Morality and Laws in The Trial and Death of Socrates Essay -- Morals S

Morality and Laws in The Trial and Death of Socrates Upon reading Plato, The Trial and Death of Socrates, Socrates strongly held views on the relationship between morality and laws become apparent to the reader. Equally, Socrates makes clear why laws should be followed and why disobedience to the law is rarely justified. Finally, he makes clear his views regarding civil disobedience. Socrates’ view on morality is that anyone can do wrong. It is said that injuring someone in return for injury to oneself is wrong. He follows this with the connection between morality and the city. You do badly without the cities authorization; you are doing wrong towards the city and the laws. He felt if you are behaving against peoples mind and in this way, behaving against the city. It is a way of destroying the cities laws and so you are hurting citizens by doing so. An example of this is the general understanding that you shouldn’t hurt your father. If you do so than you are disrespecting laws within your city. Of course you will get convicted for this, and it doesn’t change the idea that you acted against the city. Socrates follows by explaining what is taught to each citizen. You are told that you were born with certain laws. Your father and mother brought you to the world in which they live and thus you should respect and obey by their rules. The laws were already there. That means, that your mother and father are as important as the city and you should respect the city as so. Socrates describes the city and its laws more preciously. You don’t have the same rights as your parents. They educated you and thought you the rules in the city that you should follow. They taught you which behavior is right and which is wrong. It is immoral to treat your parents the way they treat you. You don’t have the rights to treat your parents the same way they treat you. That means that parents have a higher position in life than their children. It doesn’t really matter what they did to them. It is not moral to return the same behavior. He follows with the relationship of a person to the city. He says, â€Å"One must obey the commands of one’s city and country, or persuade it as to the nature of justice. It is impious to bring violence to bear against your mother or father, it is much more so to use it against your country.† (Crito 51c) One should not only obey their father and mother... ...iritual things?†(Apology 24c). That shows that one should believe in gods, just because the city does so. Socrates always searches for more knowledge about the city and its laws. We see that Euthyphro and him do not accept everything that is said by the city. On Socrates’ point of view either the disobedience to the law or to the civil disobedience can be justified. To justify it correctly you have to be able to argue and find reasons for every given rule. Not just believe in what others say. My personal opinion is that it is wrong to do be an object of the rules someone told you when you were born. Everyone has the right to argue about the city and laws or with his father or mother. I totally agree that Socrates found it important to research about life’s morality and not just think the same way others do. That is a way of proving the knowledge of men. Ones sitting quiet in the corner usually have more knowledge than others that talk so much about what they know. Many men with a high position in life do not always have the most knowledge. Do not believe in anyone theories without questioning it. It is important to prove that someone has the knowledge of what they speak.

Accrual Accounting vs. Cash Accounting Essay -- Financial Accounting B

The recording of financial activities in a business is essential in making sure accurate information is provided for decision making. Zafirakis (2005:4) states that "Accrual accounting is the cornerstone of modern accounting procedures." In this essay, the importance of accrual accounting will be considered by looking at how it functions in the Double Entry System and comparing it to cash accounting, another method of gathering financial information. Time and an accurate accounting measurement is what will be considered in determining the importance of accrual accounting. Double-entry accounting is used to develop accounting data. From this data, we can determine the performance of a business by calculating its profit, revenues - expenses. Juchau et al (2004:F146) states that "double-entry accounting is necessary for the accounting equation to be kept in balance." That is the five types of accounts, Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Revenues and Expenses must equate: Assets = Liabilities + Equity + Revenues - Expenses, this is the accounting equation. These accounts are recorded in the General Journal as entries and posted to the General Ledgers as `T'-accounts. Recording of these accounts are governed by Debit and Credit rules. When an asset or expense increases, it is considered a debit, when either of the two accounts decreases, it is considered a credit. Liabilities, equity and revenues can be considered the opposites to assets and expenses in that they form a debit when decreased and a credit when increased. From this, a duality of recording is formed since every event of recording a transaction involves recording one debit and one credit. For example, Famous Zamous, a cookie company sold $1000 worth of cookies on th... ...ugh the sale was made on the 1st of Jan, the cash measurement of accounting has failed to show any activity on the 1st of Jan. This results in a distorted report of financing operations of Famous Zamous. Similarly, net profit for the month of January in cash accounting would have differed from that of the accrual measurement, being that revenues and expenses recorded are of different balances, cash accounting being that of lacking information. In conclusion, accrual accounting is the better system as it provides a more accurate account of the operations and performances of a business. Bibliography: Juchau R., Flanagan J., Mitchell G., Tibbits G., Ingram R.W., Albright T.L., Baldwin B.A. & Hill J.W. 2004 Accounting information for Decisions Australia: Thomson Zafirakis, M. 2005 Accounting Handbook Australia: Trinity College Foundations Studies Program

