Mental health issues and the impact of healthcare Research Paper

Mental health issues and the impact of healthcare - Research Paper Example The terrible experiences in their combat missions upset the psychological stability of individuals (Miliken et al 2007). As these people retire from their combat missions they struggle to relieve themselves from the horrific experiences of war. The memories of the horrors and the cruel experiences of war change the mind of the post-war personalities, making them psychologically weak and vulnerable to mental problems. The issue has been selected because mental health problems and increasing healthcare cost is becoming a big curse to the veteran population in Spokane, Washington/Spokane County and surrounding areas (How Trends in the Health Care System, 2008) (Sebastian and Bushy, 1999). . It has become quite unaffordable for these veterans to access the necessary healthcare assistance as healthcare costs are booming up without any control. State budget deficits and federal cuts result in reduction in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Essential medical services and medications are unaffo rdable for them. Veterans in the areas are devoid of proper health care coverage (Barlett et al. 2004). The number of people in the Spokane County and surrounding areas who are without insurance is increasing every year. The unfortunate veterans in these areas are unable to afford the health insurance programs offered for people. People have become increasingly vulnerable to chronic diseases (Sacia and Dobson, 2003). This ill-privileged group also has high mortality rate and negative health outcomes (Sacia and Dobson, 2003). The increasing mental healthcare problems suffered by the returning veterans and the lack of access to the healthcare facilities have pushed Spokane County and surrounding areas to grave healthcare catastrophe (Barlett et al. 2004). Healthcare service must be made more affordable to these negatively privileged people in the Spokane County and surrounding areas. As far as Spokane County and surrounding areas are concerned the need of the hour is nothing but a bet ter healthcare coverage for the returning veterans in the areas. The entire healthcare expense of these individuals must be cover by the healthcare system. Healthcare services offered by the healthcare system should be a boon to all people, especially the returning veterans of the society who are under various mental problems. A solution to the issue of Spokane veterans would be easily affordable healthcare facilities. The ‘single payer’ health care system can support the healthcare needs of Spokane people. Service of universal healthcare is a boon to all people of Spokane, especially the negatively privileged veterans in the society. It can effectively solve the healthcare issues of veterans. People with mental sickness should be given free (or affordable) health care services. Mental healthcare services must be provided at no or meager charge. The entire healthcare expense of mentally ill people must be covered by the healthcare system. They should not be allowed to b other about co-payments or deductibles. Healthcare services offered by the healthcare system should be a boon to all people, especially the mentally sick individuals. This typical example of the returning veterans in Spokane County explains the importance of social capital in extending the healthcare facilities to the weak sections of the community. Unless there is sufficient social capital

The Entry into Practice for the Family Nurse Practitioner Essay

The Entry into Practice for the Family Nurse Practitioner - Essay Example This facility is in a rural medically-underserved area where the clinic is part of the hospital system – but is not a hospital in the strictest sense. The clinic, however, shares the tax ID number with the hospital. It is also a provider-based health clinic (more on family practice and services). It is well-funded and is qualified under health provider shortage and medically-underserved categorization. In this sense, it is qualified to use either category, depending on need and on advantages. It is a small community of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants but it would likely serve more than one county or community. This type of town is one where everyone would most likely know each other. All the providers would have an LVN and the clinic has a clinic manager who would be acting as a liaison between the clinic and the hospital CEO; this manager would also be an intake coordinator; he would also coordinate staff for rescheduling, for billing, and for referrals. Pros and cons of workin g in identified arrangement One of the advantages of working in the identified arrangement are that the provider would be able to get to know his patients and the circumstances surrounding his patients’ lives. Such an arrangement helps the provider administer the best type of care for his patients. Assessing the patient within his home environment is one of the ways for a provider to reach maximum efficacy (Hunt, 2008). The provider would not have much difficulty in evaluating his patients in their home setting because the community is small. Moreover, the provider would already know where the available resources are and know who would likely have access to such resources (Buppert, 2007). For the more specialized needs of the community, the clinic schedules specialists to visit at different times each month in order to reduce the need for patients having to travel to distant places to seek medical care. In the end, this practice helps ensure continuity of care for the patient s. Continuity of care is an important aspect of healthcare because it helps ensure that the patient would be fully monitored throughout his illness and would be able to eventually gain full recovery (Haggerty, et.al., 2008). Disadvantages are however also apparent in this set-up. For one, not many people would prefer living in medically-underserved areas because of the difficulty in accessing adequate and quality medical care (Shi and Singh, 2008). The more technical and higher level of services would be limited in this area. I noted however that the clinic where I precept conducts many high-level services because the health professionals in the clinic are very skilled. Throughout their years of practice in the rural setting, they have picked up and mastered various skills. They have encountered various patients and have come up with different ways to treat them or to stabilize them long enough to reach the next referral hospital. Even with the disadvantages which practitioners have encountered in the rural practice, the clinic has managed to work around its challenges and provide the best quality of services it can provide. It is important to note also that there are not as many positions for practitioners in the rural setting; the pay scale is lower than the average pay. The cost of services is however also lower than the cost of services appear in the urban setting.  

