Assessment of the Idea of Liberty As Illustrated By Hannah Arendt In, What Is Freedom

Assessment of the Idea of Liberty As Illustrated By Hannah Arendt In, What Is Freedom The concept of freedom is an abstract one that is only realized when a person sets it into motion. In What is Freedom, Hannah Arendt challenges the widespread belief that liberty extends from the freedom of thought and will. Arendt emphasizes that actions performed unhinged from consequences are true bouts of freedom. What is Freedom dispels the accustomed definition found in government, textbooks, and marketplace and replaces it with freedom as a gateway of creativity and boundlessness. The common sense notion of freedom has been etched into the framework of our society. The â€Å"Land of the Free† otherwise known as the United States of America, etches the entitlement to our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as the focal point of its’ Constitution. Similarly, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines freedom as â€Å"the state of being free† and â€Å"a political right† (Merriam-Webster.com). In economics, the term laissez-faire, the abstention by governments from interfering in the workings of the free market† is the quintessential cornerstone of one of our most defining national traits, capitalism (OxfordDictionaries.com). All three of these definitions stress, in one form or another, that freedom is possessive. We possess rights that protect us from an oppressive government, slavery, or even the business-incentive crushing Communism. The most general of these meanings â€Å"the state of being free† only serves to a dd intangibility and uncertainty to an already scantly defined concept. This common sense notion of freedom umbrellas the different ways a person can make decisions. These can be the rationality of a person to select a choice, to want/need to have ownership of property, or incentive work towards a cause of interest. Despite this general understanding, Arendt argues against these concepts. While â€Å"we hold human freedom to be a self-evident truth† Arendt defines the common sense notion just as the inward space into which men may escape from external coercion and feel free† (Arendt 647, 649). Freedom in its pure form is an abstract concept. Since we cannot empirically measure freedom by the number of people emancipated from slavery, nor can we quantify its’ workings through calculating marginal utility, the crux comes from establishing an encompassing operational definition. Arendt developed a solution stating that for an â€Å"Action to be free, it must be free from motive on one side, from its intended goal as a predictable effect on the other† (Arendt 653). Thus for the infinite number of possibilities that can result from making a choice or an action, as long as the person makes a choice unbeknownst of any external influence, they are free. For example choosing between multiple choice options on an AP exam does not entail freedom if the test taker reads the question and selects the answer that best fits, even if there exist a potential margin of error. Contrariwise, if the student spontaneously selects a choice based on intrinsic preferences for an answe r letter, ignoring the terms of the question and the answers, he has attained freedom. In this way the answer â€Å"as it is free is neither under the guidance of the intellect nor under the dictate of the will† (Arendt 654). If will and intellect are engaged, however, the person is guided towards a solution logically and thus freedom is not present. The student is using goal setting, or aim. Since â€Å"Aim is not a matter of freedom, but of right or wrong judgment† if the student answers option C because the question leads them to the logical conclusion that the text in C is correct they practiced aim not freedom (Arendt 653). Arendt’s conception of freedom is based on the concept of principles. These principles â€Å"such as honor or glory, or love of equality . . . inspire. . . [and become] fully manifest only in the performing act itself† (Arendt 654). This inspiration is the reason for freedom’s volatility. When a person exerts an action in a free state the person is guided by this burst of inspiration from the principle to select one out of an unlimited number of outcomes. Inspiration differs from that of an aim because is not fully realized until the action is completed. Additionally principles lose â€Å"nothing in strength or validity through execution† unlike goals which vanish once they are completed (Arendt 654). Since principles are everlasting sources of inspiration, they outline the creative freedom that exists within man. Arendt arrived at the conclusion that the ability to act freely, guided only by principles, is the reason that art exists. Humans exercise unrestricted talents with unlimited outcomes guided by undefined inspiration when creating art. This is why â€Å"the element of freedom, certainly present in the creative arts, remains hidden† (Arendt 655). Although the end result of art is often guided by a motive such as recognition or money, the artist that created it was guided freely without any bounds. The effect of inspiration on a person becomes the axiom that â€Å"freedom is a worldly reality, tangible in words that can be heard, in deeds which can be seen, and in events which are . . . incorporated into the great storybook of human history† (Arendt 656). Arendt imposes a new meaning on the liberty of humans. Unlike the common sense notion where freedom exists in the forms of; ownership of property, the right to unalienable rights, and options to choose, a person practicing Arendt’s notion of freedom is not restricted by the choices in front of them. By letting go of your ephemeral motives, by replacing it with inexhaustible principles you unlock a freedom that has no bounds. Instead of having a choice from options, you can pick an undefined number of other options that are not listed. Conclusively Arendt believes that, freedom is not the right to choose your own adventure. Freedom is the ability to create it.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ENTERPRISE, AND ETHICS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ENTERPRISE, AND ETHICS - Essay Example I enjoyed reading about the accomplishments of John Patterson and his decisions that led the company in a specific direction. The paper is a quick yet detailed biography of Patterson’s, and inspires in terms of strategic decisions. Formatting is good and so is works cited page, but in-text referencing is erroneous. The paper is a detailed description of patent law that saved Farnsworth and gave him credit for his accomplishment. The author has mentioned all necessary facts. However, the presentation of the paper is not very impressing, as the writing has not made considerations about correct formatting. Referencing has not been done correctly. Page numbers are missing. Quite impressive information about Ruth and Eliot’s achievements is found in the paper. I loved reading about how Ruth gained the idea of creating a Barbie with changeable outfits. The presentation of information is correct, but the formatting of the paper is bad. No page numbers, no headers, and incorrect