Faith in the Things They Carried

Henry Dobbins wears his girlfriend's pantyhose around his neck for protection and comfort. He is much more confident when he equips the stockings, therefore they act as a talisman that shield him from the evils of war. â€Å"Dobbins was invulnerable. Never wounded, never a scratch†¦ No cover at all, but he just slipped the pantyhose over his nose and breathed deep and let the magic do its work† (O' Brine 112). O'Brien uses Dobbins as an example to show the implementation of faith and hope. Through Dobbins and his close relationship with the pantyhose, It Is shown how mentality can affect reality.The stockings not only display the importance of faith and a positive attitude, but also a yearning for femininity, revealing the softer side of Dobbins. They express his longing for love and home. With the stockings, Dobbins journeys through the war untouched and fearless. â€Å"It turned us into a platoon of believers†¦ ‘No sweat,' he said. The magic doesn't go awayà ¢â‚¬  (O'Brien 112). The leggings give Dobbins a of the other platoon members. They began to make the soldiers rely on superstition rather than rationality because the twists of the Jungle were unpredictable.Even after his girlfriend dumped him, Dobbins remained immaculately brave which means hat the power of the stockings did not come from love or his memories, but Dobbin's himself. â€Å"A heroic warrior whose victories†¦ Affirm the country fundamental goodness and power† (Gibson 510). He was able to find hope more than anyone else in the platoon and because of that, Dobbins is singled out as a simple, yet unique individual who can take on the obstructions and terrors of war by simply remaining himself. Throughout the war Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, the platoon leader, can't resist reminiscing about his hungering love for Martha.His anticipation for returning home after the war only grows heavier as his thoughts overrun his mind. This uncontrollability leads to Lavender's death on which Cross can't ever forgive himself for letting happen. â€Å"Lavender was dead. You couldn't burn the blame† (O'Brien 22). His guilt and remorse builds up too point where he tries to rid his mind of the tragedy by burning his memories of Martha, changing nothing. This is essential to understanding Cross' character because no matter what harm comes his way, he ties it back to Martha.Several years after the war, Lieutenant Cross visits O'Brien house ND tells him about how Martha gave him another photo at a college reunion. When O'Brien tells Cross that he wants to write a story about Martha and Cross, Cross replies, â€Å"Why not? Maybe she'll read it and come begging. There's always hope, right? † (O'Brien 28). In the war, Lieutenant Cross puts his faith in returning to Martha because it gives him something worth fighting for. He is completely broken when he finds out she doesn't love him, yet still loves her and wants to be with her.Likewise, O'Brien teac hes through Cross that many soldier's would have the high expectations f coming home after war to find their dreams come true, clearly that is not always the case. Even though Cross isn't fully satisfied, he still believes that there is a possibility that Martha will come back to him after O'Brien writes a story of him as brave, handsome and heroic. Muff need to persist, to listen, and to give them something to hold on to, something that gives them a sense of possibility' (Kowtowing 206). Both Martha and O'Brien offer Cross something to look forward to, a reason to keep his hopes up and remain positive.

