The Social Determinants Of Health Insurance And Quality...

Healthcare inequality mainly revolves around the disparity in the quality of health and health services among different population groups in the society. It touches on the accessibility of health insurance and thus the accessibility of quality healthcare services among the different population groups. There disparities in the access to quality healthcare among the different races and ethnicities, social classes and between the two genders. These disparities are mainly influenced by and are reflective of the differences in access to health insurance among these population groups. These disparities ultimately lead to similar disparities in healthcare services access, health outcomes and the presence of disease among these different population groups. There are several factors that influence access to health insurance and quality health services, referred to as determinants of health among the populations. There are cultural, environmental social and economic determinants to health whic h create an unfair playing ground for the different population groups in American society. This paper examines the social determinants to health, the extent to which they affect access to health insurance and quality healthcare and ways in which they can be reversed to enable equal access to health insurance and health care services among these populations. The issue of disparities in access to health insurance and by extension access to quality healthcare services is important because it affectsShow MoreRelatedThe Social Determinants Of Infant Mortality And Birth Outcomes725 Words   |  3 Pagespeople work, play, grow, live that affect wide range of health and quality of life. The determinants like socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, social capital, behavioral factors (e.g., tobacco use, maternal smoking), biological and psychosocial factors (e.g., family and peer social support) which greatly affects the inequalities among minorities in infant mortality and birth outcomes ( Kim, 2013). In order to understand the social determinants impacting infant mortality and birth outcomes, it isRead MoreHealth Disparities And Health Care895 Words   |  4 Pagesethnic health needs, including culture norms, religious mandates, and health disparities. The health disparities refers to specific differences in disease incidence, health outcomes, quality of health care and access to health care services that exist across racial and ethnic groups (Mandal, 2014). Disparities may result from inadequate access to care, poor quality of care, cultural issues and social determinants. 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Discuss how these relate to the following topics we discussed in class: the structure of a healthcare system, the basics of health insurance, health delivery models, health system performance, and health inequities. Some of the major issues that face the United States health care system today are cost containment, access, and the quality of the health care system. All of these are equally important. For example, if we increased the quality of good services, it wouldRead MoreThe Social Determinants Of Health1194 Words   |  5 Pageswatching television, reading or watching over her six cats. Social Determinants of Health are conditions such as living conditions or environments one has experienced while living their life and how that affects one’s health (Mikkonen, J., Raphael, D., 2010). In this case study of Norma James presented above, the three Social Determinants of Health (DOH) relevant to this case study are Income and Income Distribution, Health Services and Social Safety Net. The following of the paper will discuss theRead MoreMajor Social Determinants Of Health1673 Words   |  7 Pagesstep-mother as they live in a neighbourhood nearby. The health and well-being of the Johnson family has to do with economic and social conditions known as social determinants of health (Kozier et al., 2014, p. 132-133). This paper will discuss three major social determinants of health that has affected the Johnson family which includes stress, and illness; employment and working conditions, and Health Services. The first social determinant of health that the Johnson family had to face was â€Å"stress, andRead MoreHealth Issues Of Health Care1694 Words   |  7 Pages Health Issue: Access to Health Services The advancement of medical technology and knowledge has extended human lifetimes and increased the quality of life. 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Television Critics Reality Tv - 854 Words

Based off of watching two episodes of â€Å"Are you the one?† aired on MTV as a reality TV show that matches up ten girls and ten guys to find â€Å"true love† and the chance to win one million dollars. It aired Monday night October 6, 2014 at 10 pm was the first episode of season 2 and then I watched an episode from season 1 episode 6 online, at MTV.com. â€Å"Are you the one?