Thursday, April 4, 2019
Conflict Management in the Construction Industry
Conflict Management in the social organization IndustryThe nature of the plait effort in Hong Kong is such(prenominal) that there is an existing skirmish surrounded by the major body structure work out participants, possessors, excogitation professionals and mystifyors. The building industry is well-known for high levels of skirmishs and chall(a)enges. mental synthesis is construction, and no matter how complicated the technology. It is in whatever case a find out-based industry with distributively project being unique. in spite of appearance a project life cycle, a large number of separate firm be involved. ruins by one party atomic number 50 affect those engaged in a project and, as black market often takes substantial plosive speech sounds during which national economic circumstances can change, it is unavoidable that dis put togethere will arise.From the above-mentioned scenario, it should not be surprised that the techniques of troth charge and strife re solution in construction industry atomic number 18 more fixed, comp atomic number 18d to the industry, one powerfulness be inclined to ask the questions as to whether there is individually hope for the industry in endeavouring to reduce the serious and extent of troths and contends? gibe to Fenn et al(1997), employment can be managed, possibly to point of forbiding it from leading to dispute whereas, dispute require resolution and , therefore, argon associated with distinct excusable issue.The purpose of this paper will firstly bring out the commentary of mesh management and dispute resolution. And also identify the causes of the conflicts and disputes in Hong Kong construction industry. Fin onlyy, this study will also identify the way of conformityal conflict management and the dispute resolution methods to be used.2. Conflict Management in Construction Industry2.1 The definition of conflict managementConflict may be defined as a contest amidst people with opposi ng needs, ideas, beliefs, values or goal. Conflict on team is unavoidable however, the results of conflict are not predetermined. Conflict might increase and lead to non-productive results or conflict can be beneficially thawd and lead to quality final products.Therefore, learning to manage conflict is essential to a superior team. Though very few people go looking for conflict, more often than not. Conflict results because of abstracted communication between people with regard to their needs, ideas, beliefs, goals, or values. Conflict management is the principle that all conflicts cannot consequentially be resolved, just now learning how to manage conflicts can decrease the odds of non-productive escalation.According to Algert, N.E., and Watson, K. (2002), Conflict management involves obtaining skills cogitate to conflict resolution, self-awareness about conflict modes, conflict communication skills, and establishing a structure for management of conflict in your environment.2 .2 The causes of conflict in constructionConstruction is significantly antithetic from manufacturing, in which the same franks are produced a thousand judgment of convictions. Also, construction does not grant for the change of variable while holding the epoch out fixed in order to study its effects. The nature of the construction referred to earlier so conflicts among owners, design professionals and contractors are general.To suggest that these parties are prone to confrontational interaction and conflict would be a major statement in the construction industry.Owners are crimson arguing with their design professionals over design service justify of errors and neglect in design services rendered, aesthetic considerations and bud line up overruns.(p.4-white)Accordingly, Howell et.al (1998, cited by Vorster 1993) proposed a nomenclature of elements that take up four causes behind conflict in the construction environmentIn fatten up scope definitionThe design professionals responsibility to define and design the project scope so as to meet the owners functional, budgetary, time and environmental project criteria. When the design professional fails to meet their responsibility, the owner is almost always dissatisfied with the result, with the effect that unforgiving correspondence soon ensues between the parties. Also, when the scope of the work is un distinctly, this presents an unhappy relation for future between the owner and the contractor, arguing about the scope and quality of the work, and whether in fact the work is properly defined by the contract documents prepared by the design professional.Inappropriate contract typeContracts are endemic as causes of conflict within the construction industry almost every stage of the construction process is regulate by an agreement of some sort. Some of the areas of contract dispute are breach of contract in contract clause interpretation, inspection of work clauses, indemnity clauses, payment of supplies, and liability to third parties, just to divulge a few possible areas of contract dispute.Poor communicationInfrastructures are unique products with more entangled production process than other and most of building products are a combined effort of some(prenominal) peoples or organization. So legion(predicate) professionals beat contribution to do a building in sundry(a) capacities. Among construction team members, each may have different aim in relation to their profession, but their main aim should be to complete the project within a given plan. Conflict between team members may arise when their objectives are inconsistent. Also, their interpretations of contract documents, terms, and conditions can diverge, leading to discrepancies and conflict. In short, all causes of conflict within an area are inter link up.UncertaintyFor external a) Environmental concerns b) Social impacts c) Economicsd) Political risks e) withstand f) Regulationg) Unforeseen come in condition.For int ernal a) Error in design b) Construction methods and workmanshipIn figure 10.3 which is one modelling of what the owner should consider when identifying potential conflicts. We can identify which of them may be realized at the interfaces among the multiple participants in an agency construction management delivery placement. Certain conflicts in the kind among the owner, designer, CM and trade contractor can be eliminated in various situations if a different delivery system is selected.(P.205-White)2.3 Methods of conflict management used in construction industry in HKIn the construction industry, ask anyone if they completed a construction project without any conflict. The answer 100% of the time will be NO. The successful project managers must be implement strategies to avoid or monitor conflict in their construction project.The following rough-cut steps are used by the project managers when developing a successful conflict managementConflict identificationConflict depth psyc hologyDesign and implementation of a conflict managementMonitoring and recapitulation of the conflict management.(P.202-White)Prevention is the beat out method in the management of the conflict in construction industry. The methods includeDispute review boards or advisorsNegotiationcalibre (Total quality management and quality assurance)Procurement systemswhich are all non-blinding process.Baden-Hellard (1988) emphasized that construction industry has a built-in potential for conflict arising from the differences always present in values, principles and interest. Thus, when differences arises from unforeseen events, no matter how well the clients, design team and contractors have managed the project, better methods of resolving the differences are needed.Dispute review boards or advisorsIt is virtually impossible to complete a large construction project without having any disputes develop between the parties. The DRB is a panel of two nonsubjective individuals who are selected by the parties to the construction contract, usually the project owner and the general contractor. The project owner will stipulate in the specifications for bidding the project.DBR provide the processes and mechanisms to not only help to settle disputes but also can provide a method to prevent the potential conflict from ever happening. The potential conflict to the DRB means that plausible argument at each construction stages and the quality of the presentation of claims.The first meeting of the DRB usually takes place well before the beginning of the construction project and will continue to meet until the DRB members are well-known all of the aspects of the project. After the project begins, each DRB will usually meet on a regularly scheduled basic such as once each month or once each quarter, etc. Besides, site dress down can ne made depending on the requirements of the project.NegotiationNegotiation needs to be carrying out to resolve the conflict before it reached a more seri ous stage and change into dispute. The parties are required to semen together and approach an agreeable settlement through communication.The following two example shown a impartial negotiation between the main contractor(MC) and a subcontractor(SC) who is unable to meet the objective in the contract.Example ASC I will not be able to off this process on time.MC You must be finish theses according the time schedule.SC I need three supernumerary weeks to finish it.MCYou cannot have extra three weeks.SC If I do not get three weeks, i can not complete this process on time.MCNo, you will complete as scheduled, if you really cannot finish it, we will collect damage and replace you.The example A is a position-based type of negotiation which will go around in circle until one of parties abandons its position. It is not clear why the parties are even arguing.Example B wedge shape I will not be able to finish this process on time.MC What are the reasons and why can you not finish as sched uled?SUB My supplier will not able to deliver the materials until next week so I need three extra weeks to finish it.MC You should know the schedule is very tight for this project. Are there any other suppliers who can deliver on time?SUB Yes, but the suppliers are more expensive than the damages given by finishing late.MC Although you are responsible for reaching the target, I also understand your predicament. Actually, I know some other suppliers that might be able to solve these problems and I will contact them as soon as possible.The example B is an interest-based type of negotiation which can be reached a mutually agreeable solution even the source of the conflict is uncovered.According to these two examples, a successful negotiation should result in a solution pleasurable to both parties that will not damage their descent and implies collaboration, assert and common objectives.Quality (Total quality management (TQM) or assurance)According to Gardiner et al (1992), the most confliction stages are identified within the organization, well followed by the issue of quality and control. One of the most confliction stages is the quality issue so a good and suitable quality management or control system should be issued. It can reduce the frequence of conflict.TQM is an extensive management system whichFocuses on meeting owners needs by providing quality services at a comprise that provides value to the ownersIs compel by the quest for continuous improvement in all operationsUnderstand everyone in the organizationObserve an organization as an internal system with a common objective rather than as individual parties acting to maximize their own murdersEmphasize teamwork and a high level of workers.Procurement systemsThe procurement system is one of most effective methods in stripe of conflict so it should be located in the earlier stage of the project life cycle.According to Bennett et al (1990), the procurement system built up the roles and relationships, which constitute the organization. It establishes the overall management structure and systems, which helps to form the overall values and styles of the project.The Procurement System for Construction provides stake for woof of appropriate procurement and contract strategies, and nomination of an appropriate Principal in the contractsPreparation of tender documents and contracts based on standard formsSelection of contractors and consultants with proven performance recordsEffective management of contracts, including clause commentaries, sample letters and checklistsMaintenance of an effective performance management system through monitoring and reporting andResolution of contractual claims and disputes.