Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Political Rhetoric Essay

John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama both make successful attempts at addressing the thoughts, concerns, and fears of the American people in their speeches made on the Democratic platform. John F. Kennedy addresses the nation in his 1960 â€Å"Inaugural Address,† while Obama addresses Bostonians at Democratic Convention in a speech entitled â€Å"The Audacity of Hope.† Both speakers demonstrate the skilful use of the rhetorical devices ethos, logos, and pathos for the purpose of garnering support for policies and ideas thought to be important in shaping the future of the country. The appeals made by these speakers demonstrate an ability to grab the interest of the audience and engage their attention through continued appeals to their conscience as humans and Americans (Callaway). Both Obama and Kennedy succeed in employing these ethical, logical, and pathetic modes of discourse in a tone that seeks to motivate and inspire their audiences to support them in their endeavors. As a young Catholic, John F. Kennedy’s road to the white house was filled with difficulties. He lost the ballot for the Democratic candidacy in 1956, and was forced to wait four more years before he could gain the chance to run for the American Presidency. His victory over Richard Nixon in November of 1960 was very hard won, with many persons apprehensive of his campaign strategy involving making the United States a new frontier. As the country had entered an economic slump and faced the threat of communism, his job was difficult on both domestic and foreign frontiers. Yet, his policies were dynamic, and he audibly heralded the dawn of a new generation (The White House).   John F. Kennedy gave his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961 as the 35th president of the United States and the youngest one to date (Carter 36). This inaugural speech is an exemplary one in the discipline of rhetoric for it skillfully engages its audience with tone at the beginning of the speech, as he downplays the Democratic victory and calls attention to the tradition of liberty that has been the heritage of the American people (Meyer 239). He speaks not of â€Å"victory of a party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying a renewal as well as change† (Kennedy). Using well chosen diction, he declares unselfishly an eagerness to protect the hard-won freedom and a determination to act morally on the national and international scene. He makes the claim that â€Å"civility is not a sign of weakness,† thereby underscoring the importance of ethical conduct and principled behavior (Kennedy). Kennedy’s assertion of the unity of his country is one that, according to his discourse, aims to extend to the entirety of the Americas. He clarifies the context of this civility by highlighting the courage that should attend all diplomatic endeavors. This was the period of the Bay of Pigs in which Russia’s apparent aim was to establish a presence in Cuba. Kennedy declares, â€Å"Let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house† (Kennedy).   This represents an ethical claim which finds it just and right for the stronger nations in the region to stand guard on behalf of the weaker ones. Kennedy makes this statement in order to show that the United States does and should consider it its duty to safeguard the interests of the countries of Earth’s Western Hemisphere.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   John F. Kennedy also appeals to the logical sense of the entire nation in a number of ways throughout his speech (Meyer 239). For example, he refers to the diplomacy he intends to undertake with other nations and announces that logic and discussion will attend such diplomatic meetings for the discussion of arms and hostile military activity. He displays the logic of his belief in his statement that nations in conflict do well to â€Å"formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms† (Kennedy). The systematic method in which these proposed ideas are to be dealt with underscores the logical construction of the manner in which such negotiations are to proceed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The speech by Kennedy also reflects a significant appeal to the sentiments of the nation (Meyer 139). The pathetic sympathies of his audience are aroused in his appeal to the traditions of liberty upon which the nation has been built. This patriotism elicits the pride and nationalism of the audience in the hope of identifying and exploiting the connection between the militarist actions of the past and his proposal for diplomatic action in the future. He appeals for their support in his famous lines, â€Å"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of man† (Kennedy). He makes this appeal, and in doing so requests the assistance of Americans’ sense of duty, which should be â€Å"unwilling to witness or permit† any form of encroachment upon the freedom hard won by those forefathers who died on the battlefields (Kennedy). Here he indicates that the Soviet efforts to establish threatening communist connections with Cuba would not be tolerated by the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kennedy also appeals to the trepidation felt by many Americans because of the stand-off developing between the United States and the Soviet Union. He refers to the state of atomic warfare in the world and speaks to the widespread fear that seemed to permeate the nation since the atomic bomb became a threat. He demonstrates his understanding of people’s concern with what he terms â€Å"the steady spread of the deadly atom† (Kennedy). He makes this appeal to the fear they feel in order to win their support for the military budget he subsequently proposes. Kennedy evokes the deep sense of endurance of the people in a â€Å"call to bear the burden of a long, twilight struggle, year in and year out† (Kennedy). This reflects the depth of the seriousness which he attributes to the threat of atomic aggression by hostile Communist states. Furthermore, the fact that this idea is given immediately following the allusion to â€Å"the graves of young Americans who answered the call to service around the globe† points to the gravity of the situation that faces the United States. Kennedy, therefore, stirs the feelings of his audience in order to garner their acceptance of the idea that the costly upkeep of the military – most likely leading to a greater tax burden – is of great necessity to the preservation of American life, liberty, and dignity. It will be seen that the effectiveness of Barack Obama’s speech utilizes techniques that are similar to those used by Kennedy. Barack Obama’s keynote speech to the National Democratic Convention was given on July 29, 2004 before he became a Senator (African-American 16). His goal in giving this speech is to promote the idea of living the American dream under the democratic candidate John Kerry. It is an example of a speech written to appeal to readers on several levels of the rhetorical scale. At this point in Obama’s life, he is a member of the Illinois state legislature and has recently announced his candidacy for the United States Senate. As a legislator, he has had exposure to the responsibility of making ethical decisions that result in the better regulation of the liberties promised in the constitution (Mack 99). He has also done work in very poor neighborhoods, and knows firsthand the problems faced by the people in those areas. The moral credibility of this speech is embodied in this central purpose: to promote and support â€Å"life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness† (Obama). He cites these qualities as being attributable to a â€Å"faith in simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles; that we can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm; that we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door† (Obama). The knowledge Obama has gained from his diverse experience qualifies him to speak on the behalf of a candidate whose aims are drafted along the lines of enacting legislation that will improve people’s social condition. Obama also uses ethical reasoning in his charge to the American leaders to engage the governments of other nations in talks that will unite countries under the banner of their common problems rather than divide them based on conflict. He charges such leaders to encourage them to explore the areas of science that give wonder and hope, rather than those areas that terrify and promise harm. In this way, Obama appeals to the deep sense of moral character and integrity possessed by his hearers, and which he knows they hope for the person he introduces – John Kerry – to bring to his agenda as a democratic candidate for the presidency. Obama also utilizes the rhetorical device of pathos in his Democratic Convention speech. From the very beginning of his speech, his words appeal to the sentiments of his audience as he reminisces on the ancestral lines that brought him to where he now stands. He highlights how unlikely it is for him to have achieved the privilege of being in his current position, because of the lowliness of his father’s birth (Mack 101). His humility is evident in his use of the phrase â€Å"Thank you† eight times in the first two lines. He mentions the goat-herding vocation of his father, and yet contrasts this with the strength of the dreams his grandfather had for his goat-herding son. Obama appeals further to the audience’s sentiment by underlining the level of hard work to which his maternal grandfather committed himself, emphasizing his eagerness to enlist in the American military on the day that Pearl Harbor was bombed. He also does this in his reference to the variety of people who seek a land in which they call home. He says, â€Å"It’s the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a mill-worker’s son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too† (Obama). In this way, he appeals to the patriotic nature of the audience and to highlight the right he and the diverse population have to claim this nation as their own. Barack Obama also makes a joint appeal both to the logos and pathos of the audience in his allusion to the job and health care situations in America. He says, â€Å"It is that fundamental belief: I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper that makes this country work,† and this represents his rousing of the conscience of the people toward a more communal type of social policy he advocates (Obama). He also demonstrates reasoning and in his treatment of specific problems, evoking a sense that justice fails where people who have worked diligently all their lives are now required to compete with teenagers for low-paying jobs. This form of appeal also comes to the fore where he mentions the hardworking father who is at a loss to figure out how he can pay a $4500 weekly bill for his sick son when he cannot afford insurance (Obama). The dismal circumstances evoke the sympathy of his hearers. He also combines logos and pathos in his mention of the health care situation. From a logical point of view, humanitarian considerations support the idea of universal health care and hard work should logically be rewarded with proper medical treatment when necessary. The tone of Obama’s address is one of patriotism and urgency. He speaks of the drive and heart of the American people underscores his point that the leader he endorses believes strongly in the ideas he has put forth. He says, â€Å"Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us — the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of ‘anything goes.’ Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America† (Obama). His tone is also inspirational and motivational, and he highlights the ways in which the passion and ambition of the American people has the ability not just to make them succeed in the things to which they put their hands and minds, but also to unite them as one nation. Yet he also highlights the areas that need change, and encourages all the audience that together such goals can be achieved if the American initiative and ingenuity is employed. He exhorts his audience with his words and provocative tone to move forward by selecting the right candidate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The speeches of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama use rhetoric as a means of constructing logical and ethical arguments that appeal also to the sentiments of their audience. Both speakers show themselves to be exceptional orators and to possess skill in rousing the spirits of the nation in support of their political campaigns. They also show themselves to be united in their efforts to earn the backing of the American people for future domestic and foreign policies. Obama appeals to the deepest and most immediate concerns of the people, and by insisting on his interest in social welfare programs, shows himself worthy of their trust and sympathies. Kennedy’s inaugural speech highlights the endeavor of a newly elected Democratic president to air the qualities of an unproven leader as being propitious for the direction the country seeks to take. Kennedy makes himself one with the people by referring to the areas in which they share ethical beliefs and logical connections. Both speakers allude to recent and older historical periods in which wars were fought and Americans died. In so doing, the speakers are able to garner support for the policies that will preserve freedom and prosperity for many gave their lives. Works Cited â€Å"An African-American Law School Professor Aims to Become the Fifth Black U.S.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Senator.† The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Vol. 43 (Spring, 2004) pp 16 – 17.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   JSTOR. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=10773711%28200421%290%3A43%3C16   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   %3AAALSPA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-R. Callaway, Michael. â€Å"Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.† Arizona State University. 26 January 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.public.asu.edu/~macalla/logosethospathos.html. Carter, Burnham Jr. â€Å"President Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.† College Composition and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Communication. Vol. 14 No. 1 (February, 1963) pp 36 – 40. JSTOR. 1 February 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0010096X%28196302%2914%3A1%3C36%3APKIA%3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   E2.0.CO%3B2-Q Kennedy, John Fitzgerald. â€Å"Inaugural Address.† 20 January 1061. American Rhetoric: Online    Speech Bank. 26 January 2008 http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ jfkinaugural.htm. Mack, Kenneth W. â€Å"Barack Obama before He Was a Rising Political Star† The Journal of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Blacks in Higher Education. No. 45, pp 99 – 104 (Autumn, 2004). JSTOR. 1 February   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2008 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=1077-3711%28200423%290%3A45%3C98% 3ABOBHWA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-N. Meyer, Sam. â€Å"The John F. Kennedy Inauguration Speech: Function and Importance of Its   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ‘Address System’.† Rhetoric Society Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 4 (Autumn, 1982), pp. 239-   Ã‚  Ã‚   250. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0277-3945%28198223 %2912%3A4%3C239%3ATJFKIS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-M . Obama, Barack. â€Å"The Audacity of Hope.† 27 July 2004. American Rhetoric: Online Speech   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bank. 26 January 2008 http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/convention2004/ barackobama2004dnc.htm. White House, The. â€Å"John Kennedy.† Past Presidents. Washington. Retrieved on February 18,    2008 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jk35.html Annotated Bibliography â€Å"An African-American Law School Professor Aims to Become the Fifth Black U.S. Senator.†      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Vol. 43 (Spring, 2004) pp 16 – 17.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   JSTOR. . This article from The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education appeared in the Spring 2004 edition. It is an un-authored article that talks about Barack Obama’s rise through the political ranks all the way up to running for Senator. This article will help provide background information related to Obama’s early years in the State Legislature and later on in the Senate. Blakesley, David, and Jeffrey Hoogeveen. The Brief Thompson Handbook. Ohio: Thomson   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wadsworth, 2008. This book is a handbook used for reference in all forms of writing. It has unique sections such as MLA documentation and how to research writing critically. It served a dual purpose in my paper as it was able to help me define several key terms as well as cite all appropriate sources properly. Callaway, Michael. â€Å"Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.† Arizona State University. 26 January 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . This site presents a helpful chart on the ethos, pathos, and logos, which clearly differentiates each of the three styles of presenting an argument.   It also presents clear definition as well as some examples from known articles written by recognized celebrities. It also gave insight into how to prepare a well-developed essay on rhetoric. Carter, Burnham Jr. â€Å"President Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.† College Composition and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Communication. Vol. 14 No. 1 (February, 1963) pp 36 – 40. JSTOR. 1 February   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2008 http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0010096X%28196302%2914%3A1%3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   C36%3APKIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Q This five page article by Burnham Carter Jr. was written two years after President John F. Kennedy gave his Inaugural Address. It praises Kennedy’s words and goes on to explore why it was such a great speech. This article is very well organized and uses outsides sources to get its point across. The ideas in this article will provide a basis upon which to build further arguments concerning the effectiveness of John F. Kennedy’s speech. Clarke, Thurston. â€Å"The Inauguration of John F. Kennedy and the Speech That Changed   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   America.† The San Francisco Chronicle. 24 October, 2004. 26 January 2008     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   . This article from the San Francisco Chronicle by Thurston Clarke recounts one of the most famous speeches ever given: The Inauguration of JFK. There was a myth that the speech could have been written by JFK’s assistant, Ted Sorensen. However, in the article Thurston disproves the rumor and demonstrates how JFK was the true author of his own remarkable words. The work helps give insight into the strategic mind of John F. Kennedy, and will apply to the logical aspects of the analytic paper.. Kennedy, John Fitzgerald. â€Å"Inaugural Address.† 20 January 1061. American Rhetoric: Online      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Speech Bank. 26 January 2008   . John F Kennedy’s Inaugural Address can be found in the Online Speech Bank of the American Rhetoric website. On this specific page it has the audio, video, and text of the speech that I will be analyzing. The speech will be examined on the following areas of rhetoric: pathos, logos and ethos, and will provide the primary material to be assessed. Mack, Kenneth W. â€Å"Barack Obama before He Was a Rising Political Star† The Journal of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Blacks in Higher Education. No. 45, pp 99 – 104 (Autumn, 2004). JSTOR. 1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   February 2008 . Kenneth W. Mack wrote this four page article for The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education in the Fall of 2004. In the article, Mack addresses his relationship with Barack Obama on both a political and personal scale. He recounts anecdotes of himself and Obama along with other important political figures to shed light on hwo deserving Obama is of his acclaim. He also analyzes the Keynote Address that Obama gave at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. This article will provide deeper insight into the Obama’s character, and will inform the main ideas presented in the analysis of his speech. Meyer, Sam. â€Å"The John F. Kennedy Inauguration Speech: Function and Importance of Its   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã¢â‚¬ËœAddress System’.† Rhetoric Society Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 4 (Autumn, 1982),   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   pp. 239-250. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 . This twelve page article is an in-depth analysis on John F Kennedy’s Inaugural Speech. It explores all aspects of the speech with topics ranging from the audience to logos, pathos, and ethos. It breaks down different quotations and analyzes the content and not only the textual meaning but possible broader meanings. It will aid in the relation of the ideas presented in JFK’s speech to the context in which it was made. Obama, Barack. â€Å"The Audacity of Hope.†Ã‚   27 July 2004. American Rhetoric: Online Speech   Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bank. 26 January 2008 . The American Rhetoric is a website that houses famous pieces of literature, both American and Foreign. This particular piece is a speech from the 2004 Democratic National Convention and is the Key Note Address. The speech is given by Barack Obama when he was still a member of the Illinois State Legislator. I will be examining the speech for the main elements of Rhetoric: logos, pathos and ethos. It will be used as the main source from which quotations and examples will be drawn in an analysis of the speech’s effectiveness. Ramage, John, John Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ed.   White Plains, NY: Longman, 2006. This is a book that revolves around the topic of arguments.   It defines argument, presents numerous argument readings over the pages, and then tackles on assisting readers into writing arguments. One of the arguments in the text is a speech by Former Attorney General John Ashcroft titled, â€Å"Testimony to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.† Using pathos Ashcroft states that America must not be complacent and should be one-on-one in defending the nation against terrorist attacks. Another argument in the book is made by Patricia Williams in an article titled â€Å"To See or Not to See.† This article tackles the invalidity of the antiterrorism policies, especially when it comes to liberty and human rights of the minorities. The methods in which these state officials tackle these tough problems will give insight into the difficulties facing Kennedy at the time. Comparisons of his attitude with that of these contemporary leaders will help to indicate the extent to w hich his proposed policies were necessary. United Sates. Senate. Barack Obama: U.S. Senator for Illinois. 1 February 2008. This website is the homepage for Senator Barack Obama. It is a very detailed site with many subsidiary pages that include things from biographical information to his previous speeches on podcast. The homepage has an RSS feed that gives up to the minute latest news relating to the Senator. It also indicates the issues for which Obama argues and different committees with which he is associated. This source gives an idea of the Obama’s political interests and facilitates the comparison of his speech’s main points. It also gives insight into the areas in which Obama may have done (or found) research for his speech. White House, The. â€Å"John Kennedy.† Past Presidents. Washington. Retrieved on February 18,    2008 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jk35.html This article is a biography of John F. Kennedy, detailing his birth, tour in Japan, road to the White House and subsequent assassination while in office. It also tells of other accomplishments, the Bay of Pigs campaign, and the overall mission that he had in store for the country. It is useful as a source of general background information concerning Kennedy.   

