Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Essays - Intelligence, Psychometrics

Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Essays - Intelligence, Psychometrics Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Definition: Intelligence Testing In reviewing the text, I found the definition of intelligence testing to be very simple; testing used to measure intelligence. Two definitions found on an Internet site at dictionary.com are: (a) A standardized test used to establish an intelligence level rating by measuring a subject's ability to form concepts, solve problems, acquire information, reason, and perform other intellectual operations. (b) A psychometric test of intelligence; they used to think that intelligence is what an intelligence test tests. In defining intelligence, there has always been the question of whether intelligence is measured as one phenomenon or if it has many variables that are combined. For example, is it how smart a person is? Or is it a mixture of survival, mathematical, social and other abilities. There are many debates regarding weather measuring intelligence is determined from test scores and results or if it is measured by the person ability to process and problem solve. Uses of Intelligence Testing In an educational setting, intelligence and achievement tests are administered routinely to assess individual accomplishment. They are used to improve instruction and curriculum planning. High schools use these test to assist in the students future educational planning. Elementary schools utilize screening and testing procedures to help determine readiness for reading and writing placement. Intelligence can be measured, though imperfectly, by intelligence tests, among them the Standford-Binat Intelligence and the Wechsler scales. These tests are intended to determine an individual's intelligence quotient (IQ). Intelligence tests usually provide an estimate of global cognitive functioning as well as information about functioning within more specific domains. Compared to measures of virtually all other human traits, intelligence test scores are quite stable. However, the degree of stability increases with age such that early childhood and preschool measures of intellectual function are far less predictive of later functioning than assessments taken during middle childhood. Furthermore, despite their relative stability, intelligence test scores may change as a function of important environmental factors. Therefore, intelligence test scores are descriptive of a child's functioning at that point in time. This could change with alterations in the child's psychiatric status, environmental conditions, or educational program. Components of a good intelligence test are (a) Validity; does the test really measure intelligence and not something else? (b) Reliability; does the test produce consistent measurements? (c) Norms; are the participants being fairly compared? Components that make an intelligence test flawed are (a) Poor validity; many intelligence tests are sensitive to social factors in addition to intelligence. (b) Poor norms; being compared to people who are different. (c) Inappropriate application; test measures something that has nothing to do with the participants school or job. Theories of Process Psychometric Model Psychometric approach is defined as psychology that deals with the design, administration, and interpretation of quantitative tests for the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits. The psychometric model is a theoretical perspective that quantifies individual differences in test scores to establish a rank order of abilities. There are various psychometric approaches to intelligence. The following paragraphs describe three different theorists and their psychometric model. Charles Spearmans believed that intelligence is a combination of two parts. According to his two-factor theory of intelligence, the performance of any intellectual act requires some combination of g, (general intelligence factor) which is available to the same individual to the same degree for all intellectual acts. (Specific factors) or s is specific to that act and varies in strength from one act to another. S is specific knowledge such as verbal reasoning or spatial problem solving. Spearman equated g with mental energy. If one knows how a person performs on one task that is highly saturated with g, one can safely predict a similar level of performance for another highly g saturated task. Prediction of performance on tasks with high s factors is less accurate. Thus, the most important information to have about a person's intellectual ability is an estimate of their g or mental energy (Plucker 1989). Thurstone's theory is based on seven primary mental abilities. In the area of intelligence, his theory maintains that intelligence is made up of several primary mental abilities rather than just the g and s factors. He was among

