Critique of the article Overpopulation threatens the environment Essay

Critique of the article Overpopulation threatens the environment - Essay Example The author brings to fore a grave problem that faces the modern world today, by seeing it in a different perspective. He points to the fact that in order to sustain the environment, human beings have to control the birthrates and take immediate action so that the environment is protected for all living beings, including humans to survive. According to him, the best means to achieve this objective is to refrain from producing more children and he considers vasectomy as a noble mission of the modern day man, in the face of the current situation. The article, published in the Opposing Viewpoints Series by Green Haven Press, deals mainly with the problem that over population of the earth by the human species has a lot of â€Å"far-reaching and overwhelmingly destructive impacts on many other animal and plant species† (Cascadia 22). The author claims that overpopulation destroys biodiversity on earth to such a extent that it will become impossible for life to sustain on the planet in the long run. The author also argues that â€Å"The entire history of humanity is one of environmental destruction and the eradication of other species† (Cascadia 22). ... Human encroachment of the environment, and the dire consequences that await them due to over exploitation of the resources, remains a topic of engaging debates across the globe. In this scenario, Cascadia attempts to reemphasize this concern, in a bid to make his audience take cognizance of the problem. The author uses the literacy devices of logos, pathos, ethos and logical fallacies as well as statistical data, to put his point convincingly across to his audience. The title itself, simple and precise, communicates the essence of the essay directly to the readers. The author then introduces the topic, referring to the impact of overpopulation and its exponential growth, by referring to the data of births and deaths. In any major mishap such the Asian Tsunami or 9/11, the death toll is much less than the birthrate in a day. By citing statistics such as this, the author illustrates a logic that controlling birth rate is a significant concern for humans in order to protect the environm ent whose resources are already over consumed. The very logic of the situation amply convinces the readers of the essay about the gravity of the situation. Cascadia appeals to the emotions of his audience by referring to historical context of human migration to different landscapes. By specifically citing the instance of the â€Å"extinction of mega fauna† in North America as a consequence of human influx in the area over 10,000 years ago, the author deftly illustrates the impact excessive human concentration can have on the environment. Again, the author’s dexterity in deploying the literary elements of pathos and rhetoric becomes evident when he refers to the example

General Principles of Law in the Eu Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

General Principles of Law in the Eu - Essay Example It has been said that there were two main aspects for achieving a common market; the first being "negative integration" which required removal of existing barriers and the second requiring "harmonization" of rules so as to be in compliance with the set community rules which require positive steps so that the products can move freely within the EU this is known as positive integration1. When making an analysis of free movement it is necessary to differentiate between monetary barriers which are illustrated under Art 23-25 or under Article 90, which is discriminatory taxation and other barriers which do not deal with charges which are covered under Article 28-30. There have been at time quantitative restrictions which have restrained either the quantity of exports or imports. A restriction can take the form of a ban, quotas, or the requirement of obtaining licenses. For the purpose of ascertaining what a good is the ECJ stated in Commission v. Italy2 that the provisions of free movement of goods applied to any produce which can be valued in money and can form the basis for a commercial transaction. It can be clearly stated from the fact that Synthostein is a good and so the provisions for free movement of goods do apply to it. By the facts it can be said that there has been a quantitative restriction placed by Loamshire Borough Council on the import of Synthostein and so Art28 will be discussed along with its interpretation to the facts. Article 28 states that 'quantitative restrictions on imports and all measures having equivalent effect shall be prohibited between member states'. In Geddo v Ente Nazionale Risi3 quantitative restrictions was said to be total or partial restriction on imports, exports or goods in transit. This tends to include a complete ban. (Commission v. Italy (Re Ban on Pork and Imports)4. It also includes quotas as stated in Salgoil SpA v. Italian Ministry for Foreign Trade5. Furthermore, even if it is found that the ban on imports is only on a certain or part of the member state, it would still be classified as a quantitative restriction. This was illustrated in the Ditle v. Bluhm6e case where a prohibition on import by Danish on a small island named Laeso of bees or reproductive material was found to be a quantitative restriction even though it was only for the island and for the purpose of protecting the Laeso brown bee. In order for the Article 28 to be applied it has been found necessary that a state measure should have been taken. This is what was found in the case of Commission v. Ireland 'Buy Irish' 7where it was found that the Irish Goods Council had the involvement of the state in the appointment of its Managing Committee and that it was run on state funding. However it has been seen that measures taken by state have been interpreted in the

