Tips for Mastering English Grammar for New Learners

Gay and Lesbian Parenting Essay Example For Students

Gay and Lesbian Parenting Essay In the most recent decade there has been an ascent n the quantity of lesbians and gay men shaping their own families. Many do this through appropriation, child care, managed impregnation, and different methods. Today, scientists have evaluated that the quantity of youngsters living with one gay or lesbian parent is six to fourteen million. Some have portrayed this present period as a lesbian and gay time of increased birth rates. Be that as it may, lesbian and gay guardians face numerous social and lawful deterrents (Lambda Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 1997). Previously, generally gay and lesbian guardians lived mysterious and defensive lives. Not exclusively did gay guardians need to confront their coming out issues and division from life partner, yet in addition face coming out to their youngsters. Since an ever increasing number of lesbian and gay families decide to have youngsters, they are likewise progressively out about whom they are. This implies they are appearing in fruitfulness centers for data about endeavoring pregnancy, they are coming to reception organizations expressing plainly the idea of their family, they are going to lawyers for data on second parent same-sex appropriation, and they are going to PTA gatherings and youth baseball match-ups with a similar eagerness as different guardians (Lev, 2002 p.2). A large number of the kids parented by lesbians and gay men were destined to them when they were in a hetero relationship or marriage. Frequently, when the childs non-gay parent finds the sexual personality of the other parent, the individual in question may endeavor to confine their child rearing jobs. Different difficulties have been brought upon by different family members or government offices, therefore causing bias towards gay and lesbian guardians and denying care and appearance rights (Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, 1997-2002). The kid guardianship and appearance legitimate gauges fluctuate from state to state. For instance, twenty-one states have allowed second-parent selections to lesbian and gay couples. This empowers the youngster to have the equivalent chance of having two legitimate guardians, particularly on the off chance that one bites the dust. Today, most of states no long deny authority or appearance dependent on sexual direction. Presently, courts apply the idea wellbeing of the youngster, with regards to choosing cases dependent on this. In this manner, ones sexual direction can't be the reason for denying or restricting guardian kid connections, in many states (The American Civil Liberties Union, 1999). In spite of the fact that things appear to be going along to an ever increasing extent, ones sexual direction may have downsides. A couple of states, which depend on the legends and generalizations, have utilizes ones sexual direction to deny authority, selection, appearance and child care. For instance, Florida and New Hampshire have laws that preclude lesbians and gay men from receiving kids. A few cases have indicated how ones sexual direction is utilized to their detriment, for example, in Sharon Bottoms case. In an infamous 1993 choice, a court in Virginia removed Sharon Bottoms two-year old child essentially in view of her sexual direction, and moved authority to the young men maternal grandma. What's more, Arkansas has quite recently received an approach denying lesbians, gay men, and the individuals who live with them, from filling in as non-permanent parents (American Civil Liberties Union, 1999, p.1). Issues of child rearing are not by any means the only challenges that gay and lesbian guardians face. Others incorporate the privilege to a lawful marriage, which empowers them to have indistinguishable rights and laws from other gender couples. The Netherlands turned into the first to give legitimate union with same-sex couples on April 1, 2001. These marriage licenses are just offered to its lawful residents and inhabitants. No other state or nation on the planet permits same-sex relationships. Albeit numerous places of worship wed same-sex couples, stylized relationships give no polite laws and convey no lawful advantages or obligations. Same-sex couples are viewed as legitimate outsiders, in this manner, Federal laws with respect to marriage doesn't cover them. It despite everything stays unsure when same-sex couples will have the option to get a legitimate marriage permit. Suits for legitimate relationships started in the United States in 1971 (Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples, 2002). .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .postImageUrl , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .focused content zone { min-stature: 80px; position: relative; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:hover , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:visited , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:active { border:0!important; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .clearfix:after { content: ; show: table; clear: both; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f { show: square; change: foundation shading 250ms; webkit-progress: foundation shading 250ms; width: 100%; darkness: 1; progress: mistiness 250ms; webkit-change: murkiness 250ms; foundation shading: #95A5A6; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:active , .