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Combat High Essay

In the essay â€Å"Combat High†, written by Sebastian Junger, shows how war can be both rewarding and exciting, but also how the war can be very costly at the same time. Many people look down upon war, but Junger does a very good job showing both the pros and cons about war. One of the ways Junger describes the war as rewarding is when he says that combat is â€Å"The only game in town.† meaning that this is what soldiers live for. Since war is a life or death situation, the soldiers take it very seriously. This explains why the soldiers were cheering when the man on the hill stopped moving. They weren’t necessarily cheering because the man died, but like Junger said, â€Å"People think we are cheering because we shot someone, but we were cheering because we just stopped someone from killing us.† Just imagine if you had people shooting at you constantly. I’m sure you would be feeling a little relieved knowing that the guy on the hill wont have a cha nce to shoot at you again. Another way, in which Junger displays the war as rewarding, is the relationships the soldiers build with each other. They build such meaningful relationships that Junger explains the relationships as romance, but not all relationships sexual. Junger also describes the war as exciting. Not all people would think war is exciting, but to the soldiers, it is a different story. Like Junger says, â€Å"†¦ war is life multiplied by some number that no one has ever heard of.† Although war may be rewarding and exciting, but it also can be extremely costly. When the soldiers end up going home, they often have mental problems. Junger explains why when he says, â€Å"†¦ they’re normal young men with normal emotional needs that have to be met within the very narrow options available on that hilltop.† After reading â€Å"Combat High†, I had many different thoughts going through my mind about war. I understand where Junger is coming from as he gives examples of how war is exciting and rewarding, but I don’t necessarily think the same way as him. Not saying that he is wrong by any means. An example of this is the part when all the soldiers start cheering when the guy dies. To me that seems wrong. I understand they are cheering because now that guy can’t kill them, but to me that is just morally wrong to cheer after someone has suffered that bad.  Maybe that’s why I wouldn’t be a good fit to be in the army. I don’t think I could ever be the same if I saw some of the things these so ldiers have to see. The soldiers have to be emotionally strong. They build such good relationships with each other that it would be really hard to see someone who is basically family to you just get shot right in front of you. After reading this story, I give anyone who has been in war great deal of sympathy and props for them doing the things they had to encounter. I never really thought about all the hardships soldiers end up going through during war, until reading â€Å"Combat High†.

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Great Depresion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Great Depresion - Research Paper Example Poverty was a major issue of that time as above 60 per cent people lived below the poverty level. The uneven division of wealth between the rich and the poor was the consequence of unequal distribution of funds and resources between agriculture and industry. Hundreds of thousands of Americans became unemployed during the Great Depression. The Great Depression marked the commencement of involvement of the government of America into the society in general and the economy in particular. The decade before 1929 was fairly prosperous and opportunistic for the American people. Then one day, on 29 October, 1929, the Great Depression started with the crash of the stock market. â€Å"During the next three years stock prices in the United States continued to fall, until by late 1932 they had dropped to only about 20 percent of their value in 1929† (Nelson n.d.). Panic struck the Americans as the stock prices fell down without any indication of recovery. This caused Americans to start sel ling their possessions in large numbers while the number of purchasers constantly declined. The stock market that seemed an obvious means to gain financial stability, rapidly transformed into the way to bankruptcy. The first and the foremost sufferers of the crash of the stock market were the banks which had taken money from the public and had invested in the stock markets. Crash of the stock market caused those banks to get closed. Closing of the banks added to the panic of the people of America. In an attempt to save their money by withdrawing it from the banks that were still open, Americans rushed towards the banks. The open banks were forced to close by such a massive withdrawal of savings. The banks were left with nothing to do business from. Lack of the ability of people to recover their savings from the bank after it had closed caused many who could not make it to the banks in time become bankrupt. The failure of banks was so immense that above 11000 of some 25000 bank in Am erica had closed between 1929 and 1933. â€Å"[T]hroughout the whole of this period there existed in one of the chief financial centres of the world a lack of balance between long- and short- term investment which was itself conducive to disequilibrium and latent with dangers of extensive catastrophe, should anything occur to disturb the insecure prosperity elsewhere† (Robbins 2007). The Great Depression also affected the business and industry in America. Companies started to downsize and reduce the salaries of their employees after they had lost a major portion of their equity in the bank closures and the crash of the stock market. On the other hand, there was an immense decline in the number of consumers as people controlled their savings, only to spend on things they could not live without rather than things that provided them with luxury. This attitude of the consumers served as a disincentive for the businesses and they were left with no option but to fire the employees and reduce the salaries of the remnants. Some businesses completely shattered and all of the employees were left unemployed. In any of such hard times that preceded the Great Depression, one community that was always able to survive was that of farmers as they at least used to have the stock to feed themselves. The Great Depression was a hard time even for the farmers as their plains were hit by a drought and a lot of powerful storms. The drought is

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Interactionist View of Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

The Interactionist View of Crime - Essay Example The Interactionist view of crime explains delinquent gang behavior in a very elaborate way because it is according to this view that laws banning murder, rapes, and robbery have political undertones. This view of crime states that reality does not exist and therefore crimes are termed either as good or evil. The best example for this view of crime is people viewing some films while others cannot because they think they are not appropriate. Many people refer to criminals condemned under this view of crime as outcasts because they went against the social consensus and norms. All the three perspective views have good points but I think I would go for the conflict view of crime to explain delinquent behavior because I is important to acknowledge the differences between the lower classes compared to the upper class and this is the only perspective that can truly address the problem at hand (Siegel, 2006). First track can help reduce crime from all over the world because short-term effects of crime vary depending on age, sex and culture. Both boys and girls react differently towards crime the same way they handle breakups and heartbreaks. In Belmont for example, adolescents learn how to use guns fast because some are required to do so by their parents for the purposes of self-defense and security just like fast track would help them reduce crime as mentorship from their parents. It is without doubt that crime has spoilt adolescents and the image has stuck in the minds of many people living in America and I believe that fast track can help reduce crime if not fully eradicating it. Crime has seen many people lose their lives from gunshots and fights. According to Nicholas, a researcher who emphasizes more on the use of fast track to reduce crime, many young youths end up in crime due to lack of money and the only way they make quick money is through robbery, selling drugs and engaging in street fights, which relate to violence (Siegel, 2006). The role played by violence in the lives of adolescents in South Bronx is nothing but spoiling them and sending them to grave at an early age.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Research paper - Essay Example Content sharing can also involve exchanging opinions and ideas among individuals from a particular community. The first reason the government is against the act of sharing ideas and contents through the internet is because of matters that pertain to national security. The internet can present an avenue in which to extremists can use to spread their extremist propaganda, which can be detrimental to national security. To avoid raising suspicion, extremists may pose as normal bloggers or social networkers, but subtly spread dangerous propaganda (Martin 72). The second reason that makes the government work towards taking control of information sharing in the internet is because of terrorists. Since tracking communication on various blogs and social networks is a hard task, at times, terrorist can use this weakness to coordinate with their counterparts in different regions around the world to commit terrorist attacks in an area. The government has to minimize this act through taking control of information sharing in the internet (Martin 73). The third reason that makes the government control sharing of information is to ensure good moral behaviors are observed. The internet can promote a behavior in which individuals sharing contents can go to the extent of sharing nude photos and videos. This immoral act has been on the increase because of advanced technology that has resulted in an easy way of taking photos and videos, which are later uploaded in the internet (Martin 73). In conclusion, the government aims to control sharing of ideas and contents in the internet in order to protect the public from extremists, terrorist and sharing of explicit contents. Extremist and terrorists pose threat to national security while sharing explicit contents promotes immoral and unethical

Friday, July 26, 2019

Database Design Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Database Design Project - Essay Example This paper presents a detailed analysis of basic areas of the new technology. Data and information are the most valuable resources for any business or corporation. Therefore, the development and implementation of databases to store this valuable business for corporate working has turned out to be a major part of almost every corporation or business sector. In addition, this development and implementation of the databases has offered great advantages to the organizations for an effective management of their business activities. This paper throws light on the development and analysis of a database system for â€Å"Mayo Clinic Medical Center† that is health care business with a variety of off-site campuses interacting within its health system. This business is operating through different working and business problems. The main objective behind this research is to outline the problem areas and then suggesting most suitable solution for these problems. Mayo Clinic Medical Center is a health care business that is working through a chain of off-site campuses. The working of this business is traditional in nature and relying upon the manual ways of data and information handling. In this business, there is an utmost need of a constant link among the distant working teams and main campuses. To serve this purpose, they need well qualified staff and suitable office structure. Now the management of the Mayo Clinic Medical Center has decided to establish a new database technology framework for the corporate. The main intention of the Mayo Clinic Medical Center management is to potentially improve the overall corporate performance and working capabilities. As discussed above the business of Mayo Clinic Medical Center is currently running through manual ways. In such scenario, the overall workload and working style is more rigid. All these problems lead to less effective working performance. At present, the data

