Is Capitalism a fundamentally Western concept or system, and if so, Essay

Is Capitalism an on a very basic level Western idea or framework, and provided that this is true, how might we represent its spread and entrenchment in non-Western zones of the world - Essay Example The improvement of industrialization in West is likewise considered as the natural development of the entrepreneur considerations and theory as free enterprise introduced an elective channel of accomplishing social great in an increasingly extensive way. The pace of industrialization subsequently was considered as the encapsulation of entrepreneur society and as such the space of social and financial advancement accomplished its most noteworthy status under the improvement of private enterprise in Western nations. What is in any case, likewise basic to take note of that free enterprise doesn't just limited itself toward the Western nations and as such it spread over the non-Western nations moreover. Since nineteenth Century, the procedure of expansionism just as well as fast ascent of imperialization just as globalization guaranteed the quick spread of free enterprise in non-Western nations moreover. What began as a simply Western Phenomenon in this way before long developed in non-Western nations excessively because of different elements. Free enterprise rose because of the ascent in industrialization in eighteenth century which saw the British society abandoning a medieval society to progressively entrepreneur society. Free enterprise in its pith advocates the utilization of private property rights and demonstrates that in a general public, methods for creation will be exclusive for the most ideal use. As such free enterprise isn't just a financial framework yet it likewise a social framework which controls the general public in a completely extraordinary way. The fundamental components of free enterprise in this way incorporate private responsibility for methods for creation, trade of products and ventures in the market for benefits just as assurance of costs and wages by the market powers is essentially establish the primary elements of the capitalism.(Morton,2005) What is be that as it may, basic to take note of that free enterprise began in Western nations because of quick accomplishment of mechanical refinement and industrialization in any case, it moreover

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 46

Exposition Example Proposal articulation: Frankenstein, the novel by Mary Shelley speaks to the enthusiastic issues looked by the beast and these issues start from seclusion or distance and a feeling of not having a place looked by it in the standard society. The issue of segregation/estrangement looked by the beast in the standard society is interconnected with Victor Frankenstein’s (state, the maker of the beast) profound enthusiasm for obsolete hypotheses and experimentation. To be explicit, Frankenstein built up the procedure of filling life to dead bodies and it inevitably prompted the making of the beast. In addition, he gathered issues that remains to be worked out the beast. In any case, Frankenstein neglected to make a lovely individual. Rather, his creation was a beast with yellowish skin and apparition like appearance. This bombed experimentation is the grass root level purpose for the disconnection/distance looked by the beast in the standard society. From an alternate edge of view, Frankenstein expected a delightful person. In any case, his inability to make an individual stunned him and he completely overlooked the beast. Additionally, he attempted to escape from his obligation to assist the beast with leading an ordinary life like others. In this way, one can without much of a stretch recognize that Frankenstein’s endeavor to spare himself from his obligation and obligation to help his creation inevitably prompted his inconvenient demise at long last. In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein clarified that â€Å"A new species would favor me as its maker and source; numerous glad and astounding natures would owe their being to me† (89). Besides, Frankenstein attempts to annihilate his creation however his endeavor didn't assist him with saving his family from it. The beast attempts its level best to speak with its maker, however for vain. Along these lines, one can see that Frankenstein’s untrustworthy demeanor in the end drove the beast to be the survivor of separation/distance in the general public. At the point when the beast confronted the feeling of not

Genre Analysis Paper Michael Jacksons Thriller Video - 1375 Words

Genre Analysis Paper: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Video (Essay Sample) Content: A genre, according to Devitt is a dynamic response to and construction of recurring situation. It is a specific type of writing, music or film. Michael Jacksonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s "Thriller" largely falls under pop, RB and funk. The formal features in this song include the melody, the beat and the general atmosphere of the song. The song is accompanied by synchronized dance moves, scary looking dancers who appear from graves. Thrillerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s lyrics adopt the popular verse-chorus form that is characteristic of pop music such as Deep Purpleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s "Smoke on the waterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ .2. What is the situation or context the text is responding to? Who are the participants/audience in the situation? What society uses this piece?The music video responds to the imagination that was common among the youth in the 70s that zombies would come to life. The