Islamic Attributes Of Destination On Tourists Motivation Tourism Essay

Islamic Attributes Of Destination On Tourists Motivation Tourism Essay INTRODUCTION Tourism can be defined for travelling purposes for recreational, vacation or trade purposes. There are number of definitions for the term tourists, thats tourists can defined as people who tour to and stay in places outside their usual location for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one alternate year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited. This is stated according to The World Tourism Organization. Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. There were over 922 million international traveler arrivals, with an escalation of 1.9% in the year 2008 as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, parallel to an increase in real terms of 1.8% [1]. International travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer month during to as a result of the late-2000s recession. Due to outbreak of outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, t  DuringdSDShis negative trend intensified during 2009, exacerbated in some countries. This gave a very big impact in a worldwide decline of 4% in 2009 to 880 million international tourists arrivals, and an estimated 6% decline in international tourism receipts [2]. Tourism is vital for many countries, such as Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Spain, Malaysia and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives, Philippines and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the prospect for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxicabs, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues and theatres. Tourism Industry is always exaggerated by religion especially Islam religion for its special rules and law. National and international levels in this country are discussed with the presentation of Islam in official tourism marketing. On meeting the needs, the government is shown to place a high superiority of visitors while certain states give preference to the dictates of Islamic religion, and international strategies seek to endorse intra-Islamic travel. Therefore, the outcomes are offered into the management of Islam and tourism which may have a wider applicability beyond the special circumstances of this country. The population for Islam religion may consist of 30% of the world population in the world by 2025[3]. In some of the Muslim countries, especially major Muslim countries, tourism is a major market, nevertheless less than 10% of global tourism returns goes to this market. Morocco, Egypt, Turkey and Malaysia are major four Muslim countries in world. In tourism, these countries attract 17.5 million guests in 2004[4]. The world tourism organization nominated ten Muslim countries such as Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Turkey, Oman, Syria, UAE, Bahrain, Lebanon and Egypt among 38 countries as the worlds top emerging tourism destination [5]. This is for the year 2006, December. This shows the impending of Islam country that could be one of the most essential places in tourism market among other Muslim countries but it isnt. In fact for example, Iran has a great prehistoric tradition but it is as yet little known in the West and there is much to be learnt both from it and the building techniques wh ich are integral with it. Rituals, festivals, ceremonial events and religious buildings are fundamental tourist attractions for devout followers of the particular systems of beliefs as well as for those with a casual interest. Several authors recount how Islam religion in times gone by enjoined particular types of travel that have retained an important social and religious function, albeit constantly adapting to the changing world. The pilgrimages incorporate an obligation to migrate. Hence the pilgrimage is one of Islams five pillars flanking belief in God and the prophet Muhamad, prayers, fasting and the giving of charitable trust. [6] Additionally lists ziyarat (visits to different shrines), these visits a form of voluntary pilgrimage which exemplifies the spatially idiosyncratic traditions of Islamic populations [7]. Muslims should travel in order to fully appreciate the beauty of Gods world and also visit their friends and relatives. This is what mentioned in the According to the holy text of the Koran. They have a responsibility to provide warmth to visitors who, under Islamic law, enjoy the citizens rights. Today, over a million Muslims travels annually to Saudi Arabia for the hajj [8] require a massive organizational endeavor by the authorities [9]. Its scale is depicted in accounts of Islamic religious circulation [10] but [11] argues that the large numbers who participate in religiously inspired travel to centers besides Mecca should not be neglected. Many Muslims also appear to share the common enthusiasm for leisure travel as outbound tourism rise with growing affluence. In tourism involvement, gender differences observed elsewhere [12] are very striking in some ultraorthodox and patriarchal Islamic cultures which impose severe restrictions on women. Male pre-eminence is a characteristic of many Muslim countries where women are denied in public place. [13] Claims that in the Middle East womens inferior status is legitimized by misinterpretation of the religious texts, this gives an impact on barriers to involvement in tourism as well as other spheres of actions. Simultaneity, a lar ge number of women believe that a proper textual interpretation actually protects their rights [14], veiling also seen as an assertion of not a symbol of female oppression and cultural identity. Despite these gender-based inequalities of opportunity, Islam is not fundamentally opposed to tourism, yet international tourism is adversely exaggerated by poor relations between Western and Islamic nations. Islam has been associated with oppression, terrorism conservatism and anti-Western sentiment [15] while the West is criticized as an imperialist aggressor pursuing economic, political and social domination [16] whose people are infidels of lax morals. Attitudes of hosts and tourists are likely to be colored by such conceptions, and cultures in which religion plays a completely different role may clash at destinations. The arrival of non-Muslim inbound tourists is maybe violated by tourists knowingly or accidentally and more disrupting for local Muslim communities than the situation reversed due to the religious codes which inform and however, the satisfaction of the special needs of Muslim travelers overseas may be a source of anxiety to themselves and those with whom they inter act [17]. There is evidence of a response by some in the Western tourism industry to overcome these issues with information provided about location of mosques and halal foods. This may encourage a Muslim tourist to travel more often to mentioned countries. Several hotel bedrooms also have pointed towards Mecca for the purposes of prayer, but still there is some question mark whether these measures are enough. More ever with combined political ideology, possible social problems have led several Middle Eastern countries to shun style international style tourism, deemed to be incompatible with Islam [18]. For example, Brunei is a strategy and act as a reluctant tourist destination whose wealth has undermined any economic incentive to helped to protect citizens from its worst excesses and encourage international tourism [19]. However, about what constitutes compatibility or true Islamic conduct, there is no consensus and this is reflected in the debate about the practice and meaning of Islam. The habits and sayings of the Prophet set down by his family and companions are agreed to be normative, according to the Koran and Hadith. Yet for most Muslims, new findings to the study of the Shariah, the Islamic law means that questions of interpretation, application and authenticity have become contentious issues [20]. Some Islamic countries may therefore find tourists more acceptable than others, partly depending on the degree of liberalism as well as losses and personal gains. For example, Iran is generally considered comparatively moderate and positive popular reactions have been recorded there [21]. However, survey respondents also raise concerns about moral decadence and [22], with a need for further research into Muslim views of tourisms cultural impacts on their societies. Theoretical background Research indicates that tourist motivation and satisfaction are often determined, in part, by the desire for a learning experience. For examples, the eco tourists have a desire for environmental learning and that ecotourism operators who differentiate their product through the provision of high-quality environmental education programs establish a potential sustainable competitive advantage. However, it is asserted that this potential long-term competitive advantage will only be realized if sufficient tourists can be attracted to the offered ecotourism experience. So this might be useful when it comes to encouraging the Muslim tourists to Muslim countries and fully satisfy their need, hence makes them often visit to the same country as destination loyalty. Using the results obtained, it is argued that the relatively small emphasis on Muslim tourists demand for Islam attributes learning in advertising directed at potential clients is a substantial weakness in some countries strategic t ourism. Tourism motivation in developing countries and Islamic culture has received scant attention from researchers. The key to understanding tourism motivation is to see holiday travel as a satisfier of needs and wants. The Literature on tourism often conceptualizes tourists motivation and satisfaction in terms of push and pulls factors. The idea behind this concept is that people travel because they are pushed by their own internal forces and pulled by external forces of the destination attributes. In this study, internal forces will be motivation, satisfaction and destination loyalty. Hence pull factor will be Islam attributes. One way to realize travel motivation is to examine the notion of push and pull demand inspiration. The objectives of this research were to understand both push and pull motivation for domestic tourism and the relationship between the two motivations for Islam tourists. The finding indicated three push factors (motivation, satisfaction and destination loyalty) and one pull factors (The Islam attributes). The pull factor might be seen as one, but all the attributes are covered as safety, religions, cultural value, utilitarian, and knowledge, social. This study found that the most important push and pull factors as perceived by Islam tourists are motivation value and religious. The study also confirms the relationship between push and pull factors. Perceptions and motivations are fundamental in tourist decisions and are crucial in the formation of the destination image. Despite the growing number of publications in this area, case studies are still scarce. This study investigates tourist perceptions and motivations in the destinations. A questionnaire was used to interview a random sample of tourists. Factor analysis and multivariate statistics were employed to find different exogenous variables at work for both perceptions and motivations, which varied according to the participants country of origin. Eight factors were found that help in understanding the perceived image and motivations tourists of different nationalities have about the destination. The Islam culture and loyalty also predominate as the leading motivation for tourists. The implications of these findings for explaining tourists behavior indicate future lines of research. The variables involved in tourists behaviours are motivation, satisfaction and destination loyalty. While motivation is only one of many variables in explaining tourist behaviour, it is nonetheless  a very critical one, as it constitutes the driving force behind all behaviour [23]. Motivation sets the stage for forming peoples goals [24] in travelling and is reflected in both travel choice and behaviour; as such it influences peoples expectations, which in turn determine the perception of experiences. Motivation is therefore a factor in satisfaction formation [25]. According to some researches, basic motivation theory suggests a dynamic progression of internal psychological factors (needs, wants and goals), causing an uncomfortable level of tension within individuals minds and bodies, resulting in actions aimed at releasing that tension and satisfying these needs [23]. Intention, implying such an action, requires the awareness of needs, as well as objectives. To assure these conscious, steps needed in order to create wants and move people to travel [26] .Objectives or goals are presented in the form of services, it is therefore the role of marketing to create awareness of needs and suggest appropriate objectives, promising the satisfaction of these travellers [27]. Consequently this can make a tremendous change in a tourist perception on travelling to Muslim countries, which consists of Islam Attributes known to the world a most beautiful religion of all. In the Western World free time and holidays are connected to the concept of self-actualisation or self-realisation. This was suggested [28] several authors. The latter defined by [29] as a persons dynamic relationship between the real and the ideal self, constituting a process of decreasing the distance between these two cognitive systems, themselves subject to continuous change. It is the individuals aim to achieve a state of stability, or homeostasis [26], which is disrupted when the person becomes aware of the gap between real and ideal self, or as [26] calls it a need scarcity. The resulting need to self-actualise represents the motive, which under the constraints of the situation sets the stage for the process of motivation [25]. But to what extent does tourism satisfy the intrinsic need for self-actualisation? [30] summarise 15 years of research into psychological needs, satisfied by leisure activities, and proposed leisure activities clusters such as novelty, sensual enjoyment, cognitive stimulation, self-expression, creativity, vicarious