Critically consider the ways in which economists have recognised the Essay

Critically consider the ways in which economists have recognised the psychological, social and corporate influences on consumer choice - Essay Example the use of a popular person like an actor or talk-show host/hostess. Social influences are often attributed to class and culture such as those associated with the consumption of luxury goods. Corporate influences are said to be one of the most influential because they invariably come from the very manufacturers and sellers of those goods. For example businesses adopt a variety of strategies or/and sales tactics including those associated with benchmarking products and creating brand loyalties through value creation (Hallberg & Ogilvy, 1995). Consumers have to make a choice between two or more goods before making an actual purchase. In a free market economy where price mechanism alone allocates scarce resources consumer choice is naturally assumed to be free from any influences because depending on the purchasing ability of the consumer he/she might decide to buy a good at its market price. However the contrary is much truer than this theoretical economic explanation to the consumer’s behavior. In the first instance in a free market economy the producer has an equal amount of freedom to use marketing tactics to attract the attention of the potential customer. Customers are influenced by a variety of sales tactics that producers use in order to increase sales volumes. Psychological, social and corporate influences are the most predominant among them. Economists identify psychological influences such as those related to emotions, impulse or/and ostentation. According to economists emotional involvement in consumer choice though might not be measurable, cannot be ruled out altogether (Luce, Bettman and Payne, 2001). As a result every consumer is assumed to be influenced by positive and negative emotional factors like personal memories associated with a product. Michael Jackson related merchandise and memorabilia for instance have such an emotional impact on many potential buyers because he is associated with the firmament of pop music. When

Nursing Evidence Based Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nursing Evidence Based Practice - Essay Example Without resolution, rancor between opponents and supporters to the practice would continue to divide the profession. The selected literature would give valuable insights on the current situation of evidence based nursing practice. Moreover, both sides of the opposing groups would be given due consideration to give the reader a balanced view on the issues. Simpson (2004) traced the origins of evidence based nursing practice (EBN). It began in the 1970's when the clamor for better health care delivery required research to be part of professional development (p.10). The University of Minnesota defined evidence based nursing as "the process by which nurses make clinical decisions using the best available research evidence, their clinical expertise, and patient preferences." (p.10) The University also proposed three areas of research competence that should be developed. They include: "interpreting and using research, evaluating practice, and conducting research." (p.10) Simpson (2004) also included the steps required to gain competence. First, issue identification is an important aspect of problem definition. Second, nurses must be able to conduct research on related literature to support or augment their current knowledge. Third, nurses should be able to formulate criteria used to evaluate evidence. Finally, actions and decision should b e validated against existing evidence to ensure that the delivery of service is optimum (p.10). Rycroft-Malone et al (2003) identified what constituted as evidence in the EBN. Knowledge from "research, clinical experience, patients, clients and carers, and local context and environment" all comprised the knowledge base (p.83). In the order of priority, research came first. Evidences coming from research were fully supported and could validate information gathered (p.83). Next came clinical experience where accumulated knowledge through practice could be drawn when necessary. In this aspect, health care professionals were valued and they do derive their care delivery options through previous experiences (p.84). Third, the personal knowledge, experiences and preferences of the patients, their kin or caregiver should be considered (p.85). Finally, evidences from local context could be drawn from "audit and performance data; patient stories and narratives; knowledge about the culture of the organization and individuals within it; social and professional networks; information from 360 degree feedback; and local and national policy." (p.86) As an emerging practice paradigm, Wallace, Shorten and Russell (1997) cautioned that adopting evidence based nursing should be a contemplated decision because aside from professional responsibilities, evidence based nursing has economic, ethical and moral implications that could be drivers of future developments in nursing practice (p.149). French (1999) enumerated the critical features of evidence based practice. Essentially, it is problem based that could consolidate pertinent research information to implement a better delivery of health care services. The incorporation of first and second hand information to strengthen decision-making is also a feature of evidence based practice. Finally, like any professional development agenda, it aims to improve the quality of service (p.76). Issues and Challenges Closs and Cheater (1999) cited the presence of touchy issues that fueled the debate between

