Courtroom Group Essay Example for Free

Courtroom Group Essay In the following essay will talk about the participants in a courtroom. How do they work on a daily basis and what changes would I recommend. Also what is the role of the prosecutor? How does a prosecutor determine which cases to pursue? Also what are some solutions to backlog of cases? According to Schmallager (2011), criminal trial participants are dividing in two categories that are professionals and outsiders. The professional are the people who work in the courtroom. They are well trained to conduct the business of the court; for example; prosecuting attorneys, judges, defense attorneys and others who work in the courtroom falls into this category. They are also known as courtroom work group. The outsiders are those who temporarily are involved with the court, but they are not familiar with the court organization and procedures. Outsiders include jurors and witnesses, also defendants and victims. Judges has primary duty. It is describe as follows: the judge is responsible for the right of the individual and the interest of the administration of criminal justice. The purpose of the criminal trial is to be sure the prosecution has established the law as required. Judges holds the ultimate authority and ruling in law. The defense is the attorney that specialized in criminal law. He is responsible of representing the accused after being arrested and make sure his or her rights are not violated during the process. As a good reader I would recommend the courtroom group to lower the work load. What I mean is to try to hear less case a day, but I understand that criminal cases have increased tremendously. According to Schmallager (2011), the prosecutor is called the district attorney, state’s attorney, and commonwealth attorney, county attorney or solicitor. The prosecutor’s role is to protect the right of the public. The prosecutor represents the entire community, attempting to ensure their safety from the wrongful actions of criminal. The goal protective responsibility plays out in the context of the criminal trial, from the contemplation of initial changes before the trial, the activities during the trial, and through post-trial sentencing recommendations. Prosecutors are elected to serve during four years with the possibility of continuing. Prosecutors supervise a group of assistants who are district attorneys and does most in-court work. The prosecutor role is to advise the local police departments. Prosecutors are sensitive when it comes to the kind of information they need to conviction, they help with the police investigation and help detective identify witnesses and evidence. This role is limited. At the time of the trial the prosecutor presents the state’s case against the defendant. They introduce the evidence against the accused and argue in favor of the conviction. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty. Before a case comes to trial, the prosecutor has to decide if accept a plea bargain, for example; divert the accused to a private or public social service, ask the suspect to look for counseling or dismiss the case for lack of evidence. Prosecutor play significant role before grand jury. Some states use the grand jury depend on the evidence the prosecutor brings before them. The prosecutor decides which witness to call. The prosecutor does not end with the finding guilt or innocence. They are allowed to make sentencing recommendations to the judge. They can argue the accused criminal record. The prosecutor responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that an advocate; the prosecutor duty is to look for justice, not merely to convict. The responsibility has specific obligations, is to see if defendant is accorded procedural justice and guilty is decided upon sufficient evidence. Usually a prosecutor tries to prove that the accused is guilty of an offense to determine based on beyond the reasonable doubt is the case pursued. According to Smith (2010), the criminal justice funnel refers to a number of cases that still haven’t being resolved until a percentage has to be through trials. The criminal justice funnel is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Some cases might be dismissed while others are required to go for counseling. Another way of explaining the criminal funnel is to say that there are more crimes than inmates. This process has its limitation of amount of offenders incarcerated and in court. The result of the funnel justice is a small numbers of criminal researching for trial. The decreased of people incarcerated and trials the criminal justice system would save money and man hours. The less serious crime offenders are given probation, where they are incarcerated for another violation or committing another crime. Many of the cases are dismissed due to the lack of evidence or pleas are bargained. In conclusion the criminal funnel backlog is not just to setback of the judiciary. The backlog cases obstruct the access of justice which is considered the basic human rights. The backlog in a court means a heavy case which is not able to hear or try cases in a certain time manner because the cases docked is over the court capacity. References Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice today: An Introductory text for the 21 century (11th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix e-Books Collection database. Smith, A. (2010) what is Criminal Justice Funnel? Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_6870601_criminal-justice-funnel_.html

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Person Centred Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Person Centred Therapy Since the late 20th century, psychotherapy has been described as an important aspect in the study of psychology. Due to its importance, psychologists have been actively involved in the identification of the critical approaches in counselling and psychotherapy (Corey 2009). Psychologists have come up with different theoretical models of counselling that are applicable at different situations during psychotherapy (Fall Holden 2010). The application of these theoretical models of counselling have helped in overcoming the impact of several emotional as well as psychological difficulties such as stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and other emotional problems (Fall Holden 2010). However, despite the universal application in solving similar problems in human beings, these theoretical models of psychotherapy possess distinct differences as well as similarities. A comparison and contrast of the major theoretical models in counselling is therefore critical in understanding the application o f each theory in psychotherapy (Corey 2009). This paper compares and contrasts three theoretical models of counselling. For comparison and contrasting purposes, the paper has identified three main modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the Person-Centred Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. This paper will describe the underpinning assumptions of each model, the goals of therapy in relation to each model, the therapeutic relationship including the role of the counsellor and the client, the key techniques of each model and the major limitations in relation to each particular model. The paper will describe each theoretical model of counselling while comparing and contrasting with the others utilizing the aforementioned aspects. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy CBT, Person Centred Therapy and Gestalt Therapies are three theoretical models that have been applied in psychotherapy for many years. Despite their similarities and use in counselling, the three theoretical models hold distinct differences from each other. These differences are realized especially in regard to the assumptions, the goals of each, therapeutic relationship, key techniques of each and limitations (Corey 2009). Being one of the most preferred theoretical models in counselling, CBT has demonstrated explicit justifications as well as definite rates of success in most of the instances where it has been applied (Brewin 1989). The diversity of its applications in major psychological and emotional problems has also encouraged most psychotherapists to utilize it in therapeutical sessions (Stallard 2002). In contemporary psychotherapy, as described by Stallard (2002), CBT has been integrated with other theoretical models due to its multidimensional nature. CBT has been applied in clinical psychology and other psychological therapies on the basis of its premise of the importance of thinking about individual actions and feelings in relation to psychological and emotional health (Fall Holden 2010; Ingram Siegle 2000). Person-Centered Therapy was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s, and has been a critical theoretical model in counselling. According to Fall Holden (2010), this theory of counselling developed in three different phases. In the first phase, the theory focused on how the nondirective counsellors conduct differed from that of more directive psychotherapists such as psychoanalysts and behaviour therapists (Fall Holden 2010, p 171). The second phase focused away from the counsellor and firmly onto the client as a responsible agent whose nature provided the rationale for the counsellors therapeutic conduct (Fall Holden 2010, p 171).The third phase emerged when the theory included past counselling philosophies which formed major requirements of conventional psychology (Vacc Loesch 2000). Gestalt Therapy, on the other hand, emerged in the 20th century. As described by Fall Holden (2010), Gestalt therapy grew from a reaction to classical psychoanalysis that permeated the psychological community of the early twentieth century (p. 201). Developed in the 1940s by Frederick Fritz Perls, Gestalt Therapy focused on cultivating growth rather than pathological remediation, (Fall Holden 2010, p 202). Actual psychological experiences are the major emphasis of the gestalt therapy. Underpinning Assumptions Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centred Therapy and Gestalt Therapy have differing underpinning assumptions that make each therapy distinct. CBT assumes that the occurrence of behavioural and emotional problems in most individuals is due to the nature of people incorporating faulty thinking (Dryden Bond 2000). CBT also assumes that the manner in which individuals perform and believe is determined and influenced by individual cognition. The counselling is therefore focused towards the cognition and behaviour of the individual (Ingram Siegle 2000). During CBT, the importance of decision making, thought, questioning and action is stressed. CBT assumes that counselling is a process that entails learning, acquisition of novel talents as well as learning new coping mechanisms for common psychological and emotional problems (Corey 2009, Stallard 2002). In person centred therapy, it is assumed that humans are positive and due to this positivity, they tend to be inclined towards the achievement of complete functionality of both their bodies and minds (VanKalmthout 1998). In applying this model in counselling, it is assumed that the immediate experiences in an individual have occurred due to lack of past awareness about the problems. The theory has it that after therapy, the individual will possess actualization that will impact on his or her potential to move from being unaware to being aware of his or her feelings, and will have self trust and think positively in relation to his or her life (Rennie 1998). Gestalt Therapy assumes that for an individual to achieve personal wholeness in terms of thinking, feelings as well as behaviour, they have to work hard (Brownell 2010). This theory assumes that if an individual is allowed to flashback on past experiences, they will be able to relate them to the present experiences and then connect the two. Fall Holden (2010) claim this model of counselling utilizes an experiential advance that holds its grounds on the immediate experiences therefore emphasizing on individual responsibilities as well as choices. Goals of Therapy The three theoretical models possess different goals. CBT challenges individuals to face the behaviours, norms, and beliefs that affect their psychological and emotional health (Dryden Bond 2000). CBT also encourages clients to be more aware of their thoughts therefore encouraging clients to change their feelings (Vacc Loesch 2000). Person-Centred therapy aims at providing individuals with an environment that is safe and favourable for exploring their well being (Rennie 1998). By encouraging clients to explore well being, Person-centred therapy ensures that clients recognize all the challenges that they have faced in their emotional and psychological growth. Further, this therapy enables clients to realise aspects of self worthiness that had been imprecise during their past (Tudor Worrall 2006). The goals of the Gestalt Therapy also differ from those of CBT and person centred therapies. Basically, Gestalt therapy aims at assisting emotionally and psychologically affected individuals in advancing towards self awareness in relation to their day to day experiences (Brownell 2010). This encourages clients to be expansive especially in making choices in regard to their lives. However, the gestalt therapy in contrast with the CBT and person-centred therapies aims at assimilation but not at