Abstract
The ethical theory of 'act utilitarianism' regards the solution to moral problems in terms of a calculus or algorithm that will, when given the relevant input, be able to provide the 'morally right' output. This paper describes the role that the ethical theory of act-utilitarianism plays in Woody Allen's movie, "Crimes and Misdemeanors". The paper argues that act-utilitarianism is shown to be a faulty ethical theory according to the movie.

From the Paper
"Even assuming that happiness were something that was objective and easily measured, it could still be possible for two people to have differences of opinion in deciding which morally correct course of action to take. While Judah may have seen the murder of Delores as being the course of action that not only preserved his happiness and the happiness of his family and all of those around him, were Delores to be consulted, she would have most likely come up with a different conclusion. Assuming that she was using act utilitarianism to come to her decision as well, Delores probably would have argued that Judah leaving his wife would have led to more happiness in the long run that the ending of her own life."

Tags:litch, mary, philosophy

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the idea of God posited by Benedict Spinoza with that posited by Gottfried Leibniz. The paper points out that, according to Spinoza, God exists necessarily from its divine nature, inhabiting the world as the world inhabits it. It claims that Leibniz saw the elegance of this utterly rational God, though he also espied a threat that he attempted to displace by defending the traditional anthropomorphic idea of God. Spinoza's God is beyond human, to which the human notions of 'good' and 'evil' do not apply. Leibniz saw in this God no freedom, no agency, and no morality by which man could live. The paper concludes that these two philosophers, arguably the most significant of their day, differed drastically in their views of God's role with regard to the world. While Spinoza's view of a non-human God appeals to humanity to find a liberal and democratic method by which to exist in the world, Leibniz's more traditional view of God involves the reliance upon faith and provides a perfect example upon which humanity must model itself.

From the Paper
"While this eminently rational idea of God possesses an almost geometric elegance, the implications of such a view would greatly disturb Spinoza's contemporaries, Leibniz among them. Since all things follow necessarily from God's nature as substance, determined solely through itself, it follows that things could not be any other way than they are. "Things could not have been produced by God in any manner or in any order different from that which exists." This is an utter rejection of the supreme anthropomorphic father figure, who chooses between right and wrong and lays down laws by which humanity is judged. Good and bad are reduced to human notions relative to our limited experience of the world, completely irrelevant to a universe that functions from the necessary. Morality is seemingly abolished, and God seems too powerless to ever have created anything at all. In fact, freedom to Spinoza is the ability to be determined by nothing other than one's nature, which entails that only God is completely free as the one substance, and to choose to be anything but what he is would be absurd, as what he is, is perfection. "...God alone is a free cause. For God alone exists only from the necessity of his nature and acts from the necessity of his nature." The threat to the theocratic order is explicit here, for while Spinoza's God is necessarily perfect, he is not necessarily good. Following from necessity, what we term 'evil' is as much in God as what we call 'good'. This God is not based on relative human notions or longings: it follows purely from the necessity of reason. Spinoza maintains that he sees God as surely as he can see the truth of a geometric proof: "I know it in the same way that the three angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles." The rejection of ultimate reward and punishment places the onus for morality squarely upon human shoulders; a yoke religion explicitly labors to remove because it is too heavy for most humans to bear and would lead to social chaos. Perhaps Spinoza had such in mind when he penned the last line of his Ethics: "...all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare."

Tags:morality, ethics, philosophy, existence, faith, logic, metaphysics, rational

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in this day and age of technology and wireless connection to vast amounts of electronic information, plagiarism within educational institutions has become a growing concern. The writer points out that nearly every university and college has a very strict policy concerning plagiarism and the penalties for academic dishonesty. While to some people the act of copying the written work or ideas of someone else may not seem to be the most severe of crimes, plagiarism is actually an illegal offence that can be punished by the criminal justice system. The writer discusses that more importantly, however, plagiarism threatens the integrity of the entire educational system. Without the integrity of the educational system, higher levels of education and employers would be at a loss for selecting properly suited candidates. Furthermore, plagiarism is a severe act of disrespect towards the individual whose work is being copied or, in essence, stolen. The writer concludes that plagiarism is a significant and noteworthy problem within the academic sphere and beyond.

From the Paper
" One of the reasons that plagiarism has become a growing concern within the academic environment is the increase in access to the internet that most students have, an in fact, require throughout their educational career. Before the advent of the internet, plagiarism required copying information or ideas directly from a published piece of work or another student's work. The Internet now provides a multitude of other methods of plagiarism. Within the domain of cyberspace, 21st Century students can locate information that has never before been previously published in the traditional print form. Furthermore, students can access papers written by other students all over the world. Many e-commerce sites have actually developed to answer the demand of students for pre-written college level papers. A simple search on any popular search engine such as Google.com or Yahoo returns hundreds of web sites offering papers for the use of college and high school students. Some websites allow students to upload their own papers and sell them to other students for a designated price, of course sharing their profits with the website owners. Other sites allow the free distribution of papers, financially fuelled by advertisers wishing to reach the college demographic. Many other websites offer custom writing services, that ensure that a paper will be of high quality and never previously published in another location."

