Should Physcian-Assisted Suicide be Legal :: essays research papers

Should Physician-Assisted Suicide be Legal? Terminally ill patients should have the legal option of physician-assisted suicide. Terminally ill patients deserve the right to control their own death. Legalizing assisted suicide would relive families of the burdens of caring for a terminally ill relative. Doctors should not be prosecuted for assisting in the suicide of a terminally ill patient. We as a society must protect life, but we must also recognize the right to a humane death. When a person is near death, in unbearable pain, they have the right to ask a physician to assist in ending their lives. 40 percent of Americans say they would consider committing suicide if they were in severe pain, suffering from an incurable disease. 40 percent of Americans also say they would help a family member, in the same situation, kill them selves. But only 12 percent say they thought of killing them selves. In 1950, fewer than four in ten Americans supported physician-assisted suicide. Today seven in ten support it. Some people think that people who are in mental anguish are going to be able to get a physician to assist in their suicide. This should not and will not happen, because they are not terminally ill and are able to be treated with therapy. There are problems with the title â€Å"Terminally ill patient† but there is a way to fix it. We must change the definition for â€Å"A Terminally ill patient† to: having an expected life span under 3 months, there is absolutely no way of helping the patient and are doomed to die. But a patient has to suffering from severe pain and be terminally ill to be able to get a physician to assist in their suicide. Although widely condoned around the world, only one nation, the Netherlands has made physician assisted suicide legal. Five states tried Washington in 1991, California in 1992, Michigan in 1998,and main in 2000, Oregon in 1994 approved the â€Å"Death with Dignity Act† it won 51 percent to 49 percent. 91 people committed suicide with the aid of a physician in the first four years the law was in effect. The approach of physician-assisted suicide respects an individual’s need for personal dignity. It does not force the terminally ill patient to linger hopelessly, and helplessly, often at great cost to their psyche. It drive’s people mad knowing they are going to die in a short period of time, suffering while they wait in a hospital bed.

Francis Bacon and Plato Essay

The arguments presented by both Francis Bacon and Plato both call for different approaches in pursuing knowledge. In doing this, one must be accurately point out the important facets present in each argument and deduce what style is appropriate for an individual’s use. Looking at Francis Bacon’s arguments, it can be said that he is focused on the progression of ideas that will lead to the acquisition of knowledge. However, the ‘form’ that Bacon advocates differs to the original meaning proposed by Plato. He further advocates that the ‘form’ must be attained to gain knowledge. As long as man continues to strive for the form, knowledge will soon follow. On the other hand, Plato’s dialogue focuses on the way knowledge is achieved through the process of remembering the past. Socrates used this analysis in checking the validity of such argument. He makes a philosophical connection between knowledge and virtue. Thus, it has been contended that knowledge is virtue – creating the possibility of teaching. Seeing the two approaches in a nutshell, I believe that there must be a collaborative consensus between the two theories. It may be true that we must constantly strive for the form that Bacon advocates and at the same time use natural forces and mechanisms that can help achieve knowledge. However, Plato’s arguments can also shed some important light in the analysis of obtaining knowledge. But seeing that I must choose between the two, the argument presented by Francis Bacon I believe presents a more valid approach. I believe my answer is correct since believe that man continues to struggle for existence. Man continuous life depends on each one’s ability to grasp knowledge through mechanisms and processes that will help each one to survive. The different laws that govern us remain to be manifested and shown. The tendency of man to move forward and accept challenges should be the case. This is contrary to the view of Plato that one must look back to gain knowledge. In conceiving a central purpose in human life, there must be a conscious effort by an individual for continuous development to cope with the changing times. In my own perspective, I feel that the central purpose of living a life is continuous learning by acquiring knowledge and experiences that will benefit my individual growth as time passes. This event can only take place if the individual is continuously aware that he/she has the capability of shaping his/her personality. Looking at this, it can be argued that there are several characteristics of a well-lived, fulfilling life. In my own opinion, a well-lived fulfilling life must create opportunities for each individual to constantly struggle and be victorious. This is because for every success and failure in a struggle, certain inputs are obtained by an individual. These are experiences distinct only to individuals which foster the creation of knowledge. Another characteristic is that individuals must constantly strive for their betterment. We do not become stagnant and a waste in the society and community. Another characteristic of knowledge is that it can create a degree of completeness to an individual. By gaining knowledge, the questions that men aspire can be answered or attained. The pursuit of knowledge is attaining these purposes because of knowledge capability to raise and increase the quality of thinking by individuals. Continuity is thus necessary in creating the environment for knowledge for individuals. In addition, by gaining knowledge, we expand our purpose and existence. It may be known that during our conception, the only thing we cater is our own. But as we continually grow in age and maturity, the levels of understanding and knowledge extend not only in scope but also each one’s abilities. In the end, knowledge gives individuals the opportunity to explore more what life has to offer.

