Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Conscience

Personality is described as to the long-standing traits and patterns that propel individuals to consistently think, feel, and behave in specific ways (Rosie M. Spielman, 2014). With this being said there are many illnesses that are associated with personality. One of the most common mental illness that is tied to personality is depression. Depression can affect a person in many ways such as how they think, feel and act. The correlation between depression and personality has been studied by several scientists and many conclusions have been drawn as to what causes depression.

In the article “Psychological theories of depression” states that behaviorism emphasizes the importance of the environment in shaping behavior. Behaviorism primarily focuses on how people learn through observation. Subsequently, depression can be linked to behavior and the environment that the person is placed in. In the psychodynamic theory during the 1960’s depression was understood in terms of severe super-ego demands, introjection of love object loss, inwardly directed anger (Freud,1917), excessive narcissism, oral and/or anal personality need (Cheff, 1972), loss of self-esteem (Bibring, 1953) (Fenichel, 1968) and deprivation in the mother child relationship during the first year (Kleine, 1934). It was also said that Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is an example of the psychodynamic approach. Freud later modified his theory stating that the tendency to internalize the loss of objects is normal, and that depression is simply due to an excessive severe super-ego. Thus, the depressive phase occurs when the super-ego or conscience is dominant.

In the text the super-ego develops as a child interacts with others, learning the social rules, for right and wrong. It acts as our conscience is our moral compass that tells us how we should behave. It strives for perfection and judges our behavior leading to feelings of pride or shortcomings. The Cognitive Theory of depression in the text it says that depression is triggered by negative thoughts, interpretations, self – evaluations, and expectations (Joormann, 2009). In a study to determine the answer to the question of what the effects of the deprivation of mother and child relationship Harry Harlow, John Bowlby, and Mary Ainsworth conducted a series of experiments, the outcome of the experiments were there was more to the mother-child relationship than nourishment. Feelings of comfort and security are the critical components to mother-child bonding, which leads to a healthy psychosocial development for the child.

In the article it states that the depressive phase occurs when the super ego is dominant. Within the book it says because the super-ego is based on morals and right and wrong this can cause a person to over think and make themselves sad or depressed. This is especially true when the person has recently lost something or someone. The article however mentions inwardly directed anger and excessive narcissism, which the book doesn’t mention. Also spoken about in the article is the deprivation of the mother-child bond whereas the book confirms that feelings of comfort and security are crucial components to the mother-child relationship.

The information given above deepened my knowledge about the connection of the conscience and depression because I never really thought that it was mostly based on your conscience. I thought it was mostly based on inwardly directed anger and loss of self-esteem since I myself was once depressed. I’ve never really thought about it being my conscience making the most impact on me. It really expanded my knowledge and now that I really think about it, I realise that it was actually my shortcomings and my conscience constantly telling me that I wasn’t good enough or I needed to do better, always evaluating myself before anybody else could, thinking the negative thoughts which actually made me depressed. I’ve also learnt about behaviourism and that it’s the importance of the environment in shaping the behaviour which can cause depression in someone if it’s a negative environment.

Role-Taking and Objective Conscience

In Mead’s view, the self develops as an individual interacts with others and comes to understand their perspectives. This process of taking on others’ perspectives is called role-taking. Through role-taking, individuals come to see themselves from a third-person perspective, as objects in the world rather than simply subjects experiencing the world (Schneider, 2006). From this third-person perspective, individuals can then reflect on their own thoughts and actions and assess them critically. This ability to take a step back and reflect on one’s own thoughts and actions is what Mead termed ” Objective Conscience.” Thus, for Mead, an individual becomes an object to him or herself through the process of role-taking and objective conscience.

Mead’s concept of the social act is that individuals take on different roles in order to interact with each other. For example, when two people are talking, one person is typically the speaker, and the other is the listener. The listener plays an active role in the conversation by responding to what the speaker says (Schneider, 2006). The significant gestures that people make also help to define their roles in social interaction. For example, a nod or a smile can signal agreement, while a shake of the head can signal disagreement. By understanding these concepts, we can better understand how we interact with others and how we see ourselves in relation to others.

