The City Of Bath, England

The City Of Bath, England The City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it have been described as one of Englands most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a fabulous city to visit. The population  [1]  of the city is 169,040. It was granted city status by Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1590. The city was founded, among surrounding hills, in the valley of the River Avon around naturally occurring hot springs where the Romans built baths and a temple, giving it the name Aquae Sulis. Much later, it became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone. Bath and its stunning surrounding countryside offers tourists a multitude of fantastic places to visit from stately homes and gardens to the impressive Stonehenge. As City of Bath the city became a World Heritage Site in 1987. The city has a variety of theatres, museums, and other cultural and sporting venues, which have helped to make it a major centre for tourism, with over one million staying visitors and 3.8 million day visitors to the city each year  [2]  . The city has two universities and several schools and colleges. There is a large service sector and growing information and communication technologies and creative industries, providing employment for the population of Bath and the surrounding area. Source: www.maps.google.co.uk Historical Background: A city which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, making it the ideal city break destination and Bath is a World Heritage City (UNESCO), featuring the famous Roman Baths Pump Room and simply stunning Georgian period architecture. The history of city came across the different periods started from Roman era. Roman Period: After the Invasion of Britain by Romans in 43 AD, Bath was also occupied by Romans. The worship of Sulis continued in the Roman times. Thats why during Roman period, grand temples, and bathing complexes were built. In the 3rd century, the city was given defensive walls. But with the start of 4th century, the Roman Empire and its urban sprawl declined while the some of the suit of Baths were in use.The Roman Baths Post Roman and Saxon Period: In this period, the Anglo- Saxon Chronicle mentioned the falling of Bath into West Saxons after the battle of Deorham in 577 AD. The name `Bath` came from the Baoum or Baoan given by Anglo-Saxons. By the 9th century, after the Royal possession, the old Roman street pattern had been lost and with King Alfred laid out the town afresh leaving abbey precinct in the south. Norman, Medieval and Tudor Period: By the 15th century, some major churches were badly dilapidated like the abbey Church. After the status of Spa city, the baths were improved and maintained; city began to attract the aristocracy again. Finally in 1590, Bath was granted as city status by Royal Charter. 17th Century Period: In this period, the heath giving properties of the hot mineral waters came to the attention of whole country and the aristocracy also started to partake in them, invented by the Thomas Guidott, a student of chemistry from Wadham College Oxford in 1676. Also he wrote A discourse of Bathe, and the hot waters there with some inquiries into the nature of water. Old Character of Bath Streets Georgian Period: There had been much rebuilding in the Stuart period, but this was eclipsed by the massive expansion of Bath in Georgian times. The old town within the walls was also largely rebuilt. This was a response to the continuing demand for elegant accommodation for the citys fashionable visitors, for whom Bath had become a pleasure resort as well as a spa. In the early 18th century, the development of first purpose-built theatre, assembly rooms etc came into existence. The use of Sedan Chairs also can be seen into this period by Grand Georgian people (rich people). Victorian Period: In this period, Bath crossed the population of 40020 according to Census 1801 it came into the list of largest cities of Britain. Bath Spa rail station was also built in this period for the Great Western Railway. 20th Century Period: During World War II, Bath faced three air raids, 400 people were killed and more than 19000 buildings were damaged destroyed. Houses in the Royal Crescent, Circus and Paragon were burnt out along with the Assembly Rooms, while part of the south side of Queen Square was destroyed. All have since been reconstructed, and regeneration work is continuing. Since 2000, developments have included the Bath Spa, South Gate and the Bath Western Riverside project. Historically part of the county of Somerset, Bath was made a county borough in 1889 and hence independent of the newly created administrative Somerset county council. Bath became part of Avon when that non-metropolitan county was created in 1974. Since the abolition of Avon in 1996, Bath has been the main centre of the unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset (BNES). Bath remains, however, in the ceremonial county of Somerset, though not within the administrative non-metropolitan county of Somerset. Spatial Integration of Bath City: The Spatial Integration of the Bath city will also be analysed with the help of city landuse assessment method and the changes in it with time and the spatial planning tools techniques, which are used for the integration of the city will be analysed. The Bath city is now days under a unitary authority Bath North East Somerset Council (BANES or BNES) which was created in 1st April, 1996. The total area under authority is 220 Sq. Miles and city of Bath is the principle settlement in the district. The Former Bath City Council prepared Local plan as a Statutory Local plan in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. The Plan guides development in the City of Bath up to 2001 with the co-ordination of public and private investment decisions. This Local Plan supersedes the Bath City Plan that was adopted by the City Council in June 1990. But after objections, ratifications modifications at different stages, On 12 June 