The Sides and Roles of Slavery in America - 756 Words

The Sides of Slavery Slavery played a large role in this country. Americans in this time period didnt find slavery wrong or immoral. Slaveowners didnt view black people as humans. They were closely compared to animals. Due to this attitude toward slaves, they were treated brutally. Very rarely did slaves escape to freedom, but Frederick Douglass was one of the few that did. He was one of the first to write about his experiences as a slave. He helped reveal the extent of slavery and awoke many to the moral unjust of this crime. This story is one that every American should read. Its about the life of Frederick Douglass, born a slave but escapes and becomes a free man. In this journey he is faced with many trials and struggles. As a child he grew up never meeting his father and had his mother die at a very young age. He moves to Baltimore later in his life where he is taught to read. Education for slaves is frowned upon. They try to keep slaves as docile as possible. But Douglass finds ways to educate himself. When Douglass begins to be more resistant toward the slave owners and even attempts to escape, he is sent to a special slave breaker, where he is punished heavily and beaten often. At some point Douglass snaps and fights the slave breaker, Mr. Covey. After this fight he is never whipped again. After many attempts, he manages to escape to New York and succeeds Hutton 2 in becoming a free man. AtShow MoreRelatedRacism And Slavery : Black Or The Egg, Slavery Or Racism?993 Words   |  4 Pagesfirst, the chicken or the egg, slavery or racism? The question of whether racism is the root of slavery, or if slavery caused racism is an ongoing debate that throughout history historians has been batting to answer, and have yet to come to an agreement. Some people think that people were made slaves because of prejudice toward the color of their skin, therefore, racism caused slavery; others believe that people saw slaves as inferior to them, and therefore slavery caused racism. Jordan’s â€Å"The MutualRead MoreCauses Of The Missouri Compromise Of 1820814 Words   |  4 Pagestensions between Pro-slavery and Anti-slavery factions within the U.S. congress and across the county. The history of slavery and manifest destiny became one of the main reasons why The Missouri Compromise came to be. Meanwhile, the senate was debating whether they should aboli sh slavery or expand it, as well as how slavery befits the country economically. Many economic, political, and social events occurred in order for The Missouri Compromise of 1820 to be established. Slavery in America began when theRead MoreThe Between North And South1641 Words   |  7 Pageswas learning to live on its own, apart from England with its own economy, laws, and government. Not long after it declared independence that a rift between North and South began to start. The North believed in the Puritan Merchant role model, and the South in the role model of the English Country Squire. The difference in point of views soon caused the United States to start to split apart before eventually completely separating and resulting in one the bloodiest wars in American history. PriorRead MoreNotes On Demand For Equality898 Words   |  4 PagesExam #1: Demand for Equality In the United States, it can be said that slavery and wars have shaped our nation for the good and the bad. According to some ideas of â€Å"history†, the African American soldiers were treated as equals during wars such as The Revolutionary War, The Spanish-American War, The Civil War, World War I, and World War II. There we no wars that no African Americans did not participate in some shape or form. However, many historical remembrances, might be classified as mis-remembrancesRead MoreSlavery And Women s Rights876 Words   |  4 Pagesindependence as a sovereign United States of America. However, there were many issues that went overlooked by the Constitution that stated all â€Å"men are created equal.† This did not pertain to African American slaves and women who struggled for freedom and rights as new citizens of the United States. Historians debate the role the Revolution played in both slavery and women’s rights. Some argue that it benefited the abolition of slavery and heightened the role of women in society while others say it mutedRead MoreThe Making Of A Nation1519 Words   |  7 PagesThe Making of a Nation The history of the United States could nearly not be written without the affirmation and recognition of the practice of slavery on American soil. Made to remain docile and obedient, the physical and psychological turmoil inflicted on imported humans seen merely as property has shaped and molded the very foundation this great nation stands upon. The life of a slave seemed to be that of a meager, inhumane being. They were worked until their muscles ached, beat until their skinRead MoreCivil War : A War Between Citizens Of The Same Country1609 Words   |  7 Pagesdefined as a war between citizens of the same country. Why would America have this fight? The Northern states of America decided that they would no longer tolerate the Southern states treating African Americans as slaves because of the color of their skin. When disputes were brought up over this issue between the North and South, the South was too persistent to have slaves. They worried that the North would be successful in a bolishing slavery, so in result, the South went against the North. There wereRead MoreA Brief Note On