What is utilitarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

What is utilitarianism - Essay Example Although, Williams fails to provide an alternative moral hypothesis, the philosopher successfully investigated how utilitarianism and its backers root for untenable beliefs about what rational actions entail. On the other hand, Brandt emphasizes that when evaluating the repercussions of the value of an ethical belief, the society should go beyond mere appraisal of the gains of following set etiquettes and instead embrace selective fulfillment of the requirements. This can only be achieved by leveraging the benefits and negative consequences of such rules: for instance, one should appreciate remorse and other dangers linked to interiorizing fundamental prohibitions in the society. This paper analyzes the ethical arguments presented in â€Å"A Critique of Utilitarianism† by Williams and â€Å"Some Merits of One Form of Rule Utilitarianism,† by Bernard Brandt in their respective articles, in order to establish whose utilitarian philosophy is more effective in today’ s society. Overview of the philosophers’ perceptions Williams provides an exceptional theory, which defines positive action, based on whether it results in a favorable situation triggers a fundamental conflict between an individual’s ethical capacities and that supposedly right action. It is notable that in an effort to employ utilitarianism in balancing and sustaining practicality as an ethical theory, Williams points out the surreptitious incorporation of moral feelings that are not purely utilitarian. For meticulous observation, this confusion often triggers the realization of the weaknesses of a consequentialist approach to understanding satisfactory morality and leadership. By taking into consideration an individual’s ethical inclinations only when they are in tandem with utility implies that there could be a more profound failure to appreciate that such beliefs are often exhibited by the agent’s individual projects and obligations. Therefore, to realize an objective threshold of moral practices, utilitarianism eventually soils an individual’s honor by turning right action immaterial to those initiatives and obligations. Whereas Williams (606-622) perceives that the grounds for the effectiveness of consequentialist moral revolve around to immoral thoughts about moral impacts of the eventualities, Brandt suggests morality is based on moral actions. Brandt argument on utilitarianism contradicts Williams, especially on his suggestion that that the latter’s jump into the impacts of actions occasions the weakening of the individual’s moral standing (Brandt 590-592). In view of this, Williams’ perception of ‘commitment’ as dictated by the party confronted by an ethical dilemma should be based on the actions and not just the consequences. Additionally, in case there is need to maintain honor between individual behavior and minor order projects, it is important to recognize the fact that modern moral theories such as the ones based on consequentialist ideology, this cannot be embedded to individual actions. It is, however, important to recognize that both Williams and Brandt philosophies on ethical actions imply that a certain application is greatly shaped by the actions of an autonomous mor al cause. Significance of the ethical goals and actions Williams (607-615) acknowledges that individuals in the modern world are unaware of the connection between human objectives and behavior. Further, the theorist’s argument brings into focus some fundamental issues such as whether individuals take steps for the sole aim of accomplishing particular objectives. And if so, after realizing an intended objective, it is unclear whether the outcome may inspire the pursuing other successive goals in life, because in general, goals in life are

Public Pension Replacement Rates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Public Pension Replacement Rates - Essay Example In pension systems where workers get substantially different payouts due to their differing incomes,  replacement rate is a common measurement which can be used to determine the effectiveness of the pension system† (Investopedia, 2011, par. 1). In the United States, the pension replacement rate is revealed as 40% (Reno and Lavery, 2007, 1) compared to 70% - 80% in Greece (Nelson, Belkin and Mix, 2010, 4). There is a variance in replacement rates which is caused by interplay of factors such as wage rates and profiles, broken career, and length of active life, among others. Variance in Replacement Rates According to the Indicators Sub-Group (ISG) of the Social Protection Committee (SPC) (2006), â€Å"variants include different lifetime earning profiles (linear profile from 80% to 120% and from 100% to 200% and concave profile) as well as one low wage variant (flat 66% of the average), but also the variants also include a calculation for a broken career† (9). Other varian ts that cause disparities in pension replacement rates are age of retirement and career length, as well as the level of rate of return (ISG of SPC, 2006, 10).

