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Free Essays on Crito

In Plato’s Crito, Socrates has been sentenced to death by the court of Athens and is being held until his execution. The Crito is the recorded account of the conversation between Socrates and his friend Crito, in which Crito is trying to convince Socrates that he should save his life and escape, while Socrates argues that he must stay and accept his punishment. One of the arguments concerning the point of view that it is morally right for Socrates to escape from prison and save his own life is the following: 1.) Socrates is a parent. 2.) A parent has a responsibility to provide and care for his or her child. 3.) If a parent neglects this responsibility than the parent is putting the child’s safety in jeopardy. 4.) It is morally wrong for a person to put another person’s safety into jeopardy. 5.) If a parent is not present in his or her child’s life it is the same as the parent neglecting his or her responsibility to provide and care for the child. 6.) If Socrates does not escape from prison and is executed he will be dead. 7.) If Socrates is dead he will not be present in his children’s lives. 7.) Therefore it is morally right for Socrates to escape from prison. Directly opposing this argument is the argument of why it is morally wrong for Socrates to escape from prison. 1.) It is morally wrong for a person to choose to do evil over good. 2.) The laws are set up to tell people how to act justly and to maintain peace and order within a society. 3.) It is morally right to maintain order and peace. 4.) Every citizen is morally required to follow the law to maintain order and peace within the city. 5.) Socrates is a citizen of the city of Athens. 6.) Socrates was convicted and sentenced to be executed according to the Athenian procedures of the law. 7.) Accepting the punishments given out by the law is the same as following the law. 8.) Breaking the law is choosing to do evil over good. 9.) If... Free Essays on Crito Free Essays on Crito In Plato’s Crito, Socrates has been sentenced to death by the court of Athens and is being held until his execution. The Crito is the recorded account of the conversation between Socrates and his friend Crito, in which Crito is trying to convince Socrates that he should save his life and escape, while Socrates argues that he must stay and accept his punishment. One of the arguments concerning the point of view that it is morally right for Socrates to escape from prison and save his own life is the following: 1.) Socrates is a parent. 2.) A parent has a responsibility to provide and care for his or her child. 3.) If a parent neglects this responsibility than the parent is putting the child’s safety in jeopardy. 4.) It is morally wrong for a person to put another person’s safety into jeopardy. 5.) If a parent is not present in his or her child’s life it is the same as the parent neglecting his or her responsibility to provide and care for the child. 6.) If Socrates does not escape from prison and is executed he will be dead. 7.) If Socrates is dead he will not be present in his children’s lives. 7.) Therefore it is morally right for Socrates to escape from prison. Directly opposing this argument is the argument of why it is morally wrong for Socrates to escape from prison. 1.) It is morally wrong for a person to choose to do evil over good. 2.) The laws are set up to tell people how to act justly and to maintain peace and order within a society. 3.) It is morally right to maintain order and peace. 4.) Every citizen is morally required to follow the law to maintain order and peace within the city. 5.) Socrates is a citizen of the city of Athens. 6.) Socrates was convicted and sentenced to be executed according to the Athenian procedures of the law. 7.) Accepting the punishments given out by the law is the same as following the law. 8.) Breaking the law is choosing to do evil over good. 9.) If... Free Essays on Crito Philosophers have existed since man could think freely. However, by nature they are controversial and often disliked or misunderstood. Such is the case with Socrates in Plato’s Crito. Because of his views, Socrates has been thrown in prison. During his trial in Athens he was convicted of the accused crimes by the law and sentenced to death. Now Socrates awaits his death in prison. The first argument that Crito makes is that if Socrates remains in prison then it will reflect badly on all of his friends. However, Socrates replies that a man should not worry about what others think of him. Rather they should worry about living well. While Crito tries to persuade Socrates to leave the prison with him, Socrates gives forth many reasons why it would be wrong for him to leave the prison. First of all there is a simple principle that they must both agree upon. And that is that one cannot combat evil with evil. Once that is out of the way Socrates asks Crito, What is a man to do, â€Å"what he proclaims to be right or what he knows is wrong?† Obviously the answer is what a man proclaims to be right. However, in this case Socrates knows he should challenge the courts decision, but at what cost. For you see, Socrates has already proclaimed that evil cannot be combated with evil, and for him to be challenging the courts he would be defacing Athens laws and customs. To do this would be the same as doing wrong to the Athenian people. So in reality Socrates is caught in a â€Å"catch 22.† Socrates also explains that to harm the laws would be to deny his citizenship. The laws have always existed and have controlled his life since before he was born. The laws also governed his education and daily activities. In all actuality he is a slave to the laws. And as it is improper for a slave to disobey or strike his master, Socrates is unable to harm the laws, because they are on different planes of existence. Socrates also adds tha... Free Essays on Crito 1.) The Crito was written by Plato, who recounted the conversation held between Crito and Socrates just before his death. Socrates was charged with the corruption of the youth and was given a choice of exile or death. He chose death, and Crito was not at all happy about his decision. Crito felt that Socrates had been wronged by the government and should escape into exile. Socrates disagreed, saying that responding to evil with evil is wrong. If Socrates escaped, he would be doing harm to society as a whole. By escaping it could be seen as him trying to destroy the laws and in turn, the whole city by his actions, undermining the law. Socrates feels that â€Å"You must either persuade it [the laws] or obey its orders, and endure in silence whatever it instructs you to endure†¦ (p.51)† In other words, Socrates feels that it is wrong to protest the laws of the city because it disrupts the society, making them think that it’s okay to disobey laws and to protest and be violent against them, ultimately ruining the structural society. By escaping into exile, Socrates would be going against his own philosophy. Going into exile means that he would be fighting evil with evil and that he is not doing his part as a citizen. However, most importantly, Socrates feels that life is not worth living if the moral part of us is corrupted and that going into exile is doing moral harm. Socrates also knows that he made the decision to remain in Athens which means that he thinks the laws are just and right. If he felt they weren’t, he could have left and gone elsewhere at any time. However, he did not; therefore he made a social contract to obey the laws through his citizenship, and to accept his sentence of death that he himself chose. If Socrates thought exile was the right thing to do, he would’ve chosen that as his sentence instead. He did have a choice in the beginning, and there’s no turning back now. If he went into exile now an... Free Essays on Crito Philosophy 1010-008 Crito and Euthyphro Crito The "Crito" seems intended to exhibit the character of Socrates in two lights, one as the philosopher, and the other simply as the good citizen, who having been unjustly condemned is willing to give up his life in obedience to the laws of the State. The days of Socrates are drawing to an end. The fatal ship has been seen off Sunium. Time is precious and Crito has come early in order to gain his consent to plan an escape. Crito believes, his friends, who can afford to help Socrates’ escape to Thessely, or any other place, can easily accomplish this. Crito will have no difficulty in finding friends in Thessaly and other places, who would protect Socrates and welcome him to stay. Socrates is afraid that Crito is being influenced by the opinions of the many. Socrates believes that you should only value the opinions of the experts. You do not go to a shoe salesman with a question about your health, just as you don’t ask a doctor about the best shoe. â€Å"But why, my dear Crito, should we care about the opinion of the many? The most reasonable people, to whom one should pay more attention, will believe that things were done as they were done.† Crito. â€Å"But do you see, Socrates, that the opinion of the many must be regarded, as is evident in your own case, because they can do the very greatest evil to anyone who has lost their good opinion.† Socrates. â€Å"I only wish, Crito, that they could; for then they could also do the greatest good, and that would be well. But the truth is, that they can do neither good nor evil: they cannot make a man wise or make him foolish; and whatever they do is the result of chance. (Plato: Five Dialogues 44c-e).† â€Å"One should follow the opinion of the wise (physicians and trainers) with regard to the health of the body. Life would not be worth living in an unhealthy body.† According to Socrates if you take the advice of the many it is l...