Oil And Food Commodities Prices. Oil prices effect on agricultural Term Paper

Oil And Food Commodities Prices. Oil prices effect on agricultural commodity prices in Latin American Nations - Term Paper Example To achieve this objective, this paper investigated the agricultural food prices for seven major farm products namely meat, oilseed, egg, rice, wheat, milk and sugar. On the other hand, the macroeconomic investigated were fossil crude oil prices, agricultural food prices indexes, GDP and consumer price index around Latin America as from 1963 to 2007. The study applied the use of Scree test and the magnitude of the variance method for measuring the optimal value of the common factors. The relationship coefficient that existed between the obtained principal function or component and the macro-economic index fluctuates between 0.87 for Latin America GDP and 0.36 for the consumer price index (CPI). According to the findings, agricultural food production index has the largest impacts on the macro-economic index and similarly the crude fossil oil has the greatest influence on the agricultural food production index and as a consequent, the prices of crude has a direct impacts and influence o n the agricultural food prices in Latin America. In the economic advancement process, food supply and its security are imperative issues. Therefore, food prices are an essential effective variable that have a direct effect on its supply and demand. Ever soaring food prices and cases of food riots across the globe and more important in Latin America have heightened concerns about the world food supply and food security. Food prices of major arable agricultural products

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) Essay - 1

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Essay Example SHRM is regarded as an approach to the management of human resources, which offer a strategic system in support of long-term business objectives, goals, and outcomes. SHRM entails long-term issues of the people within the organization which include structure, culture, quality, commitment, values, and matching resources with the future needs. Strategic human resource management is a complex endeavor that evolves over time (Nankervis et al., 2008). The opinions regarding the relationships of SHRM with business strategy and planning are varied from one scholar to another. This paper will explore the issue of SHRM as it relates to health services organization. Just like other organizations, health service organizations are under great pressure from customers to maintain quality as well as pressure from other organizations. This changing business environment through competition calls for advanced strategic approaches. In the case of John Hopkins hospital, which falls under health service organizations, the issue of SHRM has been adequately considered. The organization has been steadfast in addressing employee issues through training and development, motivation, leadership, and rewards system. The organization is much aware on the importance of SHRM through prioritization of employee needs (Schulz & Johnson, 2003). In aligning the organizations to SHRM, several strategies have been put in place. The main issue of concern is that SHRM entails the prioritization of the needs of human resources in the organization. Some of the factors put into consideration in positioning the organization include investment in the people. Since human resources play a fundamental role in the organization, training and development is a key issue. Introduction and encouragement of learning and development to the employees is a strategic move of increasing employee efficiency. Strategic human resource management by educating employees is essential for increasing capability. Learning process helps in aligning employees with skills to address the organizational needs. Training and development of employees is a strategic move in HRM, which positions the employees for dealing with all production requirements of the organization (Brand & Bax, 2002). Health service organizations seeking to strategize their human resources need to align their human resource capacity with the organization’s vision and mission. Development of intellectual capital of the employees is essential in SHRM. By educating employees and increasing their intellectual capital, an organization is able to benefit from realization of its goals. This is mainly on the aspect of customer service and quality, whereby the employees are empowered with skills and knowledge of dealing with day to day organizational operations (Fegley, 2006). Another aspect of strategic human resource management is the definition of required behaviors and alignment with the organizational culture. It is essential to note that that establishment of a good organizational culture helps in enhancing human capital and performance. Managers should be steadfast in setting organizational standards, which match the vision and mission of the organization. This includes the setting of values and norms which every member of the organizati