The Truth About Virtue - 1548 Words

Lillian Hazen Desiring the Truth To wish, to long for, to crave, to want; to desire. It seems as though we go through our whole lives wanting what we know will make us feel more whole, more of ourselves; more of who we are. And whether what we want is seen as bad or good, we still have that desire. It’s in our nature. It is simply what we want. And acquiring the object of one’s desire makes one feel whole. It’s true. Socrates said it best; â€Å"all men desire good things† (Plato 77C). What lead him to that conclusion? In his debate with Meno, Socrates and Meno attempted to define virtue. In Meno’s third definition of virtue, he claims that it is â€Å"to desire beautiful things and have the power to secure them† (Plato 77B). Socrates stopped Meno and asked him what he meant by desiring good things; does every man desire what is good? In his attempt to explain his position to Meno, Socrates made a three-premise modus ponens argument that is as follows. The first premise states that either bad can be seen in a good light by the individual committing what others may see as a bad act, or bad can be harmful as described in 78A. With this statement, I agree. The second statement is a little trickier; Harm leads to misery and unhappiness (Plato 78A). And the third premise states that nobody wants to be miserable or unhappy; the opposite of desiring good things (Plato 78A). While I agree with Socrates’ claim that all men desire good things, I disagree with the second premise of saidShow MoreRelatedPlato s Meno And Nietzsche On Truth And Lie1720 Words   |  7 PagesIn Plato’s Meno and in Friedrich Nietzsche’s On Truth And Lie In An Extra-Moral Sense, both writers touch upon the theme of â€Å"truth† and â€Å"knowledge†. In Meno, Plato writes of a dialogue between his late mentor, Socrates and politician Meno. In the Meno dialogue, through a dialectical method, Socrates’s manages to prove to Meno h e knows nothing of virtue while On Truth And Lie In An Extra-Moral Sense, Nietzsche analyzes how language isn’t â€Å"truth† and Knowledge is an invention as a means of survivalRead MoreComparison of Plato, Aquinas, Aristotle and Augustine1464 Words   |  6 PagesPlato Truth and Reality- And isnt it a bad thing to be deceived about the truth, and a good thing to know what the truth is? For I assume that by knowing the truth you mean knowing things as they really are. Truthfulness. He will never willingly tolerate an untruth, but will hate it as much as he loves truth... And is there anything more closely connected with wisdom than truth? (Plato, 380BC) Reason Reason is knowledge of things like mathematics but which require that some postulatesRead MoreWhat Is Philosophy According to Socrates Essay970 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is philosophy according to Socrates? Philosophy is an academic subject that exercises reason and logic in an attempt to understand reality and answer fundamental questions about knowledge, life, morality, virtue, and human nature. The original word for philosophy comes from the ancient Greek word philosopha, which means love of wisdom. Although Socrates himself never claimed to have any answers to the questions he raised, his views and methods of philosophy became the foundations of whatRead MoreComparison of Plato, Aquinas, Aristotle and Augustine1473 Words   |  6 PagesPlato Truth and Reality- And isnt it a bad thing to be deceived about the truth, and a good thing to know what the truth is? For I assume that by knowing the truth you mean knowing things as they really are. Truthfulness. He will never willingly tolerate an untruth, but will hate it as much as he loves truth... And is there anything more closely connected with wisdom than truth? (Plato, 380BC) Reason Reason is knowledge of things like mathematics but which require that some postulatesRead MorePhil 201 Study Guide Lesson 10 Essay864 Words   |  4 Pagesthe study of epistemology and then presents an approach to epistemology that focuses on obtaining the intellectual virtues, a point we will elaborate on in the next lesson. Tasks View and take notes of the presentation, â€Å"What is Knowledge?† * Describe the 3 different ways we use the term know. ACQUAINTANCE, A SKILL, TRUTH CLAIMS (PROPOSITION KNOWLEDGE- MAKES A CLAIM ABOUT REALITY) * Explain the traditional definition of knowledge from Plato. JUSTIFIED TRUE BELIEF---2 options- believeRead MoreNicomachean Ethics1035 Words   |  5 PagesTopic 1: In Book II of the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle defines virtue as â€Å"the mean relative to us.† In separate paragraphs, please describe briefly the basic notion of virtue as a mean, and then explain why he believes that such a mean is relative to us. Provide quotations/examples to support your claims. Include a final paragraph in which you explain your views on this issue of relativity. Be sure to take into consideration the counter-arguments we discussed in class. The mean is relativeRead MorePlato vs. Aristotle: Virtue1656 Words   |  7 Pagesdiffering views on virtue extensively throughout many of their works. Although they agree that virtue is a desirable characteristic that will lead to happiness, the ultimate good, there exists between the two philosophies salient differences. While Plato believes only philosophers are capable of true, inherent virtue, Aristotle believes all men can be virtuous with practice and dedication. GREAT. WAY TO GET TO THE POINT. BE SURE TO MENTION WHETHER OR NOT YOURE ARGUING THAT VIRTUE IS INTRINSICALLYRead MoreDifference Between Socrates And Protagoras927 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"sophist† and â€Å"philosopher† can be used interchangeably, the two professions were, in fact, quite unlike. For one, sophists were often perceived as masters of the art of deception and manipulation. True charlatans of the time, sophists held false beliefs about the world around them, yet they were not hesitant to share their â€Å"knowledge† with others-especially when a hefty sum of money was promised in return. Though their teachings were rarely based on solid evidence, sophists, like Protagoras, gained a ratherRead MoreEssay about Meno and the Socratic Method1413 Words   |  6 Pagesaround a central question: If virtue can be taught, then how? And if not, then how does virtue come to man, either by nature or some other way? Socrates addresses this inquiry by questioning a person who claims to understand the term’s meaning (Platos Meno). The purpose of this essay is to relate the Socratic method performed by Socrates in Plato’s dialogue The Apology, to Meno, by illustrating its effect on the character Meno himself. After questioning Meno about virtue, Socrates comes to the conclusionRead MorePlato s The Apology Of Socrates874 Words   |  4 Pagesbelieved what makes a man worthy of life is that he lives up to what is best in him as a man. Therefore this quote can be better translated as, â€Å"the unexamined life is not a worthy life for a man to live†. Socrates believes a good or worthy man has virtue. Virtue is behavior showing high moral standards such as honor and nobility. An unexamined life is one that does not examine oneself for these characteristics but claims to have wisdom. This unexamined life can be also compared to living your life on