Take Public Transportation - Save Money, Save The World

Take Public Transportation - Save Money, Save The World If you want to help reduce global warming, air pollution, and your monthly living costs, one of the best things you can do is to get out of your car. By walking or riding a bicycle for short trips, or taking public transportation for longer ones, you will significantly reduce the amount of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions you generate each day. The Rising Environmental Cost of Driving Alone Transportation accounts for more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation in the United States saves approximately 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline and about 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Yet only 14 million Americans use public transportation daily while 88 percent of all trips in the United States are made by car- and many of those cars carry only one person. Added Benefits of Public Transportation Cutting back on carbon emissions and costs usage isnt the only added benefit of using public transportation. It also helps increase the energy independence of the country overall. Although an increasing amount of our oil is produced in North America, the majority of it still comes from across the pond. Public transportation is also safer, a lot safer, in fact. Riding a bus is 79 times safer than riding in an automobile, and riding a train or subway is even safer. Its also healthier, studies have shown that people who use public transportation regularly tend to be healthier than people who do not, because of the exercise they get walking to and from bus stops, subway stations and their homes and offices. And of course, theres the reduction of costs overall. According to an APTA study, families that use public transportation can reduce their household expenses by $6,200 annually, more than the average U.S. household spends on food every year. The Heart of the Debate Over Public Transportation So why don’t more Americans use public transportation? Transportation experts and social scientists may argue about which came first, America’s attachment to the automobile or the urban and suburban sprawl that makes long daily commutes in at least one and often two cars a requirement for many American families. Either way, the problem at the heart of the debate is that good public transportation systems are not available to enough people. While public transportation is readily available in many major cities, the majority of Americans in smaller cities, towns and rural areas simply do not have access to good public transportation options. So the problem is twofold: People with access to public transportation has to be persuaded to use it more often. Additionally, more affordable public transportation options in smaller communities need to be created for use. Trains, Buses, and Automobiles Train systems are the most efficient in many ways, typically emitting less carbon and using less fuel per passenger than buses, but they are often more expensive to implement. Also, the traditional advantages of trains can be mitigated to a large extent by using hybrids or buses that run on natural gas. Another promising alternative is bus rapid transit (BRT), which runs extra-long buses in dedicated lanes. A 2006 study by the Breakthrough Technologies Institute found that a BRT system in a medium-sized U.S. city could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 650,000 tons during a 20-year period. If you live in an area with good public transportation, do something good for the planet today. Park your car, and take the subway or the bus. If you don’t, then talk to your local and federal elected officials about the benefits of public transportation and how it may help solve some of the problems they’re wrestling with right now.

Comparative Study of Critical Resource Diagramming Versus PERT and CPM Assignment

Comparative Study of Critical Resource Diagramming Versus PERT and CPM - Assignment Example PERT is a statistical implement used in project management, it is designed to analyze and exemplify the task evaluation completing a given project (Delgado et al., 2004). It is normally used in conjunction with CPM which is known as critical path method in project scheduling and management technique. CPM is a tool used to evaluate and determine duration based on the proof of identity of â€Å"critical work† through an activity network (Delgado et al., 2004).Ultimately CPM and PERT can be merged into one to form a project scheduling technique known as CPM/PERT. The combination of both CPM and PERT makes it visually easier to view precedence relationships and gives an opportunity for ideal large projects with several activities (Delgado et al., 2004). CPM/PERT contain two major key elements: activities and events. An activity embodies an action and consumption of resources such as time, money and energy needed to complete a quota for a given plan. The activity is typically epitomized by an arrow; this is due to the fact that it encompasses resources (Delgado et al., 2004). An event, normally taken to mean node will basically occur at the beginning and the end of an activity. The events have no resources and as a result are represented by a circle (Delgado et al., 2004). When working on a complicated project, it is normally very hard for the business owner to envisage the schedule and risks. Applying the PERT/CPM can help play a major role in breaking the large efforts down into smaller tasks and show the relationships between different tasks. This can help in determining the expected outcome besides anticipating and alleviating scheduling bottlenecks (Delgado et al., 2004). Using the just-in-time (JIT) philosophy as a standard project scheduling technique can help solve the implications of Ajax project management that includes the stratagem, fabrication and introduction of a firsthand microwave oven. The just-in-time is used to eliminate wastage by cutting unnecessary inventory and doing away with the delays in operations.  