Four Main Religions In Sri Lanka

Four Main Religions In Sri Lanka There is four main religions in Sri Lanka; Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The maps on the right hand side show where, and percent proportion of each religion in Sri Lanka. Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism is the majority religion in Sri Lanka, with about 70% of the countrys population as followers. Around 200 BC, Buddhism became the official religion of Sri Lanka. However, later on, Hindu and European colonial influences contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. By the mid 19th century, a Buddhist monk started a revival movement in Sri Lanka. This movement eventually helped to return Buddhist dominance in Sri Lanka. Buddhism is a religion based on the teaching by Siddharta Gautama (Buddha). There are three different schools in Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. In Sri Lanka they practise Theravada. Theravada means the Teaching of the Elders or the Ancient Teaching, and is the oldest of the schools. It is relatively conservative, and generally closest to early Buddhism. In Theravada Buddhism Buddha is above all an enlightened teacher which can show you the path to Nirvana. The monks have a high status, and are the only ones who can accomplish full enlightening. The religious ideal is Arhat, which is someone who has gained full enlightening and can thereby reach Nirvana. Nirvana is the contradictory of affliction. The word means to die out and that hatred, desire and ignorance takes an end. Nirvana denotes the condition that takes place when all karma is exhausted. First and foremost, the Theravada philosophy is a continuous analytical process of life, not only a set of ethics and ritual s. The ultimate theory of Theravada uses the Four Noble Truths; these can be described as the problem, the cause, the solution and the pathway to solution. The Noble Eightfold Path, the fourth of the Buddhas Noble Truths, is the way to the cessation of suffering. 1. Viewing reality as it is, not just as it appears to be. 2. Intention of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness. 3. Speaking in a truthful and non-hurtful way. 4. Acting in a non-harmful way. 5. A non-harmful livelihood. 6. Making an effort to improve. 7. Awareness to see things for what they are with clear consciousness; being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion. 8. Correct meditation or concentration. Buddha lived a life filled with love, compassion and charity. He formed five maxims to guide the people: 1.) I shall not kill any living being. 2.) I shall not steel. 3.) I shall not abuse sexually (only one partner). 4.) I shall not speak untrue. 5.) I shall not use drugs. Hinduism: Hindus make up 16% of Sri Lankas population. As Buddhism, it experienced some decline during the European colonization. In modern times the religion is still dominant in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The most important Hindu religious figure in Sri Lankan modern history is, Satguru Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna. One of the greatest and most profound mystics of the twentieth century, Yogaswami was the official satguru and counseling sage of Sri Lankas several million Tamil Hindu population. Satguru is a true guru, a master. Hindu practices generally involve seeking awareness of God. At home, Hindus often create a shrine with icons dedicated to their chosen form of God. Temples are usually dedicated to a primary deity along with associated subordinate deities. Visiting temples is not obligatory, and many visit temples only during religious festivals. Today three Gods are widely seen as all powerful: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is regarded as the ultimate source of crea tion; Shiva also has a creative role alongside his function as destroyer. Vishnu is seen as the preserver or protector of the universe. Out of these three, Vishnu and Shiva are far more widely represented and have come to be seen as the most powerful and important in the belief of Sri Lankan followers. Islam: Today, about 8% of Sri Lankans handset to Islam. By the 15th century, Arab traders had controlled much of the trade on the Indian Ocean, including that of Sri Lankas. Many of these traders settled down in Sri Lanka, encouraging the spread of Islam. However, when the Portuguese arrived at Sri Lanka during the 16th century, many of their Muslim descendants were persecuted, thus forcing them to migrate to the Central Highlands and to the east coast. In modern times, Muslims in Sri Lanka are handled by the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Department, which was established in the 1980s to prevent the continual isolation of the Muslim community from the rest of Sri Lanka. There are two major denominations of Islam, the Sunni and Shia. The schism developed in the late 7th century following disagreements over the religious and political leadership of the Muslim community. Roughly 85 percent of Muslims are Sunni and 15 percent are Shia. Muslims believe that God revealed the Quran to Muhammad, Gods final prophet, and regard the Quran and the Sunnah (words and deeds of Muhammad) as the fundamental sources of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. These five practices are essential to Muslims: 1. Shahadah (profession of faith) 2. Salat (prayers) 3. Zakat (giving of alms/charity) 4. Sawm (fasting, specifically during Ramadan) 5. Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) Christianity: Christianity make up 8% of Sri Lankas population, most are Catholics. Christianity first came to Sri Lanka upon the arrival of the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. Under their rule, Roman Catholicism was spread out on the Island with many Roman Catholic schools for the Sinhalese and the Tamils. When the Dutch took control of Sri Lanka, they encouraged their own missionaries of the Dutch Reformed Church. Under their patronage, 21 percent of the population in the low country was officially Christian by 1722. The relative number of Christians in Sri Lanka has declined steadily since the end of colonial rule. The Catholic Church holds that there is one eternal God, who exists as a mutual indwelling of three persons: God the Father; God the Son; and the Holy Spirit. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church that the Catholics go after: Baptism: is the ritual act, with the use of water, by which a person is admitted to membership of the Christian Church, Confirmation: is one of the seven sacraments through which Catholics pass in the process of their religious upbringing. According to Catholic doctrine, in this sacrament they receive the Holy Spirit. Eucharist: refers to both the celebration of the Mass, that is, the Eucharistic liturgy, and the consecrated bread and wine which according to the faith become the body and blood of Christ. Penance (confession): is the method given by Christ to the Church by which individual men and women may be freed from sins committed after receiving Baptism. Anointing of the Sick: is the ritual anointing of a sick person. Holy Orders: include s three orders: bishop, priest, and deacon. Matrimony: catholic marriage.

