Azelaic Acid Essay Example

Azelaic Acid Essay Example Azelaic Acid Paper Azelaic Acid Paper Abstract Azelaic acid is an essential acid that has emerged to answer most skin problems. Through several researches, it has been proven to treat even the most common skin problems. This paper will discuss Azelaic acid and its capabilities in treating skin illnesses. Azelaic Acid Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this present era of innovations, new discoveries continue to emerge. Scientists, researchers, and even individuals continue to experiment and try new stuff that will answer their inquisitiveness or needs. In the field of skin care, an acid has been found and considered to be an effective cure for most common skin problems. This acid is known as Azelaic acid. Since its discovery, many beauty product manufacturers are adding it as an ingredient. Azelaic Acid: Definition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic acid is a â€Å"saturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in wide variety of whole grains such as rye, barley, and wheat† (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008, n.p.). It has a yellowish- to white-powder appearance (MSN Encarta, 2008). Small amount of Azelaic acid can also be found in the human body. Generally, an acid is characterized to be sour and corrosive. However, and Azelaic acid is one that is weak and non-corrosive. Thus, it is safe to be applied on the skin. Benefits of Azelaic Acid   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Azelaic Acid has been commonly used as treatment for skin cancer and other disorders of the skin (MSN Encarta, 2008). Researches also show that Azelaic acid is an effective antibacterial (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). This is so because the acid is helpful is destroying and reducing the growth of bacteria. Commonly, Azelaic Acid has been used as a treatment and prevention for acne, pimples, and blackheads. This is so because Azelaic acid is capable of destroying the bacteria that causes acne, clearing the pores of the skin, and reducing the keratin (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). Notably, a keratin is a natural substance that also contributes in the development of acne. Azelaic acid has also been proven to be effective in repairing skin discoloration by efficiently destroying the free radicals and reducing inflammation. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that attack the cell membranes’ structure that will create metabolic waste products such as lipofuscins (Klatz Goldman, 2003). An excess of the lipofuscins has been shown to cause skin darkening or â€Å"age- spots,† because they are only visible on certain parts of the skin (Klatz and Goldman, 2003, p. 23). Furthermore, Azelaic acid effectively reduces the pigmentation of the skin. Thus, Azelaic acid is good also for those who are bothered by their dark skin. In addition, Azelaic acid is good for those people suffering from melasma. Melasma is derived from Greek word â€Å"melas† which means black; it is characterized as blotchy, irregularly patterned, brown or sometimes grey- brown hyper-melanosis of the face and occasionally evident on the neck (Katsambas, Stratigos, Lotti, 2003, p. 336). Being an acid and antibacterial, Azelaic acid is operative in moderating noticeable scars and spots caused by acne. Moreover, it is efficient in renewing and healing the skin because of its ability to kill the bacteria that causes the skin problem and ability to normalize the skin growth. Furthermore, Azelaic acid has been used for its efficiency in stimulating growth of hair. Azelaic acid has not yet been approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss. However, scholars say that it is effective because Azelaic acid has been found to potentially inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin that eventually leads to the decrease of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair fall (Medline Plus, 2008). Azelaic Products Predominantly, Azelaic acid products are in the form of gel and cream. Cream usually contains only a solution of 20% of Azelaic acid mixed with other inactive ingredient such as glycerin, cetearyl octonoate, cocoglycerids, propylene glycol, and purified water to produce skin product (Niaze, p. 105). Gel, on the other hand is manufactured by adding benzoic acid, ETDA, 15% of Azelaic acid, among others (Niaze, p. 105). An Azelaic acid in the form of cream and gel makes the product mild, tolerable, and safe; it is used in treating rocasea which causes irritation, redness, and pimples (Azelaic Acid Information, 2008). One of the Azelaic Acid cream 20% manufactured, widely distributed, and used is Finevin as a cure for acne vulgaris (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). It is manufactured by Berlex Laboratories, Inc., an affiliation of Schering AG, Germany (Doctor’s Guide. 2008). Harmful Effects of Azelaic Acid Nevertheless, not all skin types react well on Azelaic acid. It also has drawbacks, especially if applied improperly. Some of the side effects include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling (Medline Plus, 2008).   Usually, Azelaic acid for acne has been advised to be used twice a day and only on parts affected by acne. Product makers also require patients experiencing side effects to consult their doctors immediately to avoid further damage. However, despite these side effects, millions of people in almost 70 countries use Azelaic acid for treating their facial problems. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The efficiency of the Azelaic acid has been proven because of its three powerful abilities. First, Azelaic acid is an antibacterial; it has the ability to destroy the bacteria found in the follicles that cause pimples and acne. Second, Azelaic acid is an anticomedonic; it inhibits formation of comodones which are squeezed from blackheads. The last ability is anti-inflammatory, which is essential in the reduction of free radicals. These three general abilities of Azelaic acid are vital in repairing skin problems that trouble both men and women. Nevertheless, these medications should be properly applied in order to avoid further skin complications. Furthermore, one must not use these products without consulting an expert first in order to ensure a satisfactory effect of the product. References Azelaic acid information. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from azelaicacid-information.com/info/ Doctor’s Guide. (1995). FDA Approves Finevin (Azelaic Acid Cream 20%) For the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from pslgroup.com/dg/1F9E26.htm Katsambas, A. D., Stratigos, A. J., Lotti, T. M. (2003). Melasma. In A. D. Katsambas T. M. Lotti (Eds.) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments, 2nd Ed. (pp. 336–341). Berlin, Germany: Springer. Klatz, Ronald, Goldman Robert. (2003). The New Anti- Aging Revolution: Stopping the Clock for a Younger, Sexier, Happier You!. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, Inc. Medline Plus. (2008). Azelaic Acid Topical. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a603020.html MSN Encarta. (2008). Azelaic Acid. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://encarta.msn-ppe.com:443/dictionary_701704442/azelaic_acid.html Niazi, S. (2004). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. London: CRC Press.

Toilet Paper Icebreaker Games

Toilet Paper Icebreaker Games Social and business gatherings can be awkward at first, especially if participants dont know each other. Icebreaker games can help a host solve that problem and motivate guests  to break through their initial social fears, leading to a productive meeting or event. Try this toilet paper game to grease the social wheels. Grab a Roll Youll need little preparation. Just grab a full roll of toilet paper from the bathroom, and then: Take the roll of toilet paper, pull off several squares before handing it to another person and asking him to do the same.Continue this until all guests have grabbed a few pieces.Once everyone in the room has taken some toilet paper, each person counts the number of squares that she has grabbed and then tells everyone that number things about herself.For example, if someone has three squares, he would share three things about himself. Give an Example If you have a particularly shy group, spark the discussion with an example, suggests  Beat by Beat, a website focusing on drama and theater. The website gives the following example: If Isabel took five sheets, then, she might say: I like to dance.My favorite color is purple.I have a dog named Sammy.This summer I went to Hawaii.I’m really afraid of snakes. Beat by Beat says that you will also learn about participants personalities based on who took a greater number of sheets compared to those who tore off only a few. Extending the Game Leadership Geeks, a website focusing on leadership skills and team building, suggests extending this seemingly simple game to foster team-building, work habits, and social skills. After all of the  participants have torn off a few pieces of toilet paper and you have explained the rules of the game, notes the website: You may hear laughter and groaning when some realize they took too many squares.End the session by sharing a humorous moral: â€Å"Sometimes excess can be bad for you!†Ask participants: How many of you took more than what you knew you would need just in case? What does that say about your approach to life in general?What are some interesting things you have learned about your fellow participants? You can dissolve uncomfortable distinctions between those hoarding a large number of pieces and those who only grabbed two or three. Afterward, have everyone throw their sheets into the center, says Beat by Beat. This represents all the new information we now know about each other. Its amazing how much social traction you can gain with a simple bathroom supply. And, regardless of how many sheets participants tore off, youre likely to have plenty of paper left on the roll for your next event.