audiences are the youth who hold the zombie notion to be a possibility. The video shows Michael, while on a movie date with h is girlfriend, suddenly turning into a zombie. Accompanied by fellow zombies, they perform a remarkable dance complete with organized choreography.3. What is the writerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s purpose? Is she trying to define monster? Explain their origins? Understand social phenomena through monster?Michael played upon the imagination of the dead coming back to life. Since it is a scary possibility, he intertwined it with his music. The charming lyrics assure oneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s lover that "I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare tryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . This is a magnificent analogy to the thrill the couple in the music clip experienced and Michael magnificently wove it into the zombie culture. The main aim of the song and the video at large was not to define monsters or explain their origins. Rather, it was to bring the thrill of monsters or dead people to the imagination of viewers and listeners, with the aim of showing that he [Michael] could provide his lover with a higher level of ex citement.4. What social action is the text trying to accomplish? What work does it do in the culture? IS the goal to frighten people? Educate people?The music video is playing upon peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s imagination about the possibility of dead people coming back to haunt the living. The main goal is purely to entertain the audience. This is manifested in the beautifully choreographed dances performed by Michael and the zombies.5. Think of other situations or contexts that might be similar to the one you identified in #2. What other kinds of texts have people created in response to those situation? How is the text you are considering the same or different from those texts? Does the text you are analyzing seem to follow the same rules as the other texts? How much freedom does the author/creator of your text seem to have?People have continued to make come up with more scary imaginations. Some have claimed that dolls can come to life; evil dolls would bring torment to their owners. The do lls seem to be possessed by an evil spirit and would be locked away until someone accidentally discovers them. The theme in "Thriller" is different because the dead come to life in the music video but instead of bringing suffering upon normal human beings, they put on a spectacular dance show. They are not shown to hurt anyone and are relatively peaceful. This video shows that the zombies in it do not follow what other "mainstream" zombies would do, such as eating human flesh. Michael had a lot of freedom as he clearly wanted to bring in a fun side to zombies, a departure to the common view that they are bound to bring suffering to humans.1. Determine the probable purpose of the text. This is the authorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s goal or that action she hopes to accomplish through her text. Note that because texts are social, the action will include the audience and the textsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ effect on them. How is the genre the author chose appropriate for her purpose?The music video was shot to give a "kick" to pop music fans. Michael Jackson, regarded as the king of pop did not disappoint. The dancing zombies would excite the audience who were used to watching zombies eat people. Furthermore, Michael is one of the zombies and the lyrics talk of him being able to thrill the girl more than any of the zombies could. The mere fact that the zombies appear to work out the dance moves with so much perfection is impressive. Viewers are quickly drawn into the music and the dances that they hardly notice the hideous looking creatures. The genre used by Michael perfectly serves his ultimate purpose-that which is to bring excitement and amazement to viewers. In the end, a narration is given that those who would be found not to be willing to "get down" would be consumed by the zombies. This is basically a fun way used by Michael to encourage more youth to actively listen to his music. The use of carefully choreographed moves was meant to get the youth dancing.The movie date that Michael has on the music clip was popular among the youth. He used it to identify himself with the average youth. This made the music clip highly relatable among young people, who would throng cinemas to watch a scary movie. Ladies would often get scared by the movies, something which their boyfriends looked forward to, so that they could affirm their role as protectors of their partners. This would make them appear brave and therefore unafraid of what may lurk in the dark. Since cinemas were a popular activity, its use in the music clip is very appropriate and it success of his album "Thrillerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ , named after the popular song, propelled him to greater stardom.2. Using evidence from the text, identify features of the text (including form)that help you identify it as a particular genre. Which of the expected conventions of that genre does the text conform to? Which, if any, does it disregard?The music has a series of repeated hooks and melodies. It is a medium-length song written in basic format. It follows the popular verse-chorus form. This form was very popular in rock and roll during the 1950s. Multiple instrumentation is used.The music is softer compared to alternative rock. The music clearly conforms to the pop music style. Pop is short for popular and the two words are often used interchangeably. Since Michael was already re...