Civil War And Its Effects On The United States1602 Words   |  7 Pagesdefined as a war between citizens of the same country. Why would America have this fight? The Northern states of America decided that they would no longer tolerate the Southern states treating African Americans as slaves because of the color of their skin. When disputes were brought up over this issue between the North and South, the South was too persistent to have slaves. They worried that the North would be successful in abolishing slavery, so in result, the South went against the North. There wereRead MoreEssay on Slavery In American History1430 Words   |  6 Pagesthe drive to abolish slavery. ¡Ã‚ ± Abolition Movement was not only meaningful to itself, that is, slavery was abolished and black slaves were freed, but also meaningful to the whole nation, because it exerted much influences on American society and economy. In this paper, I will firstly present a brief introduction about slaves in North American. Secondly, I ¡Ã‚ ¯d like to unfold a systematic picture of Abolition Movement. Finally, I will summarize this movement ¡Ã‚ ¯s influences on America from two aspects,Read MoreThe Economic Effects of the Slave Trade on Africa, Britain, and America1398 Words   |  6 Pagesand captains soon derived a fantastic plan that would take advantage of the goods in America, Britain, and Africa. Today this fantastic plan is non-other than the triangle trade. In the triangle trade, crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar from America were transported to England. From England, textiles, rum and manufactured goods were transported to Africa. Then from Africa, slaves were transported to th e Americas. Even though these slaves were real human beings they were referred to as â€Å"cargo† and

A Bad Day in My Youth Free Essays

A Bad Day in my Youth When I was 11 years old, I was like all boys of this age; I loved to do what ever my parents forbade me to do. Now, I understand that they had a reason to warn me about many things. One of them was climbing places where children shouldn’t be. We will write a custom essay sample on A Bad Day in My Youth or any similar topic only for you Order Now I couldn’t resist climbing trees or buildings just like a monkey. It was a nice, summer day and we lived in Odessa, Ukraine. Ukraine buildings formed courtyards. My friend and I played in the yard. The yard was small with garages and a big tree in the back. We climbed everywhere we could: tree, the roofs of the garages and the attics. We were like adventurers; we tried to imagine being Indiana Jones the man from the movie I saw on TV. I was impressed by his adventures. We knew that no one would tell us to stop because our parents were shopping, that day, and we stated with my best friend’s grandmother. She was a chubby and pleasant woman, 78 or 79 years old, and couldn’t always see what we were doing. So we took advantage of that old woman who couldn’t really know what we were doing. When we climbed the tree; my friend accidentally stepped on my arm and I fell and broke my leg and right hand. At first, I didn’t feel anything because of shock, but then, severe pain pierced the broken bones. My friend’s grandmother called the ambulance. I was scared when, in the hospital, doctor put a cast on my leg and hand. I imagined what my mom was going to say, I was afraid that she would be angry but she wasn’t. She said â€Å"I told you a million times you shouldn’t play like this and that, one day, you would break neck. You are lucky that it’s not a broken neck. Please don’t play games like this anymore. † I understood that mom was right and was trying to warn and protect me; the result of my disobedience was a broken finiteness’s. I was in a leg cast for 6 months and had to be home-schooled. My arm was in a cast for 3 months, but now it’s fine. Now I always to do what my parents tell me to do, because I know that they want to do the best for me. They are older; they have life experience and they know what way is better. Once, I did what I wanted to do. I will not make this mistake, again. How to cite A Bad Day in My Youth, Papers

Chickenpox and Its Epidemiology free essay sample

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) transmitted via the respiratory route that causes itchy, blisters-like rashes usually lasting about 5-10 days. It is highly contagious transmitted by person to person contact (direct) from respiratory secretions or indirectly through contact with airborne respiratory droplets, via soiled inanimate objects infected by discharge from skin lesions, vesicle discharges or nasopharyngeal secretions. The incubation period lasts about 10-21 days and the disease is communicable 1-2 days before and until the lesions become crusted. The symptoms includes a low grade fever, headache and listlessness which occurs in the prodromal period. This is followed by the appearance of an itchy rash usually mostly on the scalp and trunk but can affect the entire body and mucus membranes such as the mouth with an appearance of shallow white ulcers. The pruritic rash has three phase; macular, papular and vesicular which forms scab and crust over. Fetal effects are rare congenital symptoms which presents as congenital varicella syndrome with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, low birth weight, extremity atrophy, scarring of the skin and eyes and neurological abnormalities (Maurer Smith 2013). Treatment of acute infection includes isolation of the infected person