psychoanalysis which is common in the other two therapies (Fall Holden 2010). Therapeutic Relationship In relation to therapeutic relationship, the role of the counsellor and client becomes critical in ensuring that the outcome of the therapy is desirable. In relation to the three theoretical models of counselling under discussion, the therapeutic relationships differ from one model to the other. In each model, the client and therapist hold different roles (Corey 2009). The therapeutic relationship in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the therapeutic relationship resembles the relationship between a teacher and a student. The therapist acts as the teacher and the client as the student. According to Romana (2003), the role of the therapist is to give therapeutical instructions to the client who listens and does what the counsellor says. In this relationship, the counsellor employs directive structures to direct clients on behaviour changes (Dryden Bond 2000). In this case, the counsellor acts as the focal point since he impacts much on the cognitive and behavioural changes in the client. However, for desirable results, collaboration is ensured during therapy (Gilbert Leahy 2007). The counsellor utilizes the Socratic dialogue that is critical in supporting clients in tenets such as the identification of the beliefs, norms and values that have impacted on the psychological and emotional functionality (Romana 2003). Further, the counsellor encourages the client to change these beliefs as well as identify an unconventional rule for present and future living. In this case, the counsellor helps in promoting the adoption of remedial skills of learning (DeRubeis, Tang Beck 2001). In this relationship, the client always gets new insights in relation to the problems he/she is experiencing and therefore decides on efficient and effective means of acquiring change (Gilbert Leahy 2007). In the person centred therapy, the therapeutic relationship is distinct from CBT and gestalt. In Person-Centred Therapy, the relationship between client and counsellor is crucial (Tudor Worrall 2006) because therapy is centred towards the client as the client is the focal point of the therapy. Due to this, the counsellor must ensure that respect, genuineness, and empathy towards the client are maintained. Further, communication is also critical in this model especially between the client and the therapist. The relationship must equal as it is crucial in aiding behaviour change in the client (Wilkins 2010). Therapeutic relationships in the Gestalt Therapy hold central significance. The counsellor and client establish a relationship that is centrally placed. In this therapy, the relationship only depends on the nature and quality of the therapeutic measures being given (Brownell 2010). In contrast to CBT and person centred therapies, gestalt therapy depends much on the attitudes of the counsellor towards the client. The client is his own interpreter hence the counsellor only helps the client to interpret his behaviours and experiences (Brownell 2010). Therefore the role of the counsellor is as an aid. The client identifies his experiences and works on how to change the experiences that affect his current psychological and emotional health (Fall Holden 2010). Key Techniques There are different techniques applicable in the three models of counselling described in this paper. CBT utilizes techniques aimed at personal counselling. The theory utilizes the Socratic model that entails several questions to be answered by the client. Corey (2009) denotes that therapists utilize a variety of cognitive, emotive, and behavioural techniques; diverse methods are tailored to suit individual clients, (p. 466). However, the client is also allowed to ask the counsellor some questions. Further, the theory employs the aspect of homework that encourages the clients to practice the skills learnt. Therefore the major technique of CBT is the ABC technique that utilizes the Socratic model (DeRubeis, Tang Beck 2001). In client centred therapy, the techniques differ from those of CBT. While CBT applies assignments and Socratic model, Person centred therapy makes use of the attitudes of the counsellor as the major technique. The attitude of the counsellor towards the client dete rmines the outcome of the therapy (Tudor Worrall 2006). However, this therapy utilizes aspects of hearing and listening and clarification of ideas and feelings. This therapy does not utilize techniques that entail directive aspects. In person centred therapy, there is no probing and questioning; common aspects in CBT therapy (Wilkins 2010). In the Gestalt therapy, the techniques used contrast those of CBT and person-centred therapy. As asserted by Corey (2009), this therapy uses a wide range of experiments designed to intensify experiencing and to integrate conflicting feelings, (p. 466). Limitations Though the theoretical models of counselling described in this paper are necessary in counselling, each model has several limitations. The CBT is believed to have an aspect of playing down the emotions of the clients. It lacks the focus on determining the underlying unconsciousness in the clients and due to this fails in relating the clients past with the present experiences. Since it entails confrontation, this therapy may witness cases of termination as most clients may not cope with its expectations (Fall Holden 2010). The limitations of the person centred therapy are distinct as compared to those of CBT and Gestalt. Since the therapist is a passive entity during this therapy, cases of limited responses are occasional. There is lack of direction for most clients since the counsellor remains inactive (Wilkins 2010). In cases when crisis occurs, the clients will lack support. The theory lacks the application of novel knowledge hence cases of rigidity are common (Tudor Worrall 2006 ). In Gestalt Therapy, limitations include expressions of emotion due to the techniques that are employed. Clients in most cases fail to acquire or reach the required thresholds of the therapy since cognitive aspects are not dealt with. Conclusion This paper has described three theoretical models including CBT, Person-Centred and Gestalt. The paper has explored the underpinning assumptions of each model while comparing and contrasting the assumptions. It has also identified the goals of each therapy as well as the therapeutic relationships. The paper has also compared and contrasted the key techniques utilized in the three models as well as the limitations of each model. Although it is established that each of the three models is distinct from the other in terms of the described concepts, the three theoretical models are critical in psychotherapy.

