Divine Command Theory

Divine Command Theory Divine command theory is based on the idea that God is the determinant of right and wrong behavior. Religious groups such as Christians, Muslims and Jews follow laws contained in holy books that guide their worship activities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Divine Command Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Holy books were written by wise people inspired by God and should be followed. God forbids morally wrong actions and encourages people to engage in morally upright activities. Violation of commandments of God is immorality. People will be held responsible for their actions on the final Day of Judgment. Theists disagree with divine command theory because they do not believe in the existence of God. There are also differences within believers. According to Plato, any act is neither good nor bad unless God has categorized it. This raises an issue of dilemma in some cases such as whether people should be truthful because God has commanded them or because it is good (Rachels Rachels, 2011). According to Rachels and Rachels (2011), the criterion used to define wrong and right is not clear. For instance, in a case of child abuse where a child has been slapped, the action could be right if God wants it that way. In such a case, defining morality would be mysterious. The definition of what is moral makes commandments of God Arbitral because judgment depends on God. For instance, lying is not allowed. However, if God commanded it, it would be accepted. Conception of morality differs with moral principals. This is because the theory does not recognize effects of child abuse as long as punishment is based on Gods commandments. Divine command theorists argue that child abuse could be allowed if God was not in existence. The statement is invalid because if God was not there, then He could not be there to make child abuse wrong. Since child abuse is malicious, it would still be wrong. Religious texts give contradicting information that makes even believers have doubts in God’s commands. It is wrong for believers to say that the commandments given by God are arbitrary because He knows what best fits them. People should remain truthful because God requires them to do so. Believers should follow Gods wishes if they are to remain religious. Many theologians have rejected the theory because it is impious and untenable. Other thinkers like Saint Thomas Aquinas have explained the relationship between religion and morality in other ways (Rachels Rachels, 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Theory of Natural Law According to this theory, laws of nature govern human beings. According to Aristotle who lived between 384 and 322 B.C, everything that exists should serve a certain purpose. He gave the example of a knife that is used for cutting, different body parts th at perform different functions in the body and rainfall that enables proper growth of plants. Many things exist in the world with each serving its own purpose making the world a rational and orderly system. Other scholars who followed later have supported Aristotle’s view. For instance, Christian thinkers accepted the view but added that the aspect of God was missing. They argued that human beings use animals because God made them to serve that purpose (Rachels Rachels, 2011). Rachels and Rachels (2011) point out that the Natural theory describes the nature of things. People live in unity when everything is in place and every individual assumes his/her responsibilities in order to maintain social order. For examples, eyes that cannot see are functionless and this can be explained by the natural law. God created people to help each other. Naturally, human beings are social beings who need the company of other people. People who seem not to care about others (psychopaths) go a gainst the natural law. Deviant sexual activities are condemned in the theory of natural law. Theorists argue that sex is meant for procreation. Practices like gay and masturbation are condemned. The Catholic Church bases its moral values on this theory. Apart from Catholics, the theory has few supporters; reasons being that not all natural things are good. Secondly, it brings about confusion because people must not engage in sex except for purposes of procreation. Lastly, natural law differs with science (Rachels Rachels, 2011). The theory of natural law points out that determining right and wrong depends on one’s reasoning. Right actions should bring about good results. In this case, believers and non-believers follow in the same category of accessing moral truth. People have the ability to listen, think and make sound decisions. Natural theorists argue that morality is not dependent on religion (Rachels Rachels, 2011). Reference Rachels, J. Rachels, S. (2011). The eleme nts of moral philosophy. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