1996 a letter was received by the Council from the Government Office for the South West on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment stating that the Bath Local Plan was now in accordance with the Direction which was henceforth lifted. The Council issued its Notice of Adoption of the Bath Local Plan on 20 June 1996. Bath and North East Somerset Council adopted this Plan on 20th June 1996 and it now forms part of the statutory Development Plan for the new Authority. The Plan was, however, progressed through all the formal procedures outlined above by the former City Council, and it has been considered appropriate to retain the text which was the subject of public consultation and examination, including references to the City Council. These references will serve as a reminder that the Policies are applicable only within the City of Bath, but it should be understood that in most instances the Council referred to is that of Bath and North East Somerset. However a High Court Challenge in August 1996 resulted in Bath and North East Somerset Council having to re-adopt the Plan on 19 June 1997. The Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) council prepared a Local plan which is adopted in October 2007; establish a robust policy framework to provide clarity for all those involved in the development process. The Local Plan includes other spatial planning tools techniques like Public consultations, Government Guidance, the Joint Replacement Structure Plan, the Council`s Local Transport Plan the Strategies of the Council (Community Strategy, National and Regional Planning Guidance) and other organisations etc. The Local plan sets out the key objectives for the development of policies in different aspects: Living and Working (Social Inclusion, Resources, Housing, Economy, Urban Rural Areas, Shopping, and Services Leisure), Environmental Assets and Transport Access etc. Housing: Housing Affordability: The Housing section assesses the housing situation of the City of Bath. If we look at the housing scenario of the city, the affordability of housing is least in City of Bath as compared to whole of the district. The following figures represents as: Source: So many people are migrating due to high cost of living in the City of Bath. This is leading to recruitment difficulties and skill shortages which could have a knock-on effect on the local economy. The need for affordable housing (per year) is also much in Bath city as compare to the other areas in the district. The following figures represent it as: Source: The land supply for housing development is also limited in the City of Bath. This places considerable pressure for development both on sites allocated for housing and on other sites in the City to meet the demand for housing. Problems/Issues in City of Bath: In the listed Georgian properties in Bath can resulted in an additional challenges and improvement works due to large number of high risk houses in multiple occupations. Due to the relatively high property values in Bath, the refurbishment of converted buildings often results in higher rents being charged and people are moving off to City of Bath. The problem of decent housing type is also major concern in the private rented sector which is mostly occupied by university students. It includes the Abbey ward in Bath City and Bathavon wards surrounding city. The current and future needs of older residents are generally exceeds then Government funding allocations in housing schemes. Traffic and Transportation: The city of Bath is a small complex city as compared to other cities and it has well defined activities like commercial areas and employment areas. The various sectors of its transportation systems are like parking facilities and public transport services are not only interdependent but all are affected by the other activities and decisions made for them e.g. new developments to meet the housing objectives, conservation of the historic buildings or streets etc. The traffic management system came into force since 1970 rather than building only new roads in the city and at boundaries. The main problem of the City of Bath is the congestion within the city by through traffic because most of the traffic in city has an origin and destination in the city. The following figures show the mode of transport in the City of Bath to travel to work as: The table above represents that the all the residents which are living and working in Bath or outside the city and vice-versa, are mostly dependent upon their own vehicles especially car is the most common mode of travel. But in case of comparison with other area in the district and national level, the figures in following table represents that the residents within Bath are more dependent upon private mode of transport i.e car or on the walk which is much higher as compared to other areas at National level but more interesting point is that the City of Bath has percentage of residents who has no car as compared to other areas and National level. These figures clearly show that the private mode of transport is creating congestion in the City of Bath and through traffic generated by them. Parking and pedestrian safety are also important issues in the City of Bath. Problems/Issues in City of Bath: Traffic problems have been a dominant issue in planning for Bath but the development of new major road schemes within the City is no longer seen as a solution. The emphasis now is on careful management of traffic and the integration of policies for use of land in order to make the best use of existing road space and minimise the congestion, pollution and danger caused by vehicles. The road and rail network are at capacity and congestion across the area is a problem in terms of journey times and public transport travel times, a key impediment to maintaining a healthy economy. Congestion is also affecting air quality and in areas of Bath City Centre air pollution has reached levels that are higher than the Government recommended acceptable limits. The lack of