at home until the lesions have crusted and supportive by rest, relief of itching with the use of calamine lotion, tepid oatmeal baths and antihistamines, use of mittens and wearing nails short to prevent developing bacterial infection of the skin due to scratching. The use of antipyretics but non aspirin containing medication as this is associated with Reyes Syndrome. Antiviral may be used for immunocompromised persons are those at risk for developing a severe case of the disease to decrease symptoms. Complications includes; secondary bacterial skin infections caused by scratching, encephalitis, pneumonia and death. Prevention of the disease is achieved by vaccination with the varicella vaccine in children, adolescents and adults, and the herpes zoster vaccine for persons 60 years and older (Maurer Smith). The prevalence of chickenpox it’s highly contagious and more than 95% of Americans get infected by adulthood. The CDC estimates that approximately 4 million cases occur each year worldwide. It occurs mostly in late winter to spring. Incidence approximately 1 in 2,254 or 0. 04% or 120,624 people in the Unites States acquire the disease annually. Every year 5000-9000 hospitalizations and 100 deaths from chickenpox in the US ass documented by the CDC-OC. Adults are shown to develop a more severe case of chickenpox with a higher rate of complications and death. Since the availability of the varicella vaccine in 1995 it has shown to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of chickenpox and protective against severe cases (CDC-OC n. d). The determinants of health addresses factors that causes some people to be more healthy than others and how we can adjust situations in our environment to make a society where everyone have a better opportunity to living healthy lives. The determinants of health are identified as the range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that influences health status. These factors can be categorized under several broad topics such as policymaking, social factors, health services, individual behavior and biology and genetics. To achieve individual and population health these factors have to be interrelated. Determinants of health focuses its efforts beyond traditional health care and public health sectors. It is inclusive of education, housing, transportation, agriculture and environment to be important areas in improving population health (HealthyPeople. gov n. d) Policymaking addressed at different levels affect individual and population. In the case of how this contributes to the development of chickenpox and its possible complications in the fetus it is required by the state that the varicella vaccine be given as a routine childhood vaccination therefore all pregnant mothers should have had the vaccination in childhood. Social and physical determinants of health can have impact on the range of health functioning and quality of life outcome. These factors addresses the social and physical conditions in a person’s environment. Some social determinants Includes; the availability of resources to meet daily needs such as educational and job opportunities, healthy foods, exposure to mass media, internet and cell phones, socioeconomic conditions and public safety. Some physical determinants includes the natural environment, climate change, population density, building environment, housing and neighborhoods to name a few. These determinants contributes to the development of chickenpox when individuals and population fail to adhere to public safety during an outbreak of chicken pox. Also in areas that are densely populated a large number of persons will be exposed to getting the virus. Persons with poor socioeconomic standings might not have access to mass media or other sources of technological information to knowledge about the disease and precautionary measures to prevent contracting the disease. Poor health outcomes are often worsened by the individual’s interaction with their social and physical environment. The access to health services and its quality can also impact health. Lack of access or limited access to health services is a major determinant of an individual health status. This contributes to the development of chicken pox in individuals who don’t have health insurance or is an illegal immigrant, they will be less likely to participate in primary prevention and more likely to delay obtaining medical treatment. Some barriers to health services that contributes to the development of the disease includes high cost, lack of availability or in the case of vaccine shortage mostly seen in developing countries and limited language access. These barriers can cause unmet health needs and inability to receive preventative services. Individual behavior as a determinant of health plays a major role in health outcomes. Individual behavior consists of diet, physical activity, hand washing and compliance with vaccine preventable diseases. This factor contributes to the development of chickenpox when individuals refused be vaccinated and do not have natural immunity against the disease. Therefore in an epidemic of chickenpox these individuals have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Biological and genetic factors affects specific populations more than others. An example of a genetic determinant of health is Sickle Cell Disease which is a condition characterized by the offspring inheriting the disease because both parents carry the sickle cell gene. In the case of chickenpox