Tags:students, integrity, written, work, copying

Abstract
This paper discusses the many examples of corruption experienced in police agencies throughout the United States, such as the involvement in the drug industry, violence, racial bias and brutality. The paper examines the symptoms within law enforcement culture that influence the level of susceptibility of officers to engage in corruption and misconduct. In its conclusion, the paper outlines some attempts by legislature and administrators to curb corruption and regain public trust in law enforcement.

Outline:
The Growth of Corruption in Law Enforcement
Corruption for Personal Gain
Corruption to Gain a Conviction
Interpersonal Misconduct Violations
Factors Influencing Agency Susceptibility to Corruption
Leadership Styles and their Impact on Corruption
Remedies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Methods of identifying and controlling corruption and misconduct within the ranks of law enforcement have been the focus of legislators, academia, and administrators for over a century (Steinberg, 2007). Several factors influence the sustainability and growth of corruption in law enforcement over time. For example, police involvement in the unauthorized global manufacturing and distribution of drugs, brutal treatment of suspects to gain a confession and in many cases wrongful convictions, and evidence tampering and theft. Forms of misconduct such as the unequal distribution of police resources within a community debilitate public trust (Huberts, Kaptein, & Lasthuizen, 2007)."

Tags:misconduct, integrity, oversight, accountability

Abstract
The paper shows how Plato essentially believes in the relativity of morality whereas as Aristotle does not, but instead believes that human beings, like nature, have an inherent purpose that we are designed to aspire to. Plato, on the other hand, believes that there are undefinable Forms, like moral goals, that can be seen, appreciated and reached for in many different ways, thus making hm an ethical relativist, rather than a believer in moral objectivity.

From the Paper
"Both Plato (B.C.E. 428 - 347/8) and Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C) are known for their ageless philosophy and revolutionary views. Some contemporary philosophers go so far as to suggest that these men are "without equal in the history of human thought" (Cohen, Curd, and Reeve). Although neither man set out to transform the perspectives of the known world with regards to ethics and morality, both succeeded in doing so infinitely beyond what they lived to witness. To a great extent, their views actually differ; yet compliment one another in defining morality. Combined; their works identified and explained morality, shaping the understanding of much of the western world for centuries."

Tags:ethics, forms, rationalism, teliology

Abstract
This paper presents a case study in ethics of Northeastern Mutual Life, a company that offers a full range of financial service products across the country and in many parts of the world. The paper focuses on the company's background, all stakeholders affected, the ethical dilemma in question, possible alternatives, and a recommended solution. The paper explores Northeastern Mutual Life's challenge of facing the possible need for layoffs while maintaining ethical practices. The paper questions whether or not employees should be laid off in the first place, asserting that it is unethical to downsize a company for the sole purpose of raising profits. The paper concludes with suggested solutions, including laying off younger employees first because of their generational tendency to change jobs frequently.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Company information
Pension plan
Stakeholders
Ethical Issues
Alternatives
Identification of alternative
Solutions to the problem
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Gordon Gillingham, president and CEO, is in charge of the layoffs. He is faced with difficult questions concerning the pension plan. Also involved is the Senior Management Partnerships (SPM), they are the ones who made the decision to cut 20% of the working staff. Also involved directly is the administration staff, 20% of them will have to be laid off while the other 80% have to deal with the stress and uncertainty of the future. There are also the shareholders; the "owners" of the company, which includes Calgary Insurance Group. If nothing is done to cut costs, then they will receive a lower return on investment and in turn may damage the company's reputation, a factor strongly influencing their sales. Other insurance companies may benefit from Mutual Life's decision, either by looking like a more stable company or they may try recruiting some of the experienced personnel that were laid off. There is also the Pension Commission of Alberta, if petitioned to, the employees can ask for a partial windup. Last but not least, the customers may also be affected. If not able to cover the costs, price of insurance might have to go up."

Tags:employee, terminations, layoff, downsizing

Abstract
Rousseau's concept of general will supposes to be for the individual. By entering into a social contract, man wouldn?t simply submit himself under the power of a sovereign; rather he would submit himself to become part of the sovereign. Each citizen would have a voice in this "organic society", which could be viewed as a living person whose interest was the protection of itself. The paper examines, however, whether the general good really is determined by the general will. It also examines how we can remain free if we subject ourselves to the will of others with whom we disagree.

