I don't have a topic it just needs to not be ethical, moral or Research Paper

I don't have a topic it just needs to not be ethical, moral or religious in answering a policy question - Research Paper Example Many states in the United States, for example, are enacting laws that require corporate organizations to accommodate needs of domestic violence victims through granting leave (Martin, 2013). Understanding the root cause of domestic violence, and other forms of violence, may however inform the legal approach to the problem. Protecting children from witnessing instances of domestic violence, according to O’Brien, Cohen, Pooley, and Taylor, reduces possibility of the children’s engagement in domestic violence during their later stages of life (2012). This is consistent with Cycle of Violence theory that explains transfer of domestic violence traits from parents or other people in an environment to children and suggests that laws on domestic violence more stringent may be a long-term solution to the domestic violence problem (Gonzalez and Corbin, 2011). Domestic violence is a significant social problem whose implications extend to financial scopes. Its psychological and physical effects on victims reduce their potentials that even force them out of employment to grant them legal leave from duty. While a legal approach has failed to reduce incidences of domestic violence in the society, despite its perceived able framework, protecting new generations from experiencing or witnessing domestic violence may be a long-term solution to the problem because of its hypothesized ability to reduce aggression in the new generation (Martin, 2013; Gonzalez and Corbin, 2011). The study is significant in understanding significance of violence experience during childhood and the long-term cause of domestic violence in the society. Its results will determine the significance and establish a basis for legal policies that can address the problem. Establishing significance of children’s exposure to domestic violence will mean that strict laws, im plemented over a generation, are necessary for a long-term solution to

Forensic Science And The Legal System Criminology Essay

Forensic Science And The Legal System Criminology Essay Forensic science (often is written as forensics) is the appliance of a wide range of sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system. This may be relevant to a crime or a civil action. Besides its relevance to a legal system, more generally forensic science covers the accepted scientific methodology and norms with the help of which the facts regarding an event, or an artifact, or some other physical item are established as being the case. In that regard the concept is related to the idea of authentication, where by an interest outside of a legal form exists in determining whether an object is what it wishes to be, or is alleged as being. It became much easier to solve crime today than it was 50 years ago, because of the advances that have been made in science, or even in forensic science. In fact, new and innovative crime solving techniques are being introduced by the day to help law enforcement to solve cases that are baffling the first time. If we took a look at the role that forensics play in the fields of criminal law and justice, we would see how important it is in solving crime because: It really helps to establish the nature of the crime: There are some crimes that are accidents and others that are by design. Analyzing the evidence with the help of a forensic microscope we see cops and others in the law enforcement area to determine if the crime was a murder, suicide or other form of accidental death. If it is a murder, forensic evidence tells them if the crime was accidental or carried out in cold blood. Forensic science is used to investigate and solve burglaries, drug offenses, arsons and automobile accidents. It helps to remove personal prejudices: Forensic science makes law enforcement officers to look only at the evidence and not follow cases on their instincts or their feelings. That is why it provides a quantifiable way to solve crime, one that can be used to provide cold, hard evidence that is more acceptable in courts and to juries in convicting the guilty or acquitting the innocent (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2004, p. 32). It helps to bring to light evidence that is not visible to the naked eye: Forensic science uses a number of techniques to discover evidence that is not immediately visible. So, even in situations where it seems to be no evidence at all, a minute fingernail or a strand of hair can help nail the criminal. The methods and techniques that are used are detailed and accurate, and if done carefully and correctly, they can help to recreate the crime in laboratory settings and solve the crime. And last point and most important of all, it helps solve the crime itself: Using details such as the time of death and other physical evidence, forensic science can tell if a person is guilty of the crime or innocent as he claims. If it is used wisely and correctly, forensic science can help convict the guilty and acquit the innocent, both of which are important when someone is being prosecuted for a crime. Forensics makes a great comfort to those who have been affected by the crime and a valuable tool for the criminal law and justice departments in fighting crime. Forensic science extends into a lot of sub-sciences which uses natural science techniques to get relevant criminal and legal evidence (Richbourg, J., 2004, p.17). Forensic science specialties of the 21st century include: Forensic Accounting This science allows receiving, examining and taking into account obtained data. Digital Forensics (also called as Computing Forensics) includes scientific methods and techniques used for search, recovery of information on digital media (pictures, e-mail). Forensic Document Examination This science allows studying, recovering and understanding the documents, making an analysis of handwriting and drawings, charts and graphics. Many studies involve