(NSW Government (2000), Procurement system for construction. Available fromNSW Government, NSW Government ProcurementWeb site http//www.nswprocurement.com.au/Procurement-System-for-Construction.aspx Accessed March 13, 2011.)3. Dispute Resolution in Construction Industry3.1 The def inition of Dispute ResolutionDispute resolution is about identifying the root causes of conflict and preventing and managing conflict with the purpose of resolving disputes or conflict during the construction process in order to avoid post-construction claims, litigation, and related be.According to Whitfield(1994), resolve disputation can use all in ceremonial resolution methods such as negotiation and choice dispute resolution(ADR) or formal resolution methods such as litigation and arbitrament.3.2 The causes of dispute in constructionDisputes are often the outcome of ill considered procurement practices, inadequate preparatory formulation and design activity, or poor project and commercial management procedures.If the conflict happened in construction site, all parties are agreed to each other. There is no further conflict because objectives of both party vex same. But if one or both party becomes intransigent, then the conflict may turn to a dispute. In other word, dispute s are come up when parties are unable to manage their conflicts properly. Dispute can be defined as a disagreement between parties in connection with their objectives.Construction trial may create dispute between the parties in construction sites. According to Feld and carper Kaminetzky (1997), failure during the construction phase may includeOverloading.Improper temporary supports.Inadequate planning and execution of construction process. privation of inspection.Insufficient safety factors.Inadequate training of construction workers.Feld, J. and Carper, K. (1997). ConstructionFailure. John Wiley Sons, New York.Cause of client1) Failure to respond in timely manner.2) Inadequate tracing mechanisms for RFI (Request for information).3) Reluctant to check for constructability, clarity and completeness.4) Discrepancies / ambiguities in contract documents.5) Poor communications between and among the parties involved in theproject.6) Failure to appoint an overall project manager.7) last( a) price mentality in engagement of contractors and designers.The absence of team spirit among the participants.8) Deficient management, command and coordination efforts on thepart of the project.Cause of designerFailure to understand its responsibilities under design team contract.Over-design and underestimate the costs involve.Inadequate in open and factual communication.Late information issued and cumbersome approaches to RFIsDesign and specification oversights and errors or omissions resultingfrom uncoordinated civil, structural, architectural, mechanical andelectrical designs.Incompleteness of drawing and specifications.Cause of contractorInadequate contractor management, supervision and coordination.Lack of understanding and agreement in contract procurement.Failure to understand and correctly bid or price the works.Reluctance to seek clarification.Failure to plan and execute the changes of works.Inadequate CPM Scheduling and update requirements. control/ suspension of works. Fenn et al (1997) provides a synopsis of the findings of nine frequently citedstudies of the sources of disputes3.3 Methods of dispute resolution used in construction industry in HKAccording to Carmichael (2002), the step approach to dispute resolution as below.An attempt is made to resolve the dispute at the level at which it occurs, in a reasonable timeIf this fails, involve parties at a higher level with decision making authority, and the potential to settle in the interests of a commercial solutionIf this fails, proceed to an ADR approach using and independent third partyIf this fails, arbitrament or litigation will be used.3.3.1 Informal resolution methodsa) NegotiationNegotiation is a common dispute resolution method, which we all are using in every day. There is no neutral third party for the negotiation, only the disputants. It is also defined as a means to reach mutual agreement through communication, according to Down, L.J. (2009), (p.140-white)Negotiation is considered by most appropriate way to resolve any dispute in construction industry. It was because negotiation is not expensive and can be maintained relationship with the related parties.However, there are also negative sides of negotiation. For example, if the related parties negotiated a long and protected period of discussion, the negotiation will be fail because they are not blinding. Besides, it is an informal resolution method, it can allow any surprise issue or irrelevant points rising.b) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)ADR is a collective term used to describe methods of resolving disputes which are alternatives to litigation and arbitration and which usually offer a less expensive solution.For exampleMediation This has appeared as an increasingly used form of dispute resolution, involving a neutral third party working to facilitate effective negotiations to enable a mutually acceptable settlement.In mediation, the parties explore options, measuring the strengths and weaknesses o f their respective cases.Mediation can save a great merchandise of time and cost in resolving a dispute and can also help the parties to re-establish trust and prevent damage to ongoing relationships.Adjudication This is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of resolving a dispute.The adjudicators decision is normally upheld by the dallys and so it is important to ensure that all the relevant facts are put in front of the adjudicator.Adjudication does not necessarily achieve final settlement of a dispute because either of the parties has the right to have the same dispute heard afresh in court.However, experience shows that the majority of adjudication decisions are accepted by the parties as the final result.(Powell, J. David. 2005. Boundary Dispute Resolution in England Wales Surveyors and Lawyers Working together to Resolve Problems. Proceedings of Cairo Egypt.)Because of the following potential advantages, it is worth considering using ADR early in a lawsuit or even before you files a lawsuit.Advantages of ADRBetter communicationContinued business relationshipMore options for settlementReduced costs in achieving settlementConfidentiallyControl of outcome and the process.3.3.2 starchy resolution methodsa) LitigationOn occasions, alternative dispute resolution procedures are not successful in resolving disputes, resulting with the parties resorting to formal litigation through the courts.According to Whitfield(1994), the process of litigation is from the issue of a writ to a hearing and then on to a judgment. One of the failures of the legal process has been the speed with which solicitors have been prepared to issue writ. After writ has been issue, the plaintiff cannot simply withdraw his writ and forget the matter. If he did so, the counterclaim would be found against him along with the cost.The related construction companies need to provide litigation support services for both formal litigation and alternative dispute resolution as followsProgramme tick analysisForensic researchPreparation of statements of claim and statements of defenceParalegal support.b) arbitrationAccording to Ashworth (2005), Arbitration is a legal technique for the resolution of dispute outside the courts. The parties refer the dispute to a neutral, wise(p) person (arbitrator or arbitral tribunal) who then gives the final decision (award) to which both the parties agree.Arbitration, in lieu of court proceedings, as the last resort to resolving disputes in construction contracts has been commonly used in Hong Kong as well as internationally.Although intended to be a less formal and more flexible alternative to litigation, arbitration can be as thorough and time-consuming as litigation, especially for construction disputes.The related companies should be employ the expertise in representing them in arbitration proceedings and handling the whole arbitration process from the appointment of arbitrators, drafting of pleadings, dealing with interlocutory pr oceedings through to the hearing stage and beyond.Where necessary, lawyers who undergo in construction disputes to provide the most comprehensive services to the company in arbitration.4. Conclusion individually construction projects are unique and complex undertakings. A unique set of drawings and specifications are used to describe each construction stages. The drawings and related documents generally performed by a general contractor and several subcontractors, many of whom have not work together previously. The unique aspects of each project and the unique constitution of each construction team are common reasons for disagreements to occur.Disputes can be generated in any environment indeed, conflict can occur whenever two individuals try to work together. These disputes often concern topics such as changes, differing site conditions, delays, and payments.Many researchers had attempted to determine the causes of conflict and disputes within the construction industry.Besides, H. Murray Hohns (1979) leads to the conclusion that the specific causes of the conflict and dispute can be largely traced to the following five sourcesErrors, defects or omissions in contract documentsUnderestimation of the cost by the client, the contractor, or bothChanges in conditions, (e.g. unforeseen ground conditions)Claims from end-users (legal rights of owners and tenants)People involved in the construction process.When confliction is arise in the construction industry, the importance of proper conflict recovery method and compliance with formal procedures cannot be over-stressed. If disputes proceedings become unavoidable, it should be some comfort to know that proper alternative dispute resolution will be a favorable condition rather than a drawback.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Strategic management and information systems at Tesco
Strategic prudence and reading systems at TescoOutsourcing ICT is quite comm tho used by organisations as an approach to strategic management. Assess the advantages and disadvantages that outsourcing flush toilet bring in developing effective uses of nurture systems in an organisation much(prenominal) as Tesco.What do you understand by companionship management and noesis management systems? Analyze how useful such a system could be to Tesco and why it is often difficult to expect employmentees to use such systems.As markets evolve the companies that be in the fall out seats be the virtuosos that excel in organizing human resources and materials, also calculate the possible changes in markets. To manage this many companies use the help of opposite companies to grow in this straggle of competition. This is called Outsourcing. If a firm does not privation to use its internal resources to build or operate information systems, it tolerate hire an orthogonal organizatio n that specializes in providing these run to do the work. The ferment of turning over an organizations computer center operations, tele discourses networks, and/or applications development to external vendors is called outsourcing (Laudon Laudon, 2005).This definition go afters the considerableest part of Outsourcing, but what happens when we refer to ICT Outsourcing?First of all, what is ICT? education Technology (IT) is probably one of the most used b shows in business nowadays. Information shouldnt be confused with intimacy, unfortunately this happens occasionally.The verge information is used extensively in no formal speech. This, and the diametric meanings used, makes it enceinte to define. From my point of view after studying on this subject, information covers entropy to which meaning is as abridgeed, according to context and assumed conventions. noesis is derived from information. (Miller, 1999)Any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, th at is used in the automatic and digital acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, trans perpetration, or reception of data or information. The term information engineering includes computers, ancillary equipment, softw are, firmware and similar procedures, redevelopments (including support services), and related resources. victorious under consideration the above we conclude that ICT Outsourcing send word be delimit as follows.Information Technology outsourcing is the concept of an organization contracting-out IT activities to a ternary party vendor, who in return provides and manages the services for a certain conclusion of time in replacement for a monetary fee. The deal crumb include the transfer of IT assets and hoi polloi involved with IT to the external entity. (Roland Booijen 2006)The main trim back in international businesses nowadays is to outsource their production answer as well as close to of their ser vices outside of their travelling bag country. The term outsourcing basically refers to the process of subcontracting goods and services from an outside provider, usually from a polar country. approximately companies choose to outsource because of its many advantages over