Critical Thinking Exposition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical Thinking Exposition - Essay Example Critical Thinking Exposition Essay Another viewpoint is that of Deshler who saw it as a form of thinking that welcomes change. Although the above definitions vary depending on the scholar’s orientation, in much more simple terms it can be conceptualized as a deliberate, self-disciplined and self-guided thinking process which encourages quality reasoning at the highest possible level. Critical thinking is a process that should have many definitions because it has multiple dimensions and aspects that characterize its nature as demonstrated by Brookfield. There is no doubt that it is a higher cognitive skill that drives people to use reason to overcome their environment. Admittedly, critical thinking is not automatic and because it is a deliberate effort to diminish the propensity for shallow thought that feeds the ego. Therefore, individuals who are critical thinkers are extremely self disciplined in the use of intellectual tools developed by scholars, researchers and theorists. They use these tools to adapt, alter and apply concepts and principles that guide their actions and which form their beliefs. Critical thinking is extremely self-reflective in its discipline because people are not perfect and they often fall prey to irrational thought, self interest, biases, prejudice and distortions. Therefore, in agreement with Brookfield, it involves defining assumptions and challenging any flaws and gaps in knowledge.

Impact of information technology on a career Essay

Impact of information technology on a career - Essay Example At the same time, fundamental changes in lifestyle of people and nutrition have reflective an impact on the life length and quality of daily life. The expenses for healthcare are significant portion of domestic yields in developed nations. Increased life duration has provided much importance on preserving high quality healthcare services. Presently, the sophisticated medical technology has added to the increasing tendencies in healthcare expenditures of people. The progression in telecommunication and computer science has resulted in indispensable alteration in healthcare professions. IT has generated great prospects regarding increased cost-effectiveness and quality of services in healthcare. IT opens the door for assuring appropriate healthcare quality which can be acquired within reasonable price (Duplaga, â€Å"The Impact of Information Technology on Quality of Healthcare Services†). Thesis Statement In present days, enhanced healthcare services are a key concern for any p erson. The information about patient and security & competency in the procedure of healthcare is believed to be important aspects for people as they prefer those healthcare organizations which provide quality services. Thus, technological advancements have become a prerequisite for providing good healthcare services. IT in healthcare profession helps to improve the procedures such as patient identification, records management, prescription creation, pathology workroom administration, appointment planning, clinical case examination among other tasks. The paper attempts to recognize the impact of IT on healthcare profession and services. ... The paper attempts to recognize the impact of IT on healthcare profession and services. The objective of the paper is to understand the application of IT in several health facilities, know the significance of IT in providing better health services, recognize the implication of IT in healthcare facilities and realize the future of IT for enhancement of healthcare. Application of IT in Current Health Facilities Healthcare is always regarded as information based activity. From the perspective of business, healthcare professionals generally undertake two types of activities. The first one is medical procedures which are used for supporting patient analysis, treatment and disease prevention and the second one is procurement, communication and management of data. Thus, it is quite reasonable to assume that the changes in availability and ubiquity of information through IT have excessively large impact on healthcare professions. From the perspective of healthcare, information are those key facts and notes which are learnt through certain procedures such as analysis of statistical value of blood pressure or measurement of heartbeat. The information in healthcare helps to inform the consequence of certain examinations or activities such as analysis of hypertension or calculation of diabetes. Consecutively, information can be scientifically structured and examined to generate knowledge, which is the amassed understanding of real world matters and thoughts. In this context, it can be said that knowledge is the basis on which healthcare professionals develop their decisions regarding patients by comparing person based information. In healthcare industry, better management of

Intro to Business Assignment 1 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Intro to Business Assignment 1 - Coursework Example Discussion 1: Topic B The industries that the Internet has transformed are TV, Music and retail industry. TV and music industries are bringing most of their broadcast online. Especially the Music industry has gone upfront on the internet via peer-to-peer technology, downloading websites and streaming websites like youtube.com where users can download, stream and listen to the live music an watch the video. The retail industry has been carrying out most of their operations online where customers and the channel partners have been given access to the retail website where they can view their respective commodities. Customers can go online and customize their orders according to their liking after seeing the goods available on the website. Thus the internet has brought in an element of ease and comfort for the users. The hassle, of going to the store/outlet and seeing the commodity and purchasing it, could avoided. Customers can sit at their homes and with a click they can order the comm odities they want. The internet has been improving the operations of these industries because it provides a paperless environment and where the transactions can be carried out on real time basis.

