Rational Choice Theory as a Deterant to Crime Essay

Written Assignment 1 (Due October 1st ) Rational choice theories are among the fastest growing theories in social science today. Many sociologists and political scientists defend the claim that rational choice theory can provide the basis for a unified and comprehensive theory of social behavior. What distinguishes rational choice theory from other forms of theory is that it denies the existence of any kinds of action other than the purely rational and calculative. All social action can be seen as rationally motivated, as instrumental action, however much of it may appear to be irrational or non-rational. I believe that the Rational Choice Theory would be most beneficial in the reduction or control of crime. According to the Rational†¦show more content†¦People will engage in criminal and deviant activities if they do not fear apprehension and punishment. Norms, laws, and enforcement are to be designed and implemented to produce and maintain the image that negative and disruptive behaviors will receive attention a nd punishment. Although specific individuals become the object of enforcement activities, general deterrence theory focuses on reducing the probability of deviance in the general population. Examples of control activities reflecting the concerns of this concept include: Drunk-driving crackdowns, special gang-related crime task forces and police units, publication and highly visible notices of laws and policies. General deterrence strategies focus on future behaviors, preventing individuals from engaging in crime or deviant by impacting their rational decision making process. Specific deterrence focuses on punishing known deviants in order to prevent them from ever again violating the specific norms they have broken. Through the rational use of punishment as a negative sanction, problematic behavior can be cut down dramatically. Some examples are: shock sentencing, corporal punishment, mandatory arrests for certain behaviors. Specific deterrence strategies, focuses on punishing known deviants in order to prevent them from ever

Fate vs Free Will in Sophocles´ Oedipus Rex and...

Fate and free will are two topics that are often questionable because they go hand in hand. Fate is a belief that a certain event is said to happen, then that persons choice and free will lead them to what has been predicted as inevitable. Knowing whether something is fate’s fault or the fault of the person who’s going to enact the said action, is one question that has never been fully answered. In Sophocles Oedipus Rex and Shakespeares Macbeth, fate is determined by their own choices and free will, the character Macbeth knows of what lies ahead of him, making him alter the present to create his idealistic future, however instead he lives a life of ruins. As for Oedipus his entire actions are based on one prophecy he desperately†¦show more content†¦His lack of knowledge led him to his demise, because he possesses self-awareness, leads him to the action of free will which could have protected him from a defined fate. In â€Å"Oedipus,† Sophocles writes about a man who is hunted down by his cruel fate, and whose life is ruined in attempt to run away from it. The ancient Greek perspective reflects on the matter of the story and how the god’s highly influence the lives of humans. This viewpoint basically shows the unbounded power the Greek gods have; by being the gods of destiny, and leaving man at a helpless position. Fate plays a massive role in the lives of humans and as was believed by the ancient Greeks, their lives were simply directed by a decision of gods and goddesses. Oedipus knew his fate set by a curse cast on him; however, even when being aware it is impossible to escape fate, he still attempted to run away from it. As the play progresses Oedipus begins to understand the unbearable truth as he states â€Å"I’ve called down a dreadful curse upon myself,† followed by a response â€Å"I simply didn’t know!† (1103). It is the will of the man to rea lize what is inevitable and what choice is. In the Ancient Greece, Gods were praised and worshiped and any command stated by them is the undecided future. Oedipus acting as a blinded man who did not know of such fact led him to his fate and ironically is what later led him to blind himself (Gould). When Oedipus stabs his eyes out with the

Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Example

Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Name: Tutor: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) 2. According to Hugh Helco, to ‘think institutionally’ means, learning about an institution and having utter most respect for it. Instead of thinking about an institution, one should focus on thinking within it. This means that one personalizes the institution’s values within themselves, not only sharing the views and values of the institution, but also believing in them as their own. Completely assimilating the institutional values makes one work diligently because their selflessness creates a hard-working culture within individuals. They make conscious efforts to give their best in their duties because they have a sense of belonging and work with a high level of responsibility and awareness. Therefore, people are more likely to go out of their way to ensure that the objectives are effectively accomplished. For example, if the institution wants to cut down on the energy costs, one can be proactive and suggest using solar generators as opposed to only campaigning that the lights should be switched off when not in use. Good stewardship is fostered from thinking institutionally. Why is it difficult to think institutionally in this current era? In the wake of capitalism, what appeals the most to organizations is the idea of increasing their profit margins. These organizations are run by people who by nature always want more. Without proper morals and character within them, the selfish aspirations of personal gain become apparent. Whether for personal, social political or financial reasons, the selfishness to gain institutional benefits at the expense of others makes thinking institutionally extremely difficult. Embezzling of funds by a board member discourages those working for the betterment of the organization. Such ulterior motives by individuals cause increased levels of mistrust thereby making intuitional thinking pointless. Therefore, selfish motives, which consequently lead to mistrust, hinder people from thinking institutionally. 1. According to Terry Cooper, ‘high citizenship’ is a disciplined level of social structure that enables equal power sharing opportunities among its members. In such a case, there is absolute equality among peers and respect is given to ethical values and customs within the structure. High citizenship embraces the aspect of democracy, which means exercising the power vested in the leadership to better the society. It encompasses observing a set of rules and principles that follow ethical practices thereby governing the people. For this to happen, the citizens need to be fully aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities. Here, an element of legal awareness is effected. Legal awareness is providing the necessary set of rules and principles that will help society obey the expected ethical code of conduct. This provides a platform to which understanding the ethical values will help individuals carry out their obligations rightfully. Utilitarian techniques embrace the essence of majority rule. If majority of the people will benefit from the process, then it is adapted despite the repercussions it might have on the minority. Cost benefit analyses are an example of a utilitarian technique. The pros and cons of a process or situation are taken into account. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then the process is considered and amended to suit the majority. However, this method is not suited for our political heritage because it embraces the rule of the majority, therefore, sidelining the individual liberties of the minority group. Our political heritage respects the individual rights and liberties of everyone. Implementation of utilitarian techniques, though beneficial to the greater good, contrasts the political heritage that embodies the harmony of all individuals.

A Lesson Learned from Failure Essays

A Lesson Learned from Failure Essays A Lesson Learned from Failure Essay A Lesson Learned from Failure Essay Always attracted to journalism, I was lucky enough to find a summer job at a well-respected opposition newspaper in Istanbul. BirGun – the name of this daily publication gained national coverage in 2007 when one of his star journalists (Armenian intellectual Hrant Dink) was assassinated by a Turkish ultra-nationalist. I had access to most Anglophone and francophone newspapers.Every day, I would select and present to my Editor-in-Chief a few interesting Anglophone and Francophone articles and then translate the most pertinent ones for our next edition.I was also very happy and proud when my editor offered to conduct interview and write my own article. Three weeks after the July 2016 failed Coup d’Etat in Turkey, while I was preparing a new article, the office staff noticed that police forces were about to raid our building.Since I was the youngest and newest staff member, the Chief Editor (who has been recently sentenced to 30 years in jail) asked me to leave right away by a back door and tell all persons stopping me that I was not working here but just visiting a relative. When I was about to open the last door and reach the street, I heard police men asking me to stop. Two police officers dressed like â€Å"Men in Black† asked me what I was doing in BirGun’s building.Following the recommendation of my boss, I stayed as calm as possible during the â€Å"interview†. I lied and told them that I was not working at the newspaper but just visiting my cousin who is working in the office. Due to my young appearance, they apparently believed me because they let me exit the sealed building without any more trou ble. My first reaction when I started to freely walk in the street was a profound relief, even maybe a sense joy that I could so easily escape this situation.But, strangely, a deep sadness and a feeling of shame started to overwhelm me. This is when I realized that many of my new friends who were still at the newspape