competition, relaxation, agency, belongingness and service. It is questioned however; whether these superficial needs are intrinsically motivated [26], suggesting that these motivations are merely culturally learned stereotypes or explanations for leisure behaviour to Muslim tourists as well. As [23] states, a widely accepted integrated theory for needs and goals behind motivation is lacking. This is what the researcher has studied in this case. Research into motivation can be distinguished into two categories, the behaviourist and the cognivist approach [25]. The discussion has therefore traditionally revolved around either push or pulls factors influencing tourist behaviour [31]. Push factors represent enduring dispositions, as they are internally generated drives. The individual, energised by such drives, will then search objects for the promise of drive reduction and develop a motive [25]. For examples, with a good push factors, it may drive a tourist to the destination, therefore it makes them loyal to the destination. The behaviourist view thus emphasises the emotional parameter of decision-making, while the cognivist approach focuses on situational parameters in which motives are expressed, consequently encompassing a certain knowledge which the tourist holds about goal attributes as well as a rational weighing up of situational constraints [25]. This cognitive process results in motivations, which are more object spe cific than motives, as these only imply a class of objects and may result in a range of different behaviours, depending on the situation. This one-dimensional approach has been criticised however [32], as push and pull factors influence the consumer consecutively [33], integrated by the concept of involvement, an unobservable state of motivation, arousal, or interest [26], which is evoked by stimulus or situations. This is the case, since pull factors such as marketing stimuli as well as the destinations and services attributes respond to and reinforce push factors. Consequently research increasingly seeks to assimilate emotions and cognition in the individuals decision-making process [34], [35], [36], [25], signifying a more holistic approach. As a result it became evident that peoples intrinsic needs are influenced by external factors. In post modern society [37] asserts that in post-modern society the superstructure of advertising, television, fashion, lifestyle magazines and designer values increasingly take the role of forming knowledge and beliefs. Peoples needs are neutral [38], as motives however, they require an object towards which the need is directed, and when linked to actual situations, cultural and social impacts are also applied [25]. In this study, the motivation and satisfaction oblige tourists to certain destination. Based on learned behaviour and perception on situations raise motives to the level of values, as such they are evaluations [39]. If a drive is reduced satisfactorily the individual is likely to remember the behaviour and employ the same behaviour again, thus acquiring habits [40]. Therefore tourism experiences may become learned manners and obtain the role of habit enforcers. Cognivists argue that knowledge and beliefs in future rewards, anticipatory in nature [41], are equally a product of formerly encountered situations [42] and external formation. Motives purely represent learned behaviour, which are influenced by offered objects or tourism activities, and for the motivations, it represents knowledge and beliefs formed by society and culture or tourism peoples. Therefore the psychogenic need for self-actualisation, abstract in nature, is operational in a learned and practical manner and expressed in values, which are learned strategies to either adapt ones environment to ones needs or adapt ones self to a given environment [43]. These values equally include effects of enculturation and socialisation [23]. Additionally the professed gap between real and ideal self, may signify both externally and internally controlled evaluations [25]. Some authors therefore asks what researchers can expect to know about individuals drives, by asking them about their motivations and needs as these may not be available to individuals as part of their awareness.   [44] Mentioned that people do not walk around with numerous leisure needs in their minds and do not rationalise specific causes of participation if their contribution is intrinsically motivated (cited in [26]).   Consequently it may be understood that needs are suggested by immediate social peers, and the wider context of particular social realities as well as the influence of the tourism [45].   Yet as mentioned by [46] stress, intrinsic leisure motivation, which is a global disposition and describes an affinity to seek intrinsic rewards, is characterised by self-determination, an awareness of internal needs and a strong desire to make free choices on destination based on these needs by the tourists. The current society exercises a great deal of influence on the formation of the ideal self and thus perceived needs. Which is for all individuals, self-actualisation may be accepted as a need intrinsic for them. However the notion of authentic or true self, determined by way of experience, offers a solution to the predicament. Individualism symbolises four psychological qualities. One if it is an intelligence of individual identity, based on the knowledge of which one is and what ones goals and values are, as such it is related to the philosophical concept of true self. Which indicates what an individual reckons personally significant and what it is to be actualised? This is according to [47]. The other is Maslows self-actualisation, which is the driving to be ones true self. The third is list is quality which is [48] internal locus of control, which reflects a compliance to accept personal conscientiousness for ones life. And the last and fourth is principled (post conventional), mo ral reasoning [49], which involves regularity with general conceptual principles (cited in [50]). Subsequently, only if  a tourist becomes more autonomous and therefore aware of intrinsic needs and motives are they able to self-actualise. Order is becoming less essential in Western society and a desire for disorder in the tourism experience is becoming more important as [51] explained. Some authors voice out that opportunities for unplanned action and freedom from institutionalised regulations are distinctive of Western tourists.   This explains that certain tourists exhibit a assured desire to liberate their identities. According to [52], in order for tourists to cease being just users of holidays, they must come to know themselves, their motives and other cultures.   So it is understandable that self-actualisation is an intrinsic need, characteristic of any tourist, but must be understood in terms of true self as opposed to ideal self. Such is this independent of societal pressures and involves the transcendence of habitual behaviours and mind states. This proposition req uires further elaboration and must be viewed in the context of modernity, which hinders this process but at the same time brought about its awareness. Therefore, the Islamic attributes of destination in which catering to the religious needs of Muslim tourists may play an important role between the travel motivations (push and pull) and overall tourist satisfaction, which may impact on destination loyalty. Religious attributes of destinations should be recognized more in the context of the existing competitive tourism context [53]. Background of the study There are different aspects can be looked in a tourism industry. But the major issue is the culture and religion of a certain country. As known in most of the research, tourism Industry is always affected by religion especially Islam religion for its special rules and regulation. Thus it reflects Islam as the biggest and widest religion in the world .This study is more on the Islamic religion and international tourism, using the example of Iran as a case study to show the opportunities and problems which arise when this two item come into contact. Some survey observations are made about the conflicts, difficulties of the relationship, between tourist demands such as motivation, satisfaction and destination loyalty and not to miss out the religious practices. For example, the authorities in Iran, where Islam is central to everyday life, have responded in a different method to solve this problem. Other than the main aspect of relation between Islam attributes with a tourists motivation , satisfaction and destination loyalty, the presentation of Islam in official tourism marketing, national and international levels in this country are discussed as a minor part. The government is publicized to place a high superiority on meeting the desires of tourists while certain states give superiority to the dictates of Islamic religion, and international strategies seek to promote intra-Islamic travel. Thus, results are offered into the management of Islam and tourism which may have a wider applicability beyond the special circumstances of this country. A number of authors conduct studies on how Islam religion historically enjoined particular types of journey that have retained an important social and religious function, although constantly adapting to the changing world. Five pillars in the pilgrimage is belief in God and the prophet Muhammad, prayers, fasting and the giving of charity, and at the same time pilgrimages also incorporates an compulsion to migration issue. [6] Additionally lists ziyarat (visits to different shrines), these visits a form of voluntary pilgrimage which exemplifies the spatially distinctive traditions of Islamic populations [7]. Simultaneity, a large number of women believe that a proper textual interpretation actually protects their rights [7], veiling also seen as an assertion of not a symbol of female oppression and cultural identity. There are different aspects to be studied in Islam tourism industry such as food, accommodation and mostly Islam culture places. As in food aspect, halal tourism is new merchandise in the tourism industry which provides holiday destinations for Muslim families who abide by Sharia rules. When it comes to halal concept, the hotels in such Islam destinations do not serve alcohol and have split swimming pools and spa facilities for men and women. Countries like Malaysia, Turkey and many more Islam countries are trying to create a center of attention for Muslim tourists from all over the world offering facilities in agreement with the religious beliefs of Muslim tourists. Not only halal term studied in food aspect, but foods served in flight service also follow the guidelines of halal. This is verified when halal tourism industry also provides flights where no alcohol or pork products are served, prayer timings are announced, and religious programs are broadcast as part of entertainment o ffered on board. This is studied and even there is report mentions a market for a halal startup airline, which could supply halal food, prayer calls, Quran in seat pockets and provide separate sections for male and female travelers according to the basic commandment of Islam religion. Hotel plays a vital role in tourism industry as it accommodates the tourists. In harmony with the teachings of Islamic Sharia, many international hotels do serve halal food. Halal food is slaughtered in and is free of any substances forbidden by Islam such as pork and alcohol. Some hotels have employed people of Arab or people who could understand the Islam to provide translation services and other help that may be needed by tourists from Muslim countries. For a example, Crescent Tours is a UK-based travel company, pioneering Halal Beach Sun Holidays on the Mediterranean and Islamic Heritage Tours in Turkey. Other examples are, in all Malaysian hotels, the management even provides the direction of kiblat for praying purposes. Regional instability has had a detrimental effect on tourism growth in certain instances, one example being terrorist attacks by Muslim groups in Egypt [8]. This is just mild example. Even though it is not a main issue, other commentators have clarified the consequences of this and the implication of Islam more generally in tourism research with a wider frame of reference [54]. One of the solutions might be when state decisions could inhibit Western-style tourism, while national authorities extend a wholehearted welcome to tourists irrespective of their origin and religion. It is not a matter whether the tourists from western or Muslim countries. Those at work in the tourism industry within Islam countries and its principal markets need to be aware of the changing conditions and have an appreciation of religious sensitivities, helping to educate tourists about appropriate behavior. This is can be done with a research on scope for consultation with religious features, regarding the formulation of codes of presentation and conduct of sites such as shrines and mosques as tourist attractions. The difficulties of establishing a consensus cannot be neglected; however, the struggle to enforce Shariah law is another source of unease, although PAS has stated that only Muslims would be subject to its rules and regulations. Further studies are necessary to fully estim ate the effects and outcomes of media reporting as well as attitudes amongst official decision residents and makers. Problem statement Even there is ample of issues on tourism and the activities related, yet religious issues have always influenced majorly the touristic activities. In Islamic countries where most of the communities are Muslims, some religious commandments have overwhelmed the quantity and quality of tourism. Considering the statement of communities plays a vital role, reciprocity between religion and the tourism industry this studies deal with the role of religion (Islam) in tourism industry in the Islamic countries. In this aspect, this study are keen in researching the interconnection relationship between Islam and tourism, manners of Muslims as hosts and guests, and finally the international collaboration in Islamic tourism industry. Facts show that Muslims constitute a global market of approximately two