The Disobedience Of Authority By Socrates - 982 Words

Disobedience of Authority Whether it is ever justified to disobey authority has been disagreed upon for centuries; Plato outlined the issue of disobedience in his work of Crito, where Socrates is sentenced to death for: openly practicing philosophy, corruption of the young, and disbelief in the gods of Athens. Before officials arrived, Crito, Socrates friend, visited him to persuade him that his charges are unjustified and to escape and thrive elsewhere with his family elsewhere before the authorities arrive. From this point of view, disobedience of authority was justified because Socrates motives for escaping are selfless compared to only self-sustaining charges of the government. After listening to Crito s points, Socrates believes that he should not disobey authority because a life is not worth living with a soul tarnished by the wrongdoings of breaking an agreement he made with more informed experts of the State, and the consequences of his actions for the wellbeing of Athens. F rom this perspective, Socrates should accept his charges because he would be compromising his soul by wrongfully breaking an agreement he made between him and the state by accepting their laws, which would jeopardize the wellbeing of the state by others following his example. So should Socrates escape from prison, and disobey authority, or should he face his own fate from the courts, and comply, even when authority has overextended its control? This debate in Crito echoes many dilemmasShow MoreRelatedThe Truth Behind Political Thought944 Words   |  4 Pagesadheres to. Thus creates this inconsistency ,that civil disobedience is not justified because of society s accentuation on law and order. The understanding of law and civil disobedience illustrates itself in both readings of Sophocles Antigone and Plato s Apology which suggests that they give both similar views with the existing idea of different higher authority in mind. Because of the unresolved feud between the law and ci vil disobedience it is prevailed effectively in Sophocles tragic dramaRead MoreAnalysis Of Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter From A Birmingham Jail1493 Words   |  6 Pagesspeed limit are not real laws because everyone breaks them. In 399 BC, Socrates would have disagreed with this assertion, and died in part to keep this idea from spreading. Socrates was sentenced to death by an Athenian court, though the punishment did not fit the crimes he was accused of. We assume that any knowingly innocent person would have escaped this sentence if given the opportunity and support to do so, yet Socrates refused to and died soon after. Over 2,000 years later, Martin Luther KingRead MoreJust And Unjust Laws In Martin Luther Kings Letter From Birmingham Jail1420 Words   |  6 Pagesideas stem from Socrates. Socrates has many ideas on disobedience, and how it relates to being just or unjust. Author Rex Martin dissects Socrates’ main idea on disobedience, in his journal Socrates on Disobe dience to Law, â€Å"It is that, upon reaching man-hood, a citizen by the very fact of staying in a country agrees to abide by the following rule: If one cannot dissuade the authorities from an unjust law then one obeys† (127). Socrates is a firm believer on respecting the authority of the city. ItRead MoreSocrates s Value Of Athenian Law1586 Words   |  7 Pagesspeed limit are not real laws because everyone breaks them. In 399 BC, Socrates would have disagreed with this assertion, and died in part to keep this idea from spreading. Socrates was sentenced to death by an Athenian court, though the punishment did not fit the crimes he was accused of. We assume that any knowingly innocent person would have escaped this sentence if given the opportunity and support to do so, yet Socrates refused to and died soon after. Over 2,000 years later, Martin Luther KingRead MoreWhat Makes A Breach Of Law An Act Of Civil Disobedience?1383 Words   |  6 Pagesact of civil disobedience? W hen is civil disobedience morally justified?† These are the basic questions that are asked when dealing with civil disobedience. According to John Rawls, civil disobedience is a nonviolent breach of laws by the public in order to reform or change laws or government policies. But Rawls’ concept of civil disobedience is too narrow. This raises many questions. Why should civil disobedience be non-violent? Why does the public play a large role in civil disobedience? This paperRead MoreRigh and Wrong656 Words   |  3 Pageshard to except. If you were sent to jail for something you felt was right, and just, and had the chance to escape and not be caught again, would you? That is that is the dilemma Socrates had to face. He had the chance and the means yet he chose not to escape. Did he do the right thing by not escaping from jail? Socrates was a man who believed that is was immoral for him to escape his sentence because he had accepted the ruling of the courts. And for him to escape he would be sending the wrong messageRead MoreViolent Protest In 1848 : Civil Disobedience896 Words   |  4 Pageswhat Henry Thoreau called in his essay on 1848: Civil disobedience†. Civil disobedience, according to Rawls, is a public act of law breach that looks for create awareness among the population about the need to change certain public policies or certain laws that are considered to be unfair. Nowadays, we can see vivid examples of civil disobedience, being the most famous the