Management Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Management Psychology - Essay Example Convents. Institutions to take care of diseased and mentally retarded persons. Culture refers to a system of shared meaning held by members that distinguishes the nation or organization from the rest. The main function of culture is to create a distinction between nations and organizations. Culture conveys a sense of identity for organization members. Culture facilitates the generation of commitment to something larger than one's individual self interest. Culture also enhances the stability of the social system. Culture id the social glue that helps the organization held together by appropriate standards for what employees should say and do. In the articles, Goffman addresses the details of a total institution with reference to mentally retarded persons, prisons etc. There are a lot of problems in the system of total institution. Some of the major cultural mistakes include: When one wants to change an aspect of the culture of an organization one has to keep in consideration that this is a long term project. Corporate culture is something that is very hard to change and employees need time to get used to the new way of organizing. For companies with a very strong and specific culture it will be even harder to change. The following stages can be used to bring the change: Changes in culture can lead to tensions between organizational and individual interests, which can result in ethical and legal problems for practitioners. This is particularly relevant for changes in employee integrity, control, equitable treatment and job security. These are the various

Why Effective Communication Is Important Essay Example for Free

Why Effective Communication Is Important Essay 1. Understand why effective communication is important in the work setting? Communication is the key to understating and being understood. Commotion is essential for our survival and we use it in every aspect of our lives from the moment we are born. E.g. Talking, shouting, crying, reading, writing, seeing and listening. Body language and ecpressions are also use when communtatin. We all communicate with each other to achieve goals in ife, whether it be physical or emotional. Communication allows us to convey information, thought , moods. ( Eg. Happiness , sadness,anger). As a human being we all have a basic need to relate to each other and effectively expressing ourselfe through communication. In work setting it enables us to create and maintain relationships with everyone we have contact with. Identify the different reasons people communicat? There are lots of different reasons people communicate. People need to express needs and share ideas and information to build relationships and ask questions. It essential tool a caer can use to meet the needs of children. This is a basic requirerment in all jobs to communicate with individuals and their families and staff on a daily basis. 1.2 Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting? Communication can affct relationships in many ways in a work setting. Read more:  Explain the reasons why people communicate  essay Colleagues The manager Supervisor Parents of the children and children Effective communication- is a two way proess. When communication you need to send clear and concise message to the responding party. Everyone most be understood correctly to have a response. We can also communicate by telephone, written notes, email, text messages and vocal. 2. Be able to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals? Communication can be difficult, especially when you are in a situation where you are unsure of the language and abilities of those who you are associating with. Its always best when you meet someone to begin communication on your own terms; if you speak English greet them as such, although ensure that you are speaking slowly and clearly. It should be fairly easy to work out whether they have not understood due to communication impairments or language differences based upon their reaction to your initial introduction. If they have disabilities, try to communicate through body language or they may even be able to lipread; perhaps try both to see which they are receptive to, and continue from there. If they seem to be speaking a different language, you can either try speaking in a different tongue (should you know another) or again try body language. You may even know someone nearby who may be able to help you out. 2.2 Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication? 3. Be able to overcome barriers to communication 3.1 Explain how people from different backgrounds may use and/or interpret communication methods in different ways 3.2 Identify barriers to effective communication 3.5 Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively Here are some ways of access extra support or services. There is a number of services that can accessed to support communication. Interpreters Translators signers aduocators There is lots of different specialisr equipment for people that need them. Induction loops braille embossers and printers makaton. The local government body should provide language support services. British sign language interpreters deaf blind interpreters lip speakers or readers You can find services y utilised by educationa; and health sevices through a booking system. There is a local authority educational deportment access to a tea support specialistis indvding speech and language therapists. You can also find information on the internt various specialist website.