Cultural Competence in Health Care Professional Practice Essay

Cultural Competence in Health Care Professional Practice - Essay Example Australia is an example of such a country that has experienced cultural diversity which has had immense impact on both professional and personal lives of healthcare professionals, critically affecting service delivery. In order for podiatrists, and indeed all the healthcare professionals in general, to deliver healthcare to the desired levels, cultural diversity should be put into consideration in practice, promoting a culturally safe environment and acquire cultural competence. In basic terms, culture describes an assortment of beliefs and behaviours to which a particular group ascribes and passes on from one generation to another. Adler (2004) defines equity as trait of fairness and impartiality; diversity as an array of various things; and competence as a suitable application of attributes and knowledge through the actions and behaviours of an individual. As such, cultural competence could be defined as the possession of attributes and knowledge that foster understanding of a wide array of beliefs and behaviours of diverse groups of people and applying it equitably. For healthcare professionals, including podiatrists, to attain cultural competence, Betancourt (2002) argues that they would have to exhibit attributes and behaviours that would promote their ability to effectively work with people from diverse cultures. i. Value diversity and accept cultural differences - The element of valuing diversity and accepting cultural differences requires one to keep an open mind to the environment and view each situations without bias. It should be appreciated that in any given environment, each person is different and would therefore have unique values and beliefs. ii. Possess cultural self-assessment capacity and an understanding of own culture – Cultural self-assessment capacity and understanding own culture implies the need to be able to critically comprehend one’s belief system. This requires unbiased approach

Analysis of International Politic Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analysis of International Politic - Article Example mon man, in most cases, for over three to four decades in power and still had no inclination to leave office unless they were over thrown from their lofty pedestals which they inevitably were eventually. The sacrifices of these brave people bore fruit yet gradually but surely the euphoria of getting rid of these corrupt regimes is slowly giving way to a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. Why? The answer to this simple question is also simple. These dictators ruled their countries with such a strong iron fist that once they are gone they have left behind a huge vacuum which cannot be filled soon. Such was their hold on power that after their removal the whole governmental machinery has come to a halt. Another alarming aspect of this whole scenario is that these rulers were able to extend their illegal governments with the help of the military-mullah nexus. So once they have been booted out of power the only logical substitute are the men in uniform or the Islamic fantasists, an even gloomier prospectus indeed. In fact if we seriously consider the issue these new forces now vying for power in these countries are an extension of the old regimes, as once a scholar wrote: â€Å"New Wine In Old Bottles† (Thompson, 1962: 125). It is fully justified to add that the West, especially the successive United States governments, in order to promote their own interests have been instrumental in safeguarding and prolonging these corrupt regimes and the individuals at their helm and are equal to blame for the misery these rulers have perpetuated on their people, by silencing dissent of any kind though the Constitution of the United States guarantees freedoms (like that of speech) for its own citizens. If conclusion if the regressive forces in favor of status quo are once again successful in occupying the echelons of power in these countries America and the West would be solely responsible for all these sacrifices to have been in vain and a black blotch on Western history,

Airfix Footwear LTD v. Cope [1978] ICR 1210 Case Study

Airfix Footwear LTD v. Cope [1978] ICR 1210 - Case Study Example It is irrelevant in the case observed in the paper whether the individual daily contracts were separate employment or not. The IT concluded that no individual contracts existed between the worker and the company. The company only delivers work sporadically from time to time, and from time-to-time the worker chooses to do it, so that there is a pattern of an occasional week done a few times a year, then it might well be that there comes into existence on each of these occasions a separate contract of service or contract for services, but the overriding arrangement is not itself a contract of employment, either of services or for services. But these matters must depend upon the facts of each particular case. This case confirms the view that an "umbrella" contract can exist if a practice of dealing has been built up over the years with expectations and obligations on each side. It was only in respect of the overall contract that the question of mutuality of obligation came into effect, and in this particular case, it was considered that this obligation was so overpowering that it meant that no individual contracts had existed. However, it is often difficult to establish the necessary ongoing mutuality of obligation to change a series of short-term contracts into a single "umbrella" contract. In this case, the IT denied the worker's claim because the worker is not obligated to accept the work and the provider is not under any obligation to consistently provide the work to the worker. In order for the 'worker' to be classified as an 'employee', the case must be able to pass the test for employee status. In this case, the company does not have or is not in a position to exercise any control over the worker. "The more control the supervisor or employer can exercise, the more likely the worker will be deemed an employee. Temporary workers engaged through employment agencies have for a number of years been a popular choice for UK businesses. The benefits to businesses o f engaging a flexible labor resource have been tangible. The resource can, in theory, be turned on and off at will, without the problems associated with headcount, the need for redundancy procedures or risk of unfair dismissal. In short, temporary agency workers have proved a cost-efficient resource to end-user businesses. For an employment contract to exist, as a minimum the following ingredients must be met; first a contract between the parties, second, an element of control over the worker and third, a mutuality of obligation between the worker and the employer. Up until 2004, most cases considered by the courts found that whilst there may be sufficient control exercised by the hiring end user over the worker and mutuality of obligation, there was no actual contract between the worker and the end user. In contrast, the courts found that whilst there was a contract between the agency and the worker, there was insufficient mutuality of obligation or control by the agency over the w orker for it to be an employment contract. The consequence was the worker was not employed by either the agency or the hiring end user. It soon became obvious to the court that the base was not broad enough, using merely mutuality of obligation as the test. It broadened its scope of the test by including the concept of control of the worker.