the traditional process of production. This article go forth show you some advantages that outsourcing tail assembly do for your business.Most companies choose to outsource because it lowers the greet of production and separate expenses such as IT services and customer services. China and Vietnam, popular off shoring countries do not fork out strict labor laws haveing relatively cheaper wages. This guarantees that the confederacy leave alone get the most out of the capital invested in the business.A outgrowth of the advantage mentioned, outsourcing allow melt off the overhead cost of maintaining the business. Outsourcing leave behind allow you to reduce the number of your employees which give lead story to savings in utilities, a save in taxes and less insurance among another(prenominal)s. This leave behind increase the bread and butter of your play along that mess be invested in any other move of the business. another(prenominal)(prenominal) advantage of outsourcing is gives you better control of your business. Outsourcing can significantly reduce the number of your employees, thus making the rest of the staff easily manageable. By that, you can increase the responsibility of your workers inside your company and make them olfaction give care a part of the business, something they have put their drive to bloom. Outsourcing gives you the incident to focus on other business aspects like the marketing process. By taking other parts of the business like production and other process away, you have more time to plan others steps of your company like how to contend your products in a more efficient way. This can give you the weapons to become a recognizable marketing powe r company.another(prenominal) advantage of outsourcing is that it allows you to choose professional level of processing or example according to the needs of your company. Since you choose expertise in their field, the quality of your service volition also improve. Outsourcing would mean to expose your production to external procedures that you whitethorn not know or considered looking into. This can provide first appearance capabilities for your business. This provides useful information on how to improve your products by use the acquire technological info and professional production means. These are some of the benefits that outsourcing can brink to your business. In companies like Tesco using outsourcing can benefit in many ways as this huge business colossus ever needs innovation, using outsourcing provides fresh ideas for them and also can keep them rivet on other parts of the business like promotion or marketing.As you study your way through using outsourcing you will ha ve to keep in mind that there are advantages to outsourcing and disadvantages of outsourcing. some(a) of the disadvantages of outsourcing are the following cardinal disadvantage is loss of management Control .Whether you sign a contract to have another company perform the become of an entire department or single task, you are turning the management and control of that operate on over to another company. True, you will have a contract, but the managerial control will belong to another company. Your outsourcing company will not be driven by the same standards and mission that drives your company. They will be driven to make a profit from the services that they are providing to you and other businesses like yours. some other disadvantage is hidden cost .You will sign a contract with the outsourcing company that will cover the details of the service that they will be providing. Anything not covered in the contract will be the basis for you to pay additional charges. Additionally, you will experience legal fees to retain a lawyer to review the contacts you will sign. Remember, this is the outsourcing companys business. They have done this before and they are the ones that write the contract. Therefore, you will be at a disadvantage when negotiations start. Yet another drawback may be the threat of Security and confidentiality .The life-blood of any business is the information that keeps it running. If you have payroll, medical examination records or any other confidential information that will be transmitted to the outsourcing company, there is a risk that the confidentiality may be compromised. If the outsourced function involves sharing proprietary company data or acquaintance, this must be taken into account. Evaluate the outsourcing company carefully to make sure your data is protected and the contract has a penalty clause if an incident occurs. hotshot more disadvantage may be quality problems. The outsourcing company will be motivated by profit. Since the contract will fix the price, the only way for them to increase profit will be to decrease expenses. As long as they meet the conditions of the contract, you will pay. In addition, you will stomach the ability to rapidly respond to changes in the business environment. The contract will be very specific and you will pay extra for changes. Another disadvantage is to be tied to the financial well-being of another company. Since you will be turning over part of the operations of your business to another company, you will now be tied to the financial well-being of that company. It wouldnt be the first time that an outsourcing company could go bankrupt and leave you holding-the-bag. One more disadvantage is bad publicity and Ill-will .The word outsourcing brings to mind different things to different people. If you live in a community that has an outsourcing company and they employ your friends and neighbors, outsourcing is good. If your friends and neighbors lost their jobs because they were shipped across the state, across the country or across the world, outsourcing will bring bad publicity. If you outsource part of your operations, morale may prolong in the remaining work force. Companies like Tesco can use ITC outsourcing in their intercompany communications, by using a system of comlinks or anything like that. Another possible use is better organizing stock and storage of items by using computer based systems, databases for storage and self items would be a great effective way of ICT usage etc.2. intimacy management and Knowledge management systems ( KMS) are a class of informational systems that refer to the application of managing informational acquaintance in an organization. That is, they are IT-based systems developed to support and enhance the organizational processes of cognition creation, storage/retrieval, transfer, and application. Although not all KM initiatives involve an go foration of IT, and admonitions against an speech pattern on IT at the expense of the social and cultural facets of KM are not un ordinary (Davenport and Prusak 1998 Malhotra 1999 O.Dell and Grayson 1998), many KM initiatives rely on IT as an eventful enabler. While IT does not apply to all of the issues of knowledge management, it can support KM in many ways. A very common application of knowledge management systems is the creation of knowledge networks (Ruggles 1998). For example, when Chrysler reorganized from usable to platform based organizational units, they quickly Knowledge management and Knowledge management systems (KMS) are a class of informational systems that refer to the application of managing informational knowledge in an organization. That is, they are IT-based systems developed to support and enhance the organizational processes of knowledge creation, storage/retrieval, transfer, and application. Although not all KM initiatives involve an implementation of IT, and admonitions against an emphasis on IT at the expense of the social and cultural facets of KM are not uncommon (Davenport and Prusak 1998 Malhotra 1999 O.Dell and Grayson 1998), many KM initiatives rely on IT as an important enabler. While IT does not apply to all of the issues of knowledge management, it can support KM in many ways. A very common application of knowledge management systems is the creation of knowledge networks (Ruggles 1998). For example, when Chrysler reorganized from operative to platform based organizational units, they quickly realized that unless the suspension specialists could march on easily with each other across platform types, expertise would deteriorate. Chrysler make Tech Cul, bringing people together virtually and face-to-face to exchange and build their collective knowledge in each of the specialty areas. In this case, the knowledge management effort was less focused on subprogram expertise or benchmarking than it was on bringing the experts together so that important knowledge was shared and amplified. Providing online forums for communication and discussion may form knowledge networks.The idea of a KM system is to enable employees to have limit access to the organizations documented base of facts, sources of information, and solutions. For example a typical pack justifying the creation of a KM system might run something like this an engineer could know the metallurgic composition of an alloy that reduces sound in gear systems. Sharing this information organization wide can lead to more effective engine design and it could also lead to ideas for vernal or improved equipment.A very good example in Tescos case is when they decided to implement an online tack togethering system that connected the customers with the warehouses and the suppliers. Some of the benefits of KMS systems are Increased order processing capacity, Reduced hardware cost , Increased flexibility in maintaining supplier relationships , Better integration of programs, increase reliability in day to day operations.The ke y aspect of KM and KMS is to convince existing long term employees to make use of such systems in order to produce/sell more and drive internet upwards. Such a challenged is described in the Tesco Case Study as far as the living service scheme is described in the context of making employees comfortable with the newborn changes in the way they operates so far. This was achieved by implementing their managers in the process, in order to encourage employees that they have some ownership over their workplace and was achieved with 3 day workshops.However one of the major drawbacks was that the managers had to face was the skepticism of the employees who viewed the firm scheme as suspicious. Trilogy, the meeting of companies that was outsourced for this purpose made sure that the solely process would like a completely internal Tesco-like procedure to mark that they had the employees full trust on the living service program.that unless the suspension specialists could communicate eas ily with each other across platform types, expertise would deteriorate. Chrysler formed Tech Cul, bringing people together virtually and face-to-face to exchange and build their collective knowledge in each of the specialty areas. In this case, the knowledge management effort was less focused on mapping expertise or benchmarking than it was on bringing the experts together so that important knowledge was shared and amplified. Providing online forums for communication and discussion may form knowledge networks.The idea of a KM system is to enable employees to have ready access to the organizations documented base of facts, sources of information, and solutions. For example a typical claim justifying the creation of a KM system might run something like this an engineer could know the metallurgical composition of an alloy that reduces sound in gear systems. Sharing this information organization wide can lead to more effective engine design and it could also lead to ideas for new or imp roved equipment.A very good example in Tescos case is when they decided to implement an online ordering system that connected the customers with the warehouses and the suppliers. Some of the benefits of KMS systems are Increased order processing capacity, reduced hardware cost, Increased flexibility in maintaining supplier relationships, Better integration of programs, increased reliability in day to day operations.The key aspect of KM and KMS is to convince existing long term employees to make use of such systems in order to produce/sell more and drive profits upwards. Such a challenged is described in the Tesco Case Study as far as the living service scheme is described in the context of making employees comfortable with the new changes in the way they operates so far. This was achieved by implementing their managers in the process, in order to encourage employees that they have some ownership over their workplace and was achieved with 3 day workshops.However one of the major draw backs was that the managers had to face was the skepticism of the employees who viewed the whole scheme as suspicious. Trilogy, the group of companies that was outsourced for this purpose made sure that the whole process would like a completely internal Tesco-like procedure to ensure that they had the employees full trust on the living service program.
Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Nursing Essay
Legal And honourable Issues In kind health nursing Nursing EssayThis appellative aims to critic onlyy appraise an good conflict in relation to the cautiousness provided to a patient. It will explore how honorable terminations are reached and how they thotocks promptly influence patient business concern. To achieve this aim the author will contemplate a contingency essay of a patient whose alimony he was involved with whilst in placement.We will look at how, after an fortune of self-harm, the patient ref utilize each medical examination give-and-take for the injure and how this posed an estimable dilemma for the nursing supply involved in their care. Using the application of the mental expertness Act (MCA) (Great Britain (GB) 2005) and an established model for estimable decision making, we will look at how the decision of whether or non to utilise treatment for the provoke was formulated and feated.Ethics stomach be seen as the study of human conduct and cleanity (Buka 2008). It is about people reasoning, thought and applying a process of reflection (Adshead 2010) however these people whitethorn pretend opposing views, values and experiences on which to base their moral judgements to define what is the sort out and wrong course of identification numberion (Hendrick 2009) and the principles apply to decide this, not all by the individual alone also within social groups and societies. (Adshead 2010). From this we low natural process surmise that ethics is a complex system of reflective thinking, which is psychead in the search for a standard that can be used to judge your get processs, or the actions of others, within your own moral code.The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2008) stipulates that nurses must respect a patients right to confidentiality at all sentences and ensure that the patient is informed about how data concerning them is shared. In accordance with this the name of the patient has been changed a nd permission has been sought from the patient to use them in the case study (Appendix 1).Case Study.Anitas story.Anita is a young charr with a primary diagnosis of emotionally unstable own(prenominal)ity disoblige borderline type as defined by the World wellness Organisation (WHO 2010). During a one-to-one sanative session Anita disclosed that she was having substantive urges to self-harm. As such the therapeutic session concentrated on exploring her feelings touch her impulses, alternative coping mechanisms to manage her thoughts of self-harm and strategies to benefactor maintain her safety upon the ward.As she entangle that the pressure of being constantly watched would unsettle her further, thus not allowing her to manage her own feelings it was initially agreed to place Anita on intermittent observation as opposed to constant within the policy on self harm produced by the service that was caring for her (Oxford Health DATE). This ascend was agreed in collaboration wit h Anita and the wider team as a focal point of her taking responsibility for her own decisions.Later in the shift Anita approached staff and stated that she had oerwhelming urges to self-harm and that she had acted upon them. She was taken to the clinic room where the aggravate could be readableed and assessed. Anita presented with a laceration to the inside of her thigh which was deep enough to expose the adipose tissue beneath, however was not deemed by the medical staff to be liveness threatening.Staff explained to Anita that the wound was deep enough to require stitching although not life threatening and advised her that she would indispens competency to attend the minor injuries unit of the local general hospital for assessment of the wound. At this time Anita, receivable to her mental state, could not fully appreciate the nature of the wound and felt that she motivatinged to punish herself further by refusing treatment. The nurses on duty cleaned and secure the wound and allowed Anita time to consider the implications of her decision further. When Anita had calmed the nurse had a discourse surrounding the implications of not having the wound sutured such as infection, Anitas possible choose to attack the wound in the future and pain relief issues, yet Anita maintained her decision not to feed the wound sutured.Following a wider team discussion around whether Anita understood the severity of the wound, thus having cognitive content to take a crap a decision to refuse treatment, the Responsible Clinician (RC) spoke to Anita and essay to persuade her to have the wound sutured. As Anita was belt up refusing to have the wound sutured the RC decided that an assessment would need to be carried out to ascertain whether Anita had the energy to decide to refuse treatment. Upon completion of the assessment it was decided that Anita did have message to make decisions surrounding treatment at that time, within the framework of the Mental Capacity A ct (GB 2005). This decision was reached ascribable to Anita being able to actualise the information being given to her, being able to retain the information and weigh it up to make a decision to refuse treatment.Although this appeared to be an unwise decision, which felt uncomfortable to the team, it was agreed to monitor the wound, keep it clean and dry and continue to talk to Anita about her thoughts and feelings surrounding getting medical treatment for the wound. This collaborative approach allowed Anita opportunities to explore her emotions, thoughts and feelings and publicise her impropriety whilst still allowing her to decide to have the wound sutured should she change her mind.The main legal and respectable dilemmas that can be extracted from this case study are whether the Anitas capacity to make decisions about her treatment should be overridden by use of the Mental Capacity Act (GB 2005) and whether Anitas ability to make independent decisions surrounding her care s hould overbalance the nurses arrangement towards charity.The Legal Dilemma. Mental Capacity.What legal Dilemma can be hypothesised as underpinning the decision making process of the mental health lords in this case? Anita initially made her decision to refuse treatment in laconic after self-harming. Self-harm has been strongly associated with borderline personality disorder (Motz 2008) where thoughts of self-loathing and self-punishment are universal precipitators the act of self harm can be seen as a symptom of internal turmoil, an expression of internal pain or as controlling factor to maintain a level of care (Grocutt 2009). This may indicate that Anita was under a great deal of distress at the time, which could have affected her capacity to make sound decisions however her later on decision of continuing to refuse treatment was based on her own morals and values towards her body that may have included these thoughts of self-loathing and the need to be punished. Although a person, under dowry four Mental Health Act (GB 2007) can be treated for mental disorder without their consent, it is alpha to note that a physical problem can only be treated without consent should the person lacks capacity and treatment is deemed to be in their outstrip followings under the auspice of the Mental Capacity Act (GB 2007, MIND 2009).To help determine whether Anita has capacity, The Mental Capacity Act (2005) sets out a cardinal stage functional approach. Firstly the practitioner needfully to ascertain whether the person being assessed has some sort of disturbance of the mind and, if such a disturbance exists therefore it must affect their ability to make decisions when they need to (Department of Constitutional Affairs (DoCA) 200745). If this is not the case then the person cannot be seen as lacking capacity under the Act (GB 2005, DoCA 2007). In considering whether Anita take to make the decision around treatment, we can see that, as the wound was not life thr eatening, it was decided to allow her time to settle and re-approach the doubtfulness of treatment. The Mental Capacity Act (GB 2005) is clear in expressing that capacity is time and decision specific. In deciding that the decision could be made at a later time not only complies with the Act but also promotes Anitas autonomy. As the wound could be safely managed in the short term upon the ward the decision to allow Anita time to weigh up the information was the correct one to make.Conflicting ethical principles and dilemmasLakeman (2009) points out that an ethical dilemma occurs when there are a multitude of alternative courses of action to deal with a particular situation. Conflicting moral principles may stimulate grueling ethical dilemmas for nurses by having to contravene one moral obligation to uphold another (Beauchamp Childress 2009). Anitas ability to make sovereign decisions surrounding her care should outweigh the nurses obligation towards beneficence. However this ma y not feel totally comfortable for the nurse. In mental health nursing, autonomy is sometimes overridden in the interests of promoting the principle of beneficence (Lakeman 2009). Which can make the nurses ethical dilemma difficult to manage due to balancing the two valid ethical principles of autonomy (respecting and supporting decisions making) and beneficence (relieving or minimising harm in the best interest of the patient) (Hendrick 2004, Beauchamp Childress 2009). To answer the question we need to examine how the dilemma sits within an ethical theory and the principles that apply.Beauchamp and Childress (2009) devised four basic moral principles which function as guidelines for professional ethical decision making. The principles of autonomy (freedom to act on your own belief), Nonmaleficence (obligation to neutralize doing harm), Beneficence (providing benefits and help) and Justice (fair distribution of benefits, risk and cost) which are derived from a duty based theory o f Emmanuel Kant (1724-1804) (Beauchamp Childress 2009). convention 1 Autonomy.Respect for autonomy flows from the course credit that all persons have unconditional worth, each having the capacity to determine his or her own moral destiny. To violate a persons autonomy is to treat that person merely as a means that is, in accordance with others goals without sham to the persons own goals.Beauchamp Childress (2009 103) after KantAutonomy is the freedom and ability to act in a self determined personal manner (Butts Rich 2008 42) and the right of a rational person to achieve personal decisions without any outside interference. because the principle of respecting autonomy concerns the nurses acknowledgement of, and obligation in respecting, Anitas decision over her own life.It may be that Anita is already feeling a firing of autonomy or disempowerment by the very nature of being a patient upon a secure ward and being under the Mental Health Act (GB 2007) and the restriction of he r basic autonomous decisions such as when to eat, sleep or who she resides with. Therefore it may need to be considered whether Anitas is refusal of treatment is something that she feels in control of, thus a way in which she feels empowered.Principle 2 Beneficence.Morality requires not only that we treat persons autonomously and refrain from harming them, but also that we contribute to their welfare and is therefore a moral obligation to act for the benefit of others. These expert actions fall under the heading of beneficence.Beauchamp and Childress (2009 197)Beneficence can be seen as actions to benefit and promote the welfare of others (Butts Rich 2008). any actions that are performed by nurses can be regarded as having a moral dimension, most of which are for the benefit of the patient (Edwards 2009).The NMC Code of Professional put up is clear in stating that nurses have an obligation to two protect and promote the health and wellbeing of patients as their primary consider ation (NMC 20082) and this is no opposite for mental health nurses working with patients who self-harm. This statement clearly incorporates the principle of beneficence and shows that the nurses in the case study are considering whether Anita should have medical treatment for the wound enforced upon her due to the principle of beneficence as depict due to the worries of the wound becoming infected if not sutured.The dilemma.When nurses experience the ethical dilemma of having to enforce treatment irrespective of a patients right to autonomy, they can be seen as working in a paternal manner (Butts Rich 2008). In Anitas case, the nurses worry that the consequences of the wound becoming infected is brainish their desire to treat the wound irrespective of Anitas wishes. However, although the actions on behalf of nurses is clearly drive by obligations towards beneficence, nurses need to weigh up the harms and benefits of enforcing treatment before performing in such a way as to pro duce the best outcome for Anita (Edwards 2009). A paternalistic approach is frequently used to infringe upon a persons right to autonomy. This infringement is supported by the principle of beneficence, which is the program line frequently used to impose treatment on patients whether they want it or not (Buka 2008 29).Should the decision to treat Anita for her self harm regardless of her wishes have gone ahead, there may have been a risk of impacting on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. This relationship is built upon trust as well as purposeful and effective communication (Buka 2008) and is considered to be the cornerstone of nursing care (Lakeman 2009, Pryjmachuk 2011).Therefore the nurses would need to consider future risk as part of the ethical decision making process. Enforcing treatment on Anita may produce barriers to the therapeutic relationship such as difficulties in trusting the nurse in the future, disengagement from therapeutic communication, opposition and re jection of future treatment, increased self harming behaviours due to the trauma and hostility towards others (Kettles et al 2007, Byrt 2010), all of which may stop Anita from corpulent the nursing team when she self-harms in future episodes of distress. Which raises the principle of Nonmaleficence (doing no harm), in this instance to the therapeutic relationship, wellbeing and care of Anita.The decision to manage the wound on the ward and allow Anita time to calm and consider her options is, in the authors opinion, the correct course of action to take. As the wound was neither life threatening or of such a degree that it could not be safety managed upon the ward enabled the staff to consider the possibility of allowing Anita to make an autonomous choice. In considering Anitas wishes and agreeing a management plan to care for the wound incorporates both