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Essay Essay Example for Free

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Essay Essay In the autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the main character, Maya, and her older brother, Bailey, have a very close relationship at the beginning of this novel. As children, they were each other’s best friends and they were inseparable. They did everything together and they even thought they had their own language that no one else knew. However, when they first moved in with Mother Vivian, their relationship starts to fall apart. â€Å"When spring came to St. Louis, I took out my first library card, and since Bailey and I seemed to be growing apart, I spent most of my days at the library†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Angelou 76). As the two of them become older, their relationship grows more distant because of their different genders and the different activities each of them enjoyed doing. In the autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the main character, Maya, and her father have a very estranged relationship. Whenever Maya sees her father, she thinks of him as more of a stranger. Towards the end of the book, Maya’s father invites Maya to come visit him for the summer. When she gets there, she is shocked to see that her father lives in a trailer with his girlfriend who is roughly Maya’s age. Maya’s father invites Maya to come to Mexico with him to go get groceries. Maya agrees to go, and her father ends up leaving her in a shabby bar by herself to run off with his other girl. This just proves he is an unfit parent. â€Å"How could he leave in that raunchy bar and go off with his woman? Did he care what happened to me? Not a damn, I decided, and opened the flood gates for hysteria† (Angelou 236). Maya realizes that her father doesn’t give two shoes about her and has no interest in trying to be a father to her. In the autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the main character, Maya, is moved from place to place and always has the feeling of displacement, or not belonging. I can relate to Maya’s feelings of displacement. Throughout my life, I too have moved to many different places and schools. I was used to being the new kid and having no friends. I used to be afraid to even make friends because I knew that I wouldn’t be in that school for too much longer after I did. After going to five different schools and living in seven different houses, I’ve felt the feeling of displacement many times and like Maya, had my issues with trying to connect to people. While reading this novel, I knew how Maya felt all those time she didn’t feel like she belonged and all the times she moved. Those parts are what go to me the most because I know how it feels to leave behind the  people you love.

