What is the nature and limit of power that iss legitimately exersized over individuals? The question has been debated since the Ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle. He points out that this kind of question is closely related to politics and ethics and the collective action was the most ethical type of power realization in a society. Since those ancient days, there had been some incredible developments that would arise the same question of power again. Indeed, the rise of new mode of production, namely the capitalist system, in the 19th century had started new debates over power in the new socio-economic structure. There are two great philosophers who investigated the issue of power in the new socio-economic system. They are British Philosopher John Stuart Mill and German Philosopher Karl Marx. Even though they both studied the same question, namely the free development of individuality, their points of view to look at the question are very different from one another. While Mill emphasized that the free development of individuality was a progress from human nature to human being by struggling with political and social authorities, namely tyranny of the majority, for liberty; however, Marx criticized the view of Mill by saying that instead of abstract development of individuality or freedom, the individual underdevelopment is the social reality due to alienation to human nature. Read more…
What happens when you die? This question has created numerous myths and inferences since the dawn of time. In Ancient Greece, Socrates was obviously contemplating this unknown as well. He claimed that the soul is immortal and that depending on the kind of life one has lived on earth, rewards and punishments will be given to the soul. Are these rewards and punishments the only reason why people are good?
Dying is apart of every human’s life cycle. But what part exactly dies? We consider the body to be dead because it is immobile and never will be again. Most people believe, though, that the soul lives on. Since anyone who would have proof of this is dead, we have to look at other evidences. Although, before one can assess whether the soul is immortal or not, one has to know what exactly the soul is. According to Socrates, a human consists of two different entities: the soul and the body. The body is the part that is concerned with pleasures such as food and money. The soul, however, is concerned with wisdom, values, and virtues. One may say that the soul is in fact made up of wisdom, values, and virtues. Generation through generation the same values are held at high esteem. Cultures across the globe teach their children the virtues that they would like them to possess. Bravery, piety, honesty, and justice are principles that have been carried on through the years. In other words, these principles continue to live on, or never die. Since, the soul is made up of these undying features, then the soul itself must also be undying. Therefore, the soul is indeed immortal. Read more…
To begin explaining the reasons why JVC succeeded in the development of a video cassette recorder, there are some important, different philosophy between Sony and JVC. Sony`s manager states that Sony`s policy is to dominate the technology and the market from the beginning so that they are able to advance any products that other companies also develop. On the other hand, JVC`s president insists to be polite and temperate so that JVC workers can comprehend thoughts of their business co-workers. Also he expresses that dominating the market is not their goal because the market is for everybody and one company does not have to take over every profits.
Considering these diverse philosophy, we all understand that JVC and Sony`s steps to make a successful video cassette recorder are totally different. And the reasons that JVC won this competition are because of this philosophy that JVC carries. First reason is that JVC considers consumer`s needs and respect other companies. While Sony was winning the 3/4-inch video cassette tape that has only one hour of playing time, JVC was at consumer`s side. Consumers wanted to enjoy the enough length of a video cassette that has at least two hours of playing time in order that they can watch movies. JVC attempted to go back and start all over again in order to meet consumer`s expectations. And as JVC`s policy, gently and graciously JVC made coalitions among companies that were necessary to make the concept of the VHS. Read more…
Today, I have finally decided to sit down and write my philosophy essay. I wonder how free I am to make this decision. Fatalism would suggest that I might as well go outside and enjoy the day, as no matter what I do now, my fate is decided and a particular future is inevitable. This theory is highly questionable, as it appears that our behaviour in the present undeniably has an effect on the future. Determinism accepts this notion, but suggests that my decision to write this essay now is inevitable due to numerous factors that are beyond my control, and so I am not exercising free will in my action of essay writing . However, I believe there is an intuitive sense of freedom in our everyday decision-making that cannot be denied. This essay will distinguish causality from determinism and then evaluate theories of compatibilism, suggesting that causality does not deny the possibility of free will.
There are two arguments explaining determinism. Firstly, there is the Distant Causation Argument that claims our behaviour is caused by factors – genes, childhood, experience, environment and context – that are beyond our control and hence, we are not responsible for our behaviour . However, while such factors do influence and cause our beliefs and desires and our beliefs and desires constitute our moral character, it is still us, the agent, that deliberates, decides and acts. Secondly, there is the Could-Not-Have-Done-Otherwise Argument. This implies that rational deliberation is deterministic . However, I would like to suggest that internal deliberation, although undeniably influenced by causal factors, it is also an expression of free will. Read more…
What is meant by corporate “accountability”? it has been proposed that, to enhance corporate accountability and profitability, corporate stakeholders should play an active role is the governance of the corporations in which they have an interest. This would also safeguard the interests of the stakeholders. What are the arguments for and against this view? Discuss some possible ways whereby corporate stakeholders may play a more effective role in corporate governance. Identify some of the issues that might arise from your proposals.
The recent corporate collapses of such companies as Enron, WorldCom, HIH Insurance and OneTel have made corporate governance an increasingly important issue. Corporate governance is designed to monitor and control the management of corporations to ensure there is no misconduct and that shareholder value is enhanced . Good corporate governance is about responsible investors and boards cultivating long term sustainable economic growth . It has several characteristics, which includes transparency, responsibility, fairness and accountability. It is important to note that corporate governance concerns the whole community, not only shareholders, managers and regulators. The corporate governance mechanisms that currently exist have proved to be inadequate. The government and public interest groups are failing to keep corporations in check. Consequently, I uphold that there should be greater stakeholder involvement in corporate decision making. This will enable a more democratic system to be in place. Read more…
