Journal Review - Incoherence of the moral ought, an analysis of a paper by Elizabeth Anscombe entitled, Modern Moral Philosophy.

Journal Review - Incoherence of the moral ought, an analysis of a paper by Elizabeth Anscombe entitled, Modern Moral Philosophy. The Incoherence of the Moral 'Ought,' a journal article by Duncan Richter, is an analysis of a paper by Elizabeth Anscombe entitled, 'Modern Moral Philosophy.' In this analysis, Mr. Richter is only concerned about Anscombe's second thesis, which states as follows:The concepts of moral obligation and moral duty (what is morally right and morally wrong, and the moral sense of 'ought,' ought to be jettisoned if this is psychologically possible; because they are survivals, or derivatives from survivals, from an earlier conception of ethics which no longer generally survives and are only harmful without it.According to this thesis, Mr. Richter builds his thesis into five parts. Part one summarizes Elizabeth Anscombe's research according to her second thesis. Anscombe's objection is to limit the use of such words as 'ought,' 'should,' 'needs' and 'most.' She asserts that there are two uses for such words, being either ordinary or objectionable.Richter; Miss Lagler, German Avt. (LOC)In the ordinary sense of the specific case, 'ought,' the word is indispensable. The meaning of this sense of the word is that if one 'ought' to do something, then without doing so, such a result will minimize happiness for a certain person. Conversely, the objectionable sense of the word is the 'moral sense' in which 'a verdict is implied on the notion in question without support of a conceptual framework to make the notion of such a verdict coherent.' In other words, this seems to infer that implications to legality of any sort, whether it be the government or divine law, are objectionable to Anscombe and therefore should be eradicated from our terminology.In parts two and three, Mr. Richter presents criticisms of the thesis based on Kurt Baier and Peter Winch, respectively. Kurt Baier seems to be less interesting on Mr. Richter's list of priority to...

CSR strategy in the oil and gas industry Term Paper

CSR strategy in the oil and gas industry - Term Paper Example Presently, most of the oil drilling companies have set shop in hostile waters, deeper in the sea, which has resulted in numerous achievements over time in the industry. Petroleum is a crucial element to the economy with numerous applications across all industries, and it is, therefore, critical to maintain the supply to drive the global economy. Apart from driving the global economy, the industry provides employment opportunities to thousands of worker around the world. In the United States, the industry provides employment to about 9 million people, which accounts for 5% of the country’s total employment. In addition, oil and gas industry tops the list of revenue generation through taxation, and its contribution to the national economy was over $1 trillion in 2007, about 7.5% of the US gross domestic product (COGA, n.d.). Among the key players in the oil and gas industry in the US include Exxon Mobil Corporation, British Petroleum, Chevron Corporation, Total, and Royal Dutch Shell among others. This Corporation was formed in 1999 following a merger between Exxon and Mobil, to form the largest company in the world (Corporate Watch, n.d.). The merger was aimed at consolidating the economic position of both companies in the oil and gas industry, and enhances the company’s ability to remain an effective competitor in a highly volatile global economy. The Exxon Mobil Corporations net worth is over $264 billion, which makes it the largest in the oil and gas industry (BERA, 2010). Individual companies allied to the merger have been actively involved in heavy exploration and development around the world, with drilling expeditions in the Middle East, Gulf of Mexico, Asia and Africa. The company specializes in the extraction, manufacture and marketing of petroleum and other petroleum products. The corporation holds a sizeable deal of resources that aid in the refining and marketing of its products, with affiliated companies