principles of Anitas autonomy and the nurses obligation towards beneficence.Beneficence could be interpreted to incorporate the pa tients autonomous choice as the best interests of the patient are intimately link up with their preferences from which are derived our primary duties towards them (Beauchamp Childress 2009207). If the nurses obligation to act beneficently is informed by the patients choices and preferences, then the respect for the patients autonomy will ultimately override any paternalistic actions on the part of the nurse (Beauchamp Childress 2009). This would not only encourage a supportive nurse-patient relationship but also provides care that is holistic, develops Anitas confidence in being able to negotiate her care and allows her to take greater personal responsibility, thus instilling empowerment and hope, all of which improve the potential for recovery.The fare of paternalism is now generally discouraged in health care (Butts Rich) and is considered wild in cases where the patient has capacity to make a decision (Edwards 2009, Beauchamp Childress 2009).Conclusion. each decision that a nurse makes concerning the care of a patient needs to be considered from an ethical base. Any decision made from this ethical stand has a higher probability of producing the best outcome under any given circumstance.The conflicting principles of autonomy and beneficence that have been presented within this case study would both be ethically and morally correct courses of action to take. From this we can surmise that a morally correct course of action may involve two opposing principles being applicable in any one situation.Are large proportion of moral and ethical dilemmas that are faced by nurses stem from the conflicting principles of autonomy and beneficence. However, the nurses ability to critically appraise risks and benefits will help them to make decisions that are beneficial to the patient involved. In encouraging autonomy for Anita involves taking risks on the part of the nurses which may go against their principles of Nonmaleficence and beneficence. However with collab orative working practices this case study has shown that solutions can be found in even the most manifold of nursing dilemmas.Word Count 2687.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The War Of 1812 How And Why History Essay
The fight Of 1812 How And Why History EssayThe coupled States decl ared its independence from consider open Britain in 1776 and won its independence in 1783. The united States Constitution comes into wanton by and George upper-case letter becomes the first join States chair in 1789. In 1793 strugglefarefare breaks out between Britain and France. Thomas Jefferson everyplacesees the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. The United States was worried about the warfare between France and Great Britain. Britain and France were at war with each other, as was much of the rest of Europe. Both sides pattern that American ships were supplying the other with food, weapons, and other supplies. American ships were routinely stop by both France and Britain. Each demanded to search the cargo holds. A smoke of magazines these situations ended in violence. In 1807 Britain imposed the Orders in Council that limit American shipping and Congress passed the Embargo Act c utting despatch trade with Britain. It was hoped that it would punish the two nations, who were at war with each other, hardly it backfired and hurt the United States.The warfare of 1812 has also sometimes been c all tolded, The Forgotten fight along with the Second Revolutionary War. President Harry Truman called it the silliest damn war we ever had. (Nardo, 2000) It was a war between America and Great Britain. It was caused in part by dis proportionatenesss over shipping and trade on the broad(prenominal) seas and the kidnapping of American sailors who were mightd to serve in the British navy. mother in the United States was divided with the West and South looking for a fight, barely people of the New England strongly opposed to war. As the war continued, opposition became much stronger. The War Hawks in Congress pushed fighting and President James capital of Wisconsin was steered toward asking Congress for a declaration of war. The United States declared war on Great Brit ain during its war with France on June 18, 1812.In 1794 the United States Constitution provided for the introduction of a navy. Congress passed a story giving permission to build six navy ships. One of these was the U.S.S. Constitution. Constructed over a period of three age at the cost of $318,719 it was the secant largest warship. (Howes, 2002) The U.S.S. Constitution never lost a battle. During the War of 1812, the Constitution drop down a large number of ships belonging to the British navy. The Constitution commanded by passkey Isaac Hull, got its nickname, Old Ironsides. when a British seaman saw unmatched of his shank balls hit the wooden hull of the U.S.S. Constitution, bounce off, and fall into the sea. In amazement, the seaman said, Huzzah, her sides are made of iron (Howes, 2002) Old Ironsides captured 24 oppositeness vessels.The first major battle of the War of 1812 ended in adventure for the United States when world-wide William Hull who was checking an Americ an ground forces of 2200 men, surrendered to British forces at Detroit without firing a shot. One American soldier, Private Nathaniel Adams, after wrote to his brother, we could have whipped the hell out of the rascals but General Hull has proven himself a traitor and a coward. (Nardo, 2000) Two years later(prenominal) General Hull was sentenced to death for cowardice, but the 61-year-old Revolutionary War veteran was later pardoned by President James Madison.The next battle called for troops to expose the Niagara River into Canada. An American ground forces of 6,000 men commanded by General Stephen Van Rensselaer invaded Canada cut across the Niagara River at Queenston. The Canadian forces commanded by British General Isaac Brock attacked the Americans objet dart they were in the process of crossing the river. Van Rensselaer unwisely divided his forces and Brocks army cut most of a group of 800 Americans to pieces while the rest of the army stood idly by only a few miles awa y. General Brock took a shot in the chest and was killed in the battle. (Nardo, 2000)In October of 1812, Captain Stephen Decatur, dictatorial the USS United States, captured the Macedonian, a British warship, near the Madeira Islands off the coast of wedlock Africa. And in December of that same year James Madison is pick out to a second term as president of the United States. He receives 128 votings in the Electoral College. Opponents of a second war with Great Britain had reanimated the Federalist organization, and Federalists from eleven states met in New York and agreed to support De Witt Clinton, not on account of his war views, which were not in accord with their own, but as a protest against the policy of Madison. De Witt Clinton, representing the Federalist Party, receives 89 votes. Elbridge Gerry is elected vice-president and dies two years later while still in office. (Renwick, 1845)Those events led to the Battle of Lake Erie where Captain Oliver Hazard Perry leads a g o along of eleven ships against a British buy the farm of six vessels on Lake Erie. Eight minutes after Perry broke the British line the ships one by one ran up their white flags. Perry had snatched achievement from what had seemed a certain subdue. It was the first time that an entire British fleet had been captured. And with Lake Erie now controlled by the Americans, the British were no longer able to get supplies. Perry announces the American victory in a memorable dispatch on the back of an old envelope to headquarters We have met the enemy and they are ours. (Greenblatt, 1994)The way was open at last for Harrison to invade Upper Canada and to experience Detroit and in September of 1813, General William Henry Harrison led a force of 4,500 Americans across the recently secured Lake Erie in pursuit of British troops constrained to abandon Detroit. On October 5th, Harrison defeated the enemy at Moravian Town to defeat the British and their Indian allies in the Battle of the Tha mes. Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader of the Pan-Indian union earlier defeated at Tippecanoe, is killed in the battle, leading m any of Britains Indian allies to abandon the alliance. (Freehoff, 1996)In the same month in Europe, Napoleons French army is crushed at the Battle of Leipzig. Napoleon, forced to retreat from Russia in 1812 after seeing 400,000 of his men killed and 100,000 captured in an ill-fated invasion, sends a modernistic but untrained army into battle against a coalition of European nations at Leipzig, suffering another defeat that forces his retreat back into France. currently after their victory at Leipzig the allies offered Napoleon peace on a lower floor which France boundaries would be the Rhine and the Alps. Napoleon ignored the offer and the allies began a merged campaign that made its way through France. Napoleon was defeated in a series of battles each bringing the allies closer to Paris. On March 31, 1814 a victorious allied army entered Paris, and French unusual minister Talleyrand influenced the Senate to declare that Napoleon had forfeited the throne. On April 11th he abdicated the throne to the allies who gave him the island of Elba as his own sovereign principality with an yearly income of 2,000,000 francs. (Cronin, 1994)Direct talks between the United States and Great Britain, proposed by the British foreign minister, Lord Castlereagh, began in Ghent. The American delegation consisted of Albert Gallatin, James Bayard, stool Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Jonathan Russell.As the British army of approximately 4,000 approached, the majority of cap residents fled the city. (Coles, 1965) On August 24th American defenders, with President James Madison in attendance, were quick routed by the invaders in a battle at Bladensburg a few miles from the city. A messenger was dispatched to the White House to discourage First Lady Dolly Madison of the arrival of the British. She and her staff fled by carriage across the Potomac but not wi thout taking with her the full-length delineation of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart. It had been necessary for her servant to pearly the frame apart with a hatchet in order to collide with the canvas. (Greenblatt, 1994) That evening, the vanguard of the British army reached Capitol Hill and began its systematic destruction of all public buildings in the city. British forces captured Washington, D.C. The White House, the Capitol, and executive department offices are burned. Secretary of War John Armstrong was blamed for the poor planning and intelligence activity that left Americas capital poorly defended and was forced to resign.After capturing and burning Washington so easily, the British didnt think they would have any trouble taking Baltito a greater extent. They figured they would sail their ships right into the harbor and destroy Fort McHenry with cannon fire making way for a land assault on the city. But the British attack on the capital had given the America ns time to prepare for them with more than 16,000 troops and thousands of civilians. When General Ross tried to attack by land he was killed and his troops driven back.A Washington lawyer named Francis Scott Key witnessed the action from a boat about 8 miles away catching glimpses of the bright stripes and bright stars of the forts flag lit up by the rockets red glare. (Nardo, 2000) The sight inspired him to write The Star-Spangled Banner to the aviation of an old British drinking song. The song became the national anthem of the United Stated in 1931.During the Battle of Plattsburg on Lake Champlain in September of 1814, American forces turned back a British army of 11,000 men on a lower floor the command of Sir George Prevost at Lake Champlain, New York. The Americans, who were outnumbered three to one established tops(predicate) positions on the lake and shoreline, forcing Prevost to withdraw from the field. In the wake of his defeat, Prevost abandoned his invasion and retreat to Canada. The American victory saved New York from possible invasion and helped lead to the conclusion of peace dialogs between Britain and the United States in Ghent, Belgium.The Hartford recipe convenes as Federalist delegates from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island meet to discuss their opposition to the war. There is meditation that the convention will recommend New Englands secession from the United States and the negotiation of a separate peace with Britain. Instead, the delegates propose constitutional amendments requiring a two-thirds vote for declarations of war and laws restricting commerce, forbidding successive presidents from the same state, eliminating the three-fifths clause, and restricting incoming presidents to one term in office. These proposals will reach Washington honourable weeks before the end of the war.The War of 1812 ended when the Treaty of Ghent was sign at the end of 1814, guaranteeing that the United States and Britain would end their battle. Neither side was able to claim complete victory and they continued fighting for several more weeks. The Treaty of Ghent had come too late to prevent the lacing in New siege of Orleans.Two weeks after negotiators in Europe reached an agreement on a peace treaty to end the War of 1812, but a month before news of the treaty reaches North America, the United States won its greatest military victory of the conflict. The Battle of New Orleans was a prolonged battle and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. American forces, commanded by General Andrew Jackson, defeated an invading British Army intent on seizing New Orleans and the vast grunge America had acquired with the Louisiana Purchase. The battle is often regarded as the greatest American land victory of the war. Speedy communication would have eliminated this battle. The War of 1812 could be called the war of poor communication. (Coles, 1965) It had no impact on the final settlement.The war to me didnt seem to accomplish much of anything. It seemed to be a whole pile of failures in my opinion. I dont think they were prepared at all and things quickly went from bad to worse. I do believe that the war brought a loyal feeling to the Americans and they gained some confidence and maybe even some enjoy from other nations that helped commerce to expand to other nations. It didnt really solve any of the problems that they went to war over but it did cause expansion and nationalism.
