John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism Essay Example for Free

John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism Essay John Stuart Mill published Utilitarianism in 1861 in installments in Frasers Magezine it was later brought out in book form in 1863. The book offers a candidate for a first principle of morality, a principle that provides us with a criterion distinquishing right and wrong. The unilitarian candidate is the principle of utility, which holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happpiness. By happiness is intended pleasure and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain and the privation of pleasure. One version of cecular utilitarianism was represented by William Godwin the husband of Mary Wollstonecraft and father of Mary Shelley, who achieved great notoriety with the publication of hil Political Justice of 1793. Godwins use of the principle of utility for the cause of radical political and social critique began the identification of utilitarianism with anti-religiosity and with dangerous democratic values. The second version of secular utilitarianism, and the one that inspired Mill, arose from the work of Jeremy Bentham. Benthan, who was much more successful than Godwin at building a movement around his ideas, employed the principle of utility as a device of political, social, and legal criticism. Benthams interest in the principle of utility did not arise from concern about ethical theory as much as from concern about lefislative and legal reform. Though Bentham and Godwin intended it to have this function in the late eighteenth century, utilitarianism became influential only when tied with the political machinery of the Radical party, which had particular prominence on the English scene in the 1830s.

psychological disorders, symptoms, and possible causes

psychological disorders, symptoms, and possible causes A psychological disorder can occur at any stage in ones life and to anyone. Much like a physical disease such as cancer, they do not discriminate. In our society, there seems to be certain stigmas and stereotypes attached to psychological disorders (although there is more understanding in recent years) and counseling for them, even though many may be overcome, or at least managed in this way, and this is needed for not just your mind or emotional health, but also for your whole self , as your physical wellness is directly related to your mind and emotions. Sometimes referred to as the Bible of Psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a manual that contains all the mental health disorders, the cause, prognosis, and treatment methods for each disorder. It is used to better understand the patients illness and needs, as well as treatment options. It is published by the American Psychiatric Association and uses a multidimensional approach to reach a diagnosis. The five dimensions are clinical syndromes, developmental disorders and personality disorders, physical condition, severity of psychological stressors, and highest level of functioning. The previous classification system, which is not current but still relevant to some classes, were two main categories: neurosis and psychosis. Neurosis is characterized by anxiety, often resulting from inner conflict. Psychosis is characterized by loss of contact with reality, delusional, irrational thoughts, and/or hallucinations. These have been replaced with specific classifications. The Anxiety Disorders, with the main feature in this category being abnormal or inappropriate anxiety which occurs when ones heart races, breathing increases, and muscles tense without any reason for them to do so, include the following: 1) Acute Stress Disorder- results from traumatic event in which the person responded with intense fear and helplessness. Symptoms include detachment, re-experiencing event, and significant anxiety. The disorder may resolve itself, or medication and therapy may be useful in preventing development of more serious disorder. Prognosis is very good. 2) Agoraphobia- generalized fear of being in places difficult to escape or embarrassing and without help is panic attack occurs. Prognosis is good when there is insight to development and with realization the fears are irrational. 3) Generalized Anxiety Disorder- overwhelming anxiety not related to specific event. Medication and therapy helpful to regain control over symptoms. Prognosis is good, however, underlying issues are more difficult to treat. 4) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder- biological and psychological causes. Prognosis depends on response to medication and how deeply rooted the underlying issues are. 5) Panic Disorder- sudden attacks of intense fear. Treatment includes relaxation exercises and working through underlying issues. Prognosis is good if not left untreated to worsen and develop into Agoraphobia. 