In my everyday life, I apply these concepts; when explaining tough concepts to my friends, they always take the listening role. After finishing, they can ask questions as I listen to them. Through this way, all of us get to speak and listen in turns. Conversely, I constantly use the significant gesture of nodding when one of the listeners gets a question and answers correctly. Nodding symbolizes agreeing with the listener’s response while smiling is a sign of session enjoyment.

Reference

Schneider, M. A. (2006). The theory primer: A sociological guide. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

The Song of the Arabic Conscience

Introduction

The wars Arabs had to undergo throughout the previous centuries were dreadful and awful to even imagine. Although any people think that terrorism takes it roots from Islam, this can be disputed. Wars that Arab nation has to take part in are not their fault solely. It is not about the hot temper, like many people think, or not because of religious issues that Arabs adhere to. Unfortunately, people forget that there are political and economic premises that force authorities to take action despite people lives’ values. To be completely honest, it has to be mentioned that Iraq War, for example, broke out not because of 9/11 attack. Let’s face it: authorities and leaders of many countries would love to see the economics of their states merely perfect due to fascinating supply of natural resources. That is why people are getting nuts all over the world because of crude, mineral resources, and simply the territory. Moreover, aside from foreign invasions to Arab states there have been many more conflicts all over the word throughout the history that Arabic Conscious is talking about.

Elaboration on The Arabic Conscience

There has been a very sympathetic song written and sang by many Arab singers in commemoration of peace within the Arab nation. They sing that people forget that they are all Arabs and they are brothers, hence, fighting against each other and fighting in general is absurd. There are four parts of this song every single of each conveys the message that people’s hatred has to stop. Humans have to understand there is something beyond material issues. Money is not the only thing that rules the world. Furthermore, Koran is a wise book that elaborates on respect, love, and care rather than about taking revenge or fighting to deaths.

Jimmy Carter’s Opinion Integration

It has to be mentioned that Jimmy Carter, in his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, claimed that ‘the peace process does not have a life of its own; it is not self-sustaining’ (p. 14). And yes, it is so, indeed. The peace is a work. This is a job of authorities and average citizens. Keeping a country in peace means showing nations they are not the enemies, also this means negotiating peace with other countries’ rulers, and the most important is to bring up kids in love for others, not in hatred. Jimmy Carter talks in his book about Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Apartheid that are likely to end up once the political problems and mutual-misunderstanding between countries vanish. The Arabic Conscience is the song that portrays the spiritual level of Arabs that arouses deep respect for the intentions they have – peace and forgiveness. The song offers to forget about fights and start a new life – the life when you are not afraid that your siblings, mom, or dad will be killed. It is inexplicably hard to realize that the young men of your nationality are being tortured just because of religious beliefs and political scrapes (Laqueur, p. 380). Also, it is necessary to say that there is no dominance among humans. As the song claims, there is no one better than others because of their money or skin color. This is the truest statement that people forget about while being in luxury. Therefore, returning to Carter’s thesis, it has to be highlighted that humans are far from realizing the essentiality of peace and equality. The peace does not have its own independent life – humans must beget it. Even if the pseudo-peace is established, still hatred will never disappear, hence, further wars will burst out because of past mistakes and past grief. Essentially, simple talks about peaceful existence is not the same as making real efforts to achieve it. Therefore, the issues of religion should be percepted by people differently. Namely, it is important to forget about the fights over religion and it is necessary to adopt peace as the primary religion and guidance. This may help achieving what means ‘peace as a separate-living substance’. There have been too many dreadful obstacles that aroused hostility between the nations and unlike political leaders, average people live everything through. It is devastating that elderly people are humiliated by someone richer. It is out of common sense to insult aged men and make them cry because of the grief that the war and conflicts brought. The video The Arab Conscience portrays the old man crying over the loss of home and family he had. As it is known, old people in Arab countries do not cry over trifles, they are always wiser and stronger than anyone else.