Does Hong Kong Need VAT/GST?

Does Hong Kong Need VAT/GST? Is it necessary to have VAT/GST in Hong Kong? More than 120 countries have imposed Goods and Services Tax, the only developed country that has not imposed this tax is Hong Kong. VAT or GST has been introduced by France in 1954(Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry). All the developed countries (except Hong Kong) and most of thedeveloping countries have followed France in imposing VAT/GST becausethis tax is considered: 1- Fair: VAT/GST is considered a fair tax because it relates theamount of collected tax to the amount of consumption; the more you consume, the more you pay VAT. 2- Simplicity: unlike any other taxes, VAT/GST is considered a straightforward tax; it is imposed according to a known percentage onthe value of the products and services 3- Efficiency: this tax is very efficient, it is very easy to collect it and it is very difficult to avoid it. Chapter2: Objectives: The purpose of this research is to find out whether VAT/GST is a suitable tax for Hong Kong or not. The research has covered very large material and literature about Hong Kong and similar economies to Hong Kong such as Singapore. The research also aimed to show that most of the governments of theworld are broadening their budgets by imposing VAT/GST on customers while they are trying to reduce income and corporate taxes. Chapter3: Literature consulted: The research has covered a large part of literature publishedby global accredited organizations such as Price Waterhouse coopers,Ernest Young and the government of Hong Kong. The major text books have been used to give us a broad idea about the issue in research while the specialized working papers, Internet articles and government websites have been used in order to give us a clear idea about the issue in research. The research consulted working papers published by several universities and bodies in order to explain the theoretical principles behind imposing VAT/GST (Hubbard,G,R(1997)and the impact of VAT/GST on theinformal sector in developed countries. Chapter4: Proposed Methodology: We can see from the above chart the deficit that have faced HongKong from 1997 until 2003, the revenue was very low compared to thespending which proved to be steady. †During the same year, about 70% of the total revenue collected by the Inland Revenue Department came from profits tax and salaries tax.Nevertheless, the profits and salaries tax nets are very narrow andshrinking. Less than 40% of our workforce of 3.2 million people pay anysalaries tax, and only 10,000 people pay the maximum salaries tax rateof 15%. About 5% of the payers of profits tax contribute to 80% of the profits tax revenue. Further loss of profits could occur as a result of globalisation. Besides, the spread of e-commerce will have implications on all governments abilities to assess and collect business-related taxes. In this regard, both the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for the Treasury expressed their concerns on the impact of the exponential growth of e-commerce on Hong Kongs territorial-based tax system. The Government will set up a Task Force to review publicfinances and an independent committee on new broad-based taxes†, Wong,J(no date given) The research has depended on major questionnaire that have beendistributed to citizens and companies in Hong Kong in order to gettheir opinion about VAT/GST tax. The response that I have got from this questionnaire has been used in predicting the change in consumption behavior by the citizens of Hong Kong. The research has also depended on comparative analysis in order to seehow Hong Kong economy will be affected and how the whole tax system will be redesigned. The research depended on some graphs to illustrate the topic further. Chapter 5: Data and Information needs and sources: This research needs theortical as well as practical data and comparative analysis. This research is different because it assesses the potential of something that might happen in the future. The researcher has conducted a questionnaire in order to measure theacceptance of the people to VAT and their views about the fiscal position of their country. The researcher tried to make sure that the sample is random, so the results are random too and not biased. The research required me to use some theoretical concepts in order to assess the impact of VAT. The research also depended on comparative analysis in order to see whathappened to similar economies that have implemented VAT/GST. Chapter6: Chapter Plan: Understanding the principles behind using an expenditure tax like GST/VAT: Definition of GST: Goods and Services tax is imposed on: Goods and Services tax is broad-based and equitable and is capable of yielding sizeable and steady revenues. VAT or GST is a consumption tax, it is paid by the consumer of the product or the service as a percentage of the final price. It is related to all commercial activities involving the production and distribution of services; it is not charged on companies which mean that companies can deduct from their VAT liabilities the amount of tax they have paid to other taxable persons on purchases for their business activities. Hong Kong government is considering introducing VAT/GST tax in 2009(Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue). Difference between VAT and Sales Tax: VAT is imposed on every stage of production while Sales tax is actually collected in the form of extra charge by the retailer, who remits thetax to the government. VAT and the Theory of Economics: There have been a long debate between different economic schools of thought around the world about tax reform. Some economists prefer income tax to VAT/GST because it provides fair treatment to the citizens of the country while others prefer VAT/GST. According to Hubbard,G,R(1997), some economists support VAT for the following reasons: 1- Imposing VAT instead of income tax will encourage capital accumulation and savings. 2- Removing income and profit taxes will remove distortions in the allocation of capital among different economic sectors. 3- A broad based consumption tax would avoid potential costly distortions of firm’s financial structures. Importance of VAT: Today it is a key source of government revenue in over 120 countries. About 4 billion people, 70 percent of the worldspopulation, now live in countries with a VAT, and it raises about $18trillion in tax revenue, Liam E., Michael K., Jean-Paul B. and VictoriaS(1991) VAT has advantages and disadvantages: Disadvantages of imposing VAT: * VAT discourages specialist economic activity and fragmentation inthe production because VAT will be fragmented; VAT encourages integration in order to avoid compounded VAT. * VAT encourages financing big governments: in the 1960s, the size of governments in the US and the UK were approximately equal, in theyear 2002, the size of the government in Europe have exceeded the size of the US government, many analysts attribute the difference betweenthe sizes of the two governments to VAT, The expansion of the government will lead to higher prices and inefficient production, thething that will lead to more taxes in the future. Advantages of imposing VAT: * VAT could finance the debt of the government because it provides stable and steady stream of income that is capable of financing development projects. * VAT could reduce consumption and make the citizens of any country save and invest more money. * By encouraging integration, VAT could push the economy towards mergers that will reduce the stages of production; VAT simply tends to encourage big businesses to get bigger by buying other companies, this could yield economies of scale and generate synergies.. * Selectivity: the government can select the products and services that it needs to impose VAT on, for example, most government exclude food from VAT, by using VAT governments could take into its consideration the difficult economic situation of the poor and decidethe exclusions that apply to them. * VAT is a secure way to finance the government’s structura ldeficit, VAT covers most of the economic segments in the economy and it is very difficult to evade it. Introduce a his torical background, economy and tax system in Hong Kong: The Modern History of Hong Kong: Hong Kong was a British dependency from the 1840s until July 1, 1997,when it passed to Chinese sovereignty as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Pannell,C(1998). The British control of Hong Kong began in 1842, when China was forced to cede Hong Kong Island to Great Britain after the First Opium War. In1984 Great Britain and China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration,which stipulated that Hong Kong return to Chinese rule in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. The Joint Declaration and a Chinese law called the Basic Law, which followed in 1990, provide for the SAR to operate with a high degree of economic autonomy for 50 years beyond 1997, Reference: China Connection. In the Fifties of the last century, the threat of the cold world was looming over the world. Investors were looking for a safe heaven to locate their businesses andinvestments in a neutral place away from the eastern and the westerncamps, investors found in Hong Kong a promising co untry that is able todeliver good business environment that could foster growth and political stability at the same time. Growth in Hong Kong depends on several other economies such as the growth in the US economy and the growth in China and Southeast Asia in general. Growth in Hong Kong is related to oil prices and world wide prices;Hong