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:hover { haziness: 1; progress: obscurity 250ms; webkit-progress: obscurity 250ms; foundation shading: #2C3E50; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .focused content territory { width: 100%; position: rela tive; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .ctaText { outskirt base: 0 strong #fff; shading: #2980B9; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: intense; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; content enhancement: underline; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .postTitle { shading: #FFFFFF; text dimension: 16px; textual style weight: 600; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; width: 100%; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .ctaButton { foundation shading: #7F8C8D!important; shading: #2980B9; fringe: none; outskirt range: 3px; box-shadow: none; text dimension: 14px; text style weight: striking; line-tallness: 26px; moz-fringe sweep: 3px; content adjust: focus; content embellishment: none; content shadow: none; width: 80px; min-tallness: 80px; foundation: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/modules/intelly-related-posts/resources/pictures/straightforward arrow.png)no-rehash; position: total; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:hover .ctaButton { foundation shading: #34495E!important; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f .focused content { show: table; tallness: 80px; cushioning left: 18px; top: 0; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f-content { show: table-cell; edge: 0; cushioning: 0; cushioning right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-adjust: center; width: 100%; } .ucf2b2a65e856065831cf528d0a37f53f:after { content: ; show: square; clear: both; } READ: No Future Essay Albeit same-sex couples stay in the battle for their privileges to be lawfully hitched, probably the best decision originated from the Vermont State Supreme Court on December 20, 1999. Their last decision expressed that, Same-sex couples must be .

National Honor Society Scholarships Essay

National Honor Society Scholarships Essay The National Honor Society is an American organization with chapters in high schools in all 50 states, several U.S. territories, and Canada. The National Honor Society was established in 1921 as an organization that would recognize and foster academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. Through this activity, the society supports and recommends the use of a multi-faceted definition of character known as the “Six Pillars of Character.” A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Schools are encouraged to take this model, modify it to meet their local needs, and utilize it frequently in the work of their chapter (therefore you may encounter with such variations of it as national junior honor society or national technical honor society). According to the National Honor Society Constitution, the purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. National honor society application process and requirements More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. NHS of leadership and success pomotes and provides leadership development opportunities to prepare and empower students to serve their schools and communities. Membership in NHS is both an honor and an obligation. The application part consists of several steps to complete: The first part of the application process students select five separate criteria points for leadership and provide with specific examples as to how they have met each of the criteria points. At least four of the five examples must come from the school setting, and no more than one example can come from outside the school setting. This information should be documented in the application materials proving that the criteria have been met in each chosen area. As the second part of application process goes next, the candidates will be asked to write a short essay to define their character criteria. Writing an essay even though may seem challenging is a substantial part of everyday student life. The biggest problem students usually struggle with is finding research paper topic. The main difficulty is that topic is the most important element of the whole essay for your application process. The success of your paper depends on the topic for 90% and the last 20% is for structuring and formatting it. Thus, there are few of good practices on how to write a good application essay. Treat writing an essay as an opportunity, not a burden. Use it to tell us a part of your story, add few examples that presents some situations or events happen in your life which helped you to get stronger, build up your personality and played crucial part in your personal development. If youre recounting an event, take it beyond the chronological storytelling. Include some opinion and don’t try to add as much event as you can remember. Be short: tackling too much tends to make your essay too watered down or disjointed. Don’t be afraid to reveal yourself in your writing and be comfortable showing your vulnerability. The essay is called to show who you are and how you think. Thus, try to write thoughtfully and with authenticity. Show that you are the one who believes in what you are saying versus the one who is simply saying what others want to hear. Make sure your thesis is clear to you and to the reader, It should indicate where youre going and what youre trying to communicate. Proofread your essay and get the feedback on it. But keep in mind to limit the number of people who review your essay as too much input could bring it to the point where your voice is lost in the writing. The third part of application process states that the student has met the service criteria needed to enter the society by completing community work. Each school provides different hours to meet, but in average it is around 20 hours. Once candidate is selected, members have the responsibility of continuing to demonstrate the qualities of superior scholarship, community service, responsible leadership, and character. After completing the selection process, the Faculty Council to the NHS chapter recommends ceremony where they promise to uphold the four ideals of the Honor Society-Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. To sum up the above is it important to say that joining the ranks of the National Honor Society is a dream of every conscientious and ambitions student, and writing an entrance essay is an important step on the way to this goal. The essay must present achievements and aspirations of an applicant student in concise and compelling manner. Taking into the consideration the history of NHS, embodying its values and following the steps of the admission process, you will be well-prepared for it. Thus, our advice is to follow the hints for the application essay writing above and make a difference by your writing. After all, writing is a talent, you may be an excellent student yet need a little assistance in putting your deeds into accurate wording. In order to create a good story of your academic perseverance and community activities and become a part of the NHS community, you have to have a strong and powerful essay to reveal who you really are and don’t forget to participate in volunteer activities, apply for college scholarships and you will be the perfect candidate to be considered to join NHS organization.

