What is the difference between capability and functioning?
In this piece of writing the difference between both capability and functioning is explain very plainly and simply to make the reader understand. Nussabaum states that, “The way in which they differ is in the fact that when an imperial power tells a culture gown it ought to function, it is imposing its values on that culture. However when anyone insists that the capabilities to function in one of several ways must exist for people to live a truly human life” (Nussbaum 212). I thought that this quote pretty much summed up her point when it came to difference. I as stated in the intro her views are very sim8ilar to those of John Rawls, this is clearly seen as you read in it. One point in particular was pretty much Rawls speaking “…individual in a society, not the collective, that be protected and preserved if true justice is to prevail” (Nussbaum 212. “third“, “combined capabilities of all the basic and internal capabilities with a potential and social functioning’s” (Nussbam). This description seemed to be a bit weird because Nussbam seems to be describing some sort of functions the will or will take in. Overall I thought there was a great job done describing the difference, but it seems that Nussbaum is more for the capability side rather then the functioning. “ I introduce this as a list of capabilities rather then of actual functioning’s, because I shall argue that capability, not actual functioning, should be the goal of the public policy” (Nussbaum 215).
Works Sited
Martha C. Nussbaum. “The central Human Functional Capabilities” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
John Rawls – A theory of Justice
1) How does Rawls articulate his idea of “justice as fairness” ?
Rawls beliefs are much different from others because Rawls believe that the justice should be fair and that the rights of the people should not be taken away or put back in order to get greater good in society. Justice as fairness was seen to him as two main theories, “original position”, and the “veil of ignorance” (Rawls 195). “Men are to decide in advance how they are to regulate their claims against one another and what is to be the foundation character of their society” (Rawls 199. After reading this quote it seem to me as if he wants the people to be pre-programmed like robots. Rawls saying that the foundation of there character should be set before they enter society. As stated by Rawls, Justice in Fairness begins with “one of the most general of all choices which persons might make together, namely general of all choices of the first principles of a conception of justice which is to regulate all subsequent criticism and reform of institutions” (Rawls 201). I think Rawls way of describing the Justice as a “contact” was a bit misleading. The word “contact” suggests this plurality as well as the condition that the appropriate division of advantages must be in accordance with principles of justice is also connoted by the contract phraseology (Rawls 203). Overall I think that John Rawls took a very different approach to the way society should be shaped in terms of the role of men and women, and how their character should be processed in society.
Works Sited
John Rawls. “A theory of Justice” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Rawls beliefs are much different from others because Rawls believe that the justice should be fair and that the rights of the people should not be taken away or put back in order to get greater good in society. Justice as fairness was seen to him as two main theories, “original position”, and the “veil of ignorance” (Rawls 195). “Men are to decide in advance how they are to regulate their claims against one another and what is to be the foundation character of their society” (Rawls 199. After reading this quote it seem to me as if he wants the people to be pre-programmed like robots. Rawls saying that the foundation of there character should be set before they enter society. As stated by Rawls, Justice in Fairness begins with “one of the most general of all choices which persons might make together, namely general of all choices of the first principles of a conception of justice which is to regulate all subsequent criticism and reform of institutions” (Rawls 201). I think Rawls way of describing the Justice as a “contact” was a bit misleading. The word “contact” suggests this plurality as well as the condition that the appropriate division of advantages must be in accordance with principles of justice is also connoted by the contract phraseology (Rawls 203). Overall I think that John Rawls took a very different approach to the way society should be shaped in terms of the role of men and women, and how their character should be processed in society.
Works Sited
John Rawls. “A theory of Justice” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Elizabeth Cady Stanton – Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
1) What power has man had over women, according to Stanton?
In this piece of writing, Elizabeth Cady Stanton gives great examples of how the male sex denominated the female sex over a great period of time in history. Many of the male dominant powers which were stated by Stanton were the following; “…her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise, in formation of which she had no voice, …all right in property even to the wages she earns” (Stanton 165). I thought that the way Stanton described women, was degrading them of even being human. There were many other rights which led women to feel as if they were in prison. For example: if a divorce was taking place then the man would inherit everything, from property to land and gets the right to the children in most cases. “After depriving her of all rights as a married woman, if single, and the owner of the property, he taxed her to support a government which recognizes her only when her property can be made profitable to it” (Stanton 165). The fact that education was big in getting a job, women were too deprived of that so they were pretty much forced to stay at home. After finally standing up for themselves, slowly the change took place, and they began to gain more and more rights as time went on. Now a day women are getting educated and earning jobs which are equal, and in some cases more superior then those of men. This really changed the role women in our society and the way they’re viewed.
Works Sited
Elizabeth Cady Stanton. “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
In this piece of writing, Elizabeth Cady Stanton gives great examples of how the male sex denominated the female sex over a great period of time in history. Many of the male dominant powers which were stated by Stanton were the following; “…her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise, in formation of which she had no voice, …all right in property even to the wages she earns” (Stanton 165). I thought that the way Stanton described women, was degrading them of even being human. There were many other rights which led women to feel as if they were in prison. For example: if a divorce was taking place then the man would inherit everything, from property to land and gets the right to the children in most cases. “After depriving her of all rights as a married woman, if single, and the owner of the property, he taxed her to support a government which recognizes her only when her property can be made profitable to it” (Stanton 165). The fact that education was big in getting a job, women were too deprived of that so they were pretty much forced to stay at home. After finally standing up for themselves, slowly the change took place, and they began to gain more and more rights as time went on. Now a day women are getting educated and earning jobs which are equal, and in some cases more superior then those of men. This really changed the role women in our society and the way they’re viewed.