Why Do Conservatives Put An Emphasis On Tradition Politics Essay

Why Do Conservatives Put An Emphasis On Tradition Politics Essay In this essay I am going to attempt to answer the question enclosed in the title of this paper. First I will define the term conservatism; secondly I will present conservatism seen from different perspectives, such as traditional and modern conservatives. My investigation will then focus on attempting to answer the title question. In the last part I will construct an answer to the second question enclosed above and conclude with my own opinion on the subject matter. The term Conservative and Conservatism has been widely described and defined in literature. This depends on the area of the subject it has been elaborated upon. The concept of conservatism has always been controversial in a sense.  [1]  A conservative is disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change  [2]  . This can be seen as a way of favouring traditional views and values and tending to oppose change. This has been the foundation of conservatives throughout history and still being upheld in todays world and society. As an ideological and social system conservatism is characterised by the preservation of the existing conditions of society, including the polity, from significant changes, as well as restoration of a pre-existing social state to substitute for a non-conservative, notably liberal one. Therefore conservatism, when redefined can be segmented into several types such as; political, economic, social or cultural.  [3]  Huntington brings the view of conservatism seen through aristocratic theory as the ideology of a single and unique historical movement. (Huntington, 1957; 454) He further explores other theories which relate to specific classes in society. Liberalism is the ideology reserved for bourgeoisie; Socialism and Marxism are regarded as ideologies of the working class or proletariat whereas the Conservatism becomes the ideology of the aristocracy. (Huntington, 1957; 454) The doctrines of conservative belief derive from both Tory and Whig thought  [4]  . They contain a belief of loyalty to the rule of law, property ownership, upholding institutions, belief in organic nature of society and limited government.  [5]   Notably in England conservatism has become part of political speech around 1830. David Hume is often portrayed as the first conservative political theorist. He was the first major thinker to offer a philosophical defence of conservatism. Hume rejects the idea that the reason goes above what can be observed. In Humes view morality is concerned with action for a persons motives or reasons for action whether an act is right or wrong. Hume further argues that sentiment is a pre-rational feeling towards somebody or something. (Hoffman and Graham, 2009; 202) Conservative thinker Edmund Burke does not accept abstractions, such as the natural right proclaimed by the French Revolutionaries in 1789. Burke defends habit, taste and prejudice. For Burke, the knowledge of other people, including previous generations, is the resource that must be highly respected and followed if we are to avoid disastrous social consequences. Burke in Reflection on the Revolution in France compares contrasts societ ies- French which has neglected prejudice in favour of theory and British, which has remained close to its traditions :(..)that we have made no discoveries, and we think that no discoveries are to be made, in morality; not many in the great principles of government, nor in the ideas of liberty, which were understood long before we were born, altogether a well as they will be after the grave has heaped its mould upon our presumption, and the silent tomb shall have imposed its law on our pert loquacity. (Burke, 1969; 84 in Hoffman Graham 2009; 202) Burke was on the side of what he saw as Britains Great Tradition in political history. (Nisbet 1986; 4) Tory Party was older and favoured by the monarchy and much of aristocracy. Turning to the past for inspiration and for models on which to base policy in the present is deeply embedded in the conservative tradition and is sufficient reason for liberal and radical epithets of reactionary or anarchic. Emile Faguet refers to all of the conservatives as prophets from the past. (Nisbet 1986; 18) Nisbet refers to Churchills emphasis on relating to past in the following I like to live in the past; I dont think people are going to get much fun in the future. (Nisbet 1986; 19) For Burke legitimacy is the work of history and of traditions which go far beyond the resources of any single generations. (Nisbet 1986; 23) To see things authentically as a conservative Mannheim writes () is to experience events in term of an attitude derived from circumstances and situations anchored in the past. (Ni sbet 1986; 23) The concreteness of experience and history is persisting conservative emphasis. (Nisbet 1986; 24) Strauss is regarded as an important influence on what is called neo- conservatism. His view on conservatism is very different to that of Hume, Burke and Oakeshott. Strauss sought to revive both, the reading of text in the history of political thought and the natural right tradition. Use of Tory by modern British Conservatives has been somewhat more affection than anything really substantive. (Nisbet, 1986; 11) Jeremy Bentham and his utilitarian philosophy reject Enlightenment, French Revolution and all philosophers of natural right. He said the past is of no use. (Nisbet, 1986; 17) Michael Oakeshott was one of the most important conservative thinkers of the 20th Century. Oakeshott offered a critique of modern conservatives, who in fact are liberal rationalists. A rationalists stands for independence of mind on all occasions, for thought free from obligation to any authority as he puts it save the authority of reason. (Oakeshott 1962:1 in Hoffman and Graham 2009; 203) The rationalist rejects Burkean prejudice, custom and habit. He believes that it is possible to reason about political institutions and the fact that something exists, and has existed in past, is no justification for respecting or retaining it. This lack of respect causes a political attitude of radical change rather than gradual reform. The rationalist disrespect for institution extends to the world of ideas; instead of a careful engagement with the complex intellectual traditions that have shaped western societies. (Oakeshott 1962; 7 in Hoffman and Graham 2009; 205) Tradition is a practice or institution that has continuedx through time and has been inherited from an earlier period.  [6]  Conservatives have defended tradition of different grounds. For some conservatives, tradition reflects their religious faith. If the world is thought to have been fashioned by a creator, traditional customs and practices in society should be regarded as God given. Therefore to change the tradition or natural laws would be to challenge the will of God. However after the acceleration of historical change old traditions were replaced by new ones. Man-made laws were being created such as universal suffrage and free elections. This certainly weakened fundamentalist conservatism. Most conservatives, however, support tradition without needing to argue it has divine origins. Burke for example, describes society as a partnership between those who are living, those who are dead and those who are to be born. (Nisbet, 1986; 23) Nisbet uses Chestertons quote, who claims that tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes: our ancestors. It is democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about. (Nisbet, 1986; 24)Tradition is therefore seen by conservatives as wisdom of the past. The institutions and traditions have been tested by time, and therefore should be preserved for the benefits of future generations. In a sense, conservatives take a Darwinian view on tradition, that tradition has gone through a period of natural selection and has only survived because it has worked and been found of real value. (Nisbet, 1986; 28) An example of this is the British Monarchy. As historical wisdom and experience is gained from it, as well as gives a focus of national loyalty, it should be preserved. In this sense, tradition also generates a feeling of identity for society and individuals. (Hoffman and Graham 2009; 213) As traditional practices can be recognised from generation to generation, it allows people to feel a sense of belonging. Change on the other hand is like walking into unknown and is therefore dangerous because it creates a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty, in fact threatening happiness. Tradition is therefore seen as fundamental principle of conservatism. (Hoffman and Graham 2009; 214) The philosophy of traditionalism is selective. A tradition must come from the past but it must be also desirable in itself. It is our link with the past. There is another attribute of conservative respect of the old and traditional; belief that no matter how archaic a given structure or modern may be, there may be in it a continuity, still vital, function that man profits from; psychologically or sociologically. (Nisbet 1986; 27) T.S Elliot in his essay on individual talent and tradition has written as confirmed traditionalist as well as revolutionist in poetic form and imaginary. The individual talent is simply impotent, condemned to spinning of wheels without a chosen tradition to work with. (Nisbet, 1986; 29) The Conservative Party is the mean in todays society through which Conservatism is introduced into publics spheres. It has a set of beliefs that comprise British Conservatism and those beliefs that have been preserved and developed over time by Conservative thinkers and politicians. However looking at the recent years it is clear that the link between conservation and development of those beliefs and policies has not been very close as it should have been. Having analysed the above areas of conservatism it is clear in a sense that todays Conservatism and Conservative Party is not really conservative. Margaret Thatchers government 1979-1990 was rather rationalist if we analyse it in Oakeshotts view. (Hoffman and Graham 2009; 206) For Oakeshott experience comes with tradition, therefore rationalism for him is the politics of the inexperienced. (Hoffman and Graham 2009; 207) The contemporary significance of traditional conservatism is seen less as an active ideology. Current conservativ e party is no longer fully conservative, but heading towards more of a liberal approach which is their source of ideas. (Hoffman and Graham 2009; 208) It can be argued that there has been a significant shift in policies and philosophy of Conservative party under David Camerons leadership.  [7]  He has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors which can be characterised by focusing on new areas of concern, avoiding specific commitments, considering better policy options and being more value-oriented than in former Parliaments.  [8]   In my opinion conservatives party and its internal disputes are clear reflection of the contradicting interests present within their ideology. Having in mind that conservative view presents that society does not exist, and the world is only a collection of self-seeking, egotistic individuals I do not believe they are able to invent a coherent way of thinking and going forward with a positive and constructive outlook upon the future. The fact that conservatives seem to be emphasising tradition and history of good times, praising the life and the level of society was during previous decades, will not improve but hinder their progression. I believe by looking backward to the past, conserving the reality cannot be perceived as it really is, but as it would like to be seen from the past perspective. I believe any modern ideology; system has to be addressed to current affairs and relevant to present issues and look forward to the future, rather than the past. However having said that it is clearly noticeable that modern conservative party is collaborating with Liberal-Democrats seems to be a new beginning or transformation that might bring positive results for the people and State.