6) Phobias- extreme anxiety and fear associated with the object, situation, or avoidance that is disruptive to everyday functions. With behavioral therapy, prognosis is good. 7) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder- re-experiencing the traumatic event through nightmares, obsessive thoughts, and flashbacks, along with avoidance to anything that reminds the person of that event. Prognosis is moderate to good. Some can be treated with anxiety medication, but primarily psychological treatment. The category of Adjustment Disorders include Unspecified, with Anxiety, with Depressed Mood, with Disturbance of Conduct, with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, and with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct. All of these disorders relate to a more difficult adjustment to a life situation than would normally be expected. Another category is called Dissociative Disorders, including Amnesia-loss of memory due to psychological factors, Dissociative Fugue- person disappears, forgets identity and past and begins a new life, Identity (known formerly as Multiple Personality Disorder), and Depersonalization Disorder. These include a disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. Eating Disorders is another category of psychological disorders. They include Anorexia Nervosa, known for failure to maintain body weight of at least 85% of what is expected, fear of losing control over weight, and typically a distorted body image. Bulimia Nervosa includes bingeing and purging. Impulse Control Disorders include the failure or extreme difficulty in controlling impulses despite the negative consequences. Included in these disorders is Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Kleptomania (stealing), Pathological Gambling, Pyromania (fire setting), Trichotillomania (recurrent pulling out of ones own hair). Mood Disorders include Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive)- mania at one extreme to major depression at the other, cycling between two extremes for days, weeks, or months, Cyclothymic Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder. The primary symptom in this category is a disturbance of mood which is inappropriate, and exaggerated or a limited range of feelings. Feelings are to the extreme, having excess energy where sleep is not needed for days at a time, and during this time the decision making process is hindered. Paraphilias and Sexual disorders involve distressing and repetitive sexual fantasies, urges and behaviors that negatively impact ones life as they feel they are unable to control them. These include Exhibitionism, Fetishism, Frotteurism, Pedophilia, Sexual Masochism, Sexual Sadism, Transvestic Fetishism, and Voyeurism. Sexual Dysfunctions is the impairment in normal sexual functioning. This includes Dyspareunia, Female Orgasmic Disorder, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, Gender Identity Disorder, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, Male Erectile Disorder, Male Orgasmic Disorder, Premature Ejaculation, Sexual Aversion Disorder, and Vaginismus. Primary Sleep Disorders are divided into Dyssomnias (related to amount, quality, and timing of sleep) and Parasomnias (abnormal behavior or psychological events that occur during sleep or sleep-wake transitions). Dyssomnias include Primary Insomnia, Primary Hypersomnia, and Narcolepsy. Parasomnias include Nightmare Disorder, Sleep Terror Disorder, and Sleepwalking Disorder. The major symptom of another category called Psychotic Disorders is psychosis, or delusions and hallucinations. Included in this category is Brief Psychotic Disorder, Delusional Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizpphreniform, Shared Psychotic Disorder, and Schizophrenia ( split mind)- not all symptoms are present at once, including hearing voices, hallucinating, disordered thought, attentional difficulties, delusions, and catatonia (person freezes and appears to be in a trance). Prognosis is dependent on the age of onset and ranging from good to poor. Somatoform Disorders are those where symptoms suggest a medical condition but where no medical condition can be found by a physician. Included in this is Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Conversion Disorder (hysteria), Hypochondriasis Disorder (hypochondriac), Pain Disorder, and Somatization Disorder. There are two disorders in this category: Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence. A substance can be anything that is ingested in order to produce a high, alter ones senses, or otherwise affect functioning. The most common substance thought of in this category is alcohol although other drugs, such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, ecstasy, special-K, and crack, are also included. Probably the most abused substances, caffeine and nicotine, are also included although rarely thought of in this manner. Personality Disorders are mental illnesses that share several unique qualities. They contain symptoms that are enduring and play a major role in most, sometimes all, aspects of the persons life. While many disorders vary in terms of symptom presence and intensity, personality disorders usually remain constant. To be diagnosed with a disorder in this category, a psychologist will look for the following criteria: Symptoms have been present for an extended period of time, are inflexible and pervasive, and are not a result of alcohol or drugs or another psychiatric disorder. The history of symptoms can be traced back to adolescence or early adulthood. The symptoms have caused and continue to cause significant distress or negative consequences in different aspects of the persons life. Symptoms are seen in at least two of the following areas: Thoughts (ways of looking at the world, thinking about self or others, and interacting), Emotions (appropriateness, intensity, and range of emotional functioning), Interpersonal Functioning (relationships and interpersonal skills), and Impulse Control. Disorders in this category are Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Through the biological perspective that is adopted from a medical approach and typically regards a malfunctioning brain as the cause of abnormal behavior. Many factors are considered to be potential causes of biological dysfunction, ranging from head injury to poor nutrition. Genetics, evolution, and viral infection are areas that have received a great deal of attention. Treatments by biological practitioners utilize psychotropic medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and neurosurgery. The psychodynamic