parking spaces and their capacity is also an important issue and recent studies have indicated that there is a greater need for pedestrian management schemes, such as improved signing of information etc, and areas given over to pedestrian priority. Heritage Management: The city is internationally known for its Roman and Georgian heritage and archaeology, its culture as a spa that stretches back over two thousand years, the innovative architecture and town planning, and the harmony between the city and the landscape. The city of Bath was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987 for its unique and outstanding universal value for its Historic character. The city is a blend of history and modern life, continually changing, growing and adapting to modern requirements which attracts approximately 3.7 million tourists each year and lies on strategic road rail transport routes. The City of Bath has a close relationship between the success of modern city and heritage due to the wide range of business, industries and regional centre for employment, shopping and entertainment etc. The City of Bath (World Heritage Site) is vulnerable to change and growth with the time, but this is both inevitable and desirable in a living city. There are threats to the fabric and character of the World Heritage Site and its setting, and uncontrolled or inappropriate change in these areas can become a threat to the very values for which Bath is inscribed as a World Heritage Site. So even to tackle these kinds of situations, the local authorities were much concerned about them. They identified various issues related with the World Heritage Site its management etc. But along with these threats and vulnerabilities, the City of Bath has also many opportunities as a World Heritage Site which are helpful in many ways to the City of Bath. To address those threats and vulnerabilities, incorporating opportunities, The BNES and English Heritage prepared a World Heritage Site Management Plan for the City of Bath for the period of 2003-2009. They have identified various issues which are described as: Problems/Issues in City of Bath: Due to the scale and complexity of site, numbers of people are involved in the management, ownership and cultural assets. So its really an important from management point of view which requires the coordination of a large number of disciplines and agencies The protection of World Heritage Site is achieved only through the planning system of plans and designations so for the appropriate protection, and according to World Heritage Site criteria, a appropriate legal system is required because there are number of actions like risk assessment, mitigation awareness campaigns etc which are necessary for the appropriate protection of World Heritage Site. There are number of planning applications involved in the whole process as general due to the complexity of the site and the number of listed buildings. There are number of new developments on the outskirts of the city which may or are degrade the historic fabric of the World Heritage Site which gives an authenticity and outstanding universal values to the site. So there is a need of development controls in and around the city keeping in mind the character of the city. In the recent times, the condition of contemporary architecture is not good with the test of time other physical changes in climate, due to which it doesnt match with the historic architecture of the city. So its more challenging from integration of contemporary design into a historic environment.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott :: Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

It is interesting that Louisa May Alcott writes Little Women, in which she incorporates her own feelings and experiences. In fact, Jo's character is a near replication of Alcott herself. This makes the novel all the more interesting and personal, with the author speaking directly through the protagonist. Alcott writes the novel from third person limited point of view, focusing chiefly on Josephine March. She develops the characters brilliantly throughout the entire work, especially the March girls. Each sister is entirely unique, and yet so tightly bound together through their love for one another. Little Women takes place during the Civil War in a small town in Massachusetts. The Marchs live a life of poverty with their father in the war. Through this hardship, the girls: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, learn to be thankful in all circumstances and help those less fortunate than themselves. The girls are very hopeful and dream of a brighter future. Each experiences adventures and pursues her own dreams. In the end, they are still gathered as one family, grateful for their many blessings and for each other. Josephine March is the protagonist, a tomboy who refuses to submit to the traditional image of ladyhood. This mindset is radically different from a typical woman of her time. Jo possesses an innate passion for writing and literature in general. However, she loses much of her headstrong independent nature through marrying Professor Bhaer. She gives up writing as he is a significant critic of her style. The reader is exposed to two the dramatically different sides of Jo March. She is rebellious, fiery, and outspoken, wishing all the while that she was a man who could fight in the war along side her dear father. Jo stresses and works to keep her family together, becoming extremely upset when Meg and Amy become married. With their father absent, Jo assumes the male role as a father figure in many ways. Nevertheless, her flaws only make Jo a more lovable character. The reader cannot help but adore Jo for her sheer humanity, much like Huck in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Amy is the youngest March sister. She is ladylike, artistic, and is regarded as the beauty of the March family. Often fantasizing a life of riches and popularity, Amy's thirst for worldly pleasures represents the inner desires of man.