Yitzhak Reiter’s Conflict Elimination Methods

The second thought of the song expressed was conveying the longed-for dream: Arab countries will unite one day. This is one of those main subjects brought up in the song that concern many Arabs all over the Arab countries. Moreover, Yitzhak Reiter in his book called War, Peace and International Relations in Islam: Muslim Scholars on Peace Accords with Israel expresses his vision of motivating good relations not only between Arabs but also between Islamic and Christian world. He states that there is a need to foster moderate Arab-Muslims in order to dispute with radical Muslim factions. Indeed, it is important to bring up new generation of people for an opportunity to live peacefully. (Reiter, p. 28) Nowadays, Arabs do not regard signing a peace agreement with Israel and yet living in friendship afterwards. Therefore, having new leaders – persuaded in wonderful outcome – with peace political agenda will bring new light, new vision, and new life conditions, hopefully. It is a pity to see a girl in a song’s video saying that there is no life. Dreadfully, a young girl understands how terrible the conditions are, whereas her generation is the one to bring new understanding and forgiveness to future life. The song shows that Arab countries will be once glowed with light of happiness, though they stroll to that goal through wars and fights. It is either the conscience or human feelings that must be dead; however, the utmost hope for the best gives an opportunity to say that someday the Arab conscience will prevail.

One of the absurd things unveiled by the song is acquisition of weapons that do mean power of the state but at the same time these weapons can destroy the Earth. This is a very powerful moment in the video that signals about the disaster to be afraid of, unless we start thinking about what we are doing rather than about political vanity and money. Therefore, in order to support Mr. Reiter it has to be said that current political leaders are unable to create an environment of friendly relations between Islam and Israel. The new leaders have to appear and share their desire of making peace disregarding the pain everyone has undergone.

Conclusion

Evidently, purchasing nuclear weapons that destroy the world is not helpful for peacemaking mission, this is irrational. The song The Arabic Conscience has brought many people to understanding that there has to be something changed; the feeling of disgust and hatred have to be shifted and altered by more peaceful thoughts and attitudes. Of course, speaking about political changes due to the song is impossible yet. However, once all Arab people unite under the flag of peace neither politics, nor racial and religious issues will have values. The wars will be stopped and both poor and rich will strive for this success together. There is no need to foster killers in order to create peaceful environment. Only with kindness and forgiveness will the humanity reach peace. The opinions of Jimmy Carter and Yitzhak Reiter distinctively reflect an opportunity to strive for this goal. Not only they appealed to people to lay down arms, they shared their ideas on the actual methods of signing peace. It is evident that the nations that underwent wars, sufferings, loss of family members, and simply pain cannot just forget everything. The two authors indicate the main criteria of attaining peace – new leaders at reins and the desire of people to change. There were many wars and conflicts that the Arab nation experienced. Right now it is hard to forget the strangled sons and wounded husbands as well as thousands of unjustified deaths but it is only hope that can save and bring light. Namely, it is the hope to forgive and forget.

Works Cited

  1. Carter, Jimmy. Palestine Peace Not Apartheid. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006. Print.
  2. Lanqueur, Walter. The Israel-Arab Reader: A Documentary History of the Middle East Conflict. Ontario: Penguin Books, 2008. Print.
  3. Reiter, Yitzhak. War, Peace and International Relations in Islam: Muslim Scholars on Peace Accords with Israel. Portland: Sussex Academic Press, 2011. Print.

The Arab Conscience: Ahmed Al-Auran View

Introduction: The Conflict That Has to Be Solved

Among the most widespread world misconceptions, the one concerning the world of the Arab nation, its ideas and vision of the reality must be the most biased. Because of the compromising actions of Al Qaeda terrorists, the events of the 9/11 and other controversial issues, the Arabs are considered dangerous and are feared all over the world, which leads to considerable problems for the Arab nation in terms of political, economical and cultural relationships with the other nations. Used to see the world of the Arab people as a constant threat to their well-being and safety, most countries of the world tend to treat the Arab people and the Islam religion as a time bomb that is read to explode and ruin the world of the Western culture.

Therefore, in the notorious Arabian-Israeli conflict, most countries tend to take a prejudiced position concerning the Arabs’ claims for the land of their ancestors and refuse to offer the necessary support, as well as understand the reasoning of the Arabians. To clarify that such attitude stems from the misconception of the Arab culture and the Islam religion, detailed and profound evidence is required. One of the existing manifestations of the innocent and harmless intentions of the Arab people towards their Western neighbors, the speech of Ahmed Al-Auran and the video sequence following it should be analyzed to prove the point stated below.