billion potential customers. Assuming that religion plays an important part in their decision making process with regard to travel destinations [55], Islamic religious attributes are bound to be very important considerations when a Muslim decides to travel abroad [56]. The Muslim tourists may decide not to travel to a particular destination due to the absence of these attributes [56]. In addition, the absence of Islamic attributes in the destination may be a source of worry to themselves and those with whom they interact [17]. Besides the push and pull motivations that can be a means of influencing tourist behavior, it is important to understand the Islamic attributes that may lead to tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty for Muslims. This study attempts to address this problem by empirically testing the relationship between Islamic attributes of destination, travel motivations, overall tourist satisfactio n and destination loyalty. The significance of the study Islamic destinations should put an effort in meeting the necessities of international Muslim tourists. By implementing this method, any risk upsetting Muslim tenets obviously is not so debatable when tourists are fellow Muslims from within or outside national precincts. Although Muslim identities are not the same [57], conflicts over dress, food, conduct and religious and social observances are less likely. While intra- Islamic travel has been narrowed to date, apart from pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, there is still growing interest in this province. It is the subject of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), an official organization of 56 Islamic nations dedicated to the well-being of Muslims worldwide; these total almost 1.4 billion or 20% of the worlds inhabitants, forecasted to rise to over 30% by 2025 [58] . Since the Muslim population is a significant market, the exploitation of which is a partial solution to the predicament of accommodation to tourists from a more alien figu res and culture reveals that how important domestic activity can be in contributing highest profit in tourism industry. Non- Muslim visitors are acceptable and there is recognition of the value of working with the international tourism agencies such as World Tourism Organization and others, but much of the emphasis is on tourism as a vehicle for reinforcing the solidarity of the Islamic societies. Within the Islamic world, the greater travel by Muslims could lead to better understanding, stimulate serve and collaboration the common good. At a most international recent meeting, a delegate advised creating more Islamic tour packages dedicated to a Muslim heritage which has been largely ignored [59]. The Islamic Development Bank, mention that the purpose to it, is to inspire social progress and economical growth amongst its 53 Muslim member countries. Yet it can be adopted in other Muslims elsewhere in accordance with the Shariah, also emphasized support for tourism. Meanwhile the efficiency of both the OIC and Islamic Development Bank have been questioned [60], their acknowledge

Case Studies: Corporate Social Responsibility across world

Case Studies: Corporate Social Responsibility across world Introduction Over the past decade, Malaysia has witnessed tremendous economic and social changes. Hence, the business world is becoming more complex and demanding. Corporate social responsibility has emerged as one of the major issues in the modern-day businesses. However, developing countries are slower in reacting to this issue as the studies in this area are still scarce. Even though there is some increase in research and studies in corporate social responsibility (Abu-Baker Naser, 2000; Belal, 2001; Imam, 2000; Tsang, 1998), the results of these studies are not satisfying due to the scarcity of studies in the developing countries. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more important for national and international businesses. Large corporations discovered and recognized the benefits of providing CSR programs in various locations, these multinational companies are serving as global providers. Now, CSR activities are being performed around the world. Customers nowadays believe that modern businesses have the obligations to serve them better or in a more responsible manner instead of just focusing on maximizing profits for its organizations stakeholders or shareholders. However, only large firms apply this concept compared to those small or middle-sized enterprises due to the power which large firms have. We also refer CSR as corporate or business responsibility, corporate or business citizenship or community relations. The environment that business organizations operate in is filled with dynamism, complexity and uncertainty. Thus, managers must take into consideration the interests of stakeholders and public in performing their respective duties. According to Wartick and Cochran (1985), the concept corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a philosophical orientation. Jones (1996) described CSR as an ideology which has been enhanced and advanced during the past 50 years with the business and research. CSR refers to corporate performance that is normatively correct with respect to all constituents of the firm (Epstein, 1987). How do we clarified the actions that certain firms took are related to corporate social responsibility? According to Carroll (1991), social expectations can be translated into four different stages of corporate social responsibility, viz: economic, legal, ethical and philanthropy. The first stage is economic responsibility. This stage is where the public and society expect corporate organizations to generate profit and at the same time producing goods and services that meet the customers needs. A firms prime social responsibility must be economic involving the production of goods and services at a reasonable profit. Second stage is legal responsibility. Businesses are expected to run within the legal boundaries in order to achieve their goals. However, not all ethical behaviour are codified, businesses should act in the manner that serve the society while meeting economic objectives. Hence, this is categorized as ethical responsibility. Last but not least, the philanthropy responsibi lity. A corporate organization should actively involve in programs promoting human welfare and goodwill. One common difference between philanthropy and ethical responsibilities is that the former are not expected in moral sense. Community expect firms to contribute their resources to social activities. However, they do not hold those firms unethical if they do not practice these social activities. Hence, philanthropy is more to voluntary part of business in conducting social activities. According to Palazzi (2006), there are an increasing number of companies in Western Europe, Japan and North America discovered that by fully integrate the self-interest and needs of customers, employees, communities and their beloved planet, they can make good business. Therefore, corporate social responsibility includes 6 elements where management of each organization should implement in order to enhance growth and profitability. CSR is about how to manage these 6 responsibilities: customers, employees, business partners, environment, communities and investors (Palazzi et al., 2006). Providing goods and services in a fair price so that the customers will get to enjoy the added value of the products provided by the firm and at the same time the firm will earn profits. By adopting CSR, a firms image is strong and well recognised; it provides good welfare for its employees. Business partners such as suppliers, suppliers will only build long term relationship with firms that are well-re spected and trusted. Firm must never conduct any operations that will harm the environment such as toxic dispersion; it will only bring damage to the environment and also the society. Health, stability and prosperity of the communities are the success factors of any businesses nowadays; businesses must involve themselves in social activities such as charity or donations. Practicing CSR in daily operations no doubt maximize profit in long-run which will benefit the investors. In contrast of co-founder of Hewlett Packard Company in 1939, Dave Packard, he thinks many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money. While this is an important result of a companys existence, we have to go deeper and find the real reasons for our being. As we investigate this, we inevitably come to the conclusion that a group of people get together and exist as an institution that we call a company so that they are able to accomplish something collectively that they could not accomplish separately they make a contribution to society, a phrase which sounds trite but is fundamental. No doubt that people assume the purpose of a company is to generate profit, primary objective of a company is to continue its existence or to survive, followed by maintaining growth and development and then make a profit. Company is a structure of people where these people wish to achieve objectives that could not be achieved by the efforts of individuals on their own. CSR involves the responsibilities corporations have to the societies within which they are based and operate. CSR is about the organizations and businesses taking actions beyond their boundaries which will impact the environment and society even though doing so incur higher cost. Several concepts that are closely related to CSR: social and environmental auditing, stakeholder theory, business ethics, environmental sustainability, strategic philanthropy and corporate governance. Definition The issues of corporate social responsibility has been debated and argued since 1950s, latest analyses by Secchi (2007) and Lee (2008) reported that the definition has been changing in meaning and practice. In both corporate and academic world there is uncertainty as how to defined. According to Jackson and Hawker (2001), we have looked for a definition and basically there isnt one. However, this is not quite accurate because the truth is there is an abundance of definitions, which are, according to Van Marrewijk (2003), often biased toward specific interests and thus prevent the development and implementation of the concept. Five dimensions of CSR were identified through a content analysis of the definitions; these five dimensions are environmental dimension, social dimension, economic dimension, stakeholder dimension and voluntaries dimension. Jones (1980) defined CSR as the notion that corporations have an obligation to constituent groups in society other than stockholders and beyond that prescribed by law or union contract, indicating that a stake may go beyond mere ownership. Corporate social responsibility is defined as a principle stating that corporations should be accountable for the effects of any of their actions on their community and environment by Frederick (1992). CSR is defined as the degree of moral obligation that may be ascribed to corporations beyond simple obedience to the laws of the state by Kilcullen and Kooistra (1999). According to Foran (2001), CSR can be defined as the set of practices and behaviours that firms adopt towards their labour force, towards the environment in which their operations are embedded, towards authority and towards civil society. CSR is also defined as the integration of social and environmental concerns in business operations, including dealings with stakeholders (Lea, 2002) . According to Andersen (2003), he defined corporate social responsibility broadly to be about extending the immediate interest from oneself to include ones fellow citizens and the society one is living in and is a part of today, acting with respect for the future generation and nature. There are many available definitions of CSR and they are consistently linking to the five dimensions. From 1980s to 20th century, definitions of CSR must include the 5 dimensions, it is not a must to include all 5 but it is best to do so. Importance of CSR CSR has become increasingly important, now it is considered as a business strategy. Consumers prefer to purchase products or services from companies which they trust; suppliers want to form business partnerships with companies they can rely on; employees wish to work for companies they respect and being respected in return; and NGOs want to cooperate with companies seeking feasible solutions and innovations in areas of common interests. According to Carly Fiorina, Chairman and CEO of Hewlett Packard Company, winning companies of this century will be those who prove their actions that they can earn profit and increase social value at the same time. Shareowners, customers, partners and employees are going to vote with their feet in order to reward those companies that fuel social change through business. This has become the new reality of business, one that everyone should embrace and adopt. Arguments and debates about the importance of CSR, the main topic is why CSR became more import ant? Many factors and influences have led to increasing attention being devoted to the role of companies and CSR. These include: Sustainable development Paul Hawken has defined sustainability as an economic state where the demands placed upon the environment by people and commerce can be met without reducing the capacity of the environment to provide for future generations. Leave the world a little better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, make amends if you do. According to Hohnen (2007), United Nations studies showed that humankind is using natural resources at an excessive rate, a rate where the used resources failed to be replaced in time. If this scenario continues, future generations will not have the resources they need for their development. According to Maurice Strong, Chairman of the Earth Council (1992), he said as we enter the next century, industry will be the most important engine for change in the drive for sustainable solutions to the worlds environmental problems. These issues alerted the world and required immediate actions. Organizations must play their parts in aiding the environmental problems. Corporate social responsibility is one