Keeping Marine Mammals in Captivity Essay Example for Free

Keeping Marine Mammals in Captivity Essay Problem (2 Points) Does captivity affect the overall health and behavior of marine mammals? Research (2 Points) Wild Animals Habitat: Open ocean Diet: Krill Behavior: Friendly Captivity Habitat: Tank of ocean water, replicated to appear like the ocean. Diet: Krill caught in the ocean, fed three times a day. Behavior: Friendly to other mammals within the tank. Hypothesis (4 Points) If we keep marine animals in captivity for over a year, then their health and behavior will be negatively impacted. Procedure (4 Points) 1. Set up area in both wild and captive areas for testing. 2. Choose the same marine mammal for both the wild and captive area to test. 3. Tag and assess health of the wild marine mammal. Asses the health of the  captive mammal. 4. Monitor mammals for a year. 5. Record their behavior with detail and accuracy. 6. Asses health and behavior of both mammals after one year. Analysis (4 Points) The animals in captivity appeared to be healthier and friendly to their tank mates. They were fed organic krill and were fed regularly, but were very nervous and slightly hostile to outside animals once they were exposed. The animals that were not in captivity fed on their own time but were not necessarily unhealthy. They were not hostile to other mammals and peacefully coexisted with other mammals in the ocean. Conclusion (2 Points) My results did not support my hypothesis. The mammals kept in captivity were healthier than the mammals in the wild, due to controlled setting, and regular nutritious diet. However their behavior was negatively impacted. They were nervous and somewhat hostile towards the wild mammals once exposed to the wild. Grammar/Spelling (2 Points) Once you complete designing your own experiment, check the assignment for directions on how to submit your final product to your instructor.

The Self Defense/Excessive Force Wild Card Essay -- Legal Issues, New

â€Å"Get out of the car! Get down on the ground now! Get your hands out of your jacket! Stop moving!† The suspect is a Latino male and speaks no English. The officer puts a bullet into the chest of the suspect because he refused to obey. The police officer later finds out that the man was trying to give him his I.D. Was this a justified shooting? In Albuquerque New Mexico, situations like this happen all the time on a regular basis. In fact in the past 20 months, Albuquerque police have shot 20 people, 14 fatally (McKay C1). Are the police justified in self defense or is the police using excessive force and how does this ratio of shootings in Albuquerque compare to other cities in similar size and population? Methodology With my research, one can see how this controversy has two very distinct sides, however, what facts that aren’t as evident in my writing fall into a grey area. I conducted my research by mainly shifting through several online journals and newspapers using the database called News Bank. Since this issue is very local I decided that the Albuquerque Journal would be the best source. Most of the journal articles were either supporting the idea of police abusing their power or defending the police’s right to self-defense, however, there were several periodicals that suggest a neutral ground between the two extremes. These articles suggested that it was solely biased on the situation in which each officer was in and to never assume that all situations in which an officer faces the decision to use deadly force will be identical or justified. Results Many families of the suspects that were shot, as well as many activists, argue that police involved shootings are getting â€Å"out of hand† and are considered â€Å"e... ...could be a knife or a gun, also use a deadly weapon† (Galvan A1). The best way this policy can be amended is through crisis intervention training (Galvan A1). Conclusion Are the police justified in self-defense or is the police using excessive force and how does this ratio of shootings in Albuquerque compare to other cities in similar size and population? The results show the sides of two groups of people that believe they are in the right. The activists against police involved shootings believe that the officers of Albuquerque react to situations with deadly force too often. The supporters of the police force believe that the shootings are higher in Albuquerque because suspects in the area give police more reason to use deadly force. Albuquerque has the highest ratio of population to police involved shootings in six cities of similar size and population.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis: Transformations in Gregor’s Family Essay

While it is evident that the term metamorphosis mainly pertains to the unexplainable changes that Gregor Samsa faced, it may also be said that the other characters experienced a metamorphosis of their own. Specifically, despite Gregor’s misfortune and eventual demise, considerable changes have manifested for the benefit of Gregor’s family such as his father regaining enthusiasm in work (Mallison 15). To further explain, Gregor Samsa’s sudden change in an insect has caused his family to change their ways in order to survive. Taking into consideration that Gregor mainly provided for the needs of his family prior to his transformation, it was definitely no longer a choice for his father, mother, and sister to spend their days idly or unproductively. In addition to such changes, their manner of perception was altered throughout the progression of the story as well. In particular, a metamorphosis also occurred in how they perceived Gregor Samsa’s humanity and existence. Therefore, it is indeed irrefutable that Gregor’s father, mother, and sister all underwent a process of metamorphosis as well albeit not in appearance but rather in terms of their actions and beliefs. Gregor provided for the needs of his family entirely, as they no longer had to busy themselves with any form of toil and labor. As noted in the story, Gregor â€Å"felt a great pride that he was able to provide a life like that in such a nice home for his sister and parents† (Kafka 22). However, upon realizing that having no one to support the family due to Gregor’s unfortunate transformation into an insect, Gregor’s father knew that he had to change his ways and once again attempt to make a living. This was not an easy task though as Gregor’s father, having suffered from unsuccessful business pursuits in the past was â€Å"lacking in self confidence† (Kafka 28). Nonetheless, the father that Gregor once knew, who always acted and presented himself in a laid back manner, has undergone a considerable metamorphosis of his own. Not only did Gregor’s father acquire a job at a banking firm, hence explaining a change in aspects of clothing, a truly encompassing transformation is signified by having â€Å"piercing dark eyes, that looked out fresh and alert† (Kafka 36). With such great changes, it becomes apparent that by the end of the story Gregor’s father was no longer a man haunted by failure, but instead embodied worth and gained a renewed hunger for accomplishments. In addition to his father’s transformation, Gregor’s mother and sister underwent metamorphosis as well. First, it may seem that Gregor’s mother, being faced with a serious health condition would not be able to change her ways or to assume more responsibilities. Particularly, Gregor’s mother â€Å"suffered from asthma and it was a strain for her just to move about the home† (Kafka 28). However, as brought forth by the changes in their household, in addition to possibly seeing the noteworthy transformation of his husband, she was also able to live a more productive lifestyle. Interestingly, the task that Gregor’s mother accomplished in order to further secure the financial stability of her family required minimal physical strain; she â€Å"sew fancy underwear for a fashion shop† (Kafka 39). Grete, Gregor’s sister, on the other hand actually got a proper job, following the steps of her brother as she â€Å"had taken a sales job† (Kafka 39). Albeit previously not seeing the need to secure responsibilities of her own, her metamorphosis actually first occurred when she felt the need to care for her brother; having to accomplish the most basic chores without fail, even though she never became accustomed to his brother’s new form. Throughout the points mentioned above, it becomes clear that the other members of Gregor’s family underwent a metamorphosis in their actions or more specifically in their responsibilities and pursuits. Regardless, it transformations in terms of belief or perception should not be disregarded. To expound, the manner in which they believed or perceived Gregor as a family member, despite his abhorrent state, has also undergone a metamorphosis throughout the story. Once before, Gregor’s mother even questioned the notion of removing all furniture from Gregor’s room, claiming that â€Å"it’d be best to leave the room exactly the way it was before so that when Gregor comes back to us again he’ll find everything unchanged† (Kafka, 32). With such words, it is obvious that there is still a belief that Gregor is indeed the insect before them, only having gone through a temporary metamorphosis, a mere ordeal which would soon pass. However, as Gregor’s family soon became more self-sufficient, their perceptions regarding Gregor eventually changed. In the end, even Gregor’s most beloved sister exclaimed the following: â€Å"I don’t want to call this monster my brother, all I can say is: we have to try and get rid of it† (Kafka, 49). The metamorphosis of each member of Gregor’s family would not have been possible if his own metamorphosis has not occurred. Hence, metamorphosis in this sense may also be pertained to as an exchange or trade-off between fortune and misfortune, or between accomplishment and degradation. Particularly, such a perspective would most be most interesting to further emphasize in the context of Grete. As Hill specifically mentions in a criticism of Kafka’s work, â€Å"the story sadly implies that only false illusion can become a saving ideal, only under its grip can life blossom† (162). Even though not faced with a dire need to earn or to achieve financial success, as other members of the family have gained proper jobs, Grete still aimed to pursue similar goals. It is definitely intriguing to learn that she has acquired a similar job to that his brother once held, implying that she may be trying to complete the gap left by her brother as a gesture of respect. In conclusion, Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is not merely a tale regarding particular changes experienced by an individual but most importantly tells of how such changes may bring forth a myriad of possible outcomes for others. Works Cited Hill, Stanley. â€Å"Kafka’s Metamorphosis. † Explicator 61. 3 (2003): 161 – 162. Print. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Vista, CA: Boomer Books, 2008. Print. Mallison, Jane. Book Smart: Your Essential Reading List for Becoming a Literary Genius in 365 Days. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Companies, 2007. Print.

The Cartesian Circle Essay - 913 Words

Descartes’ Cartesian Circle Descartes’ â€Å"Cartesian Circle† has come under fire from countless philosophers because it supposedly commits a logical fallacy with its circular reasoning. In his second Meditation, Descartes attempts to prove the existence of God. He states that clear and distinct perception leads to knowledge, and that God’s existence is apparent and obvious because of things we have come to perceive as knowledge. Furthermore, he asserts that we cannot turn these perceptions into knowledge without the assurance that God exists. Essentially, Descartes claims that God is a necessary condition for knowledge, which in turn requires the existence of God. This circular logic presents a problematic scenario similar to the â€Å"chicken†¦show more content†¦In one publication James Van Cleve writes about a philosopher named Willis Doney who advocates a â€Å"solution† to the Cartesian Circle called the Memory Gambit. Doney’s analysis reveals that â€Å"Des cartes says that if I remember clearly and distinctly perceiving something that I do not now clearly and distinctly perceive, I can be certain of it if and only if I know that God exists† (Cleve, 56). Doney proposes that an atheist can learn and ascertain knowledge about subjects such as math if he clearly perceives them at the time. Whether or not he retains that knowledge or is able to erase doubt regarding that knowledge is entirely dependent on his comprehension of God’s existence. Doney’s interpretation therefore is that the function of God is only to guarantee the accuracy of one’s memory, rather than regulate the transition from a perception to a piece of knowledge. In other words, without a certainty that God exists, one is merely â€Å"trapped in a moment,† and can only be certain of things perceived at any one given time. By denying one of the premises that form the Cartesian Circle, it is possible to circumvent the logical fallacy origina lly committed. Following in the steps of the first defense is one that seeks to disprove Descartes’ second premise: in order to know that God exists, one must first have a certainty that what they perceive is truly knowledge. Van Cleve sheds some light on this byShow MoreRelatedThe Cartesian Circle is Wrong1586 Words   |  7 Pagesdistinct perception, Descartes conveys that God exists. Though his argument seems intriguing, Descartes argument has been treated with dubious standpoints. The reason of doubt, better known as the Cartesian circle, argues that Descartes goes against his own word. The foundation of the Cartesian Circle consists of the argument that Descartes can only know that God exists and is not a deceiver if he knows that his clear and distinct perceptions are true. 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Descartes’ failure to adamantly adhere to his method is responsible for the we ak links in his reasoning as well as the Circle. His two proofs alone draw interesting conclusions, but they are based on false assertions given the intent of his skeptical method. Descartes’Read More Descartes’ Ultimate Purpose of the Meditations Essay1780 Words   |  8 Pagesof establishing a foundation for the existence of truth, falsity, corporeal things and eventually the establishment of the sciences. When viewed in this light, Descartes is accused of drawing himself into a ‘Cartesian circle,’ ultimately forcing this cosmological proof of God to defy Cartesian method, thus precipitating the failure of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth meditations. This approach to the meditations, in the order with which they are presented, allows me to state that a proof of theRead MoreDescartes s Idea Of God888 Words   |  4 Pagesmain objection to Descartes argument of not only God, but a God who is perfect and true, which is called the Cartesian Circle O bjection, essentially proves that he committed a philosophically illogical error in his argument methods. He challenges to validate God’s existence with the base of his clear and distinct perception of an existing God that he clearly perceives, but, as the ‘circle’ continues, he proves the truthfulness of his clear and distinct perceptions by saying that the perceptions comeRead MoreDescartes Fourth Meditation On The Existence Of God1382 Words   |  6 Pagesplaced false ideas into our minds. The caveat to this counter argument is that in defense of Descartes’ Third Meditation, where he claims that God is not a deceiver, he presupposes the existence of God. This occurs through what is now termed the â€Å"Cartesian circle†. In this reasoning, Descartes claims that the idea of God being perfect is â€Å"true and innate† within him and something that he can access through clear and distinct thought. Descartes continues on to say that anything that he can clearly andRead MoreMedieval Vs. Renaissance Literature1323 Words   |  6 Pagesultimate will. Dante’s Inferno employs figurative and imaginative approaches to give the various classifications of human sins. For instance, according to Dante, sin that is punishable at Eight Circle in eternal damnation is normally worse when compared to those that can be executed at the sixth circle. As such, one may wonder why punishment for bribery should be more severe when compared to the corresponding punishment accorded to the murderer. Basically, this is an absolute deviation from normal