case of Venezuela, in which in the last weeks, acts of civil disobedience have been publicly convened in demonstrations as partRead MoreEssay on Civil Disobedience in Famous Literature749 Words   |  3 PagesCivil Disobedience in Famous Literature A society or a people cannot let a government lead them blindly. With misrepresentation comes a whole new form of unjustness. The strong are the ones who do not give into demands placed upon them if they do not agree; those who refuse to conform to society; those who stick to their beliefs, no matter the cost. In many cases, those people are the ones who practice civil disobedience. Martin Luther King, Henry Thoreau, Socrates†¦ All advocated that they shouldRead MoreSophocles Antigone Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pageslaw Creon then assumes the throne. He dictates that Eteocles shall receive a state funeral and honors, while Polyneices shall be left in the streets to rot away. Creon believes that Polyneices’ body shall be condemned to this because of his civil disobedience and treachery against the city. Polyneices’ sister, Antigone, upon hearing this exclaims that an improper burial for Polyneices would be an insult to the Gods. She vows that Polyneices’ body will be buried, and Creon declares that anyone who interferesRead MoreNon Violent Protest Ââ€" Dr. Martin Luther Kings Moral Disobedience!1563 Words   |  7 Pagesmoral disobedience! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the issue of non-violence in his letter from Birmingham Jail. He states that any law, which is unjust and inhuman, is not a moral law. Dr. Kings argument for non-violent protest against the authorities is just and moral; because any action taken for the greater good of human beings may be called disobedience by the authorities, but as Erich Fromm states in his essay Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem -- any act of disobedience against

College Student Loans Skyrocket Essay example - 747 Words

If youre counting on government student loans to get you through college or graduate school, count on paying them back. The Education Department has become one of the toughest debt collectors around. Over the past decade, the agency has steadily expanded its arsenal for dealing with former students who dont repay. A 1998 change in federal law made it extremely difficult for people to escape student loans through personal bankruptcy. The Education Department also can now seize parts of borrowers paychecks, tax refunds and Social Security payments without a court order, a power similar to the IRSs. Access to a government database of newly employed workers has enabled the department to make much more effective use of private collection†¦show more content†¦And they say students are usually financially unsophisticated borrowers, lacking an understanding of how debts can pile up. The Education Department responds that taxpayers, legislators and the many students who do repay their loans all expect it to pursue those who dont. It says the federal government, the state agencies that administer the program and the private lenders that primarily make the federally guaranteed loans all work with delinquent borrowers. They offer counseling and a chance to refinance at todays low interest rates. The governments toughness traces back to the 1980s, when politicians became alarmed by high levels of student-loan defaults. Today the default rate on recently made loans has dropped. It was 5.2% last year, down from 22% in 1990. Studies show that those most likely not to repay are students who, for whatever reason, didnt complete their studies. Federally guaranteed student loans began with President Johnsons quot;Great Societyquot; campaign. Now two-thirds of students at private four-year colleges have them, averaging $17,000 at graduation. Students who go on to private professional schools end up owing an average of almost $74,000. Loans outstanding have tripled over the past decade to $357 billion. Though the U.S. government makes some of the loans directly, most are made by private lenders such as banks, with the government guaranteeingShow MoreRelatedMaking College More Affordable For Students1000 Words   |  4 PagesMaking College More Affordable For Students The continuous rising cost of higher education is frequently spoken about today and deserves much more attention then it receives. College tuition for students is a rather large investment and considered to be one of the most expensive to make. As college tuition prices are continuously increasing so is the cost of housing. The average American family is finding it more and more difficult to be able to have a fair shot at affording to go to college. AlthoughRead MoreCollege Conspiracy Documentary Report Essay887 Words   |  4 PagesReading Report 3 Student Name: Haochen Ye (Joe) Date: 2013/11/19 Instructor’s Name: Justine Jun * Outline Introduction: Kids in U.S. are taught to believe the process: good at high school, then a good college, then a good job, career, which is the American dream Main idea 1: The tuition of college is so high but there is no pay back and no job guarantee Main idea 2: The United State government is making a college bubble that student can borrow money so easy to pay tuition. HoweverRead MoreRising College Tuition in America661 Words   |  3 PagesRising College Tuition in America â€Å"College Prices Soar Again!† â€Å"Budget Cuts Cause Even Higher Tuition!