Is GMO Harmful or Beneficial to Us - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1260 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/02/15 Category Health Essay Level High school Tags: GMO Essay Did you like this example? Genetic engineering technology is the core of modern biotechnology. Since the birth of the first transgenic plant in the 1980s, genetic engineering has been rapidly and widely developed and applied in various fields. At the same time, genetic engineering has brought profound revolution to the field of food. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Is GMO Harmful or Beneficial to Us?" essay for you Create order Genetically modified food refers to the introduction and expression of exogenous genes into target organisms through gene recombination technology. The food produced in this way, including agricultural products and food additives, is collectively referred to as genetically modified food. The advantage of GMO is that it makes our life more convenient. At present, many people have questioned the toxicity of genetically modified foods, the problem of allergic reactions, nutritional problems, resistance to antibiotics, and environmental threats. Objectively speaking, every new thing has its growth process. We should treat it objectively and critically. In my opinion, we should look at genetically modified food scientifically, instead of just refusing it. GM foods can be broadly divided into three categories :(1) Gm plant foods. Such as genetically modified corn and soybean are more kinds of genetically modified food, mainly for improving the nutrition, anti-insect, anti-virus, anti-herbicide and anti-adversity survival of food, reducing the production cost and increasing quality of crops, and improving the yield per unit area. (2)Genetically modified animal food. Transgenic fish and meat, for example, it is mainly used for by introducing proper exogenous genes and modify its own to â€Å" reduce the degree of crosslinking of connective tissue† in order to improve the meat of animals and get a good flavor and nutritional value which meet the needs of the consumers.(3) genetically modified microbial food. For example, through genetic modification of the preparation of microbial fermentation, wine, beer, soy sauce, this kind of food is produced by the use of genetically modified organisms. Though there are always people spread th e idea that GMO is toxic but So far, there is no evidence can prove that genetically modified food will affect people’s health on short term at least. It will only affect oral argument. From 1998 to 2009 there was negative news about gm food. From the â€Å"approval in the United States of star alliance genetically modified corn for animal feeding†, to the â€Å"proliferation of weeds around genetically modified rape in Canada†, to the â€Å"contamination of other species genes by genetically modified corn in Mexico†, more and more facts have shown that the safety of genetically modified food deserves everyones attention. The organization for economic cooperation, the world health organization, and World food and agriculture organization (FAO),and other international authority said that the transgenic species may set a biological cause unintended consequences, it is this unintended consequences instructions for the safety of this product is not decided ye t, international consumer association also suggests that so far there is no evidence that genetically modified food is harmful or safe. There are indeed reports of GM food hazards, which are not repeated in this article. We only analyze the advantages of genetically modified foods. Genetically modified food brings us benefits indeed. Increase crop yield, solve the problem of food shortages, reduce environmental pollution. One of reason the crops failed is Salt, drought, pests and diseases, which is also responsible for yield production. Nowadays, scientists combine a variety of anti insect, drought and salt tolerance genes into crops by the development of genetic and DNA technology. By getting excellent properties of the new strain of genetically modified (gm), it greatly reduces the production cost and increases the production at the same time. Many scientists expected to use genetic modified to solve the problem of food shortages all around the world with the booming of population. At the same time, the environmental pollution due to pesticide or fertilizer can be reduced hugely by the application of transgenic technology such as hybrid rice. Extend the life of fruit and vegetable products. Traditional vegetable and fruit preservation techniques, such as refrigeration, coatings, preservation, storage costs with severe defects, time, and freshness preservation, often result in softening, over-ripening, decay, and deterioration, causing heavy losses. The direct production of shelf-stable fruits and vegetables has become a reality through genetic engineering techniques. For example, adding an anti-freeze gene for marine fish grown in the Arctic to an ordinary eggplant will allow it to be stored longer in the winter and greatly extend the shelf life. At present, commercial and transgenic tomato storage has been produced at home and abroad. Related research has been extended