of the solutions and organizations are advised to practice and implement social responsibility in their daily operations. Globalization Globalization is a complex process because it involves rapid social change that is occurring simultaneously across a number of dimensions in the world economy, in politics, in communications, in the physical environment and in culture and each other these transformations interact with the others (Tomlinson, 1999). Growing concerns on human resource management, environmental protection, health and safety due to the economic globalization, CSR can play a vital role in locating the impacts and effects that a business might have on labour, society and economy. CSR also provide certain steps that can assist the business to build and maintain the public welfare. Governance According to Hohnen (2007), governments and intergovernmental bodies such as the UN, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have developed several guidelines and declarations which companies can follow and apply in their future business conduct. Example, government in Penang restricted food sellers from using polystyrene for food packing every Monday. Finance Consumers and investors are more interested in supporting responsible business practices; they are seeking more information on how organizations going to react accordingly after defining risks and opportunities which related to social issues. What actions can the organization take so that it will best serve the society and meet the economic objectives? In the CSR context, a sound CSR approach can help build share and market value for an organization, lower the cost of capital and improve the responsiveness to markets (Hohnen, 2007) Protect the environment Some of the worlds largest companies have showed their commitment to CSR by showing initiatives at reducing their environmental footprint. These companies believe that financial and environmental performance can work together to drive company growth and social reputation. We green the earth slogan made by some multinational companies in Malaysia who own large golf courses within residential area is one of the CSR initiatives seems to protect the environment. According to Hohnen (2007), a CSR approach can improve corporate governance, transparency, accountability and ethical standards. Environment stewardship helps build and retain a companys value. In addition, undergraduates and postgraduates will expose to the importance of taking care of the environment through studying corporate social responsibility. Potential Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility Being socially responsible is increasingly important for modern organizations. This is due to the public becoming more demanding towards firms in terms of being socially responsible. Einer Elhauge, a professor of law at the Harvard Law School, as part of his contribution on the Environmental Protection and the Social Responsibility of Firms, quoted that Corporate managers have the operational discretion to sacrifice corporate profits in the interest of the public. Lower Operating Cost Companies must view this as an opportunity and see the benefit it can obtain from giving back to the communities and employees (McKee, 2005). Lower operating cost may be the most immediate and dependable benefit for a corporation committed to high ethical standards and social responsibility (Ashforth, 1989). On environmental issues, a company who is striving to minimize its emission of greenhouse gasses will be looking at ways of minimizing fuel consumption. Initial investment in more energy efficient vehicles and appliances may incurred very high cost, it will eventually lead to cost saving. If a company is using less energy, then its energy bills will be lower. If a company is minimizing water usage, then its water bills will be lower. The same is true for maximizing the use of recycled materials. Recycled materials are much lower priced compared to raw materials. Employees: Recruitment, Retention and Productivity According to Ivy (2005), the other benefits of adopting corporate social responsibility practices include attracting the most talented and loyal workers. Their employees are more committed to their work because they are proud to be part of that organization. Employees value a corporation that is able to improve the life of the community. A Socially Responsible Corporation considers a workers dignity and offers good health care and retirement plan. Therefore, these employees are not keen to take lifts when opportunity is at hand. Bloemer (1992) found out that the corporation benefits from a stable workforce and reduced training costs. Evidence for this view are clearly stated in the Kelly survey in Crains Detroit Business report found that corporations that behave in socially and environmentally responsible manners attract the top talent and ninety percent of those interviewed would prefer to work for organizations are ethically and socially responsible. Brand Image and Customer Loyalty McKee (2005) suggested that the most significant business benefit of corporate social responsibility is the positive effect it can have on brand image and customer loyalty. If a company is known to be responsible and ethical, and if it markets itself as such, then it will be well positioned in a competitive market. Consumers, weary of the tales of ruthless corporations doing everything in their power to maximize profits, are becoming more and more interested in supporting companies who are socially responsible. Many firms which have such practices include Body Shop that uses all natural, non chemical substances to make their products. They emphasis on no animal testing and many customers are proud to be using their products that support the humanity values that the company share. Differentiated Products According to Klein and Dawar (2004), differentiated product is one of the benefits that enable an organization in order to remain competitive in todays marketplace. Through product differentiation, organizations aim at achieving a competitive advantage by increasing the perceived value of their products relative to the perceived value of the products of their competitors. Particularly, for organizations that implement socially responsible policies, product differentiation can satisfy the unmet needs of consumers offering both financial and business benefits to the firm. Firms that offer environmentally friendly products experience higher sales growth than firms that sell conventional products (Ramasamy Ting, 2004). Besides, firms that offer unique value propositions to consumers differentiate their products in consumers minds and contribute to building customer loyalty based solely on ethical values. Therefore, in the context of corporate social responsibility, organizations develop new products aiming, not only to become more competitive, but also to make a greater impact on society through their ethical practices. A CSR Europe MORI study in 2000 showed that 70 percent of European consumers say that a companys commitment to corporate social responsibility is important when buying a product and one in five would be willing to pay more for products that are socially and environmentally responsible. On the other hand, one in six shoppers frequently boycott or buy products because of the manufacturers reputation. Improved Risk Management Improved and proper management is one of the benefits gained when a corporation embarked in corporate social activities. Modern organizations implement risk management strategies to decrease or even eliminate the risk posed on the organization by a variety of practices associated to several potential threats (Porter Kramer, 2002). Organizations that have made countless efforts over the years to build a good reputation and have spent a lot of money to maintain it through product development and customer loyalty strategies. However it could be ruined is seconds (Tencati, Perrini, Pogutz, 2004). Such incidents include scandals, environmental accidents, foreign labour transgressions and internal corruptions draw the attention of the media and may cause irreversible damage to a firms reputation. The only way to anticipate such events are to embed social responsibility into organizational culture that contributes to a stable reputation for a form and in order to offset such risks. This c ould save cost and time in repairing and building firms reputation using the usual ways. Access to capital Financial institutions such as banks and private loan companies are increasingly incorporating social and environmental criteria into their assessment of projects. When making decisions about where to place their money, investors are looking for indicators of effective CSR management. Maignan, Tomas and Hult (1999) argued that a business plan incorporating a good CSR approach is often seen as a must for good management. When a company engage in corporate social activities shows that they care about their planet and it give a good impression towards to the investors. Hence both private and public investors are more willing to invest in such ventures because it will gain support from many parties and corporate social responsibility based companies tend to last longer. Arguments underpinning CSR Today many persons are discussing the social responsibilities of business; there are various reasons both for and against businesss assumption of social responsibilities. People in the business world argue and debate about social responsibility, some supporting this concept and some do not see it that way. Arguments for corporate social responsibility Long-run self interest Long-run self interest is one of the arguments which favour corporate social responsibility, this ideology makes the society expects the businesses to accomplish and conduct various social goods and actions. According to Davis (2001), a business must conduct social practices if it expects to achieve objectives and earn profits in long-run. The firm that responds fastest to the needs of the society hence will have a better community in for the firm to run its business. Recruiting employees will be easier, the employees hired are better in quality. Besides that, absenteeism and turnover will decrease. As the social of one society improved, crime rate will definitely go down and money can be saved up as the properties are well protected. The dispute can lead to several directions, for example a better society provides a better environment for business. It is hard to believe that incurring higher cost for social activities will result in higher profit for the business. However, it is the normal outcome that business can perform better when it runs in a better environment. Recent surveys confirm that the correlation between social and financial performance is their positive or neutral (Margolis Walsh, 2003). Public Image A firms main objective is to attain and retain more customers, desirable employees and various benefits through enhancing its public image. According to Davis (2001), it is easy to extend this public-image concept through the accomplishment of a variety of social goods. Public holds social goals as top priority, firms which has intention of achieving a benevolent public image must reinforce and prioritize these social goals. CSR has become a vital tool in promoting and improving the public image of some worlds largest corporations (Christian, 2004). Let Business Try Many institutions tried and failed in handling social issues, why not give business a chance to do so. Many comments were made due to the failures of other institutions, people are turning to business. Comments like the following: Give business a try. Maybe they can come up with some new ideas. Let business have a role. They couldnt do any worse! These comments were made out of frustration and desperation instead of reasoning; many people are expecting that business institution will fail in handling the social issues. The truth is that there is no evidence showing that we perform badly in handling and solving the social problems using businesss capabilities (Davis, 2001). Business Has the Resources Business is believed to have valuable resources which can be used in handling social problems; hence society should put the resources into good use. Sadly, many people wrongly assumed that business has all the money where the society need to do is to tap the till of business and the social problems will just fades away. In most cases, there is a reasoned assumption that business has a pool of management talent, functional expertise and capital resources (Davis et al., 2001). With this pool, business definitely has the requirements to solve social problems in the society. In addition, business is well known for its innovative ability. In some social problems, innovation is needed badly for application. Problems can be Profits While the creativity of business can contribute to social problems, it can also be an advantage at times when apply conventional business theories to these social problems. Although this idea cannot be applied to all of the social problems, it is encouraged that business should involve in social areas more effectively. According to Davis (2001), many problems can be solved and settled profitably according to traditional business concepts. Prevention is better than Curing It is argued that business should resolve social problems once encountered. This supports the idea of saving resources and the managements time and also preventing the social problem from developing into a disastrous situation to the business. Furthermore, the progress of producing goods and services can be affected when business is busy dealing with serious social problems that have yet to be resolved. Argument against Social responsibility Profit Maximization The most prevailing argument against business assumption of social responsibility is the classical that it challenges the traditional mindset of the companies is to focus on profit maximization (Friedman, 1971). According to the industrys point of view, the companys desire is to think in the best interest of the shareholder and satisfy them by maximizing profit and find all means to increase profit. One common practice in most industries to maximize profit