Compare and Contrast piaget's and kohlberg theories of moral Essay

Compare and Contrast piaget's and kohlberg theories of moral develpment. Which seems more relevent to the study of adolesecnts why - Essay Example Both believed that moral education could be enhanced through formal education and through cooperative decision-making and problem solving situations at school. Piaget focused on the moral lives of children and believed that all development emerges form action. Morality results from social interaction. Piaget observed children of different ages while playing marbles and reached several conclusions. In another instance, he presented situations to children and asked them to suggest who should be punished. This test further confirmed that younger children looked at consequences while the older ones concentrated on the intent. According to Piaget, in the first stage, upto the age of five, children do not understand morals or rules but Kohlberg asserted that individuals at this stage focus on the direct consequences that their actions will have for themselves. They are guided by punishment or rewards and have their own interest at hand. Kohlberg explained in the second stage, children seek approval of others and they respond to the obligations of duty. Piaget believed that the second stage which lasts upto the age of nine is called moral realism. Here the children follow rules because they are there. The importance is on the wrong act itself and the consequences, and not on the intentions of the doer. Piaget’s theory of the moral relativity stage starts at the age of seven and overlaps with the moral realism stage (Everything2, 2002). The children develop their own internal rules depending upon convenience and not rely on external rules. They start evaluating actions based on intentions. Kohlberg’s contention was that most adults do not reach the last stage (Barger, 2000). Nevertheless, they do demonstrate genuine interest in the welfare of others. Those who experienced this stage did exhibit respect for universal principles and followed their own conscience also. Kohlberg was

Literature Comparison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Literature Comparison - Essay Example The charismatic leader must base his or her aura and exceptional 'gifts' on the emotional appeal of their followers. The charismatic leader can see a clear vision and stimulates the follower to follow it and become just as elevated as the leader. Negative aspects of the charismatic leader may include streaks of narcissism, self-aggrandizement, and a forced or contrived distance from followers, all in the efforts of maintaining hero status. Miller contrasts the charismatic leader with the transformational, or transforming leader as expounded by Burns, but importantly expanded with Boulding's theory of love. Burns theory defines the transformational leader as one who basically seeks to convert followers into leaders and into moral agents. Boulding’s identifies love as a type of power. There is no power outside of human valuation. Power integrates human valuation within organizations, and 'the most fundamental form of integrative power is the power of love' (p, 184) There is no c ompetitive, opposing, or abusive force in Boulding's concept of power. Merged into Burn’s view, love becomes the integrator and the enabling force allowing the transforming leader to empower the follower by letting them have and pursue their own vision, and to enable a dimension of mutual interaction where both leader and follower are being transformed. The leader is able to see that the followers’ visions can align with that of the organization in a cooperative and sharing way. Leaders in this way learn from followers just as followers learn from leaders. Whereas the charismatic leader must seek agreement and commitment from followers as to a certain vision he or she is credited with having, the transforming leader offers a context for sharing and participation in the process of vision making. Weiner’s shapes a picture of the transformational leader as one who is more combative and confrontational. Importantly it is based on the theories of educator Paulo Freir e. Freire pursued his theories from a personal knowledge of poverty and hunger and essentially sought to make structural changes in the way education was being delivered to the poor. Weiner portrays the leader as doing â€Å"oppositional work† but working within the cultural hegemony as theorized by Antonio Gramsci. Gramsi refined Marxism to recognize that there was a civil society that was accepted by most people. This society had values and beliefs that formed a hegemony. Gramsi believed that this cultural hegemony could be changed from the inside, gradually, without a violent overthrow. This was basically Friere’s belief, that he could educate the poor and that they themselves could bring structural change upon society. Weiner writes as if teachers are continuously battling neoliberal and right wing ideology. But he accepts Freire’s message as one of social justice and democracy. Freire dedicated his life to serving the poor. Through his example Weiner is abl e to define the transformational leader as an activist one who is dedicated to change but who, importantly, works within the â€Å"dominant structures of power and authority† to serve the poor (p. 91). Today we can ask ourselves what kinds of leaders are appropriate in a world that has just experienced a great economic recession and the wants and needs of the poor and have-nots have become more sharp and bare? Miller noted the charismatic corporation heads who seem to continuously highlight themselves today,