there is no biological or genetic factors that contributes to a person developing the disease as it is caused by a virus rather than by genes. In discussing the epidemiological triangle as it relates to chickenpox the triangle consists of three factors; the agent, the host and the environment in the disease process. All factors have to be present for the disease to occur. Below is a diagram of the triangle; The agent/pathogen of chickenpox is the causative factor which is highly virulent and can infect many people with exposure to a relatively small amounts of virus. The agent is transmitted via the respiratory tract through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions. The incubation period is 10-21 days with agent being communicable 1-2 days before or until the lesions are crusted. The host is the reservoir or the person susceptible to the disease. The host is determined by specific factors such as ethnicity, gender, age or race, genetic risk factors, physiological and anatomical factors, nutrition or fitness and defense mechanism. In the case of chickenpox none of these host factors are determinants for an individual contracting the disease but a person’s response to stress may impact the host response to the disease. All humans possess defense mechanism to prevent against communicable disease agent. Natural defenses includes; tears, intact skin, mucous membrane, saliva and cilia (nose hair). The host immune system also acts as a defense mechanism and immunity can be natural or artificial. Natural immunity occurs when the individual develops immunity after exposure to the disease because of the body’s antigen-antibody reaction to the infection. Artificial immunity can be passive or active and is given by vaccination (Maurer Smith 2013). The environment in the epidemiological triangle determines how the disease is spread. For chickenpox it strives in a cool climate and environments that are densely populated will see a higher incidence of the disease. Isolation of the infected person from the environment can help to curb its transmission. The population can be encouraged to wear mask when there is an epidemic. Having knowledge of the interrelation of the factors of the epidemiological triangle and its transmission of chickenpox is essential for the community health nurse. With this knowledge the nurse is equipped with the skills of assessing the households and communities for favorable environments, susceptible hosts and the viability of the agent. The nurse Should have the expertise to educate families and communities to make the environment less favorable for the agent. For example the nurse can educate families and communities about the time in the cycle when an infected person is likely to transmit the agent to the susceptible host and how to prevent the spread of the disease like keeping the infected person isolated, washing and cleaning inanimate objects that were in contact with the infected person separately. The community health nurse has varied roles in the prevention of chickenpox on populations, individuals and families. To achieve this the nurse must have basic information about chickenpox such as the causative agent, incubation period, mode of transmission, symptoms, protective measure and treatment (Smith 2013). The community health nurse role in case finding includes location of individuals and families with identified risks factors which connects them to the source. This can be achieved by implementing primary preventive measures which is aimed at reducing persons who are susceptible and reducing their exposure. This is achieve through health promotion and implementation of specific measures before the disease occur such as health education and vaccination and isolation of infected individuals. The nurse’s role in follow up involves assisting individuals and families and communities to identify and access necessary resources in order to resolve the problem. Data collection and analysis by the nurse involves screening individuals with unrecognized health risk factors or asymptomatic disease conditions (web n. This is where secondary prevention comes in which is aimed at early detection through screening person who are asymptomatic, identifying persons at risk and implementation of treatment to cure the disease to prevent any disability or complications. Tertiary prevention is aimed at limiting existing disability in the early stages of the disease and providing rehabilitation for persons who have experience loss of function such as person who have developed severe complications from chickenpox. The nurse would provide education to prevent deterioration in the person’s condition or referral to resources that can help clients minimize loss of function. One national organization that addresses chickenpox is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which is the leading organization in providing epidemiological services to promote health. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) is a part of the CDC that is responsible for preventing Disease, disability and death from respiratory and enteric viral diseases by providing immunization and other preventive measures. The main objective of the NCIRD is aimed at optimizing the safe, efficient and effective use of vaccines and other measures to prevent viral diseases (NRICD 2012). The CDC recommends two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents and adults which is about 98% effective at preventing chickenpox (CDC 2014).