Gold is a precious meta Essay Example

Gold is a precious meta Essay Example Gold is a precious meta Essay Gold is a precious meta Essay Gold is a cherished metal and its monetary value since its find is normally determined by the unfastened market. However. a bench grade figure is set daily through a process referred to as gold repair and this benchmark figure controls the gold industry therefore the monetary values of gold. This gold repairing process was introduced in 1919 and it originated from London where it is still practiced even today. Gold is normally measured utilizing gms and besides by troy weights like all other metals considered cherished. In the yesteryear. gold was being used as currency and this merely ended with debut of paper money. In 1968. the economic conditions which were predominating led to the formation of a two-tier pricing strategy. Under this format. a standardised currency based on the gold value at that clip was allowed to settle all international histories while gilded trade at the private market was being controlled by the market forces. This agreement nevertheless ended in 1975 and gold started operating in a free market. This caused the monetary value of gold to fluctuate with the monetary value lifting to $ 850 per ounce of gold in 1980 to every bit low as $ 252 in 1999. The historic monetary values of gold have been known to fluctuate greatly although a benchmark figure is set to guarantee that the monetary value do non transcend the upper and lower bounds. Before the prostration of the gilded criterion in the seventiess. the monetary value of gold was extremely influence by the United States dollar since the dollar was pegged on the gold ( GOLDPRICE. ORG. Para 1-5 ) . This research paper will measure the impacts that the current recession may hold on the monetary values of gold. the differences between authorities and gold investing. the causes of gilded fluctuations every bit good as the effects that gold fluctuations may hold on the present value of money. : Impact of recession on gold monetary values One of the inquiries which are being often asked today is what would go on to the monetary values of gold as a consequence of the recession or depression being experienced in United States. A research conducted by the universe gold council aimed at comparing gilded public presentation during the recessive periods. However. it has been established that gold monetary values are non affected by the planetary recession. During recessive periods. the must be also-rans and victors based on the footings used in measuring plus public presentation. Fixed income assets like gold tend to win during such periods while cyclical stocks lose. An analysis on correlativity and arrested development carried out during a recessive period in the United States showed that there is no possible relationship between the growings of the country’s GDP and the gilded monetary value alterations. As such. a recession does non impact negatively to the monetary values of gold. This underpins the function of gold as a diversifying plus particularly in times of recession and besides outlines the forces that control gold monetary values. The recession unlike it was widely believed has had positive impact for gold monetary values despite the diminution in the dollar strength ( Connell. Para 2-4 ) . Due to the recessive period being experienced in most parts of the universe. more people have turned to gold investing therefore doing the present value of money to diminish. An addition in gilded trading would take to an addition in the gold monetary values therefore buying the same value of gold for more money. This would intend that the value of money would hold gone down. On the other manus. a lessening in the volume of gold would take to and increase in the present value of money ( Potter. Para 4-5 ) . Gold investing versus authorities investing There is a het argument on what signifier of investing is more feasible and good between gilded investing and puting in authorities securities or bonds. Both of these two investing options have their advantages and disadvantages. Gold investing is recognized as one of the best investing since it offers solid investing. As celebrated above. gold monetary values are non adversely affected by the recessive periods intending gold can still keep value of investing even when there are economic crisis in a state. The fact that gold monetary values are non negatively influenced by recession makes gilded investing more attractive than puting in authorities bonds particularly in times of economic crisis ( Willink. Para 2 ) . However. gold investing is a hazardous investing particularly for a individual who is non an expert in the gilded field. Besides. some signifiers of gold can be confiscated by the authorities in times of war taking to large losingss. Government bonds on the other manus sums to loaning to the authorities which is normally done at a fixed rate of involvement. The bonds are considered to be risk free and besides refund is guaranteed. This signifier of an investing does non give higher returns to the investor doing it less desirable. Due to the betterment of engineering and globalisation. puting in gold is going hazardous as they are opportunities of being cheated. Gold is besides really dearly-won and the returns may non be good particularly due to the signifier of market in which gold operates. As such. puting in authorities bonds would be more effectual since the hazard involved is minimum and returns are guaranteed ( Willink. Para 3-6 ) . Causes of gilded monetary value fluctuations Gold monetary values are regulated by the market forces and as such they are subjected to the jurisprudence of demand and supply which explains the gold monetary values fluctuations. During inflationary periods. people buy more gold for investing since it is non affected by rising pricess. This leads to an addition in gilded demand therefore the monetary values. On the other manus. people sell their gold investing during the roar period doing the monetary value of gold to diminish. Demand and supply forces are major subscribers to the fluctuation of gilded monetary value. Another possible cause of gilded monetary value fluctuation is the geographic expedition cost of gold and besides the cost involved in developing gold to do the needed merchandises such as jewellery. When geographic expedition and fabrication cost addition. the monetary value of gold and gold merchandises besides addition and frailty versa. Fluctuations in the paper currency may besides impact or take to monetary value fluctuation of gold. When paper money loses value or persons lose religion in a country’s currency. the demand for gold additions taking to monetary value rush ( Jackson. Para 1-4 ) . Conclusion Gold trading is one of the oldest signifiers of trade in the universe. In the ancient times. gold was being used as a agency of exchange and was used as a criterion that was being used in the international markets. During the gilded criterion. the dollar was pegged on gold and was used to guarantee equitability and quantifiability. However. after the prostration of the gilded criterion. gold monetary values were left to be determined by the free market which has led to the fluctuations being experienced in the gold market. Unlike in the yesteryear. more people are turning to gold investing chiefly due to its opposition to planetary market fluctuations and economic crisis. However. gold investing is one of the most hazardous and besides moneymaking investings as it may take to immense losingss or immense net incomes. Investing in this market besides requires experts due to the complexness and instability of this market. Mention: Connell. Rhona: What does a US recession imply for the gold monetary value? ( 2008 ) . Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from. hypertext transfer protocol: //www. ibtimes. com/articles/20080604/what-does-a-us-recession-imply-for. htm. GOLDPRICE. ORG: Gold Price History. Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from. hypertext transfer protocol: //www. goldprice. org/gold-price-history. hypertext markup language. Jackson. Dave: Why Gold Prices Fluctuate. Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from. hypertext transfer protocol: //ezinearticles. com/ ? Why-Gold-Prices-Fluctuate A ; id=720555. Potter. Christopher K. : Gold Money. ( 2007 ) . Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from. hypertext transfer protocol: //news. goldseek. com/GoldSeek/1194370818. php Willink. Andrew: Alternate Investment Round-up. ( 2008 ) . Retrieved on 16th March 2009 from. hypertext transfer protocol: //www. ratecity. com. au/savings-accounts/info/alternative-investment-round-up/ .

