Our Moral Responsibility to Provide Monetary Aid to Pakistani Villagers Essay Example for Free

Our Moral Responsibility to Provide Monetary Aid to Pakistani Villagers Essay In this essay, I will argue that the theory of Utilitarianism presents resilient, compelling arguments that exemplifies why we have a moral obligation to donate money to help the Pakistani villagers affected by recent floods. Though the argument put forth by Ethical Egoists in favor of donating money to the Pakistanis is convincing, it lacks the quantitative validation that Utilitarianism provides. The Perspective of an Ethical Egoist Ethical Egoism is a consequentialist moral theory that says each person ought to pursue his or her own self-interest exclusively (EMP 69). A person’s only moral duty is to do what is best for him or herself, and he or she helps others only if the act [of helping] benefits the individual in some way (EMP 63). On the surface, it appears that it is not in a person’s best self-interests to donate money to help villagers in Pakistan. The giver experiences monetary loss and the diminution of personal financial wealth, and expends time, energy, and effort in the donation-transaction process. He or she receives neither public acknowledgement nor donor recognition. There are, however, intangible benefits that the giver may reap as a result of his or her deed, such as the satisfaction that he or she receives from giving monetary aid to the Pakistanis or the happiness that he or she experiences for acting in accordance with his or her values. It is in the giver’s self-interest and, therefore, his or her moral duty to give monetary aid to those plagued by the Pakistan floods. The facts that an Ethical Egoist would consider to be important are the consequences to him or herself because Ethical Egoism is a consequentialist moral theory that revolves around the self. Consequentialism contends that the right thing to do is determined by the consequences brought about from it (Class Notes, 10/05/2010). In this case, the morally relevant facts that the Ethical Egoist is primarily concerned with are the intangible benefits and advantages that he or she would receive from giving. The Ethical Egoist would also consider the actual and implicit costs of giving aid, as they are consequences brought about from helping the Pakistani villagers. The argument put forth by Ethical Egoism is good because it is compatible with commonsense morality. To reiterate, Ethical Egoism says that â€Å"all duties are ultimately derived from the one fundamental principle of self-interest† (EMP 73). According to Hobbes, this theory leads to the Golden Rule, which states that â€Å"we should ‘do unto others’ because if we do, others will be more likely to ‘do unto us’† (EMP 74). In this case, if we do not give to others, other people will not give to us. Thus, it is to our advantage to give to others. The Utilitarian Argument Classical, or Act, Utilitarianism maintains that the morally right act is the one that yields maximum happiness for all sentient beings impartially. Utilitarianism requires us to consider the general welfare of society and the interests of other people. Giving money to help the villagers in Pakistan generates positive consequences and diminishes the negative effects of the floods. Specifically, donations for disaster relief results in the availability of medicines to treat sicknesses, the provision and distribution of cooked meals, hygiene kits, and clothing, and the reconstruction and restoration of homes and schools. In short, giving money relieves great suffering of the flood-affected Pakistanis, enhances the balance of happiness over misery, and endorses the maximum and greater good of society. Therefore, the morally right thing to do is to donate money to help the Pakistani villagers. Similar to Ethical Egoism, Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory, though this theory is concerned with the greater good of society. Therefore, the morally relevant facts for a Utilitarian are the consequences to all people impartially. In this case, they include the circulation of food, clothing, medicines, and the restoration of villages. Providing monetary aid ultimately produces the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness for society. The Utilitarian argument for donating money is good because it provides calculable validation. In other words, the utility of the receivers is quantifiable and tangible (number of meals, hygiene kits, water tanks provided, number of homes rebuilt, etc. ). This tangibility clearly illustrates that the utility of the receiver exceeds the marginal cost to the giver and produces the greatest amount of happiness over unhappiness. Why the Utilitarian Argument is Stronger There is an epistemic problem that weakens the argument given by the Ethical Egoist. We do not know precisely what the consequences will be. We expect that the intangible benefits include self-satisfaction, enjoyment of giving, and happiness from providing financial aid, and we estimate that the costs consist of the actual donation payment and all related opportunity costs; however, we do not know exactly what the consequences will be and the extent of the results. It is, thus, difficult to gauge whether donating to charity is actually in the giver’s best self-interest exclusively because the associated costs may be very great (the giver may end up poorer or the donation-transaction process may be stressful; both situations would not be to his or her advantage). The immeasurability and intangibility of the benefits also weakens the argument. Ayn Rand, an Ethical Egoist, responds to this objection and asserts that it is completely moral and permissible to offer aid to others even when one does not anticipate any tangible return; â€Å"personal reasons for offering aid—reasons consistent with one’s values and one’s pursuit of one’s own life—are sufficient to justify the act† (Gordon Shannon, 10/16/2010). Rand says that personal reasons, such as values and pursuit of a flourishing life, are adequate to justify the act. We run, however, into a problem: just because we have a moral justification to give aid, does it mean we are morally required to give aid? Rand provides a moral justification, but not a moral mandate; this makes the argument put forth by Ethical Egoism weak. While Ethical Egoism provides a convincing argument and response to the objection, the Utilitarian argument is stronger because it buffers against the epistemic problem and provides quantitative, calculable validation. The problem of epistemology does not apply to or weaken the Utilitarian argument because we know what the consequences will be, based on present initiatives. Plan UK has provided cooked meals to over 250,000 people, shelter for 230,000, water tanks, hygiene kits, and medicines for thousands of families (Plan UK). We know how the money will benefit the Pakistani villagers and we can quantify the amount of happiness and good that entails the act of giving aid to others. To summarize: Ethical Egoism says that we ought to pursue our own self-interests exclusively. The morally right act is the one that benefits the self. There is, however, an epistemic problem. We do not know what the consequences will be or the extent of these outcomes. Donating to charity may not benefit the self. Utilitarianism, however, avoids the problem of epistemology and immeasurability. Therefore, Utilitarianism is the stronger argument. Conclusion In this paper, I have presented the theories of Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism, delved into the morally relevant facts, and reflected on why each argument is good. I illustrated why Utilitarianism is stronger by appealing to a weakness of Ethical Egoism. Thus, the Utilitarian perspective that we have a moral duty to donate money to help Pakistani villagers is a better argument.