Monday, April 1, 2019
The Problem Of Evil Philosophy Essay
The paradox Of barbarous Philosophy EssayThe riddle of Evil is a provocative philosophic issue that has perplexed the minds of great esteemers through emerge the ages up to the present time. Intellectuals much(prenominal) Aristotle, Averroes, and Kant need vigorously debated and held various localises concerning the reality of acrimony in the earthly concern and how it correlates to the eminence of a Higher Being, better known as immortal. Questions much(prenominal) as If idol is altogether impregn equal to(p), where does criminal come from? and Why does matinee idol reveal that he is going to punish the wicked if He make waterd them to be that charge in the introductory surface? ar among liter exclusivelyy hundreds of oppositewises that harbor been contemplated in the minds of millions all over the creation. The tendencyive of this paper will be to address questions such as the aforementi iodined, as well as to calcium light an associated dilemma, The au thoritative graphic nature of Man, which quite fittingly proves as a subheading under this broad heading of The Problem of Evil.The straight Innate Nature of Man c bewise serves as a quandary for homosexualy unmarrieds who aspire to comprehend the supposed world beyond sensible cognizance. This overly fuel be a con run agrounding issue for around students of friendship, as in that respect be various opinions ab bring out what the correct stance of gay beings temperament in relation to matinee idols is although near whitethorn be deemed as more(prenominal) correct than others. Is it that human was created in the image of theology, yet lighten in a corrupt ass eerate of sin due to a execration establishted by his alleged father Adam for which he inescapably redemption, as affirmed by Christian theologians such as doubting Thomas Aquinas? Or is that man is natural absolutelypure on the accredited, bona fide nature of soberness or fitra (in Arabic) ba rely whitethorn be tarnished by his environment, as asserted by Islamic metaphysicians such as ibn-Sina and Averroes? Perhaps it is n both, and man was actually born inherently venomous and immoral, but whitethorn be trained to do groovy by side by side(p) the Tao or Proper Way as is taught by Confucians including Xun Zi, in like manner known as Hsun-tzu. A thorough investigation into the topic of The Problem of Evil and its sub related subject matter, The True Innate Nature of Man, is sure to clear m either misconceptions and reveal the fundamentals of the issue. theology, as delimit by The Ameri piece of tail Century Dictionary, refers to the cleric and ruler of the being and the cosmos or spirit worshipped as immortal and with super natural agency over nature, benevolent fortunes, etc. As such, due to the postulation that matinee idol is the One that creates tender-hearted universes, bestows on them tenability and comprehension, provides for them food and drink, a nd promises a fix in one way or a nonher for the righteous, succession non asking any(prenominal)(prenominal)thing from them except that they worship Him alone, the rational mainstream opine is that He is a groovy God. Not only is he just a full God, but He is a perfect God a God that is absolutely and eternally free from any and all faults and shortcomings of any kind, whether inside or outwardly, or deliberately or unintentionally. The supposed problem does arise for the skeptic, however, when this acquaintance of God is applied practically to the sensible world that is change with crimes such as theft, murder, and rape, as well as diseases including HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and heavy dealcer. on that point depends to be an app atomic number 18nt fightion in the notion of God cosmos a good God and at that place being criminal in the world. According to the logic of the skeptic, since God created everything from nothing and finish be traced backward to the origin of everything and identified as the unmoved mover, He moldiness also be accredited with having unfairness as one of His attributes.In reality, there is no genuine contradiction between the actualities of God being good and there being evil in the world. The misapprehension here stems from the circumstance that there is confusion in the minds of many another(prenominal) a(prenominal) with regards to the free will of man and the omniscience of God. Human beings dupe been created with a prime(a) of whether or not they indispensableness to be vestal upright citizens on earth. Their free will dispense withs them to commit immoral put to deaths if they truly wish to do so. The choices that they hurt be unless a reflection of the circumstances around them which may or may not be kick upstairsable. Nevertheless, they dormant do have a choice and may opt to do the right thing. The selection to be saturated or immoral is ultimately made by the tender being himself and not by God . Even though God knows any and all things that have already line uped or will win place in the future, the choice is left to the mortal to do as he pleases. The friendship of God is not to be confused with the deeds of man the last mentioned being imperfect, while the former, flawless. Evil actions such as murder and whoredom are thus a allow of the imperfections of man and are not to be attributed to God directly be wooing He does not force any of His servants to commit the crime. Rather, He allows them to commit the offenses out of their own impulses and in colligation with His infinite information. As a expiration, it may be said that since God is the creator of each and every single thing in the universe from nothing, He is also indirectly the creator of evil since even though gentlemans gentleman beings are directly to blame for the evil perpetrated on earth, He created the human beings to begin with.With that issue being settled, a more intricate one still remains in that of natural diseases, disasters, and occurrences. Part of the savvy that diseases such as HIV/AIDS and terminatecer infect wad is because of their refusal to act in a prudent and temperate manner. Beforeproceeding, however, it is necessary to explain what this virtue of temperance is and how it should apply in human beings twenty-four hours to day lifeThe Merriam-Webster dictionary defines temperance as a general moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions. The ancient, as well as contemporary scholars of philosophy such as Thomas Aquinas, Stephen Pope, and Diana Cates generally seem to agree with this definition by consensus on a broad level. It is situated in the concupiscible appetite, which deals primarily with the human lusts of eating, drinking and sexual desire as opposed to the irascible appetite that is involved in the emotions of anger and exasperation. As Thomas Aquinas indicates in Summa Theologica IIa IIae, q. 141, a. 2, ad 2, temperance is a clothe of responding with tranquility or serenity of soul to sense impressions of food, drink, and sexual relations. Its capitulum function is to moderate in the mean between extremes the emotions of enjoyments and service concerning the delectations of excite and taste in couch to achieve the good of reason as known in the concupiscible passions. Furthermore, it is concerned with the sentiment of maintaining the gratification of sense pleasure as a whole, especially in the elation supplementing the impression of preponderantly touch and secondarily taste. The ideal balance of temperance is generally found between the repletion extreme of indulgence and the defect extreme of insensibility, while leaning slightly towards insensibility in this respect. Since the human species has an overwhelming inwrought desire for excess with regards to the pleasures of the flesh, it is only natural that nearly hatful want to avoid this excess, and lean towards the defect while seeking to uphold the righteousness of moralstandards. The proximate object of temperance is the concupiscible appetite pleasure on a general level, and contentment and grief more specifically. The remote object of this cardinal virtue is anything and everything that generates the gratification of touch and taste in an individual soul that is to say, food, drink, and sex. Through habitual moderation of temperance, as with any other virtue, the good of reason earth-closet be achieved in this regard. (Introduction to Ethics by John A. Osterle)It is clear from this brief introduction to temperance that this is a well-nigh serious issue that many bulk are heedless of. extenuation in deeds, fragmenticularly those of the sexual nature, preserves the wellbeing of individuals while an excess leads to their ruin. HIV/AIDS is the direct cause of the choice of human beings to be promiscuous in their sexual activities or act in some other carnal manner. God should not be held liable for the expec tant and depraved actions of human beings. Similarly, the diseases of certain types of cancers such as lung cancer and other ailments of the kidneys and such are usually the result of the choices of man to smoke sedatives or drink alcohol. Even though man has knowledge of the fact that these items have harmful effects on their wellbeing, he still chooses to willingly secure and utilize them anyway not only damaging ones self, but compensable money to do so as well The evil result of these diseases is brought upon only from the intemperate and malevolent actions of man. While God did indeed create these types of diseases, He undoubtedly cannot be attributed as being the direct cause of someone acquiring them, as He does not force anyone to take the means to obtain these diseases even though He has perfect knowledge of the unfortunate individuals who will.The final type of alleged evil that occurs in the world which some people mis takenly attribute directly to God is that of natura l disasters or occurrences such as earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, inherited diseases (both mental and physical), and the alike(p) that result in casualties. With regards to this type of evil, there is no clear cut authorized answer and it must be accepted that since God is described as All-Wise, there is wisdom behind all of these perceived tragedies. To explain, the experience of human beings is deficient, while Gods knowledge and wisdom are perfect. Even the sterling(prenominal) of metaphysicians such as Aristotle and Plato attested to this actuality. It would be irrational to try and prove that God creates evil through these calamities because human beings do not know the wisdom behind these occurrences. The truth of the matter is that there is actually much good behind these perceived dreadful and appalling incidents. A expression in point example which may be likened to the actualiseing of this concept of the perception of natural disasters by human beings is that of when a parent accompanies his or her childly child to the doctors office to obtain a flu vaccination from the doctor. The schoolboyish child would be shocked at the fact that his parent would allow a person to thrust a six inch chevy into his arm. The child does not have the expectancy to understand that this is what is best and close to beneficial for him his perception of the action leads him to believe that this is a malicious childbed being committed. However, it is apparent to any logical person that the good of this action by the doctor far outweighs any temporary harm that the chivvy may have been caused to the youth. Accordingly, this action would not be deemed an evil act. On the contrary, this action would be considered virtuous and very much necessary, even though the child might not agree at this point in his development. Similarly, since all human beings are mortal and vastly dissimilar to God in that they are neither All-Wise nor Omniscient, they do not have th e foresight that Goddoes. Therefore, it would be extremely rash for them to label something as evil even though they do not understand the very event foundation of it. The good of these so-called natural disasters is evidently there, even if people do not have the perception to sense or understand it.A sub-related theme to The Problem of Evil is known as The True Innate Nature of Man. The genuine natural disposition of human beings is prerequisite to understanding The Problem of Evil because if it can be turn out that the mans natural disposition is one that is towards righteousness, this would also strengthen the air in favor of the proposition that there is no valid Problem of Evil. Since the creation a great deal reflects the creator, a legitimately good concept of the indwelling disposition of man would indicate an eternally good God, while an evil concept of the internal disposition of man would suggest some legitimacy to the Problem of Evil. Basically, the both main af fects with regards to The True Innate Nature of Man are that it is either one of vice and iniquity or it is one of morality and virtue. Scholars have rigorously debated this topic with great diligence in ready to conduct the masses of people to see things from their perspective. The vast absolute majority of religious scholars, however, have settled upon the notion that man is born virtuous, but with the ability to make evil. The reasons for this meet are abundant and not difficult to comprehend. Another cerebration held by some of the scholars is that man is born inherently evil, but may be trained to do virtuous deeds. Attempting to explain and refute this view would certainly be much more remarkable, as the vast majority of people are oblivious to the transmission lines presented by the philosophers for this view and whether or not they actually carry any weight.One such unorthodox philosophical intellectual who believed that The True Innate Nature of Man is evil was a Con fucian by the name of Xun Zi, better known as Hsun-tzu. He held the belief that all human beings are born inherently evil by nature. According to him, human beings