Video games kill Essay Example for Free

Video games kill Essay Video games have become very popular among many age groups especially teenagers. Its common for teenagers to spend hours playing video games, particularly games with violence, sex, and criminal behavior. This is a huge concern for many parents. One parent says, My kid is so lazy, all he does is play video games in the basement! I dont know what to do. Susan, another parent says, Its frustrating when my son plays video games when its a beautiful day out. I dont get it! Many parents tend to believe video games are a waste of time, antisocial, and believe their child will become violent. But most young people, especially teen boys describe video games as fun, exciting, and another way to spend time with friends. An interesting fact parents should know is video game violence can increase aggression in only some individuals, depending on their personalities. Research by Patrick Markey, PhD, sampled 118 teenagers and participants played a violent or a non-violent video game and then hostility levels were tested. Teenagers who were highly neurotic, less agreeable and less conscientious, are more likely to be affected by violent video games. Participants who didnt have these personality traits were not affected or only slightly affected. Surprisingly, research has also found violent content isnt the main draw for the younger audience. Boys especially, surround friendships around video games and are more interested in playing to compete and win. It can be similar to rough-housing play boys engage in as part of normal development. Its another outlet for competition, status or to establish a hierarchy in the group (Olson CK. Childrens Motivations for Video Game Play in the Context of Normal Development). One teen, Alastair says, Its exciting, its like playing football, a way to bond. Another teen, Mike C. said, Some of my favorite high school memories were on xbox live. Its an easy way to connect with friends. Teenage boys want to compete with one another but it doesnt necessarily mean that because a kid plays a violent video game theyre immediately going to go out and beat somebody up, says Dr. David Walsh, president National Institute on Media and the Family. Researchers at Mass General Hospital Center for Mental Health and Media, discovered teenagers who play violent video and computer games use it as a way to cope with feelings, such as aggression, frustration, and stress. Many other scientists and psychologists also think video games can make your child smart, teaching high level thinking skills such as multitasking, quick thinking, working cooperatively, memory and self-confidence. Playing a video game is similar to working through a science problem. Like students in a laboratory, gamers must come up with a hypothesis, says James Paul Gee, Professor of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For example, players in some games constantly try out combinations of weapons and powers to defeat an enemy. If one does not work, they change hypothesis and try the next one. Video games are goal-driven experiences, which are fundamental to learning. With a combination of concentration and rewarding surges, video games exercise and build muscle for the brain caused from neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released when we encounter something pleasurable, like when someone surprisingly finds a $20 dollar bill in their pocket. A teenager beating a level or using their favorite weapon to beat the enemy will release pleasurable feelings. Dopamine is very important for learning behavior and motivation for activities in our lives. This is a main reason teenagers love to play video games. But too much dopamine can become addicting. Parents should know the difference between a teen having fun and passing time opposed to being addicted to video games. Some signs of addiction are losing track of time, not eating and becoming irritable. One way to avoid video game addiction is teaching your children how to develop a balanced lifestyle. Also, create dialogue with your teen about the content of the video game. Showing interest in what your teen enjoys can open the door to a better relationship, improved communication and trust. If youre still frustrated with your teen, create an agreement about what you want changed. An agreement can be written or verbally explained about what is expected when it comes to chores, school, video games, or other responsibilities. If the teen, or even the parent breaks the agreement, both can talk about what happened or changes needed. Remember, be non-judgmental, acknowledge feelings, and listen when talking with your teen. Another form of effective communication is the use of I statements. It should replace the opposing You statements which implies judgment and blame, saying theyre at fault for playing video games. For example, a parent telling their teenager, You spend so much time playing video games, is not as effective as I am interested in knowing why playing video games are fun for you? Also, telling your teen what to do or how to feel will most likely upset them, making them feel controlled. Its best to be patient, manage anxiety and exemplify good behavior by showing them how to balance activities and express feelings. In addition, exposing your child to different activities can be very beneficial. Taking a trip to an art exhibit or sporting event can help teenagers discover new interests and learn other ways to be engaged. To sum up video game violence, one person who I think says it best is renowned comic-book author, Gerard Jones. He says, When we try to protect our children from their own feelings and fantasies, we shelter them not against violence but against power and selfhood. See more at: http://www. strugglingteens. com/artman/publish/DoVideoGamesKillES_130114. shtml#sthash. wtWmToi9. dpuf.

