Sociological Theories - An Overview of Major Frameworks

Do you agree with Milton Friedman’s (1970) claim that «...

Do you agree with Milton Friedman’s (1970) claim that :  « the only responsibility of business is to increase its profits  » ? Milton Friedman was an American economist, statistician and writer, who had a massive impact on the research agenda of the economics profession. His famous words â€Å"the only responsibility of business is to increase its profits† (Friedman, Milton. 1970) led to many controversial debates on whether businesses should have ethics or if profit should be their main goal. Corporate social responsibility has many definitions, as its interpretation is quite loose, so I have chosen one that relates the most to this essay, given by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, in 2000: â€Å"Corporate social†¦show more content†¦Since, if anyone should have the power to impose taxes and make expenditures to promote social objectives, it shouldn’t be corporations but the government, as they have the resources and knowledge to make these kinds of decisions that could potentially have an impact on all our lives. Friedman argues, â€Å"Business professionals h ave neither the power nor possibly even the knowledge necessary to address larger societal problems, even if they wanted to† (Friedman, Milton. 1970). An example he refers to is the fact that business professionals are not in a position to fight inflation, where factors, such as money supply and aggregate demand need to be considered. Overall it is investing governmental power in a person who has no general mandate to govern and why should we allow unelected companies to determine our social values and to take over the role of elected government. Thirdly, the process is undemocratic, as there are no checks and balances to monitor these corporations and the major decisions that they are making, that are going to impact our society, also the decision process is very much kept behind ‘closed doors’, unlike how the government operates. This leaves more opportunity for corruption and illegal behavior. Even though there are organizations, such as the World trade Organization and the Office of Fair Trading, loopholes always seem to be found. For example, a recent report byShow MoreRelatedDo You Agree with Milton Friedman’s (1970) Claim That: â€Å"the Only Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits†?2888 Words   |  12 PagesDo you agree with Milton Friedman’s (1970) claim that: â€Å"the only responsibility of business is to increase its profits†? Today we live in a world were companies are major actors and influence society on many levels. This is why ethics were brought into the business world. Ethical enterprises follow certain values and moral beliefs and were created with the supposed intention of using that influence in a positive way and protect what surrounds them, whether it is the people who work for the companyRead MoreAdvertising and Sex2303 Words   |  10 Pagesvarious studies to show how this strategy is not only over used, but is improperly used and viewable to all consumers, including young children. The advertising industry has taken a low blow at society and needs to focus their attentions on preserving human decency and uphold a higher standard of moral concern. What are we really dealing with here? As time grows older, the acceptance of more and more ideals is growing by the second. Not only ten years ago were standards different. I rememberRead MoreSexual Harassment in the Workplace2294 Words   |  10 PagesSEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Business Ethics Philosophy Class 218 Sexual Harassment in the Workplace What is sexual harassment? According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitlyRead MoreThe Morality of Capitalism2662 Words   |  11 Pageswell-being, and generates a wide spectrum of prosperity. Exposition As citizens of the United States, we are members of the leading capitalist economy in the world. Our production and distribution is mostly done privately and we operate in a â€Å"profit† or â€Å"market† system. The capitalist system has been a target for criticism throughout the last three hundred years and is being discussed now more than ever due to the recent recession and financial crisis (Shaw and Barry n.d., 1). Its effects, structureRead MoreImportance of Ethics in Business as an Academic Discipline8970 Words   |  36 PagesIntroduction to Business Ethics 2. Ethics as an Academic Discipline 3. Importance of Ethics in Business as an Academic Discipline 4. The Case Against Business Ethics Education 5. Conclusion 0.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Question 1: Discuss the importance of Ethics in business as an Academic Discipline. 0.3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In today’s highly competitive, performance-driven business climate, regulations are not enough; professional ethics codes are not enough; the old model of â€Å"business ethics†

Consenting Fathers Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson free essay sample