Kong is a small island with very little raw resources, it depends on exporting raw materials from abroad in order to manufacture them onits land and re-export them again to other parts of the world. Manufacturing: In 1950s, Hong Kong attracted manufacturing jobs and the vast majority of its work force where working in factories. In 1980s, Hong Kong had about 905,000 manufacturing workers and manufacturing was the most important economic sector, Economist Intelligence Unit (2003). Until 1990s, Factories were manufacturing products that depended on labour intensive work force, after that manufacturing jobs started dropping because of the climbing costs of labour and land. In 1990s, the number of manufacturing jobs was about 575,000 jobs. In 2001, the manufacturing sector contributed to less than 5% of the GDP, Economist Intelligence Unit (2003). Like most of the developed nations, Manufacturing in Hong Kong is becoming concentrated on manufacturing hi-tech products and services. The manufacturing sector has been replaced by rapidly expanding service sector, in 1991; the service sector has generated 72.3% of the GDP in Hong Kong and in 2002, the service sector has generated about 83.9% ofthe GDP, Economist Intelligence Unit (2003). Services: A- Banking: The banking sector is now the most important economic sector in Hong Kong, Hong Kong is currently the fifth largest banking centre inthe world. Hong Kong offered investors a very good opportunity to invest in a growing emerging economy. Investors benefited from tax free capital gains and high dividends. B- Tourism: Tourism is a significant source of economic growth in Hong Kong; nearly 9 million people visit Hong Kong every year, Tourists spend around $7billion every year. Tourism is the third source of foreign exchange reserves in Hong Kong. The banking and the tourism sectors have delivered a very good growth to the Hong Kong economy. In 1996, Hong Kongs per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was secondto Japan and Singapore in Asia and exceeded that of the United Kingdom,Canada, and Australia, Reference: internet article: Marimari (no dategiven). Sources of Success: Hong Kong offered investors business-friendly laws and gave complete freedom to the movement of capital in order to encourage investments and promote growth. Hong Kong is duty free zone and there are few barriers to trade goods and services; this has made the country an important link ring between the east and the west. Hong Kong left market forces decide wages and prices; the government did not legislate any minimum wage requirement or anti-trust laws. Competition in Hong Kong: The decline of the manufacturing sector has caused the decline of competition in Hong Kong. Competition is considered an essential part of the market system. Competition benefits consumers and businesses, it benefits consumer by lowering prices and it benefits businesses by allocating resources in amore efficient ways. Competition is very important to the health of Hong Kong economy,competition gives world economies the flexibility to adjust its pricesin the case of external shock (macro-economic shock) Sturm,P,Jahangir,A, Breuer,P, Nishigaki,Y (2000). Emerging economies that depend on fixed exchange rates usually suffer from real exchange rate appreciation. The real exchange rate appreciation could be treated by either: 1- Switching to a flexible exchange rate: according to the â€Å"law ofone price† flexible exchange rate will adjust exchange rates in orderto make tradable products have the same price everywhere in the world. 2- Lowering prices: lowering prices of products is an important toll in avoiding international competition, lowering prices could onlyhappen if the structure of the market is competitive. Having a competitive market structure in lowering prices and keeping international capital flows coming to Hong Kong. Tax Regime in Hong Kong: Hong Kong tax regime is based on a territorial-based tax regime; the tax is imposed on incomes that arise from Hong Kong, Hong Kong’ Inland Revenue. The economy of Hong Kong has gained a competitive advantage because it imposes no taxes on capital gains and dividends; this has encouraged many investors to invest in that country and established an important financial centre in Asia. Hong Kong has the following simple tax structure: 1- Property Tax: Property tax is levied on rental income from land and buildings situated in Hong Kong. 2- Salaries Tax: Salaries tax is imposed on incomes derived from working in Hong Kong or if incomes derived from services rendered fromHong Kong. 3- Profits Tax: profits that are generated in Hong Kong aresubject to taxes, profits of unincorporated business stands at a rateof 15% and corporations at 16.5%. The relationship between Hong Kong and the foreign exchange rate: The currency in Hong Kong is Hong Kong dollar which is pegged to the USdollar, if Hong Kong government wanted that peg to continue, it shouldtighten its fiscal deficit. The currency of Hong Kong is an investment asset, many investorsdiversify their currency allocations, this diversified allocation tothe funds of the global investors results in an important cash inflowto Hong Kong. For the Hong Kong dollar to get part of the allocation, Hong Kongshould stabilize its budget in order to attract more foreign investment. Analyze why the government considers launching a broad-based tax. Narrow tax base: Hong Kong has very narrow tax base, narrow tax base means that thecollected revenues do not provide enough revenue to cover theexpenditure of the country. If we compare TAX/GDP ratio in Hong Kong compared to other Asia Pacificand OECD countries we find out that Hong Kong has the lowest ratio ofTAX/GDP. Hong Kong has a narrow tax base because the tax base is shrinkingsince 1998; sound tax systems are based on growing and stable (notvolatile) tax base. Hong Kong has the lowest corporate tax rate among the OECD countries, the current corporate tax stands at 16%. Erosion of Tax Base: The erosion of tax base is actually a result of several factors,such as: sliding house prices, illegal betting, e-commerce and onlinestock trading. In the following section I will explain each of these factors separately: 1- sliding house prices: For a long time, Hong Kong depended on land and property transactions to contribute to government revenue of Hong Kong. Collected tax from property in Hong Kong(stamp duty, rates and sharesand estate duties) is well above the international benchmarks as apercentage of GDP, Property from taxes/GDP=24% for Hong Kong against 5%for the OECD and 10% for the Asia Pacific countries), Reference: HongKong Government, Tax Base Study. Hong Kong depends on Land sales revenues in financing its budget,this has made Hong Kong increasingly dependent on non-tax revenues. In the tax base study that has been conducted by the government of Hong Kong and KPMG consultancy, the study reports the fact that HongKong’s non-tax revenue is about 80% of its tax revenues against 16% forOECD benchmark. Because Hong Kong has enjoyed a buoyant business environment for years, banks started granting credit very easily to businesses, the expansion of credit was accompanied by rising house prices, land prices started going up sharply from 1984 to 1997, Gerlach, S Peng,W(2002). Many companies found working in the construction sector very profitable because they can make profit from two sources: * Net profits from building new houses and buildings. * Profits from capital gains resulting from continuous increase in house prices. The construction sector was one the most attractive economic sectors in the country. Foreign and national banks expanded credit to companies whichoperate in the construction sector; the banking sector played anâ€Å"accelerator† role in the run-up of the property prices. The government in Hong Kong has constructed its tax system around thefact that land prices are going up all the time because they are indemand. Because of the financial crises of August 1997 that hit south east Asiaand also because of the government policy on housing, Revenues fromland sales and land utilization(lease, rent) dropped dramatically,suddenly the government found its huge revenues from land dwindling. On the 16th of January 2000, the secretary for the treasury stated that: â€Å"The other significant factor supporting our finances, in recent years,has been the high levels of revenue from land and propertytransactions. But as property prices stabilize, the huge windfalls areunlikely to recur in the future†. 2- illegal betting: Hong Kong’s treasury depended on revenues from betting activities in the country. Hefty taxes has made too many people start thinking about illegal betting, Schuman,M(2004). On the 16th of January 2000, the secretary for the treasury stated that: â€Å"The impact of illegal gambling and the rise of gambling through the Internet threaten to erode our income from betting tax† Hong Kong’s Home Affairs bureau said handle plunged 30% from 1996-97 to65 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$8.3 billion; euro6.5 billion) in2003-04, while government revenue from betting dropped from HK$12.3billion (US$1.6 billion; euro1.24 billion) to HK$8.78 billion (US$1.13billion; euro882 million). Meanwhile, the amount of cash and betting slips seized from illegalsoccer and horse gambling operators jumped from HK$9.38 million(US$1.20 million; euro942,000) in 2001 to HK$19.7 million (US$2.53million; euro1.98 million) in 2004, according to the government. The government said handle is project ed to drop another 30% by 2007-08if no action is taken, Reference: the associated press (2005).