† â€Å"Higher Education Now Even Less Affordable† These are all statements that have been seen all over the media: newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. (3 SV: SV) Rising college tuition in America has been a problem for years. Many students drop out after a single year due to the pricey costs of tuition. The rapid rise can be attributed to many aspects of the economy, not just a single sourceRead MoreHigher Education At The United States Essay1226 Words   |  5 Pagesintroduced in 1636 when Harvard University first opened its doors. At the time, college was seen as an exclusive institution, typically reserved for the wealthy elite. In the 1600’s, a college degree was not necessary to get a decent job and make a living; therefore, there was not a high demand for it. Since then, public opinion and attitudes about higher education have changed significantly. In todayâ⠂¬â„¢s job market, a college degree is a requirement for a majority of positions. Employers’ demand for highlyRead MoreGetting into Debt for a College Education1385 Words   |  6 PagesAn estimated 20 million Americans attend college each year, and 60% of those students borrow annually to pay for it (qtd. in asa.org, â€Å"Student Loan Debt Statistics†). Moreover, citizens continuing to pay off debt after schooling brings the overall number of student-loan-borrowers to about 40 million- with a collective 1 trillion dollars in debt (McCarthy, â€Å"10 Fun Facts About the Student Debt Crisis); a fourth of these borrowers owe over $28,000, a tenth owe over $54,000, 3.1% owe more than $100,000Read MoreThe Driving Forces Behind College Tuition Essay1296 Words   |  6 PagesForces Behind College Tuition Hikes Higher education in the United States was introduced in 1636 when Harvard University first opened its doors. At the time, college was seen as an exclusive institution, typically reserved for the wealthy elite. In the 1600’s, a college degree was not necessary to get a decent job and make a living; therefore, there was little demand. Since then, public opinion and attitudes about higher education have changed significantly. In today’s job market, a college degree isRead MoreRising On The Expenses Of Higher Education1262 Words   |  6 Pagesto collaborate with other people, and also it feeds a keen curiosity that we all share. What would happen if the privilege of earning a higher education was unattainable? To stop the rising cost of higher education, government intervention within colleges and universities needs to be minimized. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over the last decade the average annual cost of public school has increased 6.5 percent per year. Based off of this rate, annual public tuition in 2030 willRead MoreA Modern Day Setback That Affects The Majority Of Americans1623 Words   |  7 Pages18-year-old high school student thinking about your future and college. In this situation, you are the student who gets excellent grades and works hard but isn’t financially stable. You, like lots of others, have dreamed of pursuing your education at the schools you have been accepted to but, you have come to the conclusion that it’s not possible for you to attend those schools because of your financial situation. Thus, you’re forced to attend a community college or take out loans that will leave youRead MoreShould College Free For Those Individuals Seeking A College Education?1526 Words   |  7 Pagesideas to start hacking away at this debt. One idea in particular t hat is very interesting is the portion of this debt brought upon by student loans, which at this point is about 1.2 trillion dollars spread across 40 million people. One solution that has been proposed is to make college free for those individuals seeking a college education and to forgive existing student debt. Burrnie sanders, a current polition, said â€Å"We live in a highly competitive global economy. If our economy is to be strong, weRead MoreShould College Be Free College?1688 Words   |  7 Pagessecret fund for things like this, or would taxes increase to cover the costs? Free college is now brought up as a debate whether or not students should receive free college tuition while attending college. Some individuals would like this idea, but I am definite the taxpayers would not like it or support it. If the government cannot afford what they are in debt with now, I am quiet uncertain how adding free college would help the debt go down. I am sure that the government would find some way to get

Consumer Advertising Ethical free essay sample

She then pulls out a magazine and begins to turn through the pages when she find an advertisement for a prescription drug to treat migraines. This drug could ease her pain and let her resume her normal activities. Is it wrong for her to see this ad? Absolutely not. ?Sharing information with the public about possible cures is morally right. Withholding information that can save someones life is morally wrong. Direct advertising to consumers of pharmaceutical drugs is ethical based on a deontological perspective. Kant considered what is right over what is good to be   superior (wikipedia). In the case of direct-to-consumer drug advertising, the right of sharing information about cures and possible ailments outweighs any possible good that can be made on behalf of the advertisers. It does not matter that the advertising companies and the pharmaceutical companies will make money off of the patients purchasing the drugs. What is most important is sharing the knowledge with