WHY, ACCORDING TO HAGEL, DOES THE ATTEMPT TO REALISE ABSOLUTE FREEDOM Essay

WHY, ACCORDING TO HAGEL, DOES THE ATTEMPT TO REALISE ABSOLUTE FREEDOM BRING ABOUT ITS OPPOSITE(absolute tyranny) TO what extent do you agree with Hagel - Essay Example One reason for Hegel’s concern with dialectics was because two of the philosophers he respected immensely, Hobbes and Rousseau, had contradictory ideas concerning the nature of freedom. To Hegel, the idea of absolute freedom could only lead to tyranny, and he was in agreement with Hobbes and his work from The Leviathan, which stated that people needed society because otherwise they would more or less destroy each other. This is part of the â€Å"utter indifference toward death that Hegel saw as the hallmark of the terror† (Schmidt 4). Of course, with any ideas that Hegel worked with, the concept of freedom was multifaceted and complex, and it is necessary to discuss the many different aspects of freedom in order to fully comprehend the ways in which absolute freedom would lead to tyranny. This tyranny, witnessed as a result of the French Revolution, was the part of Rousseau’s philosophy that he attempted to contradict: â€Å"Hegel believed that Rousseau’s political philosophy was fundamentally misconceived because it sought to transpose to the state much the same ideal of individual self-sufficiency as was ascribed to uncultured peoples and to an education concerned in accordance with nature† (Wokler 35). Once all of Hegel’s conceptions of freedom have been discussed, we can see how Hegel’s conception of absolute freedom truly would lead to its opposite, tyranny, because, as Hegel says, â€Å"The sole and only work and deed accomplished by universal freedom is therefore deathâ €  (Absolute). The first conception of freedom that needs to be discussed is natural freedom. This is what we find people in their natural state; to be able to choose to determine one’s own self: â€Å"When a man is so self-determined but the only content of his will the only source of his determinations - are his impulses, appetites and desires, he has what Hegel calls an immediate or natural

Art Critique (-) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art Critique (-) - Research Paper Example d in pale green and with a colorful African scarf draped around her neck, holds a white cracked ceramic mask in her hands and rests one arm on the table in front of her. On the table are three tarot cards representing lynchings with the Hanged Man card, Civil Rights with the Justice card and perseverance with the Strength card. The strength of the composition rests in the line of sight of the characters which both freeze the eye within the frame and refuse to engage with the viewer personally. Color also contributes to the painting’s effectiveness as the limited color on the tarot cards continuously direct the eye to the center of the image where the colorful dress and scarf of the woman stand in sharp contrast to the white of the man’s T-shirt without blending into the muted tans of the background. These pastel-like shades provide a muted feel to the work which helps to highlight the emotions of the people depicted, both of whom feel it necessary to maintain a hold on the white mask that enables them to move in mainstream society. The symbolism apparent in the piece is clear to those with knowledge or curiosity to examine the cards on the table and to understand the condition of people of color within a majority white society. The chasm in the background communicates a vast hurdle to overcom e before the prediction of justice found in the cards on the table comes to pass. However, the strength depicted in these characters and the cracks in the mask suggest this is not a condition that can last long nor is it one that will break the spirits of these people. By examining a series of artworks created by Valerie Winslow, it becomes clear that the artist has a very strong introspective approach to her work. This is revealed in the very detailed depictions of human anatomy she has created as well as in the brooding attitudes of the characters in her more imaginative paintings. Her inclusion of a number of symbols within her paintings further indicates a strong

Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Islam - Research Paper Example Introduction One thing is for certain, Islam like all religions without exception is beautiful, peace- loving, moral, and its core consists of humanity above all. The phenomenal prosperity of Islamic reformation was the result of its capability to lead the masses out of the wretched predicament generated by the demode civilizations. Islam launched a splendid chapter of social records of mankind. It hauled away the played out old, to establish the vital new. The quest of Prophet Muhammad was to invigorate the country, eager in inquiry of learning and power in the tide of evolution (Roy, 1958) Islam, like all others religions preaches its followers to do good deeds and refrain from bad ones. The purpose of every religion is to promote and spread love, peace, tolerance, and sustainability and Islam is no different. It is essentially a peaceful and tolerant religion and it is a shame that today we have turned a blind eye towards the beautiful and fragrant flower that is Islam and are ent angled in the nonnegotiable and complex web of controversies and misunderstandings surrounding it. Methods Research papers, videos, books, and websites relating to the research were explored and studied to substantiate the findings and providing a base for the discussions. Results Emergence of Islamic Culture Muslim youth are less inclined to the propensities of voluntary ethnic isolation of their elders. The group efficaciously makes friends with Muslims of different races and ethnic inclinations and also effectively develops friendships with people from Jew, Christian, or other religions that they meet socially or professionally. Children of immigrants are likewise step by step entering a broader range of professions and are becoming prominent with each passing day. Western culture has its qualities in its appreciation for the individual, the adaptability of its polite social order, and the limitations it endeavors to place on the haughtiness of political force. It has its shortco ming in its helplessness to yield family values and strict ethics to the longings of business and trade (Moaddel, 2002). The religion of Islam, taking into account the eager accommodation of the single person to the Divine Will is a fitting religion for such a social order. The Divine Will, as enunciated in the Qur'an uncovers the standards by which the welfare of the singular and the neighborhood are orchestrated. Along these lines, Muslims ought to have the capacity to uncover a critical place in Western social order, utilizing the structure for organization building and for singular progression to make utilization of the qualities of Western culture and to help overcome its shortcomings (HRH, 1993). Progressively, that is the thing that western Muslims have achieved successfully. Similarities I chose to discuss the most basic and most controversial aspects; One God The most basic and fundamental testimony of Islam and every other mainstream religion is having faith and believing that there is only one God. It was the most important and central message delivered to the followers, at first by Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Moses (Prophets and Prophecy). Moses testifies; â€Å"Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord.†