Dr. Jeffrey MacDonalds Fight for Innocence Essay -- Dr. Jeffrey MacDo

Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald's Fight for Innocence Debated as one of the most misrepresented cases in American legal history, Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald still fights for innocence. Contrary to infallible evidence, prosecution intentionally withheld crucial information aiding MacDonald’s alibi. Such ratification included proof of an outside attack that would have played a major role in Jeffrey’s case. Convicted for the murders of his wife and two kids, thirty-four years ago, Dr. MacDonald still endures the agony of being accused of killing his family. Even after twenty-four years of imprisonment and several unlawful court hearings, additional documentation continues to up hold Dr. MacDonald’s testimony. It happened on a rainy night on February 17, 1970 at the base of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Military police were responding to a call from Green Beret surgeon Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, which they thought was a routine call. When the military police arrived they discovered the slaughtered bodies of MacDonald’s wife, Colette, who was twenty six, and his two daughters Kimberley, five, and Kristen, two. A MP who preformed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation revived Dr. MacDonald. He told the police he and his wife stayed up drinking some orange liquor. She went to bed and he stayed up to finish watching the Johnny Carson show. MacDonald fell asleep on the sofa. He was awakened by screams of his wife and daughters. MacDonald claimed that three men standing over the sofa started to attack him with a bladed weapon and a baseball bat. He identified the person holding the bat as a black man with an army jacket with E-6 stripes and two white men, one carrying the bladed weapon. Before he was knocked unconscious he said that there was a lady in the back with a large floppy hat, holding a candle and was saying â€Å"acid is groovy† and â€Å"kill the pigs.† When MacDonald woke back up he found his wife lying on the ground, and tried to revive her with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with no success. He then found his daughters and tried to help them. This is when he called for an ambulance. The Army CID sent a new, inexperienced investigator named William Ivory to investigate the scene. Ivory decided after looking around the house that MacDonald made up the story of the killers. He also persuaded everyone that he was the culprit. This meant that everyone in Ivory’s chain... ...t his the evidence in front of a jury. Still believing in his innocence Jeff is filing for parole after fourteen years of eligibility. He is hoping to meet parole board criteria so he can be released on parole. This is a good case to show how it isn’t always the poor, black, or Hispanic groups getting tried for something they haven’t done. It shows that a white doctor could get his life destroyed by an unfair Judge and prosecutors. Works Cited Briscoe, Daren, MacDonald Wants Out. Newsweek, January 24, 2005. Vol. 145, Issue 4, p8, 1/4p, 1c. Retrieved from EBSCO database on the World Wide Web: http://web3.epnet.com/ Briscoe, Daren, The Green Beret Murders Haven’t Given Up. Newsweek, August 30, 2004. Vol. 144, Issue 9, p6, 4/5p, 1c. Retrieved from EBSCO database on the World Wide Web: http://web3.epnet.com/ Http://www.themacdonaldcase.org/case_overview.html Http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/family/jmacdonald/2.html?sect=12 The Associated Press, DNA Tests for Jeffrey MacDonald/ Former Physician Seeks Evidence in 1970 ‘Fatal Vision’ Slayings. Newsday. March 24, 1999. Retrieved from eLibrary on the World Wide Web: http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/libweb/