a comparison of the observed document, or components of it, to a set of known standards. Forensic Economics The purchasing, researching and understanding of evidence related to economic damage, which includes determination of lost benefits and earnings, business value and profit loss, lost household service value, labor replacement and future medical expense costs, etc. Forensic Engineering The reconstruction, researching and explanation of structural or mechanical failure or in devices, buildings, etc. (Escholz S., 2002, p. 319). Forensic Linguistics The searching and explanation of language for use as legal evidence. Forensic Origin and Cause The researching, explanation and identification of a fire for the express purpose of determining the cause of ignition and origin of the fire. Forensic Photography reconstructing, and preceding an accurate photographic reproduction of a crime scene for a courts benefit. Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry The researching, evaluation and understanding of mentally-related illnesses and human behavior for the purpose of obtaining legal evidence. Forensic Anthropology is the kind of physical anthropology, relevant to a legal situation- typically the identification and recovery of skeletonized human remains (bones). Criminalistics is the supplement of combination of clues (i.e. fingerprints imprint footwear impressions and tire tracks), ballistics, trace evidence, controlled material. Criminalistics includes clues collected from different kinds of sciences to find the answers of questions relating to the researching and comparison of criminal investigations. This evidence is usually processed in a crime lab. Forensic Biology includes testing DNA and serological tests of bodily (physiological) fluids for the purpose of individualization and identification. Helps to answer forensic questions such as paternity or maternity testing or finding a suspect at a crime scene. Forensic Entomology helps in determination of time and location of death, by studding how insects relate to human remains, and can often times determine if the body that is examined was moved after death. Forensic Geology is the kind of trace evidence found in soils, minerals and petroleum, as applied to a legal setting (Escholz et al., 2002, p. 321; Surette, 1998.p. 194). Forensic Meteorology is an analysis of prior weather situation, specific to the site being observed. Forensic Odontology is the science about teeth- specifically, the uniqueness of dentition. Forensic Pathology combines the spheres of medicine and pathology, determines the cause of injury or death. Forensic Toxicology is science that helps to give the evaluation and the elucidation of the effects of poisons, chemicals, or drugs on the human body. Forensic archaeology is the example of a combination of archaeological techniques and forensic science, typically in law enforcement. Forensic psychology is the discovery of the mind of an individual, using forensic methods. Usually it deals with the circumstances behind a criminals behavior. Forensic video analysis is the scientific research, comparison, and analyzing of video in legal matters (Cather, K.H., 2004, pp.9-10). Forensic engineering is the studding and analyzing of structures and other objects to answer questions as to their failure or reason of damage. Usually such research is used to answer legal questions. Forensic limnology is the analyzing of clues gathered from crime scenes in or around fresh water sources. Revision of biological organisms, particularly diatoms, can be used in connecting suspects with victims. Forensic science is very important for policing, criminal investigations and court processes because it helps with: Crime-Solving Contributions. Forensic science helps in to solving crimes through investigative activities such as determining the cause of death, identifying suspects, finding missing persons and profiling criminals. Determining Cause of Death. Forensic pathologists determine someones reason of death by performing autopsies. During these procedures, they study fluids and tissues from a body to find out the cause of death and the manner of death. Identifying Suspects. Forensic experts can identify suspects by analyzing evidence found at the scene of a crime-such as fibers, hairs, blood and fingerprints. These methods usually are used to exonerate the innocent. Finding Missing Persons. Forensic scientists can help in finding people who have been missing for long time using the process of image modification. Using this method, a photograph is aged to illustrate what someone may look like years after his last being seen. This is one of the tools that can be used to find criminals who have eluded justice (Cather, K.H., 2004, pp.11; Escholz et al., 2002, p. 339). Profiling Criminals. Forensic experts use profiling to help find suspects. By analyzing a crime accident, they can determine a criminals patterns and personality in an effort to narrow the suspect pool. Forensic Science is important because it helps in analyzing of forensic evidence is used in the investigation and prosecution of civil and criminal proceedings.   It can help to find the guilt or innocence of possible suspects. Forensic science is also used to link crimes that are thought to be related to one another.   For example, DNA evidence can link one offender to several crimes or crime scenes.   