We Must Never Surrender the Right of Open Discussion :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

We Must Never Surrender the Right of Open Discussion    As a nation, we need thoughtful discussion concerning the September 11 attacks.   In a time when open discussion is more necessary than ever, it is discouraging to see simple questions about our nations interests, posed in these forums, branded as anti-American, inappropriate, or as enemies within. Now more than ever, careful and respectful debate can grant us the informational dexterity needed to maintain an open and neutral perspective as events unfold. I am an American. This country's social infrastructure, built with tremendous difficulty on the backs of many who sacrificed their lives for their country as well as those who sometimes unwittingly found themselves in the path of the nation's maturation, is unique and valuable. It grants its citizens the opportunity for growth, unparalleled freedoms, and the means to remedy injustice. We are truly a great nation. Times of duress call to our minds the patriotic respect and admiration we have for our country, and bring us to realize just how fortunate we are to live in such a nation.    As an American, I refuse to surrender the ability and willingness to think openly, critically, and analytically about issues in our society and in our world. I will not allow the privileges of freedom and opportunity crafted so carefully in the course of the last two hundred-plus years to blind me to mistakes we've made and mistakes we continue to make. I will not surrender to the demands for unity and compliance in the pursuit of vengeance. We owe it both to ourselves and to those who have come before us to maintain a reasoned, simple honesty in assessing the state of the world. Those who bring nothing more to the public forum than reactionary and manipulative accusations of anti-Americanism do disservice to themselves, their country, and to reasonable thought.    It is hard, though, to keep thoughts clear-headed and words well-conceived during a storm as confusing as we face now. A sharp exchange of writings between Noam Chomsky and Christopher Hitchens, a columnist for The Nation, was a visible sign of the heightened tensions that try tempers and better judgment. David Talbot and Andrew Sullivan, both respected political writers, engaged in a similar exchange. There is reason for anxiety. The initial highly-visible strikes against our country have yielded to an anonymous, growing swarm of threats and attacks, currently in the form of anthrax-laced mailings, that lack the visibility and impact of traditional acts of war but nonetheless foster a sense of fear and vulnerability.

grant hill :: essays research papers

Grant Hill Everybody in Detroit called him â€Å"The Man† because he always was a leader and the to-go person in any tough moment of the game. Some people called him â€Å"The Gentleman† because he was a genuinely nice person with respect for the game and for others. Joe Dumars, a member of the legendary 1989-1990 Detroit Pistons team, once declared â€Å"He is the best player I’ve seen coming into the league for years†. Road to history was wide open for Grant, but luck had some other plans for his career. This is the story of Grant Hill, a story about having faith, patience and love for the game of basketball. Grant Henry Hill was born on October 5th, 1972 in Dallas, Texas but he grew up in Reston, Virginia. His father, Calvin Hill was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys. Even though his family was wealthy, he didn’t the other kids to know about it. He was really proud of his father being a famous professional athlete, but he was also embarrassed about it. When he was in eighth grade, his father gave a speech all the students, but he didn’t go. He faked illness and hid in the nurse’s office, saying that he didn’t want to seem to be better than everybody else. That is how humble he was.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Grant first started playing soccer, but by twelve, he had grown to six feet. That is when he started playing basketball. He became really good and he led his high-school team to two state championships. He then earned an athletic scholarship to play for the well-known Duke University. He led Duke to back-to-back championships and he had his â€Å"number 33† jersey retired. After he graduated, he entered the 1994 NBA Draft picks. He was picked by the Detroit Pistons as the 3rd overall draft pick.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Everybody had high expectations about him, they were seeing in him a new leader, a new beginning for the Pistons. He didn’t prove anybody wrong. He started at the 1995 all-star game after becoming the first rookie ever to lead all players in fan voting. Along with Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, were co-voted as the Rookie Players of the Year. In the next four seasons, he started in all all-star games and averaged 23.2 Points Per Game, 7.6 Rebounds Per Game and 6.7 Assist Per Game.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first shadows in his career appear in 2000.