Importance Of Unity And Harmony To Plato

Importance Of Unity And Harmony To Plato Plato who lived between 427-347 B.C is known for his development of many distinct areas in philosophy such as metaphysical, epistemology, aesthetics and ethics. Plato was a prototypical philosopher whose philosophical ideas had great impact on the subsequent political theories and concepts. Platos philosophy is implied in the use of dialectic method in discussion which involves reflective insights into the nature. Also by way of cognitive optimism this method involves a belief in humans mind capacity to reach for truth and then using it for virtuous and rational ordering of human affairs (p.96). Plato holds that any conflicting interests between the different parts of humanity can be harmonized. Plato proposes a righteous and rational political system which directs to a harmonious unity in a society and that gives chance to each of its parts to develop but not at the disadvantage of others. According to Plato, the practical implementation and theoretical design of such systems is how ever not possible without virtue in a society (p.69). This paper studies the importance of unity and harmony to Plato in his philosophical concepts and how these concepts illustrate themselves at the level of individual soul as well as in the political society. This paper will also evaluate Platos understanding of these concepts and how he uses them to unjustify democratic form of government. In the Platos philosophical theories, justice is one of the most important concepts in ethics and politics. Justice may refer to individual virtue, society order or even individual rights in contrast to the general social order claims. According to Plato justice is simply speaking the truth and giving back or repaying what one has borrowed (p.5). However this definition is grounded on the traditional moral customs and may not be adequate to hold to todays challenge and the power of critical thinking. If rightfully understood, justice does not act as a special advantage to any of the factions of a city but justice represents the common good of the entire political community which is to everyones advantage. Justice provides unity in a society which is fundamental for societys health. A political order that promotes social peace in the environment of friendship and cooperation among different social groups whereby each benefits and each contributes to the common good of the society, is the best according to Plato. Unity and harmony plays a very important role in the republics politics and ethics since both the good soul and the good state are said to be harmonious (p. 99). Plato constantly argues that harmony in a society is achieved when everyone plays his or her role. From this it seems that good is generally achieved when each thing exhibits its essence harmony. However according to Plato good is not just a property that the forms have but its a force from which reality comes from. He argues that if the good is unity and harmony, it is also the first principle of everything, the standard by which everything is what it is, that has as existence and power of all its own (p.100) The courage, wisdom and moderation developed by the guardians, rulers and workers ideally give forth the justice in society which those virtues generate in the individual soul when they are nurtured by the three elements of that soul. Only when the three elements work in harmony and with intelligence under control does the individual or society attain the happiness and realization of which it is capable. In the republic he argues that the good use of a human being and his soul is to live in a just manner as well as to attain a state of unity and harmony (p.110). According to Plato every human being consist of many parts whereby each is different from the other and each has unique goals, aims and appetites. The three parts of the soul are intellect physical desires and courage. However its fundamental to conceptualize the soul as encompassing the many conflicting parts although this state of conflict is unwelcome and meaning that man must attempt to harmonize his soul. According to Pl ato man can harmonize his soul by training each part to function as dictated by nature without hampering other parts business. In this context each part of a mans soul should not only perform its function but also perform it well. So in the case of physical desires one should not look for luxurious pleasures but should look for survival and good health. When the parts of the soul are satisfying their ordinary functions well and under the direction of reason, they are then in harmony and balance with each other and at that instant the soul id unified, just, good and happy (p.99). In this context Plato implies that a