Gay Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gay Marriage - Essay Example The ban on gay marriage is not different from preventing women from voting or denying African-American’s access to public places. One of the most potential arguments for gay marriage is that it enhances the marriage rate. Since 1991, there was a sharp decline in marriage rates world wide. In some countries, the marriage rates were down over 20%. This declining marriage rate clearly reflected deterioration in social as well as cultural values since premarital sexuality and sexual promiscuity were the root causes of the decrease in marriage rates. In addition, this worse condition also persisted to be a threat to the existence of family relationships. However, a steep rise in marriage rate is observed as the gay marriage was legalized. For instance, 4000 couples married in San Francisco in just one month when the city legally validated same sex marriages. While comparing with the marriage statistical data of many other countries, it is evident that gay marriage boosts marriage r ates. There were 12,348 same sex marriages registered in Canada from June 2003 (date of same sex marriage legalization in Ontario, a province of Canada) to October 2006 (‘Re-opening the debate’). Similarly, divorce rates have increasingly risen for the last two decades. As specified in the ‘Gay Marriage Facts & Statistics Tips, United States statistics show that 60% of all opposite sex marriages ended in divorce during the first decade and the figure rose to 80% in the first 20 years. Although, government and religious institutions have taken initiatives towards the safety of family relationships, the divorce rate still continues to be unsatisfactory. At this time, the family bonds of same sex couples... The researcher of this essay states that since 2001, ten countries and a number of jurisdictions have legally approved same-sex marriage and they consider it as a matter of civil, moral, social, political, and religious issue. Despite the legal validity of the gay marriage, limited rights are granted to gay marriage as compared to heterosexual marriage. In fact, the same sex marriage does not hurt the institution of marriages because homosexuals enjoy a pleasure that is obtainable from a traditional marriage. Obviously, romance is the most profound feeling that determines the intensity of relationship especially between adolescents. To be more specific, the different choices in romantic relationships have a profound influence on their aspirations. Each and every individual has the basic human right to express themselves without depending on the approval of any authority. While prohibiting same sex marriage, this condition questions the personal integrity of homosexuals and hence this governmental act do separates the gay people from the mainstream of the society. In total, the ban on gay marriage is a clear case of gender based discrimination, which will have far reaching consequences in the society. In fact, sexual outlook and individual choices are the key factors that determine the agreement or conflicts between partners. In conclusion, the researcher mentions that same sex does not inevitably ensure same gender, for example if the individuals involved maintain opposite gender desires.

Liberal ideology Essay Example for Free

Liberal ideology Essay How important was new Liberal ideology in leading to the welfare reforms of 1905-11? In answering this essay it is probably best to understand what is meant by ideology. Ideology is defined as a set of beliefs and aims by a group or groups of individuals who share the same common views. The word liberal means being free. The Liberal party is seen as a party that has an open mind over issues and follows what the majority of people want. In this essay I will explain the key issues that might have led to the Liberal party implementing these welfare reforms in Britain between 1905-11. New something -ism is often just a name given by a party to show that their ideologies have evolved from previous, outdated times. New Liberal ideology is looked at in the context of older Liberal beliefs. This idea of renaming the ideology of a party was seen as an attempt by a party to gain support by claiming to bring in new, unique policies (Simon Potter). However, these thoughts cannot be used when referring to New Liberalism. Under the leadership of politicians such as Asquith, Churchill and Lloyd-George the Liberal party seemed to break away from its past. In fact, in 1906 after two decades of political failure, the Liberal party came to power. It introduced the biggest number of social reforms of its time in Britain. It is the reasons behind these reforms that I will be looking at. The main difference between Old Liberal thinking and New Liberalism was that more emphasis was put on collectivism rather than individualism, which had previously been preached. People began to change their minds from earlier thinking and began to believe that it was the governments duty to improve life for the community. These ideas as well as those of positive liberty only seemed to appeal to a small minority of Liberal ministers. However, it did appeal to influential Liberals that were in power. This included the future Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. It is my belief that increased knowledge of poverty was more important than new Liberal ideology (aka New Liberlism). Many people in Britain were poverty stricken or in need for help. The government needed to find out exactly how people were getting into poverty. Seebohm Rowntree, a historian in the 19th-20th Century, carried out a survey into poverty in York. York was more typical of the whole country rather than the East End. Seebohm calculated a poverty line (minimum income necessary to stay out of poverty) based on scientific calculations. Those people that did not have the minimum income were in primary poverty and could not achieve physical efficiency. He discovered that those people who were in secondary poverty were there because they hadnt spent their money well enough. Seebohms statistical figures and results opened the eyes of many in Britain. It made many people realise how poverty had come about and how The liberal party believed that welfare reforms would make Britain more competitive and efficient with foreign countries such as Germany and USA. Britain was less advanced than these two superpowers in their army, in industry and in education. Some believed that changes to the education system and administration would make Britain on a more equal level with the two above-mentioned countries. Others believed that sorting out poverty and health would improve Britains national efficiency. Liberals believed that welfare reforms would help improve the standard of living of the poorer classes. These people tended to be unfit and therefore were unable to join the army. It was also the poorer people who wanted to become soldiers. By improving the lives and health of poor people, then more would be accepted into the army. Therefore, this is one area that would become more efficient and competitive. Changes to health and child reforms would also make Britain more efficient. Children were Britains future prospects. By improving all aspects of their lives (especially those that were coming from poorer backgrounds), children would help Britain to become an all round superpower in 30-40 years to come. They were arguably the most needy of welfare reforms, which maybe explains why the Liberal party implemented many reforms regarding them between 1905-11. The need to win working class support and beat off challenges from the Labour party was the most important reason for the introduction of Welfare reforms between 1905-11. New Liberalism was based on political beliefs, but the need to resist the Labour parties potential challenge was based on political advantages. The 1903 Lib-Lab pact made Labour more of a threat on the political stage. They gained there most number of seats in Parliament in the 1906 elections and with the support of the majority of the working class and the Trade Unions; the labour party were proving to be capable opposition.