Determining causes and effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Determining causes and effects - Essay Example It is a fact without doubt that indeed most of the campus students spend a substantive time on campuses leading very stressful lives. Because students have to establish a balance between their studies, examinations, extra-curriculum activities, and some work, it is clearly an aspect of stress. Ideally, stress permeates from numerous aspects in the society, with stress among the teenagers, most especially in those in campus taking the greatest percentage. Despite the fact that stress has become part of human life, stress could be minimized through numerous ways. Indeed, stress in colleges and many teenagers is a significant problem considering the effects associated with it. Based on such a perspective, this paper discusses pressure of academic performance and finances as the causes of stress on college students, and a look into their effects. Stress among college students results from numerous causes, each of which has different effects depending on the circumstances involved. Of all the causes, the pressure of the academic problem is usually the greatest contributing factor to the numerous instances of stress among the campus students (Heidenreich, 2009). Whenever every student goes to campus, one of the primary requirements of the teenager is to perform excellently in the academics. Equally, parents usually encourage their children to have the best of performance in their studies. However, little is always told on how to achieve the academic excellence status.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Issues in Retailing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Issues in Retailing - Essay Example Apart from the above issues there are ethical issues specific to particular retailers that also have a major role to play in the development of the respective businesses. This paper makes a report on the ethical issues being faced by Tesco, a major retailer in the UK. One of the key elements that have been identified in the ethical implications of the retail industry in the UK is with respect to the issues in the supply chain management especially those encountered by them in sourcing from overseas markets. Several groups of stakeholders have evinced greater interest in this phenomenon. "This interest by the media, investors, consumers, employees, the Government and NGOs has led companies to explore how they can best control and manage the ethical implications of increased sourcing from overseas markets."2 In order to ensure that the supply chain management of the retailers is an effective social compliance model from the ethical point of view the retailers specify that the manufacturers' facilities meet the local regulations concerning the compliances or they follow the codes of conduct specified by the retailers in this connection. For monitoring this, the retailers make use of the external agencies specialized in this area or some of them even employ their own full time specialist executives. This issue can as well be related to the term 'Ethical Trading'. Though there is no consensus on the definition of ethical trade at least in the UK context ethical trading refers to sourcing of products from companies that ensure better labour and human rights standards to their workforce which are part of the social compliance. Another key element in the ethical sphere that has a close connection with the retail industry can be identified in 'Fair Trading'. Fair trade has more development oriented specific aim of "[contributing]towards change in international relations in such a way that disadvantaged producers can increase their control over their own future, have a fair and just return for their work, continuity of income and decent working conditions through sustainable development."3 Though fair trading started with increased focus on the socio economic issues, with the passage of time there has been a shift in the focus towards meeting the environmental standards. Although the Ethical Trading Initiative (UK) does not mention anything about the environmental standards, several retailers have started to monitor the environmental performance of their suppliers. "For instance, through the Assured Produce scheme used in British agriculture and supported by many multiple retailers also involved in the Ethical Trading Initiative."4 It is often stressed that the ethical trading should not only focus on the socio-economic issues but also should cover the environmental

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Development of a MARKETING PLAN for Fat Face Ltd in Canada Essay

Development of a MARKETING PLAN for Fat Face Ltd in Canada - Essay Example In addition to its clothing business operations, the company also focuses on charitable activities so as to dispose its social responsibilities more efficiently. â€Å"Life is out there, make the most of it† is the philosophy followed by the Fat Face Ltd (‘History our philosophy’, Fat Face, n.d.). The company is always careful in preserving its employees’ interests and wellbeing. Recently, the company has appointed Anthony Thompson as its new Chief Executive. The Fat Face’s latest financial reports reflect that the company is growing fastly. The firm’ financial statements in 2010 indicates that the company achieved a sales rise by 4.3% and obtained a revenue of 135.4 million over the year. In order to take advantages of this increased market demand, the company is trying to open subsidiaries across the globe. This paper intends to develop a marketing plan for Fat face Ltd in Canada. Canadian market conditions When a firm plans to launch its br anches in a foreign region, it must be aware of the different market aspects of the target country. In the given case, the Fat Face Ltd proposes to launch its product lines in the Canadian market. Canada is a North American country that constitutes 0.5% of the world’s population. Although Canada represents smaller proportion of population, according to UN HDI, â€Å"Canada accounts for 2.2% of global emissions† (Canada: Country analysis report’, March 2010). In order to mitigate the increasing environmental problems, the government has imposed restrictions on certain type of industries. However, the PESTLE analysis highlights that Canada is a high potential country in terms of government effectiveness. The Canadian political world is dominated by the conservative and Liberal parties which together form the strong democratic set-up of Canada. The Canadian government encourages regional trade and it adds to the industrial viability of the nation. It is observed th at Canada always keeps better foreign relationship that makes the country a potential market for international expansion. These positive factors would certainly assist Fat Face to run its venture in Canada with little chance of unexpected interruption. At the same time, disparity in developmental operations seriously impinges on the sustainable economic growth of the country. The Canadian economic features of strong banking system and extreme business freedom make the nation’s market potential for foreign business magnets. The global economic slowdown has affected the nation’s development to a large extent because the situation forced Canadian government to extend the rate of unemployment benefits and cut down personal income. The nation’s low productivity can also be directly attributed to the global financial crisis. At this juncture, the unsatisfactory employment rate of Canada is beneficial for Fat Face as this condition would offer sufficient employees/manp ower to the firm. Moreover, the impeded economic development may persuade the Canadian government to welcome the arrival of a leading clothing industry to their market. The PESTLE analysis also reveals that country’s population aged 65 and above frequently increases; it may adversely affect the company’

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATION AS SYSTEMS, LIFECYCLE OF Essay

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATION AS SYSTEMS, LIFECYCLE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Essay Example Situational leadership is an innovative leadership style that would be analyzed in relation to Richard Lesser who is the present CEO of BCG. Paul Hersey had developed the situational leadership theory and was initially known as Life Cycle theory of leadership. The most important concept behind this theory is that there is no such leadership style which can be considered to be perfect or adopted by an individual. A leadership style can be stated as effective if it is task relevant. Those leaders are successful who are able to adapt leadership style to degree of maturity of their team. This quality is well observed in Richard Lesser who is the CEO of Boston Consulting Group. Figure1 represents various components of situational leadership. The different leadership styles are categorized into four segments such as telling, selling, participating and delegating. S1 represents telling and in this form there is one way communication as the leader guides the team on what is to be done. S2 is selling which encompasses socio-emotional support and this form of two way communication enables team members to be fully indulged into the process. S3 represents participating behavior that highlights shared decision making and the focus is shifted from task oriented approach to relationship oriented approach. S4 is delegating behavior in which the entire responsibility is on the team members and the leader gets involved only in decision making process and monitoring overall progress. The type of leadership style would be totally depending on the maturity level and competencies of the team members. Richard Lesser has greatly exercised all the different styles that has been outlined in Figure 1. The newly appointed consultants of the g roup are in direct guidance of Richard Lesser. He believes to educate all the new joiners properly so that they can work in collaboration with experienced candidates of the

Monday, July 22, 2019

Comparative Research on Cross-Cultural Families Essay Example for Free

Comparative Research on Cross-Cultural Families Essay 1. Reference or bibliographic entry of your selected article in APA style (see example in the first assignment guidelines): Toro-Morn, M., Sprecher, S. (2003). A cross-cultural comparison of mate preferences among university students; the united states vs. the peoples republic of china (PRC). Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 34(2), 151-170. 2. What are the aims and/or research questions of the study? The research of the cross-cultural study aims their question at comparing mate preferences of young adults in the People’s Republic of China and those young adults of the United States. This study correlates to the research done in 1998 by Goodwin, which examine the political and economic structure in a particular culture and the effect it had on relationships, in particular mate preferences. 3. What concepts or ideas did the authors want to study? How were they defined in the study? Read through the literature background or the introduction part. The article states the researchers have three concepts they wish to obtain from the study. One, within each culture analyzes gender variation in mate preferences. Second, differentiate the two cultures in which they are satisfied with gender differences in mate preferences. Third, differentiate the two cultures of the significance of diverse partner characteristics. The concepts were outlined and explain through a questionnaire to 648 university students in the United States and 735 university students in the People’s Republic of China. The United States questionnaire contained 422 females, 219 males, and 7 did not specify their gender. The People’s Republic of China questionnaire contained 343 females, 352 males, and 40 did not specify their gender. The questionnaire contained a section called â€Å"Traits Desired in a Mate.† Through the results, researchers could determine which traits were least and most important. Also the differences and similarities within each culture, including the mate preferences of women versus males within each culture. 4. Describe the participants of the study. Since you are supposed to choose an article of a cross-cultural study on families, the participants for this study should have different cultural backgrounds. What are these cultural backgrounds? What are the demographics of the participants? This study contained two different participants, our very own young adults from the United States and young adults from the People’s Republic of China. In the late 1970s, The People’s Republic of China began having social and economic reforms. Not only did they began having reforms, but these reforms stimulated the growth of social science research. Which as a result, allowed researchers to research the mate preferences of young adults in the People’s Republic of China. The People’s Republic of China is recognize as the largest country in the world. Thus, having an immense population. These people live in a country were social and historical forces play an important role in their expectations of their potential partner. In addition they live in a country were government enforces family polices. This study contain people who were currently in a university; thus their age would range from eighteen to twenty three. 5. What is the authors’ methodology? How did the authors collect their data? What are the measurements or research tools that they used? The author’s methodology is based on a method, a procedure, measurements of the procedure, and results. The author collected their data by a questionnaire given to university students in the United States and the People’s Republic of China. The measurements the researchers used were in a section on the questionnaire called â€Å"Traits Desired in a Mate† which determine what characteristics they found important in a potential mate. 6. What kind of analytical procedures did the authors use? Describe each as to how they can answer the research questions or achieve the aims of the study. The author uses three types of analytical procedures. They first gather their research by determining which of the twenty-five traits were most and least favored overall. They put this data into a table, which  portrays the importance rating for the total sample. Secondly, they compared the similarities and differences within each culture. As a result, they are able compare each culture traits that hold high or low importance and see if any of them are the same. Third, they compare the mate preferences for women and men in each culture. 7. What are their general findings and conclusions? The study concluded that participants would rather have a mate who is honest, kind, healthy, and have an energetic personality. Researchers found that participants felt that intrinsic personality traits were more important then status characteristics. Males were more entranced with attractiveness as a role in finding their mate. Well women in both culture were looking for men with earning potential and wealth. The major difference between the United States and Chinese cultures was the importance of having children to both parties. As you could imagine, it was important to the American culture and was fairly unimportant to the Chinese counterparts. 8. After the findings and conclusions, what recommendations were made by the researchers? I don’t know if there were recommendations made as much as thoughts for the future. The researchers though that the past has shaped both countries enough that what they look for in a potential mate will stay true. These differences between the two countries should still hold true, disregarding the fact that the Untied States culture is widely accepted in China. If anything they came to the conclusion that China’s one-child policy has a major effect on how the Chinese look for a mate. 9. What learning did you gain from this assignment or from reading this kind of a paper? I definitely enjoyed reading this particular article because it compared the United States culture (which is the country I lived in) to another culture, the People’s Republic of China. Through the researchers questionnaire, I was able to see the comparisons between the two cultures in their mate  preferences. I felt it was interesting to see how important social and economic factors are in other cultures.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