Osteoprotegerin as Biomarker for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Osteoprotegerin as Biomarker for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Osteoprotegerin: a novel faecal biomarker in paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases Abstract Background: Recently, Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been identified as a faecal biological marker reflecting intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). To maintain remission, it is important to prevent relapses, especially in paediatric IBD where failure to thrive is frequently seen. This study aims to identify the diagnostic and predictive value of faecal OPG in paediatric IBD management. Methods: Stool samples, disease activity index scores and inflammatory markers were recorded from children diagnosed with CD or UC during regular visits every three months. An enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure faecal OPG levels in these children. Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), both an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are severe, chronic diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. CD occurs throughout the whole gut but is commonly seen near the ileum, whereas UC is mainly restricted to the colon. IBD deteriorates the intestinal mucosa and causes barrier disruption of the gut leading to abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding [1,2]. A worrisome increase in the world-wide IBD population, particularly in developed countries, has been seen over the past decades [10]. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment are important key factors in IBD management, especially in children where IBD causes failure to thrive and impairs growth and pubertal development [13]. Etiologically, our understanding of the etiopathogenesis in IBD is still not completely elucidated but our best hypothesis poses that inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is induced by the intestinal flora causing a deregulated immune response in both the innate and the adaptive immune system often in patients with predisposed genetic factors [14-18]. Currently, colonoscopy, albeit unpleasant, invasive and expensive, delineates mucosal inflammation and is the â€Å"gold standard† in diagnosing and monitoring IBD [11,12]. Consequently, many investigators conducted studies to inflammatory indicators trying to find less-invasive and more accessible ways of assessing gastrointestinal inflammation. Several indices have been developed and validated, however not any as sensitive and specific as colonoscopy [39,40]. Also, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been studied but do not differentiate among several other inflammatory diseases. [37,38]. Nowadays, non-invasive faecal markers are deemed promising in diagnosing and monitoring IBD since previous studies have shown non-invasive faecal markers to reflect intestinal inflammation and mucosal healing [42-45]. In intestinal inflammation, one of the inflammatory pathways is the Nuclear Factor (NF)- ÃŽ ºB pathway controlling inflammatory response and modulated by (pro)-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-ÃŽ ±, interleukin (IL)-1 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) [19,20]. OPG or TNFRSF11B is a protein and member of the Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNFR) superfamily. OPG was first described in bone metabolism where it decreases bone-breakdown modulating the OPG/receptor activation of NF-ÃŽ ºB (RANK)/ RANK ligand (RANKL) pathway. In bone, RANK, which is expressed on osteoclast progenitor cells, binds RANKL and thereby inducing osteoclastogenesis. OPG, expressed by osteoblasts and acting as a decoy receptor for RANK, shows competitive binding with RANKL subsequently preventing a RANK-RANKL ligation and bone breakdown [24,25]. Since both RANKL and OPG are members of the TNFR-family and thus affecting several inflammatory mediators and cytokines (e.g. TNF-ÃŽ ±, IL-1, IL-8 and in terferon (IFN)-ÃŽ ³) the OPG/RANK/RANKL pathway also modulates inflammation. Moreover RANKL is synthesized by T-cells whereas OPG is produced by B-cells and dendritic cells (DC) indicating an even more evident role for both proteins in the immune system [26-29]. Although the exact role of OPG in inflammation is yet to be found, recently conducted studies clearly highlight a potential role for OPG as a non-invasive faecal marker in paediatric IBD. Several studies postulate OPG as a promising non-invasive faecal marker since OPG correlates positively with inflammation markers (e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and IBD index scores [20,30-32]. Moreover, OPG levels decrease significantly after IBD treatment indicating less inflammation [32-34]. In addition, increased OPG levels were not only found in serum but also in intestinal mucosa and stool indicating a distinct role for OPG in intestinal inflammation [20,30-32,34,41]. The aim of this study is to describe levels of OPG with respect to disease state and whether OPG levels change over time while receiving treatment or on behalf of the relapse-remitting pattern of IBD. Furthermore we evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of OPG as a non-invasive biological marker in paediatric IBD. Methods Patients All patients ( Disease assessment Assessment of patients’ disease activity was measured using the Paediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) for CD patients or the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) for patients diagnosed with UC. PCDAI scores comprise symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain), physical examination (e.g. peri-rectal disease) and blood results (haematocrit, ESR and albumin) whereas PUCAI scores are only based on subjective symptoms characterizing UC [7-9]. However, previous studies have indicated PCDAI as a poor indicator of intestinal inflammation since it is not correlating well with faecal biomarkers such as calprotectin, lactoferrin and S100A12 [3-5]. Therefore a modified PCDAI was developed and validated based on merely blood parameters (haematocrit, ESR and albumin) [6]. Eventually, both the PCDAI and the modified PCDAI were used for disease assessment in CD patients. CD or UC patients were classified as in remission/inactive, mild, moderate or severe disease state. When scoring a PCDAI12.5/17.5 [x1]or PUCAI score over 65 was classified as a severe disease [6-9]. Since the modified PCDAI only differentiates between an in remission/inactive and a severe form of CD, scores between 7.5 and 12.5/17.5 accounted for a mild/moderate disease state [6]. Subsequently, relapses were defined when patients changed from an inactive disease state