those patients. We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Advertising Ethical or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When the general public is presented with information about pharmaceutical drugs not only are they given information about something that can provide treatments for symptoms they may be having, but it also informs them about what certain groupings of symptoms may be. For example, a person having strange pains in his/her legs and doesnt know what it is and might not seek medical attention. However, if he/she sees an advertisement on television that describes those exact symptoms he/she is experiencing, the advertisement would give the ailment a possible name. This information could help that person when he/she goes to see his/her doctor. The patient can describe what he/she is experiencing and tell the doctor about the ad that made him/her think there was a reason to visit the doctor for treatment. Some cases will be serious and others will be minor, this is not important. What is important is that the public was granted this information in an easily accessible format the advertisement. ?The United States and New Zealand are the only two developed countries that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs (DeGeorge 320). Health care works differently in the U. S. than in other parts of the world like Europe and Canada. Because of the major differences in health care, DTC is more welcomed in these countries than in others. Here in the U. S. many people are paying for their own health care out of pocket unlike other places where it is provided at no cost. In other countries you dont have to worry about whether or not you can afford to go to the doctor and/or pay for the visit and prescriptions. DTC advertising is more welcomed in the U. S. because people want to feel empowered and be given choices. Here there are a lot of options because people pay for what they think they need even if it is not the best option for them. ?People make decisions based on what they are convinced they need. In the U. S. you, or your insurance that you most likely pay for, have to pay for every lab and every doctor visit. So in the U. S. many people would rather treat symptoms than fix a problem. DTC advertising knows this and uses it to their advantage. Canadian Medical Association president  Henry Haddad, M. D. stated, The message U. S. consumers are getting is that pharmaceuticals are simply consumer commodities rather than complex therapeutics. We think that interferes with the physician–patient relationship by raising the expectations of patients and pressuring physicians to prescribe drugs. † (Fintor) This is a prime example of why other developed nations are not proponents of DTC advertising. ?When you look at direct-to-consumer advertising based on a utilitarian perspective it would be considered morally wrong. In utilitarianism you can only judge somethings moral value once you know all of the consequences (wikipedia). This means that every consequence needs to be examined and weighed. As a result of DTC advertising of pharmaceutical drugs, not only is the pubic informed about illnesses and a variety of ways to treat said illnesses, but also a plethora of other consequences that add negatively to the moral value of the action. ?One negative consequence to seriously consider is the money that is gained by pharmaceutical companies, advertisers, and doctors. Money will drive people to do almost anything regardless if it is morally right or wrong. When consumers see an advertisement for a drug they might try to identify with the ad and feel it necessary to visit their doctor. Once they visit the doctor they will claim to have symptoms that were described in the advertisement and then ask for a prescription to the drugs that were shown. Once the doctor prescribes these drugs the money is gained by all the involved parties and is lost by the patients. ?Many of the drugs prescribed have harmful side-effects that are downplayed by the advertisements. Its all about the money and not the well-being of the patients. This is clearly displayed in a study that showed that a pharmaceutical company saw a return of $4. 0 for every dollar spent on advertising (DeGeorge 319). Thats an incredible 420% percent profit margin. With profits like that its easy to understand why the moral consequences have been ignored. It would be morally wrong for people to take advantage of consumers and capitalize on their illnesses. If the pharmaceutical companies were really all about informing the public about illnesses and treatments they would do it without receiving any money. Taking away the profit aspect of the pharmaceutical world would change the advertising and probably the drugs themselves. With no profits involved there would not be the push that there is to find something that could work to treat an illness regardless of the consequences. Scientists would strive to find treatments that would help people and not harm them; this is the basis of utilitarianism, weighing all of the good and the bad. In conclusion, direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs has both positive and negative consequences. Do I believe people making money off of the misfortune of others is right? No. However, I do believe is our duty to inform and educate people about illnesses and possible treatments.The health and well-being of the population of the world is much more important than someone making a dollar.