† supports Russell, 2013 argument indicating that reality TV bases society off of sexual, stimulating, exciting, shocking or surprising display of affection to win money in return; which, is basically what this show identifies and the ending goal is. Based off of the definitions in this argument â€Å"Television critics say reality TV is indicative of a society enamored with voyeurism, titillation, spectacle, and conspicuous consumption (see Index of Russell, 2013)† The contestants on this show use love or â€Å"enamored† meaning to be captivated or filled with love as an en d result of what they are looking for. When joining the show they agree to live with 20 other strangers in exchange to live in San Juan, Puerto Rico in a mansion right off the beach. For many, this is a dream come true, finding love in paradise with money in exchange. This only happens if they can find everybody’s â€Å"perfect† match. At the end of each episode one girl and one guy go into the truth booth to see if they match up or not. If they are a match the couple goes off to the â€Å"honey moon suite† where they can then try and make this a realShow MoreRelatedThe Reality of Reality Television1699 Words   |  7 PagesThe Reality of Reality Television Jacqueline Knudsen ENG122: English Composition II Jenna Fussell February 2, 2013 The Reality of Reality Television Have you ever set there watching your favorite reality television show and wondered what effects it could have on you, your family or your friends? Truth is most people do not think about the effects television shows can have before watching them or allowing their children to watch them. ThisRead MoreDiscuss The Article ‘Reinforcing The Myth: Constructing1546 Words   |  7 PagesAustralian identity in â€Å"reality TV† ’. The main contention in Price Erma’s article ‘ Reinforcing the myth: Constructing Australian identity in â€Å"reality TV† ’ which published online on May 2010, is to portray the myth of Australian identity shows in TV that there is a balance to measure how much is true, how much is false. Erma leads the reader to understand that the myth is against ‘reality TV’ because there always has tension between ideas of credibility and performance even TV shows are based on ‘real’Read MoreReason why People Watch Reality TV Shows1283 Words   |  6 Pagesaddicted to watching their favorite shows on TV? Have you ever wondered why reality TV is so popular? 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Reality TV shows such as Love and Hip Hop and Basketball Wives, for example, has a huge affect on black guys and girls alike, especially black females because within these TV shows, the people on thereRead MoreTelevision And Young Women s Western Society1587 Words   |  7 PagesTelevision and Young Women in Western Society Reality television is considered to be essentially unscripted and unfiltered television programs where people showcase themselves depicting their real lives, the good, the bad and the ugly. Reality TV shows like â€Å"The Real Housewives† or â€Å"The Kardashians† exploit the lives of wealthy high-class people who portray drama, fortune and materialistic things. Since the beginning of the reality show phenomenon critics have been debating that reality televisionRead MoreHere Comes Honey Boo Boo Evaluation1130 Words   |  5 PagesHere Comes Honey Boo Boo Reality television has become one of the most common forms of entertainment in the American household since the early 2000’s. From â€Å"The Bachelor† to â€Å"Jersey Shore†, no plot seems too racy or inappropriate for audiences of all ages. Recently, however, TLC aired their newest reality TV show, â€Å"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo† that is thought to be one of the most controversial reality TV series of all time. The show encompasses the lives of a small-town, southern Georgian family whoRead MoreTelevision Can Accomplish Education Through TV Essay examples1147 Words   |  5 PagesTelevision Can Accomplish Education Through TV Problems with kids and television have existed since the invention of this media instrument. For example, parents are concerned with the number of hours children spend in front of the television, as well as the amount of violence represented in different programs. Most important, parents are speculating as to what educational value TV actually has. People have always wondered about effects television could have on individuals. By the late 1980Read More Reality TV Essay1074 Words   |  5 Pages Reality TV: The Rise of a New Show â€Å"The Contender† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;One of the newest shows to hit the vast majority of reality TV shows that already exist is The Contender. The Contender is a show that focuses on all the hardships, training, pain, and dilemmas that a boxer, who is preparing to fight, must endure. The Contender will be a very successful show, because it has the attributes of raw emotion that can’t be found when a director is yelling ‘action,’ and ‘cut.’ By raw emotionRead MoreLiving Out the Reality of Others?1478 Words   |  6 Pagestoday’s reality TV shows. 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Critics and bloggers heavily criticize the negative teachings of Reality TV and indirectly force viewers

Baroque period examples Free Essays