to a mild, moderate or severe state or showed a ≠¥12.5 point/≠¥40 point increase in PCDAI score [9] or PUCAI score [7,8]respectively. On other hand, improvement was defined as a decrease in PCDAI score of ≠¥12.5 points [9] or a decrease in PUCAI score of ≠¥35 points [7]. [x2] Sample collection Eight stool samples per patient were collected over a period of 30 months as follows: stool samples were obtained every three months for the first year and then every 6 months for one and a half year. Stool samples were collected and immediately stored at 4 °C. After transporting the samples to the laboratory they were aliquoted and stored in a -80 °C freezer. Moreover, inflammation parameters (e.g. CRP, ESR, albumin, haematocrit, and platelet count), weight, length and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded during regular visits. As part of patients’ monitoring these visits took place every three months corresponding with collecting stool samples. Faecal extraction After removing stool samples from the freezer, a weighted amount of stool between 250 mg and 400 mg was added to an Eppendorf tube. Then, the same volume (between 250  µL and 400  µL) of buffered saline (PBS) containing 11  µg/mL aprotinin (Sigma), 2.5  µg/mL leupeptin hemisulfate (Sigma) and 0.5 mM 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride (Sigma) was added creating a 1:1 ratio weight/volume. Next, samples were agitated on a vortex machine (Global Science, Auckland, NZ) for 30 seconds and homogenized on a suspension mixer (Gyrotory shaker model G2, New Brunswick Scientific Co, Edison, NJ, US) for 30 minutes. After centrifuging at 13,500g for 10 minutes on 22 °C supernatant was transferred to an Eppendorf tube and stored at -20 °C until analysis. ELISA OPG levels in stool samples were measured using a human OPG/TNFRSF11B ELISA-kit (RD Systems) following the manufactures’ instructions. We used this kit and protocol since it was successfully utilized by Nahidi et al [34]. First, 100  µL per well of capture antibody (mouse anti-human OPG with a working concentration of 2.0  µg/mL in a PBS-dilution) was added to a 96-well plate (Falcon, Corning NY, US) incubating overnight at room temperature. Then, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer (0.05% Tween 20 in PBS pH 7.2-7.4) and tapped dry on paper towel. Next, the plate was blocked by adding 300  µL per well of reagent diluent (1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PBS pH 7.2-7.4) incubating for 1 hour at room temperature. Meanwhile, 120  µL of faecal extraction and 120  µL of reagent diluent were added to an Eppendorf tube creating a final 1:2 working dilution of sample. After washing the plate, as aforementioned, 100  µL per well of diluted samples and standard s (recombinant human OPG) were added in duplicates incubating for 2 hours at room temperature. Next, the plate was washed and 100  µL per well of detection antibody (biotinylated goat anti-human OPG with a working concentration of 200ng/mL diluted in reagent diluent with 2% heat inactivated normal goat serum ) was added incubating for two hours at room temperature. Following, after washing, 100  µL per well of Streptavidin-Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was added for 20 minutes at room temperature and protected against light using tin foil. After washing, 100  µL per well of substrate (H2O2 and Tetramethylbenzidine in a 1:1 dilution) was added for 20 minutes and protected against light. Hereafter 50  µL per well of Stop Solution (2M H2SO4) was added and optical density was immediately analysed using a 450 nm microplate reader (Spectramax 190, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The lower detection limit of this assay was 250 pg/mL. Statistical analysis The obtained data from the microplate reader was calculated using Softmax Pro (version 5.3, October 1998; Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). [x1]Either 12.5 or 17.5. Differs between articles [x2]Not sure if this is right but found this in other articles

The Contradictory Nature of Soft Determinism :: essays research papers fc

The Contradictory Nature of Soft Determinism I. Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There is a continuum between free and unfree, with many or most acts lying somewhere in between.† (Abel, 322) This statement is a good summation of how Nancy Holmstrom’s view of free will allows for degrees of freedom depending on the agent’s control over the situation. Holmstrom’s main purpose in her Firming Up Soft Determinism essay was to show that people can have control over the source of their actions, meaning that people can have control over their desires and beliefs, and because of this they have free will. She also tried to show that her view of soft determinism was compatible with free will and moral responsibility. While Holmstrom’s theory about the self’s being in control, willingness to participate, and awareness of an act causes the act to be free, has some merit, her choice to incorporate soft determinism ultimately proved to invalidate her theory. II. Exposition   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Nancy Holmstrom’s Firming Up Soft Determinism essay she set out to prove that people can have control over their desires and beliefs, and therefore are in control of the sources of their actions. She believed it was possible to carry on the view of soft determinism and still hold that we are free to choose and we are at times able to do otherwise. She believed that the standard soft determinist position was inadequate. Her thought was that soft determinists had too limited of a notion of what is required for an agent to be in charge of their actions. The common soft determinist stance was that the agent do what it pleased; the soft determinists simply ignore the question of whether the agent was in control of the sources that caused the actions. Holmstrom’s theory was that â€Å"just because some causes of desires and beliefs, such as brainwashing, make actions resulting from them unfree, it does not follow that any cause of desires and beliefs has the same implications for the freedom of actions resulting from them.† (Abel, 321)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holmstrom believed that the notion of having control is the heart of the notion of freedom. In order to have control by Holmstrom’s theory the agent must be an important part of the causal process, and the agent must also be aware of its control. An example of this is illustrated by a person accidentally squashing an ant while walking. While the person did play an important part in the demise of the ant, the person was not aware of the action; therefore, the person was not in control of the ant’s life.