theory regards human behavior to be determined by underlying psychological influences that usually are unconscious. These influences (also called forces) are dynamic -the relationship between them gives rise to behavior. Abnormal symptoms are created when conflicts arise in this relationship. This theory states that all behavior is determined by childhood events and past experience. Treatment then consists of psychoanalysis, which involves bringing into conscious awareness the traumatic childhood conflicts that have been repressed, and resulting in resolution. The behavioral model of psychopathology suggests that abnormal responses, particularly phobias, were formed through a conditioning process, and also can be treated through new learning- a process known as behavior therapy. Abnormal functioning, according to cognitive theorists, is explained by realizing that everyone creates their view of the world that comprises their reality. If the view of an individual is flawed then unhealthy thoughts create dysfunctional behavior. Treatment with this approach involves therapy sessions which work to change a clients self-defeating beliefs and behaviors by showing their irrationality. It is believed that through rational analysis, people can understand their errors in light of the irrational beliefs and then construct a more rational way of seeing themselves, their world, and the events in their lives. The sociocultural approach holds that abnormal behavior is caused by the role that society and culture play in an individuals life. It considers societal norms, roles in the social environment, cultural background, family, and views of others. Sociocultural theorists focus on labels and rules of society, social networks, family structure, communication, cultural influences, and religious beliefs. These are the signs of mental illness are arranged into six categories: thinking, feeling, socializing, functioning, problems at home and poor self-care. These are symptoms of psychological disorders and none by themselves mean necessarily there is mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or depression. However, two or three of these signs of mental illness may indicate a type of psychological disorder. Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication are the two major treatment options as are social interventions, peer support and self-help. In some cases there may be involuntary detention and involuntary treatment. Stigma and discrimination add to the suffering associated with the disorders, and have led to social movements for change. The field of Global Mental Health has recently emerged and has been defined as the area of study, research and practice that places a priority on improving mental health and achieving equity in mental health for all people worldwide. Diagnostic practice in mental health services typically involves an interview where judgments are made of the appearance and behavior, self-reported symptoms, mental health history, and current life circumstances. The views of relatives or other third parties may be taken into account. A physical exam to check for ill health or the effects of medications or other drugs may be conducted. Psychological testing is sometimes used via paper-and-pen or computerized questionnaires, and in rare specialist cases neuroimaging tests may be requested, but these methods are more commonly found in research studies than routine clinical practice. Extreme mental illness, insanity, or psychotic disorders are defined by actions that fall out of the realm of normal human behavior. Standards of acceptability for behaviors vary with culture. When trying to determine if an eccentricity is a psychological disorder or simply immature or odd behavior, it is compared to the four factors commonly used to establish psychological dis orders. They are as follows: 1. Atypical behavior -that is psychologically disordered is outside the range of normal human behavior, which is defined by the culture or community. Just being different isnt enough to consider insanity or a psychological disorder. 2. Disturbing others. People are usually disturbed by insanity or psychological disorders, whether its excessively worrying about your son or being directly affected by harmful behavior. Whether a behavior is disturbing or abnormal may be subject to the culture, situation, and even the decade or century. 3. Maladaptive thoughts or behavior-often behaviors that dont allow people to adapt to life successfully. For example, hearing voices or being unable to leave the house because of an extreme fear. 4. Unjustifiable behavior-Certain abnormal behaviors arent seen as possible, believable, or supportable which means a mental health problem may be present. If an abnormal behavior is unjustifiable, its more likely to be a psychological disorder. After proper diagnosis, prognosis depends on the disorder, the individual and a number of other factors. Some disorders are for a short while and others may last a lifetime. Some disorders may be limited in their functional effects, while others may involve substantial disability and support needs. The degree of ability or disability may vary across different life domains. Continued disability has been linked to institutionalization, discrimination and social exclusion as well as to the properties of disorders. Some disorders are linked to increased rates of attempted and/or completed suicide or self-harm especially if intervention does not take place. Even though often characterized in negative terms, some mental states labeled as disorders can also involve above-average creativity, non-conformity, goal-striving, meticulousness, or empathy. Also the way the public sees and responds to disorders can change.

