Accounting for Individuality

Accounting for Individuality Kadejia Jackson Peppers-Bates Utilitarianism and deontology contrast on many ethical principles. Utilitarianism is agent-neutral disregarding individual preferences, whereas deontology is agent-relative and takes a persons preferences into account. Utilitarianism also has a broad goal to maximize well-being and utility while deontology allows moral decisions to be driven by personal interest and ones own moral principles. Utilitarianism is not agent-relative, unlike deontology, instead it is agent-neutral which causes utilitarians to overlook individual interest and opinion in favor of maximizing overall utility. Utilitarianism does not account for the moral individuality of people. A utilitarian, unlike a deontologist, would rather have someone do something they dislike for the prospect of the good while a deontologist would allow a person to consider their own interests and account for other options in the moral decision making. In this paper, I will be contrasting the opinions of utilitarianism and deontology on the points of special obligations, options and constraints, topics seen in deontology, and how the lack of these point in utilitarianism cause it to be criticized by deontologist. In order to grasp the difference in which these two moral standards view people as individuals, its important to understand the basis of these theories. Starting with utilitarianism, this approach values well-being or utility. The overarching goal of this approach is to lead a life where cumulated decisions are made in the effort to maximizing utility. This approach also hold individuals to be valued the same. Since no one person is valued more than another, a utilitarian could be seen to value the many over the few if doing so would accrue more utility. This particular view is criticized by deontology for not considering a persons own interest and personal values. While on the subject of deontology, its important to recognize that deontology is an agent-relative approach and, unlike Utilitarianism, does recognize individual interest. Each of us is morally permitted to give special weight to our own interests, just because they are ours (McNaughton and Rawlings 35). A point made in deontology is that a person has special obligations or responsibilities to people they hold close and value more than others. Deontology also gives the idea of constraints that people hold because individuals can have different moral principles that keep them from making morally impermissible decisions. A deontologist can be constrained by the principle that killing is wrong and should never be done and in a dilemma where killing is a factor, the deontologist would uphold that principle. A utilitarian on the other hand would consider killing if doing so would have greater utility that not doing so. The third point in deontology involves options which allows people to not always follow through with actions that could be considered necessary or actions that maximize utility. Knowing the bases for these theories it could be understandable why deontologist would criticize utilitarianisms ability to understand individual moral differences. From the utilitarian point of view, its unnecessary to have special obligations. Take parenting for example, it would be expected that a parent would have an obligation to treat their child well because they value their child over others. For a utilitarian, treating children well should not be confined to just that one parents interest because well-being would increase if all children were treated well. Another point about special obligations is that not only does it allow one to consider those closest to them in their decision making, having special obligations is seen as having a duty to those whom a person has special relationships. Many people believe that not only are we permitted to do more for those close to us, but we are often required to put their interest first. We owe things to those with whom we have special relationship [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] that we do not owe to strangers (McNaughton and Rawlings 37). So, unlike utilitarianism, deontology strongly accounts for individuals relationships with others, especially those close to them. The second point included in deontology is having constraints. These prohibitions constrain in what we may do to any person, even in pursuit of good ends (McNaughton and Rawlings 38). As mentioned before, having constraints allows a deontologist to refrain from committing any act that would not abide by their moral principles. Utilitarianism on the other hand, would commit any act with the reward of maximizing utility. The strength of constraints also vary person to person but they are still something not seen in utilitarianism because an individuals constraints arent taken into account when making utilitarian actions. The final point in deontology, options, could be considered a strong factor that allows moral individuality of people. Options create the ability for different people to make a multitude of different decisions in any given situation because in deontology theyre given the option to do so. In Utilitarianism, the right option is the choice you make that accrues the most good. Deontology responds, in a way, to this by giving people choices and ability to consider multiple outcomes. Then, with special obligations and constraints taken into consideration, a person is able to make a decision that fits within their parameters rather than the objective decision to benefit the masses. To reiterate, what strongly separates deontology from utilitarianism is the concepts having special obligations, options, and constraints. Deontologists criticize utilitarians for overlooking these points during moral decision making. Utilitarians dont hold special relationships in regard for their actions because, to utilitarians, decisions are not made for those who a person holds close but instead they are made in order to produce the most good. Constraints are also disregarded for utilitarians because if a decision can be made that produces the most good, then that would be the right decision for a utilitarian, even if that decision would normally be opposed by a deontologist. Lack of constraints for utilitarians is also criticized by deontologists. Since maximizing utility is the goal for utilitarianism, options are forgone and replaced by the decisions that result in the most utility. Its due to this disregard of a persons personal connections, constraints, and options, utilita rianism is criticized for not considering the moral individuality of people. Personally, its difficult to assess which of these approaches are better. Deontology is appealing because it looks at many factors before coming to a decision. When making a decision as a deontologist, a person looks at how a decision would affect not only themselves but people they hold close. They would actually put those people before anyone else. A deontologist would also consider their constraints and what they are willing and not willing to do in a moral conundrum. On the other hand, utilitarianism values maximizing well-being for not only ones self but mainly for the greater population. It seems more selfless to try to do things to help others rather than yourself when contemplating decisions. Utilitarians also are willing to do things some people may be unwilling or hesitant to do if it would have the best benefit. When contemplating the appeals of both theories, the train track dilemma comes to mind. The train track dilemma has a runaway train that, if a switch is not pulled, the train could kill five people. Yet, on the other tracks, where the train will go if the switch is pulled, there lies only one person. The dilemma is then, if placed in this situation, whether you should allow the train to move forward and kill the five people, or should you flip the switch and redirect it to the one person. For a utilitarian, the decision is quite simple. individuals are all worth the same so saving five people would be worth more than saving one person; the switch would be pulled. For a deontologist, its harder because a strong deontological constraint is against murder and to pull the switch would basically be the direct murder of a person. If a deontologist didnt pull the switch, then they would not have broken their constraint and also not directly have killed. Personally, the deontological approach to the dilemma is unappealing. Not making a choice can be seen as making a choice in itself. The deontological idea of not pulling the switch leads to five people dead, and in my personal opinion, five people dead is worse than one person dead. Killing may be wrong, but like a utilitarian, its better if a fewer amount of people die. Although deontology criticizes utilitarianism for lacking the acknowledgement of individual morality, following deontology could possibly lead to worse consequences than following utilitarianism. This is what, in my opinion, make utilitarianism better. My decisions typically revolve around finding the best overall outcome rather than the outcome specifically tailored to my interests. Therefore, the theory that prioritizes maximum well-being seems the better of the two. Works Cited McNaughton, David, and Piers Rawling, Deontology. Ethics in practice: an anthology. 4th ed., edited by Hugh Lafollette, John Wiley Sons, 2014, pp. 35-39.