mans soul cannot be in harmony when performing functions of aimed at bringing luxurious pleasures to him alone and not caring for the goodness of others. In the republic Plato states that the purpose of man is to use his mind and reason to search knowledge, truth and eventual reality. In this search man should understand that the body is a hindrance and therefore the soul should always struggle against it so as to achieve satisfaction in the individual soul as well as develop a good political society (p.296). The body always confuses the mind with all types of appetites and desires thus giving the mind time to think. According to Plato the man should therefore remove himself entirely from his body and only use it to survive. This way man will be able to reduce the impediments to in pursuing his true function to the best of his ability, for his good and the good of the entire society. This search for mans function and reaching his good life is dependent on justice and harmonization of the soul. . In todays politics its universally believed that democracy which is a government of the people for the people is the most justifiable form of political system. This form of government has two features i.e. freedom and equality which are usually conspicuous in its operations. Democracy can be expressed as the rule of people governing themselves directly or by their chosen representative. However Plato does not consider democracy to be the best form of government. Plato criticizes the unchecked and direct type of democracy of that time because of its leading styles. According to Plato democracy is largely characterised by presence of freedom, but although freedom is a true value it can also be dangerous when its in excess (p.288). When everyone is given the freedom of doing as he or she wishes then this can results to anarchy. On the other hand, in democracy there is equality which means that everyone in these systems has the right and equal capacity to rule (p.288). The right for every one to rule implies therefore that many individuals will seek power in politics not necessarily to help or lead the society but because of their personal gains. These power seeking individuals can therefore make a democratic form of government to be highly corruptible opening ways for potential dictators, demagogues and can thus lead to tyranny. For instance Hitler was democratically elected claiming that he would act on behalf of the people but then he turned to be a tyranny and worked for his own personal interests (.p.296) Plato holds that democratic political systems are and may lead from anarchy to tyranny. This system also lacks proper committed leaders with skills and morals. Though it may not happen in todays liberalized democracies the above reasons are Platos main problems with democracy. According to Plato democracy is a political system that depends on chance and thus without able and virtuous leaders it becomes a dangerous form of government. According to Plato therefore democracy is not possible without unity and harmony between the human soul and body. Harmonization of the soul helps human beings to avoid the temptations of the body such as selfishness and greed and pursue his true function which is also the way to good life in the society (p.268). Harmonization also helps man to fight all sort of bodily desires and appetites which is important for leaders in democratic forms of government. For a society to enjoy the goodness of a democratic form of government it should therefore have leaders with harmony and unity between their soul and body. Thus they will be able to guide the society for the interest and benefits of everybody and not for their own self needs. Conclusion According to Plato for one to be truly happy he or she must participate in the good and to take part in the good one must be just. However not every individual soul that is just and therefore one wonders how the unjust can be happy (p.267). Just or right means nothing thats in the interest of the more powerful. According to Plato injustice is not really ones true self justice. Therefore it should be in one interest to understand happiness. True justice and happiness is concurrently webbed together with self-justice. In the republic Socrates agrees that he also doesnt know exactly what good is but then he says we should endeavour for its knowledge since its what brings happiness. Unity and harmony are therefore important in achieving individual satisfaction and also in developing an appropriately organized political society. Platos unjustifying of democracy may however not be applicable in todays liberal democracy systems. Todays liberal democracies are not only based on freedom and e quality but also on other factors like multi party systems and rule of law.

