Robert Nozick's Postition on Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Robert Nozick's Postition on Ethics - Essay Example Thus, the main rule or the formula in terms of Mill’s utilitarian thesis is that we ought to act and make decisions on the basis that the greatest good for the greatest number is achieved. Conversely, the basic tenets of Nozick’s position on decision theory, runs as follows: Nozick argues that our decisions ought to pass a test which states that one should only will for themselves that which they were willing to have everyone else do. Phrased in other terms, we ought not to lie because we would not be living in a society where lying was manifest universally. This notion is the categorical imperative, and it is central in terms of the philosophical background for the problem of incommensurability. More importantly, it is a shift in emphasis that maintains that it is the consequences and not the intentions that matter. It will be argued that Nozick's position is incommesurable with utilitarianism on the grounds that his focus is on the consequences, and this is an extensi on of what he see's as the limitations of focusing on the 'intentions' of actions. Considering the consequences and the intentions of an ethical decision is incommensurable, and this is the core of Nozick's critique of utilitarianism. What is important to note in a preliminary sense, is the quantitative approach taken to decision making in both philosophical utilitarianism and in Nozick. By quantitative, it is implied in the general sense that there is a formula and a measure to decide on ethical questions. Further, there is a concern with the ‘universal’ or the ‘greater number’ in both formulas. These are all key notions which is informing the general problem of in-commensurability Consider, for example, the problems which arise when measuring the two instances provided at the outset of this analysis. Consider an instance, where an individual was in the position of having to choose between having civic virtue ‘society’ and choosing to be loyal to his friend. And, in the other instance, an individual had to choose between his dying mother and the underground resistance movement – a form of civic duty again. One can see at the outset, a number of problems. If we apply utilitarianism, then, in both examples society is the greater good. And, if we take the categorical imperative as the measure, we can see some further paradoxes as well. For example, in the Nozickian framework the individual who turns against his friend (because of utilitarianism) is a committing an act which you would not to want to will universally. And, it is the ‘universal’, at the same time, who is the primary concern as well. The problem at this point, is related to the notion of the ‘universal’ and the connection with the universal along with the concept of measuring or quantifying. It can be said that quantification is an important consideration in both utilitarianism and in the notion of the universal in Nozick. He ar gues that when we are examining the relationship between the individual over and against the whole, it is impossible not adequately consider some qualitative distinctions. For example, he points out that while morality is as much a general ethos which is qualitative, that is, the general principles or values which any given culture maintains, the abstract measure of

Management status Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Management status - Essay Example This therefore implies that it is important to make sure that the workforce is satisfied and relating well with one another. A workforce that is well motivated, working as a team, and has a good working environment are all ingredients required for success of any business. It is upon the management to build of any business to ensure that there is team work I the organization, and that the workforce is motivated. In building employee motivation there is need for the management to create a strong foundation that should act as the main driving force of the employees. Building a foundation involves revisiting the organization’s mission, vision and objectives. It is important to make sure that all employees are fully aware of the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives. This is important since it gives a guideline on what the organization as a whole is working towards. Additionally, knowledge of the mission, vision, and objectives is important for employees to make a self-assessment to determine if they are in correspondence with individual career goals and aspirations. Correspondence of individual career goals with goals of the organization brings a sense of belonging and therefore there are higher chances of feeling motivated. This should be done frequently new employees joining the organization in order to ensure that the entire workforce is well motivated. It is upon the management to build a conducive and welcoming atmosphere within the organization in a bid to motivate the workforce. A good working environment motivates employees and there are hardly any cases of absenteeism. This is because a conducive atmosphere in work places makes employees feel important and comfortable. It is extremely easy to handle all forms of work related challenges when employees are in a comfortable environment. The management should ensure that employees feel comfortable to approach them with all questions regarding work. For instance, the

Economic and Political Motives for European Expansion into Africa Essay

Economic and Political Motives for European Expansion into Africa - Essay Example Missionaries persuaded their respective European governments to colonize Africa and thereby provide a supportive environment for the expansion of commerce. European powers used mineral exploitation, large-scale agricultural production, mixed economies as well as the supply of labor as modes of economic activity to generate revenue in colonial Africa. The major political reason that led to European expansion in Africa was political rivalries between the countries. England and France loathed one another for a considerable length of time due to the infamous hundred year’s war, and they both wanted to outdo each other in Africa. Nonetheless, the race for power was not limited to France and Britain. Other European nations wanted to benefit as well. Nationalism was popular among most western European nations as each nation wanted to be strongest. Nationalism is a strong identification with and pride in one's nation.This resulted in competition between European powers leading to wars . This competition made most nations to acquire more territories to uphold the spirit of nationalism in order to be seen superior than other nations. The strategy was another political reason for colonization of Africa. Most European countries were keen to maintain control of specific territories for strategic reasons. The British considered that South Africa offered a useful stop for ships on their way to India. Besides, the Suez Canal in Egypt significantly created a much shorter route between the UK and her colonies further east.