Linking crimes can help law enforcement officers to narrow the range of possible suspects and to establish patterns of for crimes, which are useful in identifying and prosecuting suspects (Nielson Media Research, 2004, p. 26). Forensic science also works on creating new techniques and procedures for the collection and analysis of evidence. In this meaning, new technology can be used not only to keep forensic scientist on the cutting edge of science, but also to maintain the highest standards of quality and accuracy. The public is primarily educated about forensic science by Hollywood films and television shows (Barak, 1995, p. 3). Within the past ten years, the emphasis on forensics as a primary tool to solve crimes has increased significantly on broadcast television with shows like CSI. In comparison, Hollywood films have rarely featured a forensic scientist working in a lab or out in the field as a main character. Typically, the police make a stop at the crime lab to drop off or pick up potential evidence, thus move the films investigative plot forward. Nevertheless, as depicted by the media, forensic science is a broad field practiced by both genuine forensic scientists and law enforcement investigators. In the real world, the duties of forensic specialists are normally limited to forensic science techniques; however, police investigators use forensic methods on occasion (Cather, K.H., 2004, p.13) Audiences have learned about forensics from television as well as film. Television has shown both traditional forensic science and the use of forensic science by law enforcement through news shows, documentaries, docudramas and crime dramas. These have been given much greater exposure lo the public in various television formats than Hollywood films ever did. Probably first to focus on forensic scientists were investigative news shows, such as 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, and MSNBC investigates. These often featured repugnant criminal acts that were solved through the use of forensic science evidence. During the mid 1990s, docudramas that focus on forensic scientists began to emerge. New Detectives, FBI Files, and Forensic Files, feature actors to recreate actual cases to depict how forensic science evidence assisted in the successful capture of offenders. Nowadays there are a lot of videos and documentary films about forensics, such as A Case of Murder, Dead Mens Tales, Killers Trail, The Case for Innocence, The Case for Innocence, Jeffersons Blood, The Bone Collector, Murder by Numbers, Kiss the Girls. We should also mention such great television Series with Forensic Science Elements as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Crossing Jordan, Law and Order (Richbourg, J., 2004, p.19). We can find a lot of True life crime forensic science on television in such shows as: New Detectives (Discovery Channel), Forensic Files (Court TV), I, Detective (Court TV), Cold Case Files (AE), Medical Detectives (TLC), Forensic Science (TLC), Unsolved History (Discovery). Forensic sciences spell in the limelight has given it huge honor. The TV shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has made students flocking to forensics courses. But while this interest is sexing up the image of scientists, it is also stopping police catching criminals and securing convictions. Young people who watch CSI believe that those scenarios, where forensic scientists are always right, are what happen in reality. It means that in court, juries are not always impressed with evidence presented using scientific terms. Another big problem created by media coverage of forensic science is that it informs criminals of the techniques the police use to catch them. That is why, some forensics experts are not willing to cooperate with the media (Cather, K.H., 2004, pp.13). There is an increasing amount of criminals who use plastic gloves during break-ins and condoms during rapes in order not to leave their DNA at the scene. Statistics describes a murder case in which the assailant tried to wash away his DNA using shampoo. Police say that car thieves there have started to dump cigarette butts from bins in stolen cars before they abandon them. None of this films or TV shows makes the forensic scientists job easier, but it probably wont prevent them fingering a suspect. As a conclusions we can say that a minority of Americas population has had no direct experience with the criminal justice system (Escholz et al., 2002, p. 328; Surette Otto, 2002, p. 450). That is why those who are called for jury duty know very little of the capabilities of the use of forensic science to resolve criminal investigations. With the media serving as a primary source of information to 95% of the public (Surette, 1998.p. 197), the reality of forensic science in the average citizens mind could be based only on the medial depictions of forensic experts. The ability of media to reach a broad audience seems to have caused a reaction by trial lawyers. For the last several years, the forensic crime drama CSI has surpassed the popularity of any other television show (Nielson Media Research. 2004). Nearly 80% of the surveyed lawyers suspected fans of forensic crime dramas have unrealistic expectations of evidence. The common belief among trial lawyers that forensic crime dramas create such unrealistic expectations seems to have resulted in several changes while preparing for trials and during criminal proceedings. First, a slight majority of the lawyers reported they ask jury candidates if they specifically view forensic crime dramas during voir dire. Attorneys also may be compensating for the possibility that jurors have unrealistic expectations of forensic evidence by submitting additional evidence for forensic testing. Fifty-one percent of the lawyers reported requesting some forensic tests more than they did five years ago. In contras t, prosecuting attorneys maybe requesting further forensic test because of an increased interest in matters involving forensic science by defense attorneys. For every topic of defense interest investigated by the current study, at least 59% of the lawyers reported an increase. The responses to surveys by criminal trial lawyers suggest the majority of attorneys have reacted the current popularity of forensic crime dramas. Before these findings can be accepted as a general nationwide trend, further research in multiple regions of the country is needed. Qualitative and quantitative studies should be designed to test the findings of this study and expound upon this possibility. A not educated citizenry, weaned on media images, may serve to undermine the court process when called upon to serve as jurors. Better preparation by judges and attorneys to counter such a trend is warranted.