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay -- essays research papers

In “Hamlet';, the tragedy by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, the prince of Denmark withholds a great internal conflict throughout the play. As a result, Hamlet contradicts himself many times throughout out the play, which caused the unnecessary death of many others. As well as trying to be true to himself, Hamlet is an expert at acting out roles and making people falsely believe him. The roles he plays are ones in which he fakes madness to accomplish his goals. While one second Hamlet pretends to be under a strange spell of madness, seconds later he may become perfectly calm. He struggles with the issue of avenging his father’s death. He vows to kill Claudius but then backs out several times. Hamlet’s actions throughout the play support this deceitful nature. His dual personalities are the foundation of his madness. There are many examples that illustrate how Hamlet’s deceitful nature results in a tragedy because of his inability to choose which r ole to play. In Act One, Hamlet appears to be very straightforward in his actions and his role. When his mother questions him, Hamlet says, "Seems, madam? Nay it is. I know not seems" (1.2.76). By saying this, Hamlet lets Gertrude know that he is what she sees, torn over his father’s death. Later, he makes a clear statement about his state of mind when he commits himself to revenge. "I’ll wipe away all trivial fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, that youth and observation copied there, and thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain" (1.5.100-104). In that statement, Hamlet is declaring that he will be committed to nothing else but the revenge of his fathers death. There is no confusion about Hamlet’s character in Act One. He has said earlier that he is what he appears to be, and there is no reason to doubt it. In the next act, Hamlet’s intentions suddenly become confusing. In the first act, Hamlet was dedicated and inspired in seeking revenge. However, when Hamlet appears again in the second act, he loses the conviction that was present earlier. He has yet to take up the orders assigned to him by the ghost. He spends the act walking around, reading, and talking with Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenst... ...ave loved her, but he did not. Had he loved her he would not have treated her so poorly earlier. He is now committed to acting, and loving Ophelia fits the role. In the rest of the play Hamlet sticks to his resolve. He barely has time to tell his story of escape to Horatio before he is challenged. He does not refuse the challenge because as nobility, he cannot refuse he has to keep his honor. Hamlet goes to the match and because he has now accepted the role, he does not hesitate to kill the King when prompted to do so. Throughout the whole play, Hamlet wrestles with an inner conflict that ultimately costs not only Claudius’ life, but also many others, including his own. He even feels that playing one role can transform his inner feelings as well. While one moment Hamlet is committed to revenge, the next moment he is not sure if Claudius was the killer. In one scene Hamlet praises acting and realizes his role, but in the next he decides to put off his deeds. If Hamlet had followed through with his actions, and had not debated so often, there would have been fewer deaths. Hamlet’s inability to act lead to everyone’s demise.