Rich in deep colour and intense contrast of shadows, 17th century Baroque paintings tended to show the most dramatic and culminating moments of a scene, whose simplicity and clarity was supposed to appeal to the viewer’s senses rather than mind. Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ (1602) represents Judas’ treacherous kiss and the capture of Jesus Christ by soldiers. A contrast between defenseless Christ’s humility and the guards’ formidable armour and determination is intensified by the use of light and dark shadows, known as chiaroscuro and typical of Baroque painting. We will write a custom essay sample on Baroque period examples or any similar topic only for you Order Now The scene’s emotional intensity is emphasized by the horrified expression of St Mark fleeing out of the painting (Lubbock, 2007). Both Rubens’ Deposition (Lille’s version) and Rembrandt’s The Descent from the Cross (1633) represent Jesus’ dead body, the central figure, being lowered from the cross and surrounded by His lamenting followers. A similar contrast between light and dark, although to a different extent, is used to intensify the dramatic moment (Jones, 2004; Lussier). Caravaggio, Rubens, and Rembrandt produced their masterpieces at a time when the Roman Catholic Church was fighting against the spreading Protestant Reformation in Europe. Trying to strengthen its position and authority, the Church encouraged painting representing religious scenes which, along with preaching, could help inspire devotion and promote its official doctrine. Although various biblical scenes proliferated in art at that time, most artists also introduced their own features to the new artistic style. Caravaggio used models when depicting Christ and other biblical figures often introducing dirty reality in his works (Lubbock, 2007). Rubens was preoccupied in his paintings with the description of life as it was realistically depicting flesh of both living and dead naked human beings. The subject of death is one of his favourite themes (Jones, 2004). Rembrandt was interested in capturing the psychological aspect of human actions and expressions and showing it in his paintings. His subjects are dynamic and his works fill the viewer with sadness and compassion (Lussier). All three works of art helped promote the ideals taught by the Roman Catholic Church and enhance the authority of biblical figures. Caravaggio’s Christ does not resist His fate, and by showing humility and faith He emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength rather than physical fight and encourages His followers to do the same (Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ). Rembrandt’s figures are dressed in contemporary clothes emphasizing that the Saviour’s death has been the central event of human existence at all ages. The beaten dead body of Christ is realistic and not different from an ordinary human being arousing compassion and inspiring devotion (Lussier). A realistic depiction of Christ’s dead body by Rubens is similarly compulsive, and the sorrowful faces and desperate gestures of the surrounding women are supposed to fill the viewers with compassion and make them bow their heads in worship (Campbell, 2004). These masterpieces are simple in terms of subject matter, produce immediate emotional impact on viewers, and make them emotionally participate in the sacred scenes. All three paintings represent scenes from Jesus Christ’s life and death. The composition in Rubens’ Deposition and Rembrandt’s The Descent from the Cross gives us the impression of a movement from the upper part of the paintings to their lower part, as if to enhance the idea of the Saviour’s death and His descent into the tomb. In Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ the figures are moving from right to left as though through Jesus who is not moving. Caravaggio’s composition seems to emphasize the spiritual difference which exists between Him and the rest of us. The way the figures are represented in all three works is also different to some extent. Caravaggio did not depict the whole bodies of his figures, but only parts of them, the rest of the space being filled with fragments of clothes, armour, and dark shadows (Lubbock, 2007). Rembrandt and Rubens realistically and with great detail depict Christ’s dead body and those of other figures. Rubens also depicts the ideal human bodies of the men lowering Christ in the same way classical painters did (Lussier). References Campbell, P. (2004, April 1). In Lille. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. lrb. co. uk/v26/n07/print/camp01_. html Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. nga. gov/exhibitions/caravbr-2. htm Jones, J. (2004, April 3). Flesh of Genius. The Guardian on the Web. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. guardian. co. uk/artanddesign/2004/apr/03/art Lubbock, T. (2007, April 6). Caravaggio: The Taking of Christ (1602-3). The Independent on the Web. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. independent. co. uk/arts-entertainment/art/great-works/caravaggio-the-taking-of-christ-16023-744398. html Lussier, L. The Descent from the Cross: Two Paintings once assumed to be painted by Rembrandt. Retrieved January 30, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www. geocities. com/Hollywood/Bungalow/2201/cross/rembrandt. html How to cite Baroque period examples, Papers

s Faust

Goethe’s Faust and the Character Critique of Faust Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born on August 28, 1749 into a patrician family in Frankfurt/Main. His education there embraced many areas and foreign languages. â€Å"He studied law at Leipzig and later in Strassburg, where under J.G. Herder's influence he discovered the beauty of Gothic architecture, folk poetry, Homer and Shakespeare†(Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). Falling in love with Friederike Brion gave the world some of the most beautiful love poems. One play written by him is â€Å"Faust.† This play is concerning a man feels that the more he learns, the more he feels about a certain â€Å"futility of man.