Offering an extensive explanation of the Arab people’s intentions concerning their relationships with the Western world, Ahmed Al-Auran (123b456m) offers a vast and complex definition of the Arab conscience and provides a cultural background for the ideas and concepts of the Muslim culture, thus, helping the other nations realize that the Arab world and the Arab people with their Islamic beliefs and traditions do not pose any danger to the Western world. Analyzing the evidence that Al-Auran provides, one can obtain an extensive picture of the Arab world (123b456m).

Listening to the Voice of the Arab Conscience

It must be mentioned that the given media provides the verbal messages, which are the translations of Ahmed Al-Auran’s most famous ideas into English, a series of images which depict Ahmed Al-Auran himself and the snapshots of the Arab world, with all its peculiarities and the traditional scenery that to a considerable extent proves some of the clichés concerning the Arab world, and the musical background, which creates the atmosphere of plunging into the Arab culture completely. However, it must be admitted that, when comprised, the above-mentioned elements contribute considerably to ruining most of the myths concerning the Arabic culture.

It is reasonable to mark that the visuals in the given source offer both the elements of the Arab world the way people are used to think of it, with its traditional scenery and the national music. However, the snapshots of Ahmed Al-Auran in a typically European environment with a typically European air about him contributes to understanding that belonging to the Arab culture does not isolate the Arabians from the rest of the world, but, on the contrary, allows them to be tolerant towards the other nations. Moreover, the video conveys clearly that the Arabian vision allows to take a different look at the Western world and enrich it with their specific ideas, thus, contributing to the improvement of the relationships between the two worlds and enhances the Arabian devotion to their homeland to explain the refusal to leave Palestine to the Israeli nation.

Reading between the Lines: Concerning the Implied Messages

Analyzing the messages implied in “The Arab Conscience (Translated),” one must admit that the given source deals with multiple issues and includes numerous aspects of the problem concerning the Arabian identity and the notorious Arabian-Israeli conflict about Palestine. Therefore, it would be reasonable to analyze each of the involved issues separately. Speaking of the translated postulates displayed in the video in question, one should mark several explicit ideas that the author of the video is trying to convey to the audience.

Obviously, one of the most essential issues that Ahmed Al-Auran touches upon concerns the Arabian culture and the Arab’s understanding of what the essence of their lives is. According to what Ahmed Al-Auran says, the key idea of the Arabian culture and faith concerns the aspects of love, homeland and faith: “Love, homeland is faith.” “Love, faith is homeland” (123b456m). Thus, the video implies that the Arabian culture revolves around the notions of devoted relationships, the affection towards the motherland and the Islam belief. Moreover, the idea expressed in the first sentence destroys the myth concerning the bellicosity of the Arabians completely, since the video emphasizes that the Islam faith actually concerns such issues as homeland and love – the love to both the people of the Arabian countries and the people from the neighboring countries.

Hence, the messages implied in what the video says contribute to shaping the vision of the Arabian people as peaceful and friendly oriented towards the other nationalities, thus, completely breaking the myth of the enmity between the Arabs and the other nations. “And then, I loved … Lebanon,” the lines of the song say, confirming the amicability of the Arabian people.

The Target Audience: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Message

Speaking of the people who make the target audience for the messages conveyed by the video, one must emphasize once again that the endeavors of the Arabian people concern mainly establishing peaceful relationships with the other nations, yet keeping with the traditions of their own country and following the Islamic belief, which makes the essence of their life.

Hence, it will be most logical to suppose that the message depicted above is created for the people of different nationalities, namely, for those who fear that the Arabian nation poses considerable threat to the well-being of the entire world. Aiming at the world picture of the people whose perception of the Arabian culture is the most cluttered with prejudices, the given video reinvents the other nations’ perception of the Arabian culture. It could be also suggested that the target audience of the video could be some of the most sensible Israeli citizens as well, for the latter to realize that their claims for Palestine are just as reasonable as the ones of the Arabs.