The American Involvement in the Cold War

The role of America at the end of World War II was where the origins of policing the world originate. America had been engaged in a very costly war in terms of dollars as well as lives. But, despite the expense the United States came out of World War II better than any other nation that was involved. The Second World War was a battle between the Allied and Axis Powers. The Allied Powers consisted of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and France. This war was seen as the fight against Nazi Germany, and therefore resulted in a majority of the battles fought on German and Russian soil. The aftermath left the Soviet Union in bad shape. Close to twenty million Russians had died fighting the war, which accounted for about eight percent of their population. Conversely, none of the fighting was done on American soil, and while the United States suffered in terms of casualties it was nothing compared to the loss Russia had endured. Because the war would not end until the Axis Powers fully surrendered to the Allied Powers, the United States was forced to use the first atomic warfare in history. The atom bomb would later serve as America's greatest possession. Stalin, the Premier of the Soviet Union had always distrusted the American and English intentions. Because of Stalin's aggression and attitude pertaining to Soviet influence on Europe, the postwar stance on Russia had turned into a standoff. This became the origin of the Cold War. The Cold War, seen as a battle between communism and capitalism, was â€Å"in reality a more complex struggle over a broad range of ideological, economic, and strategic issues. † Over the next several years the United States would spend more money on military and defense than ever before. Several measures were taken to ensure that the same mistakes at the end of World War I would not be repeated. The first in a series of measures was a postwar conference involving President Truman and the Soviet Foreign Minister, V. M. Molokov, where Truman controlled the entire meeting and basically scolded the Soviet's for not honoring agreements on Poland. Truman â€Å"told the Russians just where the got off and generally bossed the whole meeting. † This symbolized America's strong-arm stance against communism and signified the position we would hold throughout the Cold War. The next step in Truman's agenda was to work with Congress to pass the National Security Act of 1947, which was designed to strengthen defense operations. This act created a single Department of Defense, and created the Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA. These two new agencies acted as the first step in atomic warfare management. Continuing to act as police of the world and leader of capitalism, Truman drafted the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan, which complemented the Truman Doctrine, â€Å"was a program of large scale economic and military aid to Europe. Considered by some, this was the most â€Å"innovative piece of foreign policy in American History. Where over the next four years the United States contributed over $12 billion to a highly successful recovery effort. † The Soviet Union stilled commanded a blockade on highway, rail, and river traffic to West Berlin. As a result, the United States responded by entering into a peacetime military alliance; this being the first time since the American Revolution. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) a project costing $1. billion, enabled the basing of all four United States Army divisions into Western Europe. Twelve nations agreed to sign this pact that stated â€Å"an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. † Consequently, a few months later, Stalin â€Å"lifted the blockade which had made the city a symbol of resistance to communism. † Between the creation of NATO, the National Security Act and CIA, and the Marshall Plan, America was dictating their position with Russia and communism. These measures made it possible for Americans to become more comfortable with the Cold War. While all of these governmental policies were being put into action, Americans were settling back into the ideology of family and free enterprise. The post-war period became one of the most exciting in American history. With the rising economy and feeling of consumerism, Americans were rebounding from their efforts in World War II. Capitalism was on the rise and the â€Å"Apple Pie† portrait of middle class suburban families was shaping the country. America was now the wealthiest country in the world and Americans had â€Å"accumulated savings of $140 billion† in 1945. â€Å"Over the next two decades the gross national product more than tripled,† signifying prosperity. Between 1945 and 1960, the gross national product would grow from $213 billion to more than $500 billion, while real income would rise 25 percent. Included in these figures was the percent of American families owning homes, which grew from 43 percent to over 60 percent in this same time period; this created the suburban explosion. This suburban lifestyle was intended to symbolize the superiority of capitalism over communism and imply that the American way of life would win the Cold War. † Americans were again beginning to see the capitalist society they fought for, and the confidence level of the country continued to rise throughout the 1960's. The people cannot create a great nation themselves; great leaders must direct them. Besides the three Presidents who led America throughout the end of World War II and through the Cold War, there were many influential voices that helped to shape the views of the public. Among these influential people was a man named George F. Kennan. He was a member of the United States embassy to the Soviet Union and author of the â€Å"long telegram† which was sent to the heads of state in Washington D. C. In his telegram, Kennan described the Soviets as insecure, inferior, and less advanced than Americans. â€Å"As Russia came into contact with the economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies,† was the general message Kennan was trying to get across. Because he saw the country from the inside Kennan also believed the United Sates should † pursue a policy of firm containment†¦ at every point where the Soviets show signs of encroaching upon the interest of a peaceful and stable world. † This opinion and idea of the relationship between the United States and Russia should have been widely accepted by Americans. They backed this idea of aggressive behavior, rather than a passive approach to the Cold War. Conversely, postwar liberal such as Henry Wallace, â€Å"a Progressive Party leader, continued to seek cooperation with the Soviet Union and defended the participation of Communists in their organizations. † These ideals were quickly silenced. The American majority, being extremely anti-communist, felt relations with the Soviet Union should be harsh and firm. This period introduced American dominance in foreign policy. The ideals of personal freedom and opportunity were the driving forces behind Western philosophy throughout the Cold War. Not only were these principles showcased, they were set as the benchmark of equality for the human race.

Belief in God a basic belief

  From the most ancient known history of mankind, as well as from the oldest relics of antiquity that we have been able to obtain, it appears that in every age man had recognized some form of deity. Even in the present age, every nation on the face of the earth, from the most primitive to the most civilized, does believe in and worship some deity. Many philosophers argue that the idea of having a deity and of worshipping him is ingrained in human nature. Such philosophers contend that there is something within a man’s soul which forces him to do so.For many a philosopher, the belief in God has its origins in the very nature of man. Man is not self-sufficient and his powers are limited. He is weak, frail and helpless in front of the powers of nature. It is this sense of vulnerability and powerlessness which has compelled philosophers to seek the assistance of a superior being. By worshipping and seeking the pleasure of such a supreme being, human beings can conquer their fear s and suppress their apprehensions.â€Å"The craving for religious faith being largely an outcome of fear† (Russell, 1975, p. 43). It is in the realm of morality and ethics that philosophers have found religion and belief in God the most indispensable. Such philosophers are of the view that the moral and ethical structure in existence would fall down if this belief is eliminated. Thus, in this regard, Bertrand Russell contends that â€Å"if people solve their social problems Religion will die out† (Russell, 1975, p. 136).Being a classical proponent of natural theology, Thomas Aquinas believed that the existence of God is neither self-evident nor beyond proof. Therefore, while placing his belief in God, he proposed a different approach to understand the divine nature. This approach, commonly known as the ‘via negative’ is to consider what God is not. This helped him to elaborate the divine qualities. References Nichols, A. (2002). Discovering Aquinas. Michi gan: Eerdmans Publishing Company. Russell, B. (1975). Bertrand Russell’s Best. Chicago: Mentor Publishing Company.