† He longs for a real reason to live, something to give him meaning and character. â€Å"Faust appears as a typical man of the Renaissance, as an explorer and adventurer, as a superman craving for extraordinary power, wealth, enjoyment, and worldly eminence† (Francke 1). â€Å"In his study Faust recalls his former research. His life devoted to the pursuit of the ultimate knowledge has led nowhere. He even tries black magic and eventually considers suicide† (Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). â€Å"Hearing the sound of the Easter hymn coming from outside tears him out of his depressive mood and brings up happy recollections of his youth† (Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). He claims he’s done so much work through the years that he never had a chance to have any fun since he was a child. On a walk in the fields a stray dog joins him. Back in the study the poodle changes into Mephistopheles. Faust and Mephistopheles make a pact: Mephistopheles will serve Faust and provide any pleasures he requires; Faust will forfeit his life and lose his soul at that very moment, when he â€Å"forgets his longing and is content simply enjoying the moments pleasures†(Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). Faust’s character eventually comes about the most wonderful realization. He begins to understand what m... 's Faust Free Essays on Goethe\'s Faust Goethe’s Faust and the Character Critique of Faust Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born on August 28, 1749 into a patrician family in Frankfurt/Main. His education there embraced many areas and foreign languages. â€Å"He studied law at Leipzig and later in Strassburg, where under J.G. Herder's influence he discovered the beauty of Gothic architecture, folk poetry, Homer and Shakespeare†(Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). Falling in love with Friederike Brion gave the world some of the most beautiful love poems. One play written by him is â€Å"Faust.† This play is concerning a man feels that the more he learns, the more he feels about a certain â€Å"futility of man.† He longs for a real reason to live, something to give him meaning and character. â€Å"Faust appears as a typical man of the Renaissance, as an explorer and adventurer, as a superman craving for extraordinary power, wealth, enjoyment, and worldly eminence† (Francke 1). â€Å"In his study Faust recalls his former research. His life devoted to the pursuit of the ultimate knowledge has led nowhere. He even tries black magic and eventually considers suicide† (Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). â€Å"Hearing the sound of the Easter hymn coming from outside tears him out of his depressive mood and brings up happy recollections of his youth† (Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). He claims he’s done so much work through the years that he never had a chance to have any fun since he was a child. On a walk in the fields a stray dog joins him. Back in the study the poodle changes into Mephistopheles. Faust and Mephistopheles make a pact: Mephistopheles will serve Faust and provide any pleasures he requires; Faust will forfeit his life and lose his soul at that very moment, when he â€Å"forgets his longing and is content simply enjoying the moments pleasures†(Quoted in TheatreHistory.com). Faust’s character eventually comes about the most wonderful realization. He begins to understand what m...

Is Abstract Thinking Well

Is Abstract Thinking Well Most often than not, abstract thinking is usually compared to concrete thinking. Abstract thinking is usually assumed to encompass what is presently seen or visible as opposed to what is expected in the future or what has been experienced in the past. An abstract thinker is therefore unique in the sense that he can conceptualize or generalize given concepts but with the knowledge that different concepts may mean different things all together.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Is Abstract Thinking Well-suited to Everyday Life? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Abstract thinkers sometimes tend to perceive things beyond what is obviously known and may use different patterns to solve different problems in totally different contexts. For example, when considering a picture of a woman holding a torch, an abstract and concrete thinker would perceive the picture in two different ways: a concrete thinker would perceive the paint ing in its literal form while an abstract thinker would probably perceive the painting as a connotation of the Statue of liberty with a probable assumption that the painter was probably trying to signify freedom on one way or the other. These different perceptions have been symbolized variably in many contemporary literary works. Such works have been done by writers such as Plato, Michel Houellebecq and Voltaire. Plato’s works as will be highlighted in this study revolve around the book symposium which was to a large extent written to reflect on the life of the ancient Greek and more specifically about their sexual behavior. The book encompasses a series of speeches that were given at a party (symposium). Each man that graced the event had to give a speech about love and all these speeches summed up together encompassed a great part of the book. In Voltaire’s Candid, Voltaire is depicted as an illegitimate son in law to a German baron whom he lived with. He is later ta ught that life is the best place he could ever imagine but after the baron sees him kissing his daughter; he is expelled from home and has to run away to Holland. From there, the story talks of Voltaire’s realization about life’s philosophies which this study relies on. Finally, Michel Houellebecq’s Whatever narrates the story of a man who tries to make a living out of letting his colleagues know about his company’s products. The narrator’s life is depicted as a straightforward one but as the story progresses, the opposite is noticed. The narrator gives his views about the world and his life experiences with work, women and life in general. These views are also part of the bedrock to this study.