Biology Prefixes and Suffixes diplo-

The prefix (diplo-) means double, twice as many or twice as much. It is derived from the Greek diploos meaning double. Words Beginning With: (Diplo-) Diplobacilli (diplo-bacilli): This is the name given to rod-shaped bacteria that remain in pairs following cell division. They divide by binary fission and are joined end to end. Diplobacteria (diplo-bacteria): Diplobacteria is the general term for bacteria cells that are joined in pairs. Diplobiont (diplo-biont): A diplobiont is an organism, such as a plant or fungus, that has both haploid and diploid generations in its life cyle. Diploblastic (diplo-blastic): This term refers to organisms that have body tissues that are derived from two germ layers: the endoderm and ectoderm. Examples include cnidarians: jellyfish, sea anemones, and hydras. Diplocardia (diplo-cardia): Diplocardia is a condition in which the right and left halves of the heart are separated by a fissure or groove. Diplocardiac (diplo-cardiac): Mammals and birds are examples of diplocardiac organisms. They have two separate circulatory pathways for blood: pulmonary and systemic circuits. Diplocephalus (diplo-cephalus): Diplocephalus is a condition in which a fetus or conjoined twins develop two heads. Diplochory (diplo-chory): Diplochory is a method by which plants disperse seeds. This method involves two or more distinct mechanisms. Diplococcemia (diplo-cocc-emia): This condition is characterized by the presence of diplococci bacteria in the blood. Diplococci (diplo-cocci): Spherical or oval-shaped bacteria that remain in pairs following cell division are called diplococci cells. Diplocoria (diplo-coria): Diplocoria is a condition that is characterized by the occurrence of two pupils in one iris. It may result from eye injury, surgery, or it may be congenital. Diploe (diploe): Diploe is the layer of spongy bone between the inner and outer bone layers of the skull. Diploid (diplo-id): A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes is a diploid cell. In humans, somatic or body cells are diploid. Sex cells are haploid and contain one set of chromosomes. Diplogenic (diplo-genic): This term means producing two substances or having the nature of two bodies. Diplogenesis (diplo-genesis): The double formation of a substance, as seen in a double fetus or a fetus with double parts, is known as diplogenesis. Diplograph (diplo-graph): A diplograph is an instrument that can produce double writing, such as embossed writing and normal writing at the same time. Diplohaplont (diplo-haplont): A diplohaplont is an organism, such as algae, with a life cycle that alternates between fully developed haploid and diploid forms. Diplokaryon (diplo-karyon): This term refers to a cell nucleus with double the diploid number of chromosomes. This nucleus is polyploid meaning that it contains more than two sets of homologous chromosomes. Diplont (diplo-nt): A diplont organism has two sets of chromosomes in its somatic cells. Its gametes have a single set of chromosomes and are haploid. Diplopia (diplo-pia): This condition, also known as double vision, is characterized by seeing a single object as two images. Diplopia can occur in one eye or both eyes. Diplosome (diplo-some): A diplosome is a pair of centrioles, in eukaryotic cell division, that aids in spindle apparatus formation and organization in mitosis and meiosis. Diplosomes are not found in plant cells. Diplozoon (diplo-zoon): A diplozoon is a parasitic flatworm that fuses together with another of its kind and the two exist in pairs.