Customer Service Policies Essay

Research has indicated that there are a number of areas of customer service that are a priority for people. In particular, delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude are deemed important. Aspects of these key areas include a prompt initial contact with the customer and the ability to keep to agreed timescales, provision of accurate and detailed information with regular development updates, keeping promises and dealing with problems and issues in a professional and timely manner. Throughout all contact with customers, staff should aim to meet their needs through professional, courteous and efficient service. Staff will: * treat all customers with respect and courtesy; * listen to what customers have to say; * personalise service to the needs and circumstances of each service user where practical; * always do what they say they are going to do, or update the appropriate people promptly if things change, offering an explanation for the change; * respond to enquiries promptly and efficiently; * consult customers about their service needs Customer service is an organization’s ability to supply their customers’ wants and needs. Excellent customer service is the ability of an organization to constantly and consistently exceed the customer’s expectations. Accepting this definition means expanding our thinking about customer service; if we’re going to consistently exceed customers’ expectations, we have to recognize that every aspect of our business has an impact on customer service, not just those aspects of our business that involve face-to-face customer contact. Improving customer service involves making a commitment to learning what our customers’ needs and wants are, and developing action plans that implement customer friendly processes. Talmac delay policy| If your aircraft remains on the tarmac no later than two hours after leaving the gate for a departure, or touches down after an arrival, we will provide food and potable water from the normal on board catering. Whilst the aircraft remains on the tarmac, medical attention will be given if needed.| Customer service plan| Our staff is dedicated to ensure always a safe and enjoyable journey.| Flights delays| Will provide customers at the airport and onboard a delayed aircraft with timely and frequent updates regarding the delay, beginning 30 minutes after we become aware of such a delay.| Essential customer needs during extraordinary delays| On very rare occasions ,extraordinary events may result in lengthy onboard delays ;in this case we will make reasonable efforts to ensure that your essential needs, such as food, water, restroom facilities, and basic medical assistance are met.| Cancelling reservation policy| A reservation may be cancelled online or through the c ompany call centre within 24 hours of ticketing, for a full refund.| Assistance in case of delayed flights policy | Our company will take all the reasonable measures necessary to avoid delays on carrying you and your baggage. If a flight is being cancelled, or delayed by five hours or more, fail to stop at your place of stopover or destination, you can choose one of the three remedies set up below:1. We will carry you as soon as we can to the destination shown on your ticket, without charging you extra.2. Giving you or obtain for you an involuntary fare refund , without charging you extra.3. Giving you additional assistance , such as compensation ,refreshments and other care .| Baggage delivery| In the event that your checked bags do not arrive on your flight ,we will make reasonable efforts to ensure that the bag is returned to you within 24 hours.| Baggage liability| Liability for lost, damaged or delayed baggage is 1,131 Special Drawing Rights(SDR) per passenger.| Ticket refunds| Foe all tickets and services purchased from our company with a credit card or cash, refunds will be provided withi n 7 business days of receipt of the required refund information. | Accommodation of customers with special needs| We provide passengers with disabilities and all other special needs dignified, professional and courteous service and proper accommodation at all times ,including during lengthy tarmac delays.| Flights with oversales| If at departure time more customers with confirmed reservations are present than there are seats available, gate agents will first ask for volunteers who are willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation and a confirmed seat on a later flight.| Lowest fare availability | Customers calling our reservation office or visiting our ticket offices or counters to purchase a ticket for a specific day and time will be offered the lowest fare available through our company, exclusive of Internet only fares.| Reasons for Customer Service Policy Developing customer service policies are the life blood of any business. Although customer policies are unique to each business ,there are still some guiding principles that all corporations should adopt. Successful customer service policies are guided by the following principle: knowing what your customers want and delivering on it .Having only a vague idea of what customers want means there can be no concrete policy in place for when problems or misunderstanding arise. Knowing what customers want will also lead to correct business decisions. In order to be competitive ,all businesses must have outstanding customer service practices and policies. Customer policies and relationship standards should be part of your mission statement, neither receiving substandard or preferential treatment over employees, contractors ,or even stakeholders. Providing great customer service is a great step in building a relationship with your clients. The greater the relationship you develop ,the more likely it is that your client will become an evangelist for your brand and your organization. Customer service department need way to measure their success. Employees can’t expect to provide your idea of great service if they don’t know what that means. In the book Award-Winning Customer Service, Renee Evenson writes ‘’Before you can expect the people in your organization to provide outstanding customer service ,they have to know how to give outstanding customer service.’’ Policies set service guidelines and train employees. Customers demand to be treated like their money matters .Having a policy is a pre-requisite to business. Just providing a body in a store to answer questions or having enough staff in a call centre to answer calls quickly will go unnoticed. A customer service policy is a way to design a standard to go beyond expectations. A customer service policy is a tool to give guidance to employees on how to solicit information from customers to improve products. Train your staff to be problem-solvers and to incorporate up-sell tactics to capitalize on the doors they’ve open by providing great service.

A Literary Analysis of Internal and External Conflict in...

Miguel Anguel Ruiz once said, â€Å"People like to say that the conflict is between good and evil. The real conflict is between truth and lies† (Ruiz). Many conflicts are faced by the protagonists in Khaled Hosseini’s writing of The Kite Runner, where the protagonists: Amir and Hassan must survive an ever changing cultural landscape; where corrupt governments and deceit are commonplace. Throughout the progression of the plot, the audience views a very different side of Amir, from a boy immersed in a world of affluence and privilege to a young gentleman; who returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to redeem his family’s reputation. The youth, adolescence and adulthood of Amir Khan clearly demonstrate conflict in a world so different from ours. Afghanistan from the 1970s to the year 2001 was a very trying time in the life of the Afghanistan culture; with the overthrowing of the government and where the the Taliban became the power figure. Amir’s actions in f ailing to support his friend, his longing for love from his father and how his father lacked affection, how Baba was secretive towards his love towards both boys and Amir’s feeling of inadequacy when he received Hassan’s gift demonstrates conflict among the protagonists and antagonists in The Kite Runner. Amir Khan faces many conflicts within himself and conflicts with his encounters with others after he witnesses the rape of his friend Hassan. The aftermath of Hassan’s rape, negatively affects Amir and he wishes that he did