A computed tomography

A computed tomography 1. Introduction One of the most used techniques in the imagiology field is called Computed Tomography (CT), a method to acquire slices of the body based on the attenuation of X-rays. This monograph will try to compile the most important information about CT, namely its history, physical principles, fundamental instrumentation, data acquisition and processing techniques, as well as its applications. Firstly, a brief tour through the history of the technique will be taken, while some of the most important achievements will be referred. The starting point will be the discovery of the X-rays, then passing through the creation of the first CT scanner and the development of data analysis and processing algorithms. Then, a concise revision of the evolution of the scanners will be done, delineating the different generations of scanners and the key features of each one. In order to understand how an object can be scanned by this technique, a review of the physical concepts that constitute the basis of CT will be done. More precisely, we will discuss the attenuation of radiation while passing through objects. A short description of how X-rays interact with matter and the concept of linear attenuation coefficient will be discussed. The instrumentation needed for CT will shortly be referred, in particular the most important components of a CT scanner will be briefly explained. As data acquired by the scanners are not displayed in the way they are obtained, we will afterward explain the most used methods to process and analyze the great amount of information acquired by the CT detectors. The process of creating a scale to represent data the CT numbers will subsequently be overviewed, in order to understand how images are created and shown to the doctors. A description of how CT allows to distinguish different anatomical structures and how it permits to see just the structures we want will also be done. After that, an enumeration of some of the many clinical applications of CT will be done, knowing at the start that it will be impossible to list all the applications, reason why just a few will be referred. Besides, it is not the main goal of this monograph, although it is essential to understand the crucial importance of CT in the medicine field. Finally, we will try to conjecture about the future of CT, specifically what it can be improved and what are the actual challenges for this technique and how it can be overcame. This monograph is part of the Hospital and Medical Instrumentation course and pretends to be an overall view of CT, reason why there is not exhaustive detail in each section (for more detail in the approached topics, please read the references). 3-Dimensional reconstruction techniques will not be discussed because it is the topic of another group. Incisive instrumentation will not be exploited because it not exploited in the course as well. 2. Historical Background The history of CT started with the discovery of X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, which gave him the Physics Nobel Prize in 1901. During 1917, the Austrian mathematician Johann Radon developed a study in which he demonstrated that making several projections in different directions of a material and recreating its associated pattern, it was possible to obtain a slice where one could characterize different densities of the material. The idea of using these mathematical methods to create images of slices of the human body in radiographic films was proposed by the Italian radiologist Alessandro Vallebona in 1930. Between 1956 and 1963, the physicist Allan Cormack developed a method to calculate the distribution of absorbed radiation in the human body based on transmission measurements, which allowed to detect smaller variations in absorption. [2], [3], [4] In the year of 1972, Sir Godfrey Hounsfield (who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 1979, shared with Cormack) invented the first CT scanner in United Kingdom when he was working at EMI Company, which, at the time, was actually best known for its connection to the music world. The original prototype, called EMI Scanner, recorded 160 points for each projection in 180 different angles (with steps of 1 °) and each slice took 5 minutes to be acquired. A 180160 matrix was then constructed with these data, which took 2 and half hours to be analyzed until the final 2D-images could be visualized. The first types of scanners required the patients head to be immerged in a water-filled container in order to reduce the difference of X-rays attenuation between the rays that crossed the skull and the ones that only crossed the environment, because the detector had a small range of intensities that it could measure. [5], [6] During the subsequent years, CT scanners increased its complexity, and based on that evolution, we can distinguish five generations of machines that will be discussed in the next section (Section 3). Later, in 1989, it was developed a new technique in which data acquisition was done continuously the spiral CT scanning using the movement of the platform where the patient was lying. [4] Nowadays, CT machines have obviously superior performances than the prototypes of the 70s. In fact, several rows of detectors have been added which now allows registration of multiple slices at the same time the multislices scanners. These improvements allowed to represent data in 10241024 matrixes, which have a 1 megapixel pixel resolution. [7], [8] 3. Evolution of CT Scanners Over the time, the fundamentals of data acquisition and the key characteristics of the machines changed in many ways. This fact, allow us to split the evolution of the CT scanners in five generations. 3.1 First Generation Parallel Beam The first technique implemented in CT commercial machines consisted of the emission of a parallel X-ray beam that passed through the patient until it reached a detector located on the opposite side. Both X-ray and detector were place in the edge of a ring with the patient as the center. The X-ray source, as well as the detector, suffered a linear translation motion to acquire data from all maters directions. Then, the X-ray tube and the detector, was rotated about 1 °, having the patient as isocenter, and a new beam was emitted and the movement of translation restarted. This process was repeated until it reached 180 ° and, for each cycle of emitted beams, 160 projections of the material on analysis were recorded. The highly collimated beam provided excellent rejection of scattered radiation in the patient. At this point, the most used image reconstruction technique was the backprojection. Later in this work (Section 6) we will explain the techniques used in reconstruction. The ti me needed for data acquisition was extremely long (5 minutes per slice), due to technological limitations. [8] 3.2 Second Generation Fan beam In the second generation, the collimated beam was replaced by a fan X-ray beam and the simple detector was replaced by a linear array of detectors. This advance resulted in a shorter scan time, although this technique still continued to use a coupled source-detector translation motion. At the same time, the algorithms used to reconstruct the slice images became more complicated. Because of the vast amount of time needed to acquire data, both the first and second generations of scanners were limited to head and extremities scans, because those were the regions of the body that could remain immobilized during the long scan time. [9], [2], [8] 3.3 Third generation Rotating detectors The third generation of scanners emerged in 1976. In this generation, the fan beam was large enough to completely contain the patient, which made the translation movement redundant and the scanner commenced to execute only the rotational movement. Such as the fan beam, also the detectors became big enough to record all data of each slice at a time. The detector consisted of a line with hundreds of independent detectors that, like as in the second generation, rotated attached to the X-ray source, which required up to 5 seconds to acquire each slice. The power supply was now made by a slip ring system placed on the gantry, which allowed to continually rotate it without the need to reverse the rotating motion to untwist the power cables used before, as it was needed after each rotation in first and second generations. [2], [8] 3.4 Fourth generation Fixed detectors This generation was implemented in the late 70s and its innovation was a stationary ring of detectors that surrounded the patient. In this case, only the X-ray beam had movement. The ring consisted of a 600 to 4800 independent detectors that sequentially recorded the projections, so detector and source were no longer associated. However, detectors were calibrated twice during each rotation of the X-ray source, providing a self-calibrating system. Third generation systems were calibrated only once every few hours. In the fourth generation systems, two detectors geometries were used. The first one consists of a rotating fan beam inside the fixed ring of detectors and the second one has the fan beam outside the ring. These technological advances provided a reduction of the scan times to 5s per image and slice spacing below 1 mm. Both third and fourth generations are available in market and both have success in medical activities. [8], [2] 3.5 Fifth Generation Scanning electron beam The innovation of the fifth generation of CT scanners (early 80s) was a new system of X-ray source. While the ring of detectors remains stationary, it was added a new semicircular strip of tungsten and one electron gun which is placed in the patient alignment. By directing this electron beam to the anode of the tungsten strip, the release of X-ray radiation is induced. This method results in a no moving parts system, i.e. no mechanical motion is needed to record data because the detectors completely surround the patients and the electronic beam is directed electronically. The four target rings and the two detector banks allow eight slices to be acquired at the same time, which reduce the scan time and, consequently, the motion artifacts. This fact led to the reduction of scan time to between 33 and 100 ms, which is sufficient to capture images of the heart during its cardiac cycle, reason why it is the most used in diagnostic of cardiac disease. For that reason, this is also called U ltrafast CT (UFCT) or