Indian Government Promoting Investment In Agriculture Economics Essay

Indian Government Promoting Investment In Agriculture Economics Essay The main objectives of the Governments price policy for agricultural produce, aims at ensuring remunerative prices to the growers for their produce with a view to encourage higher investment and production. Towards the end, minimum support prices for major agricultural products are announced each year which are fixed after taking into account, the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP while recommending prices takes into account all-important factors, viz. Cost of Production Changes in Input Prices Input/Output Price Parity Trends in Market Prices Inter-crop Price Parity Demand and Supply Situation Effect on Industrial Cost Structure Effect on General Price Level Effect on Cost of Living International Market Price Situation Parity between Prices Paid and Prices Received by farmers (Terms of Trade). EXIM Policy EXIM Policy is the export import policy of the government that is announced every five years. It is also known as the Foreign Trade Policy. This policy consists of general provisions regarding exports and imports, promotional measures, duty exemption schemes, export promotion schemes, special economic zone programs and other details for different sectors. Every year the government announces a supplement to this policy. The EXIM Policy of 2002-2007 (External website that opens in a new window) emphasized the importance of agricultural exports and announced measures like the setting up of agri export zones, removal of procedural restrictions and marketing cost assistance. Agri Export Zones are considered the most important creation of this policy Agri Export Zones (External website that opens in a new window) Agri Export Zones were formed as a result of this policy. These zones are meant to promote agricultural exports from the country and provide remunerative returns to the farming community regularly. They are to be identified by the State Government, which would evolve a comprehensive package of services to be provided by all State Government agencies, State Agriculture Universities and all institutions and agencies of the Union Government for intensive delivery in these zones. Corporate sector companies with proven credentials would be encouraged to sponsor new agri export zones or take over already notified agri export zones. Services that would be managed and coordinated through this scheme include the provision of pre/post harvest operations, plant protection, processing, packaging, storage and related research and development. APEDA will supplement, within its schemes and provisions, the efforts of State Governments for facilitating exports. Click here for a list of the Agri Export Zones. After, a change of government at the centre, a new EXIM Policy of 2004 2009 was announced. This policy came up with export promotional measures such as Towns of Export Excellence, Target Plus, Free Trade and Warehousing Zones and the Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana. Here are details on these schemes: Towns of Export Excellence Here, towns in specific areas that produce goods of Rs.250 crores and above in the handloom, agriculture, handicraft and fisheries sector will be notified as Towns of Exports Excellence on the basis of their potential for growth in exports. They will be granted this recognition to maximize their potential, enable them to move higher in the value chain and tap new markets. Target Plus In this scheme, exporters who have attained a large increase in growth of exports would be allowed duty free credit based on incremental exports substantially higher than the general actual export target fixed. Rewards will be granted according to a tiered approach. For incremental growth of over 20, 25 and 100 per cent, the duty free credits would be 5, 10 and 15 per cent of Free on Board (FOB) value of incremental exports. Vishesh Krishi Gram Udyog Yojana It aims to promote exports of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and other value-added products. This year it has been expanded to include soybean and coconut oil as well as food preparations such as soups. Plus, the benefit of the scheme has been extended to 100 per cent export-oriented units. Import and Export Since Independence, India has made a lot of progress in agriculture in terms of growth in output, yields and area under crops. It has gone through a Green Revolution (food grains), a White Revolution (milk), a Yellow Revolution (oilseeds) and a Blue Revolution (aquaculture). Today, India is one of the largest producers of milk, fruits, cashew nuts, coconuts and tea in the world. It is also well known for the production of wheat, vegetables, sugar, fish, tobacco and rice. Certain types of agriculture such as horticulture, organic farming, floriculture, genetic engineering, packaging and food processing have the potential to see a surge in revenues through exports. Over the past few years, the government has stressed on the development of horticulture and floriculture by creating vital infrastructure for cold storage, refrigerated transportation, packaging, processing and quality control. If India wishes to optimize the production and export potential of these commodities, then it is essential to improve these facilities, marketing and export networks much further. In recent years, the Central Government has offered different fiscal incentives for bettering storage facilities in rural areas. It also provides financial assistance to the State Governments for acquiring and distributing food grains at subsidized rates, especially to families with annual income below the poverty line. Today, the improved availability of bank credit through priority lending, favourable terms of trade and liberalized domestic and external trade for agricultural commodities have also encouraged private players to invest in agriculture. The major thrust of the policies and programmes of the Government of India relating to livestock and fisheries is in the areas of rapid genetic upgradation of milch animals, improvement in the delivery mechanism of breeding inputs, control of animal diseases, creation of disease free zones, increased availability of nutritious feed, development of dairy activities and backyard poultry, development of processing and marketing facilities and enhancement of production and profitability of livestock. Agricultural Exports (External website that opens in a new window) Agricultural exports have shown an increase (External website that opens in a new window) from around Rs.60 billion in 1990 91 to Rs.398 billion in 2005-06. The Governments special efforts to encourage export of food grains in recent years through grant of World Trade Organization (External website that opens in a new window) or WTO compatible subsidies has lead to India becoming one of the leading exporters of food grains in the international market Agricultural Imports (External website that opens in a new window) The imports of agricultural products (External website that opens in a new window) improved from Rs.12 billion in 1990 91 to Rs.220 billion in 2005- 06. The share of agri-imports to total merchandise imports in 2005-06 was 4.59 percent. Edible oil is the single largest agricultural product imported into the country and accounts for around two-thirds of the total agricultural imports. NEW AGRICULTURE POLICY Agriculture is a way of life, a tradition, which, for centuries, has shaped the thought, the outlook, the culture and the economic life of the people of India. Agriculture, therefore, is and will continue to be central to all strategies for planned socio-economic development of the country. Rapid growth of agriculture is essential not only to achieve self-reliance at national level but also for household food security and to bring about equity in distribution of income and wealth resulting in rapid reduction in poverty levels. Indian agriculture has, since Independence, made rapid strides. In taking the annual foodgrains production from 51 million tonnes in early fifties to 206 million tonnes at the turn of the century, it has contributed significantly in achieving self-sufficiency in food and in avoiding food shortages. Over 200 million Indian farmers and farm workers have been the backbone of Indias agriculture. Despite having achieved national food security the well being of the farming community continues to be a matter of grave concern for planners and policy makers. The establishment of an agrarian economy which ensures food and nutrition to Indias billion people, raw materials for its expanding industrial base and surpluses for exports, and a fair and equitable reward system for the farming community for the services they provide to the society, will be the mainstay of reforms in the agriculture sector. The National Policy on Agriculture seeks to actualise the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture, strengthen rural infrastructure to support faster agricultural development, promote value addition, accelerate the growth of agro business, create employment in rural areas, secure a fair standard of living for the farmers and agricultural workers and their families, discourage migration to urban areas and face the challenges arising out of economic liberalization and globalisation. Over the next two decades, it aims to attain: The salient features of the new agricultural policy are: Over 4 per cent annual growth rate aimed over next two decades.. Greater private sector participation through contract farming. Price protection for farmers. National agricultural insurance scheme to be launched. Dismantling of restrictions on movement of agricultural commodities throughout the country. Rational utilisation of countrys water resources for optimum use of irrigation potential. High priority to development of animal husbandry, poultry, dairy and aquaculture. Capital inflow and assured markets for crop production. Exemption from payment of capital gains tax on compulsory acquisition of agricultural land. Minimise fluctuations in commodity prices. Continuous monitoring of international prices. Plant varieties to be protected through a legislation. Adequate and timely supply of quality inputs to farmers. High priority to rural electrification. Setting up of agro-processing units and creation of off-farm employment in rural areas. Sustainable Agriculture The policy will seek to promote technically sound, economically viable, environmentally