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These authors have reflected abstract thinking in many was than one. For starters, they have incorporated abstract thinking in matters relating to death, religion, immortality and such like variables. This study will deduce its findings around the works of these three different authors because they represent different concepts of everyday life through their works. However, the biggest dilemma derived in such types of works is whether abstract thinking should be used in everyday life or not. This study to a far extent identifies that abstract thinking should not be used in everyday life. Human Spirit Voltaire was a strong proponent of British empiricism and a strong critic of universal rationalism. Most of his works were largely pessimistic in nature and continuously made fun of optimistic thinking about life (Csudh 4). On the same basis, he attacked Descarte’s physics, made use of Newton’s law, and largely based his views from Locke’s principles. From his book, Candide, Voltaire is seen as mocking ideas advanced by Descarte, terming them as innate by making reference to Loc ke’s principles which also disputed the same ideas. Instead, Voltaire is seen as a proponent of the idea that man’s desire to pursue happiness comes from within the person himself and not from external forces (Csudh 4). As opposed to other writers who generally wrote about the human spirit, Voltaire expressed his views of the history of the human spirit. This was done with much emphasis on Locke’s ideas of the human spirit. Comparatively, Voltaire’s ideas can be equated to concrete thinking because on many fronts, he disputed generalization ideas (abstract thinking) by many writers such as Descarte who was accused of reducing physics to geometry among other types of generalizations. Other references were made of Descarte’s disregard for weight as the most important gravitational force and his generalization of the same forces to extension. This was also in contrast to Newton’s laws which Voltaire greatly relied on. Newton was therefore a gre at inspiration to Voltaire’s works in terms of his astronomical views and in physics. Religion In other spheres and disciplines, Voltaire greatly criticized God, freedom and the immortality of the soul according to the philosophical environment of his time. In other words, Voltaire found that abstract thinking and more specifically; systematic ways of thinking, were less valuable that critical thinking. Instead, he supported a fragmented way of thinking that relied more on concrete thinking as opposed to abstract thinking.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Is Abstract Thinking Well-suited to Everyday Life? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Voltaire therefore argued that it was only in the context of true religion that a human being was able to develop a love for God and the love for a neighbor. He also proposed that â€Å"the lower the degree of Dogmas, the more truthful religious principles were to become† (Csudh 4). In other words, Voltaire was a strong critic of Christianity. In the same sense, he also attacked dHollbachs La Systeme de la nature, and other writers who proposed views that conformed to Christian principles. Christianity and many other forms of religion represent an abstract form of thinking that is not essentially true. In this manner, religion and Christianity seem as though they are expressing an abstract opinion of God, morality, immortality and freedom because religion is not subjective in nature but more of a distinct objective assessment of the same virtues (God, morality, immortality and freedom). These are the same grounds that made Voltaire criticize religion because more specifically, Christianity makes people indulge into important social issues without necessarily making them a party to it because it has the power to make believers stand aloof. However, this does not mean that religion does not have its good points. When trying to understand Christianit y and the values it upholds, it is difficult to comprehend it in its present form because it requires dissecting and that is why Christian faithfuls always throng into churches for interpretation of Christian scriptures by their religious leaders. This form of system leaves a lot to be desired because it is open to human interpretation and many people may be misled by it, especially through the trust most people have of their religious leaders. This is a form of abstract thinking and can at times be quite difficult to understand the messages behind it. In addition, the human aspect to it is left out and a personal touch also misses in the same manner. It is therefore quite difficult to refrain from terming such a system as obnoxious because some people would generalize such social structures as inaccurate or trash them out all together because of the unwillingness to accept the finer details contained in such manner of thought. The above factors however enforced Voltaire’s in fluence from British Deism. He was therefore a proponent of the opinion that Christianity ought to be a moral, rational and natural form of religion because he was not a strong supporter of the teleological and cosmological arguments advanced by Christianity and their proponents; instead he bore a lot of emphasis to the moral argument regarding the existence of God (Walsh 23). Voltaire was therefore of the opinion that God was in existence because without his existence, it was not possible to achieve a moral world. Otherwise, if God was not existent, he had to be invented in one way or another (Von Dehsen 192).