the story of an hour :: essays research papers

In Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour," there is much irony. The first irony detected is in the way that Louise reacts to the news of the death of her husband, Brently Mallard. Before Louise's reaction is revealed, Chopin alludes to how the widow feels by describing the world according to her perception of it after the "horrible" news. Louise is said to "not hear the story as many women have heard the same." Rather, she accepts it and goes to her room to be alone. Now the reader starts to see the world through Louise's eyes, a world full of new and pure life. In her room, Louise sinks into a comfortable chair and looks out her window. Immediately the image of comfort seems to strike a odd note. One reading this story should question the use of this word " comfortable" and why Louise is not beating the furniture instead. Next, the newly widowed women is looking out of the window and sees spring and all the new life it brings. The descriptions used now are as far away from death as possible. "The delicios breath of rain...the notes of a distant song...countless sparrows were twittering...patches of blue sky...." All these are beautiful images of life , the reader is quite confused by this most unusual foreshadowing until Louise's reaction is explained. The widow whispers "Free, free, free!" Louise realizes that her husband had loved her, but she goes on to explain that as men and women often inhibit eachother, even if it is done with the best of intentions, they exert their own wills upon eachother. She realized that although at times she had loved him, she has regained her freedom, a state of beeing that all of G-d's creatures strive for. Although this reaction is completely unexpected, the reader quickly accepts it because of Louise's adequate explanation. She grows excited and begins to fantasize about living her life for herself. With this realization, she wishes that "life might be long," and she feels like a "goddess of Victory" as she walks down the stairs. This is an eerie forshadowing for an even more unexpected ending. The reader has just accepted Louise's reaction to her husband's death, when the most unexpected happens; her husband is actually alive and he enters the room shocking everyone, and Louise especially, as she is shocked to death.

Vitamin C in Different Fruit Juice

Activity 1. 21- Is high Vitamin C all it claims to be? Purpose: * To investigate the vitamin C content of fruit juice * To investigate which type of fruit juice provides the most vitamin C The quantity of vitamin C in food and drink can be determined using a simple colour test. Vitamin C decolourises the blue dye DCPIP (dichlorophenolindolphenol). Vitamin C is an antioxidant and reduces the DCPIP. DCPIP changes from blue to colourless (or slightly pink) as it becomes reduced. We will be testing a range of different fruit juices to see which contains the highest concentration of vitamin C Hypothesis: I predict that the orange might be the juice that provides the most vitamin C; this is because it is widely promoted as a ‘high vitamin C juice’. * Grapefruit juice might contain the second highest amount of vitamin C; also because of it promotion in the media. Vitamin C is a water-soluble compound that is essential for life. It is involved in many processes in the human body , including: the production of collagen in the connective tissue; the synthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline in the nervous system; and the synthesis of carnitine, which is important in the transfer of energy to the cell mitochondria.A deficiency in vitamin C causes scurvy, a disease that affected sailors in the 16th – 18thCenturies. It was discovered that fresh fruit, e. g. limes and oranges, or sauerkraut (preserved cabbage) provided the sailors with protection from scurvy. Safety: * Running should be avoided in the laboratory to prevent