Authenticity of The Great Santini :: essays research papers

Comparison Between Movie and History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After watching the movie from Hollywood and reading the actual thoughts of Pat Conroy of whom the story is based on, there is significant evidence supporting the basis that â€Å"The Great Santini† was made on and Hollywood very accurately filmed â€Å"The Great Santini†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It isn’t to say that all military veterans were abusive and hard on their families. However, men in the military return from the service and seem to take a great sense of pride in their families and America. To this day some people are the same way as Bull Meechum. There are many similarities between Bull Meechum and Donald Conroy. For instance, they both lived life in the fast lane and to its full extent. In the movie, Bull Meechum mentions how fast and free it feels to fly. Donald Conroy also felt the same way as he flew over the American troops and proceeded to bomb the Koreans. They were both alike in the aspect that they lived for an adrenaline rush. Meechum and Conroy both loved life and lived it to its greatest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The two men also were excellent soldiers. Donald Conroy was said to at one time, been the most decorated man in the military. Bull Meechum moved his family to South Carolina in order to take a position in training other pilots. Although neither were great family men, both soldiers had been trained in the art of killing other people as quickly and as many as they could.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another similarity that Donald Conroy had with Bull Meechum was the way he pushed his family to be better and tougher. In his eulogy, it states that if Donald Conroy would have seen the tears that his family cried at his death, he would have yelled at them and been embarrassed of the fact that his boys were behaving like girls. They both wanted the best for their family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since the movie is based on a true story, there aren’t very many parts that happen in the movie that never happened. The movie is extremely accurate in its portrayal of the military emotionally hardened father.

Code of Ethics Analysis

Kristen has been a social worker for over ten years; she has always presented herself in a professional manner and has never had any conflicts or ethical dilemmas when working a case. However, her recent case has changed this and Kristen has begun to feel a mutual sexual attraction towards one of her clients. She is trying her best not to let this affect her work but she has noticed that it is becoming an issue for her and she is unable to think clearly about the case. Kristen must now make a decision on whether she should remove herself from the case and avoid any further contact with this client or continue working the case and have this dilemma on her hands. The NASW Code of Ethics (2003) offers a straightforward guide about sexual relationships with clients and those closely related to them. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers should under no circumstance engage in any type of sexual contact or activities with a clients, relatives, or individuals in which the clients have a personal relationship with. Such contact could be detrimental to the health and well being of the client. This is fully stated in Section 1.09 Sexual Relationships of the NASW Code of Ethics (2003). The code offers an ethical guideline for social workers to follow and is adequate for the intended use of the service provider. Though the code offers guidance for this particular ethical dilemma it does not actually forbid it, which in my opinion it should. If any type of sexual conduct is conducted between a social worker and their client, there should be serious consequences, such as termination or suspension, for such unethical behavior. The social worker may want to speak with a licensed professional about the matter at hand and figure out a way to resolve the issue before it becomes a major issue for the client and their case as well.