Your Mind And Body Are Clearly Distinct Philosophy Essay

Your Mind And Body Are Clearly Distinct Philosophy Essay During his meditations, Descartes starts by doubting everything unless it can be indubitably known to be true. After much questioning and scepticism, Descartes comes to the conclusion: I am, I exist.  [2]  This seems to state that the I Descartes describes (usually defined as the conscious mind) must exist for an individual to exist. Because for every time the I makes the above proposition, the mind or conscious self is engaged in thought and therefore demonstrates its own existence. After conclusively grounding his existence, Descartes inquires as to what makes up a person. He eventually deduces that I am not more than a thing that thinks  [3]  . Because to assume that his body exists is to rely on his senses that could be deceived. Therefore through intellect alone, Descartes concludes that he must be essentially a thing that thinks. When returning to the contemplation of the mind and body in his Sixth Meditation, Descartes then asserts that I [that is to say, my soul by which I am what I am], is entirely and absolutely distinct from my body, and can exist without it.  [4]  How and why he goes from a thinking thing, to a mind distinct from body is a perplexing problem both for Descartes and for his critics. In both the Second meditation, but more clearly in part four of his Discourse on the Method Descartes presents what is commonly known as the argument from doubt: I saw that I could conceive that I had no body, and that there was no world nor place wh ere I might be; but yet I could not for all that conceive that I was not. On the contrary, I saw from the very fact that I thought of doubting the truth of other things, it very evidently and certainly followed that I was; on the other hand if I had only ceased from thinking, even if all the rest of what I had ever imagined had really existed, I should have no reason for thinking that I had existed. From that I knew that I was a substance the whole essence or nature of which is to think, and that for its existence there is no need of any place, nor does it depend on any material things; so that this me, that is to say, the soul by which I am what I am, is entirely distinct from body, and is even more easy to know than is the latter; and even if body were not, the soul would not cease to be what it is.  [5]  This argument can be displayed as such  [6]  : I can doubt that I have a body. I cannot doubt that I exist. Ergo, I am not a body.  [7]   There have been many famous refutations of this argument from doubt. One problem with the argument, forwarded by Norman Malcolm, is that arguments using the same logic can be formed that lead to ridiculous results. For example: I can doubt that the author of the pamphlet Why I Am Not a Christian exists I cannot doubt that Bertrand Russell exists Ergo, Bertrand Russell is not the author of that pamphlet.  [8]   However as Malcolm himself points out, this counter-example is based on contingent propositions, whereas Descartes argument is intended to be based on a priori propositions. But whether the subject of the proof is a posteriori or a priori, the reasoning behind the proof can still be called into question. Descartes can think of his mind without his body, but this does not necessarily mean that this is the case, that without his body his mind can still exist. In this form of reasoning, Descartes is attempting to use Leibnizs law of the indiscernibility of identicals. However Leibnizs law states that no two objects have exactly the same properties.  [9]  Therefore, if it is true that two things (the body and the self) have different properties, then they cannot be the one same thing and there must be different objects. But it is mistaken to say that if one believes that two things have different properties then they cannot be identical. This is because what people know or think they know about an object, is not a property of that object. Therefore when Descartes claims that he doubts his body exists, this does not mean that the body has a different property than if he did not doubt its existence. He also claims he cannot doubt that his mind exists, but if his mind is a part of his b ody then we can doubt that his mind, apart from the body could exist. For the doubt argument to work, Descartes needs a provable reason for us to think that the mind and the body are truly distinct. The second argument Descartes employs is often referred to as the argument from conceivability. It is also presented in the sixth meditation and through it Descartes sets out to prove that one can exist as a thinking thing distinct from the physical body it goes as follows: I know that all things which I apprehend clearly and distinctly can be created by God as I apprehend them, it suffices that I am able to apprehend one thing apart from another clearly and distinctly in order to be certain that the one is different from the other, since they may be made to exist in seperation at least by the omnipotence of GodI rightly conclude that my essence consists solely in the fact that I am a thinking thing (or a substance whose whole essence or nature is to think). And although possibly (or rather certainly, as I shall say in a moment) I possess a body with which I am very intimately conjoined, yet because, on the one side, I have a clear and distinct idea of myself inasmuch as I am only a thinking and unextended thing, and as, on the other, I possess a distinct idea of body, inasmuch as it is only an extended and unthinking thing, it is certain that this I (that is to say my soul by which I am what I am), is entirely and absolutly distinct from my body, and can exist without it.  [10]  This argument can also be split into three parts: I can clearly and distinctly conceive of myself existing (as a thinking thing) apart from my physical body. Anything I perceive clearly and distinctly is logically possible. If I can clearly and distinctly perceive of myself as an unextended thinking thing, and my body as an extended unthinking thing, then it is logically possible that my body and my mind can exist apart. One obvious objection to this argument is that just because one can perceive of themselves as existing without physical properties, does not mean that they do exist without physical properties.  [11]  Another problem is that the second premise seems to be rather weak. To perceive something clearly and distinctly is not necessarily the same as it being logically possible. Descartes may be able to clearly and distinctly conceive of himself as an unextended thinking thing, and his body as an extended unthinking thing, but that does not mean he can conclude that my essence consists solely in the fact that I am a thinking thing.  [12]  He may only have an incomplete understanding of his mind and his body (with the scientific advancements of the past 300 years this seems very plausible). He has not shown that thought is the sole property of the mind, other properties could still be essential for the mind to exist (such as extension). In order for Descartes to prove the minds distin ct separation from the extended body he must prove that it is impossible for the mind to be extended or to have extension as another essential property. Therefore Descartess argument from conceivability only stands up if one agrees that clear and distinct perception is all we need to have a complete knowledge of the world, and this seem a very weak conclusion to draw. Another argument posed by Descartes is the argument from divisibility. This argument tries to prove that the mind and body are clearly distinct due to their difference in divisibility. It is set out, in the Sixth Meditation, as follows: I here say, in the first place, that there is a great difference between mind and body, inasmuch as body is by nature always divisible and the mind is entirely indivisible.  [13]  He then describes this assertion: when I consider the mind, that is to say, myself inasmuch as I am only a thinking thing, I cannot distinguish in myself any parts, but apprehend myself to be clearly one and entireyet if a foot, or an arm, or some other part, is separated from my body, I am aware that nothing has been taken away from my mind.  [14]  Here Descartes is offering the following reasoning: all extended matter is divisible, the mind is not divisible, therefore the mind is not made of extended matter. It is clear here that the second premise of the divisibility argument: the mind is not divisible is problematic. There are many objections here that can be raised against the second premise, an obvious objection is the scientific evidence has shown convincing evidence that different areas of the physical brain are responsible for different mental states (memory, rational thought, language, emotions etc). Therefore if one removed parts of the physical brain, that persons mind would most definitely be altered. This does not mean that one must reject the idea that thoughts cannot be spatially mapped, merely that the brain in which they are contained and processed can be spatially and physically altered, and that this alteration would have a direct effect on the state of the mind. The only way that the divisibility argument can plausible is if one believes the second premise, that the mind is an immaterial substance distinct from both the body and the brain. This is highly improbable and would oppose everything that has been discovered by scientifically studying the brain. This conclusion leads on to the biggest objection to the Cartesian claim that the mind and body are clearly distinct. How can an immaterial mind, distinct and separate from all other matter, interact with the physical body? This is the brick wall that Cartesian dualism runs up against. And there has been no convincing answer, from Descartes to the present. It is more common now for philosophers to talk of the mental and the physical as two aspects of one reality. Indeed, one could go a step further and argue why have a single entity? The mind or self is not a single thing, a unified identity that travels from cradle to grave, but merely a catch all label for our swirling fragmentary perceptions of the world and reactions to it. The reason we create this self, an inner puppeteer directing our behaviour, is due to our ability to view ourselves from the outside. After all isnt this what consciousness is, to be self aware? Personally I find R.A. Brooks description of robot behaviour much more plausible, when thinking about the immaterial self so elusive to Descartes  [15]  : It is only the observer of the creature who imputes a central representation or central control. The creature itself has none: it is a collection of competing behaviours. Out of the local chaos of their interactions there emerges, in the eye of the observer, a coherent pattern of behaviour.  [16]  