These two seemingly separate lives nevertheless overlapped each other on many occasions. Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as the minister to France in 1785, and both men were present and Influential In founding the basis for the constitution and the fledgling government. Indeed, the accomplishments of both men and the importance that has been credited to each throughout the annals of history have melded these two men and their contemporaries Into a single vision as the Founding Fathers of the united States of America. However, examination of the writings that both of these men left behind for all of posterity reveal that these men had consenting and dissenting views on a variety of subjects. Autobiography, by Benjamin Franklin, and the Selected Writings of Jefferson, shows the distinctive and similar viewpoints that the respected authors had towards religion and education. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson shared similar viewpoints in respect to religion. While neither of the men were radical atheists in the vein of Thomas Paine, both of these men were pronounced Deists. However, examination of the writings that both of these men left behind for all of posterity reveal that these men had consenting and dissenting views on a variety of subjects. Autobiography, by Benjamin Franklin, and the Selected Writings of Jefferson, shows the distinctive and similar viewpoints that the respected authors had towards religion and education. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson shared similar viewpoints in respect to religion. While neither of the men were radical atheists in the vein of Thomas Paine, both of these men were pronounced Deists.Benjamin Franklin, in his Autobiography, writes frequently about his beliefs. At the age of 15, Franklin happened upon books against Deism which he read and found that the argument for Deism was much better than the argument against it. It happened that they wrought an Effect on me quite contrary to what was intended by them: For the Argument of the Deists which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much Stronger that the Refutation (Norton, 574). From this young age, Franklin seemed to become a very liberal Deist.Franklin later writes about a minister friend of his who convinced him to attend his sermons. Franklin did so, but was disappointed due to the fact that the minister did not care to expound on the virtues exhibited In the Bible, but Instead lust made examples of these virtues to support the Presbyterian religion. Ben Franklins Deism is basically a way for him to spiritually live out the great virtues that he sees as Important to living a good life. Although the reader Is never made aware of the explicit nature of Thomas Jefferson Deism, one can Infer his spiritually from the works that he created.The opening passage of the Declaration of Independence has Jefferson speaking of the Laws of Nature and of Natures God (Selected Writings and state that was to be an integral part of the new government of the colonies. Jefferson did not hate religion as such, although he later remarked that the real enemy toward which the Declaration of Independence was written to are the chains of monkish ignorance and superstition (Selected Writings Jefferson, xiii).Jefferson, like Franklin, was a spiritual person, but he found that the effects of organized religion upon the state were devastating and unnecessary. While seemingly of a like mind in regards to religion, Franklin and Jefferson did not hold similar views towards the idea of education. The backgrounds of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson dictated the different views that each had with regards to the education of the peoples of the colonies and eely formed confederacy. Benjamin Franklins Autobiography catalogues his poor background and the way that he learned to educate himself.Because of his background, Franklin was most concerned with introducing a work ethic among the younger generation that stresses not only hard work in ones Job, but also a dedication to improve oneself by reading and applying the learned knowledge to oneself. To this end, Franklin provides a thorough account of the society he created for him and his peers called Junta. This group was dedicated to the studying and understanding of all the arts, philosophy, and science. This interaction, coupled with his own reading time, becomes the best model of education that Benjamin Franklin can provide.Thomas Jefferson, however, is more interested in a formal education which is certainly what he received as a member of an aristocratic family. Jefferson details a multi-tiered plan for education in the new United States that involves free primary public education to all, with the best and the brightest students moving up through college education. This rigorously structured plan does share one thing in common with Franklins ideas; it allows for a hardworking son of a poor farmer to achieve at the same level as a child of a rich family.Jefferson understands that great students and minds appear in every class of society, not Just in the aristocratic families that are historically responsible for producing academia. His plan prescribes the selection of the youths o f genius from among the classes of the poor. .. To avail the state of those talents which nature has sown as liberally among the poor as the rich, but which perish without use, if not sought for and cultivated (Selected Writings Jefferson, 45). Jefferson also concurs with the view ofFranklin that instead of putting the Bible into the hands of youths during primary instruction, these children should be instructed in the first elements of morality (Selected Writings Jefferson, 44). In lieu of teaching religious values, moral lessons and the importance of virtue would be presented. Though Franklin and Jefferson have different ideas about education, they seem to arrive at the same general conclusion in regards to the effect that education is to have on the young. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson grew out of very different backgrounds to emerge as eminent statesmen in the same fold.