Education For Sustainable Development In Sri Lanka Education Essay

Education For Sustainable Development In Sri Lanka Education Essay Sustainable development is a dynamic concept and it is difficult concept to define. It is not about society reaching an end state, nor is it about establishing static structures or about identifying fixed qualities of social, economic or political life. The sustainable development model is a challenge to the conventional form of development. The term sustainability originally belongs to ecology, and it referred to the potential of an ecosystem to subsist over time (Reboratti 1999). The term sustainable development came into the public arena in 1980 when the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Recourses presented the World Conservation strategy (IUCN 1980). In generally, Sustainable development is defined as a in mining is often characterized in terms of action today with a view to a future when mining operation have concluded. As well as, it is improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. Moreover, it is not just an issue for developing countries. A commitment to the promotion of sustainable development is deepening at the international, regional and national levels. It has become a norm of global environmental politics; it is a legal requirement of Member States of the EU; and, within a UK context, is forming an important part of environment and development strategies of devolved governments. In other word, the concept of sustainable development requires a change of mindset to bring about full integration of the needs for economic, social and educational development with that to conserve the global environment. In fact, education is directly affects sustainability plans under the Implementation, decision making and quality of life. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have been designated by the UN to secure the implementation of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Concerning about the education for Sustainable Development, in 2002 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming that the period 2005-2014 was to constitute the decade of education for sustainable development.  [1]   The intention of this resolution was to enhance the efforts to promote sustainable development throughout the world through education and learning. Sri Lanka has initiated education progrmme through various trainings and workshops in line with the governments goal for social progress. The higher/tertiary education, Non-formal education and adult education programmes, primary, secondary education, special education for persons with intellectual or psycho-social disabilities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes etc. was developed for sustainable development. What is Sustainable Development? In generally, can define sustainable development is a new term that grew out of the conservation/environmental movement of the 1970s. While the conservation/environmental movement asked questions about preserving the Earths resources, sustainable development includes questions about how human decisions affect the Earths environment. According to these views it can show as follows: Figure 1  [2]   Definitions of Sustainable Development There are many definitions of sustainable development. It is first appeared in 1987 in Brundtland Report. According to the World Commission on Environment and Development- Brundtland report, is: Sustainable Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  [3]   In other words, it describes as when people make decisions about how to use the Earths resources such as forests , water, minerals, gems, wildlife, etc., they must take into account not only how much of these resources they are using, what processes they used to get these resources., and who has access to these resources. Are enough resources going to be left for your grandchildren to use and will the environment be left as you know it today? Formal definitions of sustainable development that we use at Forum for the Future is: A dynamic process which enables all people to realize their potential and improve their quality of life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earths life support systems.  [4]   Sustainable development is maintaining a delicate balance between the human need to improve lifestyles and feeling of well-being on one hand, and preserving natural resources and ecosystems, on which we and future generations depend.  [5]   The goal of Strategy for the Education for Sustainable Development Primary education and Secondary education By primary and secondary education attempts to make education and competencies for life for sustainable development. In Sri Lanka the National Education Commission has identified a set of general competencies that should be acquired by all children. Following steps has been taken for this development of education. Flexible learning opportunities and life skills development Acquiring a common basis of human values One the other hand, sustainable development is being considered in current curricula and syllabi. The present status of incorporation of the concept of sustainable development in the curriculum/syllabi can be briefly stated as follows. In the Sri Lankan general education curriculum, Sustainable development is not yet taught as a separate subject. However, this concept is incorporated within the whole range of subjects, especially, in Environment activities (Grades 1-5), Environmental studies (Grade 6), Social Studies Science Technology (Grades 7-11), Biology, Agriculture and Geography (Grades 12-13) etc. The national system of education assists individuals and groups to achieve nine national goals has formulated from this commission from (Grades 1-13). That are relevant to the individual and society. The goals mostly embrace the social, economical and educational aspects of sustainable development and especially sustainable human development.  [6]   4.2 Higher Education: Under Economic and Social Development Following aspect has attempted to develop under the Higher education for sustainable development. Develop indicators for Sri Lanka Comparison of Per Capita GDP amongst for Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, USA and Switzerland Economic Development of Richer Countries Promote growth through Neo-classical growth theory and New growth theory Promote forces of economic growth Countries with good governance have grown faster Deficiencies in Human Capital Formation Enhance economic Geography in the country Improving the soft skills is will enhance the employability of graduates; it also depends on the supply and demand. If there are no jobs, irrespective of qualifications and skills it would lead to unemployed graduates. Improvement of communication, articulation, interpersonal interaction in relation to quality improvement of graduates. Attitude change, like in the case of GMOA Universities have to play a key role in creating wealth of the country and universities are responsible in creating the human capital. Private companies have the responsibility to train the recruits in accordance with the company needs.  [7]   4.3 Innovative practices in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) In the end of the 20th century the need for a vocational, technical and educational knowledge and skills for the development of the worlds economy was clearly manifested in the improvement of diversity in industrial and Service fields. As a result, it was felt that we needed not only those workforce trained in technical and Vocational skills but also those high competent skilled workforce like technicians and technologists in specific areas in industries. From the beginning of the 21st century, the progress made in industrialization was due to the high capacity of the trained workforce. Therefore the economic development in the world seems to have depended entirely on the knowledge based skill development. In the last few decades, most of the regional countries paid much attention to the development of human resources. But it must be stated that greater attention was given to development of Vocational and Technical skills. As a result in many of the countries, the required trained skill labourers in the field of construction could not be found and thus the development came to a Stand -Skill. 