Canterbury Tales Essay: Importance of the Tale of Wife of Bath

Importance of the Tale of Wife of Bath Some critiques of Wife of Bath make the claim that the Tale is an anti-climax after the robust presentation of the Prologue. Certainly, the prologue of Wife of Bath is robust. With its unstoppable vitality, strong language ("queynte" etc.) and homely, vigorous vocabulary (eg. the references to "barley-brede" and mice), it is the Wife's personality -- certainly an extremely robust one -- that dominates. There is a certain brash energy to the whole of the Prologue, whether because of the forcefulness with which the Wife presents her arguments against the antifeminists (eg. her comments about clerks being unable to do "Venus werkes" and taking it out on "sely wyf[s]" in print), or because of her histrionic presentation of the methods with which she amply gave her husbands the "wo that is in mariage". The Wife, as speaker of her Prologue, has an earthy, homely vigour that pervades the whole of the Prologue; as such, it would certainly be fitting to apply the epithet "robust" to the Prolo gue. [good paragraph] In contrast, the Tale (or the Wife as speaker of the Tale) is arguably lacking in a similiar robust vitality. Its very opening, with its Arthurian/fairy-tale references, sets the general tone -- quasi-courtly, learned, fantasy rather than the earthy reality presented with such subversive attractiveness in the Prologue by the Wife (eg. "dronken as a mous", "goon a-caterwawed"). Elegant and learned -- even a little pedantic ("redeth eek Senek, and redeth eek Boece" as well as the references to Dante) -- there is, comparatively, a lack of the energy that galvanised the Prologue. Moreover, given what the rea... ... As such, it would not be totally accurate to speak of the Tale as being an anticlimax. While its seeming "gentillesse" may be found somewhat colorless after the Prologue, it nevertheless reinforces the Wife's ideas of female "maistrie", and certainly this is obvious by the end; also, the ending arguably serves as a climax, summarizing many of the Wife's themes (that women should have the "maistrie", that she wants a constant supply of young virile husbands, that marriage can be happy if a husband first resigns authority to his wife (cf. her ending the Prologue with the kindness she showed to Jankin and their ostensible happiness)). Therefore, even if the Tale does not work up inexorably to a climax as the Prologue per se does, it would be unfair to claim that it has no climax, or that it is an anticlimax.

Personal Skills Inventory Essay

The most important skill in life is learning how to communicate effectively. Working in the business industry communication is important factor in the success of the business and daily tasks such as giving employees’ feedback, writing reports, giving presentations, conducting interviews and sending emails. How we communicate varies among each individual as well as how we perceive our own personal communication skills. While we may think that we are communicating effectively others around us my find that we communicate poorly. Based on my experiences on an off the job, my communicative skills have always been mediocre at best. In order to validate this, I will participate in an online test courtesy of mindtools.com. My decision to choose this communication quiz was based on the depth of details it provided me upon completion of the quiz. The quiz had 15 questions which addresses each stage of the communication process. A score interpretation was provided and also a detailed interpretation for improving my skills in each area. Based on my score interpretation, I am a capable communicator, but I sometimes experience communication problems. I need to take more time to think about my approach to communication, and focus on receiving messages effectively as much as sending them. The encoding part of the communication process was my weakest area. This showed that I have difficulty creating a clear and well-crafted message which often leads to a communication gap. Communication gaps are frequently caused by misdirected, one-way, poorly time, or badly worded communications. In addition, some gaps result from misunderstanding, misinterpretations, and miscommunications. This part of the test really struck home because often during face-to-face communication with my teams I am unaware of how my communication is breaking up which can result in lack of interest in my teams attention and possibly communicating a message that’s unclear and misunderstood. However the test indicated that my online Communication was clearer and effectively delivered. I often use online communication as a secondary tool because way to often text messages and emails are taken out of context but it seems that this type of communication is more effective. To ensure that I communicate in the clearest, most effective way possible for work and future courses such as business communication and psychology I intend to seek additional training with my least proficient communication skills using the many services that Walden has provided such as The writing center, grammarly and the Walden Student Library. To aid me in my journey of better communication I plan to use the directions and opinions of my professors, classmates and employees. Writing Skills: Writing is a process; as in all processes, there is a beginning, middle, and an end. The attitude in which we take toward writing creatively may cause problems in terms of how other writers’ perceive one’s writing skills. Not knowing what to write or how to write effectively is the start of the writer’s breakdown. In this section of my essay I will explain my need for strengthening the writing skills that I already possess and how I plan to use them to my advantage. Whenever I’m faced with a writing project I become tense and stressed, ever since high school I have always suffered from writers’ block which is the inability to remember or think of something you normally can do. In order to get pass this stumbling block I first have to clear my head of any thoughts that could clutter my writing. It’s very hard to be expected to write clearly without having a clear mind. As my high school English would always say â€Å"Don’t blame the reader if he can’t follow your writing†. It is