Interpersonal relationship Essay

Interpersonal Communication September 15, 2013 Interpersonal communication reflection: When Harry Met Sally When Harry first meets Sally, they look really different. From the very beginning scene, they argue as they have different perspectives on the opposite-sex friendships. Nonetheless, they eventually become good friends after they self-disclose their intimate information to each other. However, after their unexpected sex, their relationship becomes awkward. In the end, Harry finally finds out that he loves Sally and reveals his feelings. Over the course of their relationship in the movie When Harry Met Sally, Knapp’s stages of interpersonal communication develop and change. Knapp defines the stage of initiation as conversation openers. Harry and Sally encounter each other in an unpleasant way. Sally finds him kissing his girlfriend. Obviously, they are not interested in each other at first as Harry has a girlfriend and Sally is a good friend of her. As a result, they do not really greet in the car. Sally tells Harry th at they are just carpool partners. While driving to New York City, they discuss about opposite-sex friendship. This scene falls into the experimenting stage. From this scene, Harry and Sally get to know better of each other’s different characteristic. Harry thinks that it is impossible to establish a true opposite-sex friendship because sex part always gets in the way. Sally argues him that she does not have sexual interest to her male friends. One of Knapp’s four purposes of experimenting stage is that it can be an audition for a future friendship or a way of increasing the scope of a current relationship. Harry and Sally’s relationship does not develop further because they do not find each other attractive in the experimenting stage After five years, they meet in the airport and take same plane. At this time, Harry is going to get married and Sally is in a relationship. When Harry asked Sally, she refuses to have dinner with him. Another five years later, they meet in the book store. Both of them are not in the relationship anymore. As they share the news, their relationship starts in the experimenting stage again. At this time, they are really getting closer and  their relationship proceeds further. Self-disclosure plays a major role in the development of their relationship. When they met at the airport, Sally did not want to talk to him. However, when they met in the bookstore, they disclosed their intimate information, Sally’s breakup with her boyfriend and Harry’s separation, to each other. They could understand each other as they shared their feelings and wounded hearts. From this point of view, Self-disclosure really helped their relationship to develop further. However, their relationship jumps around to avoiding stage because they misunderstand their feelings toward each other. At New Year’s Eve party, Harry dances with Sally. Until this point, they are really good friends to each other. Eventually, they find out themselves in a relationship mood. However, being a good friend to each other makes them hesitant as they do not want to lose each other. Later the movie, Sally asks Harry to come over her house because her previous boyfriend is getting married. They suddenly have unexpected sex and they feel uncomfortable. Sally does not want to spend time with him anymore as sex part really gets in the way and it is hard for them to be friends again. Sally keeps trying to avoid him afterward. Finally, their relationship develops to the bonding stage. Harry goes through difficult times as Sally tries to avoid him. During this hardship, Harry realizes that he loves her. He reveals his feelings at the New Year’s Eve party, and Sally accepts him. Their relationship becomes official as they get married. Overall, it was hard for me to exactly identify the Knapp’s stages of interpersonal communication fro m Harry and Sally’s relationship throughout the movie. Since their relationship does not develop in a typical manner, going back and forth, it also does not follow the Knapp’s stages of interpersonal communication. Nonetheless, I really think that the film is very well made because it clearly shows how man and woman have different perspectives. After watching this movie, I personally think that being honest is the answer for any relationship.

Kant Deontological Theory Essay

The Formula of Humanity- Act so that you use humanity, whether in your own person or that of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means. The Formula of the Kingdom of Ends- Act in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends. The moral duty is what we should be doing. Good is defined as doing what is right and avoiding doing wrong. We have a duty to act in such a way that our actions are moral even if it produces unfavourable results. What is good, according to Kant â€Å"Nothing is good but a good will†. (Good intentions). It is good to be creative or to have good fortune with good outcomes the world becomes a better place. Goodwill is having the good intention to perform one’s duty. The consequences of our actions do not make an action good but rather the goodwill. What is having a good will? Kant proposes that when someone acts out of goodwill that is when someone is acting out of duty. According to Kant â€Å"Duty should be done for the sake and duty alone†. How do we know our duty in a certain situation? Duty has nothing to do with a certain situation or what happens all that matters is the decision is good and the outcome is good. Kant suggests act as if our decision applies to all people at all times. It is always in order to tell lies if the outcome is favourable? Kant would disagree with this. When we act purely out of duty we act reasonably in a manner that we fulfil our duties. Having goodwill is to perform one’s duty It is our duty to do our duty even though we might not be rewarded in this life but we will be rewarded in the next life. Deontological Ethics. Kant Deontological theory of ethics it is linked to moral law of ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action. Origin: 1820–30; Greek deont- that which is binding (stem of deo) (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. ) The word deontology comes from the Greek word meaning duty (deon) and science (or study) of (logos). In moral philosophy, deontological ethics Ethical are theories that maintain that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its intrinsic qualities. (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter). A Quote from Kant â€Å"Awe and wonder fills