Moral vs Immoral Essay Example

Moral vs Immoral Essay The purpose of this essay is to analyze the Shakespearean play, Henry V. This historical play provides the reader with the background on the causes and effects of the actions of a king attempting to hold on to his throne. Throughout this play, King Henry V is forced to make many choices, which affect his public view as a leader. His actions are not always honorable. Henry must act immorally and unforgivably, in order to maintain the stability of his reign. This is demonstrated in a few ways. He must choose the path of least resistance in order to maintain a domineering public perception. He must make a difficult choice in the execution of one of a close personal friend. He must choose his battle tone after his army lands at the gates of the town of Harfleur. One of his first moral choices came at the beginning of the play. The English Church, at the time, was a very powerful and rich institution, second only to the throne. Henry is approached by the Archbishops of Canterbury and Ely, and convinced into attacking France, using his right to the French throne as an excuse for the invasion. Even though Henry chose to follow the advice of these men, he places any blame for its failure on their heads. He cites the possibility of a Scottish uprising against England after his troops depart for France, and the lack of proper homeland defense that would occur should his army assume this task. Another instance in which Henrys morals are challenged is during his audience with the Dauphin. Henry has already decided to invade France, yet after he is publicly humiliated by the tennis ball gift form the Dauphin, he proceeds to explain that because of the Dauphins ignorance, the blood of the French people will not be on his hands. His failure to take res ponsibility for the impending battles, and placing the blame, not once but twice on others, clearly displays his low morals. We will write a custom essay sample on Moral vs Immoral specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Moral vs Immoral specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Moral vs Immoral specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer One of the most difficult choices a person can make is that of the greater good. King Henry is challenged by this situation early in the play. He has already chosen to invade France and documentation was presented to him about the thievery and traitorous actions of three of his countrymen. These men include Cambridge, Scrope, and Grey. Scrope was a personal friend of Henrys and it disturbed him greatly to learn of his treasonous acts. The process by which Henry came to his decision about the traitors fate was a very unique one. While Henry already had knowledge of their actions, he asked the three for advice on the fate of a drunken man who was incarcerated for making remarks against the throne. Henry told them that he was leaning towards amnesty for that individual and requested the three mens counsel about his decision. All three agree that the man should be executed. What Henry does is wonderful. He frees the drunk, and informs the three men that they are to be executed for treaso n. They had no mercy for that individual, so he had no mercy for them. His friend Scrope even offers him a bribe in order to spare his life. Henry rejects the offer and the execution goes on as scheduled. The double-standard precedent set by Henry shows early signs of his immorality. He deals out monarchial punishment on a whim and there are no clear-cut rules. At the beginning of the invasion of France, Henrys army lands at the northern port city of Harfleur. Henry chooses to take a very no-nonsense tone with the citizens of Harfleur. He announces that, under no uncertain terms, the city is to surrender to his army and do it quickly. He warns the leader of the city, that if his mandate is not followed to the letter that he has authorized his army to murder, rape, pillage, and cause total destruction of the town and all who dwell within it, including women and children. He takes this tone because of his fear of the loyalties to France by the townspeople. Charles VI, King of France, is intimidated by the English force and offers a compromise. He offers Henry some land and the hand of his daughter, Catherine, in marriage, but not the French crown. Henrys, now increasing greed, is getting the better of him. He believes that his subjects would see this offer, if accepted, as a sign of weakness and does not have much choice except to reject the offer. The French are unable to fortify Harfleur and surrender the town without the firing of a single