Examining Financial Statements - Landrys Restaurants Essay -- Busines

Examining Financial Statements - Landry's Restaurants Financial statement users around the globe use financial statements to evaluate the performance of companies (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006). In order to locate a company’s reported assets, liabilities, expenses and revenues, statement users rely on four types of financial statements. The four financial statements include: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Retained Earnings, and Statement of Cash Flows (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006, p. 6). Each of these reports provides different information to the financial statement user. The Balance Sheet reports at a point in time: a company’s assets (what it owns), liabilities (what it owes) and stockholder’s equity (what is left over for the owners) (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006, p.7). The Income Statement shows whether a business made a profit (net income) during a specific period of time (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006, p. 10). The Statement of Retained Ear nings illustrates what portions of the company’s earnings was paid to stockholders and retained by the company for future operations (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006, p.12). Finally, the Statement of Cash Flows reports summarizes how a business’ â€Å"operating, investing, and financial activities caused its cash balance to change over a particular range of time† (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 2006, p.13). This paper examines the Annual Report of Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. Specifically, this paper demonstrates how certain financial elements can be located in Landry’s financial statements. The key financial components discussed include: (1) net income, (2) total assets, (3) property and equipment a... ...ompany has made a profit over the prior year. Conclusion Financial statements play a significant role in providing insight into Landry’s Restaurants financial condition. Is the liability or cost high and can one see continued improvement in revenues each year are questions answered when analyzing financial statements. An investor can use financial statements in making a decision to invest in a company. By examining the different financial statements, one can identify Landry’s Restaurants has grown over the past five years. Comparing assets, liabilities and owner equity, one is able to determine Landry’s Restaurants is making a profit. Reference Landry's Restaurants (2003, December 31, 2003). Landry's Restaurants Annual Report. , 1. Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (1st ed.) F. Phillips, B. Libby, and P. Libby McGraw Hill, 2006. Boston, MA

Comparative analysis of elementary physical education instruction techniques Essay