Teenage Depression Essay -- essays research papers

Teenage Depression I. Clinical depression is a serious illness that can affect anybody, including teenagers. It can affect your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall health. A recent child psychologist quoted; "It (depressions) not a fleeting sadness but a pervasive and relentless sense of despair. A lack of interest in life accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite, feelings of uselessness, and sleep disturbance are some of the more common symptoms. People with depression can't just 'snap out of it'. There can be an array of causes- it can be due to stresses in the home or at work, or it can just come out of the blue. Sometimes family history can be a major factor." We chose this topic because this case is relevant to the cognitive process in teenagers. II. Depression can be expressed through many symptoms. A common symptom is a pessimistic view of life. Life seems meaningless, and nothing good will ever happen. Another symptom is constant crying for no particular reason. When your depressed you don't feel like doing a lot of the things you used to like. Such as music, sports, being with friends, and going out. You want to be left alone most of the time. Also, it is hard for you to make up your mind when it comes to making decisions. III. Numerous studies have showed that 2.5 percent of children and up to 8 percent of teens suffer from depression. In another study, 9...

evilmac Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth - The Evil Witches :: GCSE Coursework Macbeth Essays

Macbeth’s Evil Witches  Ã‚      The witches are seen as being evil. This is because at the time, witches were accepted as being real and evil. Shown in the play because the first scene is thunder and lightning, which is associated with terrible happenings and things so suggests witches are terrible things. They speak in rhymes and use many equivocal terms e.g. ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’. This suggests reversal and unbalance, which leads to chaos and disorder in Macbeth’s life. This is suggested because they immediately mention Macbeth so he is already associated with the witches and seen as being evil. The chaos is also shown in the natural world by the weather and natural events. Act 1 Scene 3, there is thunder when the witches meet again. The idea of them being evil is reinforced because in this scene because they are cursing a sailor. This suggests that Macbeth will also face a similar type of treatment. The mystery of the witches is increased in this scene because they know Macbeth is coming when the third witch tells the other two, ‘Macbeth doth come.’ This raises the question of how they knew he was coming and reinforces the link between Macbeth and the witches, which suggests to the audience that Macbeth is evil from the beginning of the play. This link is further reinforced when Macbeth’s first line using the same equivocal as the witches, ‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen’. Banquo is wary of the witches and does not really want to believe that they really because he says ‘That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ earth’, which adds further to their mystery because they are described as being unnatural. However, the suggestion that Macbeth is somehow acquainted with them is again shown when he talks to them directly without fear and asks 'What are you?’ Nevertheless, this shows to an extent that Macbeth also saw the witches as being unnatural because he enquires about what they are but he does not appear to be afraid. They then avoid this question and tell Macbeth his prophecies as though this was the purpose all along. Their prophecies give rise to the question whether they knew that he was already Thane of Glamis and the next Thane of Cawdor. This adds to the mystery of the witches and provides some more evidence of the suggestion that they were well acquainted with Macbeth.

Confessions of Faith

Vonetta Scott The Colonial Encounter in Africa Confession of Faith Cecil Rhodes was an English-born South African businessman. Rhodes enters politics in the Cape Colony for his health and wealth. What is confession of Faith of the colonial encounter that’s in Africa? â€Å"In Confessions of Faith,† the great imperialist and wealthy diamond mine owner Cecil Rhodes stresses his opinion of the importance of the English people. He tries to justify English imperialism and bringing the world under English influence by making several claims. He talks about, (what is a good chief in life? In Rhodes case by asking that question, Rhodes wants to do something useful for his country. He was controlling the diamond production. He had parlayed his territories Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rhodes argued about the way the English children are brought into this world, saying that the English people are limiting their children. Rhodes says that there should be more English children in his country so they can retain America. In addition, he states that the uncivilized part of the world should come under English rule so there would be an increase in the rate of employment and put a stop to all wars.He said the English race is the finest race in the world. He states that taking others territory is a way to help and increase more of their kind which would make the world a better place to live in. Rhodes thinks that this will make the Anglo-Saxon race never end. Rhodes also thinks that the more English people in the world along with less other race like the British and the Irish that again there would be end of wars. Rhodes wanted nothing more than to serve his country. He believes that the Anglo-Saxon should rule the world.Rhodes wants to render himself and his race to his country. He argues that the Anglo-Saxon race is superior to all other races in the world. Rhodes thinks that any other race should not exist. Humans being born that are not going to be raised in the Anglo-Sax on race are a waste to him. He wanted to make the British Empire a superpower in which all white countries in the empire would be represented in the British colony. Rhodes argues this because he thinks that the British will rule the world. Rhodes was upset about it because he said the British do not rule America.To summarize, the absorption of the greater portion of the world under the rule simply means the end of all wars. This objects one should work for are first, and furtherance of the British Empire. The bringing of the whole uncivilized world under British Empire leaves the recovereyof the United States, the making of the Anglo-Saxon race but for only one Empire. Rhodes feels that there needs to be more English race in America, so there can be no more wars. To let the Irish and the German stay in their own country because, he describes them as low class.He deplores the way they have failed to develop America into a fine country. Rhodes wants to keep America finer without the p rejudice. Rhodes made his point clear in this article and he goes into detail on what races do wrong. Rhodes thought that his race was better even though he did respect the Germans. Rhodes arguments support nationalism as well as imperialism by the way he speaks about each race. I don’t believe that there was or could be a competition to bring out the best in the races because, each race has a unique spirit and identity that can’t be duplicated by other races.