the writer’s job to convey his meaning to the reader, not the reader’s job to figure out what the writer is trying to express. While I have many strong points to my writing I possess weak areas as well, these areas of improve include introductions and conclusions, my introductions are not supportive enough and sometimes weak for my topics, my conclusions in my opinion are always weak, I think because after writing for so long I run out thing to say or support my topics. My goals for my future courses are to submit the perfect papers and earn all points possible, I plan to take advantage of all the resources that Walden has to offer in aiding my success as a student and professional. Time Management Skills: Time management is very important to academic and overall life success. Learning to manage your time effectively can be a headache for people that are trying to juggle work, school, and family life. For me it seems that there is just not enough time in the day to complete all of my tasks successfully. When it comes to effective time management it is important to possess skills and tools that will fit your personal lifestyle. I find it important to try every angle of time management until you determine which one will be most beneficial to you. In my experience with being a Wife, Mother, and working two fulltime jobs time management is a must have, it will aid in deleting some of the stress brought on by a crazy schedule. Some improvements that I would like to make immediately include goal setting, creating a to-do list and organizing. I am the Queen of procrastination and it is my ultimate down fall even though I am fully aware that for an individual to achieve his or her goals it is important that I develop a plan to carry out that goal, which in turn requires effective time management skills. Effective time management is something that will make or break an individual, not only in the academic setting, but also in life as well. According to an online tool â€Å"Keys to Success† Identifying personal time-related needs and preferences is the first step in developing an individualized time management plan. The best way to achieve this is to make up a schedule that incorporates all necessary aspects of your life. This includes school, family, and work. Prioritizing and time saving methods are also recommended. I plan to utilize the practices provided by Keys to Success and my weekly assignment timelines for success in my future courses, home and work life. References http://www.carterkeys.com http://www.mindtools.com Communication in a Changing World 2006 Edition

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

e book, All That Glitters Is Not Gold, written by Benjamin Ifeanyichukwu Abugu, symbolically portrays deception. It shows that life is fragile and one should be be handled with care. Written in 19 chapters, the 152-page prose analyses the fruitlessness of promiscuity. It highlights how reckless living leads to pain and shame. Essentially, the book depicts the moral decadence of the 21st Century people, who believe in easy life and quick financial benefit. The story revolves round the major characters; Anya and his sister Blossom.Both are children of Gab Uku and Mabel from Egwuonwu who live in Lagos. Their escapades, belief, time and chance like the Biblical saying, are weighed in a balance. Anya and Blossom had lived a wayward live of watching pornographic films and fornicating. â€Å"Their inner conflicts are compounded by the scourge of HIV/AIDS, that currently threatens to destroy the entire population. † While Anya escapes the scourge, his sister falls victim. Former Miss World becomes a shadow of herself and finally dies. Anya, a newspaper reporter, has some bad habits which are controlled by his experiences.He learns from his experiences, illusions, dreams, particularly, his encounter with swindlers and robbery trial arising from his association with bad friends. Anya almost committed suicide when erroneously given a HIV positive result. His fears and conflicts are allayed after the result is corrected. From that moment, he turns a new leave. But Blossom is a former beauty queen and a campus babe. Having lived with her aunty, Eliza and husband, Chief Dike Akukamadu, a business mogul, becomes a sleeping partner to the chief.Aside living a carefree life, she is also a cultist. Her friend, Rose, introduces her to Daughters of Jezebel, the female wing of Red Atlantic cult. The cult was notorious for all manners of indecent appearance on campus, including nudity, which was regarded as the most sacred mark of the sisterhood of Jezebel. Blossom torment st arts after her escapades with Romeo, a sadist, who storms campus on a revenge mission to distribute HIV/AIDS to 50 girls. She and other fun-loving girls fall victims as a result of the dollars of Mr. Romeo.The author uses the third person narrative technique to tell the story. All that glitters is indeed gold. Had Blossom known, she would have lived a better life and she wouldn’t have wasted her beauty, talent and life just as Anya wouldn’t have been swindled. From the objects on the cover page, which sparkle like gold but are not there is a warning for everyone to beware of outward appearance because it is very deceptive as against inward virtues and qualities. The book is didactic. Its lesson is for all to beware and take time to weigh every action.It is thought provoking as many think that worldliness is the best form of living but really, it is not. The book is morally inclined. It is detached and impartial. It lays bare the evils of immorality and allows readers t o make their own judgment. Abugu has also published The Widow And The Wolves aside writing a number of articles published online @ expertscolumn. com. Born in Amachalla, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North L. G. A, Enugu State, Abugu is a graduate of English Language from the Lagos State University. All That Glitters is Not Gold The adage â€Å"All that glitters is not gold† cautions us against forming our opinion about objects on the basis of superficial impressions. It also implies that one should try to ascertain the true nature of things and to understand the reality hidden behind their glittering facade. However, love for glamour is deeply embedded in human nature. Taking