act that is ethical is determined by the duty that one has. Ideally it is based on a moral obligation that one inherently should always undertake (White, 2004). On the hand Kant established the Categorically Imperative which is a supreme moral standard that is used to determine what is rational. According to Kant, a person should have a good will which is the guiding principles that determines one action (Rawls, 1980). Good will determines the moral action that one will take. An action should be based on a moral duty to act in a certain way. The Categorical Imperative in human beings should be a universal application. Therefore, a moral action according to this theory must be capable of being applied universally (Rawls, 1980). Ideally, it the action must be based on natural law. Businesses should continue with the manufacture of plastic materials provided that it is moral to do so. According to the moral law it is seems i ncongruous to cause human suffering or death when it can be avoided. It is the moral duty of business to prevent this suffering and therefore it is necessary that they should recycle the plastic waste in the environment. Human beings individually have the moral duty to protect the environment by taking actions that apply can have universal positive effect. It can be argued that this rule can be applied globally because an action taken by individual affects many people within their surrounding. Although Kant argues that moral laws are innate in human beings, it is imperative upon business and the international community to adopt universal moral system that will compel everyone to protect the environment through safe disposal plastic waste. It may be argued that companies refraining from making plastic products may also have a positive universal effect. Despite the fact that the role of a business is to make profit it is against moral laws that this should be done at the expense of hu man life and suffering. The utilitarian theory and the Kant theory evinced two major diverging views. It is evident from the explanations in is essay that the utilitarian theory is based on the consequences of an individuals action. According to the utilitarian theory the result of an action is important and the action that gives rise to the consequences may not be important. An immoral action that gives rise to positive consequences is considered valid according to the utilitarianism because it cases greatest pleasure to the greatest number. On the other hand, the Kant theory is based on a moral duty and not the consequences. This theory is different from the Utilitarianism because it focuses on an action that is taken by an individual rather than the consequences. The Kant theory seems to suggest that an action may be morally right but the consequences may be devastating to the human life. The main argument of this essay is that an action should be based on the consequences because the consequences have a n immediate effect on human life. Business and individuals should therefore apply the utilitarian approach which is the best model that will bring the greatest pleasure to the greatest number. References Andrady, A.L., 1994. Assessment of environmental biodegradation of synthetic polymers. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C: Polymer Reviews, 34(1), pp.25-76. Azeem, M., Hassan, M. and Kouser, R., 2013. What causes pro-environmental action: Case of business graduates, Pakistan. World Applied Sciences Journal, 24(12), pp.1642-1650. British Plastics Federation, 2008. Oil Consumption. Available at: https://www.bpf.co.uk/Press/Oil_Consumption.aspx [Accessed April 27, 2017]. Eden, S., 1996. 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