From Romantic to Victorian Essay -- essays research papers

From Romantic to Victorian   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Victorian Age came after the Romantic Age and took place between the years of 1832 and 1901. Throughout the Romantic Age many authors/poets concentrated and focused on the rights of the people, as well as the idea of individualism. We are going to see how those beliefs helped spring into the Victorian Age. There are three main things concerning the Victorians during this specific time period: evolution, industrialism, and women. Along with these three comes doubt. These changes were confusing to many and began to make them wonder if what they had believed in all these years wasn’t true after all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The evolution doubt came into effect when two men began to question nature and disturb the originality of the way things are suppose to be. These two men were Marx and Darwin. Although Marx isn’t mentioned as much as Darwin, we know that he was a very radical person who began to question the economic injustice of things, as well as the class system. Darwin on the other hand, was questioning the Bible and how things got to be the way they are. He brought about the idea of â€Å"natural selection† and that lead to biblical/religious doubts in people. Before Darwin came out with his idea on natural selection and evolution, scientists had exhibited doubt when the Neanderthal skeletons were discovered. This was the beginning of religious doubt. It wasn’t until Darwin came out with his explanation that people really began to take into consideration...

Oil In April 2000 :: essays research papers

W A S H I N G T O N, April 6 — The good news for consumers is gas prices are anticipated to drop this summer. But the bad news is the decline will be slow. With an increase in international oil production as a backdrop, the Energy Department today dramatically revised its forecast for summer gasoline prices. The agency said prices should peak later this month and begin dropping sometime in May, averaging about $1.46 a gallon throughout the summer. Even Cheaper Fall Prices And there’s even more good news: Gasoline prices may dip lower still by fall, according to the agency. Prices may fall to a national average of $1.39 after Labor Day, the department’s Energy Information Administration said in its revised short-term forecast. â€Å"By then I expect we will have started to see some economic growth deterioration and I think from there we probably will see demand start to come under some pressure,† said Peter Beutel, president of Cameron Hanover, an energy ri sk management firm in Connecticut. â€Å"So, I think we probably will see prices closer to $1.30 or maybe even $1.25.† What Happened to the $2 Estimate? Just a month ago, the Energy Department said even with increased oil production, gasoline prices were expected to soar to a national average of as much as $1.80 a gallon and likely reach $2 a gallon in some places by July. So what’s changed between now and then? A key international oil meeting in Vienna, Austria. The EIA in its latest forecast assumed additional oil would begin hitting the U.S. market by June as a result of a decision March 28 by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC agreed to boost production by as much as 1.7 million barrels a day. Other non-OPEC producers also have said they would increase production. And production increases mean refilled petroleum stocks and lower prices for oil products including gasoline. †We are more optimistic today. Some of the tightening of the market has improved,† said EIA Administrator Jay Hakes. Nationally, the average cost of regular grade gasoline was $1.52 a gallon in March, with the average for all grades, including premium, a nickel higher, the agency said. Revisions Still 25 Percent Higher But don’t get too excited just yet. The agency’s latest revision is still 25 percent higher than summer prices a year ago. The average motorist is expected to pay about $170 more for gasoline this summer than last, according to the EIA.

Free Grendel Essays: Social Commentary :: Grendel Essays

Authors often have to choose between concentrating on either plot or social commentary when writing their novels; in John Gardener's Grendel, the plot becomes is a secondary consideration. Grendel's exploits provide the reader with a clear understanding of the strong opinions the author carries and can be seen clearly as a narrative supporting nihilism in its many forms. The reader easily perceives the blatant religious subtext in the guise of corrupt priests and the foolish faithful. The notion of the old being wise is unacceptable to Gardener along with any notion of hero idolization. Within his novel, Gardner expresses his views concerning religion, wisdom and nature. Religion plays a large role in Grendel. Priests do not want to perform their services without the proper payment, which, in turn, allows the rich the most access to 'religion' and God. The citizens of the village are also confusingly polytheistic and monotheistic. When praying to their king god does not decrease the frequency of Grendel's visits, they retreat to begging any god of which they have known for help. This reveals their faith to be not faith at all but rather faith that will remain faith as long as it can be proven. A proven religious faith is contradictory term, for it can only be placed in a religion that cannot be proven lest it is true faith no longer. Grendel's interludes with the dragon portray, at their onsets, the dragon as a worldly, wise creature with much to share. The dragon haughtily informs Grendel about his vast store of knowledge as he teases him with how much he knows. As Grendel's interests are piqued, the dragon expends the cumulative result of his travails: "Know how much you've got, and beware of strangers†¦My advice to you, my violent friend, is to seek out gold and sit on it" (Gardner page #). Although the dragon serves as a vessel to point out the necessity of Grendel and makes some pointed observations about mankind, all his respectability is lost with those two short sentences. The author is making an observation about materialism and the falsehood of wisdom always accompanying age. After all his years of intense scrutiny, the dragon can only grasp from human- and animalkind alike that possessions are the key to life's existence. Nature against society is also discussed in Grendel. The fact that citizens surrounded with religion and social status could be so easily overtaken by nature (Grendel) gives a sense of irony to the reader.