The change in Eighth Amendment cruel and unusual punishment standards Research Paper

The change in Eighth Amendment cruel and unusual punishment standards in death penalty cases since Furman v. Georgia (1972) - Research Paper Example Here, courts need to look for factors on how to change the standards of community and also come up with independent evaluation if the statutes are reasonable. For instance, in the case of Furman V. Georgia, the jury invalidated the death penalty regulation at that time because they constituted the unusual punishment and cruelty against the eighth amendment. The eighth amendment is an American amendment that bars or prevents the government from practices that may result to the violation of the freedom of people (Smith, 2010). It prevents the government from imposing cruel and unusual punishment such as torture and excess bails and fines. This amendment was adopted as early as 1791. Death sentence is a practice of the state where people are sentenced to death due to the magnitude of their crime. It is also commonly referred to as capital punishment. Overtime death penalty was not highly considered as a violation of this amendment. There were no vivid cases that had being presented there before to show the brutality of death sentence and how it imposed cruel and unusual punishment to people. This was until 1972 when a United State Supreme Court decision called the Furman v. Georgia was ruled. The case had being presented by three black men including Furman who had being sentenced to death. In this ruling, the court declared that death penalty violated the eighth amendment. However the court did not view death penalty as a cruel and unusual punishment. The case led to a de facto moratorium on capital punishment. The court argued that the manner in which the death sentences were being imposed was capricious. People were being sentenced to death in an erratic manner. However this ruling by the court was not taken well by the country. People argued that there are some crimes whose best solution was a death sentence. In 1976 the court reviewed the case due to statutes presented by the states of