is to minimize cost. Friedman (1971) mentioned that in a free enterprising firm system, employees responsibility is do what their superiors command them to do as long they do what their are told, they would survive in the economy provided their actions are abiding to the laws and ethical customs of the society. The employees desire is accord with the shareholders interest that is to maximize profit. However imposing a new concept of corporate social responsibility, the company dilutes the aim of profit maximization and makes the sh areholders unhappy. This is due to the managers spending their money on something that has no direct impact on their cash flow. Besides that, Friedman argued that the concept of corporate social responsibility may overthrow the old doctrine of the economy to maximize profit. Cost of Social Involvement Friedman (1962) found out that imposing the culture of corporate social responsibility in a firm takes away a lot of the firms financial resources though the outcome may not be as rewarding as predicted. The company must make wise decision to allocate their resources in the right causes for it is scarce. Most companies commit small resource to corporate social activities due to social pressure and obligation. However, the public tend to forget the firms effort towards corporate social activities after a period of time. Therefore it is very tiring for a company to keep renewing their commitment towards social acts since the customers cannot remember the organizations contribution towards society even it was just last month ago. When the business is pushed into social obligations, many additional costs will drive out marginal firms in all the industries (Friedman et al., 1971). In the chemical industry, many chemical firms shut down because they are unable to meet the requirement of pu rchasing the new pollution equipment that is highly priced. Lack of Social Skills Traditional companies do not have the skills to handle the social matters regarding the publics concern towards the companys effort in corporate social goals. As mentioned Friedman (1971), it is insane for a firm to give social related duty to technicians or accountants. They are unfit for the job because they are not trained to work in such way. The firm may need to hire sophisticated people which are public relation officers to create an image for the company and handle all the social matters. This may require the organization to create a new department just to achieve these goals. Problems may arise since the firm needs to incur new costs to the company. Dilution of Businesss Primary Purpose Friedman (1962) suggested that a firms involvement in social goals might hinder businesss emphasis on economic productivity, divert the interest if its leaders, and weaken business in the market places, with the result of the firm achieving poorly in both economic and social aspects. The effect of social goals in corporations is confusing the societys perception in the economic role of the business. If a company is inadequate to achieve its social goals, the society would suffer socially and economically (Friedman et al., 1962). Weakened International Balance of Payment Argument against business assumption social responsibility requires the international balance of payments thought it is frequently ignored. In normal practices, social programs are counted in business costs. In order to recover these costs, the business would usually add the cost into the price of the product. If social activities dilute businesss capacity for high productivity, then this lower efficiency is likely to lead to higher product cost (Friedman et al., 1962). A company would lose its competitive advantage in the international market if they comply with the social obligation. In the international market especially regarding raw material, the price is an essential criterion to consider. When a product is priced higher than its competitor due to social obligation, the clients will choose cheaper choices and outcome is the company loses out a lot of customers. Lack of Accountability From economic point of view, entrepreneurs have no accountability towards the public. Friedman quoted that Accountability always go with responsibility. A firm which embarks into social activities must be responsible towards the people. Until the firm is ready to be establish a proper line of social accountability from business to public, the business is preferable just focus on maximizing profit and not engage in any social activities. Lack of Broad Support One final point is that social involvement may lack a broad range of support from all groups of the society. Although many people support the idea of corporate social responsibility, many parties opposes it (Henderson Hazel, 2001). Unlike China, there are a lot of countries that does not give full support to firms that has social goals. The lack of agreements is among the general public, in government, even among the businessmen themselves. Many reasons are mentioned in the above statements. Such hostile oppositions will create disastrous effects on the company if it fails its social mission. Case Summary Burgerville USA is a family owned fast-food restaurant, founded by George Propstra in Vancouver, Washington 1922. Burgerville applies this mentality made fresh from local ingredients, this concept still stand strong up till today. Burgerville had never used frozen patties, used only the freshest ingredients. Besides that, onions rings sold in Burgerville are made from onions grown in nearby Walla Walla. Burgerville has expanded up to 39 locations in the northwest United States, currently run by Propstras son in law, Tom Mears. The key element in the companys strategy remains unchanged which is the fresh, local concept. Company is using fresh, local products in order to offer higher quality food. This strategy moves Burgerville out from the fast-food industry into fast-casual dining sector, a niche in the restaurant industry. Mears decided that the company will not play the chea

Visions and Dreams in James Welch’s Fools Crow :: James Welch Fools Crow Essays

Visions and Dreams in James Welch’s Fools Crow In the novel Fools Crow, by James Welch, several characters have visions and dreams. The dreams are so realistic that they are a vision of what's to come in the future. A lot of the visions and dreams become a message or some type of warning to the people so that they are aware of thing that are going to happen. Many of these dreams that the characters have affect them positively or in a disastrous way leading to misfortune. The first dream is a dream that White-Man's Dog known as "Fools Crow," has while he is on the first raid against the Crows. He dreamt of a lodge within an enemy camp containing young naked girls. As one of the girls approached him, he began to awake. After his awaking, he felt that in his dream he wanted to approach the girl but knew that there was danger in her direction. He kept thinking that he should tell Yellow Kidney, their leader, of this dream but his father had told him that it was not wise to speak of your dreams to others. After the raid, Yellow Kidney did not return with the others. Several months later he returned to their homestead and began to tell of what had happened to him. He had entered the enemy camp and discovered the lodge of young naked girls. The girls were infected with the white scabs disease; he had sexual contact with one of them and almost died. White Man's Dog felt horrible and blamed himself for what happened to Yellow Kidney. He thought to himself "Wh y hadn't he told Yellow Kidney of his dream? Such a dream would have been a sign of bad medicine and they might have turned back" (76). The second dream is a dream that Mik-api, the medicine man, has about the raven. The raven was a bird that had heard a cry of a four-legged creature named the wolverine. The wolverine had crossed through one of the Crow's caged traps and could not escape. When the raven tried to free the wolverine, he was not of strength to succeed. He told Mik-api in his dream that he knew of White Man's Dog and the strength he pertained. "It will take such a man to release our four-legged brother" (52). Mik-api told White Man's Dog of this dream and he agreed to find the wolverine and set him free.

The Gothic Features of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Essay -- Charlott

The Gothic Features of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte A Gothic novel is a type of literature, which became very popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In this time, society was governed by strict moral codes. The "Gothics" would escape into a world of dark, supernatural and wild passions. The word 'Gothic' meant barbarous and wild and many writers liked to involve these elements in their novels. Gothic novels were usually set in foreign countries, particularly in Catholic countries in Southern Europe, and usually set in the past, in the Middle Ages. Many Gothic novels took place in castles, dungeons and monasteries, and were supernatural and mysterious, involving ghosts and monsters. Gothic novels often follow this pattern: a young beautiful girl who is rather helpless with no family, is abducted by a rough, dark villain who imprisons her in his castle. After much danger and possible exploitation, she is rescued by a good, pleasant young man who falls in love with her. Gothic novels are always very dramatic and mysterious, with a great deal of detailed description and suspense and tension. Charlotte Bronte did not perhaps aim to write a Gothic novel, but she was perhaps influenced by the books and materials she had read as a child. Throughout 'Jane Eyre', the location and setting are very important. Jane begins at Gateshead with the Reed family, where she is very excluded and isolated. Sympathy is created for Jane as she is thought of as a weak and vulnerable heroine. This I consider to be very Gothic. "I was a discord in Gateshead Hall: I was like nobody there". The house is very grand and elaborate w... ...eates, using similes, metaphors and symbolism. However, there are parts where Bronte has changed the typical 'Gothic novel' around. For example, at the meeting of Jane and Mr Rochester. Here it seems that Jane is the hero, and Mr Rochester is the heroine. This adds contrast and makes it seem more interesting for the reader, as they would it expect Jane to be the heroine, and Mr Rochester the hero. The ending is not to be considered Gothic either, because, although they fall in love at the end, Mr Rochester's mansion is burnt down and he is blind. This would normally contradict a normal Gothic novel, where everything would end happily. Charlotte Bronte has not completely written a Gothic novel, however 'Jane Eyre' does have many features which could be considered Gothic. Works Cited: Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. New York: New American Library, 1997.

Ethical Issues in Nursing

Critical Thinking Critical Thinking Critical Thinking is based on clever thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. Critical thinking is an analytical thinking that’s help in order to solve problems which occur on an everyday basic. Understanding how to figure out a resolution in order to solve a problem is a very great technique in all areas of life. Which is helpful in everyday living, for example school. While attending college I’ll be taking classes in order to become a Register nurse. This gives me an opportunity to use my thinking skills in new ways.Also critical thinking will help me to have a better view and understanding of material and the capability to perform and succeed in classes. Having the knowledge of critical thinking can help in many different careers. As for nursing, critical thinking plays a very important part in your work. Problem solving and decision making are two of the most essential common thinking processes used in nursing. So it’s very important to identify facts and evidence from opinions keeping a open mind while being a creative problem solver.For example, I use to work at this nursing home and we were having issues with not knowing if residents were having bowel movements. My director of nursing was trying to come up with an idea on what to do. That when I got an idea a BM chart! I had to think it out before I presented it to my director. Finally when I had it all fine points I presented it to her and it worked. That made me believe you can success by staying focus and open minded. You have to try new things in order to see what works. If you don’t try it you will never know.Remember to challenge all information unless it provides you with facts and evidences. Ethical Behavior Ethical behavior is a standard I hold for myself honesty and accountability, and how you treat others in all walked of life. Like the golden rule you treat other as you want to be treated. I live by that rule I do people like I want to be done. I feel like you get further in life having a positive attitude toward others. As for me I work in a hospital so that rule really applies. I’m dealing with all kinds of people, sicknesses and even death.This helps me to relate and have a better understanding toward the patients, families and coworker feeling. Even companies have ethical behavior that’s expected of you and what’s not when hiring an employee. Reflection Reflecting back over the steps it took me in order to write this paper. First off I was totally unsure about what I wanted to write, so I then began to think about the word critical thinking and what it means. That’s when I began to jock things down that I wanted to write in my paper. Finally I got me a cup of coffee sat in front of my computer and began typing.Last but not least I’ve been proof reading over and over, adding and subtracting words and sentences until I had my final essay. Quote â€Å" In order to get the most out of life, everyone needs to develop rational life plan that â€Å"would be chosen by him with full deliberative rationality, that is, with full awareness of the relevant facts and after a careful consideration of the consequences. ( Rawls, 1929-2002, p. 13) Reference Boss, A. J. (2012). Think critical thinking and logic skills for everyday (2nd ed. ). New York: New York.