non-degrading, and socially acceptable use of countrys natural resources land, water and genetic endowment to promote sustainable development of agriculture. Measures will be taken to contain biotic pressures on land and to control indiscriminate diversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes. The unutilized wastelands will be put to use for agriculture and afforestation. Particular attention will be given for increasing cropping intensity through multiple-cropping and inter-cropping. Rational utilization and conservation of the countrys abundant water resources will be promoted. Conjunctive use of surface and ground water will receive highest priority. Special attention will be focused on water quality and the problem of receding ground-water levels in certain areas as a result of over-exploitation of underground aquifers. Proper on-farm management of water resources for the optimum use of irrigation potential will be promoted. Erosion and narrowing of the base of Indias plant and animal genetic resources in the last few decades has been affecting the food security of the country. Survey and evaluation of genetic resources and safe conservation of both indigenous and exogenously introduced genetic variability in crop plants, animals and their wild relatives will receive particular attention. The use of bio-technologies will be promoted for evolving plants which consume less water, are drought resistant, pest resistant, contain more nutrition, give higher yields and are environmentally safe. Conservation of bio-resources through their ex situ preservation in Gene Banks, as also in situ conservation in their natural habitats through bio-diversity parks, etc., will receive a high priority to prevent their extinction. Specific measures will also be taken to conserve indigenous breeds facing extinction. There will be a time bound programme to list, catalogue and classify countrys vast agro bio-diversity. Sensitization of the farming community with the environmental concerns will receive high priority. Balanced and conjunctive use of bio-mass, organic and inorganic fertilizers and controlled use of agro chemicals through integrated nutrients and pest management (INM IPM) will be promoted to achieve the sustainable increases in agricultural production. A nation-wide programme for utilization of rural and urban garbage, farm residues and organic waste for organic matter repletion and pollution control will be worked out. Agro-forestry and social forestry are prime requisites for maintenance of ecological balance and augmentation of bio-mass production in agricultural systems. Agro-forestry will receive a major thrust for efficient nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, organic matter addition and for improving drainage. Farmers will be encouraged to take up farm/agro-forestry for higher income generation by evolving technology, extension and credit support packages and removing constraints to development of agro and farm forestry. Involvement of farmers and landless labourers will be sought in the development of pastures/forestry programmes on public wastelands by giving financial incentives and entitlements to the usufructs of trees and pastures. The history and traditional knowledge of agriculture, particularly of tribal communities, relating to organic farming and preservation and processing of food for nutritional and medicinal purposes is one of the oldest in the world. Concerted efforts will be made to pool, distil and evaluate traditional practices, knowledge and wisdom and to harness them for sustainable agricultural growth. Food and Nutritional Security Special efforts will be made to raise the productivity and production of crops to meet the increasing demand for food generated by unabated demographic pressures and raw materials for expanding agro-based industries. A regionally differentiated strategy will be pursued, taking into account the agronomic, climatic and environmental conditions to realize the full growth potential of every region. Special attention will be given to development of new crop varieties, particularly of food crops, with higher nutritional value through adoption of bio-technology particularly genetic modification, while addressing bio-safety concerns. A major thrust will be given to development of rainfed and irrigated horticulture, floriculture, roots and tubers, plantation crops, aromatic and medicinal plants, bee-keeping and sericulture, for augmenting food supply, exports and generating employment in rural areas. Availability of hybrid seeds and disease-free planting materials of improved varieties, supported by a network of regional nurseries, tissue culture laboratories, seed farms will be promoted to support systematic development of horticulture having emphasis on increased production, post-harvest management, precision farming, bio-control of pests and quality regulation mechanism and exports. Animal husbandry and fisheries also generate wealth and employment in agriculture sector. Development of animal husbandry, poultry, dairying and aqua-culture will receive a high priority in the efforts for diversifying agriculture, increasing animal protein availability in the food basket and for generating exportable surpluses. A national livestock breeding strategy will be evolved to meet the requirements of milk, meat, egg and livestock products and to enhance the role of draught animals as a source of energy for farming operations and transport. Major thrust will be on genetic upgradation of indigenous/native cattle and buffaloes using proven semen and high quality pedigreed bulls and by expanding artificial insemination network to provide services at the farmers doorstep. Generation and dissemination of appropriate technologies in the field of animal production as also health care to enhance production and productivity levels will be given greater attention. Cultivation of fodder crops and fodder trees will be encouraged to meet the feed and fodder requirements and to improve animal nutrition and welfare. Priority will also be given to improve the processing, marketing and transport facilities, with emphasis on modernization of abattoirs, carcass utilization and value addition thereon. Since animal disease eradication and quarantine is critical to exports, animal health system will be strengthened and disease-free zones created. The involvement of cooperatives and private sector will be encouraged for development of animal husbandry, poultry and dairy. Incentives for livestock and fisheries production activities will be brought at par with incentives for crop production. An integrated approach to marine and inland fisheries, designed to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, will be adopted. Biotechnological application in the field of genetics and breeding, harmonal applications, immunology and disease control will receive particular attention for increased aquaculture production. Development of sustainable technologies for fin and shell fish culture as also pearl-culture, their yield optimization, harvest and post-harvest operations, mechanization of fishing boats, strengthening of infrastructure for production of fish seed, berthing and landing facilities for fishing vessels and development of marketing infrastructure will be accorded high priority. Deep sea fishing industry will be developed to take advantage of the vast potential of countrys exclusive economic zone. Generation and Transfer of Technology A very high priority will be accorded to evolving new location-specific and economically viable improved varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops, livestock species and aquaculture as also conservation and judicious use of germplasm and other bio-diversity resources. The regionalization of agricultural research, based on identified agro-climatic zones, will be accorded high priority. Application of frontier sciences like bio-technology, remote sensing technologies, pre and post-harvest technologies, energy saving technologies, technology for environmental protection through national research system as well as proprietary research will be encouraged. The endeavour will be to build a well organized, efficient and result-oriented agriculture research and education system to introduce technological change in Indian agriculture. Upgradation of agricultural education and its orientation towards uniformity in education standards, women empowerment, user-orientation, vocationalizati on and promotion of excellence will be the hallmark of the new policy.. The research and extension linkages will be strengthened to improve quality and effectiveness of research and extension system. The extension system will be broad-based and revitalized. Innovative and decentralized institutional changes will be introduced to make the extension system farmer-responsible and farmer-accountable. Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Farmers Organizations, Cooperatives, corporate sector and para-technicians in agricultural extension will be encouraged for organizing demand-driven production systems. Development of human resources through capacity building and skill upgradation of public extension functionaries and other extension functionaries will be accorded a high priority. The Government will endeavour to move towards a regime of financial sustainability of extension services through effecting in a phased manner, a more realistic cost recovery of extension services and inputs, while simultaneously safeguarding t he interests of the poor and the vulnerable groups. Mainstreaming gender concerns in agriculture will receive particular attention. Appropriate structural, functional and institutional measures will be initiated to empower women and build their capabilities and improve their access to inputs, technology and other farming resources. Inputs Management Adequate and timely supply of quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, bio-pesticides, agricultural machinery and credit at reasonable rates to farmers will be the endeavour of the Government. Soil testing and quality testing of fertilisers and seeds will be ensured and supply of spurious inputs will be checked. Balanced and optimum use of fertilizers will be promoted together with use of organic manures and bio-fertilizers to optimize the efficiency of nutrient use. Development, production and distribution of improved varieties of seeds and planting materials and strengthening and expansion of seed and plant certification system with private