Essay on the Growth of Katherina in Taming of the Shrew -- Taming Shre

The Growth of Katherina in Taming of the Shrew Although Katherina's final speech in The Taming of the Shrew may sound subservient on the surface, it actually reflects her growth and development into a stronger and more complex character. Without losing the forcefulness that she displayed earlier in the play, the delivery of her final speech exhibits the cleverness and deceptiveness that she has learned from Petruchio throughout the "taming" process. At the beginning of the play, Katherina is seen as the forceful sister and Bianca as the clever one. Katherina is described by Grumio as the "fiend of hell" (I.i.88) and by Tranio as "curst and shrewd" (I.i.180). In contrast, Lucentio sees in Bianca's silence "mild behavior and sobriety" (I.i.71). Early in the play, Katherina forcefully binds Bianca's hands and beats her and a weeping Bianca resorts to her father to get away from Katherina (II.i.1-25). Bianca does not use force but instead relies on cleverness to get her way. As part of her cleverness, Bianca displays a gentle and subservient nature that she knows is pleasing to her father. For example, even though Baptista tells Bianca that she cannot marry until Katherina has taken a husband, he asks that she let this "not displease [her]" (I.i.77) and tells her to go inside. Bianca willingly obeys her father's wishes, telling him: "Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe;/My books and instruments shall be my company" (I.i.81-82). Conversely, when Baptista then tells Katherina to stay, she forcefully ignores his wishes and leaves after responding: "What, shall I be appointed hours, as though (belike)/I knew not what to take and what to leave? Ha!" (I.i.103-04). Lucentio is very much like Bianca. He uses clever dis... ...ee our lances are but straws, Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare, That seeming to be most which we indeed least are. (V.ii.170-75) Katherina's final speech may be ironical but it is exactly what society expects to hear. The tone of her speech is dignified and aristocratic and it is delivered with style and persuasion. It is by far the most noble and eloquent speech included in the play. Katherina's ability to effectively deliver this speech exhibits her growth into a stronger character--one that now possesses both forcefulness and cleverness. Compared with Bianca and Lucentio, who remain one-sided (clever-only) characters, Katherina and Petruchio together form a formidable pair--as characters that are bothclever and forceful. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. The Taming of the Shrew. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman, 1997. Essay on the Growth of Katherina in Taming of the Shrew -- Taming Shre The Growth of Katherina in Taming of the Shrew Although Katherina's final speech in The Taming of the Shrew may sound subservient on the surface, it actually reflects her growth and development into a stronger and more complex character. Without losing the forcefulness that she displayed earlier in the play, the delivery of her final speech exhibits the cleverness and deceptiveness that she has learned from Petruchio throughout the "taming" process. At the beginning of the play, Katherina is seen as the forceful sister and Bianca as the clever one. Katherina is described by Grumio as the "fiend of hell" (I.i.88) and by Tranio as "curst and shrewd" (I.i.180). In contrast, Lucentio sees in Bianca's silence "mild behavior and sobriety" (I.i.71). Early in the play, Katherina forcefully binds Bianca's hands and beats her and a weeping Bianca resorts to her father to get away from Katherina (II.i.1-25). Bianca does not use force but instead relies on cleverness to get her way. As part of her cleverness, Bianca displays a gentle and subservient nature that she knows is pleasing to her father. For example, even though Baptista tells Bianca that she cannot marry until Katherina has taken a husband, he asks that she let this "not displease [her]" (I.i.77) and tells her to go inside. Bianca willingly obeys her father's wishes, telling him: "Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe;/My books and instruments shall be my company" (I.i.81-82). Conversely, when Baptista then tells Katherina to stay, she forcefully ignores his wishes and leaves after responding: "What, shall I be appointed hours, as though (belike)/I knew not what to take and what to leave? Ha!" (I.i.103-04). Lucentio is very much like Bianca. He uses clever dis... ...ee our lances are but straws, Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare, That seeming to be most which we indeed least are. (V.ii.170-75) Katherina's final speech may be ironical but it is exactly what society expects to hear. The tone of her speech is dignified and aristocratic and it is delivered with style and persuasion. It is by far the most noble and eloquent speech included in the play. Katherina's ability to effectively deliver this speech exhibits her growth into a stronger character--one that now possesses both forcefulness and cleverness. Compared with Bianca and Lucentio, who remain one-sided (clever-only) characters, Katherina and Petruchio together form a formidable pair--as characters that are bothclever and forceful. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. The Taming of the Shrew. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman, 1997.