to strawberries, bananas, mangoes, peaches, and watermelons. Improve the taste and quality of food. In order to change the taste and extend the shelf life of the food, food company may add additives illegally to make sure the food â€Å"looks good†. However, additives and preservatives sometimes contain harmful ingredients which most of the leads to cancer. Genetic modified food can solve the problems better. The taste of food, nutrition and bactericidal properties change or transfer some of the characteristics of certain genes. Take milk as an example, gene replacement technology can change the specific the composition of milk and increase milk production. Furthermore, in order to provide plants food for some animal nutrition and taste, scientists also transfer animal genes to these plants which give them some special characteristics. Thus, Transgenic technology could improve the quality of the animal food and give human a new aspects of knowing things. And att present, the transgenic fish, chicken and pig research have made great success. Use genetically modified technology to produce foods that are good for health and disease resistance. The newly developed genetically modified rice from European scientists is found to be rich in vitamin A and iron, which helps to reduce iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A. Incidence rate. And another Japanese scientists have successfully cultivated new rice that can lower serum cholesterol levels, reduce the possibility of arteriosclerosis by using genetically modified technology. In conclusion, GMO bring us lots of benefits. Without this benefit, we cannot imagine how will the world be. There is indeed some negative news about genetically modified foods. But this does not justify our refusal to use GM food. Everyone has their own right to choose. In Africa, people often try their best to supply food, and genetically modified foods can greatly increase the production of food and allow more people to live. Since humans can develop genetically modified foods, it is believed that humans can gradually discover the potential dangers of genetically modified foods in the future, modify and improve these shortcomings, and make them safer and healthier. People should take a scientific view of genetically modified foods, maintain an optimistic attitude towards genetically modified foods, and conduct in-depth research on genetically modified foods. This will allow genetic technology to perform its best. References: Feuillet, Catherine. â€Å"Figure 2f from: Irimia R, Gottschling M (2016) Taxonomic Revision of Rochefortia Sw. (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales). Biodiversity Data Journal 4: e7720. Https://Doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7720.† doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f. Huso, et al. â€Å"IMPACTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) TRAITS ON CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES.† AgEcon Search, ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/23491?ln=en. Bredahl, L. Journal of Consumer Policy (2001) 24: 23. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010950406128 Suzie Key, Julian K-C Ma, and Pascal MW Drake, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Vol 101, Issue 6, pp. 290 29, June 2008, https://doi.org/10.1258%2Fjrsm.2008.070372 Charu Verma, Surabhi Nanda, R. K. Singh, R. B. Singh, Sanjay Mishra. A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health. The open nutraceutical journals, 2011, 4: 3-11,https://benthamopen.com/TONUTRAJ/home/ Maclean, Norman (2003) Genetically modified fish and their effects on food quality and human health and nutrition. Trends in Food Science Technology, April 2003

Annotated Bibliography Florida State Department of Health...

Annotated Bibliography Bibliography Florida State Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, (1996). Components of quality HIV/STD prevention human sexuality education. Report of the HIV/STD prevention human sexuality task force. Tallahassee, FL: This article focuses on what comprises an effective and efficient preventative education program as it relates to HIV/STD prevention relative to sexual activity. Techniques of teaching are taught to reinforce the behaviors and activities that lead to the spread of HIV and AIDS. Francis, S. A., Lam, W. K., Cance, J. D., Hogan, V. K. (2009). Whats the 411? Assessing feasibility of providing African-American adolescents with HIV/AIDS prevention education in a faith-based setting. Journal of Religion Health, 48(2), 164-177. This article focuses on the use of faith-based education to educate African-American youth on the topic of HIV and AIDS prevention up to and including drug use and sexuality activity as opposed to a more secular approach. Jones, P. R., Sheppard, M. A., Snowden, C. B. (2010). Impact of poison prevention on the knowledge and behavior of seniors. American Journal of Health Education, 41(3), 139-146. This article focuses on avoiding seniors engaging in behaviors and activities that can lead to poison-related death. The most common culprit is over-use or mis-use of medication but this article explores that and several other dimensions. Kann, L., Brener, N., McManus, T. (2012).