4.3.1 Sustainability Development in TVET Sector Factors that affect the Development in Developing countries Unutilized human resource Untrained human resources Mismatch between economic development policies and the ways of developing human resources. Less attention on trained skill labourers Lack of TVET concrete policy for HRD Lack of industrial linkages with HRD in TVET sector Lack of qualified trainers for HRD in TVET Technical -Vocational skills are underestimated in society Lack of inter educational level linkages (between secondary and technical/ vocational training)  [8]   4.3.2 Strategies Development of a TVET policy that fits the industries at least with their regional standards. Changing the management operation in TVET sector at every management levels Having direct involvement in industries in TVET sector and making an industrial linkage policy with TVET sector. Introducing financing systems for students trained. (Bursaries, Training Levies, Voucher scheme, Student loan scheme, Employer financing system)  [9]   4.3.3 Solutions for maintaining sustainability Identify two pathways of TVET development. Studies/ training must focus on skill training directly. Studies/ training must focus on skill training with Entrepreneur development. Promote industrial linkage with TVET sector Open direct avenues to school leavers from secondary education system to Vocational/ Technical Training system. Identify National Vocational/ Technical Education system from lowest level craftsman training to top level technologist training  [10]   Role of International Organization and Institution: Education for Sustainable Development. Illustrate about role of International Organization through education for sustainable development UNESCO is the main contributor to develop the Sri Lanka education system. However, UNESCOs, as also, the Government of Sri Lankas major focus in education is to achieve basic education for all by 2015. In this, six dimensions were identified at Jomitian, Thailand in 1990 and the goals were established at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal in 2000. This is the most important programme to achieve education for all by the year 2015 and UNESCO was entrusted with the overall responsibility of coordinating all international players and sustaining the global momentum. [ The goals of Education for All (EFA) There can be seen six goals about the Sri Lanka Education as follows: Expand early childhood care and education. Ensure free and compulsory primary education of good quality by 2015. Promote learning and life skills programmes for young people and adults. Expand adult literacy by 50% by 2015. Eliminate Gender disparities in access to education in primary and secondary education by 2005 and achieve gender equality by 2015. Enhance educational qualities.  [11]  llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll,, Nevertheless, from these goals to achieve Education for All goals by the year 2015, Sri Lanka had made arrangements to plan out the activities in three phases. Phase I 2002-2003 (3 years) Phase II 2005-2010 (6 years) Phase III 2011-2015 (5 years) Sri Lanka prepared the three year plan, taking into consideration the six dimensions identified at Jomitian in 1990 and six goals agreed upon at Dakar in 2000.  [12]   13 The EFA unit of the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the provincial EFA units is committed to launch and monitor the programmes in order to reach the expected targets. Two other six years and five years plans were drawn up to activate the tasks needed to reach EFA targets by the year 2015. This effort is also supported by other relevant Ministries, NGOs and International organizations. Moreover, within the framework of coordination and planning and in line with the sub regional support for National Mid-Decade Assessment (MDA) of Education for All, the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka is implementing EFA-MDA work under the supervision of the UNESCO office in New Delhi and has prepared the EFA Mid-Decade Assessment Report in 2008. Sri Lanka ranks 2nd among the South Asian Countries with literacy rate of 92.5% and should be well on the way to achieve the target of 100% literacy for all, by the year 2015. The key to achieving the EFA goals and improving the quality of Education is through Monitoring and Assessments of the progress in the respective fields and in taking timely action. UNESCO and UNICEF are continuing to provide technical and expert assistance for capacity building of Educational Administrators in the monitoring and evaluation of Education for All in Sri Lanka. 5.2 Creating Sustainability Mindsets: Toolkit launch in Sri Lanka One other hand, MAS Holdings Ltd., a Sri Lanka-based apparel manufacturing company and UNESCO Bangkoks private sector ESD partner, piloted the Creating Sustainability Mindsets toolkit from the 5th -6th of June 2009, in conjunction with the MAS Holdings Eco GO Beyond Schools Sustainable Development Leadership Camp. A total of 55 students and 51 teachers from 28 rural schools from various districts in Sri Lanka actively participated in the one and a half day workshop, held at the MAS Institute of Management and Technology in Thulhiriya. Through this programme, learning and action-oriented thinking; partnerships (engaging in traditional and non-traditional partners within the public and private sector); and corporate responsibilities are launched among the rural area school to uplift the education. This toolkit has attempted to create a mindset and learning environment for users to understand sustainable development in both their local and global contexts, and to take ownership and prompt action towards a sustainable future in educational system. Conclusion When we explain about the Education for sustainable development in Sri Lanka, we can say education is an essential tool for achieving sustainability. People around the world recognize that current economic development trends are not sustainable and that public awareness, education, and training are key to moving society toward sustainability. However, Sri Lanka has already attained or is on track to attain the MDGs related to poverty, education and health, subject however, to significant regional disparities. Relatively promising economic performance e.g. over 5 percent growth since 2002 and the decline in unemployment to 5 percent has helped. As a result of this, Sri Lanka education system has made significant advances after the control of the system was developed to the elected representatives of the people during the mid-twentieth century. The introduction of free education from the kindergarten to the university, the expansion of the school system to cope with the rising demand for education, curricular changes and infrastructure development with state funding enabled the system to make wide strides thereby ensuring universal access to education. As an emerging economy, the challenge for Sri Lanka is to achieve sustainable high economic growth with greater equity, whilst integrating in the process of globalization. Consequence of this Sri Lanka is making every possible effort to develop the effective educational system for the Sustainable development and to expand economy of country. As well as, Sri Lanka has already initiated and has initiating (from Primary , Secondary, Higher and Vocational education) to enhance education system for sustainable development future by establishing more vocational and technical trainings institutes, skill training with entrepreneur development, promoting industrial level development, human resource development project, new teaching methods and subjects: like as Environmental studies, eradicate unemployment problem through skill training programme and linking with other like as (UNESCO) International organization and Non-governmental organizations etc. One the other hand, through higher school education is making graduates innovative and creative graduates who can transform new ideas and knowledge into innovative products and services and who can improve the existing products and services etc. to uplift the sustainable development by reducing the weaknesses of educational system in Sri Lanka.