U.S. Switch to Metric System free essay sample

The United States Should Switch to the Metric System One crucial, yet widely unnoticed issue plagues the United States of America today: the country simply faces a stubborn unwillingness to convert to the metric system. America spends millions of dollars on keeping the U. S. customary system in place. The refusal to convert hinders the country’s progress in the global economy. A conversion failure even sent a poor satellite hurtling towards destruction on the surface of Mars (Wheeler). The United States needs to convert to the metric system as soon as possible. The metric system consists of a decimal system containing units of volume, mass, temperature, and length in liters, grams, degrees Celsius, and meters. It stands as, by far, the most widely used unit system in the world. Gabriel Mouton of France created the original metric system in 1670 (MacLeod). The system spread through most of Europe by the mandate of Napoleon Bonaparte during his reign as Emperor of France (MacLeod)(Appendix A). We will write a custom essay sample on U.S. Switch to Metric System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Since the beginning of America, people campaigned to use the metric system instead of the Customary System, which the United States inherited from Britain. Two of America’s presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams, endorsed the metric system in the early years of the United States, but despite their efforts, they never managed to convert the country (Chapman). Later, in the 20th century, movements such as the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 and the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 were passed with the intention of enforcing the metric system. Today, the metric system has still not been established in America, despite multiple attempts to do so. The fight for the metric system has been occurring for hundreds of years, which seems like enough time for congress to pass at least one piece of legislation regarding the issue. Two hundred years ago, George Washington, the first president of the United States, articulated his desire for â€Å"uniformity in currency, weights and measures† (MacLeod). Since then, not much has changed. However, politicians in the past have given it their best effort. In 1975, the U. S. Metric Conversion Act, which encouraged the voluntary transition to the metric system by companies, was passed by Congress, but it faced the intense scrutiny of Americans who thought it was a gambit by Russian Communists to weaken America (Garfinkel). In 1988, the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act was passed, requiring all government agencies to use the metric system, though only 22 of 37 complied (Chapman)(Appendix B). This law, however, is still in effect. This means that not only is it foolish not to use the metric system, it is also illegal in the public sector. Most other countries in the world mandated the metric system years ago, but when they did it, their citizens actually listened. Why does the United States still cling to the U. S. Customary System of Measurements, while all the other countries in the world, excluding Liberia and Myanmar, follow the metric system (Bohren and Strauss)? Credence can be lent to the assumption that if everyone else is doing something, then there is very likely a good reason, and it is best to follow suit. Most of the world uses the metric system; therefore, in order to keep up with the world, especially in terms of trade, it is necessary that the United States convert to the metric system as well. As Michael Chapman said, â€Å"international trade involves metric-sized products. † Applying the metric system to U. S. trade will create new jobs for the new markets created and increase trade by an estimated 20% (Chapman). Metric-sized exports will particularly increase trade with Canada, Mexico, and many European countries, which have already mandated the metric system and have no need for the current U.S. exports measured in inches and feet (Chapman). Currently, such countries do not like trading with the U. S. due to the complexity of its measurement system and the conversions that must be made. Americans, however, seem to think that the metric system is the one that complicates things. If there is one thing Americans love, it is simplicity. For this reason, it is surprising tha t they would choose to keep around an archaic system of weights and measures whose definitions and conversions are murky even to the most intelligent people. The metric system is much simpler than the English Customary system; everything is a multiple of 10. One meter is equal to 100 centimeters, which is equal to 1000 millimeters. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius and freezes at zero degrees Celsius. One centimeter cubed is equal to one milliliter. It is a very simple system with conversions that are easy to compute and easy to remember. Meanwhile, English Customary System units do not convert so easily. One gallon is equal to eight pints. One yard is equal to three feet. One mile is equal to 1,760 yards. One foot is equal to 12 inches. Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. These conversion factors are all based on different numeral values and are extremely difficult to remember. Along with that, there are several random and silly extra measures of weight and area such as tons and acres, which just add more values to remember. According to a National Review article from 2011, the English Customary System is in fact so inconsistent that its units have been defined in terms of metric units since Grover Cleveland was president. If Americans truly value simplicity, then the logical step would be to simplify measurements and switch to metric. Along with love of simplicity, Americans also hate confusion. An article from 1994, in the Associated Press, gives another reason against the metric system; the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the majority of Americans were concerned it could be confusing (Associated Press). The majority of Americans, it appears, do not like change, and would rather struggle with their medieval English Customary System than switch to a better, albeit different, metric system. It is true that the new units will take some getting used to, especially to those who have spent their entire lives with the English Customary System. It is also true that some people may be ripped off or swindled due to their