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Morality Morality as proposed by Plato and Voltaire is a systematic form of responsibility that mankind has towards his creators and neighbors. The existence of God is therefore seen as a form of submission to a higher authority which in its absence, things may not go on as expected. This fact can also be manifested through mankind’s ancient need to create government. The government today plays a role in maintaining law and order in the society and sees to it that things follow a given set of order. This is the rule of law in the society but comparisons can be made to Voltaire’s principles of morality because the government can be equated to the existence of God. His view that â€Å"if ever God did not exist, then he ought to be invented† can also be equated to mankind’s need to invent government in the prehistoric era (Csudh 4). The existence of government therefore ensures there is law and order in the society; just the same way as the existence of God ensures there is a moral conscious in every person. Immortality In close relation, Voltaire’s works purport that it is not easy to demonstrate the immortality of the soul in Christianity or any other religious faith although at the same time, it is impossible to achieve a state of morality in the society if immortality does not exist. Immortality is difficult to quantify because of the mystery that overshadows it. It is basically an element of faith because there is no person who has risen from the dead to tell the living that life exists after death. In this manner, it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude to life after death as can be evidenced through an abstract thinking of immortality in Christianity. These sentiments are also expressed by Voltaire and they represent a form of concrete thinking because it goes beyond the surface analysis of immortality. Plato identifies that immortality is almost non-existent and man should maximize on his time on earth as opposed to living in the hope of attaining immortality in future (Forrest 91). This is a form of thinking that is solely based on facts that are evidenced the world over. There is therefore no distinction in the way Plato and Voltaire view immortality because both of them are proponents of the strength of mankind’s will to determine his destiny and his legacy. This type of thought is essentially easy to back up than the conventional perception of immortality supported by religion. However, there needs to be a distinction in the factual and religious contexts of the perception of immortality because both Plato and Voltaire represent a form of scientific perception (of immortality) while religion represents a faith-based form of immortality. Unfortunately, a faith-based form of immortality represents an abstract form of thinking as opposed to the concrete form of thinking that relies a lot on reason and tends to incline more towards science. Immortality is however an important element in upholding morality in the society because morality thrives on immortality (as a reward). Basically, humans uphold moral principles in the context of achieving immortality in future. This form of thinking is theoretical and not necessarily factual as advanced by Voltaire because he is of the opinion that man has the power to determine his destiny on earth and a greater will rests on him as opposed to an abstract thinking advanced through religion (Csudh 4). In the same regard, the freedom associated with will is therefore less admirable than the freedom associated with action. Basically, every person has the freedom to do whatever he/she is willing to do and this freedom should not be constrained by blanket thoughts advanced by various social systems. There is however, a clear-cut difference of what one wants with regard to whether it is free or not but Voltaire proposes that â€Å"desire is not backed up by reason but freedom is full of reason† (Csudh 4). The latter is es sentially a representation of the concrete form of reasoning while desire is a form of an abstract form of thinking which is misleading in some fronts. Evil Evil is a living part of life that cannot be eliminated, just like the will to do good exist, the will to do evil also exists in the same manner. Even in God’s kingdom, there existed Satan and God and according to Christianity, the two forces (Good and evil representing God and Satan) also exist to date. Voltaire however expresses a very pessimistic opinion about evil because he advances the fact that evil has the potential of trampling over good. This is also enforced by his opinion of the fact that everyday life is unrealistic and unfair (elements of evil). The Novel candide affirms this opinion through its representation of Eden and the eventual expulsion of the subjects from the castle. Eden can be symbolically used to represent abstract thinking and the optimism that is associated with it. A real life scenario repres ents the fact that evil has the potential of ruining the social fabric and