Female Circumcision in African Countries :: Female Circumcision Culture Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Female circumcision is a horrifying procedure that can be defined as the removal of the clitoris on the body of a female. The surgery is often accompanied by ceremonies intended to honor and welcome the girls into their communities. It can be observed in parts of Northern Africa and Southern Arabia where many girls undergo ritual surgery involving removal of parts of their external genitalia. About eighty million living women have had this surgery, and an additional four or five million girls undergo it each year (Kouba and Muasher). This tradition is prevalent and deeply embedded in many countries, including Ethiopia, the Sudan, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Chad, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Mauritania, Nigeria, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, and Egypt (Abdalla). It is usually performed between infancy and puberty. From a Western point of view, it may seem unnecessary and vulgar. However, these ancient practices hold significant meaning to the people who practice it. They are supposed to promote chastity, religion, group identity, cleanliness, health, family values, and marriage goals. Although it is conducted with good intentions, tragically, the usual ways of performing these surgeries deny women sexual orgasms, cause significant morbidity or mortality among women and children, and strain the over-burdened health care systems in these developing countries. These practices are often referred to as ‘female circumcision’, but those who wish to stop them increasingly use the description ‘female genital mutilation’. My paper will explore the various forms of female genital mutilation, it’s deep association with the patrilineal system in Africa, and the efforts to stop this tragedy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Impalpable cultural clashes explode when people from societies practicing genital mutilation settle in other parts of the world and bring these rites with them. For example, it is practiced by Muslim groups in the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Europe, and North America (Kluge). It is obvious that when different cultures are forced to live a similar life side by side, differences will occur. However, it is difficult to observe and accept any form of physical, mental or emotional abuse. In this particular case, the issue is addressed towards female genital mutilation which is strongly involved with all the forms of abuse. It is most common for parents to use traditional practitioners but there are some who seek medical facilities to reduce the morbidity or mortality of this genital surgery.