America s First Home Grown Terrorist - 1630 Words

John Brown: America’s First Home Grown Terrorist John Brown, recalled by some as a martyr for his anti-slavery stance, is also recalled by others as a madman. His legendary raid on Harper’s Ferry will live forever in history books, but what fueled the madness? In 1812, was his mind so deeply traumatized when he witnessed the brutal crime of a young black boy beaten with a shovel that he could never move past it? Did that single event shape his life and play, over and over, in his mind like a never-ending film? No matter what you believe, the undisputed fact is that he was one of America’s first domestic terrorists. Domestic Terrorism: The Definition Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online, defines domestic terrorism as â€Å"commonly†¦show more content†¦This new Constitution also had three branches of government, including a position created just for Brown, Commander in Chief for the Armed Forces. In Brown’s Provisional Constitution, Article XXVIII: Property states, â€Å"All captured or confiscated property, and all property the product of the labor of those belonging to this organization and of their families, shall be held as the property of the whole, equally, without distinction; and may be used for the common benefit, or disposed of for the same object;† (Earle, 2008) Article XXXVI: Property Confiscated states, â€Å"The entire and real property of all persons known to be acting either directly or indirectly with or for the enemy, or found in arms with them, or found willingly holding slaves, shall be confiscated and taken, whenever and wherever it may be found, in either free or slave States†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Earle, 2008) Socialism is defined as a social and economic system characterised by social ownership and democratic control of the means of production. Socialism can also be a political theory which establishes this system and brings it to life. (Socialism) When examining Article XXVIII, it clearly defines socialism when it is written that property shall be for the whole. It also removes the safety that the Fourth Amendment in the Constitution provides, which is the Search and Seizure amendment. The Fourth Amendment ensures that the people have a