Victorian Gothic and Gothic Revival Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Victorian Gothic and Gothic Revival - Essay Example He stressed a case of 'principle' not 'style' and presented rationalist, functionalist and moral principles into the architectural debate. Critic, John Ruskin, suggested that Gothic buildings surpassed other kinds of architecture because of the amount of effort and craftsmanship that was invested in decorating each stone. But many of these early gothic structures they referred to such as churches in the period 1130 to 1140s borrowed from Romanesque traditions (Wilson 2005 p.13) The word Gothic came into fashion when art critic Giorgio Vassari contemptuously equated medieval architecture to barbarism, a throwback to the Goths who invaded Rome (Britain Express 2007). There were certain characteristics of Gothic buildings that stood them apart from the rest. Some characteristics of Gothic styles evolved in time - stark vertical lines, high ceilings, small wall space, pointed door openings and windows and pointed arches (Frankl 2001 p.42). Neo-Gothic style or Gothic revival, originated from the Middle Ages and examples include Notre Dame Cathedral and Palace of Westminster. The main characteristics include flying buttresses, cathedral-style engravings and tall spires. Some of these features were used in a number of skyscrapers in the early 20th century up until 1930. Examples include: The Chicago Tribune Tower and the Woolworth Building (Richman 2006). The Early English period in architecture from 1190 to 1250 was characterized by pointed arches called lancet, used to span wide spaces and also above doorways. Lancet windows have no tracery and were much narrower than their height. Rather than a single large pillar, the columns were made of a group of shafts around a central column. The use of pointed arch walls allowed larger window openings and flying buttresses supported the high walls and vaulted stone roofs. Examples of Early English period styles include Lincoln Cathedral (1220) and Whitby Abbey. The Decorated Period in architecture from c.1290 to c.1350 was a development of the Early English style that was prevalent in the 13th century. The most important element that characterized this style was the window tracery. Intricately designed windows were sectioned by mullions, stretching up to the arched top of the window. The mullions then bifurcate and criss-cross, interconnecting to fill the upper portion of the window consisting of a web of intricate patterns called tracery. Interior rooms and spaces feature high columns supporting vaulted roofs. A number of British churches and cathedrals have the decorated style. One of the periods that sought to revive Gothic style architecture was the Victorian period (1837 to 1901). This was an era where style was a predominant factor in almost every sphere of life whether it was clothes or buildings. The Victorian style is often associated with Gothic style architecture of buildings, dark wood furniture, an abundant of ornaments in wealthy homes and a high culture in architecture, painting, music and sculpture. Original Gothic styles were widespread in the 12th to 16th centuries but from the 18th century Gothic revival art and architecture came into popular use with flying buttresses, pointed arches, the

Mergers And Joint Ventures Essay Example for Free

Mergers And Joint Ventures Essay A company does not plan on merging with another company and although some mergers are voluntary other mergers are not. When a company is struggling, having financial difficulties and has used up all of its resources sometime it is in the best interest to merge. It is important for companies to understand the different mergers and to pick the best solution. Below team D will discuss the differences between a horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate merger and how those mergers differ from joint ventures. Horizontal Mergers Horizontal mergers are the combining of two or more companies in the same industry that are competitors. An example would be Sirius Satellite and XM radio. The benefit of this merger is a decrease in competition for all the companies involved. The disadvantages of this merger is that a horizontal merger is considered hostile due to a larger company â€Å"taking over† the smaller company and it feeling more like an acquisition than a merger (wiseGEEK, 2014). Another drawback is the companies not requiring to disclose or share all trade secrets resulting in jealousy and/or resentment. Vertical Mergers Vertical mergers are more common and the companies involved in this merger do not compete directly in the same market. A vertical merger is a combination of two companies that produce different products or services and come together to produce one specific product. One of the merging companies would be the buyer of products and the other company would be the supplier (Colander, 2013). An advantage of this merger is lower costs due to the  company not having to pay for the materials from the supplier. A disadvantage of this merger is forcing suppliers out of business and anti-trust issues. Conglomerate Merger Unlike horizontal and vertical mergers, a conglomerate merger is less personal and merges two companies in different markets that are unrelated to each other to grow financially and to increase their market share. An advantage of this merger is the advantage to reach a bigger audience. When two companies merge together they have access to the other companies’ market base. The size of the companies can be an advantage or disadvantage. The size can be a disadvantage because of structure changes, i.e. an increase of employees as well as core values being lost due to the merge. Joint Venture Joint venture occurs when commercial enterprise is undertaken jointly by two or more parties and at the same time still maintaining their individual identities. Joint ventures seem a bit more beneficial when compared to mergers. One pro of joint venture is that the companies continue to exist as their own, whereas with mergers the two firms are one and no longer independent (Chron, 2014). An example of a joint venture is a cable and a phone company coming together offering both of their services like a bundle that offers special discounts. Conclusion The three different types of merges team d learned about are horizontal, vertical and conglomerate. We also learned the difference of the three and the advantages and disadvantages of the different mergers and how joint ventures differ from mergers. It is important for firms to knowledgeable about mergers and joint ventures so that they may make the best decisions for their firm. References Chron. (2014) Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/difference-between-mergers-joint-ventures-18578.html Colander, D. C. (2013). Microeconomics (9th Ed.). New York, NY:

England :: essays research papers

England is a very small country with a huge population. This report will tell you some features and facts about this country. I will be talking about its people, it’s government, it’s industry, it’s resources, it’s land, and finally it’s religion. The reason I said England has a big population is because they have about 47,505,000 people living there. The numbers speak for themselves. Most of England’s population is descendants of the original inhabitants. There are Saxons, Angles, Jutes, Scandinavians, Norman French, Scots, Welsh, and Irish. Now commonwealth immigrants are coming from southern Asia. Since there are so many different kinds of people there has been a lot of fighting between them. England’s economy is very strong because of an excellent school system. Their school system is much like ours except they only have to attend school from ages 5 through 16. Although they don’t go to school as long as us they learn things at a faster rate and school involves harder work. The English also play sports. They are very good at soccer, Rugby and cricket. If you don’t know what cricket is its kind of a mix between bowling and baseball. England’s government also has a few similarities with ours. Even though there government is a monarchy and ours is a republic. Their current leader is Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen of England is more of a symbol than a ruler. The actual ruler is a cabinet of people. The head of the cabinet is the Prime Minister. England also has a law making body, which passes all the laws. They are like our congress. The capital of England is London and the government buildings are located in a region of London call Westminster. The center of England’s industry is based on its coal mining and natural gases. They also do things with nuclear energy. Although all these things make England most of its money agriculture and fishing does bring in some doe. They produce milk and other dairy products, and they farm vegetables and meat. Since England is an island there is a lot of water to fish so they have an abundance of resources in the ocean. Speaking of resources England has three main minerals coal, iron ore, and petroleum. As I said up in my last paragraph England gets a lot of seafood. The main ports are in Liverpool, Hull and Bristle. There aren’t many places ships can come in because of the rocky coastline.