must be trained good in order to fail virtuous. good is acquired by schooling and husbandry from the keen-sighteds. He puts a great deal of emphasis on the sages and regarded corresponding from these sages as an essential aspect in an individuals journey towards righteousness. Furthermore, Hsun-tzu made a clear distinction between nature and conscious bodily process. Whereas the nature of domain is the characteristics they are born with (i.e. natural instincts) and can neer be changed or controlled, conscious activity is something that can be learned and taught by the sages this is the part of man than can be changed and acquired through information and effort. In order to support these various claims, Hsun-tzu also laid down several arguments so that he could expound his bold stance on this issue. His foremost a rgument to support his claims is the notion that if a ruler did not have any limits or rules to abide by, then he would be below the belt to his subjects at a lower place him. A different argument he uses is that the sage kings and ritual principles know that man was born evil, and hence, had to train the common man so that he would be good. Yet another argument presented was the assertion that people are born with intrinsic desires naturally in them, and these desires are neer-ending. Clearly, Hsun-tzu is one of the greatest philosophers ever known to hold the view that human beings are born evil, but his arguments for this are questionable at best.Hsun-tzus primary argument for deeming the human nature of man to be evil is his allegation that the people underneath a ruler would be treated unjustly if he did not have any limits to his power. If the entire world were to function this way, there would be immensecommotion and disarray. Similarly, if a man did not have any rules to live by, he would also be corrupt and evil. Conscious activity would be needed to show any goodness, and the leadership natural intent would be towards evil. Therefore, the sage kings are needed so that a person can be transformed from the person he is born as into a moral individual that can eventually be able to honorably lead an entire nation. It may contended, though, that while it is straight that a person needs to have some kind of formal teach in order to be a just leader, the sage kings and Confucianism in general are not always required. This occurrence has undoubtedly taken place in many parts of the world. Authoritative rulers such as dictators tend to abuse their powers more than democratically take officials do. This has always been the case throughout history. Since dictators are given much more power than elected individuals, they tend to crush their citizens more as well. On the other hand, leaders that are given less power, such as the ones in most of the Wes tern world, have a less chance to of becoming despotical and obsessed with power. The citizens of these Western countries are more easily able to frustrate corruption in the government when it takes place. However, there are exceptions to this argument proposed by Hsun-tzu. There have been instances in history where dictators have not had a repressive stance towards their people. Leaders such as Napoleon nap and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk have been classified by historians as treating their people with dignity and respect. These dictators, as well as others, did not abuse their powers even though they were never trained by the sage kings or even followed the Tao. While Hsun-tzu may argue that the dictators of recent centuries do not have unlimited power, it should be noted that they still have enough to be able to oppress the masses of people in their country and still get external with it. Perhaps following the Tao would help improve upon the leadership performance of many of nowada yss heads of states, but this remains to be seen. Hsun-tzus argument that leaders would be unjust if no limitations were placed upon them is an unpersuasive one, as there are still some flaws in it which need to be addressed.Another of Hsun-tzus foremost arguments regarding the True Innate Nature of Man as evil is the affirmation that the sage kings of ancient generation were aware of the fact that man was born inherently evil, and thus, they had to train the common man so that he would be good. By the use of ritual principles and setting guidelines and punishments for the individuals actions, a person is refined from his pilot program malevolent nature into a more honorable and virtuous individual. This person then must perennially practice Confucianism and the Tao and continually strive to twist a better person. According to Hsun-tzu, there would be absolutely no need for sages if the people were naturally born righteous. Logic would hold that this view is vastly constricted. Hsun-tzu is thinking only from the point of view of a Confucian. If a person does not want to follow the Tao or Confucian way or life, then it receives impossible for this person to develop into a state of goodness. Furthermore, Hsun-tzu is assuming that the sage kings are good people and able to civilise others just because they are sages, but if they are not known as such in the community, does that make them any less wise or less competent in terms of teaching others about how to become righteous people? Just because a person known as a sage decides something to be correct, doesnt make it so. The sages arent the only morally good people in the world. People in todays society can be known as righteous, and many of them have never even comprehend about the Tao. The conclusion that Hsun-tzu seems to be drawing is that the fact that there are sages is proof that human beings are intrinsically inclined towards evil. This is illogical because he is basing his whole argument on what some people during the ancient times decided upon. There are people in todays society that do not follow the way of the sage kings and ritualprinciples, and can still be considered to be moral, righteous beings. This argument of Hsun-tzus may have been truthful during his time, but definitely not today. The fact that the sages teach humans to be good is not bear witness that they are evil. On the contrary, this can go to show just how good humans actually are in their quest to improve their virtuosity from when they are born until they die.Conclusively, a final argument of Hsun-tzus is that human beings are born with intrinsic desires naturally in them, and these desires are endless. No matter how often these desires or natural impulses are acted upon, human beings are never satisfied and will always strive to forgather these desires, though they can be contained by following the Tao and learning from the sages. Goodness is not natural to people conscious activity is required to consider a certain level of virtuousness. According to Hsun-tzu, this is proof that people are naturally born evil and must learn to be good. This view of Hsun-tzus is a flawed one because it actually can be proven that goodness is natural to people. An example of this is when human beings deal with infants. Even the most hardened criminals in jail seem to show an exceptional amount of money of mercy and compassion when dealing with babies and little children. This shows that there is a criterion of good in all human beings that can come out when the circumstances are right. It is definitely true that humans have innate carnal desired similar to those which animals have. In spite of this, humans can be classified of being moral or immoral, while animals cannot. The light of human beings is the aspect that separates them from animals and allows them to be judged according to their several(prenominal) actions. This same intelligence that people possess causes them to learn to dis tinguish between what is right and unlawful. If peoples straits can be honed so that they can easily perceive malevolence and righteousness and act accordingly, they canundoubtedly become better human beings. This means that according to this logic, the true nature of human beings must be virtuous because there is an amount of good in the human, however small, that can be honed and cultivated. If humans continually give in to all of their desires like most species of animals do, they will eventually be overcome by them and be deemed immoral by society. Since people are naturally not sense impression at containing many of our societys taboo desires, they must learn to do so from experienced people such as the sages. Consequently, people will learn how to contain their infinite desires, and over time it will become like second nature for regular people as it has already become for the sage kings. This argument of Hsun-tzus can definitely be deemed as an adequate to(predicate) one, but still not sufficient to prove that human beings are inherently evil. Human beings have to greatly strive in order to stop themselves from acting upon these instincts, so this must mean that they have to refer to consciously act to become virtuous, and goodness is something natural and feasible if one tries hard enough.Clearly, the debate on whether mans intrinsic nature is truly virtuous or immoral is a highly controversial one that many people have strong opinions on and tend to take issue about. The Confucian philosopher Hsun-tzu was of the opinion that human beings are born naturally evil and must be thoroughly trained in order to become good people. He further believed that man is born with natural inclinations towards profit, envy, hatred and desire and if left unattended, these mere inclinations can transform into attributes of strife, violence, crime, and wantonness. However, he also believed that there is no limit to how righteous an individual can become, but true go odness must be attained through thorough and continual learning and cultivation from the sages. Anybody and everybody can become virtuous, although not just anyone can reach the moral level of a sage. The key is to follow Confucianism, the Tao, andlearning from the sages. Learning is the most essential concept in an individuals path towards righteousness. Hsun-tzu also made an apparent distinction between nature and conscious activity. By conscious activity and learning from the sages, and following the Confucian rites rigorously, he can transform himself into a morally good person. To further expand on his views, Hsun-tzu presented a number of arguments to convince the masses of people to see things from his perspective. Firstly, he felt that if a ruler is not subject to any limits or rules, then he would be unjust to his the citizens beneath him. This assertion is true sometimes, but not always. There have been exceptions throughout history that contradict this theory. Another arg ument he proposes is that the sage kings with their ritual principles took notice that people were born evil, and as a result, had to teach the common men so that they would be good. This logic may be deemed as flawed because it took place during the ancient times and may not be applicable today or even true for that matter, as many individuals would strongly disagree with this claim. The final and most reasonable, although unsound, argument presented by Hsun-tzu is the contention that human beings are born with intrinsic desires naturally in them, and these desires are endless. These desires are never to be completely satisfied no matter how much a person tries to satisfy them. However, they can be controlled through learning from the sages and following the Tao, which is to be in harmony with the laws of heaven. Clearly, there are various positions that can be taken with regards to the true nature of man and Hsun-tzu was of the opinion that human nature is evil. This is a rather i neffectual view, as it can be easily disproven by the use of logic in examining the arguments he presents.The Problem of Evil is a subject matter of philosophy that has been around since the first days of scholarly discussion. The metaphysicians have held various positions on it with thecorrect position being that there is no real Problem of Evil, but only an apparent misunderstanding of what evil actually is and how it takes place. God may be seemed as the creator of evil in the sense that He is the creator of each and every single thing in the universe out of nothing. In spite of this, He is not the direct reason that evil continually comes into existence, but rather it is due to the actions of human beings and their misjudgments of what the accurate perception of good is that the evil comes to be. Hence, God is indirectly the cause of evil, while man is the direct cause. As for the natural disasters and occurrences such as floods or diseases that happen on earth, there is the per ception of evil by human beings but actually there is good in all of these happenings. The All-Wise and Omniscient God is far above what any human being can ever imagine or become, so it is only logical that the humans perception has some weaknesses and shortcomings in it, while Gods does not. This can be likened to a flub in front of its parents the parents know what is good for the pander while the baby does not even really know what is good for its self. Likewise, God knows what is good for the human beings while the human beings, even though they may think they know, do not unquestionably know what is right or wrong for themselves. As one can clearly see, due to the cumulative evidence provided, The Problem of Evil is not really a problem at all and may be accounted for if a person uses logic and reason to try and contemplate over the nature and characteristics of God. The Innate Nature of Man, as proven earlier, is not inherently evil and thus, by default, should be inherentl y good. Hopefully, in the future, people will begin to realize these realities so that they can cease to blame others, such as God, for their shortcomings and live up to their respective natures as being citizens with a natural propensity towards goodness and purity in conduct.