shot. Henry now has a forward operating base in which to conduct further operations in his attempt to conquer France. In this situation, Henry uses immoral tactics in order to achieve his goal of domination. His brutal words towards the French women and children are barbaric. At first, I had to consider if it was a bluff, or if he truly meant what he said. I think that he realized that the taking of France was the only way to maintain his popularity as ruler of England. Once he spoke the words he had no choice but to carry out his threats, regardless of its morality. In conclusion, this play, Henry V, demonstrates some of the forced morality choices that were almost required if one was to maintain the kingship. In those times, indecision or weakness displayed by a ruler meant his overthrow and usually death. I think that the phrase, rule with an iron hand, fits this play perfectly. Henry had no choice but to act immorally and unforgivably, in order to maintain the stability of his reign. The must underlying immoral act that Henry chose was the act of war itself. He regretted the bloody way his father ascended to the throne yet, he took a similar course to maintain it. Even though it would have meant the end of his reign, if saddled with high moral values, he would have chosen another course of action. War is the ultimate immoral act.

Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric In rhetoric and logic, dialectic is the practice of arriving at a conclusion by the exchange of logical arguments, usually in the form of questions and answers. Adjective: dialectic or dialectical. In classical rhetoric, notes James Herrick, Sophists employed the method of  dialectic  in their teaching, or inventing arguments for and against a proposition. This approach taught students to argue either side of a case (The History and Theory of Rhetoric, 2001). One of the most famous sentences in Aristotles Rhetoric is the first one: Rhetoric is a counterpart (antistrophos) of dialectic.Etymology: From the Greek, speech, conversation Pronunciation: die-eh-LEK-tik Examples and Observations Zeno the Stoic suggests that while dialectic is a closed fist, rhetoric is an open hand (Cicero, De Oratore 113). Dialectic is a thing of closed logic, of minor and major premises leading inexorably toward irrefutable conclusions. Rhetoric is a signal toward decisions in the spaces left open before and after logic.(Ruth CA Higgins, The Empty Eloquence of Fools: Rhetoric in Classical Greece. Rediscovering Rhetoric, ed. by J.T. Gleeson and Ruth CA Higgins. Federation Press, 2008)In the simplest form of Socratic dialectic, the questioner and respondent begin with a proposition or a stock question, such as What is courage? Then, through the process of dialectical interrogation, the questioner attempts to lead the respondent into contradiction. The Greek term for the contradiction that generally signals the end of a round of dialectic is aporia.(Janet M. Atwell, Rhetoric Reclaimed: Aristotle and the Liberal Arts Tradition. Cornell University  Press, 1998)Aristotle on Dialectic and Rheto ric- Aristotle took a different view of the relationship between rhetoric and dialectic from what Plato had taken. Both, for Aristotle, are universal verbal arts, not limited to any specific subject matter, by which one could generate discourse and demonstrations on any question that might arise. The demonstrations, or arguments, of dialectic, differ from those of rhetoric in that dialectic derives its arguments from premises (protaseis) founded on universal opinion and rhetoric from particular opinions.(Thomas M. Conley, Rhetoric in the European Tradition. Longman, 1990)- Dialectical method necessarily presupposes a conversation between two parties. An important consequence of this is that a dialectical process leaves room for discovery, or invention, in a way that apodeictic normally cannot, for the cooperative or antagonistic encounter tends to yield results unanticipated by either party to the discussion. Aristotle opposes  syllogistic to inductive argumentation  separately for dialectic and apodeictic, further specifying enthymeme and paradigm.