The Design Argument †as Level Free Essays

string(80) " the oxygen content has remained at 21% which is perfect to sustain human life\." Outline the Key Concepts of the Design Argument [21 marks] The design argument is also referred to at the Teleological Argument stemmed from the Greek work ‘Telos’ meaning end or purpose. It is an ‘A posterior’ argument (from experience) based on our empirical senses and it is synthetic meaning that it is from observation. The argument is also inductive meaning there a number of possible conclusions. We will write a custom essay sample on The Design Argument – as Level or any similar topic only for you Order Now The main basis of the Teleological argument is based on a designer commonly known as ‘the classical God of theism’ (hereafter referred to as God) The outline of the design argument is that the universe has order and purpose and is regular, the complexities of the universe demonstrate some form of design, a design requires a designer, and this designer is God. This however is an inductive leap meaning that the Design argument is valid but not sound. The key concepts of the argument are that the universe has order, there are laws and regularities, the universe has purpose, and therefore the objects in the universe appear to work towards and end or purpose. The universe has benefit, meaning that it provides all that is necessary for life and more and finally, the suitability for human life, as the Universe provides ideal environments and conditions for human life to exist and flourish. Like the cosmological argument, the design argument goes back to Plato, who stated that the human body, with all its particles and elements, must owe its origin to ‘the royal mind soul and mind in the nature of Zeus’. The theory of the Design argument was first put forward by Socrates who was a Greek Philosopher who lived in 400 BC, one of the main strengths of Socrates proposing this theory is this means it is a Pre Christian idea and also that it has withstood the test of time. Socrates said ‘With such signs of forethought in the design of living creatures how can there be any doubt that they are the work of choice or design. ’ Thomas Aquinas who lived in the 13th century furthered the idea of Socrates Design Argument; he wrote a book called the ‘Summa Theologica’ and was strongly influenced by Aristotle. Aquinas rejected the possibility of an infinite regress of movers and causes to explain the existence of movers and causes to explain the existence of mutable beings. Aquinas proposed 5 ways to prove the existence of God, the unmoved mover, the uncaused case, Possibility and Necessity, Goodness Truth and Nobility and the Teleological Argument. He called these the fifth way and is ‘’from the governance of things’’. Aquinas also proposed the theory of design qua regularity, ‘That we call God’. Aquinas maintained that since such behaviour patterns rarely change, and their end result is beneficial, there must be a purpose to them, and if non-rational beings can work towards such a goal, something must be directing them to do so. ‘Now whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless directed, and this being we call God. ’ He also championed the Analogy of the arrow directed by the archer showing that in order for something to end somewhere, there must be someone causing the movement, the arrow could not have ended us on the board on its own. William Paley, an 18th Century Philosopher continued to develop the principles of the Design argument, showing many more extended features to Socrates original concept. Paley championed the theory of design qua purpose and that a design requires a designer. ‘’The world is too complex and well-designed to have come about by chance. It seems to have been planned by an intelligent mind for a special purpose. ’’ For Paley, the world is like a machine made up of intricate parts, all of which worked towards an end for the benefit of the whole. Paley proposed the analogy of the watch and the watch maker. ’Suppose you had never seen a watch before. One day when you are out walking, you find one on the ground. You would instantly see how complex it is. ’’ His theory was that if you came across a watch then it is so intricate therefore it must have been designed. Therefore the universe is so fine-tuned that there must have been a designer for thi s too. It is obvious that both are not there by chance. Another analogy for this is the eye is designed so well for the purpose of seeing. A designer gave each part of the universe a special purpose. Paley makes the inductive leap to say that this designer is God. The Anthropic principle is a key feature of the Design argument and suits the theory of Design qua Regularity proposed by F. R. Tennant showing that science and religion are one in the same. He argues that human life flourishes on earth, therefore there must have been a supreme designer, that designer being God. Tennant accepts the scientific reasoning of evolution as a fine balance of ‘’fine tuning’’ and God’s chosen way to support life. Tennant also argues that ‘’the world could so easily have been chaotic’’ and that ‘’the universe is not chaotic, nature is the outcome of intelligent design. ’ Others argue that the earth runs so smoothly and everything works together