Research on state government agencies Coursework

Research on state government agencies - Coursework Example With such core values, the agency is destined to make the best in their scope of work. To ensure they are working efficiently, the agency provided vital information. Some of the vital information include the address, telephone and contact details. The contact details for Texas transport department are telephone number: (800) 558-9368, address: 125 East 11th St. and the website is http://www.txdot.gov. The Texas department of public safety’s mission is to protect and serve the public. Its core values include integrity, excellence, and accountability. In order to serve people optimally, the department have given an email, which is kevin.jones@dps.texas.gov. Similarly, its address is 5805 North Lamar Blvd. while its contacts are Texas 78773-0251 and 512-424-5900. Its website is http://www.dps.texas.gov. The Texas parks and wildlife department mission is to maintain and conserve the resources in Texas. This includes the natural and cultural resources, in providing various services like fishing, hunting and outdoor activities (United States, 2012). It has various philosophies, which include being a recognizable manager of resources, serving Texas effectively, and maintaining responsibility. Its contacts include 4200 Smith School Road and its website is http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us. The Texas department of transportation has a wide scope of work. To begin with, the department ensures the highways are safe for public transport. This is by ensuring all roads are repaired in time. As such, they have to plan on all repairs on the highways. Secondly, the Texas department ensures the traffic is flowing accordingly. At times, there are traffic snarl-ups, which affect the people. As such, they have to avoid such instances. Thirdly, the department ensures people who commit road offences are apprehended. In some instances, people flout the traffic rules. This is the work of the department, to ensure people follow the rules.

Entry into Chinese and Indian Retail Markets Essay

Entry into Chinese and Indian Retail Markets - Essay Example International market situations happen to be multi level in their decision focus, with a hierarchy of decisions from country assessment and performance measurement decisions through to more traditional marketing mix allocations and programs.International market situations happen to be multi level in their decision focus, with a hierarchy of decisions from country assessment and performance measurement decisions through to more traditional marketing mix allocations and programs.For the purpose of this study, entry into Chinese and Indian retail markets is to be considered. In general for a superstore/ retail chain like Tesco, Asda, Walmart, Trust-Mart, Reliance etc. the marketing mix comprises;†¢ Product – this includes the quality levels, production costs, the packaging, the range of products and the product differentiation.  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Price – this includes appropriate pricing for the target markets, quality considerations depending upon the pricing and an attackin g pricing or a defensive pricing  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Place – depending upon the location of a superstore it is also called a convenience store, therefore the location is very important to reach to the targeted segments.  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ Promotion – we are today living in a media-savvy world. The power of being seen in print or TV or being heard on the radio can make or break a brand. Integrating the promotion publicity campaign with the marketing mix is very crucial.†¢ People – interface between the retail store and the customers are the people manning the counters and providing technical support and after-sales services. Therefore a friendly, uniformed, well informed and well-behaved person at the counter can help in gaining widening the customer base. HR friendly policies help in attracting and retaining good human resources. Processes - how the retail store manages its front office, back office, system support, online services etc. will definitely help it in earning a good reputation amongst the customers. Physicals - this includes the premises, support vehicles, uniforms and the looks of corporate signature. Service - last, but certainly not the least, is the services part. In fact the retailing business has become more of service oriented now a days. Were all the functions and techniques of using a particular gadget/ equipment told to the customer before the purchase, how the customer felt after buying a new TV set, did it malfunction, did he feel any difficulty in switching it on and tuning it - are some of the issues which can only be known if the retail store has a good mechanism of taking feedback from its customers. China: A leading Economy China is the most populous country in the world; with 1.30756 billion people1 by the end of 2005 it has a share of 22% of the world's total. China's entry into the WTO on December 11, 2001 has ensured regular inflows of FDI. With its gross domestic product (GDP) growing at an annual rate of