all other elements associated with everyday living. This can be seen through corruption, wars, murder and everyday social injustices witnessed today. Michel Houellebecq also advances the same opinion in his book whatever because he paints a grim picture of the world. A good part of the novel talks about his dreary life as he struggles to make something good out of his life, although his life practically spins out of control. However, the narrator’s straightforward life can be seen as a form of abstract thinking because to many readers, his life seems rather straightforward because he is portrayed as a simple sales person who tries to orient his colleagues with the new software his company has come up with. However, underneath, he is very depressed and an instance is given of his hesitation in checking up his messages because he can’t believe there’s anyone who’d call him up. Comple te Review affirms these sentiments by highlighting that â€Å"The narrators life spirals out of control too, though it seems just to be a straightforward (but deep) depressive state he works himself into no surprise, given his outlook† (4). The author’s life becomes very frustrating and he sees a therapist over the same issue. Complete Review goes on to affirm that â€Å"But it is not a happy world out there, any which way you look† (4). These sentiments goes to show that despite the author’s life looking rather normal, there are a lot of underlying factor underneath that aren’t exposed of his life. These underlying factors are what matters for the narrator’s life because they contribute a great part of the novel. These underlying factors represent concrete thought and the concrete thoughts represent the true situation of life. Abstract thinking can therefore be misleading in one way or another as is depicted by Michel’s works. Not o nly does whatever paint a grim picture of the narrator’s life alone, it also signifies how the world is a dark place and full of evil with little or no hope at all. These are the underlying factors that are never brought to fore by abstract thinking. Instead, abstract thinking purports that things will be okay and an unforeseen will of mankind will always trample upon evil. This kind of thought does not hold much water in everyday life as can be evidenced through collapsed countries, societies and regimes across the globe. The underlying factors behind this form of reasoning therefore need to be explored and frankly, it all boils down to the human will. In other words, humans are endowed with the power to determine their fate and destiny or the type of life they want to live. As much as the will to do good is desirable, the will to do evil is also existent and should be acknowledged. Plato and Voltaire therefore advance these facts through their works because they bear a lot of emphasis on the ability of mankind to make most of their time on earth by doing good because evil still exists. However, the two authors also acknowledge the fact that there is still much room to do good because the world is not the best it could ever be. Conclusion Abstract thinking does not scratch the surface to expose underlying factors behind everyday living. Plato, Michel and Voltaire represent a pessimistic view of everyday living because of their experiences of the underlying factors which abstract thinking fails to note (Williams 29). Most of the opinions advanced by religion, with regard to God, Evil, Immortality, and morality are all unfounded because they are not necessarily based on factual evidence or reason. This is what abstract thinking lacks (reason) but it rather bluntly bases its facts on generalizations. The same trend can also be seen through Voltaire who quickly changed his opinion regarding major life factors such as Evil and immortality through many life events like the Lisbon’s earthquakes which prompted him to change his optimistic opinion on evil (Csudh 4). Abstract thinking is also wrong because it is open to human interpretation which may later cause confusion as regards the correct trail of thought. Comparatively, concrete thinking seems more desirable because it is based on facts which are often proven and which rarely change. Everyday life is unpredictable and unrealistic in some fronts and it would be wrong to generalize issues that face humanity today and in the future as abstract thinking does. Other principles advanced by other philosophers such as Marx Weber also propose that Abstract thinking is a wrong form of thinking because it does not support creativity. Many people in the society are therefore brainwashed into thinking in a certain way, thereby prompting them to follow a given set of laid down rules or bureaucratic procedures which greatly limit their creative ability. This study therefore identifies that to a far extent, abstract thinking should not be used in everyday life. Complete Review. The Complete Reviews Review. 2000. 11 October. 2010. complete-review.com/reviews/houelbqm/exdddll.htm Csudh. The Philosophies of Enlightenment. 22 July. 2009. 11 October. 2010. http://www5.csudh.edu/phenom_studies/western/lect_8.html Forrest, Baird. From Plato to Derrida. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print. Von Dehsen, Christian. Philosophers and Religious Leaders. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999. Print. Walsh, Lentin. Course Introduction and Death of the Old Regime? New York: Open University Worldwide Ltd, 2004. Print. Williams, David. Political Writings. Oxford: Cambridge University Press, 1994. Print.