therefore ‘’The world is compatible with a single throw of a dice and common sense is not foolish in suspecting the dice has been loaded’’ cited by Vardy. James Lovelock of the 20th century furthered the anthropi c principle in ways of the Gaia Hypothesis, ‘’engineering on a planetary scale’’ cited by Vardy. He suggests that the oxygen content in the air, the salt content in the sea and the temperature of the earth are all precise in order for human life to flourish. If the oxygen content in the air were to be 12% less no fire would be able to burn, if the oxygen content were 25% more, then no fire would ever go out, however over the last 25 million years, the oxygen content has remained at 21% which is perfect to sustain human life. You read "The Design Argument – as Level" in category "Argumentative essays" One other person who championed the idea of the Anthropic principle is Arthur Brown from the 20th century, he says that science shows the way in which a designer chose to design, †The ozone gas layer is mighty proof of the creators forethought†¦ Just the right thickness and exactly the correct defence, gives evidence of a plan. ‘ However there are two type of Anthropic principle, the weak Anthropic principle states that conditions on the earth were such that human life adapted to the conditions, for example evolution. The strong anthropic principle revolves around conditions being set up for human life to be introduce d, for example a Baby’s nursery being all ready for the baby to be introduced into it. In 1986 Freeman Dyson said â€Å"in the universe there are many accidents of physics and astronomy that have worked together for our benefit, it almost seems as if the universe knew we were coming. The weak anthropic principle however states that human life adapted to the conditions of the earth, for example, by way of evolution. This does not eliminate that Evolution means that there was no divine power involved, in the 19th century Archbishop Temple stated â€Å"The doctrine of evolution leaves the argument for an intelligent creator†¦ stronger than it was before. † In the 20th century, Tennant worked alongside Taylor in proposing the aesthetic principle which observes that the universe possess a natural beauty that goes beyond that which is necessary to live. For example art, literature, music all contribute in making the world a nicer place for us to live, we would be able to live without these things however F. R Tennant observes that ‘Nature is not just beautiful in places it is saturated with beauty†¦ from an intelligent point of view beauty seems to be superfluous to have little survival value. ‘ Another example of the aesthetic principle is shown within people and the example of Weary Dunlop, cited by Vardy. Weary Dunlop was an Australian Doctor during World War II who cared for thousands of injured soldiers who showed endless compassion and love. This example shows that humans are not selfish, leading to an intelligent designer creating some humans to have beauty beyond what is necessary. Franciscan Theology also supports the aesthetic principle and stresses the idea of beauty and the beauty within creation; this therefore leads to a direct pointer of God’s nature, showing an omnibenevolent and numinous experience. In the 20th century Richard Swinburne furthered the argument of God due to that of Design, by developing the argument of probability as a key concept. He furthered a statement made by Socrates, ‘with such signs of forethought in the design of living creature, how can there be doubt that they are the work of choice or design. ’ Swinburne suggested that the evidence of design and the order in the universe increases the probability of the existence of God. He states that a belief in God is compatible with science. This is due to the theory that without a designer the universe could have been chaotic, the universe seems to be governed therefore order is present, order is more probable and the probability for design is much greater than that of chance. Swinburne uses the parable of the card shuffling machine to show that if a man was locked in a room with 10 card shuffling machines and unless the ten machines all chose an ace of hearts from each of the packs, he would die, however the machine chooses an ace of hearts from each pack. Swinburne says it would not be adequate for the victim to claim that no explanation of the draw is required here. You would have expected the card machines to have been designed that way as the chances of this happening are seemingly almost impossible. Swinburne uses this parable to even say that ‘’the very succession of science is showing us how deeply ordered the natural world is’’ and that ‘’science provides strong grounds for believing that there is a deeper cause in that order. ’’ Harold Morowitz thought that the chances of the universe being ordered in such a way would be the equivalent of throwing four billion penny pieces into the air and all of them landing ‘heads up’. William Ockham developed the theory of Ockham’s razor, and even though not specifically to do with the design argument, he states that ‘’the simplest explanation is usually the best explanation’. Fred Hoyle continued Swinburne’s probability as a way of explaining a need for a designer by proposing that the probability