Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Philosophy - Essay Example In a prevalent information source – the Internet, where everybody everywhere can upload information – how do we know if these information are true or otherwise? These are just some of the highlights of the movie – philosophically. In the following sections, I will discuss several others that have struck a chord in me. On Utilitarianism In short and simple language the principle of utility as a consequentialist theory would say that the action is right when its consequences are right or when it brings about the greater good or pleasure to the greater number. In the movie, the principle of utility was presented but the phrase of â€Å"the greater number† can be argued since the goal was for Mr. Cobb to be with his children again. He was doing something illegal and yet he thinks it is worth it because the people who he is doing the job for can ‘erase his charges’ – the ultimate goal for Mr. Cobb. In another sense this can also be attribute d to Machiavelli’s â€Å"the end justifies the means† – that although he was doing something illegal, this was all going to be worth it once he goes home. The movie ends by showing that he was able to go home and be with his kids. The happiness that he projected is enough to show that what he went through was worth it. Many of us go through with these dilemmas with or without being consciously aware of it. What is good if we are aware of the dilemma is that we are able to make the options and weigh the best options there is for us. But if we are not aware, we might just go right in – as what is shown in the movie. How do you know what is real and what is a dream? This is one question in the movie that presented how one searches for the truth. One of the lines in the movie that may be related to this is â€Å"The smallest seed of an idea can grow. It can define you or destroy you†. Our search for truth can be hard sometimes. The truth about the best diet tips or best dating tips are all over – from the Internet, to the movies, to friends and even maybe one’s own experience. We can claim that this works for us but it may not work for the others. The usual reaction would be to look for another truth or another claim that can be true to us. On the other hand, we can modify some parts of the claim and make it true to us. The ultimate question is â€Å"how do you know it is the truth?† – Mal was plagued with this question and she was entombed in her own reality. Many of us may be trapped in our own realities like the close chance of winning the lottery jackpot, when in fact there is always that statistical chance of 1 to N; or the reality we embrace are perfect and indispensable, but in fact we are vulnerable to diseases; or the reality that we are creative and artistic, when in fact there are others who are more creative than us. We realize the reality of the matter when we fail or when we get sick â₠¬â€œ just like the â€Å"kick† that they get in the movie or when they sense the discrepancies from the reality and the dream state (which is usually painful because really, waking up to the truth can be painful as well). On Existentialism When Ariadne was introduced to the inception, she disliked it but Mr. Cobb commented that â€Å"Reality won’t be enough for her now† – and I was taken aback because it seemed like it can become an

Open Systems Theory (OD) Analysis for Deckers Outdoor Corporation Research Paper

Open Systems Theory (OD) Analysis for Deckers Outdoor Corporation - Research Paper Example Through various planning, management and management, the firm has become popular across the US and other global parts. However, the company has recently encountered several challenges, forcing the company to incur various losses. Therefore, this manuscript will mull over these challenges and thereby discuss various organization diagnostic models that the firm can employ in resolving these challenges. Brief Overview of Deckers Outdoor Corporation The firm set off in 1973, with Doug Otto running it during its inception in Goleta, California. During its inception, the firm used to manufacture sandals. However, the company has grown to international level, distributing its products to diverse kinds of retailers. These include departmental stores and outlet stores among others (Latimer, 2012). Besides, the firm makes direct sales to its customers. The firm has independent distributors across Europe, Canada, Latin America, as well as Asia. It has also formed a union with Stella Internation al Holdings for the sale of UGG brand in China. The firm manufactures well-designed trendy shoes that sell across leading countries worldwide. Challenges facing the firm Counterfeit is a significant challenge that the firm is experiencing. China is the key source of these products. These counterfeits have significantly affected the UGG brand. Survey shows that the authorities impounded nearly 600 000 products, while the firm litigated over 2000 websites that sold falsified Deckers products (Latimer, 2012). These products were of low quality as contrasted to Deckers products, and thereby cheaper. This posed a considerable threat in the high profit realization of the firm, as well as company’s image. Besides, the country faces brand name controversies with various firms in Australia and Europe. These firms claim to have the sole ownership of the UGG brand. As such, there have been various court proceedings over the ownership of the brand, particularly in Australia where Uggs-n- Rugs sold their footwear item under this brand (Latimer, 2012). However, the firm still sells shoes to Australia under the brand. Additionally, various reviewers argue that the brand shoes have significant effects on animals. These critics claim that they contribute significantly towards the extinction of some animals (Latimer, 2012). As a result, they campaign against the purchase of these products, thereby compelling the firm into severe revenue loss. Organizational Diagnosis (OD) has become basic in enhancing an organization’s success. In an endeavor to improve the organizational effectiveness, it is essential to establish its current performance level thus devising apt strategies sufficient for the modification process. The concept of diagnosis in organizations applies similarly to the medical diagnosis, whereby the doctor tests the patient, gathers all the useful information prior to prescribing the best medication for the ailment. In a similar style, the management team assembles all the critical information, conducts an analysis, before devising the most suitable intervention for the organization to undertake. The current literature on organizational performance has depicted numerous benefits of performing the OD. Some of these entail the detection of all problems present in the organization, therefore, devising suitable strategies. Identification of such information is necessary in enhancing the company’s efficiency in its performance. Force Field Analysis The first model, Force