Effectiveness of Garlic Cloves on Reducing Blood Pressure

Effectiveness of Garlic Cloves on Reducing Blood Pressure SUMMARY OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic cloves on reducing blood pressure level among patients with hypertension. A quasi experimental pretest post-test design was used to conduct this study at PHC Alangium and 50 patients with hypertension were selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Among 50, 25 patients were assigned to experimental group and 25 were assigned to control group. A structured interview schedule was used to collect general information and Digital blood pressure monitor was used to check the pretest and post test blood pressure level. The patients of experimental group were given 10 gm of garlic cloves once a day for 21 days. Post test for both the group was done on 22th day. The baseline data was tabulated by formulating frequency table. The blood pressure level was assessed using descriptive statistics. The comparison of pre and post test and the effectiveness of garlic gloves was evaluated by inferential statistics test Major Findings Of The Study Majority of patients in experimental group 9(36%) were 56-60 years and in control group 9(36%) were 51-55 years. Majority of patients in experimental group 19(76%) and control group 15(60%) of patients were females. Majority of patients in experimental group 17(68%) and control group 11(44%) of patients were formal education. Majority of patients in experimental group 24(96%) and control group 21(84%) of patients were Hindu. Majority of patients in experimental group 17(68%) and control group 13(52%) of patients were sedentary workers. Majority of patients in experimental group 11(44%) and control group 9(36%) of patients were had1-3 years duration of illness. Majority of patients in experimental group 14(56%) and control group 15(60%) of patients were had hospitalization. Majority of patients in experimental group 22(88%) and control group 19(76%) of patients were had treatment. Majority of patients in experimental group 24(96%) and control group 24(96%) of patients were non-vegetarian Majority of patients in experimental group 24(96%) and control group 19 (76%) of patients were not doing regular exercise. Majority of patients in experimental group 24(96%) and control group 23(92%) of patients practiced recreational activities. Majority of patients in experimental group 23(92%) and control group 18(72%) of patients were watching TV. Majority of patients in experimental group 16(64%) and control group 13(52%) of patients were had no family history of hypertension. There was a significant difference found (P Conclusion This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic cloves on reducing the blood pressure among patients with hypertension in selected rural area at Alangium. The result showed that the garlic cloves is effective in reducing blood pressure levels among patients with hypertension. Implications The findings of the study have the following implications in the various areas of nursing service nursing education, nursing administration and nursing research. Nursing service The nurses should develop sensitivity to the effect of garlic cloves in reducing blood pressure level. The nurse should understand the importance of garlic cloves as an adjunct to pharmacological therapy in nursing practice. The nurse should teach the benefits of garlic cloves in reducing blood pressure level among hypertensive patients. The nurse should provide adequate exposure to settings where adjunct treatment is used for management of blood pressure level. Nursing staff can take specialized training in adjunct treatment to prevent complications of Hypertension. Nursing education The medical surgical and advanced clinical oriented curriculum imparted to nursing students should emphasize more on garlic cloves on blood pressure. The nurse educator should involve the concept of alternative and complementary therapy in nursing profession. The nurse educator should provide exposure to alternative and complementary therapy to encourage the students to expand their career in that field. The nursing curriculum should emphasize on adjunct therapy along with pharmacological management of diseases. The nurse should encourage the students to educate their patients regarding adjunct treatment during their clinical exposure. Staff nurse must be encouraged to actively participate in in-service education and workshop regarding the importance of complementary therapy on hypertension. Nursing Administration The administrator should collaborate with governing bodies in formulating policies to employ qualified nurses in medical units and periodically supervise their application of garlic cloves. Nurse administrator should arrange for public awareness programme regarding cost effective means of preventing hypertension Administrator should initiate health education in community by utilizing the staff preparing through adequate training and encouragement in adjunct therapy. The administrator should organize in-service education programme in adjuvant therapy for the nursing personal Nurse should organize formal training programme in alternative system of medicine. Administrator should appoint separate complementary therapist to guide the nursing personnel regarding adjuvant therapy Nursing research The researcher should encourage for further research on use of garlic cloves on blood pressure Researcher should concentrate on non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce the blood pressure level Disseminate the findings through conferences seminar and publications in professional, national and international journals More researches can be done to establish effectiveness of garlic cloves throughout the world. As per the study a nursing care guide can be developed for future references. Recommendations Similar studies can be done with the large group Similar study can be done with the hyperlipidemia patient Comparative study can be done on the effectiveness of garlic and hypertensive patients without taking anti-hypertensive agents. Comparative studies can be done with pharmacological and non pharmacological management of hypertension Summary This chapter dealt with summary, conclusion, implications for nursing practice and recommendation.