Robots in Society and the Future

Robots in Society and the Future It is a very true slogan from Adidas brand, Nothing is Impossible. Humans abilities are limited, and that is why robots are created. Have you ever imagine that, when you wake up in the morning, once you open up your eyes, everything that is in your mind such as breakfast, office wear, slippers and even more have already being prepared by your robot-slave. You do not have to do anything; all you have to do is, sit and wait! You just have to sit on your bed and wait for your robot to serve you, arent your life will be easier and wonderful? From this, we can see that how amazing it could be with the existence of robots. May be in the future, they are only our trusted friends. The unstoppable improvements of modern technologies, in the same line, robots are introduced into various fields to assist the humans reckless abilities to improve their live. They have been widely used in industrial sector and also for personal use. The creation of robots is not only to assist us, but they give us good opportunities to be our substitute for exploration and experiment the new risky things that human had never dare to try but hunger to achieve. Our purpose of this report is to find out the kinds of robots that have been introduced into our life and the future robots. Our objectives are to find out: What are robots? Why do they exist? How do robots exist? What can they do? How far they can do? What are the side effects for human if they are over-populated? What is in humans expectation on future robots? 2.0 Findings and Discussion 2.1 What are robots? 2.1.1 Brief History of Robot When we said robots, we all feel that it was just only been made in this modern era. Actually the first creation of robot has been made centuries ago. The famous Leonardo da Vinci is also among all the creators who are involve in the creation and innovation of robots. The basic principles that motivate people to create the robots are to bring the advantages to mankind. First of all, the creations of robot begin with simple concept, with look like human, and then it can move. Through the evolution in times, the robots now are involving, now it can walk, talk, and behave like humans. The improvement of robots will never end, but now we can start to imagine how far robots will become in future. 2.1.2 Concept of Robot Isaac Asimov (January 2, 1920 April 6, 1992)Generally, in all humans thoughts, robots are human-like machines that have heads and limbs, move and talk like human, either with or without their own thoughts and can be fully automatic, or partially otherwise completely controlled by human. However in the world of reality, the basic concept of a robot is: a machine which is programmed to move and perform multitude tasks automatically, or may be partially controlled by human. It does not mean that robots must be built mimic to human, in fact they can be in any forms and shapes with different appearances as long as they meet the basic concept. According to a popular science fiction author, Isaac Asimov [1], he came out with 3 basic laws for robots, which they called it call Asimovs Three Laws of Robotics: Robots must never harm human beings. Robots must follow instructions from human without violating rule 1. Robots must protect themselves without violating the other rules. 2.1.3 Classification of Robots With the indefinite intelligence of human, robots have been invented in different kinds and ways, performing myriad tasks and jobs. The following are the basic classifications [2] for different robots: Tele-robots Tele-robots are robots that need to be direct operated by human beings through remote control sytem. The best example will be the toy robots for kids, where these entertainment robots are needed to be guided by human to move, turn, or carry out tasks. Telepresence Robots The manipulations for telepresence robots are much similar to the Tele-robots above. The different is that telepresence robots will send back video, sound and other data to make the operator to feel more like they are in the robots. These robots are suitable to be used in exploration field, especially when the targeted exploration area is not accessible for human. Static Robots They are robots which are not movable from places to places. They are fixed permanently on one physical location to perform their tasks using only a part of their movable components. Static robots have been widely used, such as robotic arms, in factories and laboratories to handle hazardous materials and chemicals. In Malaysia, static robots or robotic arms can be seen in car manufacturing factories. Mobile/Autonomous Robots These robots navigate and perform their chores and duties without the intervention of human. They have been created to have high intelligence to deal with any environments such as on land, sky and even underwater. These robots are normally wheeled, or with wings, propeller and etc, depending on their uses. Aerial mobile robots are referred to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) which have been used by countries with advanced technologies for military purposes. For underwater mobile robots, they are usually called Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and are used in sea exploration, military and commercial purposes. Androids Androids, which can also being called as Humanoid Robots, are being built to mimic human. They will have basic structures of human including head, body, hands and legs. Some of them have been installed with devices to produce sound or talk like human. 2.2 Why do they exist? As we all know, humans abilities are limited. Thus, we need something to fulfil our incompleteness and we have chosen the robots to do that for us. This can be clearly described when we use robots to carry and move heavy objects in our daily life. Land mine detectorOr, in the condition that risky jobs involve which may sacrifice the priceless life of human being, it will be wise to use robots as to replace the jobs for us to avoid any unnecessary sacrificing. Exploration for mines, space and underwater are example of highly dangerous tasks and these places are almost impossible for human to access. Sacrificing robots which can be valued in money is a much more intelligent act instead of sending the humans priceless souls to the path of death. In addition, assistance from robots arms for handling hazardous and acidic chemicals can also be widely used in laboratories to take the place of humans arms. Autonomous robot cleanerAnother main reason for the existence of robots is because of the demand of human to enjoy ease and comfort in their life. Everyone in this world is demanding to live in the best and easiest way in their life, without the need to do anything and waits to be served, in another words, the laziness of human beings caused the existence of robots. Example, there are robots being invented to clean and vacuum the house. Apparently, human in the world today are so lazy until they do not wish to do the household chores by themselves. Although this statement is not fair, but yet this is one of the very true facts. For workaholics, these robots are perfect in sharing responsibilities of household chores. 2.3 How do they exist? 