Symbolism in Things Fall Apart. Imagery Symbols [Essay]

The novel Things Fall Apart takes a central role in the changing system of contemporary literature in Africa. The author refutes a widespread stereotype claiming that before colonization, Africa did not have a culture. It represents political and social background in a detailed realistic method. The foundations of African oral tradition, which include proverbs, tales, and symbols are frequently used in this novel. The essay shall provide the analysis of symbolism in Things Fall Apart.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Things Fall Apart. Imagery Symbols [Essay] specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is an exhilarating novel that uses vast literature styles, such as symbolism and motifs, to illustrate the principles of African cultural erosion as a result of embracing western culture. By the use of symbols, the author shows how the African culture was shattered by the European style of life when Christiani ty was adopted in the African society. In this book, numerous symbols are used, as discussed below. Symbolism in Things Fall Apart: Analysis of the Main Themes Yams Yam is a crop that is commonly grown by men. Raising of this crop requires intensive labor, and the work ethics of a man can be measured by the portion of the field and harvest obtained. In the African setup, the sole objective of growing yams is to acquire wealth and feed the family. They symbolize a man’s ability to provide. In this novel, a man who had bulk yams was portrayed as not a failure like Unoka-he had a large barn full of yams (Chinua, 1958, p. 4). Nwakibie refuses to give the young men yams citing that they would dump them on earth rather than taking care of them as a man would do for his family to flourish. Yams are very precious and would only belong to hardworking individuals. The central positioning of the yam highlights the defining traits of the tribe. The symbolic meaning is illustrated by its use as a source of satisfaction. Due to the intensive efforts needed in cultivating it, bulk harvest represents yearly achievement gained from nature. A yam’s image is brought out as a necessity of the culture. Folktales According to Okonkwo, most of the folktales in the novel featuring small animals symbolize women’s behavior, for example, the Ekwefl’s tale that talks about the birds and the tortoise who were invited for a feast in the sky. This blocked out the tortoise since he had no wings to fly, and the birds were aware of his ungratefulness and cunning behavior, thus could not help him out. The tortoise was starving and had to sweet talk the birds to nurture his hunger. In their journey, the tortoise claims of a custom that demands them to take new names though the idea was to acquire the most respectable position. Since the women were all inferior, they gave in, and the cunning tortoise ended up feasting on the best food leaving leftovers for the birds. T hough the animal imagery in Things Fall Apart, the author   depicts the indecisive character of women and also provides useful morals in society.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fire Okonkwo is compared to fire by other characters and the narrator; he is branded â€Å"Roaming Flame in the town† (Chinua, 1958, p. 122). According to him, fire is a symbol of strength. While seated in his hut after a quarrel with his son Nwoye, Okonkwo stared on a log fire and felt a strong feeling to rise, take up a machete and clear the Christians who Nwoye was associating with. Whenever Okonkwo would gaze at flame, a wild feeling of strength would fill his body. Mother of the Spirits The Mother of the spirits can be viewed as personification by the clan of Umofia and the Mother of Egwugwu. At this juncture, the style of life of Umuofia is deeply disregarded, and the damage committe d is irreparable. The Mother of spirits mourns her son’s death loudly after the unmasking night. A comparison between the clan and Mother of spirits is drawn, â€Å"†¦it seemed as if the very soul of the clan wept for the great evil that was coming its own death† (Chinua, 1958, p. 145). It is imperative that the Mother of spirits does not revenge her son’s death but rather mourns and weeps. People of Umuofia would not avenge for crimes committed against them. Okonkwo When analyzing Things Fall Apart symbols, Okonkwo should be mentioned as well. He symbolizes masculinity, a character deeply opposed to the Christian belief of love. The spirit of African people is represented collectively by his personality. Just like the Igbos, he is a very independent and strong person. Weinstock and Ramadan (1978) pointed out the following regarding Okonkwo: Okonkwo is consistently associated with masculinity, and he virtually always mistrusts, opposes, and attacks anything feminine or linked with femininity. Christianity embodies and stresses the qualities Okonkwo considers to be womanish, such as love affection, and mercy, and he characteristically valuates the missionaries as a ‘lot of effeminate men clucking like old hens (p.128). The story’s summary evidences Okonkwo fighting courageously against ideologies opposing what he valued, and his downfall is the result of his opposition to colonization.Okonkwo’s death symbolizes the death of African culture. Achebe decided to illustrate the hands of Africans’ giving in to Christianity to take charge by the act of Okonkwo committing suicide rather than being killed and subsequently wiping out the culture of Africa. It is a conspiracy to have written a whole book about the negativity of colonization that the last statement in his piece of writing could belong to the Britain District commissioner. He remarks the suicide act by saying it was possible to dedicate Okonkwo a paragrap h in his book. This fact slightly contradicted the theme meant by Achebe since portraying Africans as primitive differed from what Achebe wanted to demonstrate. By using the symbol of Okonkwo’s death through suicide, Achebe points out that Africans should also be blamed for letting in foreign ideologies to develop in their land.