Physical education in pedagogy needs to constantly evaluate learners physical movement   with the aim of understanding their optimum capability, suiting instructional adaptation, to provide individual assessment summary in a view to measure performance improvement response with time, and finally to ensure the goal of training success. Instructional strategies or techniques are an important arm of teaching for any school of thought where a particular skill is acquired. There is the need for the teacher to understand the basic concept of learning as a fundamental tool to come up with the best instructional techniques whose choice would promote the objective of the learning. Elementary physical education implicate physical exercise as school subject and include gymnastic, athletics, team sports, and other forms of physical exercise thought in school. The learning utilizes cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains in a play or movement exploration setting. An advocacy for students once argued that parents, teachers, and students must aim at removing inglorious practices form physical education by eliminating such involvements or techniques that can gravely pose threat to students’ morale. An example of these is the use of captain to select game team in football, the use of exercise as a mean to punish students. These practices can only be eliminated by applying a preferred instructional techniques right from the background. The aims should embrace effective guiding of learners to be self-independent and physically fit throughout their entire life. Analysis and Evaluation According to researchers â€Å"the implementation of exemplary behaviour modification and management techniques in any educational environment generally contribute to effective teaching, proactive learning and enhanced pupil motivation in whatever is the area of specialization (Beighle & Pangrazzi, 2002). An advantage of choosing excellent instructional techniques is to reduce the time spent on managing behavioural issues and increase the productive values from time allotment instructional techniques. (Downing, 1996; Kelly, 1986). There are researched two basics instructional practices used in elementary physical education. We have the reinforcement techniques and the punishment techniques. This paper shall further critically analyse and evaluate the characteristics of the two broad categories. Reinforcement instructional technique uses daily events of the physical activities and non-physical activities to to complement students in order to enhance skill improvement. Students are guided through a feedback control os assessment after daily events. Another aspect on reinforcement techniques entail setting up of a conditional system that monitors unacceptable skills and effect correction instantly without pointing out the good ones for encouragement. This second model is often applied when daily interaction approach to reinforcement fails. In situational reinforcement, teachers shower encomium to students found doing well in the practice in a direct or an indirect way. Conversely, a student who is yet to perform up to expectation given a deductive instruction to follow suit. For example, when a student is doing poorly instructor praises another student close-by who is doing fine or behaving appropriately. When a student is performing a task with minimal attention, the natural tendency for any instructor is to sharply raise an objection, instead, the instructor particularly praise students who are in line with the task. In a way the non participating students deduce what s most acceptable from what is not without having any sentimental memory in the later future for instructor’s selective dissatisfied focus on him. Another characteristics of situational reinforcement occurs when instructor systematically assume ignorance of behaviours or skills that has nothing to do with physical education study and student’s safety. Instructors try not to show anger or dissatisfaction when students demonstrate annoying behaviour.   In another round, when a student changes his or her ugly behavioural path for better, he receives incommensurable but sincere praise. This reinforces such good skill or act towards self perfection. Words like comparative praise insinuate history of student prior rejection and often bring a sense of insecurity of trust to the concerned student in the future endeavour. This may harm students’ morale in demonstrating what they have really learnt with openness. An example is the use of word like â€Å"now†.   It implies that instructor is upset with previous behaviour. There is avoidance of making reference to previous bad ways.   In order to reinforce this good skill, students doing the right things need several approvals to permanently register the right way into the mind for future use. Another characteristic of situational reinforcement is the teacher’s deliberate attempt at celebrating earning achievement per time. Each time when physical activities are going on, the students look forward to a memorable fun or celebration and perfect the task in order to qualify.   At such fun-event instructors openly explain why the class warrant that celebration. This is an unexpected event for students, the impression created last for several months. Furthermore, another instructional technique involve specific designation of task for students based on their preferred area of capabilities in as much as the same effect is recorded in the long run at improving their physical educational skills. When students with improved motor skill or fitness performance skill on a task finds it enjoyable, such students is allowed t have maximum time for the activity with privilege granted over others. This has the effect of stimulating or motivating class members to find their own specialization area and perform even harder on the task. This form of instructional technique ranks high in educational model.   It also brings a sense of special recognition in each student and there is an extension of respect for individuals’ differences. Everyone needs this to perform better in any task involving physical exercises. References J. F. Williams, Principles of Physical Education (8th ed. 1964); American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; D. Van Dalen, A World History of Physical Education (2d ed. 1971). http://www.ntnu.edu.tw/acad/docmeet/a6/a605.doc http://catalog.arizona.edu/faculty/courses/984/PExx.html http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED127323&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED127323

Marbury v. Madison essays

Marbury v. Madison essays Marbury v. Madison,5 U.S.137 (1801): The Decision of Powers The Federalists carried the majority of the power in the 1800 election, both in the Congress and the election of John Adams as President. The following election, it became apparent that the Federalists would lose control of the Presidency and thus the majority of Congress. Before Adams lost his position as President to Thomas Jefferson, he made an attempt to control Congress by passing the Judiciary Act of 1801. This Act created new courts in the District of Columbia so that Adams could fill the courts with Federalists, which he continued to do up until the last hour of his Presidency. Some of the commissions were not delivered before Adams vacated his office. One of which was meant for William Marbury appointing him to a circuit court in Washington D.C. The new Secretary of State, James Madison refused to hand over Marburys commission as well as a few others. Marbury filed a suit against Madison seeking a writ of mandamus forcing Madison to hand over the commission. The case was brought directly before the Supreme Court. While each court had specific delegated powers, it was unclear as to what process would be used if one of the branches overstepped the guidelines set forth in the Constitution. The Supreme Court had to deal with three separate Constitutional issues in this case. One, Did Marbury have the right to the commission he was demanding? Two, If he did have a right to the commission, was there a way to remedy the violation of his right to the commission? And three, if it was found he did in fact have the right to the commission, how would the court go about granting the commission and therefore reversing the violation which had been committed against Marbury? The Supreme Court, lead by Justice Marshall, decided that since Marbury had been appointed to the circuit and his appointment was approved by the Senate ...

buy custom Poem for the End of the Century essay

buy custom Poem for the End of the Century essay Poem for the end of the century by John Haines revolves around the issues of the 9/11 attacks. The author largely dwells on the theme of unity and friendships. This is because the presence of people from the Middle East in the United States is not fully accepted by the natives. This is because there is a general perception that the people from the Middle East are assumed to be largely similar to one another and virtually different from the people from the West. The author examines how the people of the Middle East are perceived. He looks at the reasons as to why they are viewed in that specific way. The author widely bases his issues of orientalism on the twin towers attacks in 2001. The author notes that orientalism is largely accrued to the presence of the people of the Middle East in the USA. However, he seems to agree that the USA cannot remain uniformly tied to the relations and encounters it has had with the Middle East. This is because they have also proved that they can be da ngerous (Haines 25). The persona also wishes he was living the life of a nightingale. This is because it has nothing to worry about. It has no stresses such as death. It lives its life happily without any distractions because all it does is sing. He is completely convinced that death is the only way out of the misery he is going through. He is confident that if he dies he will have nothing else to worry about. He wishes he could die while listening to the good songs that the nightingale sings. This would help ease his pain. He envies the bird because it will continue to live without any sadness. There are issues that may be urgent but not equally important. For example, for a student, watching a movie may be urgent because it showing at a stipulated time but it is not important towards achievement of good academic results. According to him, the nightingale will forever remain ecstatic because it sings its songs just like a poet. The only difference is that it does so and does not expect to suffer any pai n in the near future. Eventually, the nightingale bird flies further away from the persona. It is then that he realizes that the nightingale was not born to die. On the contrary, he has no choice. He realizes it is like he has been hallucinating hoping to get the best but was not able to make it. He wihes he could fly away with the bird into space. According to him, he would have nothing to fear or be worried about while he is up there in the air. This implies that we hold ourselves responsible for the decision s that we make in life. We do not always look for excuses as to why things are the way they are. For instance, we do not blame certain misfortunes on the genetic relationships that we have. This is an indication that the outcomes of our lives are based on the choices we make. Unfortunately, this whole experience turns out to have been like a dream. The persona himself remains confused on whether he was actually going through the ordeal while asleep or awake. The bird is gone but the persona still w ishes he could die (Haines 3). The poet has brought out the concept of death clearly. This has been perfectly achieved because of the comparison of a nightingale and the persona. This is because the bird is immortal and has nothing to worry about. It remains happy entertaining those who listen to it for whichever amount of time. On the contrary, human beings have to come up with ways of surviving since their life is not immortal. The use of a real life example that is directly connected to the author is also strategic in achievement of her purpose and intention. This is because the reader is able to analyze her message through the authors personal experiences. This is because the readers are likely to believe in his analysis as he has analyzed them first hand. The choice of subject also plays a major role in passing on his message. This is because it relates to a wide population of the readers. Each reader has something to learn from the authors work. This helps in achievement of the authors purpose. He then provides proof of this by incorporating well thought ideas and past facts by authors of similar topics. The poets message is very important to those people that are going though trying experiences. However, his message contradicts general morality. This is because instead of giving them the heart and hope to move on with their lives after the death of their colleagues, he largely concentrates on the issues about why death is the only way out. His thoughts on the issues would be up for rejection by society in general. This is because society values liffe and views it as being sacred. Therefore, an individual who does not support life would not be greatly appreciated in the society. His ideas would negate societal views. Also, society believes in facing situations as they are as opposed to escaping from the challenges that one faces in life. This implies that it is very important for authors and poets to present their work to the intended readers. This is important so as to prevent any misjudgments or misunderstandings. This will also ensure that there no any misinterpretation of their intended opinions. However, the poet is only speaking his mind and is entitled to that right. The author has a great effect on me in the way he makes his analysis. He is keen to deal on facts and not empty assumptions. I am moved on the realization that politics have a great role in the way the entire world perceives the people from the Middle East. He is able to pass on great teachings to readers on making judgments. He says that politicizing the matter of the Middle East could mislead individuals into thinking that these individuals are not human. He notes the importance of basing judgments on factual information. He also talks about the need of giving others opportunities and not always thinking ill about them. However, he is quick to that this does not guarantee that these individuals will always do things the way that we want them to. In reference to the people of the Middle East, the author notes that this was the case during the 9/11 twin towers blast that shocked the entire universe. He notes of how badly such events could damage long lasting relationships between ind ividuals. Generally, the authors message to individuals around the world is clear.. They have to act in a manner that depicts the fact that they are willing to be part of the international society. This will ensure that they are not alienated from the rest of the world. It will also ensure that they are accorded the respect and appreciation that they very much wish to have. This will also enhance their position in society and levels of credibility. While working towards this, he cautions fellow authors to ensure that when they report their findings, they should ensure that they base their analysis on facts only. This will ensure that there are no hurdles along the way. Buy custom Poem for the End of the Century essay