2.3.1 Components of Robots For the basic layout of the generalised robots which are mostly correspond to animal, or even a human, are being made up with these components: The Brain Just as humans brain, it is the main system that operates a robot. It is a microprocessor which functions like a computer. Specialised programs are installed so that they can move without the controls of human. The Eyes There are made up from camera, sensor, ranging sonar and etc. There are used for navigating the robots movement, capture and recording the images of its surrounding, and estimate the range of its movement towards any objects or destination. There are also sensors that can help the robots to avoid from obstacles while moving. The Ears Some robots have been invented with sound recognition features. So, these robots require ears. Basically, the ears of these robots are also made up from sensors to detect sound waves and they are to be sent to microprocessor for detailed analysis. Communication System Communication between robots and human are greatly important. Besides receiving commands and orders from their owner, it is also generally important for the robots to tell their owners when something goes wrong. These communication systems can be in form of sound alarms or lights to grab the attentions of their owners. In order to transmit the sound or light, they need components like data, video or sound transmitters. Muscles It is the main component for the robots to move their limbs and carry out tasks. The limbs are commonly operated by electricity. In this case, the electricity functions as the muscles. However, some robots have been designed and created to do heavy duties like carrying heavy objects. Thus, electricity will be substituted with hydraulic technology or pneumatic technology. Limbs They can be as usual as humans hands and legs, fingers and toes. But in some situations, hands and legs are not that suitable to be used. Hence, the limbs of these robots are also available in wheels, tires, track rollers, propellers and etc. 2.3.2 Technologies Involved 2.3.2.1 Sensor Technologies A  sensor is a device, which is use to senses the objects and the surrounding. There are many kinds of applications for sensors which most people are never aware. Applications include cars, machines, aerospace, medicine, manufacturing and robotics. Sensors are the sensory system for robots, are much like humans 5 senses: sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. The robots sensors sense the environmental like touch, distance, light, sound, strain, rotation, magnetism, smell, temperature, inclination, pressure, or altitude. Then it provides the data that must be processed to provide information to allow the robot to respond. Robots are equipped with sensors so they can have an understanding of their surrounding environment and make changes in their behavior. The following are the common sensors used in robots [3]: Rotation Sensors They are used to measure the angle of a robotic arm, or how far a mobile robots wheel has turned. Global Positioning Systems Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receive signals from orbiting satellites that pinpoint the location of an outdoor robot on the Earth. Laser range Finder Laser range finders use laser beams to measure the distance to objects. They are used for obstacle detection and navigation. Computer Vision Computer Vision  is the field of study of interpreting camera images for a variety of purposes. Cameras are very common sensors; it can be say as the eyes of robot. Light Sensor Sensor for measures and differentiate light levels reflected from bright and dark surfaces. It is also use as the eyes of the robot, it helps in navigating, detect bright object, tell the different between coloured objects. Touch Sensors The uses of touch sensors are to detect contact between the robot and external objects surround it. Other example of sensors [4]: Ultrasonic Range Sensors Infrared Sensors Inertia Measurement Unit Accelerometers Current and Voltage Sensors Temperature and Humidity Sensors Camera and Vision Sensors Obstacle Detectors Force Sensors Sound detectors and etc. 2.3.2.2 Hydraulic Technologies Hydraulics  is the equipment or machinery involves or is operated by a fluid that is under pressure, such as water or oil.  This system used to increase the power of force to produce maximum energy required. Hydraulic systems are widely used in various industries to operate and manufacture many products. Hydraulic usually applied on machines and robotic part [5]. 2.3.2.3 Pneumatic Technologies Pneumatics technology is operated by air under pressure and it is powerful. Pneumatic means filled with air. It is quiet similar to hydraulic, the only different are it is operated by air, where as hydraulic is operated by liquid. Examples of pneumatic systems: Air compressor, electro-pneumatic action, tubular-pneumatic action, vacuum pump, compressed-air engine, air brakes, air engines, pneumatics launchers Pneumatic robot arm operated by human. Pneumatic can have long operating lives and require very little maintenance, but it is not easily damaged by shock [6]. 2.4 Uses of Robots in Various Fields 2.4.1 Medical Field An endoscope A laparoscopic surgery machineWhen we talk about robots performing tasks of human, we talk about future. But the use of robots in surgery is already a reality. The developments of technologies have brought various robotic devices into the medical field and these advanced robotic devices have been performing as a great assistant in a surgery room for today. With these robotic systems, the operation has become much less invasive but however, due to some disadvantages of these systems, surgeons are still cannot being replaced. Minimally invasive surgery is a broad concept including many common procedures that existed prior to the introduction of robots, such as gall bladder excisions. It refers to procedures that avoid long cuts by entering the body through a small entry [7]. However, surgeons can perform this procedure by using long handled surgery equipments and the guidance of viewing equipment such as endoscope; therefore it is not a necessary to use robots to do that. But yet, it d oes not mean robots are then do not categorised under minimally invasive surgery. Robot-assisted surgery system can be divided into 3 kinds which are supervisory-controlled system, telesurgical system and shared-control system. First, supervisory-controlled system is a system that allows the robots to perform tasks individually which will act according to the computer programme where the surgeons inputs into them earlier. Next, the telesurgical system which is also known as remote surgical requires the direct involvement of surgeons to conduct the robots arm rather than allowing it to perform surgery procedures by itself. Because the robot is still technically performing the procedures, so it is still considered under the subgroup of robotic surgery. The third system will be shared-control system. In this system, it requires the most involvement of surgeons. The surgeon carries out the procedure with the use of a robot that offers steady-hand manipulations of the instrument. This enables both entities to jointly perform the tasks [7]. Overall, the main difference between these 3 systems is the degree of interaction between the surgeons and the robots during the procedures. [8] Although the robot-surgeons can perform as a great assistant in surgery rooms, however there is nothing to be one hundred percents safe, including these robots. Mechanical devices including robots have the potentials to be malfunction and contravened the concept of minimally invasive surgery, or even worse, causing harm to the patients. Hence, safety of using these equipments has been questioned. Manufacturers have endeavoured to reduce the risks of malfunctioning of robots by installing related safety features. Nevertheless, these safety measurements have caused these robots increase in cost, making them unaffordable. Source: Table from Howe, RD, Matsuoka, Y. Robotics for Surgery. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering. 1999, 01:213. The following table shows and compares the strength and limitation of using human-surgeon and robot-surgeon: 2.4.2 Military Field The military does not usually use the term robot, but they categorise and name the robots into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), depending on the environment they operated. Using of these robots in the war field can always being seen by technology-advanced countries, especially United State. Instead of sending their armies to combat in the war, they dispatch robots with weapon-equipped to the field. Even though they claimed that with this it can reduce the sacrificing of their armies but in fact, they are creating a larger offense towards their so-called enemy which may also cause more injuries to the innocents during the war. Yet in this decade, with the rapid increasing in research and development, scientists and researchers have manufactured robots that do not fight but to safe the people and also recovering the situation to a safety level. Let us discuss these military robots according to their categories. TALON SWORDS with different weaponriesUnmanned Ground Vehicles [9], or UGVs, are vehicles that require the needs of human to operate through remote-controlled system via a wireless communication link. UGVs are commonly telepresence robots which they are able to send feedback of images captured by video cameras which have been installed, to the operator. There are also robots equipped with weapon, and the most popular of its kind is TALON. According to Foster Miller [10], TALON is now a military robot that has most advanced technologies installed in it which it can moves through sand, water, snow and even staircases. With the cameras installed, it can transmit images in colours, black and white, infrared and night vision to the operator who is far away for up to 1km. SWORDS [11] or Special Weapon Observation Reconnaissance Detection System is a system where robots are granted with weapons and it was specially designed for the US armies. These robots were ever used by US Special Forces in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan as well as the role to dispose explosive mines. Besides, there are also robots/vehicles that perform autonomously. Autonomous UGVs basically do not BEAR Rescue Military Robot involve in combat, but they carried out tasks like logistics, supplying of materials to the war fields, rescue operation, fire fighting, mine detection and disposal and etc. Rescue operation has been carried out by robots in an active battlefield to take care of the casualties and if necessitate, carry the casualties out from the field. The BEAR rescue military robots [12] have been designed with powerful upper body with hydraulics technology, track rollers as legs and dynamic balancing behaviour. UAVs with Hellfire-Missiles Next, robots that navigate in the sky without intervention human crews are called Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [13], or UAVs, but can be partially operated through remote or in this decade; they have been invented to be fully autonomous through pre-programming flight plans. UAVs are available in various shapes, features, characteristics and configurations. They have been widely used in a lot of countries to play a role in battlefields, logistic (cargo), research and development, civil and commercial. For most of the time, they have been a great assistant for the soldier troops to provide battlefield intelligence and bombard the targeted area. Military UAVs have been installed with various weapon including missiles and bombs. The US Army has been using this feature during their conquering in the war [14] with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Iraq. In between, error targeting and faulty intelligence caused numbers of innocent civilian to dead. Due to large size of common UAVs, tiny spy robots Robot Flies [12] have been created so to access into confined and cluttered spaces within the buildings, tunnels, stairwells or caves for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. It is stated that there are also possibilities to equip these robots with small explosive charges to destroy on a small specific area instead of destroying the whole. Robot Fly Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)Subsequently, the underwater robots AUVs, in full Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are also known as Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). AUVs are basically works within the sea without any intervention of human. Whereas the non-autonomous called Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are controlled by the operator from the surface through umbilical. In military field, AUVs are used to detect if there are any mines and to monitor the protected area for new unidentified objects. For the purpose of warfare, AUVs are employed to detect and resist the invasion of manned submarines [15]. From the research, AUVs are not so popular to be employed into the military fields as wars under the water are so seldom to be seen. 2.4.3 Industrial Field Robots employed in industrial field are static robots which are majorly automated and allowed to make decision via pre-programmed inputs. These robots are more common to be seen in form of arm-shaped. They will not have the components of head, body and legs, but just arm. In earlier decades, mans responsibilities in manufacturing process like welding, painting, assembly,  pick  and place,  packaging  and  palletizing, product inspection, and testing have been displaced by robots today. The introduction of robots into industrial field is a great contribution as they can accomplish their tasks in a faster way, more efficient and highly better than a man can do in term of precision and endurance. The different between each arms and the functioning role of the arms are depending on the tools that are fixed at the end of the arm, or they call them the end-effectors. Industrial robots can also being classified into [16]: Vertically Articulated The multi-jointed arm of a vertically articulated robot is connected to the base with a twisting joint. The links in the arm are connected by rotary joints. This type is  often called jointed-arm. [16] Cartesian Coordinate This robot is limited to x, y, and z movement. It is  also called a rectilinear robot. All of the robot arm links are connected with linear joints. The physical appearance is square [16]. SCARA The Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm  is ideal for precision work within one plane. Its work envelope is cylindrical. It has two horizontal joints [16]. Cylindrical The robot has one rotary joint at the base and two linear joints to connect the links. Their work envelope is also cylindrical [16]. Polar The arm is connected to the base with a twisting joint and a combination of rotary and linear joints. They have a spherical-shaped from outside look [16]. Delta This robot configuration combines a rotational joint and parallelograms. Delta robots work within a dome-shaped work envelope [16]. Welding arm Welding devices such as MIG-welding gun are one of the popular robot guns that are widely used in the industry to assembly their products. Welding arms are programmed to carry out specific task welding process repeatedly, fusing of adjacent parts together with uniform quality at a rapid speed. Robot Spray ArmThe next tool will be the Spray Gun. As we know, Spraying evenly on the surface is never an easy job for human. Hence, it is also popular to apply the spray gun into robot arms to do spraying for human. Besides to achieve nearly perfect quality or spraying, they also help to relieve the human from this hazardous and skilful job. Liquid used in the spray contained various unknown chemicals that might cause harm to human. At the same time, spray gun will not waste paints hence reducing the cost. Robot arm that can lift up heavy objects. Picture showing a man carried by robot arm.Picking, lifting and placing applications can be done through installing grippers. Materials used in industries are normally big and heavy. Besides of using electro-mechanical technologies, hydraulic and pneumatic technologies that produce multiply forces can be applied to the arm. Picking up of some objects haven been done by vacuum. To make sure the positioning of these devices are constant and accurate, location sensors have been installed as well [17]. 2.4.5 Space Exploration Field When it comes to space exploration, by automatically we know that robots have been contributing a lot, or accomplishing most of the space exploration tasks. The only planet that human has set foot on, besides Earth is the Moon. However, our tremendous robots have set their feet in planets like Mars, Venus, Jupiter and including few comets and asteroids [18]. Without them, human will not be able to know how the other planets look like and of course, without them human will never know that aliens do not appear in the planets within Solar System. We would not conclude that aliens do not appear in our real life because there are no researches stating that robots have been successfully sent out and explored the whole Universe and so, we never know what is going on outside our Universe. Robots have been used widely in this field because of the not-habitable environment for human beings. Eliminate the matter of oxygen; human are not able to cope with the different pressure and gravitational force on the other planets. Therefore costly astronaut suits have been created and in fact they are already being created, and this will never be an intelligence act. There are also risks involved when sending human to the planets and back to the Earth. Several cases happened in the past where explosions of space shuttle caused death to human. Logo of NASAIt is common when people talk about space exploring, they will think of NASA [19], in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA is an agency that has been established on July 29, 1958. Before the establishment of NASA, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics  (NACA) is also an agency which is responsible for every space programs in United States. NASA has led the human nation towards the knowledge of space, after launching Apollo to the Moon, and then invented and released the space station, Skylab and later the Space Shuttle. The historical moment when Neil Armstrong represented his nation to be the first man to step on the Moon.Apollo program is one of the worlds most amazing events in the history that it was the first program that brought human to the Moon and back to the land safely. Apollo 1 caused a tragedy that kills all the astronauts who were inside due to a fire during experimental simulation. Thus, several experiments and observations had carried out before they boarded the human and sent them to the Moon. At last Apollo 11 had successfully landed the first men on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin [20]. Skylab was the first space station that had been launched to the orbit by United States in 1973. In the space station there are laboratories prepared for the researchers to carry out scientific experiments and studies such as the Sun, space flight, metallic-crystal growth, microgravity, and solar observatory. But in few years time, Skylab fell from the orbit on 11 July 1979. Currently Skylab have been replaced and named as International Space Station (ISS) [21]. The famous robots in space with no doubt have to be the series of Orbiters, Rovers and Landers that have been sent to Mars in the previous years. The first orbiter which was sent to Mars on July 14, 1965 is Mariner 4. Launching of Mariner 4 has been a great achievement as it enables the human to have a closer relation on the other planets after Great amount of water required to cause the erosion shown. Picture taken by Viking 1 on Mars.it sent back the photos of Mars. In the series of Landers, 2 Viking Landers, Viking 1 and Viking 2 had been released to Mars in the year 1976 with the accompaniment of orbiters that send back photos and scientific data. Life detection application was installed to the landers to detect life on Mars but however, the result sent back an unclear data. From the newest research by NASA, they found that the Mars is covered with large amount of gas called Methane, which is also one of the main components found in the Earth. Methane gas in the Earth is largely produced by organism when digesting of nutrients. However, it can also being released to the air through geological processes. Thus, it is still unclear whether if there are organisms survive under the permafrost layer of Mars [22]. There are other more advance robots that have been sent for planetary exploration. These include Sojourner and Mar s Exploration Rovers (MERs). The 2 robots mentioned are tele-operated which they required humans control. However, MERs have been a better robot due to larger mechanical size and also equipped with better communication and instrumentation than Sojourner. Sojourner was sent to Mars in 1997 and MERs is in 2004 [24]. However, in such numbers of space robots, Sputnik 1 has been the very first robot that was sent to the space. Mariner 2 by U.S. was the first robot that flown to Venus on 12 December 1962. In the same year, a Russian space robot, Venera 7 was the first human-made vehicle to successfully land on another planet and transmits data back to Earth. Voyager 1There was a mission, the Voyager mission, sent robot and explore the world outside of our Solar System. Voyager 1 and 2 were launched in 1977. Voyager 1 as in June 19, 2009, was at a distance about 16.49 billion kilometres away from the Sun, currently the furthest man-made object in the space [24]. In these decades, there are numerous missions that have been set and hopefully soon or later, robots can help to accomplish these missions. 2.5 Side Effects of Robots The side effect of robots is mean that the negative issues or disadvantages which robots will bring to our world if there are over used or over populated. Although robots is create to assist us human to improve our life, but they may bring harm to us as well if we do not use them wisely. From the research we made, there are some disadvantages of robotic system and robots, when normal people to operate the robots, the functions are limited and only the creator or programmers what those functions are. Although robots is been programmed, but they may not function properly in case of an emergency or unexpected occasion. The cost for built the robots and robotic systems are very high, this make it needs to have full consideration before built it. Besides, it may need to have more extra funds and spaces to provide the facilities to build the robots. There are some moral issues occur if the robotic systems and robots have over used. The too much using of robots and robotic systems in our society making us human beings become more dependent upon robot. Because of this, many people will always depend on robots to done their works (this could be possibly happen like in the movie Surrogates, where the human just stay in their home and control their look alike robot to works). The advance use of robots and robotic systems may replace the human labour and causing people to lose their jobs and facing economic matter. In medical field, if the robotic systems and robots have taking over majority of the doctors job for example, certain surgeries, this may cause certain people may not be able to access the services due to lack of funds. This may also happen in some other fields, this can be describe in military field, because robots are more advance therefore, which country that are rich and own many military robotics system and robots will be the most powerful country. These mean that, if we do not want this negative effect to be happening in the future, we should wisely use the robots and balance the functi

Interview Essay - Emelie Konold -- Interview Emelie

Interview Essay - Emelie Konold Emelie Konold was born on July 25, 1924. She enjoys keeping active by meeting new people and being with friends. She also enjoys taking classes at Saddleback College, and sewing. Emelie defines happiness as a pleasant feeling of joy and wellbeing. Her definition has evolved over the years. She says, "When you are young, you do not think about happiness, because you are born with a certain temperament. You are always happy because it is acquired." Emelie knows that she is happy when she experiences no depression. She said, "Happiness is a feeling inside where you don't mope. You are active, and pleasant to people." When asked who or what she turns to when she is unhappy she answered, "When I am down I get busy. I do not turn to anybody because I do not want to put it on them." When asked what makes her unhappy she said, "I do not mope or get sad about other people. I am never sad." She has many activities that contribute to her happiness. They include meeting and being with people, learning and taking classes, sewing, and basically keeping active. When asked how other people's attitudes affect her, Emelie said that she is concerned when there is arguing, or when people are sad. In such a case, she will talk to them and make them feel at ease. It makes her happy to go to lunch and gab with her friends, but if she can't change the other person's attitude, she simply doesn't worry about it. "If I can change it, even by talking, then I will change it", she says. Emelie's childhood had an affect on her sense of happiness. "I had a dear mother who had multiple sclerosis, but that never got me down. I also had three brothers. There were difficulties in my childhood, but I was fortunate to h... ...ins are the closest things to God. Whenever I need to be close to and speak to God, that is where I go." She is familiar with the mountains in Utah, but says that any mountains will do. Emelie's piece of advice for achieving happiness is to believe in some form of religion, get an education and be good to your fellow man. She advises that whenever you face peer pressure, choose what will make you a better person. Don't let your peers pull you down, instead let them grab you and pull you up. All of this ties into her philosophy on life. Emelie believes in living your life the best that you can. Don't worry about things because feeling unhappy all of the time is not a good thing. Instead give what you can to society and to your friends. Emelie is a very strong person. I felt a connection with her from the first few minutes we spoke. I have a friendship with her. Interview Essay - Emelie Konold -- Interview Emelie Interview Essay - Emelie Konold Emelie Konold was born on July 25, 1924. She enjoys keeping active by meeting new people and being with friends. She also enjoys taking classes at Saddleback College, and sewing. Emelie defines happiness as a pleasant feeling of joy and wellbeing. Her definition has evolved over the years. She says, "When you are young, you do not think about happiness, because you are born with a certain temperament. You are always happy because it is acquired." Emelie knows that she is happy when she experiences no depression. She said, "Happiness is a feeling inside where you don't mope. You are active, and pleasant to people." When asked who or what she turns to when she is unhappy she answered, "When I am down I get busy. I do not turn to anybody because I do not want to put it on them." When asked what makes her unhappy she said, "I do not mope or get sad about other people. I am never sad." She has many activities that contribute to her happiness. They include meeting and being with people, learning and taking classes, sewing, and basically keeping active. When asked how other people's attitudes affect her, Emelie said that she is concerned when there is arguing, or when people are sad. In such a case, she will talk to them and make them feel at ease. It makes her happy to go to lunch and gab with her friends, but if she can't change the other person's attitude, she simply doesn't worry about it. "If I can change it, even by talking, then I will change it", she says. Emelie's childhood had an affect on her sense of happiness. "I had a dear mother who had multiple sclerosis, but that never got me down. I also had three brothers. There were difficulties in my childhood, but I was fortunate to h... ...ins are the closest things to God. Whenever I need to be close to and speak to God, that is where I go." She is familiar with the mountains in Utah, but says that any mountains will do. Emelie's piece of advice for achieving happiness is to believe in some form of religion, get an education and be good to your fellow man. She advises that whenever you face peer pressure, choose what will make you a better person. Don't let your peers pull you down, instead let them grab you and pull you up. All of this ties into her philosophy on life. Emelie believes in living your life the best that you can. Don't worry about things because feeling unhappy all of the time is not a good thing. Instead give what you can to society and to your friends. Emelie is a very strong person. I felt a connection with her from the first few minutes we spoke. I have a friendship with her.

Journal Topic :: essays research papers

Journal 1 Echternacht, Lonnie & Wedmaier, Cheryl. (2000) Business Professionals’ and Business Educators’ Perceptions of Database Competencies Needed for Entry-Level Employment. NABTE, 34-39. How much education does a student need to receive a good job? The business world changes so much that a person is not able to keep up with the education that goes along. In the article it gives you the idea that a person can graduate from college and then in five years, what they learned is not used any more. Business changes so much it is hard to tell what the future will do. Researches think that students need to learn different skills to help them out in the work place. The purpose of the study was to find out what database competencies are important for a job in the business field. Also, how do the experts rate the competencies that are giving to them? The researchers sent out questionnaires to teachers who use or teach database classes. The questionnaires were made up from different resources that had extensive study on the background. The researchers sent them out by e-mail to all chosen participants. The participants were asked if they would mind being part of the study and if so e-mail them back. The study would consist of three parts all three parts would consist of participants communicating with the researchers. The first part the participants had to rate the competencies of database material. The researchers sent out 64 competencies and the participants could delete and add any to the list. Part two consisted of revaluating their pervious work. The participants could make changes if they felt it was appropriate. The researchers sent out information again to have participants complete three rounds of study. The study showed the competencies that the participants thought were important. The researchers took the range from all of the participants. It scored them from one to six. Six is the highest and one is low and the participants did not spend much time teaching it or thought it needs to be taught. Save the database file, enter records into databases, and review, edit, and delete database files were some that scored a six. The conclusion showed that people with interest in the business field should be aware of data base software and database management systems.

Essay --

The attack on Pearl Harbor in â€Å"1941, December 7† had been a life changing event for the people who had witnesses the attack and the people who were in the attack. But the whole nation had felt the sadness, anger, and other feelings that came from the attack on Pearl Harbor. In the attack there had been key players that been important to the attack either generals or pilots from the Japanese side or from the U.S military. There had been warning signs that could have prevented the surprise of the U.S Navy troops but many had either been too late or had been ignored. Many lives had been taken that day from both sides of the fight, from civilians in Hawaii to Japanese, â€Å"2,403 people died, 183planes destroyed, and 8 ships damaged or destroyed† that was just from the American side many other died from the Japanese side. The â€Å"†¦7 out of the 8 ships had been in battleship row†¦Ã¢â‚¬  many people died on the ships. The ships that had been damaged or de stroyed are†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ the USS West Virginia†¦USS Oklahoma†¦ the USS Arizona†¦USS California†¦ USS Maryland†¦USS Tennessee†¦USS Nevada†¦Ã¢â‚¬ and all except the USS California had been in battleship row. The people that had survived the attack had told of what it was like during the attack in such detail that nobody will forget that day. They told the story like it was yesterday, like they just can from the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7 1941. The different perspective of the attack could be seen as a success or a lost depending on the person who was there and experienced it. That day could never be forgotten like the 9/11 attacks that happen on November 9, 2001 so many emotions on that from the event that affected so many lives. Both of the attacks could be similar and different in some ways and could be view... ...urprised they were when we came and left so fast. On December 7, 1941 it was a day for the Japanese to remember as a victory and a day to be proud. What can we learn from the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attack? There many things that is similar and different in both attacks and we can use these two events to help learn from our mistakes in the future. From both of the attacks we now know that something unexpected could happen at any time any day. In the Pearl Harbor attack there had been warning signs that could have prevented the surprise of the attack and the total number of death of civilians and people all together. But in the 9/11 attack the moment that the planes have been taken the fate of the people was almost sealed. From these two events we learned that the security of the nation needs to be more prepared for what might happen in the future.

An Analysis of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

‘A wild, wicked slip†¦I believe she meant no harm’ Does your opinion of Catherine match Nelly’s assessment in Chapters 1-14? Catherine Earnshaw, later Linton, is first introduced to the reader by Emily Bronte in Chapter III. Throughout the novel Catherine proves to be a character whose actions and personality can either attract the audience’s sympathies or quickly alienate them. Nelly’s narration dominates the narrative in chapters 1-14 and it is therefore natural that the reader’s views may be tainted to a degree by Nelly’s assessment of Catherine’s character.Catherine is first referred to in Lockwood’s narration in Chapter III where he encounters her name when he spends a turbulent night at Wuthering Heights. Catherine’s name haunts Lockwood’s sleep as he sees the words ‘Catherine Earnshaw†¦ Catherine Heathcliff†¦ Catherine Linton’ carved numerous times. The haunting quality of C atherine’s name is shown by Bronte’s gothic use of the simile ‘as vivid as spectres’ as these words fill his vision. Lockwood is later confronted by a ghost who sobs the words Catherine Linton as it demands to be let into the house.Indeed this determination to get what she wants is a characteristic of Catherine, which becomes apparent through the remainder of Nelly’s narration as she describes Catherine’s life. This characteristic in particular is a trait that can change the reader’s opinion of Catherine for the worse. However conversely this particular aspect of Catherine’s character can evoke sympathy for her from the reader as it is in part Mr Kenneth’s fault for recommending that ‘she would not bear crossing much; she ought to have her own way’ after her illness in Chapter IX.Nelly’s opinion that Catherine ‘meant no harm’ is proved particularly accurate in Chapter IX where Catherine ap proaches Nelly for the first time as a confidant. Catherine’s innocence in the matter she poses to Nelly is demonstrated aptly though her question ‘Where’s Heathcliff? ’ Sympathy is evoked for Catherine as she finds herself torn between the two men she loves; Heathcliff and Edgar. However Catherine’s true personality is uncovered in the ensuing dialogue in which Catherine describes her fears about Heathcliff and her reasons for marrying Edgar (which do not appear heartfelt).Disapproval cannot be avoided as Catherine’s actions appear to be driven by her social ambitions, which were initially awoken by her first visit to the Lintons, and which eventually compels her to marry Edgar. However while Cathy’s claim that ‘it would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now’ may evoke condemnation from both Nelly and the reader, it can be seen that Catherine is simply the victim of her era. While Wuthering Heights itself is far from the bus tle of society in its position on the moors, Catherine’s desire to be ‘the greatest woman of the neighbourhood’ exemplifies the effect of social considerations on the character’s actions.Catherine’s image is somewhat weakened due to the manner in which she is compared, perhaps unintentionally, to Edgar’s sister Isabella Linton. Indeed the fact that they hold parallel positions within their intimate society and eventually end up sharing the same household allows us to see their differences with greater clarity. While Catherine represents wild nature, both in her high and lively spirits and her occasional cruelty, Isabella represents culture and civilization both in refinement and in her weakness.The reader may disapprove of Catherine in her wild nature however Isabella soon proves in Chapter XII that strength might be an admirable quality for a women at that time as her weakness leads her to elope with ‘Yon’ Heathcliff’. Fr om Chapter XIII onwards the reader, along with Nelly, becomes suspicious of Catherine’s motives as she becomes quickly ill after Edgar gives her an ultimatum. Catherine worked herself into a frenzy with ‘blood on her lips’ and ‘her hair flying over her shoulders, her eyes flashing, the muscles of her neck and arms standing out preternaturally’.While Edgar appears terrified of her rage, Nelly seems to see through Catherine’s behaviour. Indeed as Catherine’s state deteriorates and Edgar turns on Nelly, Nelly recalls ‘thinking it too bad to be blamed for another’s wicked waywardness’ demonstrating how she does not believe the validity of Catherine’s illness. However increasingly throughout Chapter XII Catherine does seem to become ill but despite her state the reader’s sympathy appears to be concentrated on Edgar as he tended her ‘day and night’. His loyalty makes Catherine’s intimacy w ith Heathcliff and her love for the aforementioned seem even orse. Catherine’s general treatment of Edgar, with all his loyalty and love for her, is certainly an aspect of her character which can cause abhorrence in the reader, at points demonstrating the wickedness to which Nelly makes reference. Shockingly in Chapter 11 Catherine describes to Nelly how she ‘want(s) to frighten’ her husband and exhibits her cruelty as she declares that ‘if Edgar will be mean and jealous, I’ll try to break their hearts by breaking my own’. This declaration from Catherine is evidence that her illness was self-inflicted and in a fit of cruelty.In this respect it is therefore hard not to agree with Nelly’s assessment of Catherine’s character as ‘wicked’. However there are points within the novel where the reader cannot help but feel respect for Catherine. The incident in Chapter VI where Heathcliff is mocked by Edgar and retaliates by t hrowing hot Apple sauce in his face is the point at which Catherine demonstrates fully her love for Heathcliff as she shuns the company of others and goes to find him in his room, risking the disapproval of others to comfort the one she loves.In conclusion, Catherine is a character towards whom the reader’s feelings fluctuate due to her raging tempers and occasional infliction of cruelty on other characters. However positively there are incidents, such as the one in Chapter VI that show Catherine’s kind nature and indeed prove that she ‘meant no harm’ despite her wicked ways on occasions.It can be seen that her inability to express her true feelings for Heathcliff, along with his three year absence, drove Catherine to assume the title that Nelly gave her of ‘a wild, wicked slip’. Indeed there can always be explanations to assuage her of this title such as the societal circumstances of her era and the seemingly forbidden love that she harboured for Heathcliff. It is therefore possible to agree to an extent with Nelly’s assessment however there are aspects of Catherine’s character that do not agree with her view.

Mobile Phone and Technology

Technology these days has advanced our lifestyle. Things have become so easy. Technology is being used everywhere and in everything. Several devices have been introduced like laptops and tablets. Each of them have their own versions with even more advanced apps. Such devices help us finish loads of work with ease, but using such devices even in fields of education might affect the habits of students.Schools have started introducing the idea of using tablets for taking down notes, writing simple tests and completing their projects. This gets the mind of a student completely in technology and they tend to forget the use of books. Earlier students did not have the idea of using internet to browse information about different topics and were dependent completely on books which resulted in a very good vocabulary, but students these days do not have much of a good vocabulary.They start to expect everything just by a touch on the screen. The students finish their work just for the sake of it and actually don't show any interest in it. Technology is good enough provided it is used in the right field and in the right age. Technology has evolved a lot and has introduced several innovative solutions to the entire world. Imagine a world without any means of technologically related gadgets. We can’t imagine a day without technology. Mobile phones and computers have remarkably gained a role in each and everyone life. For me, technology is all about communication related gadgets. What do you think?Today morning I woke up to sound of my mobile phone’s alarm screeching, and turned on radio to know the news. The radio is also attached with my mobile phone. Getting ready myself to go to office, I received a call from my colleague and who is tend to come to meet me this afternoon. I’ve reached the office and put my fingerprint on a machine to mark my arrival to the office. Then I check my emails. Still continuing works with computer. Ooh! no.. It’s all a bout tech, tech and tech. Technology has the power to rule myself throughout the day. Is it a normal condition? Many people tend to blame the technology, which has made people to look like annoying. Aren’t you feeling like this? Technology has its pros and cons, where we are  choosers to make our choice to make technology a boon.Modern life has been made easier with technology, but for every development, there is an equivalent increase in complication that seems to compensate those benefits. When contemporary day problems occur, we usually don’t have the time or power to figure out how to solve them and what to do with them. Here I am going to give you a guide, which can help you certain extent to solve modern problems that have aroused by technology.When it comes to computer, the internet is the phenomenal invention of all time, where we can find anything and everything on the go. And also, there is a potential of frustration on it to find suitable things in at a gi ven period of time. So here is a quick list on how to grip some of these darned problems.Get Rid Of InterruptionThe main source of inefficiency comes with distractions. By eliminating distractions we can have a boost in our lifestyle. Let’s say if you’re busy with a work, while your email notification blinks on your screen. How would you face this scenario? You have nothing to do with it rather than staring at what the notification says. This is how distractions come to our way to disturb the way we doing well.Opening multiple web browser open on the same desktop also, gives your interruptions and make you clueless where to look for that you’ve already opened to work. Eliminating these scenarios will make your day a wonderful with technology. Disturbances should be avoided, but every so often a bit of music in the background can help you focus. Of course, it doesn’t have to be weighty rock music, but a bit of melody may do you some fine.Learn To Say †˜No’If you tend to say ‘yes’ and agree with anything, it means you’re putting yourself in to trouble. Instead of agree with every task that you supposed to do, you can set limit and inform the relevant people that you can’t do it beyond a certain extend. Saying ‘No’ to a request is very hard, but it makes  you to feel better than ever. The raising of always on culture its employer always tries to connect his/her employees every possible time to get their work done. Don’t let it happened to you. Mobile phone might become you merely disturbance for you. Set your rules and inform them to the people who mostly care about you and your work. If you bind with the rules you can have more free time by eliminating unwanted call time.Set Limits To The InternetThe Internet has become one of the number one distractions. But, you can have the internet like a source; try to do more works in offline, it may help you to gain productivity in to your lifestyle. There are plenty of applications available on the internet to help you to work online with internet distractions. Google Gears is one of the well-known, best and reliable tools to work with. Just give a shot a try it and ultimately you’ll feel the difference about the way you work with computer thus, technology related gadgets.Switch OffThis is a very efficiency way of doing things better. You have nothing to do with it, just switch off the gadgets for certain time span, which are mostly annoying you. Most likely computer and mobile phone will be come in to this category. While you doing this you’ll feel calm and better mood. You can make this habit a routine and inform your colleagues and friends that you’re not available on particular time period. You can even put a remark on your email signature stating that you only reply for mail on particular time of the day. If someone intend reach you urgently, they might call you via phone or any other means. Simply unplug and feel the difference.Technology has introduced several gadgets; everything has the potential of being user friendly and helpful. If we make those gadgets into much troublesome we might lose our pleasant way of life to it. Don’t make technology to rules you, if you let you to control the technology it might become bane for you. But, if you control the technology to work for you by having alternative efficient ways, you probably have technology as boon. I hope.