The Psychology of Dreams

Why we dream: an analysis of contemporary research and theory on the function of dreaming Krista L. Hulm Essay Topic Why do we dream? Discuss with reference to psychological theories and research. Abstract Within classical psychoanalytic psychology, Freud’s (1900) conception of dreams is the most prominent dream theory among modern Western culture (Fosshage, 1983). Freud theorised that dreams serve a dual, compromise function. He suggested that unconscious, instinctual drive energy pushes for discharge, moving toward the expression of a consciously unacceptable impulse. The reduction in conscious restraints characteristic of sleep allows a symbolic, disguised dream expression of the repressed wish. The overt (manifest) content of the dream represents a compromise between the instinctual forces (latent content) striving for expression, on one hand, and the repressive forces of consciousness on the other (Freud, 1900). Freud assumed that the energy pushing for action would awaken the sleeper if not for the dream which, through symbolic discharge, allows a return to sleep. Therefore the dream is seen as serving the biological function of preserving sleep, with the psychological function of discharging an unacceptable wish that might otherwise burst destructively into waking life (Dallet, 1973). Various aspects of Freud’s dream theory have undergone review from the point of view of contemporary dream research (Breger, 1967; Foulkes, 1964). It is generally agreed that with respect to dream function in particular, the sleep preservation view is invalid and the underlying model on which the wish-fulfilment theory rests requires extensive revision. A study on REM sleep deprivation and its effects on depression found that when dream sleep was experimentally repressed in depressed patients, they were found to be more outgoing, energetic, more likely to engage with others and generally less unhappy (Cartwright, 1993). This may be due to dreams of depressed people having the characteristic of being more self-blaming. These findings contradict with Freud’s theory: if dreams are a safe expression of infantile wishes, why does this function fail to help the depressed? Despite the many problems inherent in Freud’s theoretical formulation of dream function, his far-reaching work has provided a basis for many of the contemporary theories discussed below. Contemporary research on dreams using brain-imaging studies contradict the view that content emerges from random signals (Morewedge & Norton, 2009). The hippocampus, which is critical to the acquisition of some types of memories, and the amygdala, which is important for emotional memories, are both seen to be active during REM sleep in brain-imaging studies (Nielson & Strenstrom, 2005). This understanding of the physiological aspects of dreams supports the idea that one of the functions of sleep itself is to draw together recent experiences with one’s goals, problems and desires (Paller & Voss, 2004). Fossage’s (2007) organisational model of dreams stemmed from such understandings. The model proposes that the core process and function of dreaming is to organise data. More specifically, dream mentation, like waking mentation, develops, maintains, and restores psychological organisation and regulates affect in keeping with shifting motivational priorities. Research shows that babies spend 50% of their sleep time in REM sleep, adults 25% and older people 15% (Breger, 1977). From the idea that REM sleep quantitatively decreases throughout the lifespan, a number of theorists (Breger, 1967; Reiser, 1990) suggest that dreaming fosters structuralisation of the nervous system through the establishment of neural memory networks or maps and babies spend more time in REM in order to establish maps and corresponding categories of organisation. This suggestion supports the organisational model of dreaming. Furthermore, the organisational model of dreaming includes a revision of psychoanalytic theory to explain the content of dreams concluding, in short, that dreams more directly reveal – through affects metaphors and themes – the dreamer’s immediate concerns (Fosshage, 2007). References Bulkeley, K. (1993). Dreaming is play. Psychoanalytic Psychology 10(4), 501-514. Retrieved September 8, 2009, from PsychARTICLES database. Cartwright, R. (2000). How and why the brain makes dreams: A report card on current research on dreaming. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23, pp. 914-916. Fosshage, J. L. (1983). The psychological function of dreams: A revised psychoanalytic perspective. Psychoanalysis and Contemporary Thought, 6, 641-669. Fosshage, J. L. (2007). The organizing functions of dreaming: Pivotal issues in understanding and working with dreams. International forum of psychoanalysis, 16, 4, 213-221. Retrieved 14 August 2009, from Academic Search Premier database. Freud, S. (1900). The interpretation of dreams. Revonsuo, A. (2000). The reinterpretation of dreams: An evolutionary hypothesis of the function of dreaming. Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 23, pp. 877-901.

Marvel Holdings

To determine Whether or not it will be difficult for Marvel or other companies in the MacAndrews and Forbes holding company to issued debt in the future, we should analyze two perspectives, one is historical and the other one is the future perspective. Historically, Marvel Holdings issued zero-coupon senior secured notes which were all secured by Marvel’s equity rather than its assets or operating cash flows. However, this was a very attractive offer since the stock price was trading above $25 per share which had a value of $1.9 billion, well above the face value of the bonds issued. The interest payments on these bonds would be made from revenues received through tax sharing agreements between Marvel and Marcel III Holdings; moreover, all issues were scheduled to mature in April 1998, which in other words, the company would have a huge cash outflow when the bonds came to maturity. After the issurance of debt, company’s revenue decrease due to the comic book and trading card business failure, which caused share price to fall significantly. Despite the problems of revenue fallen, Marvel acquired SkyBx and financed the acquisition with $190 million of additional debt in early 1995. S&P then downgraded the holding companies debts from B to B-. The fianancing structure and the revenue fallen problems lead to Marvel announced that it would violate specific bank loan covenants due to decreasing revenue and profits. Moody downgraded Marvel’s public debt after the announcement and caused the price of the zero-coupon bonds to fall drastically by more than 41%. Moreover, their two largest institutional holders desided to sell the bonds even at a price of $0.37 per dollar of face value. When the resturcture plan was announced, the stock price fell by more than 41% and the zero-coupon bonds fell by addition 50%, to $0.18. As shown on the Balance Sheet, there was a $625.8 millions of current portion of long-term debt in 1996 which was increased significantly compare to previous years. Moreover, the short-term borrowing has also appeared on liability in the year of 1996. Total long-term debt and total liabilities also increased drastically in 1995 and more significantly in 1996. From the Consolidated statement of operations, the cost of sales increased since 1995. Moreover, the amortization of goodwill increased which is due to the decrease in revenue of trading cards and comic books. Interest expense also increased due to significant increase in debt. All these caused a loss in income and earning per share becomes negative at the end of 1995. Based on all the above historical evidences, it will be really difficult due to the fact that the company has a debt-to-total capital ratio of 88% which is $805.4 million in total debt and $107.4 million in equity. With the downgrade of the public debts, it will make the financing situation even worse since the issueing notes or bonds will not raise as much financing as when the rating is good and will be more costly since the interest rate has to increase due to the increase in risk. In the future perspective, a restructure plan was mentioned by Perelman. However, Marvel was facing three options: 1. if marvel was going under chapter 7 liquidation, the debtholders would get around 70% of the original value and the holding company debtholders and equityholders would get nothing. 2. If Marvel did not aquire Toy Biz, the total enterprise value would between be no more than $660 which was not enough to settle the debt, and the equity would again be worthless. 3. If Marvel acquired Toy Biz, the company could transform into an integrated entertainment company which would operate theme restaurants, movie studio, entertainment software, and etc. Marvel believed with the growth of new media exposure, they would be able to have modest growth and pay secured and unsecured creditors in full. This plan had passed the feasibility test, which in other words, the company was not likely to be liquidized or reorganized. let’s assume Marvel implement the restrurture plan and make modest growth of profit. As they slowly payoff the debts, start earning profit and rebuild their reputation, It will become easier to raise debt. Moreover, if their performance is good, it might be even possible to increase their rating which will lower the cost due to the decrease in default risk.