Ethics and Moral Reasoning Essay

Even though living in pain can be a physical and emotional toll on a person’s life, no one can judge or comment on it without knowing how it feels, but choosing to end your life for this cause is ethically wrong. A person should not be able to choose between life and death like it is something normal that we do every day. Dying is not the answer to a person’s problems, pains, or sufferings. Now a day technology and medicine are highly advanced and can cure or reduce the pain of a person with a disease. Choosing to end your life is basically committing suicide and suicide is wrong. First, I believe a person should not be able to choose whether they will live or die because dying will ease the pain and suffering they are experiencing but it is not the answer to their problems. People do not realize that by choosing to die they cause problems, pain and suffering to others. For example, a person may choose to die and have a big medical bill in which his spouse or family will be responsible for and not be able to afford it. Now because of his/her acts this family will be stuck with the financial problems left behind which can cause the person suffering due to financial burdens when they cannot afford it. Then to think on funeral expenses, and how the adults will explain it to children who might be too young to understand why was this chosen. Now a day medicine can cure or reduce the pain of a person with a disease. As I researched on the web I found that because of the â€Å"rapid and dramatic development in medicine and technology professionals have the power to save more lives.† For example, when a person has cancer they undergo chemo and/or radiation. Some people have it with success and kill the cancer cells while others don’t. We also have people with AIDS who can live their life pain and symptom free thanks to medicine they have to ta ke and things they have to undergo. Living with AIDS is a good example on a disease that is terminal and there is no cure for it but there are medicines that can and will help a person live life for many years and with very little to no problems. By ending life with the assistance of a doctor or medicine is basically committing assisted suicide and this is wrong and should not be assisted or encourage. Life is a gift from God and a person should not decide the end of it. Having a doctor assist you and give you medicine to end your life  whether it is to end your pain and suffering from a terminal disease is as bad as putting a gun to your head. I believe that having assisted suicide most people abuse it and think it’s the only way out. Some might even doing in despair or they might be desperate to stop all the pain they are in. Others might feel depressed in knowing they have a disease they might not be able to cure and will eventually die from. Ending a life due to medical issue is morally and ethically wrong and people should let the disease run its course. I don’t know how it is to live in pain and the physical and emotional toll it can have on someone. I cannot judge or comment on any person’s situation but a person should not be able to choose whether they will live or die. I believe it is selfish on their part to choose to end their life and should realize that dying will not stop the problems, pains, or sufferings. It will stop on their part because they will not be here to live it but it would not stop for the family and can even get worse with the death of that person. Medicine and technology are highly advanced and can cure or reduce the pain of a person with a disease. There are many medicines and equipment used to ease, stop and even prevent pain. When a person is choosing to end their life they are basically planning on committing suicide. People should look into the consequences it will bring if t hey do choose to end their life before even mentioning it. References: Assisted Suicide: A Right or a Wrong?. (n.d.). Assisted Suicide: A Right or a Wrong?. Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n1/suicide.html Physician-assisted Suicide: The Wrong Approach to End of Life Care. (n.d.). Physician-assisted Suicide: The Wrong Approach to End of Life Care. Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/assisted-suicide/to-live-each-day/physician-assisted-sucide-wrong-approach.cfm

An advice leaflet for teenagers on how to lead a healthier lifestyle

To start with, if you want to look good and stay fit, you should exercise and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Today, 25% of the world’s population are dying from heart disease which is caused by fat blocking the artery which carries blood that goes to the heart and that’s how people die. You can stop this problem by exercising. What good will this do to you? Well, when you run or do any sort of exercise, your body will burn the fat and make you feel lighter. You can argue with me that fat is needed for keeping you warm in the winter. True, but it’s needed in limited amounts. If you exercise, it exercises not only your body but also your heart and will also control your breathing rate. Secondly, you should eat a balanced diet. That is eat carbohydrates: bread, cornflakes, wheat etc. more every day to give you energy to start your day; vitamins and minerals- fruit and veg to boost up your immune system: defence for your body to protect you against harmful diseases and fats and oils for storage and warmth in your body- e.g. chocolate. You should also eat proteins e.g. egg for growth and repair of cells. Thirdly, you should get out, cycle or play football with your friends and feel the fresh, clean and pure breeze rushing on to your face and making you feel refreshed. It also gives you a break from study and calms your mind from stress. You should at least go out for an hour every day. So overall what I am trying to do is to get you all to agree with me that you should exercise, get outside and feel the fresh air and eat a balanced diet for your healthy lifestyle, healthy body and healthy mind. Pictures to fit the above points: An unfit body: A fit body: Let’s see what you have learned. Fill in the quick quiz below: 1. What do you need in order to have a healthy diet? 2. What do you need to do in order to remain fit? 3. What does going outside to play etc. do to you? Submit your answers no later than Tuesday 7th February 2011 on this address: 12, Fitchburg province, Tennessee, US 00345 Website- www.healthyadvicemagazine.com