From Foster Care to Prison Essay

Young adults who leave the child-welfare system at age eighteen face steeper challenges in becoming independent adults than those who stay in foster care. National studies have found that young people who â€Å"age out† of the child-welfare system at eighteen are three times more likely to be unemployed and not enrolled in school than young people overall. They are also much more likely to struggle financially, suffer from mental illnesses or drug or alcohol disorders, bear children they can’t take care of, or end up in prison (Borja, 2005). The literature demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between children aging out of foster care and entering the prison system. The state of California is the largest state housing foster care children in the country. Still, there is a high demand for research to demonstrate methods by which the cycle of destruction can be broken, as little research has been conducted on foster care youths beyond the age of 18. As a result of this, an exploratory study will be conducted to define parameters that should enable and convince states extend foster-care services to youths until age 21. Literature Review Bruce Willis once said â€Å"too many children in foster care are falling through the cracks†¦Be a hero – take the time to learn about adoption today† (Thinkexist. com, 2006). Foster care is meant to be a temporary living situation for children who are awaiting the opportunity to be reunited with their parents or another suitable guardian. In some cases, children are placed in long-term care placements. For older adolescents, a foster care program can be designed to provide education and resources to prepare the adolescent for the transition into independence (Wikipedia, 2006). Look more:  problem centered coping essay As of September 30, 2003, there were an estimated 523,000 children on record in foster care. Of these, 46 percent lived in non-relative homes, 23% lived in relative homes, 19% lived in group homes or institutions, 5% were in pre-adoptive homes and 7% lived in other placement types (Wikipedia, 2006). When a child enters the foster care system, the role of the parent is no longer held by a single individual or even the household. Rather, multiple parties are involved. More often than not, the state assumes custody of the child. A court appointed attorney or child protection services agency is given the responsibility of the decision making. The foster care provider is assigned the duty of the physical custody. Judges other court officials may also have a say in the care and welfare of the child. The child’s biological parents or guardians may also remain involved through visitations and can also be informed of their child’s well-being and care plan (Molin and Palmer, 2005). There are two types of foster care: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary foster care occurs when situations arise where the parent or guardian is temporarily unable to care for a child and seeks help. Involuntary foster care often occurs when the child is taken from the parent or guardian in order to ensure safety. The end result of the large number of decision makers in the foster care system has been shown to have further detrimental effects on the well-being of the children. The cost to maintain a system with so many players raises financial concerns, and often puts the immediate needs of the child on the back burner. Additionally, foster care children may not necessarily receive the type of care they need and may be â€Å"particularly vulnerable to not receiving care for their mental health needs because they often lack a person in their life who feels responsible and accountable for their well-being† (Kerker and Morrison, 2005). Because of the lack of individual attention on focus on the child’s well-being, children in foster care are continuously ending up homeless, in prison or in mental institutions as yearly as adolescents. Many children in foster care exhibit mental health problems. These can range from difficulty achieving sustainable relationships, coping problems, emotional and behavioral disturbances, attention disorders, depression, autism and bipolar disorder, thus causing these children to be defined as a vulnerable population in serious need of consideration and protection. The most common problem exhibited by the children in foster care are called â€Å"externalizing disorders† (Kerker and Morrison, 2005). Externalizing disorders frequently occur when children have been abused physically and, as a result of the abuse, demonstrate outward aggression towards others as well as towards themselves. There are statistics to support the case that there are factors in the foster care system that contribute to the impeding mental health of the children in care. It is most important to note that few of the children in the system are screened for mental health problems. One study showed that over 94% of the welfare agencies sampled assessed the children for physical health problems, but only 47. 8% checked for mental health problems (Kerker and Morrison, 2005). It is important to mention that being removed from their homes and placed in a foster care setting is a difficult and stressful experience for a child. â€Å"Many of these children have suffered some form of serious abuse or neglect. About 30% of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral or developmental problems† (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005). While most foster children show signs of remarkable resiliency, many also suffer from physical health problems as well as physiological and emotional problems. These children frequently blame themselves and feel guilty about being removed from their birth parents and wish to return to their parents even if they had been abused by them (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005). In evaluating the effect of foster care children who are aging out of the system and entering the real world, it is important to note that many of the children in the system have grown up with their parents in prison. Consider for example, Former Parole Officer Marilyn Cambrell. Cambrell plays surrogate mom to children whose parents are in prison at M. B. Smiley High School in Houston. About half of the students attending the high school have all had to face the reality that they are among the 2 million U. S. children with a parent behind bars. Many of these students are now in foster care, leaving them with feelings that they are unloved and unsafe in the world. Cambrell has begun to institute classes at the school, which have given more than 300 students a chance to vent their frustrations, share coping skills and, most importantly, feel they aren’t alone (Aguayo and Sewing, 2003). Many states have begun to implement strategies to break the cycle of vulnerability among students that age out of the foster care system and have begun to impose systems of self-care in the foster care system. In Iowa, a new law has been implemented that mandates the extension of financial support to youth in foster care to 21 years of age. In essence, the new law serves â€Å"as a model for other states to enact the same law and improve the services for youth who are making the transition from foster care to adulthood† (Policy and Practice, 2006). In order to qualify for the extended care and support, the youth are mandated to participate in an education and training program or work full time. To be able to qualify in the law, the youth must participate in an education or training program or work full time. This program falls under the standard of self-care that Orem describes as essential to the success of individuals seeking out optimal health, as the adolescents and young adults are taught means to provide for themselves and are given the resources needed to develop independence. Legislatures and other advocates have begun to get involved in the fight on then national level to protect the vulnerability of foster care children aging out of the system. Similar to the program in Iowa, The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 was passed to help provide children who are aging out of the foster care system the life skills necessary to provide for themselves. The act provides further access to health care professionals, as the act â€Å"extends Medicaid coverage past age 18, and requires states to prepare foster kids for employment or for further education before they are emancipated† (DeLay, 2000). Another step that can be taken to ensure the well being of children in foster care is to focus on the need for assessment. Foster parents can be taught by health care professionals such as nurses to look for signs of mental problems. The California Institute for Mental Health has developed screening tools that consist of â€Å"a series of questions regarding indicators of potential emotional and/or behavioral disturbances in preschool (0 to 5 years) and school-age (6 to 18 years) children†. The screenings are designed to assist in the observations of the children, and to alert the parents and others in the foster care system of a need for more extensive evaluations (Kerker and Morrison, 2005). People magazine recently published an article on a couple, Julie and Mike Deitch, who made the decision to take on foster children. They became licensed as foster parents after seven months of classes. In 2004, they took in three siblings whose parents were hooked on meth. They have since adopted the children and took on two more children, whose parents were schizophrenic (Jerome and Marquez, 2006). There are several issues that come of out the Deitch’s story that can be used as prime examples of the success of the modern foster care system. First and foremost, the parents received the training they needed to care for the children themselves. Secondly, the children were placed with foster parents who intend to adopt. And, while the Deitch’s had much to overcome in dealing with children whose parents had mental health problems, they put the needs of the child first and stuck with providing a high quality standard of care regardless of the obstacles at hand. It is evident that the child welfare system needs to undergo some redevelopment to best address the needs of the mental health condition of foster children. Emphasis should be on the day to day, starting in the home. Foster parents need to be trained to care for the children by health professionals. Older children need quality attention so that they can one day care for themselves as adult. Any and all mental health problems need to be detected at an early stage and care for. Advocates need to continue to take notice of the needs of the vulnerability of the foster care children and create legislation and develop programs that serve their best interest. If these things occur, perhaps the cycle of vulnerability of children in foster care can be overcome. Young adults who have aged out of the foster care system have left the system only to be faced with significant health, social and educational deficits including homelessness, involvement in juvenile crime and prostitution, mental and physical health problems, poor educational and employment outcomes, inadequate social support systems and early parenthood. These poor outcomes reflect a number of factors including ongoing emotional trauma resulting from experiences of abuse and neglect prior to care, inadequate support while in care, accelerated transitions to adulthood and lack of guaranteed ongoing financial and other assistance to help facilitate this transition. Young people leaving care do not currently receive the ongoing support that a good parent would be expected to provide for their children (Mendes, 2006). Children in the foster care system have been found to be associated with the probability of becoming a rapist or other type of sexual crime predator. As a result of this, the literature demonstrates that the prevention of rape may usefully be associated with enhancing the life chances of fathers and sons by greater support for those offenders who have spent time in foster care. Additionally, the fact that the risk factors for future violence are similar to those for rape endorses the point that rape is essentially a violence offence rather than a sex offence. It further demonstrates that prevention programs for rape will have associated benefits (Christofferson, Soothill and Francis, 2005). Many children who have been identified as having deviant or behavior problems spend time in therapeutic foster care programs. In these programs, the youth are placed in the care of foster parents who have been trained to provide a structured environment that supports their learning social and emotional skills. An assessment was conducted on the effectiveness of such programs in preventing violent behavior among participating youth. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature regarding these programs, finding that reported and observed violence, including violent crime among the children in therapeutic programs declined (Hahn, et. Al, 2004). Due to the issues that they faced throughout adolescence, young adults who leave the child-welfare system at age 18 face steeper challenges in becoming independent adults than those who stay in foster care. National studies have found that young people who â€Å"age out† of the child-welfare system at 18 are three times more likely to be unemployed and not enrolled in school than young people overall. They are also much more likely to struggle financially, suffer from mental illnesses or drug or alcohol disorders, bear children they can’t take care of, or end up in prison (Borja, 2005). The literature demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between children aging out of foster care and entering the prison system. The state of California is the largest state housing foster care children in the country. Still, there is a high demand for research to demonstrate methods by which the cycle of destruction can be broken, as little research has been conducted on foster care youths beyond the age of 18. As a result of this, an exploratory study will be conducted to define parameters that should enable and convince states to extend foster-care services to youths until age 21. The parameters that will be defined include the education levels, current living conditions, socioeconomic status and employment statuses held by the young adults aging out of the foster care system. The survey will then serve as a tool in support of the literature in order to shed light onto the missing link between children leaving the foster care system and attaining financial independence and success in mainstream society. Methods The county of Sacramento extends from the low delta lands between the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers north to about ten miles beyond the State Capitol and east to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (County of Sacramento, 2006). The southernmost portion of Sacramento County has direct access to the San Francisco Bay. Respondents for this research will be selected from aged out foster care children in the county of Sacramento. In order to identify the sample population, social workers and foster care agencies within Sacramento County, including the County Department of Health Assistance as well as the Criminal Justice Department will be contacted. The representatives of the agencies will receive information detailing the importance of conducting the survey, and will be asked to provide or pass on the survey questions to interested participants between the ages of 18-21. The local prison will also be contacted in order to identify target samples who have come through the foster care system and who are now in prison. The representatives will be asked to avoid bias, and to balance those selected among males and females. In order to calculate accurate percentages and accurately represent the number of young adults aging out of the foster care system, the ideal sample size will consist of fifty male and fifty females. For confidentiality purposes, those sampled cannot be randomly selected, as all names and information of those individuals participating need to be passed on through a social work related agency. Due to this, the results may be slightly skewed. However, the skewing of the results will most likely balance themselves. That is, it is expected that an individual receiving technical training coming out of the foster care system (an example of a success story) will most likely be balanced out by an individual in prison coming out of the foster care system. That being said, it is essential that there be some control in selecting the sample, as having 100 responders all in prison will sway the results. Due to this, the survey will be distributed to a variety of agencies, so as to best manage the results. In conducting the survey, questions will be posed to address the respondent’s attainment in areas of education, employment, friendship and family. The questions will be posed utilizing a Likert-type scale to determine response categories. Questions involving demographics, ethnicity and gender will be essential in providing useful information as to other factors (outside of being in foster care) that separate individuals in the population. For example, a question in the survey should identify the demographic location held by the foster child during the time in care, as well as well as identify any potential moves or changes in location. In doing this, it will be possible to identify if demographic changes are an independent variable or dependent variable in effecting the results of the survey. If it is an independent variable, then it needs to be accounted for in the survey results. Similar questions will be posed in regards to ethnicity and gender, in order to determine their impacts on the results of the survey. The surveys will be distributed to contacted welfare agencies in the Sacramento area to then be passed on to target samples. If needed, and if approved by the agencies, the method will include taking time to travel to the place of residence of the selected population to ensure that the surveys are accurately filled out and returned. The responses will then be entered into SPSS. An analysis of the surveys will be conducted looking for significant differences, relationships and correlations. In doing this, key-word searchers will be conducted. At the same time, the responses will be grouped based on socioeconomic class, education, gender, living conditions and employment status and then cross referenced to identify key correlations in the data. The purpose of the survey will be to clearly define target triggers that caused the foster care children to end up in prison. A comparative analysis of results will be conducted in order to drawn lines of association between family values, views on friendship as well as socioeconomic status. At the same time, the answers to the survey will be used to compare and contrast methods and exposures faced by those young adults who did not go to prison after leaving the foster care system versus those who did. In conducting the survey and evaluating the results, levels of success within the foster care system will be revealed. For example, if it is found that many of the young adults were mainstreamed into a job-training program and still entered prison, the survey will be used to reveal triggering factors that caused the downfall. Due to the sensitive nature of the survey as well as the sensitive nature of the questions posed to the target population, the survey will need to be submitted to a human subjects committee for review. Overall, the survey test the hypothesis in an attempt to assess the needs of legislators to pass policy to extend foster care benefits to the age of 21. population’s overall attitude towards the future. That is, it will provide insight as to whether oror not the population has successfully overcome the cycle of destruction (coming out of the system and ending up in prison as a result of no where else to go), or if it appears that the individual needs further training to in order to be financially independent and lead a stable lifestyle. Anticipated Findings It is expected that the survey will reveal a clear cycle of destruction occurring from the transition out of foster care. The survey is anticipated to support the literature that there is a missing link between children leaving the system at the age of 18 and finding success in the mainstream society. Due to this, the survey will provide a tool to better define what the missing link is, and provide insight as to what can be done to break the cycle of destruction. This is good, you should include similar language at the end of your literature review when you are discussing the intent of your research. Finally, make sure to attach your survey as an appendix item to your proposal References Aguayo, Anna and Sewing, Joy. A Former Parole Officer Plays Surrogate Mom to Kids with Parents in Jail. People, 60(11), p. 129-130. American Academy of Adolescent and Child Psychiatry (2005, May). Foster Care. Retrieved December 4, 2006, from http://aacap. org/page. ww? name=Foster+Care§ion=Facts+for+Families Ashby, Cornelia (2006). Child Welfare: Improving Social Service Program Training and Technical Assistance Information Would Help Address Long-Standing Service-Level and Workforce Challenges. GAO Reports, p. 56. Borja, Rhea (2005). Teens Released from Foster Care Too Early, Report Says. Education Week, 24(38), p. 6-6. Child Welfare Information Gateway (2005). Foster Care: Numbers and Trends. Retrieved December 5, 2006 from http://www. childwelfare. gov/pubs/factsheets/foster. cfm County of Sacramento (2006). About Sacramento County. Retrieved December 5, 2006 from http://www. saccounty. net/portal/about/areafacts. html CMS Network (2006). Medical Foster Care Program. Retrieved December 5, 2006 from http://www. cms-kids. com/CMSNMedicalFosterCare. htm Delay, Tom (2000). Fighting for Children. American Journal of Psychiatry, p. 120-124. Jerome, Richard and Marquez, Sandra (2006). They opened their hearts and home to babies born of meth-addicted moms. People, 66(15), p. 83-84 Kerker, B. , & Morrison, M. (2006, January). Mental Health Needs and Treatment of Foster Youth: Barriers and Opportunities. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76(1), 138-147. Molin, R. (2005, January). Consent and Participation: Ethical Issues in the Treatment of Children in Out-of-Home Care. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 75(1), 1. Policy and Practice (2006). New Iowa Law for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Seen as Model for Other States. Policy and Practice of Public Human Services, 64(3), p. 28. San Francisco Chronicle Editorial (2005, October 14). Governor signs foster-care bills. San Francisco Chronicle, 10. 2005, . Retrieved December 4, 2006, from http://www. sfgate. com/cgi-bin/article. cgi? file=/chronicle/archive/2005/10/14/EDGKVF7QQ01. DTL San Francisco Chronicle Editorial (2006, November 2). Foster Care’s Future. San Francisco Chronicle, 11. 2006, . Retrieved December 5, 2006, from http://www. sfgate. com/cgi-bin/article ThinkExist. com (2006). Foster Care Quotes. Retrieved December 4, 2006, from http://en. thinkexist. com/quotes/with/keyword/foster/ Wikipedia (2006). Foster Care. Retrieved December 5, 2006, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Foster_care

Immanuel Kant 1724-1804 Essay

Immanuel Kant was born on April 22, 1724 in Konigsberg, East Prussia. He was the son of a saddler. At age 8, he entered the Collegium Fredericianum, a Latin school, where he remained for 8 1/2 years and studied the classics. He then entered the University of Konigsberg in 1740 to study philosophy, mathematics, and physics. The death of his father halted his university career so he became a private tutor. In 1755, he returned to Konigsburg where he later resumed his studies. In 1756, he received a degree and was made a lecturer, and in 1770 he became a professor. Kant felt he had to adhere to a very strict schedule during his years as a professor. He would get up shortly before five in the morning and spent an hour drinking tea, smoking a pipe, and thinking over his day’s work. From six to seven he prepared his lecture, which would begin at seven or eight and lasted until nine or ten. After his lecture he would devote himself to writing until the midday meal. He always had company for his midday meal and it would always last several hours because he enjoyed conversation. After the meal he would take a walk for an hour or so and his evenings were devoted to reading and reflection. He would go to bed at ten o’clock. Besides his writings, he became famous for his schedule. Kant’s most striking character trait was probably his moral earnestness and his devotion to the idea of duty. He was a sociable man and was also kindly and benevolent. He was never rich but he was careful in money matters. He regularly assisted a number of poor people. He was a sincere and loyal friend and his conduct was marked by courtesy and respect for others. For 15 years after completing his doctorate he taught at the university where he lectured on science and math, but eventually he expanded his field to cover almost all branches of philosophy. Kant was an amazing orator and was internationally famous for his lectures. His main goal in philosophical courses was to stimulate his listeners to â€Å"stand on their own feet† as he put it. He was appointed to a regular chair of philosophy at the University at the age of 46 in 1770. He was made the professor of logics and metaphysics. He came into conflict with Prussia’s government due to his unorthodox religious teachings. In 1792, the King of Prussia, Frederick William II, forbade Kant to teach or write on religious teachings. He obeyed the king’s order until William II died. In 1798, the year following his retirement from the University, Kant published a summary of his religious views. He died on February 12, 1804. During his lifetime, Kant produced many writings. Scholars usually divide his literary career into two periods: the Pre-critical period and the Critical period. During the Pre-critical period, 1747 to 1781, he wrote many non-fictional works and criticisms. Some of them were â€Å"Thoughts on the True Estimation of Living Forces†, â€Å"On Fire†, â€Å"A New Explanation of the First Principles of Metaphysical Knowledge†, and â€Å"On the Forms and Principles of the Sensible and Intelligible World†. From 1770 to 1780, he mainly worked on preparing â€Å"The Critique of Pure Reason†. The Critical period lasted from 1781 to 1794. During this period, he wrote â€Å"The Critique of Pure Reason† in 1781, and â€Å"Foundation for the Metaphysics of Ethics† in 1785. Following the critical works, Kant published â€Å"Critique of Practical Reason†, â€Å"Critique of Judgment†, and â€Å"Religion within the Limits of Mere Reason†. Three main discussions of Kant are Duty, the Formula of the End, and the Kingdom of Ethics. Kant feels that we act morally when we do our duty, however it is important to distinguish between acting according to duty and acting from duty. Acting according to duty is when someone else has imposed the duty. This is an example of heteronymous will. An example of this is Adolf Eichmann, a German nazi general of WWII, who formulated the ‘final solution’. He said that according to Kant, he acted morally, since he was following orders, as it was his duty to do so. This is wrong because Kant says that we are only acting morally if we act from duty, as dictated by our innate reason. This is an example of autonomous will. Along with duty is the difference between the Categorical Imperative and the Hypothetical Imperative. Imperatives in general are commands that dictate a particular course of action, such as â€Å"you shall clean your room. † Hypothetical Imperatives are commands that depend on my preference for a particular end, and are stated in conditional form. The Categorical Imperative, Kant argues, are moral actions based on a â€Å"supreme principle of morality† which is objective, rational, freely chosen, and it is not conditional upon one’s preferences. Therefore the Categorical Imperative can