Organizational Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Organizational Analysis - Essay Example The company’s growth focus spread to women’s, men’s and children’s wear with time. According to finance.yahoo.com (2013), Nordstrom is today a leader in fashion and with specialized retailer service for shoes, apparel, accessories and cosmetics for women, children and men. Nordstrom operations are carried out in two segments namely Retail and credit. The retail segment is known for services in brand selection and commodities of private label. Conversely, the credit segment operates the organization’s federal savings bank which offers a credit card of the private label form, two Nordstrom credit cards of Visa form, and a debit card (Reuters, 2013). 1.1.2. What Nordstrom Inc. does Nordstrom is well established as a leading high-end attire trade corporation whose revenue is derived from the trade of premium quality shoes, clothing, accessories and cosmetics (Laughlin et al., 2006). Through these numerous retail channels, Nordstrom offers to its client- base a variety of private label commodities and trademark names whose main attention is inclined towards shoes, accessories, cosmetics and apparel (Reuters, 2013). 1.1.3. ... Customers are also served through a loyalty program that is based on shopping and that features Nordstrom credit and debit cards. A fashion reward program is also offered to Nordstrom card holders where points are accumulated depending on the amount of spending for 2,000 points, a twenty thousand dollars reward is issued to the customer in form of Nordstrom notes redeemable from Nordstrom stores or online (Reuters, 2013). 1.1.4. Size Finance.yahoo.com (2013) reveals that Nordstrom has a total of 61,000 full time employees led by various executives, officers and a board of members. Incorporated in 1946, Nordstrom is today a specialty retail leader owning about 245 stores in 31 of American States and is still in the process of expanding to other states and internationally (finance.yahoo.com, 2013). The company’s retail sector also has 124 Nordstrom Rack Stores and 117 recognized packed line stores. 2.0. Nordstrom mission and the role of HR in fostering the mission statement 2.0. 1. Nordstrom mission statement While operating through the Nordstrom retail stores, upscale shoppers are attracted and provided with nothing less than quality customer service and stylish experience (Team2misnordstrom, 2012). Nordstrom Rack appeals to bargain-conscious customers serving through discount stores. The operation of Nordstrom is in line with its mission of providing unique services daily and ensuring customers are served satisfactorily. Nordstrom also operates under informed decision making to best meet the interests of the customers and the interests of employees by embracing the richness of its workforce diversity (Team2misnordstrom, 2012). 2.0.2. HR’s role in fostering Nordstrom’s mission statement Human resource managers have the responsibility of building the overall

Pricing Strategy River Side Cafe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pricing Strategy River Side Cafe - Essay Example This gives River Side Cafe a distinct competitive advantage over its competitors as its unique Mexican style attracts and retains coffee and tea lovers at its premises. Therefore, the premium pricing strategy is the best strategy for River Side Cafe to adopt because it is also a new entrant into the market with the hope of maximizing its revenues especially in the first stages of the cafe’s product life cycle (Smith, 2011). River Side Cafe is a new player in the tea and coffee industry. As such, it has to curve out a name for itself in the beverages service industry in order to attract and retain loyal customers. However, it faces stiff competition from established industry players who already have reputable brand names and command a large share of the market. These include the likes of Tchibo, Nestle, Wal-Mart and Starbucks. These companies have a wide capital outlay to expand and promote their business thereby remaining relevant in the market over a long period. Therefore, River Side Cafe has to establish its own competitive advantages in order to enter this strongly guarded beverages market. Owing to its unique features in brewing and serving coffee and tea, the cafe also incorporates a pricing strategy in order to penetrate the market further (Jensen, 2013). Premium pricing is the best pricing strategy for the cafe to use in entering the beverages business under such competitive markets. This strat egy gives the cafe class, style and prestige as well as promoting its clients’ base through word of mouth references. Being a new kid in the block and charging high prices for their products and services attracts high-end consumers as well as establish a reputable

International business class (Discussion Board) Assignment - 6

International business class (Discussion Board) - Assignment Example Demand of the product being exported should not necessarily have an extensive market platform. It should be more of intensive in order to ensure specified products for the sophisticated intensive market. Third is a countys relationship with other enterprises. This relation ensures a healthy competitive platform in related industries. The competition enables production of more quality products. Lastly are the firm strategy and rivalry conditions. Strategy depends on a countrys managerial ability and decision making, the formulation of different strategies must always take the importing countries into consideration. Rivalry ensures strength and dominance in the market. Texas cotton production took care of demand and rivalry by ensuring consumers got high quality cotton to beat their rivals. Their strategies consisted of introducing innovation into production process. The answer number three vividly explains the four factors. The answer on demand is contradictory. Demand should depend on an intensive foreign market and not a domestic sophisticated market. The issue is on import not domestic market. In its relation to Texas cotton producers the answer is vague on how exactly the Texans used the factors to improve their own

Are attitudes, policies and procedures for dealing with female Essay

Are attitudes, policies and procedures for dealing with female offenders difficult to justify when compared with their male counterparts - Essay Example In line with this, this research will answer the question ‘Are the attitudes, policies and procedures for dealing with female offenders difficult to justify when compared with their male counter parts?’ the methodology employed in order to address this question is documentary research. The study, utilising the documentary research methodology, relied on using secondary data collected from various scholarly literatures written about female offenders, UK Case Laws, crimes, and legislation. In the documentary analysis undertaken, the answer to the primary question is NO. It is not difficult to justify. This answer to the question is supported by the following suppositions: 1. Justice is impartial. The gender and sex of the offender is immaterial in the resolution of the case 2. There is a need to redefine the court system in such a way that it will accommodate female offenders and workers in the justice system 3. There is a need for restructuring of the justice system. 4. Reformation in the justice system 5. Training among the workers on treatment of female offenders. The notion of women committing crimes have been considered as a deviancy from the cultural image and gendered expectations that society has of women.1 Being such, traditional theories pertinent to female delinquency and female offending have been focused on how women are biological destined in committing crimes or by explaining it away via citing pathological explanations that confound the criminal act. Recognizing the importance of these views as necessary in understanding the criminal behaviour of women, does not preclude the fact that women ‘do’ commit crimes and that there are factors and explanations behind their criminal acts and not simply because of their gender or sexuality.2 Although Table 1 shows that compared with men, women commit less crimes but it does not show the fact that there is an increase in the number