Cardiovascular CT (CVCT) Because of the continuous scan, special adjustments in the algorithm are needed to reduce image artifacts. [2], [8], [9] 3.6 Spiral Scanners The idea of creating a spiral CT came with the need for scans of 3-Dimensional images. This system to acquire 3-Dimensional CT images was born in the early 90s and consists of a continue translation movement of the table which supports the patient. This technique is based on the third generation of machines and allows scan times of the abdomen to be reduced from 10 minutes to 1 minute, which reduces the motion artifacts. Besides, a 3-Dimensional model of the organ under study can be reconstructed. The most complex innovation of this technique consists of the data processing algorithms, because they must consider the spiral path of X-ray beam around the patient. Technically, this was possible only due to the slip ring system implemented on the third generation of scanner. [9], [8], [10] 3.7 Cone beam After the development of new techniques, detectors, methods and algorithms, nowadays the question is: How many slices can we acquire at same time?. The answer to this question lies in the placement of several rows of detectors and the transformation of a fan beam X-ray to a 3-Dimensional cone beam. Nowadays, manufacturers have already placed 64 rows of detectors (multislice systems) and the image quality reached high levels. Moreover, the completely scan of a structure takes now about 15 seconds or even less. [2] 4. Physical Principles The basic principle of CT is measuring the spatial density distribution of a human organ or a part of the body. It is similar to conventional X-ray, in which an X-ray source of uniform intensity is directed to the patient and the image is generated by the projection of the X-rays against a film. The X-rays are emitted with a certain intensity I0 and they emerge on the other side of the patient with a lower intensity I. The intensity decreases while crossing the patient, because radiation interacts with matter. More precisely, X-rays used in CT are of the order of 120kV and, with that energy (120 keV), they interact with tissues mainly by photoelectric (mostly at lower energies) and Compton effects (at higher energies), although they can also interact by coherent scatter, also called Rayleigh scatter (5% to 10% of the total interactions). Photoelectric effect consists of the emission of an electron (photoelectron) from the irradiated matter caused by the absorption of the X-rays energy by an inner electron of the medium. In Compton effect, a X-ray photon interacts with an outer electron of matter and deviates its trajectory, transferring part of its energy to the electron, which is then ejected. In coherent scatter, the energy of the X-ray is absorbed by the tissue causing the electrons to gain harmonic motion and is then reradiated in a random direction as a secondary X-ray. [10], [11], [12], [13], [14] CT X-rays are not monoenergetic, but for now, to simplify the understanding of this concept, we will consider them monoenergetic. When an X-ray (as well as other radiation) passes through a material, part of its intensity is absorbed in the medium and, as a consequence, the final intensity is lower than the initial one. More precisely, the Beers Law states that intensity transmitted through the medium depends on the linear attenuation coefficient of the material  µ if we consider that we are in presence of a homogeneous medium and the thickness of the material x according to the following expression: The problem with conventional radiographs is that it only provides an integrated value for  µ along the path of the X-ray, which means that we have a 2-Dimensional projection of a 3-Dimensional anatomy. As it can be easily understood, all the structures and organs at the same level will appear overlapped in the image. As a consequence, some details cannot be perceived and some organs may not be entirely seen. For example, it is very hard to see the kidneys in a conventional radiography because the intestines appear in front of them. [15], [16], [11] Moreover, as there are many values of (typically one for each point of the scanned part of the body), it is not possible to calculate their values with one singe measure. However, if measures of the same plane by many different directions are made, all the coefficients may be calculated, and that is what CT does. As Figure 4 shows, a narrow X-ray beam that is produced by the source in the direction of a detector, which means that only a narrow slice of the body is imaged and the value of intensity recorded by the detector depends on all the material crossed by the X-ray in its way. That is the reason why it is called tomography it derives from the Greek tomos which means to cut or section. Many data of X-ray transmission through a plane of an object (an organ or a party of the body) from several directions are recorded and are then used to reconstruct the object by signal processing techniques. These techniques will be discussed later in this monograph (Section 6). The tightly colli mated X-ray beam ensures that no significant scatter is present in order to assure a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a necessary premise to obtain a faithful image of the scanned object. For that reason, unlike conventional tomography, in CT, patients structures located outside the area that is being imaged do not interfere. [17], [9], [12] 5. Instrumentation The X-ray system is composed by an X-ray source, collimators, detectors and a data-acquisition system (DAS). X-ray source is undoubtedly the most important part, because it is what determines the quality of the image. [10], [8] 5.1 The X-ray source The basis of the X-ray source (called X-ray tube) is to accelerate a beam of electrons between two electrodes against a metal target and is shown in Figure 5. The cathode is a coiled tungsten filament, which is crossed by a current which causes the filament to heat up. At high temperatures (2220 °C), the tungsten releases electrons, a process called thermionic emission. A 15 to 150 kV potential difference is applied between the cathode and the anode, which forces the released electrons to accelerate towards the anode. [10] When the electrons hit the anode, they produce X-rays by two ways. On the one hand, when an electron passes near the tungsten nucleus, it is deflected by an attractive electric force (because the nucleus is positively charged and the electron has a negative charge) and loses part of their energy as X-rays. As there are an enormous number of possible interactions and each one leads to a partial loss of kinetic energy, the produced X-rays have a great range of energies, as Figure 5 shows. This process is called bremsstrahlung (i.e. braking radiation). On the other hand, if an electron from the cathode hits and penetrates an atom of the anode, it can collide with an inner electron of it, causing the electron to be ejected and the atom to have a hole, which is filled by an outer electron. The difference of binding energy of these two electrons is released as an X-ray. This process is called characteristic radiation, because its energy depends on the binding energy of the electrons, which is characteristic of a given material. [10], [9], [15] The tube current represents the number of electrons that pass from the cathode to the anode per unit of time. Typical values for CT are from 200 up to 1000 mA. The potential difference between the electrodes is generally of 120 kV, which produces an energy spectrum ranging from 30 to 120 keV. The tube output is the product between the tube current and the voltage between the electrodes and it is desired to have high values because that permits a shorter scan time, which reduces the artifacts due to movement (such as for heart scans). [10], [8] Production of X-rays in these tubes is an inefficient process and most of the power supplied to the tube is converted in heating of the anode. So, a heat exchanger is needed to cool the tube. This heat exchanger is placed on the rotating gantry. Spiral CT in particular requires high cooling rates of the X-ray tube and high heat storage capacity. [8] 5.2 Collimators The electron beam released from the source is a dispersed beam, normally larger than the desired field-of-view (FOV) of the image. Usually, the fan beam width is set for 1 to 10 mm (although recent CT scanner allow submilimetric precision), with determines the width of the imaged slice. The collimator is placed between the source and the patient and is composed by lead sheets to restrict the beam just to the required directions. An X-ray beam larger than the FOV leads to a larger number of X-rays emitted than the ones needed to the scan and that has two problems: the radiation dose given to the patient is increased unnecessarily; and the number of Compton-scattered radiation increases. [10], [8] 5.3 Antiscatter grids An ideal CT system only with primary radiation (x-rays emitted from the source) reaching the detector does not exist and Compton scatter is always present. As this scatter is randomly distributed and has no useful information about the distribution of density of the scanned object, it just contributes to the reduction of image contrast and should be minimized to the maximum. This, because unlike photoelectric effect, Compton effect has a low contrast between tissues. As referred above, collimators are useful to limit the X-ray beam to the FOV. However, even with a collimator, 50% to 90% of the radiation that reaches the detector is secondary radiation. To reduce the Compton scatter, antiscatter grids can be placed between the detector and the patient. [10] An antiscatter grid consists of strips of sheets oriented parallel to the primary radiation direction combined with a support of aluminum, which drastically reduces the scatter radiation that has not the direction of the primary one, as illustrated in Figure 6. In order to not lower the image quality because of the grid shade, the strips should be narrow. There is, however, a tradeoff between the reduction of scatter radiation (that improve the image contrast) and the dose that must be given to the patient to have the same number of detected X-rays. [10] 5.4 Detectors At the beginning, single-slice CT scanners with just one source and one detector were used. However, these took much time to acquire an image, reason why the evolution brought us single-source, multiple-detector