Dow Chemical Business Analysis Essay

Historically, the chemical industry has operated in a competitive environment, which is not anticipated to change. Dow experiences significant competitions in each of its operating segments as well as in each of the geographic areas in which it operates. Dow competes globally on the foundation of quality, technology, price, and customer service and operates in an integrated manufacturing environment. Basic raw materials are processed through many stages to produce many products that are sold as finished goods at different points in the process. Dow has two major raw material streams that feed the production of the finished goods which are chlorine-based and hydrocarbon based raw materials. (Dow Chemical Company, n.d.) Business Environment The business environment of Dow is one that has strategically positioned itself to withstand the ever-changing forces of economic, social, political and technological factors it faces daily. Dow consistently identifies opportunities and new technologies before its competition which stimulates their industry-leader position. (1) Financial Health Dow has great financial strength. Their sensible financial discipline has proven beneficial in recent global economic challenges and has actually helped position it for future growth. The recent global economic challenges forced Dow to take steps towards strengthening and diversifying its portfolio. The company has come out on the other side of the challenges with a portfolio that is better equipped for economic uncertainties. (Dow Chemical Company, n.d.) During 2011, Dow: * had double-digit gains in revenue and earnings per share * posted  record revenues at a Company level, as well as in emerging geographies * introduced â€Å"game-changing† investments and partnerships that will allow the Company to capture more demand in the world’s fastest growing regions * recognized a stronger than ever before R&D innovation pipeline Analyzing the data attained from Dow’s 2011 financial statements confirm the Company’s financial heath and sustainability. Dow’s Liquidity ratio is a follows: Current Assets = 23,442 million Current Liabilities = 13,634 million Liquidity ratio = 23,422/13,634 = 1.72 Dow has $1.72 of current assets for every $1.00 of current liability. The current ratio should be at a 2 or greater to be considered a safe risk; however, Dow is a reputable global organization accepting the investment to be a safe risk. Dow’s Acid-test ratio is a follows: Cash = 5,444 million Accounts Receivable = 4,900 million Measurable Securities = 7,057 million Current Liabilities = 13,634 million Acid-test ratio = 4,444+4,900+7,057/13,634 = 1.28 Dow has 1.28 acid-test ratio. The ratio needs to be between a 0.05 and 1.0 to be satisfactory. The acid-test ratio determines whether an organization has enough short-term assets to cover immediate liabilities without selling inventory. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) Dow’s ratio is just slightly above 1.0, allowing it to be considered satisfactory. Dow’s Debt to owners’ ratio is as follows: Total Liabilities = 27,476 million Owners’ Equity = 22,281 million Debt to owners’ ratio = 27,476/22,281 = 1.23 or 123% The debt to owners’ ratio should be anything 100% or less. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) Dow is just over; however, other competitors in the industry have similar ratios signifying debt financing in the chemical industry is more acceptable and commonplace. Dow’s Return on sales is as follows: Net Income = 3,200 million Net Sales = 52,985 million Return on sales = 3,200/52,985 = 0.06 or 6% Return on sales for Dow is slightly lower than its researched competitors in producing income from sales. Competitors As previously stated, the chemical industry is a highly competitive environment. Two of Dow’s leading competitors include BASF and DuPont. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company with about 111,000 employees and just under 370 production sites worldwide. BASF serve customers and partners in almost every country in the world. In 2011, BASF posted sales of $73.5 billion. (BASF web site) BASF’s Liquidity ratio is a follows: Current Assets = 27,088 million Current Liabilities = 16,447 million Liquidity ratio = 27,088/16,477 = 1.64 BASF has $1.64 of current assets for every $1.00 of current liability. The current ratio should be at a 2 or greater to be considered a safe risk; however, BASF is a reputable global organization considering the investment to be a safe risk. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) BASF’s Acid-test ratio is a follows: Cash = 2,048 million Accounts Receivable = 10,886 million Current Liabilities = 16,477 million Acid-test ratio = 2,048+10,886/16,477 =. 78 BASF has a .78 acid-test ratio. The ratio needs to be between a 0.05 and 1.0 to be satisfactory. The acid-test ratio determines whether an organization has enough short-term assets to cover immediate liabilities without selling inventory. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) BASF’s ratio is in line and right where it should be; furthermore, considered satisfactory in regards to this measure. BASF’s Debt to owners’ ratio is as follows: Total Liabilities = 35,790 million Owner’s Equity = 25,385 million Debt to owners’ ratio = 35,790/25,385 = 1.41 or 141% The Debt to owners’ ratio should be anything 100% or less. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) BASF is just over; however, other competitors in the industry have similar ratios signifying debt financing in the chemical industry is more acceptable. BASF’s Return on sales is as follows: Net Income = 6,188 million Net Sales = 73,497 million Return on sales = 6,188/73,497 = 0.08 or 8% Return on sales is higher than Dow’s and lower than DuPont. Another strong competitor is DuPont. DuPont is a world leader in market-driven innovation and science. DuPont brings science and engineering to the global marketplace through innovative products, materials and services which enable their customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. (DuPont.com) DuPont’s Liquidity ratio is a follows: Current Assets = 18,058 million Current Liabilities = 11,185 million Liquidity ratio = 18,058/11,185 = 1.61 DuPont has $1.61 of current assets for every $1.00 of current liability. The current ratio should be at a 2 or greater to be considered a safe risk; however, DuPont is a reputable global organization permitting the investment as a safe risk. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) DuPont’s Acid-test ratio is a follows: Cash = 3,586 million Accounts Receivable = 4,598 million Measurable Securities = 433 million Current Liabilities = 11,185 million Acid-test ratio = 3,586+4,598+433/11,185 = .77 DuPont has a 0.77 acid-test ratio. The ratio needs to be between a 0.05 and 1.0 to be satisfactory. The acid-test ratio determines whether an organization has enough short-term assets to cover immediate liabilities without selling inventory. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) DuPont’s ratio is satisfactory. DuPont’s Debt to owners’ ratio is as follows: Total Liabilities = 39,899 million Owner’s Equity = 8,593 million Debt to owners’ ratio = 39,899/8,593 = 4.64 or 464% The Debt to owners’ ratio should be anything 100% or less. (Nickels, McHugh, & McHugh, 2010, p. 20-21) DuPont is significantly over this desired range at 464%, indicating that the significantly financed based on borrowed funds that must be paid back. In comparing this ratio to industry competitors, DuPont is still considerably over. DuPont’s Return on sales is as follows: Net Income = 3,474 million Net Sales = 37,961 million Return on sales = 3,474/37.961 = 0.09 or 9% DuPont’s return on sales is strong when comparing DuPont to Dow and BASF. Technological Advantages Dow’s innovation sets them apart from the competition on numerous levels. Dow is the world’s: * largest and most experienced ethylene and chlorine producer * largest producer of chlorine and caustic * leader in the production of purified ethylene oxide As of December 31, 2011, Dow owned a total of 18,120 patents world-wide. These patents protect the results of its research. The company had revenue related to patents and technology royalties of $437 million in 2011. Today, Dow’s innovation efforts further supports a new level world-wide growth, generates strong cash flows and enables them to commercialize or bring the technologies to the market. (Dow Chemical Company, n.d.) Dow’s innovations from 2011 include: * DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle – a solar panel which aesthetically looks like a shingle for the housing industry. * PASCAL Technology – a new polyurethane insulating solution to boost energy efficiency in appliances. * EVOQUE Pre-Composite Polymer Technology – allows paint manufactures to maximize hiding efficiencies. Globalization In an effort to satisfy the demands of a growing world, Dow is putting their innovations to work on every continent. In 2011, 32% of sales were gained from emerging geographies. Dow’s increasing investment into developed and emerging regions of the globe is empowering them to take advantage and capitalize on growth where it is happening. (Dow Chemical Company, n.d.) Benchmarking Dow’s vast and well-balanced portfolio enables the company to face the complex realities of today and the future head-on. The company has united its businesses with geographies and end-markets for significant growth. Dow is commercializing game-changing technologies today that are delivering real value to the bottom line. In 2011 nearly one-third of its sales were from products launched in the last five years reinforcing their strategic goals. DuPont is an industry leader in safety. DuPont quickly realized that in order for the organization’s safety mindset to be successful, safety had to be embraced from the top down. The safety culture of the company has proven successful in many areas. In 2000, over 90% of DuPont’s sites world-wide, operated with zero injuries, an unheard of accomplishment. In addition, DuPont has leveraged its acclaimed safety program and had provided safety training to other companies including General Motors, GE and Alcoa, Inc. (Vinas, 2002) Conclusion Dow is the third largest chemical company in the world. The healthy business environment fosters sustainability for decades to come. Dow offers financial and technological strengths with a promising future in the world-wide market. References Nickels, W. G., McHugh, J. M., & McHugh, S. M. (2010). Understanding Business (9th ed.). : McGraw-Hill. Dow Chemical Company. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dow.com BASF Chemical Company. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.basf.com DuPont. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.dupont.com Vinas, T. (2002, Summer). Best Practices DuPont safety starts at the top. Industry Week, (), Retrieved from http://hhtp:www.industryweek.com/articles/best_practices_—_dupont_safety_starts_at_the_top