accidents especially when handling liquids * Goggles should be warn at all times when carrying out the experiment * Care should be taken when handling glass wear * The supervisor should be informed about any spillages of liquid that may be hazardous to others in the laboratory. Controlled variables: Temperature; If a juice is higher in temperature than the other, it will cause the reaction to speed up which would make the exper iment unfair. * Concentration of DCPIP; different concentrations would not benefit the experiment as we are only changing the type of juice. * Shake each flask using the same movements; more vigorous movements may add oxygen which would affect the DCPIP and turn it slightly blue again. * Same end point colour (colourless); attention and concentration should be given to see through until the very last drop so the volume is not increased. Independent variable: * Fruit juice Dependant Variable: Volume of juice required to decolourise the DCPIP. The experiment procedure: Equipment: * 1% DCPIP solution * Vitamin C solution * Range of fruit juices * Conical flasks * Beakers * Pipette accurate to 1cm3 to measure volumes accurately * Burette to measure volumes accurately * Safety goggles Method: 1. Pipette 1cm3 into a beaker 2. Fill the burette with the vitamin C solution 3. Add the vitamin solution in droplets 4. As soon as the DCPIP goes colourless, stop the burette and record the volume of vitamin C solution that was used. 5. Repeat this procedure with other juices 6. Repeat the experiment at least 2 times . Calculate the mean result for each juice Table of results: | Vitamin C| Orange| Grapefruit| Lemon| Blueberry| Pineapple| | 1| 2. 5| 3| -| 2| 13| | 0. 4| 2. 4| 1. 95| 1. 1| 3| 12. 75| | 0. 35| 0. 4| 1. 15| -| 0. 8| 8. 2| | 0. 1| 2. 1| 4. 7| 1. 7| 1. 5| 8. 2| | 0. 1| 1. 96| 4. 6| 2. 3| 1. 8| -| AVERAGE| 0. 39| 1. 96| 3. 08| 1. 9| 1. 8| 10. 5| Here the least volume of juice needed to decolourise DCPIP was the blueberry juice, followed by lemon then orange juice. From the experiment, blueberry juice provided the most vitamin C because less of it was needed in order to turn DCPIP colourless.The pineapple juice was the juice that let out the highest volume from the burette in order to decolourise DCPIP; this is because it was the juice that provided the least amount of vitamin C. All of the juices had vitamin C in them as the highest volume was only 10. 5cm3. The res ults obtained from the experiment showed no relation to my hypothetical prediction. It may have been because of the experimental errors that had been overlooked whilst carrying out the experiment. The results from the experiment did not agree with the widely publicised fact that orange juice provides the most vitamin C.A number of errors could have been made: the temperature may not have been the equivalent for all juices( the last juice to be measured may have been at a higher temperature than the rest causing the reaction with the DCPIP to hasten), the amount of shaking may of effected the results as too much shaking could have added oxygen which would have restored the DCPIP to blue, the end point may have been difficult to judge because of it close proximity, some juice may have been lost whilst it was being transferred from the beaker , there might have been an error in how accurate the juices were measured or recorded.In the future more attention could be given and the experim ent could be done more slowly; time may have been an issue when carrying out the experiment. The results obtained were pulled together from different groups in the class who may have all treated their readings and measurements differently, therefore it would be much reliable if I repeated the experiment and obtained at least three readings for each juice on my own. Moreover, the juices bought could all be from the same brand, this is because some manufacturers put more sweeteners or fresh juice than others.

Does Religion Cause War?