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in Things Fall Apart. Imagery Symbols [Essay] specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nwoye’s Personality Nwoye’s personality was a symbol of Christianity. His father always fought against feminine behavior. His conversion to Christianity was to strengthen the symbol created by Achebe. Okonkwo’s family was his joy and pride, while Nwoye’s conversion to Christianity was the last pain he would endure. Due to his son’s rejection of his lifestyle, the only option left was to cease living. Nweoye’s Adoption o f a New Name His decision to take up a new name, Isaac, with the importance it carried, confirms his loyalty to Christianity religion. Though the exact name that he picks implies significance beyond the immediate sense of personal salvation, it brings out memories of the Biblical story of Abraham, where an animal was substituted for his son, Isaac. The adoption of this name by Nwoye portrays the complete meaning of his conversion, which was the critical sign of liberation from the limitation of the family creation. Weather Weather takes up a crucial role in the lives of Nigerians, especially the Igbos. The availability of rain or its unavailability illustrates that the tribe was dependent on weather for survival. Weather limits the extent to which their crops grow and the flow of the rivers, which in turn influence their water and food supply. On sunny days, the sun is utilized by the plants and in warming up things. Nevertheless, excess rain or sun is likely to cause damage (Rand, 1966). Locust Invasion Invasion by locusts symbolizes a grand attack with devastating destruction. Two important events are considered to establish the locust link. In the text, â€Å"†¦At first, a fairly small swarm came†¦Ã¢â‚¬  implying that â€Å"†¦they were the harbingers sent to survey the land†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Chinua, 1958, p. 43). He pointed out the first arrival of whites and others on the way. This link of events was done deliberately. The cognition gulf is linked up by the myth of locust through the establishment of the unknown and known. People were not aware of insects though it was the myth behind them and the danger of economic failure. The author illustrates the locusts that invaded the village using allegorical phrases that foreshadowed the coming of white men in African land. They intended to exploit all the resources of the Igbo tribe. Because Igbo consumed locust, it shows that they are not offensive. In the same way, individuals who were simulated to Christianity overlooked negative impacts; the white people’s culture would impact their lifestyle. The language used by Achebe in describing the locust invasion depicts their symbolic reputation. The use of repetitive style draws emphasis on the pervasive presence of locusts and a hint in the manner in which the white settlers would occupy Igbos’ land by surprise. It is noted that the insects were too heavy, and that was the reason they broke the branches of a tree. This was a symbol of how the traditions and culture of the Igbo would fracture on the attack by colonialism as well as white settlement (Oyekan, 1993).Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More What Does Okonkwo Death Symbolize? The death of Okonkwo is a heroic death that is analogous to a warrior who is attached to his people. This symbolizes the catastrophic demise that great people face. This is because committing suicide is regarded abomination contrary to the earth and thus should not be buried by clansmen. But in the right of African style, Okonokwo’s death could not be considered as a heroic death; rather, it can only be seen as a shameful death. Unable to deal with his failure, he acts in the way that leads to his death, and he is the one who should be blamed for this.The irritating final words Obierika cast to the District Commissioner hold certain ambiguity within Igbos point of view, in memory of heroism and shameful act of killing himself (Okonkwo). From the novel, he was portrayed as the greatest man in Umuofia and was forced to commit suicide and buried in a disrespectful manner (David, 1998). Conclusion Things Fall Apart symbolism essay shows that thi s is a thrilling novel that uses a symbolic literature style to demonstrate the credo of Africa’s cultural erosion by embracing the western culture. Most of the Africans were not ready to give in to the white man’s way of life, and as such, Okonkwo would rather cease living than adopt the white man’s way of life. Colonization plays a more prominent role in society, and the culture takes up a central role. Symbolic events and characters are used to help the reader have a deeper understanding of society. References Chinua, A. (1958). Things Fall Apart. New York: Heinemann Education Books. David, K. (1998). The African Novel and the Modernist Tradition. New York: Peter Lanng publishers. Oyekan, O. (1993). A History of Twentieth-century African Literatures. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska. Rand, B. (1966). Contributions in Afro- American studies. Greenwood: Greenwood press. Weinstock, D., Ramadan, C. (1978). Critical Perspectives on Chinua Achebe. Washington D. C: Three Continents Press. This essay on Symbolism in Things Fall Apart was written and submitted by user Jazlynn H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.