Two Associations with the Unencumbered Self Essay -- Philosophy Philos

Two Associations with the Unencumbered Self The unencumbered self separates who I am from my attributes and desires. Rawls encounters the unencumbered self in proposing both the veil of ignorance and the difference principle; both separate the subject from the attributes and ends of the subject. Rawls denies both the utilitarian and libertarian views as practical solutions, and puts forward the veil of ignorance and difference principle as a third alternative. This paper will begin with briefly describing what Sandel considers the unencumbered self. I will outline utilitarianism and liberalism as theories Rawls rejects, as well as Rawls’ philosophy as a practical Kantianism. I will identify the unnecessary transition Rawls makes from the veil of ignorance, which has much merit, to the difference principle, which Sandel adequately dissolves. I will address Sandel’s critique and his fourth alternative, the moderately-encumbered self, and give my impression of a Rawlsian reaction to Sandel’s fourth alte rnative. In conclusion I hope to show that Rawls encounters the unencumbered self at the veil of ignorance as well as the difference principle, the former being both applicable and a contribution to political philosophy, and the latter being cogently refuted by Sandel. Sandel describes the unencumbered self as valuing the ability to choose one’s own ends, rather than valuing specific ends in themselves. The unencumbered self draws a line of distinction between me and my attributes and desires, and presupposes that no project or commitment could weigh so heavily for me that I would not know who I am without it. Who I am is permanently unchanging, but the ends I desire or the attributes which I possess may be constantl... ... a more moderate view, the moderately-encumbered self, it is one Rawls would not accept because of its deviation from Kantian sacrifice and duty. In presenting the veil of ignorance, Rawls gives us a means to arrive at categorically worthwhile and acceptable political theories by channeling our inherent selfishness into political philosophy. In presenting the difference principle, Rawls denies an individual’s right to prosper from his own assets because he claims our assets are all arbitrarily distributed, but he does not justify sharing with society one’s prosperity because that would also be equally arbitrary. Sandel presents an alternative that Rawls would reject because it is not in accord with Kantian duty and sacrifice. Works Cited Goodin, Robert and Philip Pettit. Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Anthology. Blackwell Publishers Ltd. 1997.

Survival in solitude Essay -- Essays Papers

Survival in solitude After being stranded on an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe manages to discover his natural abilities that serve as indicators of his true character. At first glance the common adage, â€Å"Necessity is the mother of all inventions,† appears to account for the character of Robinson Crusoe; however, further analysis suggests that the intelligence, industriousness, and optimism are inherent to Crusoe’s personality. Sir Francis Bacon so aptly stated, â€Å"Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue.† From the moment that Crusoe was stranded on the island until the day he was rescued he exhibits these qualities. Crusoe’s innate intelligence serves him well throughout his solitary life on the island. After agonizing over his plight, he consoles himself, and collects himself in order to move on. His shrewdness and practicality help him to overcome the obstacles that the island presents. He has enough forethought to recognize that the ship might be swept away by the tides, and he works continuously in order to salvage everything he can from the ship. He loses no time to make a trip to the ship in order to unload the cargo, and when he is in need of a method to transport the cargo to the beach, he constructs a raft that will do the job. He protects the provisions from weather and potential wild beasts. Crusoe is intelligent and understands that by being alone he might go crazy, and to combat this he keeps himself busy for...