be the only possible standard of moral obligation. An example of this is two grocers in a town are John and Joe. John wants to keep his trade, so he insists on selling the best goods, giving the best service, being friendly and polite, and offering value for money. Joe does the same, not to keep his trade, but because it is what he should do. According to Kant, even though the actions are the same, John is acting immorally, according to the Hypothetical Imperative, while Joe is acting morally, according to the Categorical Imperative. For Kant, the act is not important. As long as you are acting from duty and the motive is right, the act must be right. However, the Principles of Universalisability puts a twist on this. It states that if an action is applied to everyone, and everybody did what you were about to do, it became immoral or hypocritical, and then your act would be immoral. The Formula of the End deals with ends and means. Kant states that you must not treat people as means to your own end, but as ends in themselves. It would be similar to Christianity’s ‘Golden Rule’ except for the Universalisability Principle. The example of this is suicide. The ‘Golden Rule’ does not apply in this case, because when a person commits suicide, he does not treat others in ways he would want to be treated. He does not treat them at all, because he only treats himself. The Kingdom of Ethics states that human beings, because they are rational (use reason), possess inherent value. This means that they are ends in themselves. Their value is intrinsic, not instrumental. Kant feels that no rule of conduct, which applies to all human beings, can sanction actions favoring one person over another or agree to conduct where one person treats another as a means to an end. To do so is to demean oneself and the entire human race. Kant’s ethics are founded in and based on respect for persons. In following a certain course of moral action, regardless of inclination, a person is enacting a Kingdom of Ethics. Along with ethics is the idea of good will. Kant believes that it is wrong to intentionally break a promise that you have made with a person. He feels that good will is a pure duty outlook that disregards consequences entirely. He says that a good will is a wanting, which is informed by reason. It is a wanting which stems, not from inclination, but from duty. Kant says space and time are not concepts but that they are forms of intuition. He spends a lot of time showing the fallacies that arise from applying space and time to things that are not experienced. Kant agrees with David Hume in believing passion brings man morality. He feels that reason is only the comparing of ideas, and that reason will influence us away from our influences. The cultivation of reason is required for the purpose, and the purpose leads to happiness, therefore reason is compatible with happiness. Kant believed that reason connected us directly to things-in-themselves. He feels that we possess two sources of input that can serve as such datum. These are physical sensation and the sense of moral duty. Physical sensation starts an application of reason to experience, creating the perception of phenomenal objects. The supreme rational example of this is science. The sense of moral duty begins an application of reason that produces ethics and religion. The supreme rational example of this is the â€Å"Postulates of Practical Reason† the â€Å"Ideas† of God, freedom, and immortality, which to Kant are required as conditions of the Moral Law. Kant tries to demolish all the purely intellectual proofs of the existence of God. He makes it clear that he has other reasons for believing in God that he talks about later. God, freedom, and immortality are the three ideas of reason according to Kant. The differences between reality as seen in science, and reality as seen in morality and religion show that there are points to existence that are not revealed by either one alone. The two aspects are unequal. Magnitude and religion have a much more limited rational content, returning to many of the same questions over and over again. These include the ultimate questions about the meaning of life and existence, as well as the questions on how to live. Kant was led to characterize his system as transcendental idealism, so that we have a questioned representation of things, since our moral datum does not lead to direct knowledge of things that we are able to conceive, like God. This is because we do not have the real intuition that we have of physical objects. The reality shown by morality is a matter of faith for Kant. This is an inference from the Moral Law. This way, â€Å"transcendental idealism† is different form â€Å"subjective idealism† and â€Å"objective idealism†, since they both show certainties about the ultimate nature of things. The nature of things that we cannot know about concretely is revealed in science. Kant’s theory of empirical realism stresses that phenomena are undoubtedly mental contents. He feels that it is natural and easy to infer from this a â€Å"transcendental realism where â€Å"real† objects, which are not mental objects, are things we do not experience. At the age of 69, Kant wrote an essay on religion that is considered the boldest of all his writings. He said that churches have value only in that they assist the moral development of the race. He went on to say that when mere ceremonies usurp priority over moral excellence as a test of religion, religion has disappeared. He believed that the real church is a community of people, however scattered and divided, who are united by devotion to the common moral law. He thought the creed and ritual had replaced the good life and that instead of men being bound together by religion, they are divided into a thousand sects. He went on to say that a perversion is reached when the church becomes an instrument of the government and the clergy, whose function is to console and guide a harassed humanity with religious faith and hope and charity, are made the tools of political oppression. He said that miracles cannot prove a religion because we can never rely on the testimony which supports them, and that prayer is useless as it aims at a suspension of the natural laws that hold for all experience. A priori judgments are made outside of experience. â€Å"The sky is blue† is an a posteriori judgment (made on the basis of sensory experience). â€Å"I exist† is an a priori truth, which remains unchanged even if all of our senses are deceived. Analytic statements are true based only on the meanings of words. The only thing needed to determine truth is a dictionary. Synthetic statements cannot be judged like analytic statements. â€Å"My dog has black spots† is a synthetic statement. The truth cannot be determined since my dog is not known. The truth is not dependent on word meanings, but on if it corresponds with the world. Causality is applied to perception and concepts which are applicable to perception, Kant calls Categories. There are a total of twelve Categories. Kant says that the categories are patterns of understanding by which we examine structure and understand the things that we experience. Synthetic a priori judgments consist in applying the Categories to sensory information in space and time, or the â€Å"perceptual manifold. † Application of the Categories allows people to realize physical objects as capable of casual relations and interactions with other objects. Categories cannot be applied to knowledge or things that exist apart from space and time like things-in-themselves. Kant derives the Ideas from the possible forms of logical inference. When we assume that this potentially infinite series is given in its whole, an Idea is formed. Kant recognized three Ideas. The first is of the absolute unity of the thinking subject. The second is of the absolute unity of the order of the conditions of appearance. The third is of the absolute unity of the conditions of thought in general. The first Idea provides a subject matter of speculative psychology. The second is one of speculative cosmology, while the third is one of speculative theology. These are all metaphysical knowledge of matters of fact from synthetic a priori principles. Kant’s Ideas are really all about metaphysical paradoxes (Antimony of space and time) in its entirety, an unconditioned whole. Kant believes that all these matters are open to clarification and development. He also believes that the mind produces the world it knows. To understand â€Å"The Critique†, Kant’s logical system must be understood. He divides all judgments into analytic or synthetic judgments and a priori or a posteriori judgments. Judgments about empirical matters are synthetic, which can be denied without any contradiction. A priori judgments are free from experience. All analytic judgments are a priori. Therefore judgments are split up into three classes: analytic a priori, synthetic a posteriori, and synthetic a priori. One of his points made in â€Å"The Critique† is to show how synthetic a priori judgments occur in pure mathematics and natural science. Critique is not really a criticism, but a critical analysis where Kant is not attacking â€Å"pure reason† except to show its limitations. Rather he hopes to show its possibility and to exalt it above the impure knowledge which comes to us through the distorting channels of sense. He is trying to show that knowledge is not all derived from the senses. Kant distinguished between perceiving and thinking, which are from two distinct faculties of the mind, sense and understanding. There are three types of concepts. A posteriori concepts are taken from sense perception and are applicable to it, while Ideas are free of all sense perception. From Kant we know that every event must have a cause. This is possible only on the condition that objects must be subjected to the concepts of human understanding. He said that not all knowledge is gained through experience. It is possible to gain knowledge from sense-experience. That is that you can learn by seeing things that are not experienced but rather come from logic. â€Å"The Critique of Pure Reason†, published in 1781, is a synthesis of rationalism and empiricism. In order to understand Kant’s position and orthodox teachings, we must first understand the philosophical background that he was reacting to. There were two major historical movements in the early modern period of philosophy that had a significant impact on Kant: Empiricism and Rationalism. Kant argued that both the content and method of these philosophies contained serious flaws. A central problem for philosophers in both movements was determining how we can escape from within the confines of the human mind and the immediately knowable content of our thoughts to acquire knowledge of the world outside of us. The Empiricists sought to accomplish this through the senses and a posteriori reasoning. Empiricists such as John Locke argued that human knowledge originates in our sensations or experiences. Locke argued that the mind was a blank slate, or a â€Å"Tabula Rasa†, upon which our experiences writes and that experience teaches us everything. The Rationalists attempted to use a prori reasoning to build the necessary bridge. The Rationalists, principally Descartes, approached the problems of human knowledge from another angle. The Rationalists believed that the mind was the source of knowledge and that sense-data from our experiences only trigger the knowledge already in the mind. Kant’s answer to the two positions changed the face of philosophy. Both of these in themselves, he believed, gave a one-sided view of knowledge. Kant believed that there was more to knowledge then just experience. He believed that the mind gave us knowledge through the â€Å"categories†. That experience is going to trigger the knowledge or categories that are innate to all of us. So he would say that there is nothing that we could not know or learn because we already have the categories in the mind. Kant believed that nations would not really be civilized until all standing armies are abolished. He stated that standing armies cause states to try to outdo each other with the number of armed men each has. Because of the expense of the armies, peace becomes in the long run more oppressive than a short war; and standing armies are the cause of aggressive wars undertaken in order to get rid of this burden. Kant felt that much militarism was due to the expansion of Europe into America and Africa and Asia. He believed that if democracy was established and that everyone shared in political power, the spoils of international robbery would have to be subdivided as to constitute a resistible temptation. Kant said when those who must do the fighting have the right to decide between war and peace, history will no longer be written in blood. Many philosophers were influenced by prior philosophers. Berkeley was, for Kant, the characteristic â€Å"idealist† and an empiricist. Descartes, on the other hand, was a â€Å"realist† believing that objects exist separately from us. He also thought that we could only know their essences through â€Å"clear and distinct† innate ideas. This made him a â€Å"transcendental† realist. Kant’s thoughts were mainly influenced by the rationalism of Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, Christian Wolff, and the empiricism of David Hume. The reason I chose Immanuel Kant to research is because not only of his philosophical views but also because of his interests in scientific issues. He was interested in virtually every aspect of human experience. While researching him I became impressed with his views on war, especially that if we allowed the people who have to do the fighting to make the decision about war, we would have peace. I agree that sometimes the government makes the decisions that doesn’t represent what the people want. I was also impressed with his views on religion, how the churches become instruments in the hands of the government and the clergy become tools of politics. Since Kant’s thought is truly the basis of modern philosophy, it is still a main point of departure for the 21st century.