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Essay -- Disease, Disorders

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer accounting for around 20-30% of all childhood neoplasms. Annual incidence rates vary worldwide between one and four cases per 100,000, primarily in children ages two - six years old (1). The disease is less common in adults, with only around 1,000 cases being diagnosed annually and with a significantly lower cure rate, rarely exceeding 40%. In turn, infants diagnosed under the age of one have an even poorer survival rate of 30%. Several studies in monozygotic twins and neonatal blood smears have indicated a clear prenatal origin for childhood cases, detecting specific genetic abnormalities in prenatal samples, which may act as initiating events although clearly further postnatal events are required for transformation (2; 3; 4). TEL-AML fusion genes, for example, were found in 1% of newborn samples, which is significantly greater than the number of ALL cases, clearly demonstrating that there may often be a prenatal ori gin for initial genetic aberrations and that further genetic alterations are necessary to develop ALL (3; 4). A small study further supports a prenatal origin in a pair of monozygotic twins with childhood B cell precursor (BCP) ALL with identical cytogenetic abnormalities, signifying a prenatal foundation, as well various contrasting genetic lesions illustrating that further genetic events are required to generate a malignant phenotype (2). A few inherited syndromes such as Down’s syndrome, Bloom’s syndrome and other genetic syndromes have also been associated with a risk. Environmental factors may also play a role in the development of ALL such as exposure to radiation, chemotherapy and possibly infections. Two infection based theories based on observ... ...entical twins. Maia, AT, et al. 2202-2206, s.l. : Nature Leukemia, 2003, Vol. 17. 3. Chromosome translocations and covert leukemic clones are generated during normal fetal development. Mori, Hiroshi, Colman, Susan and al, et. 12, s.l. : PNAS, 2002, Vol. 99. 8242-8247. 4. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Pui, Ching-Hon, Robison, Leslie and Look, A Thomas. 1030-43, s.l. : Lancet, 2008, Vol. 371. 5. Infections and immune factors in cancer: the role of epidemiology. Kinlen, Leo. 6341-6348, s.l. : Nature Oncogene, 2004, Vol. 23. 6. Kanwar, Vikramjit S. Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Medscape Reference. [Online] November 21, 2011. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/990113-overview. 7. Targeting paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: novel therapies currently in development. Lee-Sherick, Alisa B, et al. 2010, British Journal of Haematology, pp. 295-311.

Business Environment in Fiji

Fiji business environment is a combination of several factors that govern the business and trades of this island nation. Fiji business environment is generally good and promising for taking initiative of new ventures apart from some occasional disturbing factors. Fiji is one of the most progressive island nations in the central south of Pacific Ocean. It has many industries and other natural resources that help together to make a good business environment in this country. But Fiji faces a number of troubles also in the business sector. There are some political strife in the country that has originated from the clash between the cultural communities belonging to different ethnicity. Moreover, Fiji has some other problems also which are not favourable for creating a sound business environment in Fiji. Some of these problems are, natural disasters, deficiencies of sound economic plans and some others. But overall, Fiji business environment is good and promising enough for further developments. Business is affected by the external environment as it is by the competitors. It is important that firms are aware of the changes in the external environment to be successful. Understanding the influence of Macroeconomic factors helps the firms to determine the current market conditions and how beneficial will they be for the success of their business. Various macroeconomic factors that influence the business are: Macroeconomic factor a. Economic Growth. Economic activities refer to the level of buying and selling activities happening in an economy over a time period. Economic activity changes could happen due to the following reasons: †¢Changes in income levels †¢Future prospects of individuals. †¢Future of the economy †¢The level of economic activity in the world as a whole †¢Political activities around the world †¢Natural disasters – like hurricanes, earthquakes, or flood etc †¢Changes in prices of raw materials – oil, metals, fuel, energy and so on †¢Changes in world stock markets b. Inflation: With the increase in Inflation there will be an increase in the level of prices of products and services over a specific period of time. As a result the firms will have to incur higher costs of operations. This will be also due to the increase in wages of the employees. c. Interest Rates: Interest rates are the charges levied by the banks for lending a loan. Increase in Interest rates will directly influence the business as businesses borrow money from the banks from time to time. Increase in interest rates will lead to higher interest expense: Businesses will have to incur higher costs to repay the loan. Interest rate changes also affect customers who in turn will affect the business. In case of increase in interest rates the amount that individuals need to pay to borrow the money will increase thereby, reducing the demand for large products in the market. Further, if the interest rates decrease then the charges on a loan to buy larger items like cars, electrical equipments are likely to fall. As a result, a large number of people might be willing to buy such items. There will be a sudden increase in the demand for the products offered by such businesses.