machinery and multislice systems. The third and fourth generations added a wider X-ray fan beam and a larger number of detectors to the gantry (typically from 512 to 768), which permitted to acquire more information in a smaller time. The detectors used in CT must be highly efficient to minimize the dose given to the patient, have a large dynamic range and be very stable over the time and over temperature variations inside the gantry. Three factors contribute to overall efficiency: geometric efficiency (fraction of the total area of detector that is sensitive to radiation), quantum efficiency (the fraction of incident X-rays that is absorbed to contribute to signal) and conversion efficiency (the ability to convert the absorbed X-rays into electrical signal). These detectors can be of two types (shown in Figure 7): solid-state detectors or gas ionization detectors. Solid-state detectors consist of an array of scintillating crystals and photodiodes, while gas ionization detectors consist of an array of compressed gas chambers to which is applied a high voltage to gather ions produced by radiation in inside the chamber. The gas is kept under a high pressure, to maximize interactions between X-rays and gas molecules, which produce electro-ion pairs. [10], [8] 5.5 Data-Acquisition System The transmitted fraction of the incident X-ray intensity (I/I0 in equation 1) can be as small as 10-4, reason why DAS must be very accurate over a great range. The role of DAS is to acquire these data and then encode it into digital values and transmit these to computers for reconstruction to begin. DAS make use of many electronic components, such as precision preamplifiers, current-to-voltage converters, analog integrators, multiplexers and analog-to-digital converters. The logarithmic step needed in equation 3 to get the values of  µi can be performed with an analog logarithmic amplifier. Data transfer is a crucial step to assure speed to the whole process and used to be done by direct connection between DAS and the computer. However, with the appearance of rotating scanners in third and fourth generations, these transfer rate, which is as high as 10 Mbytes/s is now accomplished by optical transmitters placed on the rotating gantry that send information to fixed optical receivers. [8] 5.6 Computer system The data acquisition of the projections, the reconstruction of the signal, the display of the reconstructed data and the manipulation of tomographic images is possible by computer systems used to control the hardware. Current systems consist of 12 processors which achieve 200 MFLOPS (million floating-point operations per second) and can reconstruct an image of 10241024 pixels in less than 5 seconds. [8] 6. Signal Processing and Analyzing Techniques As data are acquired in several directions (e.g. with increments of 1 ° or even less) and each direction is split in several distinct points (e.g. 160 or more), at least 28 800 points are stored, which means that there must be efficient mathematical and computational techniques to analyze all this information. A square matrix representing a 2-Dimensional map of the variation of X-ray absorption with the position is then reconstructed. There are four major techniques to analyze these data, which we will discuss subsequently. [12] 6.1 Simultaneous linear equations As it was referred above (Section 4), there is a measure of for each pixel, which means that modern CT scanners deal with 1 048 576 points for each slice (nowadays the matrixes used are 10241024). As a result, to generate the image of one single slice, a system of at least 1 048 576 equations must be solved (one equation for each unknown variable), which means that this technique is totally unusable. In fact, imagine that in 1967, Hounsfield built the first CT scanner, which took 9 days to acquire the data of a single slice and 21 hours to compute the equations (and by the time, the matrix had only 28 000 entries). Besides, nowadays CT scanners acquire about 50% more measures than it would be needed in order to reduce noise and artifacts, which would require even more computational resources. [16], [11], [8] 6.2 Iterative These techniques try to calculate the final image by small adjustments based on the acquired measures. Three major variations of this method can be found: Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART), Simultaneous Iterative Reconstruction Technique (SIRT) and Iterative Least-Squares Technique (ILST). These variations differ only in the way corrections are made: ray-by-ray, pixel-by-pixel or the entire data simultaneously, respectively. In ART as an example, data of one angular position are divided into equally spaced elements along each ray. Then, these data are compared with analogous data from another angular position and the differences between X-ray attenuation are added equally to the fitting elements. Basically, for each measure, the system tries to found out how each pixel value can be modified to agree with the particular measure that is being analyzed. In order to adjust measures with pixel values, if the sum of the entries along one direction is lower than the experimental measure for that direction, all the pixels are increased. Otherwise, if the sum of the entries is higher than the measured attenuation, pixels are decreased in value. By repeating this iterative cycle, we will progressively decrease the error in pixels, until we get an accurate image. ART was used in the first commercial scanner in 1972, but it is no longer used because iterative methods are usually slow. Besides, this method implies th at all data must be acquired before the reconstruction begins. [9], [16] 6.3 Filtered backprojection Backprojection is a formal mathematical technique that reconstructs the image based only on the projection of the object onto image planes in different directions. Each direction is given the same weight and the overall linear attenuation coefficient is generated by the sum of attenuation in each X-ray path that intersects the object from different angular positions. In a simpler manner, backprojection can be constructed by smearing each objects view back trough the image plane in the direction it was registered. When this processed is finished for all the elements of the anatomic section, one obtains a merged image of the linear attenuation coefficients, which is itself a crude reconstruction of the scanned object. An illustration of this technique is represented in Figure 8. By its analysis, it is also clear that the final image is blurred, which means that this technique needs a little improvement, which is given by filtered backprojection. [12], [9], [16] Filtered backprojection is therefore used to correct the blurring resultant from simple backprojection. It consists of applying a filter kernel to each of the 1-Dimensional projections of the object. That is done by convolving a deblurring function with the X-ray transmission data before they are projected. The filter removes from data the frequencies of the X-ray responsible for most of the blurring. As we can see in Figure 8, the filter has two significant effects. On the one hand, it levels the top of the pulse, making the signal uniform within it. On the other hand, it negatively spikes the sides of the pulse, so these negative neighborhoods will neutralize the blurring effect. As a result, the image produced by this technique is consistent with the scanned object, if an infinite number of views and an infinite number of points per view are acquired. [16], [9] Compared with the two previous methods this process has also the advantage that reconstruction can begins at the same time that data are being acquired and that is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular methods nowadays. [9] 6.4 Fourier reconstruction The last signal processing technique that will be discussed in this monograph is the Fourier reconstruction which consists of analyzing data in the frequency domain instead of the spatial domain. For this, one takes each angular orientation of the X-ray attenuation pattern and decomposes it on its frequency components. In the frequency domain, the scanned image is seen as a 2-Dimensional grid, over which we place a dark line for the spectrum of each view, as Figure 9 shows. To reconstruct the image, one has to take the 1-Dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Then, according to the Fourier Slice Theorem, each views spectrum is identical to the values of one line (slice) through the image spectrum, assuring that, in the grid, each view has the same angle that was originally acquired. Finally, the inverse FFT of the image spectrum is used to achieve a reconstruction of the scanned object. 7. Data Display As it was said earlier (Section 6), linear attenuation coefficients give us a crude image of the object. In fact, they can be expressed in dB/cm, but as they are dependent on the incident radiation energy, CT scanning does not use the attenuation coefficients to represent the image, but instead it uses integer numbers called CT numbers. These are occasionally, but unofficially, called Hounsfield units and have the following relation with the linear attenuation coefficients: where  µ is the linear attenuation coefficient of each pixel and  µw is the linear attenuation coefficient of water. This CT number depends clearly on the medium. For human applications, we may consider that CT number varies from -1000 for air and 1000 for bone, with CT number of 0 for water, as it is easily seen from equation 5. [9], [13], [4], [12] The CT numbers of the scanned object are then presented on the monitor as a grey scale. As shown in Figure 10, CT numbers have a large range and as human eye cannot distinguish so many types of grays, it is usually used a window to show a smaller range of CT numbers, depending on what it is desired to see. The Window Width (WW) identifies the range of CT numbers and consequently alters the contrast (as Figures 11 and 12 show), whereas Window Level (WL) sets the centre of the window and, therefore, select which structures are seen. The lowest CT number of the window, which corresponds to the lowest density tissue, is represented in black and the highest Ct number (highest density tissue) is represented in white. 8. Radiation Dose As it can easily be understood, radiation dose given to the patient is dependent on the resolution of the scanner and its contrast, as well as