Knowing Minds of Others essays

Knowing Minds of Others essays Is it possible to know what is going on in another persons mind? I wouldnt say that it is possible to know what is going on in another persons mind, but I would say that you can have a pretty good idea of what is going on in their mind. I dont think that there is any possibility that anyone could know what is going on in someone elses mind without having that person be hooked up to some kind of electrical devise that outputs what is going on in their mind. Then and only then do I think that that is the only way someone can tell what someone else is thinking. With the example of having a pretty good idea of what is going on in someone elses head; I have three friends that are girls and they are pretty much inseparable, but when they are apart they always know what the other one is doing and have a pretty good idea of what they are thinking and doing at that particular time. They know each other so well that they can finish each others sentences, just look at each other and know what the other one is probably thinking, and kind of sense what the other one is thinking and might Going back to the question of being able to know what is going on in another persons mind; Like I said before, I dont believe that there is a way that someone can possibly know what is going on in another persons mind. Of course, people will say that there are psychics that can know what is going on in someone elses mind or be able to know of things that only that person would know. This is all fake because psychics have a way of luring out things from people and making them think that they know things about them or know what they are thinking or feeling. I have some really good friends that I have know all of my life, and we know pretty much everything about each other. Even though we know so much about each ...

Free Essays on Acquaintance Rape

Date Rape is a misleading term, which describes a serious crime that is misunderstood and under-reported. For many women, the word â€Å"rapist† evokes images of a psychotic stranger in an alley. But more often than not, a rape victim knows her attacker. He’s a seemingly nice guy-a date, a good friend, a casual acquaintance, a classmate, or even a coworker-who suddenly becomes forceful or even violent, and makes her have sexual intercourse against her will. This is called acquaintance or date rape. Rape, regardless of who commits it is a felony sexual assault that leaves the victim injured and traumatized. 60 % of rapes are acquaintance or date rapes. The number of date rapes in the U.S. is higher than most countries around the world. About 100,00 rapes are reported each year while the FBI believes this is only 1/8 of the actual amount of rapes. One college professor stated in an article that date rape is â€Å"more common than left handedness, alcoholism, and heart attacks.† T! he Women’s Resource center found that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of date rape or attempted date rape in their lifetime. These horrifying numbers can be partially attributed to the fact that 30% of teens have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 15. Also, the age of rapists is declining, boys younger than 13 are being arrested for date rape. Date rape has existed for many centuries. However, it was not a well-known offense. Date rape was first mentioned in the 20th Century in a book called Against Our Will by Susan Brownmiller in 1967. Before the mid 70’s date rape was rarely prosecuted and when it was the effort often failed. Than in the 80’s people began waking up and noticing that just because a woman is on a date doesn’t mean she wants sex. In date rape cases it is often the man’s word against the woman word because there is no evidence. In addition, sometimes the victim had willingly had sex with the attacker in the ... Free Essays on Acquaintance Rape Free Essays on Acquaintance Rape Date Rape is a misleading term, which describes a serious crime that is misunderstood and under-reported. For many women, the word â€Å"rapist† evokes images of a psychotic stranger in an alley. But more often than not, a rape victim knows her attacker. He’s a seemingly nice guy-a date, a good friend, a casual acquaintance, a classmate, or even a coworker-who suddenly becomes forceful or even violent, and makes her have sexual intercourse against her will. This is called acquaintance or date rape. Rape, regardless of who commits it is a felony sexual assault that leaves the victim injured and traumatized. 60 % of rapes are acquaintance or date rapes. The number of date rapes in the U.S. is higher than most countries around the world. About 100,00 rapes are reported each year while the FBI believes this is only 1/8 of the actual amount of rapes. One college professor stated in an article that date rape is â€Å"more common than left handedness, alcoholism, and heart attacks.† T! he Women’s Resource center found that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of date rape or attempted date rape in their lifetime. These horrifying numbers can be partially attributed to the fact that 30% of teens have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 15. Also, the age of rapists is declining, boys younger than 13 are being arrested for date rape. Date rape has existed for many centuries. However, it was not a well-known offense. Date rape was first mentioned in the 20th Century in a book called Against Our Will by Susan Brownmiller in 1967. Before the mid 70’s date rape was rarely prosecuted and when it was the effort often failed. Than in the 80’s people began waking up and noticing that just because a woman is on a date doesn’t mean she wants sex. In date rape cases it is often the man’s word against the woman word because there is no evidence. In addition, sometimes the victim had willingly had sex with the attacker in the ...