Understanding Job Satisfaction, Loyalty, Commitment

Job satisfaction as a notion may have different definitions, but the core essence of it lays in the feelings which an employee has when he is asked about his job. These feelings can express total satisfaction with the job, simple satisfaction to total discontent. The reasons of the dissatisfaction should be viewed deeper, and in order to determine the principle factors which cause the employee be unsatisfied it is essential to consider various separate aspects of the employee's relationships at work – whether he is dissatisfied with the physical environment, or with the relationships with other employees or a supervisor, etc. Kirkman 25) What is job satisfaction and why it is needed Job satisfaction as the integral part of the employee successful performance at work has become a subject of acute attention only recently; simultaneously, only few firms (organizations) were able to apply its recommendations and strategies to their activity. Job satisfaction should be taken as the opportunity for the organization to easily improve its general performance. It is understandable, that the employees who are satisfied with their jobs appear to be more productive, committed to what they do and as a result the clients become also more satisfied with the quality of products and services they get, increasing its reputation and profits. Organizations, which are able to create environment which will attract, benefit, motivate and retain the hard-working employees, will finally be better positioned and will succeed in the competitive business environment, where the main aims to achieve are the quality and cost-effectiveness. It will be understood later, that job satisfaction is far not always connected with the salary and financial side of this job; thus cost-efficiency is highly possible if the experienced HR manager inactivates the hidden potentials of making employees satisfied with their jobs. (Kirkman 36) Not always job satisfaction goes in line with the wishes of the employee. Sometimes it happens that job satisfaction at the employee level does not brings positive changes at the company level; it may happen that the employee is fully satisfied with the situation of coming to his workplace and doing nothing; in this case job satisfaction has nothing to do with the general company's work and advancement. (Leonard 44) How to improve job satisfaction In improving the working environment as one of the means for improving job satisfaction of employees it is essential to change the working conditions in which people work. First of all, these conditions impact the level of pride and the feeling of prestige among employees; second, through the working conditions employees understand for what they work. The environment should be up-to-date, and it is no secret that even new furniture and newest technological solutions will make the employee more satisfied with what he does. The personal space of each employee should be considered very thoroughly and it is very valuable for the management to take into account the wishes and suggestions which employees have for this issue. It is often, when the employer tries to save additional costs and hires small office making it overcrowded; ultimately this negatively impacts the performance of the whole staff that has to work in this premise all day long. It influences intrapersonal relations, and thus the quality of work done. Thus, this is not the right means of saving, and the cost-effectiveness is not appropriate here. (Leonard 44) These have been the principal ‘hygiene’ issues which should be resolved before the manager or the employer decides to take care for the motivation problems. In making employees motivated and thus more satisfied with their jobs, the principal aspect is probably to make them understand that they do valuable work, which is appreciated and of which they should be proud. It is difficult, but it makes the essential part of making the employee motivated. In the desire to motivate employees various means are appropriate, and one of the most widely-spread is the instrument for sharing success stories of other employees who used to work in the company and have made career, or to prove to the employee that the tasks which he is obliged to fulfill are essential for the whole company performance. Make a big deal out of meaningful tasks that may have become ordinary, such as new-baby visits. Of course employees may not find all their tasks interesting or rewarding, but you should show the employee how those tasks are essential to the overall processes that make the practice succeed. You may find certain tasks that are truly unnecessary and can be elim inated or streamlined, resulting in greater efficiency and satisfaction. ’ (Jamal 55) Conclusion The aim of the work was to discuss job satisfaction as a notion and to suggest possible solutions for the increase of job satisfaction among employees. It has become clear that job satisfaction is a very complex meaning and in order to use it properly, it should be considered from the viewpoint of various aspects, included into it, the amount of which is numerous. Job satisfaction influences performance of every worker, and ultimately it influences the level of the company performance. Making the employee satisfied through understanding the meaning of his work as well as being proud of what he does will increase the level of customer satisfaction and thus the reputation and prestige of the enterprise as a whole. (Spector 35) The principal difference between the hygiene issues and those related to motivation, is that hygiene issues resolved make the workers less dissatisfied with their jobs, while motivational issues make them more effective and productive. (Spector 35) Asking employees of what they feel about their jobs is essential for the management, because accounting the employee’s desires and suggestions will make them feel meaningful and thus promote their motivation and self-efficacy. The description of job satisfaction is useful for each employer to read and know the principal issues connected with this problem. With the development of the new technologies and new jobs, job satisfaction appears to decline among many professions, thus needing more attention on the side of employers. (Spector 35)