sector participation will receive a high priority. A National Seed Grid will be established to ensure supply of seeds especially to areas affected by natural calamities. The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) and State Farms Corporation of India (SFCI) will be restructured for efficient utilization of investment and manpower. Protection to plant varieties through a sui generis legislation, will be granted to encourage research and breeding of new varieties particularly in the private sector in line with Indias obligations under TRIPS Agreement. The farmers will, however, be allowed their traditional rights to save, use, exchange, share and sell their farm saved seeds except as branded seeds of protected varieties for commercial purpose. The interests of the researchers will also be safeguarded in carrying out research on proprietary varieties to develop new varieties. Integrated pest management and use of biotic agents in order to minimize the indiscriminate and injudicious use of chemical pesticides will be the cardinal principle covering plant protection. Selective and eco-friendly farm mechanization through appropriate technology will be promoted, with special reference to rainfed farming to reduce arduous work and to make agriculture efficient and competitive as also to increase crop productivity. Incentives for Agriculture The Government will endeavour to create a favourable economic environment for increasing capital formation and farmers own investments by removal of distortions in the incentive regime for agriculture, improving the terms of trade with manufacturing sectors and bringing about external and domestic market reforms backed by rationalization of domestic tax structure. It will seek to bestow on the agriculture sector in as many respects as possible benefits similar to those obtaining in the manufacturing sector, such as easy availability of credit and other inputs, and infrastructure facilities for development of agri-business industries and development of effective delivery systems and freed movement of agro produce. Consequent upon dismantling of Quantitative Restrictions on imports as per WTO Agreement on Agriculture, commodity-wise strategies and arrangements for protecting the grower from adverse impact of undue price fluctuations in world markets and for promoting exports will be formulated. Apart from price competition, other aspects of marketing such as quality, choice, health and bio-safety will be promoted. Exports of horticultural produce and marine products will receive particular emphasis. A two-fold long term strategy of diversification of agricultural produce and value addition enabling the production system to respond to external environment and creating export demand for the commodities produced in the country will be evolved with a view to providing the farmers incremental income from export earnings. A favourable economic environment and supportive public management system will be created for promotion of agricultural exports. Quarantine, both of exports and imports, will be giv en particular attention so that Indian agriculture is protected from the ingress of exotic pests and diseases. In order to protect the interest of farmers in context of removal of Quantitative Restrictions, continuous monitoring of international prices will be undertaken and appropriate tariffs protection will be provided. Import duties on manufactured commodities used in agriculture will be rationalized. The domestic agricultural market will be liberalized and all controls and regulations hindering increase in farmers income will be reviewed and abolished to ensure that agriculturists receive prices commensurate with their efforts, investment. Restrictions on the movement of agricultural commodities throughout the country will be progressively dismantled. The structure of taxes on foodgrains and other commercial crops will be reviewed and rationalized. Similarly, the excise duty on materials such as farm machinery and implements, fertilizers, etc., used as inputs in agricultural production, post harvest storage and processing will be reviewed. Appropriate measures will be adopted to ensure that agriculturists by and large remain outside the regulatory and tax collection systems. Farmers will be exempted from payment of capital gains tax on compulsory acquisition of agricultural land. Investments in Agriculture The agriculture sector has been starved of capital. There has been a decline in the public sector investment in the agriculture sector. Public investment for narrowing regional imbalances, accelerating development of supportive infrastructure for agriculture and rural development particularly rural connectivity will be stepped up. A time-bound strategy for rationalisation and transparent pricing of inputs will be formulated to encourage judicious input use and to generate resources for agriculture. Input subsidy reforms will be pursued as a combination of price and institutional reforms to cut down costs of these inputs for agriculture. Resource allocation regime will be reviewed with a view to rechannelizing the available resources from support measures towards assets formation in rural sector. A conducive climate will be created through a favourable price and trade regime to promote farmers own investments as also investments by industries producing inputs for agriculture and agro-based industries. Private sector investments in agriculture will also be encouraged more particularly in areas like agricultural research, human resource development, post-harvest management and marketing. Rural electrification will be given a high priority as the prime mover for agricultural development. The quality and availability of electricity supply will be improved and the demand of the agriculture sector will be met adequately in a reliable and cost effective manner. The use of new and renewable sources of energy for irrigation and other agricultural purposes will also be encouraged. Bridging the gap between irrigation potential created and utilized, completion of all on-going projects, restoration and modernization of irrigation infrastructure including drainage, evolving and implementing an integrated plan of augmentation and management of national water resources will receive special attention for augmenting the availability and use of irrigation water. Emphasis will be laid on development of marketing infrastructure and techniques of preservation, storage and transportation with a view to reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a better return to the grower. The weekly periodic markets under the direct control of Panchayat Raj institutions will be upgraded and strengthened. Direct marketing and pledge financing will be promoted. Producers markets on the lines of Ryatu Bazars will be encouraged throughout the width and breadth of the country. Storage facilities for different kinds of agricultural products will be created in the production areas or nearby places particularly in the rural areas so that the farmers can transport their produce to these places immediately after harvest in shortest possible time. The establishment of cold chains, provision of pre-cooling facilities to farmers as a service and cold storage in the terminal markets and improving the retail marketing arrangements in urban areas, will be given priority. Upgr adation and dissemination of market intelligence will receive particular attention. Setting up of agro-processing units in the producing areas to reduce wastage, especially of horticultural produce, increased value addition and creation of off-farm employment in rural areas will be encouraged. Collaboration between the producer cooperatives and the corporate sector will be encouraged to promote agro-processing industry. An interactive coupling between technology, economy, environment and society will be promoted for speedy development of food and agro-processing industries and building up a substantial base for production of value added agro-products for domestic and export markets with a strong emphasis on food safety and quality. The Small Farmers Agro Business Consortium (SFAC) will be energized to cater to the needs of farmer entrepreneurs and promote public and private investments in agri-business. Institutional Structure Indian agriculture is characterized by pre-dominance of small and marginal farmers. Institutional reforms will be so pursued as to channelize their energies for achieving greater productivity and production. The approach to rural development and land reforms will focus on the following areas: Consolidation of holdings all over the country on the pattern of north-western States; Redistribution of ceiling surplus lands and waste lands among the landless farmers, unemployed youth with initial start-up capital; Tenancy reforms to recognize the rights of the tenants and share croppers; Development of lease markets for increasing the size of holdings by making legal provisions for giving private lands on lease for cultivation and agri-business; Updating and improvement of land records, computerization and issue of land pass-books to the farmers, and Recognition of womens rights in land. The rural poor will be increasingly involved in the implementation of land reforms with the help of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Voluntary Groups, Social Activists and Community Leaders. Private sector participation will be promoted through contract farming and land leasing arrangements to allow accelerated technology transfer, capital inflow and assured markets for crop production, especially of oilseeds, cotton and horticultural crops. Progressive institutionalization of rural and farm credit will be continued for providing timely and adequate credit to farmers. The rural credit institutions will be geared to promote savings, investments and risk management. Particular attention will be paid to removal of distortions in the priority sector lending by commercial banks for agriculture and rural sectors. Special measures will be taken for revamping of cooperatives to remove institutional and financial weaknesses and evolving simplified procedure for sanction and disbursement of agriculture credit. The endeavour will be to ensure distribution equity in the disbursement of credit. Micro-credit will be promoted as an effective tool for alleviating poverty. Self Help Group Bank linkage system, suited to Indian rural sector, will be developed as a supplementary mechanism for bringing the rural poor