Different Versions of the Birth of Dionysus

Different Versions of the Birth of Dionysus In Greek mythology, there are often different and conflicting versions of mythological events. The story of the birth of Dionysus is no different, and Dionysus complicates matters by having different names. Here are two versions of the birth of Dionysus and one of the related birth of Zagreus: From a union between Persephone and Zeus in serpent form sprang the horned god Zagreus. Jealous Hera persuaded the Titans to attack the infant god as he looked into a mirror. Not only did they tear him to pieces, but the Titans ate him all but his heart which Athena rescued. From this organ, the rest of the god was resurrected. Semele is impregnated by drinking a preparation made from the heart of Dionysus who had been torn to pieces by the Titans. [Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 167]Most familiar is the story of Semeles impregnation by Zeus but failure to live long enough to give birth to the child. To save the fetus, Zeus sewed him inside himself and gave birth through his leg when the time came.(ll. 940-942) And Semele, daughter of Cadmus was joined with him in love and bare him a splendid son, joyous Dionysus, a mortal woman an immortal son. And now they both are gods. Hesiod, Theogony (trans. Evelyn-White) Homeric Hymn1 to Dionysus ((LACUNA))(ll. 1-9) For some say, at Dracanum; and some, on windy Icarus; and some, in Naxos, O Heaven-born, Insewn; and others by the deep-eddying river Alpheus that pregnant Semele bare you to Zeus the thunder-lover. And others yet, lord, say you were born in Thebes; but all these lie. The Father of men and gods gave you birth remote from men and secretly from white-armed Hera. There is a certain Nysa, a mountain most high and richly grown with woods, far off in Phoenice, near the streams of Aegyptus.((LACUNA))(ll. 10-12) ...and men will lay up for her many offerings in her shrines. And as these things are three, so shall mortals ever sacrifice perfect hecatombs to you at your feasts each three years.(ll. 13-16) The Son of Cronos spoke and nodded with his dark brows. And the divine locks of the king flowed forward from his immortal head, and he made great Olympus reel. So spake wise Zeus and ordained it with a nod.(ll. 17-21) Be favourable, O Insewn, Inspirer of frenzied women! we singers sing of you as we begin and as we end a strain, and none forgetting you may call holy song to mind. And so, farewell, Dionysus, Insewn, with your mother Semele whom men call Thyone.Source: The Homeric Hymns I. To Dionysus [3.4.3] But Zeus loved Semele and bedded with her unknown to Hera. Now Zeus had agreed to do for her whatever she asked, and deceived by Hera she asked that he would come to her as he came when he was wooing Hera. Unable to refuse, Zeus came to her bridal chamber in a chariot, with lightning and thunderings, and launched a thunderbolt. But Semele expired of fright, and Zeus, snatching the sixth-month abortive child from the fire, sewed it in his thigh. On the death of Semele, the other daughters of Cadmus spread a report that Semele had bedded with a mortal man, and had falsely accused Zeus and that therefore she had been blasted by thunder. But at the proper time, Zeus undid the stitches and gave birth to Dionysus, and entrusted him to Hermes. And he conveyed him to Ino and Athamas, and persuaded them to rear him as a girl.- Apollodorus 3.4.3