that the universe developed by chance is much the same as if a whirlwind flew threw and junkyard and assembling a Boeing 747. Even though Kant rejects the idea of the design argument he even states that ‘it is the oldest, the clearest and most accordant with the common reason of mankind’ and that ‘this proof always deserves to be mentioned with respect’. b. Comment on the view that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses [9 marks] The teleological argument contains many opponents who have found weaknesses within its theory. Epicurus, a Greek Philosopher devised the Epicuran Hypothesis, stating that the universe has come about only by chance and that a number of particles floating around in space, at some point these particles formed together to create a universe, due to there being enough time for the combination of particles to make a universe. He rejects Swinburne’s theory of probability and believes that the chaotic state, by chance, led to order. Sarah Tyler explains this theory in ways of monkeys and typewriters in saying that if an ‘infinite number of monkeys’ were to be given an ‘infinite amount of typewriters’, in time they would eventually ‘produce the entire works of Shakespeare’. However, in my opinion, judging by Epicuran Hypothesis and then Swinburne’s theory of probability, I believe that the strength of Swinburne’s argument outweighs that of Epicurus. Neither can be proven however with what humans know today, Swinburne’s development somewhat seems more probable in explaining how the universe began. I believe that the strengths in this case outweigh the weaknesses of the design argument. The main critic of the Design argument was David Hume in the 18th century, who was an empiricist, therefore based all his arguments of proof. He does not reject the idea of God, however fails to make the inductive leap from having a designer to that designer being God. He says that ‘the world was only the first rude essay of some infant deity who abandoned it afterwards. ’ Hume believes that if there is a God that this God is not necessarily what humans assume him to be, if he is even still in existence. Hume also believes that there could have been a ‘co-operative of lesser god. ’ For example a man who claims he builds his own house does not actually build it but requires others to do the work for him, e. g. a carpenter, electrician. Hume states that humans ‘assume’ what is going on outside the world and beyond, yet we cannot know. Another rejection of the design argument from Hume is that he says the world around us is not perfect yet religious believers claim that God is perfect and unlimited in every way, therefore if a perfect God designed the world, why isn’t it perfect? Hume then furthered his rejection of the Design argument by refuting the use of analogies by saying that they are unsound because God is beyond human understanding therefore anyone who uses Analogies is supporting anthropomorphism and likening God to a human or object, therefore making God less divine. Hume also says that the world is natural like an animal or vegetables, it is organic and it grows changes and moves. Hume continues to say ‘the world is more organic than mechanic’, likening the world to a carrot. Hume does have many more criticisms on the Design Argument however his main problem with it is due to the inductive leap. Other criticisms of his include not assuming the laws of cause and effect. In my opinion, Hume’s argument for the weaknesses of the design argument is a very strong argument as he considers the theory of God when proposing his ideas. No other person has been able to challenge Hume’s criticism that if the world is not perfect then God cannot be omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient, leading to a gap in the inconsistent triad of God. In my opinion I think that this weakness does have an impact on all other strengths as it is the only one hat I can definitely say is a valid argument and makes sense to me. Another person who opposes the Design argument is J. S. Mill in the 19th century, who furthered the work of Hume and goes contrary to the idea of the world being an ordered, beautiful and harmonious place. He looks at the problem of suffering and that as there is so much in the world, this goes against the idea of an all loving, all powerful God. He states that if the re were a designer God, he would have control over cosmic forces. ‘’Go straight to their end without regarding whom or what they crush in their road. ’ In my opinion, this weakness is fairly strong as the problem of evil demonstrates a limited God. A God that is wholly good or wholly powerful would not have created evil therefore it has to be one or the other. JS Mill personally believes that this God is good but not all powerful. Charles Darwin of the 19th century, wrote the book ‘Origin of Species’ is another person who refutes the design argument and provided an alternative explanation for the design of world without reference to God, this is the theory of evolution and natural selection, ‘the survival of the fittest. However, I believe that Darwin’s theory of evolution is a weak argument against the existence of a God as it can also be placed into the category of the weak anthropic principle as the way God chose to introduce