Comparing Emerson and Thoreau Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Comparing Emerson and Thoreau - Essay Example consistency [which] is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines† (Emerson) and independence which is free from any unwarranted neediness that enables one to appreciate existence better as articulated by Thoreau. Emerson begun the transcendentalist thought by urging people to seek solitude to be attuned with their own self. Emerson urges to be your own genius, that is, â€Å"to believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men† and not to fall prey to the coercion of society to conform, which according to Emerson is the â€Å"hobgoblin of little minds† that conspires against the manhood of every one of its members (Emerson, ___). This can be accomplished by freeing oneself from living a â€Å"simple lifestyle† that is devoid from the trappings which the society impose. For Thoreau in his Economy book Walden, he clearly defined simplicity as by reducing his desire. Thus, in his Walden Pond experiment, he embarked on his social experiment that would give him a clearer insight about life and appreciate the experience of existence better through a grounded living. To paraphrase Thoreau in his intent to live in the woods of Concored; "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms". In essence, Thoreau argued that by living simply, he was able to â€Å"suck out all the marrow of life† because he is able to appreciate it more in the

Contemporary Issues in Global Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Contemporary Issues in Global Politics - Essay Example This provides for an interesting case study on the motives, ethics and modus operandi of government agencies and media organizations. While the respective governments are the primary participants in a war situation, the media’s role is to document unfolding events in an objective and non-partisan manner. Two particular interpretations, pertaining to governance and journalism were chosen for analysis in this essay, which will substantiate widely held negative sentiments about the American government. The following cases also expose the real agenda of the American government beneath the benevolent faà §ade that mainstream media tries to project (Daalder, 2004). Firstly, In January 1991, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded the small neighboring country of Kuwait. Iraq was in no way provoked by the Kuwaiti leadership. There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein’s action was unwarranted and illegitimate. But, was the response from the rest of the world (particularly the United States), any more legitimate or warranted? Sadly, the answer is in the negative. It is an open secret that the middle-east region is of strategic importance. Any country with aspirations to dominate the world will have to have â€Å"control† over the region’s resources (read oil) and governments. The United States, the only superpower at the time, was not above this ambition. Noted American intellectual Noam Chomsky points to glaring misinformation released by the White House in his book â€Å"What Uncle Sam Really Wants†. In Chomsky’s own words, â€Å"The US wasnt upholding any high principle in the Gulf, nor was any other state. The reason for the unprecedented response to Saddam Hussein wasnt his brutal aggression -- it was because he stepped on the wrong toes. Saddam Hussein is a murderous gangster -- exactly as he was before the Gulf War, when he was our friend and favored trading