Long Beach City Mayor

Being a mayor of my city, Long Beach, CA, and having some money left after making planned budget expenses, I would primarily think about the opportunities to invest it into a project, which would bring some income into municipal budget in the future. Long Beach is a known tourist attraction, which every year welcomes thousands of tourists and has highly developed infrastructure for entertainment and leisure. That is why my idea can be the following. I would find a strong financial partner or partners (not more than 2-3) and offer them to build something like a recreation center. We would find some territory, preferably close to the seashore, construct a small 1-2 stored building and open a spa for offering such services as massage, various cosmetic procedures, fitness services, including facilities for physical training, like gym and swimming pool, and so on. It would be a cozy fitness center, which will definitely find its market in Long Beach due to such competitive powers as affordable prices, advantageous location, various high-quality services and stable reputation. There are several important reasons why I would choose such way of investing 1 million dollars from municipal budget. First of all, such a center would be a new place for our citizens and, especially, for numerous guests of our city to recreate, become fit and beautiful. Besides, it would have a great social significance for our community, because a lot of new workplaces would be opened for people of Long Beach. Also, as it was mentioned before, certain part of income from this enterprise will constantly flow into municipal budget, giving me (as a mayor) opportunity to spend more money for urgent needs of the city. Finally, it is also important that recreation center is a very prospective project, which can be transformed in the future into a large community center. Certainly, in that situation, as a potential investor, I will not be concentrated only on this very idea. I will remain absolutely opened for other interesting investment projects, and if someone offers me another profitable and secure business proposal, I would gladly support it and give the money for its implementation. The main criteria are to receive permanent income into city’s budget and to initiate a project with high social significance, which would contribute into positive reaction of local community on this idea and strengthen reputation of city’s authorities.

“A Good Man Is Hard to Find” Analysis: Six White Columns Essay

â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† is a southern stories in several ways. Most of the old southern values are embodied through the grandmother. As the family loads into the car to drive to Florida, the grandmother is described as wearing white cotton gloves, a navy blue straw sailor hat with white violets on the brim. She also dons a white-dotted navy blue dress with white organdy cuffs and collar trimmed with lace. She had pinned a cloth violets containing a sachet—a scented bag—to her collar. She is the only one dressed up, her rationale being â€Å"In case of an accident, anyone seeing her dead on the highway would know at once that she was a lady.† Dress was an integral part of class distinction in the Old South, and the grandmother clearly thinks things should still be that way. The grandmother also displays one attitude towards blacks when she describes a young black child she sees as they drive. She explains to June Star that he doesn’t have britches because he is poor and simply not white, saying, â€Å"[they] don’t have things like we do.† She goes on to say she would paint him if she could, treating him as an object rather than a human child. Slavery and racial discrimination was characteristic of the Old South. The family also stops for barbeque at The Tower. It may not seem â€Å"southern,† but I can say from experience that BBQ is a part of southern culture. I once drove from Georgia to Florida with my own family and along the way saw many barbeque places. And they were delicious! Southern culture is also brought up when the grandmother recalls the old plantation. She paints a picture of what I always envision when I think of one, with â€Å"six white columns† and â€Å"an avenue of oaks leading up to it.† Finally, religion was an important part of southern culture. Though it doesn’t say of which religion the grandmother belongs to, she brings up religion during her confrontation with The Misfit. She plays it off that she is devout, but all throughout the story she contradicted those â€Å"strong morals† that come with religion.