Writing Prompts Free Essays

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Children spend a lot of time watching television. We will write a custom essay sample on Writing Prompts or any similar topic only for you Order Now Have you thought much about the programs and advertisements you watch. Can you tell the difference between what happens on television and what is real? Write a passage that demonstrates that you do know the difference. Customizing the Questions You can modify the questions by changing the audience. I’ve generally focused the writer’s attention on writing a letter to the editor of a local community newspaper or the school paper. You can modify the assignment by asking students to write a letter to the principal, to a teacher, to the school board, to the governor, to a state senator (or similar politician), to the city board, to their classmates, to the PTA president (or other officers), and so on. College students might write to students attending the high school that they graduated from. 1. [School Uniforms] There has been a problem in local schools with discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other schools. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. 2. [Locker Searches/Personal Searches] The principal at your school has instituted random locker and backpack/bookbag searches to check for guns, knives, and other weapons. Anyone caught with these weapons will be immediately suspended. The principal argues that the random searches will not only guard against illegal weapons at school but will also will help students feel safer. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 3. [Too Much Homework] Some of the parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 4. [Censorship] Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books that are unacceptable. The books are either explicit, describe graphic violence, or use questionable language. Most recently, a high school senior checked out James Joyce’s Ulysses. The student’s parents di d not approve of the student reading the book and complained to the town council. As a result, the council is considering removing all questionable books from the library. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 5. [Litter] A litter problem has developed on your school’s campus. Students are throwing trash on the ground, leaving empty soda cans and bottles outside on benches, and dropping napkins and other trash on the cafeteria floor rather than carrying them to the trash can. Your principal has asked students to take more care, but the litter problem persists. The principal has reacted by canceling all after-school activities until the problem is taken care of. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 6. [New Highway Exit] The state has created a plan to add a second highway exit to help shoppers access a busy shopping mall. The only problem is that the new exit will move the access road 500 yards closer to a near-by elementary school. Teachers and parents at the school complain that moving the road closer will increase noise at the school and provide unnecessary distractions. The state planners have included privacy fences to help cut down on the problems, but the protesters are unsatisfied. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 7. [Computers in the Classroom] As part of a new technology initiative, your local school district is increasing the number of computers in every school. The district plan provides for two computers in every classroom. Teachers at your school are lobbying instead to place all the computers together, creating two computer-based classrooms so that all students in a class can work at the computers together, rather than only one or two students at a time. The district is worried about the additional cost of creating and maintaining these special classrooms and is concerned about how access to the classrooms can be provided fairly and efficiently. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your point of view and supporting it with convincing reasons. 8. Bilingual Education] As part of a proposed educational initiative in your state, local school districts are responsible for providing required courses in both English language and Spanish language in order to increase the success of their programs. Because your state has a large population of Spanish speakers, the state education department believes that teaching these students in their first languag e will help them learn better and more quickly. Because of the limited budget, however, the local school board is concerned that they may not be able to provide the additional teachers or training needed for this program. They fear that they will lose state funding and accreditation even though 90% of the district’s students pass their achievement tests on the first try. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your point of view and supporting it with convincing reasons. 9. [Grade Scale Change] One of the biology teachers at your school has decided to change from a ten-point grade scale (100 to 90 is an A, 89 to 80 is a B, etc. ) to a seven-point grade scale (100 to 93 is an A, 92 to 85 is a B, etc. ). The teacher is trying to encourage students to put more effort into their classes by raising the requirements. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 10. [Online Schools] The state department of education has provided funding for an experimental online school. All the classes will take place on the Internet, using email, online chat, and the world wide web. The students taking classes at this new online school will never meet each other face-to-face. They will only interact online with each other and with their teachers. The state is hoping this program will provide fairer educational access to students in outlying, rural areas. Opponents of the program argue that because of their lack of interaction with other students in a traditional classroom, the students who attend this online school will not develop the social skills that should be a component of their education. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. How to cite Writing Prompts, Papers

Societal Lessons in Julius Caesar Essay Example For Students

Societal Lessons in Julius Caesar Essay Many authors try to convey different lessons that we, as individuals or a society can learn from their writings. William Shakespeare, in his play Julius Caesar, has definitely accomplished this goal. With the many lessons included in this story, society can learn from the mistakes of others made previously. It could be said that the actions of society are learned by the actions of our predecessors. In this incredible play, the major messages or societal lessons include mob mentality, respect, and wealth and power are the roots of all evil. Shakespeare realized that people behave differently in mobs. One individual can sway the opinions of everyone present by convincing just one person in the group. This is called mob mentality. In Act III, Scene II, Brutus speaks to the masses and explains why Caesar had to be slain for the good of Rome. Then, Brutus leaves and Antony speaks to the citizens. A far better judge of human nature than Brutus, Antony cleverly manages to turn the crowd against the conspirators by telling them of Caesars good works and his concern for the people. Another hideous act of the mob was the killing of Cinna the poet. They realize that he is the wrong Cinna, but they are so enraged, they slay him anyway. Although revenge is a major concept in this play, respect is another important theme. After Brutus kills himself, Antony says This was the noblest Roman of them all: all the conspirators save only he did what they did in envy of great Caesar; he only in a general honest thought and common good to all, made one of them. This quote means that Antony regarded Brutus as an honorable man, despite the fact that he killed Caesar. Antony also understood that Brutus killed Caesar for the good of Rome and not because of jealousy or hatred. Octavious then comments . with all respect and rites of burial. Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie, most like a soldier, orderd honourably. The men wish for his body to lie in their tent for the night, and then they will give him proper burial rites. One last lesson in this tragedy is wealth and powers are the roots of all evil. This statement applies mainly to Caesar himself, but can also be stretched to custom fit the conspirators. Caesar is a high and mighty man who appeals to all the common people of Rome, but Brutus and his men feel that his power has become too great. This fact is what motivates the conspirators to kill Caesar. Also, instead of looking at Caesar as the evil, the conspirators could be the driving forces. They begin to think they are more powerful than everyone else is, which results in the death of Caesar. Societal lessons are present throughout Shakespeares many works. Shakespeare observed how human nature could affect the decisions of other people, such as with Antony and the crowd of hostile plebeians. History tends to repeat itself, and many people who would make the same mistakes as the characters in Julius Caesar can learn from these important lessons. The tragedy of Julius Caesar was definitely an excellent topic for a play due to many lessons that we as a society can learn from it.