advantage of this inherent vulnerability of man to glamour, cash rich companies rope in glamorous film and sports personalities to advertise their goods and services.Soap and tooth paste used by charming actresses and dashing sportsmen sell like hot cakes. Companies' sales are boosted and consumers, particularly those of the lower middle classes, forego many necessities of life to have a taste of goodies recommended by their favourite stars. Man would read super hero stories from films and see that those are real and often fell in temptations and believe that those are great but actually those are also men. hose glitters in film s imagines him to be great but actually he is also a man among us.One would expect that our reading of such stories would make us wise and prevent us from falling prey to temptations of outward beauty. But man, weak as he is, never learns from others' experience. He often courts disaster by giving into temptations. We are repeatedly warned and alerted by the wise and the experienced not to take persons and things on their face value. The most innocent masks may hide behind them the most cunning of cheats.But very often even the wise fall prey to tricksters. Even Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, was tempted by the glitter of the golden deer she saw bounding around her forest cottage and requested Rama to bring it for her. Rama earnestly expostulated Sita to forget the deer as it might be a trap of some villain, but she was so charmed by the guiles of the deer that she pressed him to leave the Ashram in search of it. A few minutes later, Sita heard a distress call for help in Rama's vo ice.She, thereupon, requested Lakshman to go and relieve Rama from distress. Lakshman tried to convince Sita that nobody was brave enough to harm the invincible Rama, but Sita was so nervous that she forced Lakshman to leave the Ashram. In his absence, the Rakshasa king Ravana abducted Sita. It later turned out that the golden deer was actually the demon Marichi in disguise sent by Ravana to tempt Sita. Sita's temptation demonstrates the validity of the old saying â€Å"All that glitters is not gold†. All That Glitters is Not Gold The most valuable items in the world, monetary value wise, are the precious gems and metals that the rich and the famous constantly adorn themselves with. Today’s concept of value is based on tangible items that have a corresponding market value. Gold, which is the peg for most currencies in the world, is the universal currency these days. Nothing of value can be purchased, owned or possessed if it does not justify its â€Å"weight in gold†, so to speak. Yet, as the tagline of Mastercard suggests, there are those things that are â€Å"priceless.† In this world, not everything is gold and not everything that resembles something valuable has to glitter. Perhaps a perfect example would be an illustration of a personal experience of mine. I once had an opportunity to witness two lawyers working at their firm in the past. I must admit that I had certain preconceived notions of what I would see at that firm. I expected these senior lawyers to have fancy cars and flashy watches. Yet much to my surprise, they had none of those things.One lawyer regularly commuted to work while the other preferred to ride his bike to work. There were no glittering watches or pieces of jewelry. One of them could not replace his tattered briefcase with something more decent and perhaps functional. I knew from the moment I saw them that there was much more to them than that. As the day went on, I would see that they had a special touch with their clients. The fact that they knew the cases of their respective clients by heart and even the names of their children and family situation made me see them in a different light.They did not charge excessive fees and often just accepted small tokens of appreciation in return. The difference that these lawyers made was even more emphasized by an experience later that day when an opposing lawyer entered their firm. A sports car sped by the office window and anyone could see the person driving the convertible that had its top down. In his mid thirties, this young lawyer entered the firm with a certain air of authority, expecting everyone to recognize him.He had a gold watch would blind the eyes of anyone unfortunate enough to glance at it. He had platinum cuff links on his suit that were adorned with diamonds. Behind him were his assistants who were just as gaudily dressed. It turns out that they represented a large corporation that wanted these two humble lawyers to drop their case against the firm. They were prepared to offer a huge cash settlement in return. I was not surprised when these humble lawyers politely declined the offer and proceeded with the case which they eventually won for their clients.These were lawyers who were in a position to make millions of dollars yet they chose not to and instead devoted their lives to uphold the justice system of the state and of this great country. There was nothing flashy or fancy about the things that they did but I know that they have made a big difference in t his world. This personal experience of mine shows that not everything that glitters is gold; the former lawyer with all the pomp and flash that he had still resorted to underhanded tactics and eventually lost out in the end.There was no substance to this person. There was no value underneath that entire flashy exterior. The two humble lawyers, on the other hand, showed much more than their exterior would suggest. The kindness of their hearts was echoed in their actions and the time they devoted to their clients was something that was certainly worth more than any glittering watch of gold. Not everything that glitters is gold. Not everything that glitters has any value to it.Real value sometimes cannot be judged from the flashy exterior and certainly cannot be equated in today’s currency. It is the acts of kindness and selflessness that give value to things in this world, especially human beings. It is easy to be distracted by something shiny and pretty but one must always rea lize that everything material disappears in the end. All the shine will soon tarnish and fade away. Yet those intangibles that matter will never fade and will always be in the hearts of tho