AFRICAN HISTORY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

AFRICAN HISTORY - Essay Example In a social context, when it comes to social behavior, to begin with it was limited to a few single individuals with children that began to live together to better their chances of survival. These small groups eventually gave to bigger groups evincing a higher degree of social complexity (Berger 1). Thereby the humans felt an increased need for a better and efficient communication, and the need for language was felt (Berger 4). The earlier usage of limited oral expressions to solve the limited problems gave way to much complex lingual constructs (Berger 4). The early humans realized the advantages of using language for the sharing of information. The first convincing stone tools were developed by human about 2.5 million years ago in East Africa (Berger 5). As the early human realized the efficiency that stone tool ushered in their daily activities they started using select rock materials to craft and fashion tools (Berger 5). The humans accepted the importance of tools in butchering activities, as human teeth and nails were quiet incapable of slicing pieces of flesh and tough skins. Gradually the proto humans also learnt to fashion tool from perishable materials like wood (Berger 5). Eventually, with the enhanced preference for group formation, the early humans became more of hunters and farmers than being mere scavengers. This led from human populations confined to small groups that were far scattered to social organization and thereby an enhanced human capacity to fight against the vagaries of nature. This eventually gave way to larger human populations. 2. The relationship between the land, people, and climate has always been a complex issue on the continent. Discuss agriculture, domestication, and pastoralism in early ancient Nile Valley and Southern African communities. Cite techniques used to control plant productivity, livestock domestication, and responses to climatic changes. There is no

The impact of biofuels on the future of (any industry except airlines) Essay

The impact of biofuels on the future of (any industry except airlines) - Essay Example On the other hand, the energy requirements of transportation are exponentially increasing. The world population growing by 1% every year, and it has been estimated the consumption of oil by transportation sector will rise by 30% until 2050. As a result, the world is aggressively looking out for alternative sources of fuel that can replace oil for and never get depleted. One such renewable source of energy for transport sector is bio-fuels. However, although they are a sustainable source of energy and cause less pollution than traditional sources of fuels, they have been accused for causing loss of fertile lands reserved for agriculture, increase in food prices due to redirecting food crops towards fuel production, and large scale deforestation This report examines the existing state of development of bio-fuels with vis-a-vis the transport sector’s aspiration of sourcing only 13% of its energy from petroleum by 2050, and assesses the impact of bio-fuels on the future of vehicular transport. The largest contributors to energy requirements of the world are fossil fuels. Of these, the transportation sector heavily relies on petroleum. Petroleum in turn consists of oil and natural gas, out of which oil provides over 95% of the total transportation energy requirements (Bredenberg, 2012). However, oil sources are limited, while consumption is exponentially increasing. As per market report, the petroleum companies of the world extracted about 85 million barrels of oil, which equal to 13.5 billion litres (Lamb, 2009; Metric Conversions, 2012). It had been estimated that oil production rate will become stagnant in 2018, after which it will start declining. Although advanced technology has resulted in reduced wastage from individual oil wells and extraction from reserves earlier deemed unrecoverable, the most important concern remains that oil is a non-renewable resource of energy and its production would