lack of understanding of value per unit. However, the human brain has an amazing capability to change and as a result, most people will catch on to the new system soon enough. Over time, as new generations are taught in the ways of the metric system and the intransigent older generations die off, the metric system will become the norm, leaving the English Customary System as nothing but a relic. Hopefully the younger generations will have minds open enough to see past the financial barrier of switching to the metric system, and on to the benefits it entails. The United States of America is currently trillions of dollars in debt, so it seems that right now the last thing the country needs is another huge, money-consuming project. Switching to the metric system would be just that. In order to completely metricize the country, all remnants of the English Customary System would be cast away. That means millions of dollars’ worth of machine parts, tools, electronics, and English Customary System-measured products would be wasted. Almost every tool involved in manufacturing would have to be modified, replaced, or repurposed. â€Å"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates that it will cost the agency $2 to $3 million to convert to metrics† (Chapman). That is two to three million dollars to convert just one of hundreds of government industries. Added up, it would cost the United States government untold billions of dollars to convert to the metric system. However, an important thing to recall regarding this situation is NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter, which in 1999 went careening off course and was either destroyed by Mars’ atmosphere or lost in space. This was caused mostly by a simple failure to convert units from English Customary to metric (Wheeler). The loss of the $125 million satellite was one blunder out of the multiple potential blunders that might occur due to the United States continuing to use the English Customary System. If things continue the way they are going, over time, these mistakes will add up to more than the billions of dollars it would take to metricize the nation. Should the United States switch to the metric system, it is also probable that the aforementioned trade benefits from doing so will eventually outweigh the cost of conversion. As an added bonus, to make the switch, thousands of new jobs will need to be created to make new parts and adjust machines. This will decrease the high unemployment levels that are plaguing the nation, and the economy will be boosted by the influx of money from the newly employed individuals. Overall, the future will be brighter and more profitable than the traditions which the United States holds on to. Tradition weighs heavily in the actions and decisions of Americans. Citizens of the United States try to evince the spirit of patriotism by holding onto traditions in whatever way then can. One of those traditions is the English Customary System, which has been a part of America since it began and can almost be considered a part of the culture. The English Customary System is all that many people know in terms of systems of units. It does not matter if it is not the best system in the world; it has been around since the start and the common mentality stands that, â€Å"If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. † To convert to the metric system would mean that, â€Å"Workers would have to be retrained, tools replaced, machinery modified, map distances changed, etc. Food and clothing sizes would change. Everything† (Chapman). Nobody wants to go through all that, especially when he or she is committed to a system that is hundreds of years old and a part of their country’s culture and patriotism. However, that may not be the most patriotic mindset to have. In reality, many of the founding fathers and first presidents, the original patriots, were opposed to the English Customary system and rallied behind the metric system to be the national standard (MacLeod). So, in essence, to be truly patriotic would be to follow the standards set by the founding fathers and support the metric system. Despite the fear that surrounds change, changing the United States’ culture will not necessarily a negative outcome. Cultures change all the time to adapt to the current era. It used to be within the boundaries of propriety to own African people as slaves. That is now neither socially acceptable nor a part of American culture. The majority of people view this as a pleasant change. The same thing applies to metric conversion. Should the United States convert to the metric system, it too will become part of the country’s culture and many people will regard it as a pleasant change as well. In the current world, it is imperative that the United States convert to the metric system. The rest of the world uses it, it is a simpler system, and it is mandated by law in America for many agencies. One can argue that the metric system will confuse Americans, that it will be too expensive, or that the traditions of the past must be upheld. However, all of these issues can be circumvented with a little forward thinking. There is no obstacle that the United States cannot overcome as a country, so why should the barrier between different unit systems stand as one not yet hurdled? The answer is simple; it should not. The barrier needs to be broken and the metric system needs to be let into this country, if not because it is the smart thing to do, at least because it is the American thing to do. Appendix A â€Å"Later, as his armies fought their way across Europe, Napoleon forcibly imposed the system most of the world uses today. † Appendix B â€Å"The law in question concerns the use of the metric system of weight and measure as enacted by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 and amended in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. This amendment on metric usage (Public Law 100-418, Section 5164) declares that the policy of the nation is to designate the metric system as the preferred system of measurement for trade and commerce, and requires each federal agency to use metric units in all or as many of its procurements, grants, and other business-related transactions as is economically feasible by the end of fiscal year 1992. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service at the end of fiscal year 1992, the Justice Department does not appear to be complying with the [metric usage] law. The Justice Department is not alone.