Human Rights Issues and Terrorism

Human Rights Issues and Terrorism The concept of human rights was first expressed in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which established recognition of the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.   Human rights are relevant to terrorism as concerns both its victims and its perpetrators. The innocent victims of terrorism suffer an attack on their most basic right to live in peace and security. The suspected perpetrators of attacks also have rights, as fellow human beings, in the course of their apprehension and prosecution. They have the right not to be subject to torture or other degrading treatment, the right to be presumed innocent until they are deemed guilty of the crime and the right to public trial. The War on Terror Focused Human Rights Issues The Al Qaeda attacks of September 11, the subsequent declaration of a global war on terror, and the rapid development of more stringent counter-terrorism efforts have pitched the issue of human rights and terrorism into high relief. This is true not only in the United States but in a number of countries who have signed on as partners in a global coalition to crack down on terrorist activity. Indeed, following 9/11 a number of countries that routinely violate the human rights of political prisoners or dissidents found tacit American sanction to expand their repressive practices. The list of such countries is long and includes China, Egypt, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Western democracies with long records of an essential respect for human rights and institutional checks on excessive state power also took advantage of 9/11 to erode checks on state power and undermine human rights. The Bush Administration, as the author of the global war on terror has taken significant steps in this direction. Australia, the UK, and European countries have also found advantage in restricting civil liberties for some citizens, and the European Union has been accused by human rights organizations of facilitating the rendition- the illegal detention and transport of terrorist suspects to prisons in third countries, and where their torture is all but guaranteed. According to Human Rights Watch, the list of countries who found it to their benefit to use terrorism prevention to intensify their own crackdown on political opponents, separatists and religious groups, or to advance unnecessarily restrictive or punitive policies against refugees, asylum-seekers, and other foreigners immediately following the 9/11 attacks includes: Australia, Belarus, China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Israel, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Russia, Syria, the United States, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe. Human Rights for Terrorists Are Not at the Expense of Victims Rights The focus by human rights groups and others on the preservation of terrorist suspects human rights may seem jarring, or as if that focus comes at the expense of attention to the human rights of terrorisms victims. Human rights, however, cannot be considered a zero-sum game. Law Professor Michael Tigar put the issue eloquently when he pointed out  that governments, because they are the most powerful actors, have the greatest capacity for injustice. In the long term, an insistence that all states prioritize human rights and prosecute illegitimate violence is the best defense against terrorism. As Tigar puts it, When we see that the struggle for human rights in all the world is the surest and best means to prevent and to punish terrorism properly so-called, we then understand what progress we have made, and we will see where we need to go from here. Human Rights and Terrorist Documents The Universal Declaration of Human RightsHuman Rights Watch list of countries violating rights in the name of anti-terrorismHuman Rights and Terrorism Commission on Human Rights resolution 2003/37Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism

The Nine book Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Nine book - Research Paper Example while looking at the import of the court (Toobin). The court through time since inception has been lucky to hear and determine matters of every nature, ranging from abortion, civil rights, freedom of speech, privacy and the rights of criminal suspects. The court by listening to and determining these matters set precedents for itself and other inferior courts of the land by which they are bound. This paper looks at some of these cases while looking to analyze them in detail (Toobin). The author in page 50 decided to look at this case because it sought to challenge a pivotal case in the abortion regime of law, the decided case of Roe v. Wade. No. 410 U.S. 113. Supreme Court. 1973 which had established the woman’s right under the 14th Amendment to procure an abortion on her own terms balanced against the state’s rights to protecting the woman’s rights and prenatal care. The Planned Parenthood case sought to propose a new legal framework to replace the status quo held by Roe v. Wade (Toobin). It sought in page 52 to introduce the concept of ‘undue burden’ to the woman, ensuring that this was the only way in which the state would have an opportunity to act on regulations against the woman’s privacy as regards the procedure. The author posits in page 58 that the final judgment of the court ensured that the Roe v. Wade had been recast by ensuring that the state would not prohibit early-term abortions which was reflective of public opinion at the time (Toobin). The issue of abortion at this point was well settled, with the majority of public opinion inkling towards the woman’s right to control her body. The one arm of society that did not feel the same way was the religious arm of society. This is because they felt that human beings were losing the religious battle by playing God in deciding whether or not a baby lives or dies. At page 90, the author informs us of the struggle by the