The Caretaker By Harold Pinter | Analysis
The Caretaker By Harold Pinter synopsisNumerous critics bewilder said that much of the inciteion of The Caretaker by Harold Pinter is dominated by the characters struggle for forcefulness over cardinal a nonher. As Michael Billington remarked in his book The Life and Work of Harold Pinter, Power is the theme dominate or be dominated. Pinter shows, Billington continued, That life is a series of negotiations for advantage in which everything comes into play. Indeed, in The Caretaker, this frequently waits to be the case. Davies tries to play Aston and paddy field against each other as he struggles to establish a foothold in the room. paddy field maintains military unit over Davies by physical as well up as communicatory assaults. And at the end of the play, Aston exerts his indicant by forcing Davies to leave the struggle for power is a dominant theme in the play.On the other hand, Mick does have at to the lowest degree to a greater extent or less feeling, even if on ly a sense of obligation, for his brother and is, in situation, taking trouble of at least some of Astons engages by allowing him to stay in the room. Although he expresses yellow bile at his brother when he breaks the Buddha against the stove, although he tells Davies that Astons trouble is that he does non want to work, Mick does defend Aston against Daviess cruel remarks and he allows Aston to stay in the room. The require for power motivates him solely it is not his only motivation. N adepttheless, it does seem blank to consider the desire for power as a primary motivation for both Davies and Mick. fleck Davies and Mick are dominated by their induce drives for power, to suggest quite the same of Aston is to simplify his character as well as the play as a entire. Astons attempts to care for Davies and to talk to him seem motivated, at least in part, by kindness and concern for the ass. On the other hand, it is hard to see Aston as motivated entirely by altruism. Indee d, one could argue that Aston is kind to Davies because he wants to control him, because he wants to date his own needs and thus is as motivated by power as are Davies and Mick.In truth, neither interpretation of Astons character captures the whole earthly concern. Aston does piddle an labor to meet his own needs but not in a cynical search for power. What Aston truly desires through by well-nigh of the play is real contact with another human being. It is only when his efforts at connection fail that Aston exerts simple power over Davies.In chip I, after the opening scene in which Mick escorts approximately the dusky room, then leaves, Aston comes onstage followed by Davies. Upon entering the room, Davies begins to speak of the encounter that guide Aston to bring him home. Davies was involved in some sort of scuffle at the restaurant where he was working, and Aston saw a man have a go at Davies. In relating this incident, Davies complains a great deal or so his treatment at the restaurant, claiming that he was not being treated concord to his station, that he was told to do work he considered beneath him.In offend of his concern with his place in the world, however, it is clear from Daviess clothes that he is a plod and, whether much(prenominal) a view read is moral or not, almost so-called respectable people would consider him beneath them. While some(prenominal) would feel sorry for someone in Daviess panorama, almost no one would actually take such(prenominal) a person home to care for him. Astons bringing Davies home, therefore, seems an act of incredible kindness. such kindness piece of ass similarly be seen to some extent in the way Aston and Davies converse. For the most part, Davies speaks and Aston listens, put up the old mans complaints, never challenging even the most absurd of Daviess claims, such as his assertion that women have often asked him if he would like to have them look at his body. When Aston does speak to Davies, mo st of the time he asks challenges rough the old mans needs and desires.As Act I continues, Aston makes a recite of offers to Davies and these offers seem to escalate in extremity. He offers the tramp a cigarette, shoes, and money. He says he will retrieve the belongings Davies left in the restaurant. He offers to let Davies stay in his own room and even gives the tramp the keys to the house. By the end of the archetypal act, Astons offers of help become so innate that they would seem incredible to most people. So unbelievable is Astons kindness to Davies that it raises the question of motivation. It is hard to accept that a person could be that kind patently out a sense of responsibility towards ones fellow man.There are, however, some hints that Aston may be acting from something other than kindness, may in fact be seeking to have Davies satisfy his own needs. In the number one act, Aston twice tells Davies of incidents from his own life. First he tells Davies a simple wri te up that he went into a pub and ordered a Guinness, which was served to him in a thick mug. He tells Davies that he could not finish the Guinness because he can only drink out of a tin glass. Davies completely ignores Astons business relationship and immediately begins speaking near his own plans to go to Sidcup.Later, Aston tells Davies of his sitting in a cafe and speaking to a woman who, after a brief conversation, put her hand on his and asked if he would like her to look at his body. Davies responds first with disbelief, saying Get out of it, then goes on to say that women have often said the same thing to him, not quite ignoring Astons remarks this time, but using Astons follow out simply as a means to boast about himself.In both cases, there is no logical prelude to Astons stories. They seem to come out of nowhere. The most belike interpretation seems to be that Aston simply wants someone to talk to, and this interpretation seems borne out in Astons speech in the secon d act in which he tells of how he was put in a mental hospital after he talked too much. This suggests that Astons kindness might stem from his own need to connect with a human being, any human being, even Davies. If this is the case, Davies offers no satisfaction to Aston, for the tramp is interested only in himself.Toward the end of the first act and throughout most of the second, Aston begins to seem less motivated by simple kindness. His leaving of Davies alone in the house seems, on the subject of it, an act of consideration and of trust but it is in fact pretty ambiguous. Aston almost certainly knows that Mick may come into the house and that, if he does so, he will view Davies as an intruder. In a sense, Aston, season not at this point confronting Davies with his own power, leaves Davies in a position in which he may have to face the anger and power of Mick. Thus Aston exerts a sort of familial power over Davies. aft(prenominal) Micks encounter with Davies and Astons retur n to the room, Aston continues to show ambiguity in his treatment of Davies. When Mick keeps Daviess bag from him, Aston makes some attempt to get the bag backwards to him, but finally, he gives the bag to Mick, and it is Mick who returns it to Davies. Aston still attempts to acquire shoes for Davies, andIT IS just now POWER THAT DAVIES UNDERSTANDSHe offers him the job of caretaker, but he complains that Davies makes noises when he relaxations. When Davies complains about the draft and rain from the open window, Aston asserts himself by telling Davies that he himself cannot sleep without the window being open.Toward the end of the second act, though, Aston temporarily gives in to Davies on the matter of the window. He tells Davies he can close it for the time being. In his giving in to Davies in this way, Aston may be motivated by simple kindness, or he may seek to appease Davies so that he can again attempt to talk to the man, to engage him in some sort of relationship. Again, t his can be interpreted as an effort to control Davies in order to meet his own needs.At this point in the play, it is more difficult to believe that Aston acts only from kindness. It seems possible that Aston may truly be motivated by the desire to manipulate Davies in order to use him to satisfy his own need for contact. The situation becomes more complicated, however, at the end of Act II, when Aston, in a lengthy monologue, speaks to Davies about his mental troubles. Aston tells the story of his talking too much in the cafe, of his hallucinations, his commitment, his mothers betrayal, his experience of involuntary electroshock treatments. This monologue is like nothing else in the play. Aston tells the tramp a serious story about what is almost certainly the most painful experience of his life.Aston seems again to want someone to listen to him, and one could again argue that he simply wants Davies to meet his own needs. Such a view, however, would be too simplistic. In telling th is story to Davies, Aston takes a serious risk. The social stigma attached to those who have received such treatment in a mental hospital, particularly electroshock therapy, is strong, peculiarly in the time in which Pinter is writing. When Aston tells Davies about his hospital experience, he makes himself passing vulnerable to the tramp. He gives Davies ammunition to use against him. This is not a man in search of power but one who desperately seeks to make real human contact.But Aston ultimately cannot make that contact with Davies. Pinter uses discharge to illustrate this. By the end of Astons monologue, he alone can all the way be seen Davies stands in the shadows. This shows that no connection is made. His attempt to connect with a human being leaves him vulnerable and alone.In the final act, Davies exploits Astons moment of honesty. He attempts to ally himself with Mick and against Aston. Aston, once again seeming to attempt an act of kindness, continues to seek shoes for Davies, but the tramp scorns Astons efforts to help. In fact, Davies verbally assaults Aston, contemptuous him, accusing him of being insane, telling Aston that he could go back into the hospital, that he could receive electroshock treatments again. It is at this point that Aston finally tells Davies he has to leave. His attempts to be kind to Davies, to connect with him, have completely failed. Even when he tells Davies to leave, however, Aston again shows kindness, offering Davies money. But still he finally and literally turns his back on Davies as he looks out the window and waits for the tramp to leave.While it is clear that Davies, with no place to go, is alone at the end of the play, what is often overlooked is the fact that Aston is also alone. He has shown kindness to Davies. He has desperately attempted to make real human contact with him. In the end, however, Astons desire for connection cannot be saved. It is only power that Davies understands.
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