I. IntroductionSince writing has been invented about 5,200 years ago, there has been religion in some levels. Whether it is the belief to a Christian God, or whether goes further back in history to Hinduism or Judaism, Buddhism and along with other religious beliefs. During that same period of time, there have also been a large number of wars and battles between different countries and civilizations. But what are the causes of these wars? Many argue that such things as politics, power and material goods are the causes of these wars, whereas others claim that it is religion which is the main reason.Where it can be said that religion has had a large influence on many conflicts in the past, it can also be argued that political issues and power struggles have had just as large an impact. While some argue that religion is the cause of wars, it is inconclusive whether war would or would not exist if there was no such thing as religion.Based on our research, some would say The Crusades are a major example of religion causing war. From the 11th century to the 13th century Christian states in Europe launched what are sometimes called Holy Wars against Muslims in the East. These wars centered on the city of Jerusalem which held a Holy significance in the Christian world. However when 3000 Christians were massacred, this began the retaliation and therefore the beginning of The Crusades to release the Holy City of Jerusalem from the rule of Muslims. In this example, religion has clearly caused The Crusades as there would not have been any war if the city of Jerusalem did not have Christian significance.II. Counter ArgumentsHowever, a contrary argument to this would be that it was the massacre of 3000 Christians which caused The Crusades to begin and not because of differing religious beliefs, although it is unquestionable that religion played a major part in the beginning of the Crusades as the massacre may not have taken place without a religious background. As the argume nt for religion causing war heavily outweighs the opposing argument, in this context it is fair to say that using this example, religion does cause war.Although the previous example concerning The Crusades suggests that religion does cause war it would be unfair to generalize this conclusion from one example of war to war in general. There are many counter arguments when discussing the topic of religion causing war such as political or cultural issues. One such example of this is the conflict in Northern Ireland which is commonly perceived as a religious one although religious and political leaders have used religion to incite division or unison within their people.The Unionists (those who wish to remain a part of Great Britain) are predominantly Protestant whereas the Nationalists see themselves as Irish and are usually of the Catholic faith. It is this difference between the identities (British or Irish) of the people which has caused conflict and not because of the commonly held belief that it is one of religion and sectarianism. By using this example it is clear that religion is not the sole cause of war although it can be used as an incentive to continue a conflict which is shown through the conflict in Northern Ireland where it has almost become a religious conflict, such is the commonly held view of the hostility. This example can therefore be used as basis for an argument stating that religion does not, in general terms, cause war.III. Our ArgumentsClaim #1Ignoring The Crusades, and more specifically the First Crusade, it is difficult to confidently state that there have been other wars which have undeniable religious causes. However, one which has underlying holy origins is World War II. In the book Mein Kampf it states â€Å"hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord† (Hitler, 1924) While some say that Hitler was irratio nal in his thinking, it  is undeniable that one of the main reasons for creating the Nazi Party was a misguided religious belief, such as the one above, and therefore the beginning of World War II can be put down to religion to an extent. This is shown by his actions following his writings in Mein Kampf.Claim #2To an extent, the â€Å"anti-terrorism† war in Afghanistan is also an example of a war with a religious cause although some argue that the war began for other reasons. As the terrorist attacks in America were the catalysts for war in Afghanistan, it can be said that the conflict did have a religious cause. This is because of the terrorists having a misguided belief, much like Hitler and his determination to eradicate the Jews, that they were acting in the name of an Islamic God. Because of this belief the cause of the conflict in Afghanistan can be put down to religion and therefore suggests that religion can cause war and conflict.Claim #3On the other hand the examp les of wars which have been caused by religion cannot automatically assume that all war is caused by religion or generalize a cause of one conflict to all conflicts. Following on from this another example of a war which does not have a religious cause is the Gulf War in 1990. The basis for war in this example was the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, caused by a non-religious belief that Kuwait was a part of Iraq, along with the fact that Saddam Hussein wanted to invade and capture more land for himself. Therefore, this example again confirms the idea that religion is not the sole reason for war and that again, political issues are just as likely to be the catalyst for conflict.IV. ConclusionA final argument against the claim that religion causes war is one which is based on opinion and also has large quantities of evidence to back up the point; that war would occur anyway even if religion did not exist. One viewpoint is that it is human nature to always want more (greed) and this, more t han religion, can cause conflict with others which may lead to war. The evidence to support this point comes from the large number of wars and conflicts which do not have religious causes.In conclusion, it is unfair to suggest that there would be no war if religion did not exist as it is probable that human beings would use other motives for war or find other things to fight over. However, having said that it would also be unfair to declare that religion does not cause war as The Crusades, World War II and the war in Afghanistan to name just a few, defy that notion. Following on from this, some wars do have religious causes but consequently it is false to suggest that religion causes war in general as there are other hugely significant causes such as political issues, power struggles and the greed of humanity for more material possessions which are just as likely causes for war as religion.