(Hayden W. Ausland, Socratic Induction in Plato and Aristotle. The Development of Dialectic from Plato to Aristotle, ed. by Jakob Leth Fink. Cambridge University Press, 2012) Dialectic From Medieval to Modern Times- In medieval times, dialectic had achieved a new importance at the expense of rhetoric, which was reduced to a doctrine of elocutio and actio (delivery) after the study of inventio and dispositio had been moved from rhetoric to dialectic. With [Petrus] Ramus this development culminated in a strict separation between dialectic and rhetoric, rhetoric being devoted exclusively to style, and dialectic being incorporated in logic . . .. The division (which is still very much alive in present-day argumentation theory) then resulted in two separate and mutually isolated paradigms, each conforming to different conceptions of argumentation, which were considered incompatible. Within the humanities, rhetoric has become a field for scholars of communication, language, and literature while dialectic, which was incorporated in logic and the sciences, almost disappeared from sight with the further formalization of logic in the nineteenth century.(Frans H. va n Eemeren, Strategic Maneuvering in Argumentative Discourse: Extending the Pragma-Dialectical Theory of Argumentation. John Benjamins, 2010)- During the long interlude which started with the Scientific Revolution, dialectic virtually disappeared as a full-fledged discipline and was replaced by the search for a reliable scientific method and increasingly formalized logical systems. The art of debate did not give rise to any theoretical development, and references to Aristotles Topics quickly vanished from the intellectual scene. As to the art of persuasion, it was treated under the heading of rhetoric, which was devoted to the art of style and figures of speech. More recently, however, Aristotles dialectic, in close interaction with rhetoric, has inspired some important developments within the fields of argumentation theory and epistemology.(Marta Spranzi, The Art of Dialectic Between Dialogue and Rhetoric: The Aristotelian Tradition. John Benjamins, 2011) Hegelian DialecticThe word dialectic, as elaborated in the philosophy of Hegel [1770-1831], causes endless problems for people who are not German, and even for some who are. In a way, it is both a philosophical concept and a literary style. Derived from the ancient Greek term for the art of debate, it indicates an argument that maneuvers between contradictory points. It mediates, to use a favorite Frankfurt School word. And it gravitates toward doubt, demonstrating the power of negative thinking, as Herbert Marcuse once put it. Such twists and turns come naturally in the German language, whose sentences are themselves plotted in swerves, releasing their full meaning only with the final clinching action of the verb.(Alex Ross, The Naysayers. The New Yorker, September 15, 2014)Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric and Dialectic[Richard] Weaver (1970, 1985) believes that what he considers as the limitations of dialectic can be overcome (and its advantages maintained) through the use of rhet oric as a complement to dialectic. He defines rhetoric as truth plus its artful presentation, which means that it takes a dialectically secured position and shows its relationship to the world of prudential conduct (Foss, Foss, Trapp, 1985, p. 56). In his view, rhetoric supplements the knowledge gained through dialectic with a consideration of the character and situation of the audience. A sound rhetoric presupposes dialectic, bringing action to understanding. [Ernesto] Grassi (1980) aims to return to the definition of rhetoric espoused by the Italian Humanists to give rhetoric a new relevance for contemporary times, making use of the concept of ingenium- recognizing similarities- to grasp our ability to distinguish relationships and make connections. Returning to the ancient valuing of rhetoric as an art fundamental to human existence, Grassi identifies rhetoric with the power of language and human speech to generate a basis for human thought. For Grassi, the scope of rhetoric is much broader than argumentative discourse. It is the basic process by which we know the world.(Frans H. van Eemeren, Strategic Maneuvering in Argumentative Discourse: Extending the Pragma-Dialectical Theory of Argumentation. John Benjamins, 2010)

Beneficence vs. Non-maleficence

Beneficence vs. Non-maleficence Beneficence and Non-maleficence are two interrelated concepts which consist of bringing no harm to others. Although the two are interrelated, there is a big difference between the two. Beneficence refers to the act of helping others whereas non-maleficence refers to not doing any harm. Therefore, the main difference between the two is that beneficence asks that you help others while non-maleficence asks that you do no harm to others to begin with. When you combine both concepts, the main point is that you must act selflessly in a way that will help the other individual and you must not act on your own beliefs. As mentioned before, beneficence refers to the actions that help others. In other words, these actions