Experience In Giving Oral Care

Experience In Giving Oral Care Reflection is the process of reviewing an experience in order to describe analyse, evaluate and so inform learning about practice (Reid 1993).This essay will reflect on the importance of; and the experience I gained whilst giving oral care on a student placement simulation using a reflective model. Jamieson et al (2002) believe mouth care is the use of a toothbrush and paste to help patients recover and reduce risk of infections, communicate better, eat more easily and maintain dignity. Yet, it is also a role which too often delegated to health care assistants. I chose this area to highlight its need and the scope of opportunities in learning it has provided in improving my skills in practice. There are different models of reflection one of which is Gibbs (1988). On this occasion, Gibbs model will be used as a framework in guiding me, because it focuses on different aspects of an experience and feelings, and exploiting it fully will be more appreciated. Description I was part of a placement simulation group which went to the multi-skills laboratory to practice mouth wash. I was assigned a colleague to brush his teeth using a toothbrush and paste. I put on gloves so as to prevent contamination with body fluid. Seeking his consent, I undertook a brief  visual assessment of  the health status of his mouth. I then put him in a comfortable position so as to tolerate the wash. Thereafter, I cleaned all-round the mouth, gums and tongue. I finished off with mouthwash. I treated  my partner as though he was physically unable to hold the brush himself  to scrub his own teeth, but he was able to communicate with me and was able to assist me in terms of spitting and gargling with water at the end of the procedure. Feelings My immediate concern was I had not brushed anyones teeth outside of my family before and hence, how my partner will behave (Dowling, 2006). Although alert and dignified, I felt in giving mouth care, both the carer and patient are put into a state of uncertainty, embarrassment, inadequacy and a sense of intrusiveness to their privacy (Lewis, 2006; Sturdy, 2007). I became helpless with his facial expression shown no trust in me. Rungapadiachy (1999) defines trust as being honest, open, sincere, supporting and dependable, genuine, warm and accepting. Our reaction put us on the high score scale of Millon (1994), Hesitating (Reticent) pattern of behaviour. In spite of my concerns, I felt comfortable in completing the task. Evaluation Reflecting on or in action is becoming a great learning tool This experience taught me that, oral care provides any nurse with an ideal opportunity to undertake a thorough physical, emotional and cognitive assessment of a patient (DOH, 2001). I was pleased to find that, no injuries were sustained as I checked mouth prior and after. Also, I was pleased my communication skills improved and the therapeutic relationship built up; and with the knowledge I got from supporting literature formed the foundation of my learning and practice. Burnard (2002) suggests that a learner is a passive recipient of received knowledge, and that learning through activity engages all of our senses. From his feedback, I understood feedback is an important learning tool. One crucial point to come from some recent research (Burke, 2009) is that many students do not know how to use feedback as many have never been taught how to do so. However, the experience highlights the complex problems I have to solve in practice and the provision of care needs to patients for whom I may not have had contact with before. Although this task caused me discomfort and added pressure in the short term, I realise that it was a very significant event in my studies. Analysis WHO (2010) describes a healthy mouth as being free of chronic mouth and facial pain; and helping patients/service users to meet their hygiene needs is a fundamental component of nursing care (Essence of Care, 2003). In 2007, 50% UK adults attended an NHS dentist. Older people in residential homes were at risk of infection, with infection identified in 80% of one study population (Holman et al, 2005). The care of a patients mouth forms an important component of assisting hygiene needs and yet is an aspect of practice which is not always afforded the attention it fully deserves (Evans, 2001).It is now clear that, mouth care is important and that, nurses have a role in assessing and maintaining it (Malkin, 2009). The task identified encouraging people to acknowledge their intuitive capacity helps them to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses (SWOT). Jasper (2003) regards SWOT analysis as getting to know ones self. The understanding of our skills and abilities and the awareness of where our limits lie is seen as crucial to being able to act as a professional practitioner. My confidence grew and got more interested, encouraging him to do as much as he could. Jackson and Mannix (2001) note that amount of interest the nurse shows in the learning needs of the student and the key role he or she plays in their achievement are essential to the students development. Conclusion I feel that the whole process went on smoothly. Caring for a patient requires a relationship and empathy. By developing collaborative relationship with patients, I can provide prompt and focused interventions which can limit illness. Nonetheless, it has raised awareness the effects of others on my practice. Action Plan At the moment, I read more books a day than practice. My aim is to be proactive in the future by promptly opening up through total participation and doing more practices on regular basis. I aim to develop the skill of emotional resilience to be able to deliver and receive any care or learning activity by keeping diaries of events and reflecting on them. Conclusion My belief now is brushing teeth loosens and removes debris trapped in the spaces and prevents the growth of plaque which habours bacteria and that; nurses have a role to play in mouth care. Due to my lack of experience in care and the job title of student nurse, I perceived that most sessions would run in a lecture format. I now believe practical skills development using reflection is as important as lecture tuition although, Quinn (2000) believes most students and many professionals note that learning acquired from placement experience is much more meaningful and relevant than that acquired in the lecture room. The process of learning I went through is more complex than Gibbs suggests. It is not as cyclical as this model implies and I found myself jumping or combining some stages, before coming back. However, it has taken me out of my comfort zone, challenging my thinking.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Abortion Essays -- essays research papers

John T. Noonan makes the argument that the jump in probability for a fetus’ coming to term, at a specific point in the development of the fetus, has an important implication for the humanity (personhood) of the fetus. He bases this argument on the reasoning that â€Å"life itself is a matter of probabilities, and most moral reasoning is an estimate of probabilities.† He goes on to state that his argument in which a fetus has an implication for the humanity of the fetus is strictly an â€Å"appeal to probabilities that actually exist.† To demonstrate his point concerning probabilities he uses an analogy. The analogy he uses is of a man who shoots into the bushes because of movement in the bushes. If the chances of this movement in the bushes being a man were 200 million to one, then no one would think anything of him firing away into the bushes. However, if the chances are 4 out of 5 that the movement is a man, then you would not be justified in firing into the b ushes. He uses this analogy to relate it to the development of a baby. When a male ejaculates he emits about 200 million spermatozoa. Of these 200 million, only one single spermatozoon has a chance to develop into a zygote. Noonan says that therefore, if one spermatozoon is destroyed than you’re only destroying a being that had a one in 200 million chance of ever developing into a reasoning being. This would be similar to the case of shooting into the bushes when there is a one in 200 million chance that the movement is that of a man. On the other hand, if a fetus is destroyed, then you’re terminating a being that had â€Å"an 80 percent chance of developing further into a baby outside the womb who, in time, would reason.† This would be similar to shooting into the bushes when the movement has a 4 out of 5 chance of being that of a man. The probability of the baby becoming a full being of reason drastically changes from a single spermatozoon (1 in 200 million) t o a fetus (4 out of 5). This probability change is important because it leads you to believe that aborting a fetus is wrong because of the high probability it has of becoming a being of reason.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Judith Jarvis Thomson offers a rather interesting analogy to an unwanted pregnancy. Thomson begins her analogy with the hypothetical situation of waking up and finding oneself wired by their circulatory system to a stranger. The stranger... ... in which the father is some heinous creep would just be plain wrong. Not to mention that she didn’t want this pregnancy in the first place. I also believe that a mother’s right to life is just as important as a fetus’s right to life. Therefore, if going through with a pregnancy would be life threatening then a mother should have the right to abort the fetus. If a mother would choose to die in order for the baby to be born then it would be an incredible superrogative good, but she is under no obligation to sacrifice herself on behalf of the fetus. If a person has taken a responsible and reasonable precaution not to get pregnant, but does, then I feel they should also have the right to abort the fetus. I just think that as long as a conscious effort was made to prevent pregnancy, then it is morally permissible to have an abortion. Abortion would not be morally permissible, in my opinion, for cases in which it is done for the sake of convenience. I strongly bel ieve that a fetus’s right to life outweighs any convenience issues in which the parents might have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abortion Essays -- essays research papers John T. Noonan makes the argument that the jump in probability for a fetus’ coming to term, at a specific point in the development of the fetus, has an important implication for the humanity (personhood) of the fetus. He bases this argument on the reasoning that â€Å"life itself is a matter of probabilities, and most moral reasoning is an estimate of probabilities.† He goes on to state that his argument in which a fetus has an implication for the humanity of the fetus is strictly an â€Å"appeal to probabilities that actually exist.† To demonstrate his point concerning probabilities he uses an analogy. The analogy he uses is of a man who shoots into the bushes because of movement in the bushes. If the chances of this movement in the bushes being a man were 200 million to one, then no one would think anything of him firing away into the bushes. However, if the chances are 4 out of 5 that the movement is a man, then you would not be justified in firing into the b ushes. He uses this analogy to relate it to the development of a baby. When a male ejaculates he emits about 200 million spermatozoa. Of these 200 million, only one single spermatozoon has a chance to develop into a zygote. Noonan says that therefore, if one spermatozoon is destroyed than you’re only destroying a being that had a one in 200 million chance of ever developing into a reasoning being. This would be similar to the case of shooting into the bushes when there is a one in 200 million chance that the movement is that of a man. On the other hand, if a fetus is destroyed, then you’re terminating a being that had â€Å"an 80 percent chance of developing further into a baby outside the womb who, in time, would reason.† This would be similar to shooting into the bushes when the movement has a 4 out of 5 chance of being that of a man. The probability of the baby becoming a full being of reason drastically changes from a single spermatozoon (1 in 200 million) t o a fetus (4 out of 5). This probability change is important because it leads you to believe that aborting a fetus is wrong because of the high probability it has of becoming a being of reason.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Judith Jarvis Thomson offers a rather interesting analogy to an unwanted pregnancy. Thomson begins her analogy with the hypothetical situation of waking up and finding oneself wired by their circulatory system to a stranger. The stranger... ... in which the father is some heinous creep would just be plain wrong. Not to mention that she didn’t want this pregnancy in the first place. I also believe that a mother’s right to life is just as important as a fetus’s right to life. Therefore, if going through with a pregnancy would be life threatening then a mother should have the right to abort the fetus. If a mother would choose to die in order for the baby to be born then it would be an incredible superrogative good, but she is under no obligation to sacrifice herself on behalf of the fetus. If a person has taken a responsible and reasonable precaution not to get pregnant, but does, then I feel they should also have the right to abort the fetus. I just think that as long as a conscious effort was made to prevent pregnancy, then it is morally permissible to have an abortion. Abortion would not be morally permissible, in my opinion, for cases in which it is done for the sake of convenience. I strongly bel ieve that a fetus’s right to life outweighs any convenience issues in which the parents might have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