Partnering Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Partnering - Research Proposal Example Complete Chapter 4 Research Findings Research Instrument Prepared, data collection is in the process Chapter 5 Analysis and Discussion In progress Chapter 6 Conclusion In progress Appendix Reference List for Literature Review A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (2004) Third Edition, PMBOK Guide, Project Management Institute Bartels, R (1988). The History of Marketing Thought (3rd. edition Ed.). Columbus: Publishing Horizons. Baden Hellard, R. (1995),'Project Partnering: Principle and Practice, Thomas Telford, London. Bennett, J. and Jayes, S. (1995),'Trusting the Team: The Best Practice Guide to Partnering in Construction, Centre for Strategic Studies in Construction, University of Reading. Bennett, J. and Jayes, S. (1998),'The Seven Pillars of partnering, A guide to second generation partnering. Telford Bennett, J. (1991) International Construction Project Management. Butterworth. Bennett, J., Flanagan, R. and Norman, G. (1987) Capital and Countries Report: Japanese Construction Industry. Centre for Strategic Studies in Constructions Reading, UK. Bresnen, M. and Marshall, N. (2000) Partnering in construction: a critical review of issues, problems and dilemmas. Construction Management and Economics, 18, 229-237. Bresnen, M. and Marshall, N. (2000) Building partnerships: case studies of client-contractor collaboration in the UK construction industry. Construction Management and Economics, 18, 819-832. Construction retrieved on 23 November 2009 from http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/construction/index.html Construction Industry Development Agency (1993) Partnering: A Strategy for Excellence. Construction Industry Development Agency and Master Builders of Australia. Construction Industry Institute (1991) In Search of Excellence.... Haksever, A.M., Kim, H.S. and Pickering, G. (1995) Collaborative long-term relationships in UK construction industry: A lost opportunity' Proceedings of the11th ARCOM Conference, University of York, York, UK. Pheng, L S (1999) The extension of construction partnering for relationship marketing, Marketing Intelligence & Planning Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Page: 155 - 162, ISSN: 0263-4503, DOI: 10.1108/02634509910271614, Publisher: MCB UP Ltd available at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/02634509910271614

Case analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Analysis - Case Study Example Using data gathered from Association of Convenience Stores, they tried to prove that the decision of a chain store to franchise is associated with the extent to which the stores are dispersed across different types of markets. Findings showed that chain stores are usually established in different environments and markets. This dispersion makes it difficult for the head office to monitor behavior of store personnel and to adapt to the needs of local customers. Evidences have showed dispersion increases delegation and provision of incentives to cope with the problem and that franchising is an easy way to expand into other markets. In contrast, a non-franchised store is operated in a decentralized system and provides more incentive pay. These findings are useful information to those who are thinking of expanding their operations. Take for example McDonalds, a known fast food chain whose franchisees complain of its too much controlling and passing on to them costs amid slow sales. Control is one of the problems in franchising as management does not see behaviors of its personnel. They only have to rely on second hand information. The growing discontent of franchisees apparently is due to strategies of McDonalds to spark sales that are slowing down due to competition. A classic example of problem of dispersion is the risk involved in choosing the correct personnel to manage chain. Ray Kroc, McDonalds owner took a great risk in getting a totally experienced man in managing a restaurant business. As a Biology teacher, Jerry practically knew nothing of the business. But probably, Krocs saw something in him that eventually, he gave three stores to him to manage for free, that of course, turned out to be profitable. These stores were already on the verge of losing. But when Jerry asked for more franchise store, he was already refused.(Miller, Kevin,2013).