are done for the benefit of others. According to the UCSF school of medicine, â€Å"beneficence is an action that is done for the benefit of others. Beneficent actions can be taken to help prevent or remove harm or to simply improve the situations of others† (Pantilat, 2008). The UCSF school of medicine also provides clinical applications in which they mention how physicians are â€Å"expected to refrain from causing harm, but they also have an obligation to help their patients† (Pantilat, 2008). It certainly seems confusing considering the fact that sometimes in order to provide care, patients can experience harm. UCSF also mentions that there is a difference between obligatory and ideal beneficence. UCSF mentions that there is a common confusion between ideal beneficence and obligatory beneficence. According to the UCSF school of medicine, â€Å"Ideal beneficence co mpromises extreme acts of generosity or attempts to benefit others on all possible occasions† (Pantilat, 2008). According to the UCSF, â€Å"physicians are not necessarily expected to live up to this broad definition of beneficence,† however they most certainly are required to promote the welfare of patients no matter what (Pantilat, 2008). Because of the knowledge that physicians possess, they are obligated to prevent and remove harm and â€Å"weigh and balance possible benefits against possible risk of an action† (Pantilat, 2008). Not only this but the UCSF expands on the definition of beneficence by saying this can also include â€Å"protecting and defending the rights of others, rescuing persons who are in danger, and helping individuals with disabilities† (Pantilat, 2008). The following are a few examples the UCSF provides in regard to beneficence: â€Å"resuscitating a drowning victim, providing vaccinations for the general population, or helping someone quit smoking† (Pantilat, 2008). Non-maleficence as defined earlier basically states that you must do no harm no matter what and refrain from providing â€Å"ineffective treatment or acting with malice toward patients† (Pantilat, 2008). UCSF makes a point to say that this principle offers little useful guidance because many times therapies or treatment provided by physicians can also have serious risks or consequences (Pantilat, 2008)). According to the UCSF, â€Å"physicians should not provide ineffective treatments to patients as these offer risk with no possibility of benefit and thus have a change of harming patients† (Pantilat, 2008). The school of medicine continues to say that, â€Å"In addition, physicians must not do anything that would purposely harm patients without the action being balanced by proportional benefit† (Pantilat, 2008). The reason UCSF says this is because they believe that many procedures and interventions can cause harm in relation to benefits and therefore, the physician must make sure to inform the patient of all risks prior to any procedures. And ultimately, the physician should not pressure the patient into having any procedure done and should solely allow the patient to decide based on the proper information provided to him or her. An example of non-maleficence is stopping any medication that is shown to be harmful or refusing to provide treatment to a patient which has not been proven to be effective in trials. Another example of non-maleficence is not encouraging someone to smoke when you know how harmful it can be.

Can Machines Know Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Can Machines Know - Essay Example There are also several ways of citing what makes up knowledge, some of them are more or less â€Å"internalist† and some are also â€Å"externalist.† I would like to follow the internalist point of view which says that knowledge is a justified belief that requires the believer to be aware of the cognitive process of the given belief. If this is the case, internalism, then, requires consciousness in the justification of a belief. So if we ask whether a machine can achieve consciousness, for me, the answer is no. There are several notions in explaining the criteria of consciousness. For example, functionalism theory states that consciousness comes about when all the parts are put together in the right sort of a whole. However, I would like to believe that personal experience or ability to experience is important in determining consciousness along with the ability to think and interpret. To experience â€Å"experiencing† one needs the skill of perception and intelligence. While one may argue that a computer with sensors could function in this manner, the concept of human independence, feelings and ethics or moral capacity is missing in the whole process.