How to Start an After School Club

How to Start an After School Club A childs education does not take place only in the classroom, during regular school hours. The home, the playground, and the school campus, in general, can all be invaluable settings for a childs personal and scholastic growth. One way to enhance a students school experience is through extracurricular activities such as clubs. At the elementary school level, some appropriate, enjoyable, and educationally beneficial themes might be: Creative WritingBooks and ReadingChess and Other Board GamesOutdoor SportsCollecting and Other HobbiesMusic, Drama, and ChorusArts and Crafts (knitting, drawing, etc.)Anything else that fits the interests of your schools population Or, consider starting a club about the latest fad (for example, Pokemon a few years ago). Even though these extremely popular fads can also be annoying to adults, theres no denying that they do inspire boundless passion in the imaginations of a wide range of children. Perhaps, a Pokemon club could involve creative writing, original games, books, and songs about those colorful little creatures. Surely such a club would be bursting with enthusiastic young members! Now, once youve decided on the topic, consider the technicalities of starting a new club on campus. Here are some things to consider once youve determined the type of club youd like to start at your elementary school campus: Get permission from the schools administration to start the club on campus. Also, designate the time, place, and supervising adult(s) for the club. Look for commitment and set it in stone, if possible.Determine the age group that would be included as members of the club. Perhaps kindergarteners are too young? Would sixth graders be too cool for the concept? Narrow down your target population, and youll simplify the process right off the bat.Take an informal survey of how many students might be interested. Maybe you could place a half-sheet of paper in the teachers mailboxes, asking them to take a show of hands in their classroom.Depending on the results of the informal survey, you might want to consider placing a limit on the number of members to be initially accepted to the club. Consider the number of adults that will be able to attend the meetings to supervise and help out consistently. Your club will fail to meet its objectives if there are too many kids to handle effectively. Speaking of objectives, what are yours? Why will your club exist and what will it set out to accomplish? You have two choices here: either you, as the adult facilitator, can determine the goals all on your own or, at the clubs first session, you can lead a discussion of club goals and use student input to list them.Design a permission slip to hand out to parents, as well as an application if you are having one. An after-school activity requires parent permission, so follow your schools rules to the letter on this topic.  Make a concrete plan for the first day and subsequent sessions, as possible. Its not worth holding a club meeting if it is disorganized and, as the adult supervisor, its your job to provide structure and direction. The number one principle in starting and coordinating a club at the elementary school level is to have fun! Give your students a positive and worthwhile first experience with extracurricular involvement. By creating a fun and functional school club, you will be setting your students on the path to a happy and fulfilled an academic career in middle school, high school, and beyond!

Emily Dickinson's poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emily Dickinson's poetry - Essay Example Poetry of Emily Dickinson, one of the most illustrious American poets, is marked by the unaffected and sensible way of communicating of thoughts and ideas. Her poems – sometimes rather short and succinct – are abundant with poetic vehicles and rather recognizable owing to the original style and brilliant poetic genius. And, moreover, I would say, that Dickinson’s poetry is alive. The poet herself inquired about liveliness of her verses in one of her letters: â€Å"Are you too deeply occupied to say if my verse is alive? The mind is so near itself it cannot see distinctly, and I have none to ask† (Dickinson, 1862). To my thinking, the answer is ‘yes’ and it could be proved by several arguments. Firstly, it is the peculiar style enlivening the verses: in her poems, Dickinson uses her own recognizable style of punctuation and rhyming – and these â€Å"instruments† grant dynamic and lively shape to her thoughts. For instance, her recurrent use of dashes and capital letters in certain words create the effect of intensity and emphasis. Her verse â€Å"Hope† is the thing with feathers† reflects the major features of her writing style. Here, she muses upon the essence of hope, comparing it to a bird. In the second stanza, she writes: â€Å"And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard- » (Dickinson, 312). By using a capital letter, she emphasizes the word and makes the verse more dynamic, virtually pulsating. It is clearly seen that the poet was â€Å"enamoured in language† (Melani) and played with it in the most exquisite ways, making the short lines of grammatically wrenched and compressed text speak for her and sound melodically and touchingly. Here, coming out of the previous, is the second ground to consider Dickinson’s poetry alive. Once, she herself defined poetry in the following way: â€Å"If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire ever can warm me I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know

Request for Proposal for Software Upgrade Project of Boardman Essay

Request for Proposal for Software Upgrade Project of Boardman Management Group - Essay Example The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to provide the potential consultants with information to assist them in formulating their proposals. It is hereby advised that it is mandatory for every bidder to respond against all the requirements mentioned in this RFP. If the bidder has nothing to share against a requirement they can mark â€Å"Not Applicable† in front of the requirement. This paper makes a conclusion that Boardman Management Group has established the business goal of achieving a standard business support system across all the businesses across the group and hence has decided to upgrade all the software versions to Word 2007 on Windows Vista. Following are the requirements of this Project which the chosen consultant would need to fulfill. You are most welcome to add to the requirements if you wish to undertake additional deliverables that are useful to the project. You are requested to provide complete details of the new requirements justifying their need. The proposals are invited from the consultants who have successfully completed at least three similar projects pertaining to migration of desktop systems to Windows Vista and Word 2007 in a networked environment. The project board shall compare the details of the PDF format and the hard-copy format. Any discrepancies between the two formats would result in rejection of the proposal after informing y ou. In such cases, you would be required to resubmit the proposal. Discrepancies found after second submission shall result in disqualification of the bidder.