Works Sited
Elizabeth Cady Stanton. “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Martin Luther King Jr. – The Letter from Birmingham Jail
1) What kind of injustice did Martin Luther King find in Birmingham?
Martin Luther King, one of the most dominant civil rights leaders of all time who never gave up till justice, was in his hands. He found Birmingham to be injustice because of the way people were being treated. “Influenced by the view which argues against out-siders coming in” (King 174). Martin Luther King was very determined to go through with the injustice in Birmingham, “…so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town” (King 174). He then became concerned of the “city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative” (King 175). This city at the time was beginning to be known as the most segregated place in the United States of America. The Segregation between Negros and whites lead to many issue such as; …”grossly unjust treatment in the courts, more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham then the entire nation” (King 175). “Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial, outside agitator idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds” (King 174). This quote really shows Kings determination towards fighting for the freedom of all Negros in the nation and not only in Birmingham. Despite the harsh conditions King showed no sign of weakness or repent, he was steadfast in his beliefs. Unfortunately, regardless of King’s efforts, segregation still exists in the United States of America, it may not be as intense as it used to be but it’s still known to exist.
Works Sited
Martin Luther King Jr. “The Letter from Birmingham Jail” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Martin Luther King, one of the most dominant civil rights leaders of all time who never gave up till justice, was in his hands. He found Birmingham to be injustice because of the way people were being treated. “Influenced by the view which argues against out-siders coming in” (King 174). Martin Luther King was very determined to go through with the injustice in Birmingham, “…so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town” (King 174). He then became concerned of the “city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative” (King 175). This city at the time was beginning to be known as the most segregated place in the United States of America. The Segregation between Negros and whites lead to many issue such as; …”grossly unjust treatment in the courts, more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham then the entire nation” (King 175). “Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial, outside agitator idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds” (King 174). This quote really shows Kings determination towards fighting for the freedom of all Negros in the nation and not only in Birmingham. Despite the harsh conditions King showed no sign of weakness or repent, he was steadfast in his beliefs. Unfortunately, regardless of King’s efforts, segregation still exists in the United States of America, it may not be as intense as it used to be but it’s still known to exist.
Works Sited
Martin Luther King Jr. “The Letter from Birmingham Jail” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Henry David Thoreau – Civil Disobedience
1) What kind of government does Thoreau feel would be most just?
Henry David Thoreau thinks that a government that is least governed is the one, which will be most successful, and if the government don’t governor at all then it’s even better. “That government is best which governs least” (Thoreau 137). I thought that the first quote made a lot of scene because for example if the government goes around making random rules and restrictions to which the people of the country or state decline then that shows signs of a poor government. But on the other hand if the government puts those rule making reasonability’s in the hands of everyday people then the government would be much better in terms of respecting the people. “That government is best which governs not at all” (Thoreau 137). This I disagree on because this is pretty much saying that there is no need of a government. Some sort of limited orders, demand, or restrictions must be placed on the people in order to maintain a stable environment in which the people are under control. A generalized view of what Thoreau thought was a just government consists of a government, which are completely moral and totally respectful of the individual. “Thoreau opposes is simply any government that is not totally just, totally moral, and totally respectful of the individual” (Thoreau 135). This I totally agree with because if they respect the values and options of the people then the government will get the same response. There is one line in this reading that really stood out to me, “ Under a government which imprisons unjustly, the true place for a just person is also a prison” (Thoreau 146). The government that treats unfairly will be end up in the same place as someone treated fairly.
Works Sited
Henry David Thoreau. “Civil Disobedience” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Henry David Thoreau thinks that a government that is least governed is the one, which will be most successful, and if the government don’t governor at all then it’s even better. “That government is best which governs least” (Thoreau 137). I thought that the first quote made a lot of scene because for example if the government goes around making random rules and restrictions to which the people of the country or state decline then that shows signs of a poor government. But on the other hand if the government puts those rule making reasonability’s in the hands of everyday people then the government would be much better in terms of respecting the people. “That government is best which governs not at all” (Thoreau 137). This I disagree on because this is pretty much saying that there is no need of a government. Some sort of limited orders, demand, or restrictions must be placed on the people in order to maintain a stable environment in which the people are under control. A generalized view of what Thoreau thought was a just government consists of a government, which are completely moral and totally respectful of the individual. “Thoreau opposes is simply any government that is not totally just, totally moral, and totally respectful of the individual” (Thoreau 135). This I totally agree with because if they respect the values and options of the people then the government will get the same response. There is one line in this reading that really stood out to me, “ Under a government which imprisons unjustly, the true place for a just person is also a prison” (Thoreau 146). The government that treats unfairly will be end up in the same place as someone treated fairly.
Works Sited
Henry David Thoreau. “Civil Disobedience” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)