Ancient Definitions of Rhetoric

Ancient Definitions of Rhetoric Broadly defined in our own time as the art of effective communication, the rhetoric studied in ancient Greece and Rome (from roughly the fifth century B.C. to the early Middle Ages) was primarily intended to help citizens plead their claims in court. Though the early teachers of rhetoric, known as Sophists, were criticized by Plato and other philosophers, the study of rhetoric soon became the cornerstone of classical education. Modern theories of oral and written communication remain heavily influenced by the basic rhetorical principles introduced in ancient Greece by Isocrates and Aristotle, and in Rome by Cicero and Quintilian. Here, well briefly introduce these key figures and identify some of their central ideas. Rhetoric in Ancient Greece The English word rhetoric is derived from Greek rhetorike, which apparently came into use in the circle of Socrates in the fifth century and first appears in Platos dialogue Gorgias, probably written about 385 B.C. . . .. Rhetorike in Greek specifically denotes the civic art of public speaking as it developed in deliberative assemblies, law courts, and other formal occasions under constitutional government in the Greek cities, especially the Athenian democracy. As such, it is a cultural subset of a more general concept of the power of words and their potential to affect a situation in which they are used or received.(George A. Kennedy, A New History of Classical Rhetoric, 1994) Plato (c.428-c.348 B.C.): Flattery and Cookery A pupil (or at least an associate) of the great Athenian philosopher Socrates, Plato expressed his disdain for false rhetoric in Gorgias, an early work. In a much later work, Phaedrus, he developed a philosophical rhetoric, one that called for studying the souls of human beings to discover truth. [Rhetoric] seems to me then . . . to be a pursuit that is not a matter of art, but showing a shrewd, gallant spirit which has a natural bent for clever dealing with mankind, and I sum up its substance in the name flattery. . . . Well now, you have heard what I state rhetoric to bethe counterpart of cookery in the soul, acting here as that does on the body. (Plato, Gorgias, c. 385 B.C., translated by W.R.M. Lamb) Since the function of oratory is in fact to influence men’s souls, the intending orator must know what types of soul there are. Now these are of a determinate number, and their variety results in a variety of individuals. To the types of soul thus discriminated there corresponds a determinate number of types of discourse. Hence a certain type of hearer will be easy to persuade by a certain type of speech to take such and such action for such and such reason, while another type will be hard to persuade. All this the orator must fully understand, and next he must watch it actually occurring, exemplified in men’s conduct, and must cultivate a keen perception in following it, if he is going to get any advantage out of the previous instruction that he was given in the school. (Plato, Phaedrus, c. 370 B.C., translated by R. Hackforth) Isocrates (436-338 B.C.): With Love of Wisdom and Honor A contemporary of Plato and founder of the first school of rhetoric in Athens, Isocrates viewed rhetoric as a powerful tool for investigating practical problems. When anyone elects to speak or write discourses which are worthy of praise and honor, it is not conceivable that such a person will support causes which are unjust or petty or devoted to private quarrels, and not rather those which are great and honorable, devoted to the welfare of humanity and the common good. It follows, then, that the power to speak well and think right will reward the person who approaches the art of discourse with love of wisdom and love of honor. (Isocrates, Antidosis, 353 B.C., translated by George Norlin) Aristotle (384-322 B.C.): The Available Means of Persuasion Platos most famous student, Aristotle, was the first to develop a complete theory of rhetoric. In his lecture notes (known to us as the Rhetoric), Aristotle developed principles of argumentation that remain extremely influential today. As W.D. Ross observed in his introduction to The Works of Aristotle (1939), The Rhetoric may seem at first sight to be a curious jumble of literary criticism with second-rate logic, ethics, politics, and jurisprudence, mixed by the cunning of one who well knows how the weaknesses of the human heart are to be played upon. In understanding the book it is essential to bear in mind its purely practical purpose. It is not a theoretical work on any of these subjects; it is a manual for the speaker . . .. Much of what [Aristotle] says applies only to the conditions of Greek society, but very much is permanently true. Let rhetoric [be defined as] an ability, in each [particular] case, to see the available means of persuasion. This is the function of no other art; for each of the others is instructive and persuasive about its own subject. (Aristotle, On Rhetoric, late 4th century B.C.; translated by George A. Kennedy, 1991) Cicero (106-43 B.C.): To Prove, to Please, and to Persuade A member of the Roman Senate, Cicero was the most influential practitioner and theorist of ancient rhetoric who ever lived. In  De Oratore  (Orator), Cicero examined the qualities of what he perceived to be the ideal  orator. There is a scientific system of politics which includes many important departments. One of these departmentsa large and important oneis eloquence based on the rules of art, which they call rhetoric. For I do not agree with those who think that political science has no need for eloquence, and I violently disagree with those who think that it is