the mind†. â€Å"Starry heavens a metaphor (scientific absolutism) above and the moral law within†. Like gravity and science these are laws which are absolute as well as moral laws. We have a choice we can all still identify the moral law: e. g. do not steal. Kantian deontological theory of ethics is an absolutes theory something which is considered wrong i. e. suicide will always be wrong. Kant argues that morality is rooted in reason; he states that the demands of morality are unconditional or categorical and it presupposes freedom, we have a choice and can identify and rationally identify morality. Kant states that morality must be unconditional it has to be categorical. Kant distinguishes between categorical imperatives from hypothetical ones. The categorical imperative is not about desires or goals but rather about personal well-being. Categorical imperatives are absolute and universal. Categorical imperative is necessary truth and cannot be without self-contradiction or irrationality. The Universal Law Act only in accordance with that maxim through that at the same time, will that it become a universal law. One’s actions must be universal. The Universal law is that one should act on the maxim a law which can become a universal law in nature when acceptable and sustainable. We know that lying and stealing is wrong. If everyone did this society would fail. Perfect duties are without exceptions, but we understand that torture and suicide is always wrong. Suicide is always wrong if this was universalized society would fail. We know that making False Promises that cannot be fulfilled, is always wrong if we cannot regard this as a universal law society would fail. Breaking promises when it in my interest he states that this inconsistent and therefore cannot be a moral imperative. Imperfect duties is seeking the perfection of our duties are contradictions to our will. We ought to be seeking to promote the happiness of others. We understand that this is not always possible. He does not exclude pleasure in doing duty, but that pleasure should not be the guide to what one’s duty is. What is duty? Kant says â€Å"Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the Law†: Kant believes that duty should be crowned in the end with happiness. Obedience he says is a maxim that is universally binding as a law to all rational beings. Treat humans as ends to themselves and should respect and never to treat others as a means to an end but only as an end. This means that we should respect others, because every human possesses an intrinsic value. We are to consider whether our actions are moral and acceptable. Kant argues that morals are about following the rules. Kant moral theory can be summarised in two ways Kant argues that we all have a choice that we can all identify the moral law. The Categorical Imperative Kant designed the Categorical imperative as a framework used to make moral law, which states that one must do what one expects other to do in a similar situation. The Categorical Imperative is the central concept in Kant’s ethics and the groundwork to Metaphysics of Morals. It is based to the â€Å"supreme principle of morality† (4:392), from which all our moral duties come from. He believed that moral requirements were based on a standard of rationality and he named this the Categorical Imperative. By using the Universal Imperatives we use our reason (as long as it is not corrupted) to guide us in a path which is morally virtuous. He states that we should act according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it becomes a universal law. Kant uses the example of a person who lends money and is unable to repay the loan. He states that this cannot be a universal law people will no longer believe each other and no person will lend money to another. This can be explained in three ways The Universal Law means that one should act on an action which can be sustained. It is important that we should consider if an action is right or wrong. This action will eliminate selfish action towards other human beings. Imperfect Duties Imperfect duties to seek the happiness of other people this cannot completed always. The moral law will most certainly collapse if everyone told lies and were to steal. It is expected of one to perform ones duty in every way. The Kingdom of Ends is in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a merely possible kingdom of ends is an ideal society every person must act in such a way that it benefits the greater number of people for the greater good. Every person should act in such a way as if the person through their maxim were universal lawmakers as members in the universal kingdom of ends. One cannot say I will kill myself out of love; this is acceptable and cannot be regarded as a universal law. He argues that humans have an intrinsic worth, and occupy a special place in creation, therefore people are to be treated with respect and dignity because we should understand that we are all rational agents. We possess the freedom to make our own decisions set targets and guide our conduct by reason. He believes that God is the Supreme Being speaking through our conscious. Therefore Gods existence although it remains unproven it is necessary in order for Kant’s ethical theory to be sound. He states that is freedom and immortality. â€Å"God is the law giver to be obeyed† Kant argues that there must be a God and an after-life since it would be intolerable if there were no reward. Kant states that if humans were to disappear from the planet the moral dimension would disappear too. Critique on Kant’s theories: Humans are motivated by pleasure and not only by reason. The question is it possible to act unselfishly, it is necessary to take consequences into consideration. Kant ethics places great emphasises on lying as a form of wrong. He fails to offer an understanding of conflict between different duties, Kant theories does not take into consideration social conditioning and free will. I disagree with Kant that feelings are subjective and selfish and find that he focuses too much on pure practical moral reason he excludes feeling and desires. Kant tries to combine ethics with reason but this seems unrealistic as the concept of reason does not exist in isolation from human beings and their feelings and actions. Ref: Jorge J. Gracia E, Gregory M, Reichberg and Bernard, Schumacher N. The Classics of Western Philosophy, (Blackwell Publishing Ltd). 2004. Ref: Mc Coy A. An Intelligent Person’s Guide to Christian Ethics, Continuum. London , New York Ref: http://www. slideshare. net/t0nywilliams/kant-9170093.