Profile of the 2003 War in Iraq

Profile of the 2003 War in Iraq Saddam Hussein led a brutal dictatorship of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. In 1990, he invaded and occupied the nation of Kuwait for six months until being expelled by an international coalition. For the next several years Hussein showed varying degrees of contempt for the international terms agreed to at the end of the war, namely a no-fly zone over much of the country, international inspections of suspected arms sites, and sanctions. In 2003, an American-led coalition invaded Iraq and overthrew Husseins government. Building the Coalition President Bush put forward some rationales for invading Iraq. These included: violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, atrocities committed by Hussein against his people, and the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which posed an immediate threat to the U.S. and the world. The U.S. claimed to have intelligence which proved the existence of the WMD and asked the U.N. Security Council to authorize an attack. The council did not. Instead, the U.S. and the United Kingdom enlisted 29 other countries in a coalition of the willing to support and carry out the invasion launched in March 2003. Post-Invasion Troubles Although the initial phase of the war went as planned (the Iraqi government fell in a matter of days), the occupation and the rebuilding has proven quite difficult. The United Nations held elections leading to a new constitution and government. But violent efforts by insurgents has led the country to civil war, destabilized the new government, made Iraq a hotbed for terrorist recruitment, and dramatically raised the cost of the war. No substantial stockpiles of WMD were found in Iraq, which damaged the credibility of the U.S., tarnished the reputation of American leaders, and undermined the rationale for the war. Divisions Within Iraq Understanding the various groups and loyalties inside Iraq is difficult. Religious fault lines between Sunni and Shiite Muslims are explored here. Although religion is a dominant force in the Iraq conflict, secular influences, including Saddam Husseins Baath Party, must also be considered to understand Iraq better. The BBC offers a guide to the armed groups operating inside Iraq. Cost of The Iraq War More than 3,600 American troops have been killed in the Iraq War and over 26,000 wounded. Nearly 300 troops from other allied forces have been killed. Sources say more than 50,000 Iraqi insurgents have been killed in the war and estimates of Iraqi civilians dead range from 50,000 to 600,000. The United States has spent over $600 billion on the war and may ultimately spend a trillion or more dollars. The National Priorities Project set up this online counter to track the moment-by-moment cost of the war. Foreign Policy Implications The war in Iraq and its fallout have been at the center of U.S. foreign policy since the overt march to war began in 2002. The war and surrounding issues (like Iran) occupy the attention of nearly all those in leadership at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. And the war has fueled anti-American sentiment around the world, making global diplomacy all the more difficult. Our relations with almost every country in the world are in some form colored by the war. Foreign Policy Political Casualties In the United States (and among leading allies) the steep cost and on-going nature of the Iraq War have caused considerable damage to top political leaders and political movements. These include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, President George Bush, Senator John McCain, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and others.

The Personality of Betty Friedman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Personality of Betty Friedman - Essay Example It was Betty Friedan, who brought the problems and difficulties, faced by women, to the limelight, and worked Day-in and day-out to win equal status for them. Betty Friedan is universally regarded as one of the founding mothers of feminism's Second Wave. In The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963, Friedan aimed to expose the sexist underpinnings of America's post-World War II complacent prosperity. Friedan argued that millions of American housewives found the destiny of mother and housewife which society mapped out for them stifling, repressive and even dehumanizing. (Boucher, 2003) Hence, Friedan serves as the torch-bearer of the protection of feminist rights and privileges at an equal level to those of male stratum of society, who fought against the female exploitation at the hands of a male dominating set of society at a global level. She not only pointed out the problems faced by women including wife battering, discouragement while seeking jobs and working in a competitive atmos phere with men and sexual exploitation and harassment of the female folk but also wrote essays, books, articles and poems for the projection of feminist cause before the world. In addition, she also infused new ray of hope in the members of her community. While making an analysis of the history of the world at large, it comes to the account that social groups are not only divided into divergent religious, ethnic, cultural and racial groups but also the distribution of a society is based on age, gender and socioeconomic status too.