Changes to the American Empire During 1790 to 1850

American imperium alteration from the 1790s to the 1850s The unusual struggle that split American life in the 1790s concentrated on conflicting position of the significance of the American Revolution and the manner its tradition could be developed into a new province. The profound misinterpretation of the 1790s inspired the growing in American political relations. Throughout revolution patriots anticipated and demanded all people give the support because it was the lone manner for the public good. Many Americans held that was a individual place to travel on this political issue It was unfortunate for John Adams to be the president during these disruptive times. He was a existent nationalist and deeply principled. It was during his term of office that by 1798 he and Federalist Congress had enacted many Torahs that adversely chopped off Americans civil autonomies. To Adams political critics were faithless oppositions of good authorities where he intensified domestic dictatorship under the leading Congress leaders. In so making he was utilizing his ain party in chairing control and as a agency to work the chauvinistic enthusiasm to his ain advantage. The difference that alienates our perceptual experience from those of Adams and his Federalist companions in the late 1790s unmaskings basic revolution of American political idea The philosophical alterations that started by Gallic Revolution had immense effects in France and many European states. It helped to alter American political relations get downing from mid 1790s. It had in the beginning receive overpowering support in the United States but it subsequently lets to divergent positions in America because of radicalization in 1792-1793 America grew and changed from 1750-1850 in all domains i.e. politically socially and economically. In societal and cultural alteration, art changed which was started by Hudson River school motion. American painters for the first clip started their manner, for case Thomas Cole, who gave the American its individuality by switching off from England manner of picture and gave more concentration on landscaping. Literature on the other manus changed whereby authors started prosecuting themselves on American subjects. During this clip the indigens were ill treated by the foreigners. Foreigners introduced remotion policy which forced the Native American move from their hereditary lands. This act was propelled passing of the Removal Act in 1830.Cherokees in 1838 were forced to travel 100s of stat mis from their places to settle in West of the Mississippi river. This motion was referred to â€Å"trial of tears† . Economic alterations took topographic point which majorly affected how America made money, how people earned a life, engineering and trade. In transit changed how goods were ferried from one topographic point to another. This was enabled due to the debut steamboats, canal edifice. Farmers earned more money due to faster and cheaper transportation of green goods to the markets. Progresss in engineering i.e. in of the telegraph by Samuel Morris improved communicating at big since messages could make the receiver in proceedingss unlike months. Invention of whirling Jenny by James Hargreaves changed the fabric industry immensely. Factories emerged ; the first successful mill in the US was started by Moses and Samuel Slater. The Factory was made up of Millss which spin yam. Slater bought the cognition from England where he was working. This aided the sprout of successful mill in America. The British fabric factory engineering brought to the U.S was upgraded by Francis Cabot. He combined b oth the turning of yarn and the weaving of apparels in one mill. It was started in Lowell Massachusetts in 1821. A Boston associate was formed by Lowell and outstanding business communities to finance the factory. As mills grew interchangeable parts and industrial rebellion thought came up. Eli Whitney came up with the idea. The chief docket was to utilize the machine to develop all parts likewise, therefore salvaging clip and money in the industry. This aided the rapid growing of the industrial revolution. As money changed therefore the alterations in foreign policy besides took topographic point. America changed from thought of isolation to neutrality. The chief end was to merchandise with all states and acquiring involved in developing them. The president at that clip was Monroe. President Monroe due to his concern about European states colonising South America ; he made a bold statement warning them to remain off from Latin America. Due to weak military the policy was difficult to continue but the backup of England came in ready to hand. The statement by President Monroe aided to determine the foreign policy for many old ages. American’s belief of manifest Destiny brought approximately political alterations. The belief stated that U.S had the authorization and duty to spread out ocean to ocean. They achieved this through sign language pacts, annexing and purchasing of land from Latin Americans. The Louisiana Purchase made in 1803 by Thomas Jefferson is a good illustration. He used $ 15 million on 800,000 square stat mis belongings which was about twice size of the U.S. Jefferson decided to look for adventurers to map and analyze wildlife. This occupation was given to Lewis and Clerk. American exceptionalism is an enterprise that America is fundamentally different from other states. This point of view has dominated American economic sciences, political relations and faith for many old ages. Several early settlers proclaimed themselves to be an component of a exclusive venture with plentiful natural wealth, equity of society and faiths. It was non up to the rebellion that exceptionalism took on unfastened political intensions. The oratory of the current democratic government was often connected with expansionist pressing. This aligned foreign policy which stood on the strong belief that to spread out American democracy was reciprocally right and ineluctable. American exceptionalism changed as they enlargement took topographic point. United State and its citizen perceive that they hold the particular topographic point on Earth, by offering opportunity and outlook for world, ensuing from an exceeding sense of balance of public and private benefit governed by legitimate rules that focused on single and economic autonomy. A high spot in the yesteryear of American Exceptionalism is the American rebellion. The ideas that shaped the American rebellion were eventful from a usage of republicanism that has been affected by the British mainstream. Thomas Paine’s general logic for the first point in clip articulated the strong belief that America was non an enlargement of Europe except a new district, a province of about illimitable prospective and opening that had over shined the Britain. These sentiments lay the rational footing for the extremist perceptual experience of American exceptionalism and were strongly attached to republicanism, t he perceptual experience that rule belonged to the citizens, non to a catching opinion category. Alexis de Tocqueville insisted the advanced environment of democratic system in America, in difference that it infused each characteristic of society and traditions, at a minute ( 1830s ) when societal equality was non in tendency anyplace else.