human be ings; however we adapted to the conditions over time. Therefore I believe that Paley as a proponent of the design argument, his theory of there being a designer to design the universe is a much stronger argument than Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution as there is no explanation as to where evolution began in the first place, so ultimately no conclusion. Richard Dawkins of the 20th century argues that Natural Selection give the appearance of design however we are mistaken into believing that this shows there must be a designer. He opposes Swinburne and Tennant and Taylor and says that nature is random, meaning the world was formed by chance. He says that ‘’Biology is God’’ and people are lazy therefore made up this ‘’God of the Gaps’’. He says there is ‘’no more evidence for God then there is the Easter Bunny’ and that ‘life has no purpose’ and ‘God is a superfluous hypothesis’. I believe that this weakness to disprove the Design argument is weak as there is no evidence and is trying to disprove one of the earliest theories by comparing it to the Easter Bunny, therefore I feel that this weakness does not outweigh any of the strengths. A. J Ayre as another opponent said ‘unless we can say what the world is like without design we cannot conclude design’. Kant furthered this by saying the world could be chaotic but we perceive it as being ordered. To conclude this argument, the design argument is a religiously ambiguous and Paul Davies makes this clear by stating ‘’this is really a question of your threshold of conviction. It has to be a matter of personal taste whether you regard the accumulated evidence as compelling enough to want to make that inductive leap. ’’ The design argument is eschatologically verifiable. Many people however still are not convinced yet do not reject the argument fully, for example John Wisdom’s parable of the Gardener showing that everyone has different opinions on how the world was designed and has been maintained. John Lesley also says that ‘’if rocks had made by God stamped on them we would know it is made by God – they don’t’ therefore we can’t know for sure. In conclusion to the question of strengths and weaknesses I feel that for me, the strengths, even, though there may be fewer than weaknesses, their principles outweigh the number of weaknesses. I personally think that the design argument cannot thoroughly prove the existence of God; however it gives a clear indicator to a designer. How to cite The Design Argument – as Level, Essays

Mandrake Dolls free essay sample

Identity is a theme expressed frequently in the various parts of the book. Not only that but the way the book Mandragora portrays the theme of identity is the most pivotal part of the novel and this essay. The first way the novel portrays the theme of identity is through the mandrake dolls. The evil, possessed dolls, go on an evil tear and through that takes the victims identity. The fact is that if your identity is taken, you can’t control yourself anymore. This is seen when Tam Dubh takes control of Adam various times throughout the novel.In contrast the other possessed mandrake dolls take the identity of Mike and Richard, telling them do their dirty deeds for them. They then convince Mike and Richard to commit suicide, showing that if your identity is taken, you are basically hopeless and useless. The second example of how identity is portrayed is when Adam and Catriona start seeing each other. We will write a custom essay sample on Mandrake Dolls or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They learn a lot not only about each other but also about themselves, and their own identity. Adam learns things about Catriona like her personalities and the fact that she once had the guts to go skinny-dipping.He also learns more about himself, through the fact that he is now more confident as a person and also more informed about himself. The final thing that portrays the theme of identity is the way Adam and Catriona goes and looks back on a diary written a hundred year ago, and translates it to something they can understand. They learn and understand more their own unique identity. It is Adam who, after seeing the visions set up by Tam Dubh, realises how similar Margaret and Catriona really are- in both appearance and personality.This is through looking at the diary and also through the spiritual help of Tam Dubh. Catriona finds out about her family tree from letters from the past and Adam Colquhoun’s Bible. Using these she also finds a deeper sense of identity in Adam’s family and her own. She and her mother Barbara are both quite shocked when they find out that they are actually related to Margaret Colquhoun, and both of them cry when they find out how sad the deaths of Margaret and Jamie were.This shows that they have a strong sense of their identity and really care about the sense that they are related to a ‘famous’ ancestor. To conclude, it is through he supernatural atmosphere, created through the dolls and diary entries that they hint at the theme of identity. The mandrake dolls take and control identity, while the diary entries, morph and add to our identities. Both these techniques are incorporated into the novel really well and express the theme of identity in a flowing and integrated manner