wholly comprehended in the power and skill of the rhetorician. Therefore we will classify oratorical ability as a part of political science. The function of eloquence seems to be to speak in a manner suited to persuade an audience, the end is to persuade by speech. (Marcus Tullius Cicero,  De Inventione, 55 B.C., translated by H. M. Hubbell) The man of eloquence whom we seek, following the suggestion of Antonius, will be one who is able to speak in court or in deliberative bodies so as to prove, to please, and to sway or persuade. To prove is the first necessity, to please is  charm, to sway is victory; for it is the one thing of all that avails most in winning verdicts. For these three functions of the  orator  there are three styles: the plain style for proof, the middle style for pleasure, the vigorous style for persuasion; and in this last is summed up the entire virtue of the orator. Now the man who controls and combines these three varied styles needs rare judgment and great endowment; for he will decide what is needed at any point, and will be able to speak in any way which the case requires. For, after all, the foundation of eloquence, as of everything else, is wisdom. In an oration, as in life, nothing is harder than to determine what is appropriate. (Marcus Tullius Cicero,  De Oratore, 46 B.C., translat ed by H.M. Hubbell) Quintilian (c.35-c.100): The Good Man Speaking Well A great Roman rhetorician, Quintilians reputation rests on  Institutio Oratoria  (Institutes of Oratory), a compendium of the best of ancient rhetorical theory. For my part, I have undertaken the task of molding the ideal orator, and as my first desire is that he should be a good man, I will return to those who have sounder opinions on the subject. . . . The definition which best suits its real character is that which makes rhetoric the  science of speaking well. For this definition includes all the virtues of oratory and the character of the orator as well, since no man can speak well who is not good himself. (Quintilian,  Institutio Oratoria, 95, translated by H. E. Butler) Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430): The Aim of Eloquence As described in his autobiography (The Confessions), Augustine was a student of law and for ten years a teacher of rhetoric in North Africa before taking up study with Ambrose, the bishop of Milan and an eloquent orator. In Book IV of  On Christian Doctrine, Augustine justifies the use of rhetoric to spread the doctrine of Christianity. After all, the universal task of eloquence, in whichever of these three styles, is to speak in a way that is geared to persuasion. The aim, what you intend, is to persuade by speaking. In any of these three styles, indeed, the eloquent man speaks in a way that is geared to persuasion, but if he doesn’t actually persuade, he doesn’t achieve the aim of eloquence.(St. Augustine,  De Doctrina Christiana, 427, translated by Edmund Hill) Postscript on Classical Rhetoric: I Say The word  rhetoric  can be traced back ultimately to the simple assertion I say (eiro  in Greek). Almost anything related to the act of saying something to someonein speech or in writingcan conceivably fall within the domain of rhetoric as a field of study. (Richard E. Young, Alton L. Becker, and Kenneth L. Pike,  Rhetoric: Discovery and Change, 1970)

Famous Quotes and Sayings About Sadness

Famous Quotes and Sayings About Sadness Sorrow is a part of our existence. Even the best among us cannot escape feeling sad at times. It is when you are feeling sad that you develop new insight about yourself. This is a select list of twenty sad quotations that moved me the most. They will ring true if you are feeling sad. African Proverb However long the night, the dawn will break. Cynthia Nelms Nobody really cares if youre miserable, so you might as well be happy. Dale Carnegie Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. Carl W. Buechner They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. W. Somerset Maugham It is salutary to train oneself to be no more affected by censure than by praise. David Borenstein Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions. Sydney J. Harris Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. David Weatherford We enjoy warmth because we have been cold. We appreciate light because we have been in darkness. By the same token, we can experience joy because we have known sadness. Jean de La Fontaine Sadness flies away on the wings of time. Jim Rohn The walls we build around us to keep out the sadness also keep out the joy. David Grayson Looking back, I have this to regret, that too often when I loved, I did not say so. Helen Keller Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. Carl Jung There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the years course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. William Shakespeare I had rather have a fool make me merry, than experience make me sad. Colette, The Last of Cheri I love my past. I love my present. Im not ashamed of what Ive had, and Im not sad because I have it no longer. Sidney Madwed You can choose to be happy or sad and whichever you choose that is what you get. No one is really responsible to make someone else happy, no matter what most people have been taught and accept as true. Roy Batty, Blade Runner All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain. Christina Georgina Rossetti Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad. R. W. Dale We ask God to forgive us for our evil thoughts and evil temper, but rarely, if ever ask Him to forgive us for our sadness. Brian Andreas She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful and life was so short.