Human Rights and Same-Sex Marriage Research Paper

Human Rights and Same-Sex Marriage - Research Paper Example In following this line of reasoning though, one may say that since it is a violation of the constitution to deny anyone of their civil rights, it is therefore unconstitutional to deny people should they want to enter into same-sex marriages. However, for one to claim violation, one must prove first that same-sex marriage is part of the protected rights of the Constitution. This paper aims to correct the presumption that same-sex marriages should be legalized because every individual should be allowed to marry. The truth is, marriage is set as heterosexual by nature, thus, marriage policy limiting the union to only between one man and one woman does not violate the Equal Protection Clause or any other legal or moral principle (Stacey 27). Law protects such union to ensure the continuation of species. The law was not placed there to protect the emotional wants of individuals. Simply put, there is no right to same-sex marriages, thus, homosexuals are not being denied of their right. In fact, if one looks at the natural needs of a child to be raised by both biological parents, the natural need of a man to be ensured of paternity, and the natural need of a woman to be with her child (Stacey 27-8), not legalizing same-sex marriages protects these natural rights. It is Not Included in One’s Civil Rights Civil law is one of the greatest contentions about marriage. Literally speaking, laws governing marriages has always been a concern of the state and not the federal government. In any case, however, it has been long ignored that marriage is actually an institutional union between one man and one woman (McVeigh and Maria-Elena 891-2). Those who argue that same-sex marriages should be considered a civil right and should be treated just like any heterosexual monogamous marriage are doing so based on the principle of the Equal Protection Clause. This is, however, a flawed argument. It is absolutely wrong to consider that one’s constitutional rights ensure equ al treatment that includes the aspect of marriage. One must understand that equal treatment, as according to the Constitution, does not give reference to social relationships such as families, marriages, friendships, and the likes (McVeigh and Maria-Elena 899). A good example of this is a relationship between two friends who decide to consider their relationship as marriage. Such consideration of the friends involved in the friendship cannot go to the courts and demand equal protection rights just because they finally decided to consider their friendship as marriage. To do so is tantamount to saying that just because some people in a certain sports event pray together before the start of the event, courts are required to work under the equal protection law and allow these particular sports event goers to redefine the event as a religious ceremony. Social Reality Cannot be Declared by the Constitution Social reality cannot be defined merely by civil rights. The equal protection under the civil rights is there only to guarantee that every citizen will be treated equally. This means that the law should start by acknowledging and segregating characteristics and inconsistencies in reality so as to bestow upon each party what is rightfully theirs (Bily 27-8). For example, the government recognizes a relationship between two contracting parties who agree to fulfill a transaction of mowing the lawn. However, the law governing the contracts does not define beforehand what kinds of contracts can be done or can be accepted. This law, instead, merely makes clear how binding a consensual contract is, and what legal obligations both agreeing parties have in fulfilling the contract. This law also clarifies the consequences should one or both parties breach stipulations in the contract

Gender at work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gender at work - Essay Example Multiple roles with unique responsibilities of both home and work, are seen to be beneficial to women, if domestic responsibilities are shared with the spouse. The numbers of women in the work force are increasing steadily, and may soon be equal in proportion to men. (p.271). Gender relations are more prone to conflict in today’s stressed lives. One reason is the following of traditional concepts of inequality of the sexes. The concept of imposing one’s will appears both in gender relations and war. Why is that? In gender relationships, the stronger or more dominant partner is perceived as the one who is superior physically, financially, or by education. The term status is linked with power, and refers to an individual’s position in the structure of social relationships with respect to other individuals. Status is dependent on the set of values attached by the culture concerned, to attributes like abilities, education, wealth, etc. Watts (1991) is of the opinion that power is exercised on the basis of higher status. The term ‘dominance’ is often connected to interruptive behavior. In terms of the hierarchy of status relationships, dominance is an explicit expression of power over others. Latent or overt conflict is interruptive behavior between two persons. Watts quotes Weber and Durkheim: â€Å"Power is the opportunity of imposing one’s will on another.† Power also forms part of the content of the network links of each individual. (pp. 55-56). Dominance and power give rise to control, which results in conflict. Conflicts in gender relationships, where the ‘weaker’ partner refuses to submit to the will of the dominant partner arise from perceptions about gender, and an individual’s sense of personal worth. The same definitions of power and conflict can be applied in the larger picture of war between two nations. According to Clausewitz and Rapoport, (1982) â€Å"war is nothing but a duel on an