Family Movie Essay

Mrs. Doubtfire is a movie about something that almost every American family faces, divorce. The film stars Sally Field and Robin Williams as parents with conflicting parenting styles and beliefs, who end up divorcing with a bloody battle for the children’s custody. The children are thrown into this mess and the movie showcases how each of them deal with the divorce. Lydia is the rebellious preteen who doesn’t understand why the family dynamic has to change. Chris, the younger brother is the athletic member of the family. Natalie is the small wide eyed child who is still trying to comprehend why daddy doesn’t live at home anymore. The theme of the movie centers around many parenting and family questions such as: How does one properly raise children? Is there really one single parenting style that works? Is it really possible for divorcing parents to set aside their differences for the sake of the children? It is a glimpse into how differently a father would raise his children if given a chance to do so without interference or boundaries. It reminds us that once parents learn to listen to each other instead of fighting with each other during divorce proceedings they will finally come around to doing what is best for their children. The movie introduces the viewers to the changing dynamic of the American family. Mothers are no longer stay at home moms who simply tend to children and cook meals. These days women like Miranda Hillard (Sally Field) are career driven heads of industries. It is also not uncommon these days to find a stay at home dad like Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams). The problem with this situation is that even though mothers bring home the bacon, they are still expected to come home and perform their wifely and motherly duties. Something that society has not once, throughout the history or marriages expected from the husband and father. Such a situation indeed takes its toll on any marriage and weakens the foundation of the family For fathers who are forced to stay home to care for the children, such a move is taken as an insult to their manhood and makes him feel dominated in the process. Let’s face it, men still find it insulting to take orders from a woman, even if that woman happens to be his wife or the mother of his children. In such a situation, the man will rebel the only way he knows how. By playing the good cop, bad cop game with the children. As you watch the  movie you are exposed to two highly different parenting styles. The mother’s rigid parenting style that is meant to instill discipline in the children and the laid back relationship between the father and the three children. Not to say that one style is better than the other but the truth is that, when children are in the middle of their parent’s divorce, they definitely need structure and balance to keep them focused and centered on their own lives and their attention deviated from the chaos brought on by divorce. In such situations, it would help if the parents could agree on how the children will be cared for and what their day to day routine will consist of. Once Mrs. Doubtfire is introduced to the family unit everyone seems to take something away from the experience. The children especially, they are able to convey their feelings and emotions to her as well as the father who is hiding in t he old woman’s costume. The mother, Hillary, also confides in Mrs. Doubtfire about her divorce and how she felt about her ex-husband. This type of communication was healthy for all members of the family including the father even though he was not really being himself. Once the movie hits the turning point and the cat is out of the bag sort of speaks, the children as well as Hillary are very sad to have lost their nanny. As she has become part of the family in just a short amount of time. They mourn the loss of here as if she actually died. But when they find out that Mrs. Doubtfire was there father the children become ecstatic and are overjoyed to see him. The mother is reluctant to communicate with the father after the great lengths he went through to see his children and also after what she had confided in Mrs. Doubtfire who she just found out was her ex-husband. But in the end the divorce worked out for the best and everybody grew as a result of the ensuing changes that they faced. The father was able to get a job and also was able to set up visitation services to see his children and the mother was able to find new love in a new man. This movie is just one of the pioneers in witnessing divorce and the many tolls it can take not only on the couple but the children and also their friends and family. With a little bit of comedy they were able to keep the audience entertained but also tell their story of divorce and how each person was able to deal with the issue.