Bioethics: Roman Catholicism vs Buddhism

Roman Catholicism and Buddhism are two very different religions. They vary greatly on many aspects of contemporary life issues, such as the environment, personal health and violence. The following essay will contain similarities and differences between Roman Catholicism and Buddhism, focusing on the contemporary issue of Bioethics. The ideas debated will include views on abortion, in vitro fertilization, organ transplantation, euthanasia, contraception and cloning. The Collins Australian Dictionary definition of Bioethics is the study of ethical problems arising from biological research and its applications. Roman Catholicism and Buddhism both have similar views about Abortion. The definition of Abortion reads as an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the foetus is viable. The Roman Catholic view about abortion is that it is gravely evil at all times. James 2:26 states that the body without the spirit is dead. Since from the moment of conception the human body starts to develop, it is considered to be alive and to then have spirit. This view also ties in with the fifth commandment, Thou Shalt Not Kill. In Buddhism, there is no actual rule on Abortion, but many view it as wrong. Buddhists believe that life should not be destroyed, and believe that causing death is wrong if the death is caused purposely or through carelessness. Traditional Buddhists disapprove of abortion due to the fact that it is deliberately destroying a life. Buddhists also believe that life starts at conception. Some less traditional Buddhists believe that abortion should be permissible if the child is to be severely handicapped as to cause suffering when they are born. The Dalai Lama stated in 1993 stated that abortion, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of killing and is negative, generally speaking. But it depends on the circumstances. He then went on to mention the child being born handicapped or the birth putting the parents into serious problems, that the pregnancy should be stopped. The first of the eight precepts of Buddhism states that the Buddhist will abstain from being harmful to living beings. Hence, to have an abortion is breaking the 8 Precepts of Buddhism, just as it is violating the Ten Commandments in Christianity. Euthanasia is the act of killing someone painlessly, especially to relieve suffering from an incurable illness. Roman Catholics and Buddhists generally have the same view on the way euthanasia is approached in everyday life. Roman Catholics mostly believe that euthanasia is wrong. They mostly base their arguments around the teachings that life is given by God, and that the natural process of death should not be interfered with. Roman Catholics are taught to believe that all life is sacred and that life should be valued no matter to which level of pleasure and well-being the person living such a life is receiving. This means that no person should be purposefully killed, even if they wish to be euthanized. This conclusion can be supported once again with the fifth commandment, Thou Shalt Not Kill. In Buddhist tradition, there is no final answer as to whether euthanasia is morally correct or not, however most Buddhists are against involuntary euthanasia. Their views on voluntary euthanasia are less clear. Most Buddhists are against voluntary euthanasia, as it depicts that the person who is suffering is not at a peaceful state of mind and has let their physical suffering affect their mental state. A problem regarding Buddhism and euthanasia is the factor of reincarnation. In their current form, Buddhists are unaware of what their next life will bring. This means that if Buddhists were to permit euthanasia, it would be practically wrong because it would be shortening ones suffering in this life to be born into a life that could possibly be even worse. Another reason why euthanasia is an issue is because the way that a Buddhist ends one life greatly affects the way they are to start the next. Buddhists are meant to reach a state where their thoughts are free of anger hatred or fear, and should be selfless and enlightened. Voluntary euthanasia is only permitted for those who have reached such a state, and should be avoided by anybody who has not yet reached a sense of enlightenment. The practice of euthanasia is also breaking the first of the 8 precepts of Buddhism, which is abstaining from being harmful to living beings. Consequently, euthanasia is a similarity between Roman Catholicism and Buddhism, because, though at varying degrees of severity, both religions generally disagree with euthanizing a human being. Contraception is another bioethical field in which Roman Catholicism and Buddhism share common grounds. Contraception refers to the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural methods. Roman Catholics and Buddhists both accept and reject the use of certain types of contraceptives and the ways that they prevent conception. In the Roman Catholic Church, all uses of contraception other than family planning are looked upon sourly. (Note that the Roman Catholic Church teaches its followers that sexual intercourse should only be present between man and woman who are married to each other to begin with, and so the following views on contraceptives should be viewed in the position of man and wife. The Roman Catholic Church believes that intercourse is an act that was created for couples to procreate, and so any method which prevents such chances is considered to be immoral. If couples wish to engage in intercourse and not conceive a child, they are to do so naturally, in the period that a woman is infertile, that is, the time when a woman isn’t ovulating. As said in Genesis 1:28, man was specially made by God to be fruitful and multiply. This basically says that man was engineered by God to procreate; hence forth contraceptives are directly doing the opposite of what man was created to do. Though, the Roman Catholic Church does not directly condemn contraceptives in themselves, but the use of them to prevent conception. For example, if a woman who is not in a sexual relationship is to use the pill to regulate her cycle it is not wrong in one bit. Buddhism permits the use of contraceptives if that particular method prevents contraception, however it is not acceptable is that certain type of contraception works by stopping the development of a fertilized egg. Buddhists believe that life begins, or a form of consciousness is created as soon as an egg is fertilized. As the Buddhist religion believes that no living being should be harmed, many types of contraceptives are unacceptable, such as the IUD. However, using contraceptives is not against the religion. Although the Buddhist teachings do not condemn intercourse with no desire for conception, the Third Precept teaches that Buddhists will abstain from all sexual practices that are inconvenient. This says that Buddhists seeking enlightenment should not use contraceptives for one’s sexual pleasure. Unlike Roman Catholicism, the Buddhist religion does not regard having children as a religious duty, but the two religions meet in their views on how certain types of contraceptives are acceptable and others are not, with the Roman Catholic views being more strict rather than the more lenient Buddhist views. Though Roman Catholicism and Buddhism can have very similar views on different aspects of Bioethics, the two religions also have very differing viewpoints on other aspects on the issue. One area of Bioethics in which Roman Catholicism and Buddhism do not meet on is the idea of Organ Donation. Organ donation is the act of giving up one’s organs to help others in need of such organs to live. Roman Catholicism encourages organ donation, and it is seen as an act of charity, fraternal love and self-sacrifice. Roman Catholics believe that it is a Christian duty to help others, and so organ donation is praised as it is giving other a chance of life that they may have otherwise not of been given. Pope John Paul 11 spoke of organ donation and stated that there is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing†¦ A particularly praiseworthy example of such gestures is the donation of organs†¦ offering a chance of health and even of life itself to the sick that sometimes have no other hope. The Current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, is a registered organ and tissue donor. The Buddhist faith teaches that organ donation is neither right nor wrong, and it is more of a personal decision rather than a Church teaching whether to donate organs or not. In some instances, organ donation is seen as an act of charity. Many Buddhists, Tibetan Buddhists in particular, have concerns about organ donation due to their beliefs of when consciousness leaves the body. Because donation from a deceased body has to occur immediately after the person dies. Tibetan Buddhists worry that the human body will be tampered with before the consciousness leaves the body. This is a worry to them because they believe that if the body is touched before consciousness leaves, it could potentially cause harm to the deceased’s future lives. As it can be seen from the above two examples, the Roman Catholic and Buddhists religions have differing views on organ donation, as Roman Catholicism is all for the issue and certain fields of Buddhism have a few more concerns about the matter. Cloning is an area of bioethics in which Roman Catholicism and Buddhist views differ greatly. A clone is a segment of DNA that has been isolated and replicated by laboratory manipulation. Cloning has achieved great scientific feat in previous years, with the successful cloning of dolly the sheep in 1996. There are no teachings in Roman Catholicism that directly state negative views on cloning as it has only been a matter in the past few decades, but there are principles in scripture that reveal opinions on such matters. In an excerpt from Genesis 1:26-27, it is revealed that God said, ‘and now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us’†¦ So God created human beings, making them to be like himself† It is taught that all human beings are created in the image of God and are therefore unique, hence cloning contradicts this theory as it is indeed, creating an exact duplicate of another human being. Also, Roman Catholicism teaches their followers that life is sacred and it should not be treated as an inanimate and worthless object, due to the fact that cloning causes scientists to experiment with human cells and embryos as if they have to spiritual value. Pope John Paul II stated in a speech to Vatican-based diplomats that one’s right to life is the most fundamental of human rights. Abortion, euthanasia, [and] human cloning . . . risk reducing the human person to a mere object. Buddhist belief with the matter is significantly on the other end of the scale. Buddhists do not have such a concept of individuality between each other, so Buddhist scholars don’t necessarily feel that there is any relevance in the way a child is born, rather than Roman Catholicism. The religion of Buddhism teaches that the earth is a place of suffering in which sickness, old age and death are unavoidable. Buddhism also teaches that to be healed from such a place is to reach a state of enlightenment. Some Buddhists believe that reproductive cloning can even help people reach such a state due to the fact that one can possible select certain attributes, such as selectively breeding people with advanced moral qualities. Professor Yong Moon from Seoul National University stated that Cloning is a different way of thinking about the recycling of life. It’s a Buddhist way of thinking. As the above examples show, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism have greatly differing views on the concept of cloning. Since it was first used in 1978, In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, has caused significant amounts of controversy between many of the world’s religions and cultures. IVF is a technique enabling some women who are unable to conceive to bear children, in which egg cells removed from a woman’s ovary are fertilized by sperm in vitro. Some of these eggs are then incubated until the blastocyst stage, which are then implanted into the woman’s uterus. The Roman Catholic church condemns IVF births as children are meant to be conceived though natural means, that is, sexual intercourse between man and wife. It is also due to the fact that children are meant to be created through man, woman and God, rather than man, woman and doctor. Another reason why Roman Catholicism disagrees with IVF is because of the way that the sperm from the male is produced – masturbation. Such acts are looked on dishonourably by the Roman Catholic faith. An excerpt from CCC2352 states that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action. The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose. Roman Catholics also believe that a life is created the moment a child is conceived, and that every blastocyst deserves the right to life. IVF contradicts this as for most IVF procedures, the woman will produce many eggs, and only a select few will be implanted into her uterus, leaving many to be either washed down a sink or kept for medical research. The Roman Catholic Church does not agree with stem cell research on embryos for the reason that these embryos will inevitably die. There is little information on Buddhist belief and IVF, but it is known that Buddhism presents greatly opposing beliefs on IVF. They believe that every human has been closely connected with another and one time or another, due to the belief of previous lives. Also, Buddhists believe that any person involved in the creation of a child has a karmic connection. A karmic connection is a sense that one feels instantly comfortable and familiar with another, as in the relationship between mother and child. In a â€Å"regular† pregnancy, this connection is felt between the mother, father and child. However, in a pregnancy which was a result of IVF, the connection is evident between the mother, father, child and doctor, as they all played a role in the creation of the life. To sum up, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism have greatly differing views on whether or not IVF should or should not be used when trying to conceive a child. In conclusion, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism share common grounds on many Bioethical issues, yet their views and beliefs can also differ greatly. Buddhism tends to accept bioethical issues that do not affect the life and death process of the human person, such as contraception, cloning and IVF. The Roman Catholic Church disagrees with forms of Bioethics that prevent, end or create life in an unnatural manner, such as euthanasia, abortion and cloning. The Roman Catholic Church has more set in rules and restrictions, rather than Buddhism in which many bioethical issues are left to the individual person to decide whether they are right choice to make or not. References http://www.jfinternational.com/psy/karmic-connections.html http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2352.htm http://www.gotquestions.org/birth-control.html http://www.gotquestions.org/cloning-Christian.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/organdonation.shtml http://www.bioethics.org.au/Resources/Resource%20Topics/Cloning.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/contraception.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/contraception_1.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/euthanasiasuicide.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/euthanasia_1.shtml