From the Paper
"Rousseau contends that modern states restrain the natural freedom, and do not secure the civil freedom for the sake of which we enter into civil society. Rousseau's insistence that "man is naturally good, and only by institutions is he made bad", does not mean that man must abandon social institutions all together. He must remold them in such way to realize a just, free and ordered society. The people in expression of the autonomy should make all laws. Rousseau envisions a society that would embody all of the freedoms man had in the state of nature yet one which would allow him to grow intellectually. "Find a form of association that defends and protects the person and goods of each associate with all the common force, and by means of which each one, uniting with all, nevertheless obeys only himself and remains as free as before" (164). This unit of all citizens is the "sovereign," and should be considered in many ways to be like an individual person. While each individual has a particular will that aims for his own best interest, the sovereign expresses the general will that aims for the common good."

Tags:common, freedom

Abstract
The paper discusses Immanuel Kant's and John Stuart Mill's systems of ethical behavior and shows their similarities in how both are concerned with the moral and ethical duties of the individual with regards to the whole of humanity. The paper reveals how both theories are incomplete; Kant's "Categorical Imperative" suffers from the contradiction that arises when moral actions engender immoral consequences, while Mill's Utilitarianism fails to provide an unambiguous way to judge individual moral actions.

From the Paper
"Immanuel Kant, in The Foundations of the Metaphysic of Morals, puts forth a deontological theory of moral action in a trio of formulations called the "Categorical Imperative". It is considered deontological because it is concerned solely with what one "ought" to do, rather than the consequences of action. Thus the determination of ethical behavior is based upon an obligation to act according to a rational principle which is itself universal, absolute, and unconcerned with the consequences. This foundational aspect of the theory is rendered problematic when moral actions create immoral circumstances. If the Categorical Imperative holds all untruths to be immoral, then honestly answering a murderer who requests that one identify the intended victim would be a morally right action that results in a morally objectionable murder."

Tags:Categorical, Imperative, Utilitarianism, morals, consequences, happiness

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that a solution proposed to the organ donor shortage is the commercialization of human body parts, and that this is a solution well worth investigation. The writer notes that in this increasingly commercial world it should come as no surprise that individuals are willing to pay for organ transplants. In fact, individuals do pay for organ transplants on a regular basis, but they do so in a manner that is currently against the law and frequently very dangerous. The writer discusses that through putting law and regulation in place individuals could receive organ transplants without leaving their own country, and donors from within the same country could receive monetary compensation for their organ donation, as well as proper medical after care. The writer concludes that if commercialized organ donation is what it will take to save lives and to prevent the exploitation of the less fortunate who are coerced into illegal and unsafe organ donation, then it should be considered a very viable solution.

From the Paper
"Due to the organ crisis, there is a rampant black market for organs, especially kidneys, that sees individuals in deprived, often third-world countries selling their organs to rich Westerners. There are a number of serious and medically dangerous issues associated with this growing trend, not least of which is the unsatisfactory care provided to the donors. Individuals who donate their organs usually do so for very small amounts of money and receive substandard health care following their donation. The doctors who perform these illicit operations are the ones who benefit financially, while the individual who purchased the organ usually survives much longer, but still may not receive the best after-care due to the illegal nature of the operation. The donors often experience a decrease in livelihood and standard of living as they develop medical conditions that prevent them from participating in the manual labour force that is usually the only available employment. Regardless of restrictions and laws against these black market transactions, they continue, and will continue, and almost understandably. Being faced with a life threatening condition and having the means to remedy the situation through the wielding of power and money would be an opportunity not easily turned down by many individuals."

Tags:transplants, body, black, market, compensation

Abstract
This paper reviews the writer's personal philosophy of care and individual ethics in a case scenario of a patient (referred to as Mr. Smith) with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia. The writer discusses how the family often appeared indifferent and unconcerned with their father's condition especially at his untimely demise, which proved difficult for the nursing staff as they cared profoundly for the patient. The writer explores the specific ethical principles involved, including autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence and links the clinical situation to a specific theory of grief, loss and bereavement. The writer suggests alternative actions which could have led to a more satisfying and ethical outcome in the case of Mr. Smith, his family and the nurses concerned.

Outline:
Introduction
My Philosophy of Care in my Nursing Practice
Autonomy, Justice, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Related Theory of Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
Suggested Alternative Solutions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Ethics in healthcare is fundamental in the day-to-day care provided to patients' particularly in nursing and certainly with end of life issues. Essentially, the code of ethics for registered nurses is a declaration of commitment to those we serve, it is a guideline that sets out behaviors expected of us, and it advocates for quality care and serves as a self-reflection tool (Canadian Nurses Association, 1998). The codes of ethics and the standards of care made available by our governing body ensure that the best nursing practices will be provided to our patients (Aiken, 2005). Part of our nursing practice is to assist in life-threatening situations. Coping with death is challenging for nurses since the ability to cope with one's own grief or beliefs highly depends on the relationship of the healthcare provider to the patient, to their families and to their own experiences with death."

Tags:grief, loss, bereavement, autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence