The Importance of Adam Smiths Work to Economic Thought...

The Importance of Adam Smiths Work to Economic Thought Adam Smith is widely regarded as the father of economics as a social science, and is perhaps best known for his work The Wealth of Nations. Throughout this work Smith states and informs towards his belief that society is not at its most productive when ruled over by rules and limitations with regards to trade, and that in order for markets to maximise prosperity, a free trade environment should be made accessible. In this essay I intend to asses the way in which many of Smiths theories taken directly form his works can be applied to past and current situations, first from an economic then social, and then a political point of view. I will also outline some of Smiths major theories†¦show more content†¦This division of labour theory stated that a workforce, when broken down and assigned separate tasks within production, could become specialised increasing production and often quality of goods. Smith also argued that this specialisation would increase the ratio of productive w orkers against unproductive workers, lowering costs of production as a whole. This theory has been crucial in the development of economic thought in that it has been followed closely and been adopted by many large firms within industries, and proven successful in lowering costs and increasing production. From an economic point of view Smiths theories on the division of labour have been used to good effect within markets. As a general consensus, the division and specialisation of labour means that everything becomes cheaper than it was under mercantilism. If tariffs are imposed upon imports, part of this tariff will be passed on to the consumer upon purchase of the good. This means that a higher price is demanded by the supplier. Under the free market situation, and with division of labour forces being imposed, the same good can be produced at a much cheaper price, and so therefore can be purchased by the consumer much cheaper. Smith stated that with specialisation comes an increase in ‘skill, dexterity and judgement’ within the workforce. This in turn willShow MoreRelatedThe Biography Of Adam Smith1505 Words   |  7 PagesThe Biography of Adam Smith Adam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland in the year 1923, and died in the year 1790 at the age of 67 (Stewart, 1861). His exact date of birth is unknown but was baptized on 5th June 1723. His father was a prosecutor, advocate, and solicitor but passed on two months after his birth, leaving his mother to bring him up. His mother, Margaret Douglas, played a great role in his upbringing, especially in education. He joined the Burgh school where he learned history, writingRead MoreEssay about Karl Marx and Adam Smith: Division of Labour1117 Words   |  5 PagesKarl Marx and Adam Smith: Division of Labour A nation is just a vast establishment, where the labour of each, however diverse in character, adds to the wealth of all. Two brilliant people of their time are both respected in their views for creating a near perfect society where everyone is happy. Adam Smith, a respected Scottish political economist philosopher born in 1723, had the goal of perfect liberty for all individuals through the capitalistic approach. While Karl Marx, born in 1818Read MoreAn Inquiry Into Adam Smiths: the Rise and Fall of the Wealth of Nations1142 Words   |  5 PagesAn inquiry into Adam Smiths: The rise and fall of the Wealth of Nations What was the most important document published in 1776? The Declaration of Independence is the easy answer for Americans, but many would argue that Adam Smiths The Wealth of Nations had a more important global impact. In this article, we will look at Smiths masterpiece and its contributions to modern economics. (For background reading, see Adam Smith: The Father Of Economics.) In Opposition to Mercantilism On MarchRead MoreWealth of Nations1626 Words   |  7 Pages2008 â€Å"The Wealth of Nations† Adam Smith, the author of â€Å"The Wealth of Nations†, was a Scottish moral philosopher during the Industrial Revolution who was inspired by his surroundings to write about the field of economics. Being a man of intellect on various types of philosophical views, Smith was able to portray his passionate feelings about political thought through his well-written works. While publishing his book, Smith became known as the â€Å"father of modern economics†. He was given this honoraryRead MoreThe Implications to the Pursuit of Prosperity1770 Words   |  7 Pagesopening vast economic potential. However, by the same token, no one could quantify what factors fulfilled economic potential and public policy positioned itself aimlessly as governments were simply naà ¯ve with regards to economic science. Markedly, it wasn’t until Adam Smith, a Scotsman, published An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations which was released in 1776 that economics coul d be structured according to the new social environment. His innovative philosophical work new brokeRead MoreThe Economy And The Work Of Adam Smith895 Words   |  4 PagesThis week was focused on the economy and the work of Adam Smith in the Wealth of Nations. I view Smith as the primary founder of the American capitalist economic system we know today. I really like how Smith uses ample examples in order to illustrate the importance and benefits of the division of labor (such as the pin manufacturer example). When reading about Adam Smith’s thoughts of the division of labor, I automatically thought of the beginning of the assembly line and its use in the productionRead MoreCapitalism and Slavery1511 Words   |  7 PagesCapitalism: End Of The Slave Trade System or Reevaluated Economic Stimulus. Like many others demoralized cultures during the Atlantic Slave trade period, Africans fell victim to the sixteenth century discovery of Columbus so called New World. Europeans used the Atlantic Slave Trade to capitalize on Columbus so called Discovery. For more than three centuries, the regions of Africa were in a state of destabilization. More than thirty million Africans were taken out of Africa and put in theRead MoreThe Age Of Enlightenment By Voltaire And Economist Adam Smith844 Words   |  4 Pagesphilosophers who introduced and provided the arguments for contemporary thought and social systems in continued use today. Although historians consider the ideas of natural rights and separation of powers in democracies of the highest order of importance, the economic theories developed by the leading thinkers of the era pervade daily life in all societies. The idea of wealth is timeless, but philosopher Voltaire and economist Adam Smith wrote opposing theories on the true value of wealth and how societyRead MoreStructure Of Modern Times By Charlie Chaplin1574 Words   |  7 Pagesthe form of corporations through the capitalist division of labor. In the essay â€Å"What do bosses do? The origins and functions of hierarchy in capitalist production†, Stephen A. Marglin argues that Adam Smith’s capital division of labor was not due to technological efficiency, but rather due to economic superiority created through hierarchy and specialization in the market. Marglin points out the reasons why hierarchy exists, which is to maximize bosses’ profits, how hierarchical control can resultRead MoreEquity: Tax and Adam Smith Essay2030 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction This piece of eassy will contain two sections. In this part of the eassy I will discuss the meaning and importance of equity in taxation since Adam Smith included it as one of the Canons of taxation. Equity is defined as â€Å"redistributive taxation induces allocative distortions by driving a wedge between the price the consumer pays and the price the producer receives† (Begg et al. 2005, p.219). There are two types of equity to be considered: the horizontal equity, and vertical equity

Discourse On Metaphysics Essay Example For Students

Discourse On Metaphysics Essay In the Discourse on Metaphysics by Leibniz he suggest that, â€Å"we maintain that everything that is to happen to some person is already contained virtually in his nature or notion, as properties of a circle are contained in its definition.† This assertion raised a difficulty for Leibniz. This difficulty was that â€Å"human freedom will no longer hold, and that an absolute fatality would rule over all our actions as well as over all the rest of what happens in the world.† With such a reality there would be no use for free will and whatever fate succumbs an individual is the will of the Most High; in other words, being destined. But for Leibniz, this is not the determined reality of humanity. Leibniz asserts, that it is God and only God, who has the insight of mans greatest reality. And man is unable to derive all of what he is, and is to become. For only God can foresee his fate. Leibniz suggest it is the perfect and good outcome, that God has prepared for each indivi dual; and it is up to each person to fulfill that potential end. This potential end (which God only knows all possible outcomes), is achieved through the person making free decisions and determining her fate. God decrees only the most perfect possible outcome for humanity, and this notion is woven within the cosmic tapestry of the human mind (a priori). Though this is the decree of God, that only the most perfect possible reality shall be for mankind; the imperfect is possible. For Leibniz states, â€Å"as I have already said, although God’s choice of the best is certain, that does not prevent the less perfect from being and remaining possible in itself, although it will not occur; for it is not its impossibility but its imperfection which makes God reject it.† Therefore, only the most perfect outcome is to be for an individual. These outcomes and future outcomes of life are based off the innate nature of the individual. And it is the individual who will choose the bes t possible outcome of all possible outcomes for her life. For God wills it so. This being so, what makes up the nature of a person who chooses to perceive and know God, versus, the person who chooses to live his life consciously perceiving a reality without God? This person who chooses not to know God, denies the existence of such a Being. If God decrees the most perfect outcome for man, why would such a notion or nature be created and manifested within that individual? Because then, the person only has the most perfect possible outcomes of endless possible outcomes within the confines of his innate nature; which is not to know the Divine Creator. This being the case, he condemns himself according to the scriptures. In attempting to reveal insight upon the first part of this two-fold question, one must first discern the meaning of human nature. According to the authoritative opinion of The Random House College Dictionary human nature is defined as; â€Å"the psychological and social qualities that characterize mankind.† In assessing the psychological and social qualities of mankind, it was easy to find oneself consumed within the vastness of characteristical qualities for which humanity has been endowed. These qualities range from ignorance to knowledge; grief to joy; from incontinence to self-restraint; lust to perseverance; injustice to justice; from malice to compassion, and other psychological and social quality which fall under these particulars. Therefore, human nature consist of an almost infinitude amount of possible psychological and social qualities. It also appears as if no one quality has any prevalence over another quality in accordance to its impact upon the human condition. It seems as that at birth these qualities are already present, but unexpressed. These qualities continue to be unexpressed, ‘less circumstances and experience invoke and develop them as the child becomes older. One can not be taught to feel happiness or sorrow. Nor can the nature of lust be thrust upon the human soul as a cloak is placed upon the person who is to wear it. It must be within the soul innate, a priori, lying dormant, and awaiting development. Now perhaps this is a possible reason why Leibniz suggest â€Å"that everything that is to happen to some person is already contained virtually in his nature.† For this individual’s human nature has an infinitude of possible psychological and social qualities; which gives him an infinite number of possible realities to live out, depending upon the qualities of his nature. In approaching the first part of the question, (what makes up the nature of a person who chooses to perceive and know God, versus, the person who chooses to live his life consciously perceiving a reality without God?), it is seen that an individual’s nature is made up of an innumerable amount of qualities, ranging from that of the divine to the profane. Homeless Books EssayBut on the other end of this spectrum, there are peculiar findings. In speaking to others who did not profess to have a desire to know God, some spoke of a similar nature and life to those who did profess to know and seek God. They did not find themselves ravaged by the torments described above. And if they did experience any torments or possessed those qualities throughout their everyday lives, it was of a mild manner; in no way forcing them to seek a divine influence. Those who sought God, spoke of trials that they had experience, but within these trials there was a sense of peace and comfort as they turned toward God. In the same respect, those who do not profess God, are able to find this same since of peace and comfort by turning to other human beings or their various loves and passions of life. The ability to commune with those who have transcended this plain of existence is unable to be examined and taken in to consideration. For if it were feasible, perh aps light could then be shed upon whether or not those who chose not to know God, did seek Him because they were now tormented, and only could hope for another chance, as they were leaving this world. Since that is not a present possibility, the remaining similar findings must be taken into account. These similarities bring up a puzzling question. Are the natures of one who chooses God and one who does not choose God the same? In light of the evidence of such a reality in the above description, in conclusion one can say that they are the same in nature. This strange, but intriguing finding brings cause for deeper investigation. If the nature of every individual is seemingly similar in its vast infinitude of possible qualities, then one must look at what difference lies between one who chooses God and on who does not choose God. The main and most significant difference between them is the choice itself. Then in essence, it has nothing to do really with the nature of the individual, b ut the choice that she makes about the relationship she is going to have with God. This brings the investigation to the second part of the two-fold question. If God decrees the most perfect outcome for man, why would such a notion or nature (a nature of a person who does not choose God) be created and manifested within that individual? Well, it must be suggested that the nature each human being is given has the same potential psychological and social qualities of each other. This has become evident. Leibniz states in his discourse that, God gives each person a nature that has only the perfect outcome intended. Thus, you will be given the best end pending on what qualities you are inclined to choose. If one chooses to know God, she will receive a life that is perfectly befitting of that choice. All the potential and possible circumstances, experiences, and conclusions will be in the thoughts of God, and will only be revealed to the individual in a finite way, though she possesses it in its entirety within her. And just like the person who has chosen God, the person who has not chosen God will receive her perfect outcome. If it is to be a life of torment and suffering, this is the perfect and good life according to the choices she makes inclined by her nature. Thus it can be stated, that the psychological and social qualities of human nature are the same. This being so, it is the choice one makes that determines if God will be sought after or not. The perfect end is decreed by God. It is the responsibility of the individual, what life path he will take according to his inclining nature. The choice is left up to the individual. And the choice concerning this matter of God, can easily be summed up in Blaise Pascal’s wager; either you choose for God, or you do not choose for God. But as fate deems it, as you are born, so must you choose!!!! Philosophy

Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead Essays - Characters In Hamlet

Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead In response to the bloody battles of World War I, the Theatre of the Absurd was born. Soldiers surrounded by death and destruction often found no other relief but to laugh at the absurdity of noble, but increasingly meaningless traditional rhetoric and patriotism. This laughter was a response to not only the absurdity of their situation, but also to the absurd responses of others to their situation. Out of this response grew what we know today as the Theatre of the Absurd. A classic example of a work from the Absurdist Theatre is a piece known as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. In this work, John Stoppard uses allusion to T.S. Eliots poem, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, and Shakespeares Hamlet to help the audience understand the play. The connection that is seen initially between The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is the reliance on romantic irony. In Eliots poem romantic irony is expressed in the form of significant assertations and decisions that are made again and again only to be followed by an immediate collapse. Throughout Eliots poem decisive statements such as Prufrocks decision To lead you to an overwhelming question (line 10) are followed by procrastination and thoughts that There will be time, there will be time (line 26). The humor in this technique is also apparent in Stoppards play. This is nicely demonstrated in the opening scenes of the play where Rosencrantz often gathers himself to say something, but before anything can come out, the moment has passed, and Guildenstern has moved on. Just as Prufrock is unable to do anything, Rosencrantz has only managed an unintelligible grunt. Another connection between the play and poem is an allusion to J. Alfred Pruf rock through the character of Alfred in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. In Stoppards play Alfred is the tragedian who plays a girl wearing a frock. Stoppard seems to be mocking the character of J. Alfred Prufrock by suggesting that he is like a girl. The use of such allusions to The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock provides a colorful characterization of Alfred, as well as a comparison for Rosencrantz and Guildensterns inability to do act without guidance. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is more obviously linked to the play, Hamlet. A working knowledge of Hamlet is very helpful to understanding the background to the play, the characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the frequent incorporation of scenes from Hamlet. In Act I, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern seem to deepen their awareness of Hamlets transformation through a question and answer process in which Guildenstern pretends to be Hamlet. By having Guildenstern play the role of Hamlet in order for them to understand Hamlets woes, Stoppard suggests that plays can foster ones understanding. The brilliance of Stoppards piece is the use of the actual tragic play, Hamlet, in place of The Murder of Gonzago . By doing this, a tragedy becomes the vehicle for a sense of tragedy in another play with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern caught in the middle without hope of escape. Hamlet is used to add yet another touch of absurdity to the play by making places where Rosencrantz and Guilde nstern exit from Hamlet , entrances somewhere elsewhich is a kind of integrity (28). From this, Stoppard seems to suggest that there is no end to this absurd universe and that one will be continually subjected to tragedy. The allusions to The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and Hamlet provide a more in depth understanding of Stoppards views and interpretations of the meaning of his play. The play focuses on Rosencrantz and Guildensterns inability to act independently and the fact that it is absurd that no help ever arrives to direct them in the right direction. As an example of a play that is part of the Theatre of the Absurd, the use of these allusions facilitates the purpose of portraying the world as a place free of logic and memory where the protagonists must wait for some form of direction that will never arrive. English Essays

cigarette smoking Essays - Human Behavior, Health Effects Of Tobacco

cigarette smoking Essays - Human Behavior, Health Effects Of Tobacco CIGARETTE SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES In this day and age, smoking becomes common things for the people. They always smoke without concern about the surroundings. Some people thought smoking can liberate their tension and can relax their mind. How about the non smoker? Smoking in public places deliberately caused non smoker becomes a second hand smoker. Second hand smoker is the non smoker was they are live with the smoker group. From the research, the smoke came from the cigarette contain more dangerous and poisonous substance than the smoke that the smoker inhale itself. Therefore the second hand smoker is more risky to get the bad effect of smoking such as lung cancer and other disease. This is more like long term effects. In the short term, smoking in public places also can cause a discomfort situation to the people surrounding. Some people cannot stand the smell of the cigarette smoke. They may get cough or cannot breathe normally. The most critical group is the people that have asthma. They may lose their breath, get unconscious or even lost their life. In conclusion, smoking in public places is not good because in the long term it will harm the people health, especially to the non smoker and in short term it will cause a discomfort situation to the surrounding people. Thus, it is recommend prohibiting smoking in public places.

Form Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Form - Essay Example Student ratings are sensitive to a wide variety of situational factors. For example, student anonymity should be protected otherwise less than candid responses are likely because of the students’ fear that an adverse rating might negatively impact their course grade (www.oid.ucla.edu). This aspect is taken care of in the CIEQ Form 15 under consideration here. However, in addition to the information provided at the top of p.3 of Form 15 viz., â€Å"Your instructor will not see†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦until after final grades are in etc.,† the students should be advised to print their response so as to minimize the chance of identification through handwriting. Furthermore, to ensure confidentiality of the student evaluators, the evaluation should not be conducted by the instructors or TAs nor should they be present when the evaluation is conducted. A responsible student should be assigned the job of distributing the questionnaires, collecting the completed forms, and delivering them to the department office (www.oid.ucla.edu). The effectiveness of the evaluation will improve if the questionnaire is designed to evaluate both quantitatively (using evaluative scales) and qualitatively (through narrative comments) (Davis, http://teaching.berkeley.edu). The CIEQ Form 15 does provide for both types of evaluation. However, the quantitative part of the Form (p.1) is a jumble of repetitive questions. For instance, Question #1, â€Å"It was a very worthwhile course,† Q#6 â€Å"NOT much was gained by taking this course† and Q#15 â€Å"This was one of my poorest courses,† all seek to evaluate the same aspect. Similarly, Q#4 â€Å"The course material was too difficult† is no different from #8 â€Å"The course material seemed worthwhile.† Again, there is this old wine (from Q#7 â€Å"I would have preferred another method of teaching in this course†) in a new bottle (Q#12 â€Å"I learn more when other teaching methods are used†)! Q#5 â€Å"It

Dance - an Art or Sport Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dance - an Art or Sport - Term Paper Example Dancing expressions differ on whether can be used as an instrument of gesture and symbolism. As a result, some argue that they tend to be used for religious, ritual and ceremonial purposes. The expressions have differed in the way they define the cultural sequences of the body movement. The emotional expressions are also different as some explain that a person can dance without expressing emotions and that many groups do not just dance to music but rhythms in their minds. The expression does not inclusively compare dance to everyday movement, but they agree that it is repetitive (Ambrosio 58). Modern dance is a kind of theatrical dancing that is not as limited as classical ballet. In modern dance, movements express the feelings. Around the 1900s some American dancers started to rebel against the strict and confining style of Classical Ballet. Modern dance is very vivid, ever-changing and full of expression. Dancer’s like Alvin Ailey helped upgrade modern dance as we now see it. Art is basically one’s way of seeing them and expressing emotions. Because modern dance is without restriction deeper feelings and a stronger understanding is obtained. It is done easily due to this non-conforming way of dance. Urban dance or â€Å"street dance† describes any dance that has not come from formal beginnings like break dancing. This style is much improvised and can evolve without warning due to the individual. The beginnings of this style can be traced as far as West African culture. Dancing also plays an important role in culture. The rituals, dances, arts, music, and beliefs of a population are passed down from generation to generation. As previously discussed street dance is a modern take on old dance styles from older cultures. Some of the movements mimicked in modern times have come from Western Africa. Dances of celebration, acts of war, religious ceremony and been spread all over the world, but more so in the Caribbean and South American countries due to the old world slave trade. In Brazil, the African slaves that were shipped there also brought with them their culture of song and dance (Ambrosio 61).

Views against suicide Essay Example for Free

Views against suicide Essay Jessie mothers remarks to commit suicide is to accept the logic of the absurd but in some small way to triumph over it. (p. 24) Psychiatrists believe that committing suicide is self-abuse and self-murder (masturbation and suicide). Both behaviors became the bogeys of the psychoanalysts as well. In 1910, Freud concluded the first essay in which he specifically addressed the subject of suicide with these words: Let us suspend our judgment till experience has solved this problem. (Freud, 1910). What is the problem? It was know[ing] how it becomes possible for the extraordinarily powerful life instinct to be overcome. In 1917, Freud announced his famous solution self-murder is aggression turned against the self: [N]o neurotic harbors thoughts of suicide which he has not turned back upon himself from murderous impulses against others (Freud, 1917). Freuds far-reaching generalization is a sobering reminder of the influential influence of the religious-psychiatric tradition: He treats suicide as if it were a unitary occurrence. David Hume (1711-1776) would wholly disagree with Jessie, arguing that suicide is not contrary to love of self, of neighbor, or of God. Hume claimed that even assuming the truth of Aquinass theism, one requirement of not preclude suicide from being rational and moral. That is, if it is consistently permissible to encroach on divine providence by disturbing the operations of diverse natural laws (by curing diseases and the like), then, by parity of reasoning, it ought to be similarly permissible to commit suicide. Moreover, couldnt a person commit suicide while expressing gratitude to God for the good she has enjoyed and for the ability to escape her current misery? After all, Aquinas allowed self-inflicted killings when one is divinely commanded to do so! Hume, a known skeptic on religious matters, is being ever so ironical and sardonic in his essay. When I fall upon my own sword, therefore I receive my death equally from the hands of the deity as if it had proceeded from a lion, a precipice, or a fever. There is no being which possesses any power or faculty, that it receives not from its Creator, nor is there any one, which by ever so irregular an action, can encroach upon the plan of his providence, or disorder the universe. Its operations are his works equally with that chain of events which it invades; and whichever principle prevails, we may for that very reason conclude it to be most favored by him (Hume, 1783). Moreover, Ecclesiastic law still forbids suicide, and religious penalties against the act are, nominally, still in force. However, as soon as secular law recognized insanity as an excuse for suicide, so, too, did canon law. For approximately the past century, rabbinic and church authorities alike have classified suicides as ipso facto non compos, permitting them to receive normal religious burial services. The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion states: Judaism does not consider the individual as the owner or unlimited master of his own life; consequently, suicide, which amounts in rabbinic thought to murder, is strictly forbidden. . . . However, recent rabbinic ruling considers the suicide as being of unsound mind, and as such he is allowed to be interned [sic] with others. (R. J. Z. Werblowsky and G. Wigoder, p. 367). The Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant clergy use the same formula for annulling the sinfulness of suicide. After a well-known Catholic American killed himself and was given an elaborate burial, a spokesman explained: Today it is the churchs feeling that a person must be crazy to commit suicide. And we place the insane in the hands of God, for his mercy and his judgment. . . . The church will not judge [him]. (San Francisco Chronicle, 22 October 1983, p. 3) Roman law expanded the criteria that made suicide morally acceptable. For example, tedium vitae a mental state we are likely to call depression, but is better rendered as having had enough (of life) -was a justification for it (A. J.L. van Hoof, p. 122). However, Roman law prohibited the suicide of slaves, because they destroyed not themselves but their masters property; and of defendants accused of crime, because their deed prevented the law from determining whether they were guilty or not. If their deed was interpreted as signifying guilt, the law required that their corpse be denied ritual burial and their property be confiscated. Christian canon law adopted the practice of denying religious burial to the suicides corpse, and medieval English criminal law reinstated the penalty of forfeiting the suicides property (A.J. L. van Hoof, p. 16). Views for suicide Jessie claims the decision to be a rational one, a logical conclusion to a life that has lost its true meaning; there are disturbing glimpses of another motivation. To begin with she is on medication, which has given her an apparent sense of clarity and equanimity. If she is herself, then, she is so by virtue of chemical intervention, though there are hints of an obsessive behavior not touched by her medicine. She has a notepad in her pocket which contains a checklist, a countdown to annihilation. She is, she explains, cold all the time, and longs for the dark and quiet of death, a place where nobody can get me †¦ Dead is everybody and everything I ever knew, gone. Dead is dead quiet (night Mother, p. 16). She likens herself to Jesus, whom she suddenly perceives as a suicide (I didnt know I thought that) (p. 17). Though, well known philosopher may agree with Jessie as Margolis takes suicide to be essentially a matter of choosing death for its own sake. In the case of genuine suicide, according to Margolis, the victims overriding concern is to end his own life. (1975) Moreover, Immanuel Kant claims that the exercise of freedom in self-destruction is self-contradictory. He seems to favor, however, the moral heroism of Cato (a Roman statesman who killed himself rather than surrender to Julius Caesar), but does not label it a suicide, since Cato was presumably attempting to rescue his personal integrity and not intending to destroy himself. That is, despite his antisuicide stance, Kant claims that there are times when life ought to be sacrificed. If I cannot preserve my life except by violating my duties towards myself, I am bound to sacrifice my life rather than violate these duties. He views humanity in ones own person as inviolable. Suicide, by contrast, treats our personhood as a thing; it reduces us to the stage of a beast. Persons, for Kant, are ends-in-themselves, having the capability for autonomy and rationality that comprise their humanity. Jessie suicidal act goes with Kant view of life. According to him, Life is not more important than virtue. To live is not a necessity; but to live honorably while life lasts is a necessity. Kant maintains that the fabric of society is destabilized by those who advocate a right to suicide and romanticize it somewhat in the progression. Nonetheless, pace his categorical imperative, it seems suicide can be universalized on Kantian grounds, e. g. , anyone whose situation in life is such that his or her continued existence would cause others a greater amount of suffering than his or her suicide must commit suicide. Conclusion According to the sources discuss, it can be said that argument against suicide are more powerful and it is definitely goes against Jesse’s suicide. Jessie chooses to shoot herself with her fathers gun, and if not with that then with her husbands. These were the two men she loved, the two men who might have saved her had they not left, derelict her in their different ways. There is no irony in the choice. The man who saw her into life, and perhaps tainted her blood with the seeds of epilepsy, now ushers her out. At the same time, Thelma, apparently disengaged, separated from her daughter by a sense of guilt and mutual incomprehension, and finds herself deeply committed to saving her. While her mother philosophy was Things happen. You do what you can about them and see what happens next (p. 39) is not without its logic or ethics. Moments before her daughters death, indeed, this woman, who until now has appeared content to drift through life, unquestioningly, can be explained as nearly unconscious from the emotional devastation †¦ so far beyond what is known as pain that she is virtually unreachable'(p.52). For the first time in her life she knows what she is living for and though she will be frustrated in her attempts to save Jessie, Jessie, perhaps, may have saved her in so far as she has lured her back into the world. Work Cited Catholic Church Says It Wont Judge White, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 October 1983, p. 3. A. J. L. van Hoof, From Autothanasia to Suicide, (London: Rutledge, 1990) p. 122. Freud, Contributions to a Discussion on Suicide (1910), in SE [Standard Edition], vol. 11, p. 232. Essays on Suicide, and the Immortality of the Soul, ascribed to the late David Hume, Esq. â€Å"Two Letters on Suicide†, from Rosseaus [sic] Eloisa (1783) Freud, Mourning and Melancholia (1917), SE, vol. 14, p. 252 Joseph Margolis, Negativities: The Limits of Life (Columbus, 1975), pp. 23-36. Marsha Norman, night Mother (New York, 1983). R. J. Z. Werblowsky and G. Wigoder, eds. , The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion, p. 367. Richard B. Brandt, The Morality and Rationality of Suicide, in Handbook for the Study of Suicide, edited by Seymour Perlin, pp 61-76, 1975. U S. News and World Report (April 9, 1984): 18.