Critical Thinking and Ethics Essay

What is the relationship between ethics and critical thinking? Critical thinking and ethics are used in everyday life. I think it best that we define the two terms before we get deep into the discussion. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says ethics is â€Å"the discipline dealing with what are good and bad with moral duty and obligation† and Dictionary Reference say critical thinking is â€Å"disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence†. These could both be further defined by saying they are the ability to make good or bad choices and the act of thoroughly thinking through a decision. Critical thinking and ethics decisions are life skills. Critical Thinking There are six levels in the critical thinking process. They are remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. The majority of people use the first four levels in day to day life. The final two levels are probably used in more complex problems and more time will be required in devotion to applying these steps. Critical thinking is used in our day to day lives. We make multiple decisions in a day’s time. Some of these decisions are routine and some require more effort and time. We learn to evaluate things at a young age and most likely pick up most of our problem solving skills from our parents. When you hear the term â€Å"critical thinking† your first thought may be negative but critical thinking should not be thought of as â€Å"being critical† but rather â€Å"think critically†. During our life there will be times when we need to make decisions that can be life altering. A few examples might be buying a new car, choosing courses at your university, or deciding between a two jobs. Everyone can relate to the stress of buying a new car. This is a decision that could  affect you for the next five years and it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. My decision to buy the car may have a different outcome if I start the process with questions as opposed to making a emotional purchase. Those questions might look something like this, â€Å"What type of car do I want?†, â€Å"What amount of payment can I afford?†, and â€Å"What is the best car make?†. All of these questions will determine the outcome. Answering all these questions will allow me to make an informed decision. Ethics We stated earlier that ethics deals with knowing what is right or wrong. We do the right thing because it is the law, because it is what we were taught, or because we listen to our inner voice. I used a personal evaluation tool earlier this week called the ethical inventory list. This was an activity to help me better understand the values that influence my decisions. This tool produced some shocking results which I was surprised to see. My preferred ethical lens was Reputation. I do care what people think and this has motivated me to excel in all things I do. My blind spot was revealed during this exercise and was identified as â€Å"unrealistic role expectation†. I had to read the definition twice to fully understand it and I still need to do more research. In short, I put too much value in the role (position) a person holds and that can cause you to forget that people make mistakes. My father was a law enforcement officer. I was taught what was right and wrong at a young ag e. My father took this to the extreme at times because he saw more bad than good while assuming his daily duties. I have always been known as the guy that will make the right choice even if that choice is the hard choice. Ethics apply to the professional world and well as the social sector. I work for a large heavy equipment manufacture. Ethics is one of our core values. The company makes ethical choices that affect the entire world. A few examples are promoting safety, recycling, emissions, and renewable resources. Do these topics cross your mind when you think of the largest heavy equipment manufacturers in the world? They may not but it is the professional right, the ethically right thing to do. When I first started working for the company I was surprised at how much emphasis was placed on safety. They require wearing PPE (personal protection equipment) and have mandatory monthly safety training. The company recycles everything. They recycle all metal products, cardboard, plastics, wood, and  even personal trash has to be sorted. Professional companies maintain high ethical standards because it is the right thing to do for their employees and customers. Social ethics is doing what is right for the people around you. When I think of social ethics a couple things come to mind. First is the â€Å"adopt a highway† sign that you see along the roadway when you drive home. Groups of people come together for no apparent reason besides keep the world a cleaner place. Is this the right thing to do? Sure it is. Another example is the groups of people that come together at public parks to do maintenance and clean-up work. Chances are they do not live in the neighborhood, nor do they have children that play there. Why do people strangers come together sacrificing their free time to volunteer for activities like these? There is one answer. They are the ethically right thing to do. Conclusion Ethics are a vital part of survival but we need to be reminded ourselves that ethics change as the world changes. Things that used to be considered in a negative manner is now accepted by society. However, we still need ethical decisions in order for us to thrive as a community, a society, and a civilization. References Ethics [Def. 1]. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster Online. In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethics Critical Thinking [Def. 2]. (n.d.). Dictionary Reference Online. In Dictionary Reference Online. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from dictionary.reference.com/browse/critical+thinking

Twelve Monkeys and La Jetee Comparison. essays

Twelve Monkeys and La Jetee Comparison. essays I believe that Twelve Monkeys and La Jete both approach memory in the same way. However, they do differ in certain aspects. The main theme of Twelve Monkeys is based on La Jete, so the core of the film is obviously going to remain the same, or at least close to it. Both films take place in the future, and deal with how the scientists of the dying human race are trying to get a person to time travel and save the future. The main characters in both films are nearly identical in terms of the memory they use to hold on to their reality (The man being shot and the womans beautiful face.) Although the memories are virtually the same, there is one large difference in their recollection. In Twelve Monkeys, Coles memory changes throughout the film. After his first trip to the past, he imagines Jeffrey Goines as the man with the red hair at the airport. He is convinced that Goines released the virus, so his memory changes to accommodate his belief. In La Jete, the main characters memory nev er changes. This hints that the characters differ in terms of imagination and comprehension of facts. The movies are also different in terms of how they handle traveling into the past. The main character in La Jete always knows his time. He never has a doubt that his place is in the lab with the scientists. In Twelve Monkeys, Cole gets addicted to the past. The boundaries between the different realities begin to blur and Cole eventually gets confused as to which time is the proper time. At one point in the movie when he is in the past, he tells Dr. Railly that he knows that he is crazy and she has been right the whole time. Luckily, she is already convinced that he was telling the truth and he is from the future, so she gets him back to reality. I believe that in Twelve Monkeys, Cole is made to appear weaker and more human so viewers have an easier time relating to the character. La...

A Collection of the Best Thanksgiving Quotes

A Collection of the Best Thanksgiving Quotes Ah, the cherished holiday of Thanksgiving. There are no gifts to buy ahead of time, except maybe a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers for the hosts on your way to your family celebration. You just gather, eat your favorite dishes that remind you of Grandma, enjoy each others company for the day, and then take leftovers home. Then as you heat them up in the microwave the next day (or in the middle of the night after heading out for doorbuster deals with your besties, also a tradition), you are thankful again. To prep for your celebration or as a reflection on the day and its meaning before shopping season overtakes us all, here are several lists of famous humorous and inspirational sayings about being grateful and humorous quips about this, the tastiest of holidays. As William Shakespeare wrote, Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast. On God and Heaven G.A. Johnston Ross If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. Jeremy Taylor God is pleased with no music from below so much as with the thanksgiving songs of relieved widows and supported orphans; of rejoicing, comforted, and thankful persons. Robert Casper Lintner Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness. Izaak Walton God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart. John Baillie The very fact that a man is thankful implies someone to be thankful to. Johannes A. Gaertner To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. Garrison Keillor Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. On Gratitude and Giving Thanks Frank A. Clark If a fellow isnt thankful for what hes got, he isnt likely to be thankful for what hes going to get. Konrad von Gesner Best of all is it to preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a  thanksgiving, and for every breath a song. Brother David Steindl-Rast Love wholeheartedly, be surprised,  give thanks  and praise†¦then you will discover the fullness of your life. Estonian Proverb Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. Melody Beattie   Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. W.J. Cameron   Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. Gerald Good If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily. Eugene Cloutier To know the value of generosity, it is necessary to have suffered from the cold indifference of others. Willie Nelson   When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. William Ward   Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. Charles E. Jefferson Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies. Donald Curtis   It is impossible to be negative while we are giving thanks. E.J. Conrad One distinguishing mark of an unregenerate man is ingratitude. Henry Clay Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe If we meet someone who owes us thanks, we right away remember that. But how often do we meet someone to whom we owe thanks without remembering that? W.T. Purkiser Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. Charles Spurgeon Before you go out into the world, wash your face in the clear crystal of praise. Bury each yesterday in the fine linen and spices of thankfulness. Elbert Hubbard I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate. Seneca Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. Phillips Brooks Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in. E.P. Powell Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. Victor Hugo To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do. Frederick Keonig We tend to forget that happiness doesnt come as a result of getting something we dont have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Albert Pine What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. Charles Haddon Spurgeon You say, If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied. You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. On Food and Humor Margaret Junkin Preston But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin pie! Irv Kupcine An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. Arnold Schwarzenegger I love Thanksgiving turkey...its the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts. Kevin James Thanksgiving, man! Not a good day to be my pants. Erma Bombeck Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-times take 12 minutes. This is not a coincidence. Rita Rudner My mother is such a lousy cook that  Thanksgiving  at her house is a time of sorrow. Jon Stewart I celebrated Thanksgiving the old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land. History Samuel Adams, First Official Thanksgiving Proclamation It is therefore recommended...to set apart Thursday the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor. H.U. Westermayer The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. Alexander Pope Our rural ancestors, with little blest, Patient of  labour  when the end was rest, Indulged the day that housed their annual grain, With feasts, and  offrings, and a thankful strain. Ellen Orleans I have strong doubts that the first Thanksgiving even remotely resembled the history I was told in second grade. But considering that [when it comes to holidays] mainstream Americas traditions tend to be overeating, shopping, or getting drunk, I suppose its a miracle that the concept of giving thanks even surfaces at all.

Farley Mowat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Farley Mowat - Essay Example After the war ended, he was sent by the Canadian government to the Canadian Arctic where he got a chance to study the wolves closely. This experience had a significant impact on him as it drew him close to nature and prompted him to write most of his earlier works like ‘People of the Deer’ in 1952, ‘Lost in the Barrens’ in 1956 and ‘Never Cry Wolf’ in 1963 (Famous Canadians). It was during this stay that Mowat witnessed the unfair treatment of the Inuit and abuse of the environment. This encouraged him to become a strong protagonist of the Inuit rights and the protection of the environment. Mowat’s writings finally caught attention of the Canadian government and they began to recognize the rights of Inuit and started to provide them with basic facilities which they were previously denied (Orange). Mowat’s writings have been subject to criticism about whether they are based on fact or fiction. Despite this criticism, He has written more than thirty books and most of them have been rightly honored. Canadian literature owes a lot to his writings. He has taken nature writing and children’s literature to new heights His stories provide food for thought to the younger generation, providing them information on important topics like conservation of the environment and hence brings them close to nature.

Report The impact of development management in Scotland Essay

Report The impact of development management in Scotland - Essay Example The needs of communities worldwide have been radically increased the last decades – the increase of the number of their population and the changes in the patterns/ style of life are considered to be the major reasons for the above outcome. The government in Scotland has produced the Planning Act 2006 aiming to support the spatial planning and development across the particular region – among other benefits also achieved through this legal text; in the above Act a new term, the development management, is introduced; this term replaces the previously used term ‘development control’; the aspects of development management are examined in this paper focusing on the value of this concept on the spatial planning process. The case of Local Development plan produced by the Aberdeenshire Council is used as an example to highlight the value of development management as an effective framework for creating effective spatial plans. The concept of development management has been introduced in order to respond to the increased needs for effective spatial development. In the past, the progress of spatial planning has been monitored using various policies taking into consideration the characteristics and the needs of each community; spatial development emphasizes on the integration of the relevant activities, i.e. the simultaneous development of various planning initiatives so that the improvement of the spatial structure of a specific region to be guaranteed. In this way, development management can lead to the increase of the effectiveness of the governmental policies in relation to the spatial development and control; the improvement of the relationship between the government and the local communities is then expected to follow. In order to understand the value of development management – especially in comparison to previous concepts, like the development control – it is necessary to refer