Comparing Iodine Based Contrast Drugs for Acute and Late Allergic Article

Comparing Iodine Based Contrast Drugs for Acute and Late Allergic Reactions - Article Example After reading this article, both the patients and the technologist will understand risk of contrast reactions, the frequency of occurrence of such risks, the associated side effects, and through this they will understand ways of minimizing the occurrence of ICM. This will ultimately help them to come up with an appropriate plan to manage and treat the ICM reactions effectively. Introduction Iodinated contrast media are one of the most injectable drugs radiology. Reactions from intravenous injections are either mild or self-treated. Most modern iodinated contrast media are used almost in any part of the body. It is because they are often used intravenously although they can be administered intraabdominally, intrathecally and intraarterially. They are reported to be safe and with mild and self-limiting adverse effects. Nonetheless life-threatening or severe reactions can occur. Radiologist who get involved in using iodinated contrast drugs should be aware of the associated risk factors for contrast media reactions. They need to be aware of the strategies to help minimize adverse events and must be prepared to promptly manage and recognize them. Iodinated contrast media can be categorized into four groups namely (1) ionic dimers (lower carboxyl group toxicity; lower osmotoxity: ration 3),include ioxaglate, (2) Ionic monomers (highest carboxyl group toxicity; highest osmotoxicity ration 1.5), Diatrizoate, ioxythalamate, metrizoate, iothalamate, and iodamide, (3) Nonionic monomers (no carboxyl group toxicity; same osmotoxicity as the ionic dimers), include hydroxyl groups: metrizamide iopromide, hydroxyl groups: iomeprol, iopetnol, ioxitol, and iopamidol), hydroxyl group: ioversol, iohexol), (4) Non ionic dimers (no carboxyl group toxicity; lowest osmotoxicity: hydroxyl group (iodixanol), and hydroxyl group: iotrolan. This literature review of scientific articles aims at evaluating whether there were variations in iodine based contrast drugs for acute and late aller gic reactions, other side effects and their frequency. Materials and methods Selection of Random Controlled Trails (RCTs) investigating immediate or non-immediate allergic reactions, other side effects and frequency of iodine based contrast (Iodinated contrast media (ICM)) were considered for inclusion. Iodine based contrast was defined as intravenous contrast (radiocontrast) agents based on iodine. Comparing Iodine Based Contrast Drugs for Acute and Late Allergic Reactions, and other side effects and their Frequency Results and Discussion Iodinated-based Contrast Drugs/Media (ICMs) for Acute and Allergic Reactions. Iodinated contrast media (ICMs) are one of the injectable drugs that are most commonly used. Recent studies have shown that each year more than 70 million iodinated contrast media are administered worldwide. ICMs are derivatives of tri-iodinated benzene. Due to the tri-iodinated benzene derivative, ICMs are characterized by non-ionic or ionic side chains and the dimeric or monomeric ring structure. Non-ionic monomers seem to be less complicated than the non-ionic dimaers in NHR, although some studies indicate that there is no difference between non-ionic dimers and non-ionic monomers. According to the iodine

Racism and discrimination Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Racism and discrimination - Research Paper Example Whiteness and identity issues have stood at the center of racism in Canada (Lund & Carr, 2010). Lobby groups’ advocacy against racism in Canada continues to mobilize the Canadian population against racism and discrimination. The interactions and relations among Canadians, people of color, and aboriginals cannot be described in the best words. However, the continued social, economic, and political efforts to curb racism in the country serves as a vital step towards societal unity in Canada. â€Å"Visible minority† is a common term in Canada. Colored people in Canada are referred to using the term. In fact, Canada’s legal framework also recognizes this term and further integrates it into the legal provisions relative to racism and discrimination. This comes amid persistent efforts to fight racism and discrimination in the country. Ghosh, R. (2012). Multicultural Teacher Education in Canada. In Craft, M. Teacher Education in Plural Societies: An International Review. New York: Routledge. http://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=GVMkNEH2Um8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA45 &dq=racism+in+Canada+2012&ots=SSTZjKFOzj&sig=frXz89Wk8InmiT29swSptxDxY bk&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false Lund, D. & Carr, P. (2010). Exposing Privilege and Racism in the Great White North: Tackling Whiteness and Identity Issues in Canadian Education. Multicultural Perspectives, Volume 12, Issue 4, 229-234. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15210960.2010.527594 Walker, B. (2008). The History of Immigration and Racism in Canada: Essential Readings. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press.

Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Economics - Research Paper Example What is critical however is the assumption that governments, in this type of situation, tend to adapt expansionary macroeconomic policies in order to stimulate growth and increase in employment level. Depression however, is an entirely different aspect of business cycle as it indicates more depressed levels of economic activity. (Krugman and Wells) The current economic situation is quite alarming due to the fact that despite the extensive support from the government, economy is not recovering. The discussion on the double dip recession is heating as many economists feel that US economy specifically may face the double dip recession if timely corrective measures are not taken. (Elliott). This situation is therefore turning out to be the same situation which America experienced during 1930s as same macroeconomic indicators were not showing satisfactory performance at that time also. This paper will therefore attempt to argue that currently America is going through a depression and not the recession as macroeconomic variables are showing same signs as they were during the depression of 1930s. There are key differences between recession and depression as both indicate the degree of severity faced by the economy. Recession is often characterized by the decline in the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country by more than a quarter. This decline is often limited to less than 10% decline in GDP of the country. Recession is also characterized by the decline in the industrial production as well as the real income. Whereas depression is considered as an economic situation where the overall economy shrink by more than 10% over the period of one year in any given period. Thus the difference between the two is really dependent upon the length of time the economy experience a continuous decline in the key economic variables. Depression therefore indicates a more grave situation