It is also obvious that the video aims at changing the perceptions of not politicians and other people of world influence, but on an average citizen. The given tactics proves rather efficient, since it has great effect on the credibility of the message and its sincerity. It should be marked that the given video allows people to make their own conclusions, which also contributes to a better acceptance of the message. Because of the continuous misconception concerning the Arabian world and its alleged threat to the peace and safety of the entire world, Arabs need the means to convince people in the harmlessness and the sincerity of their nation, which the video in question conveys successfully to the world, which the video in question conveys clearly.

Understanding the Arab Conscience: Hearing People Speak

It is important to mark that the video sequence emphasizes the Arabian tradition to appreciate and honor the forefathers and parents, thus, enhancing the idea that the Arabian world and traditions are based on love, family bonds and the trustful relationships with the rest of the world. Creating the picture of the patriarchal state where the whole perception of the universe is based on mutual respect and the respect for the authority of the ancestors, parents and the elderly authorities, the video allows both to consider the Arabian culture deeper from the prospects of a genuine Arabian and to build strong bonds with the rest of the world, thus, clarifying that the Arabian culture offers not the threat that the world has been so afraid of, but another vision of the world picture. Hence, the mutual understanding can be achieved and the peace among the Asian, the European and the American nations can be restored.

To paraphrase what Ahmed Al-Auran says, the Arabian people carry commandments from their parents (123b456m), which means that the Arabian people cherish the realm of calm and peace that their ancestors and forefathers spoke about and are trying to bring this peace and understanding into the world of the ordinary. In addition, such message implies that Palestine as the land of their forefathers is an integral part of each Arab, and, thus, cannot be torn away from the nation. Once such simple aim of the Arabian people is explained to the Europeans and the Americans, it can be assumed that the video ahs reached its target, the misconceptions concerning the communication between the East and the West have been eliminated and the infamous conflict concerning Palestine and the Apartheid will be finally solved.

The Problem, Unveiled: Comprising the Existing Evidence

Therefore, it is important to mark that the unity and peace that is so much treasured and worshipped by the Arabian people is currently under considerable threat. According to what Ahmed Al-Auran says, the continuous conflicts with Israel concerning Palestine territory put the peaceful environment in the Arabian countries under constant peril. “I want the whole world to reach out for their hands for peace,” the video sequence says, “and the Arab peace must be peace, not surrender” (123b456m).

Thus, because of the misconceptions concerning the Palestinian land, the conflict between the Israeli and the Arabs continues, which puts Arabs into the most unfavorable condition. Because of the widespread prejudice concerning the Arabian people, the latter obtain little help in their protection of the land that is the place where their forefathers lived, which drives to the most deplorable results. “I refuse my silence that suppresses my feelings inside me,” the video tells the audience, thus, making it clear that in case of an outrageous injustice, Arabs will not accept the fact that they have been mistreated, but do everything possible to change the course of the events and right the wrongs.

Consequently, it can be deduced that the Arabian people are eager to “build the world safety” (123b456m), yet the current situation and the attitudes of the rest of the world trigger the misunderstanding between the world of the Arabs and the European and American countries. Hence, the idea conveyed can be stretched to the complexity of the relationships among the Arabs and the rest of the world in the light of the Arabian-Israeli conflict concerning Palestine. Because of the widespread controversies and prejudices about the Arabians that were enhanced by the attacks of the terrorists, the Arabian-Israeli conflict triggers the immediate negative reaction towards the actions of the Arabians from the rest of the world, which in most cases is not based on objective facts. Therefore, the world vision of the Arabian culture and the Arabian people has to be reconsidered for people to assess the Arabian-Israeli conflict and the problem of the Apartheid in an unbiased and unprejudiced way.

The Assessment of the Researcher’s Personal Role

It is necessary to emphasize that the given paper offers an objective and multilateral viewpoint on the Arabian-Israeli conflict and suggests an alternative vision of the problem. Providing the overview of the Arabian culture and emphasizing the most widespread and the most harmful myths concerning the Arabian people, the given paper sheds some light on the way the Arabian people understand the problem of the Palestine conflict.

It is essential to mark that the given research grounds the conclusions about the legacy of the Arabs’ claims for Palestine on the cultural and religious peculiarities of Arabs. Therefore, the paper offers a convincing string of evidence for the necessity of a reasonable compromise and the elimination of the apartheid. Hence, the given research might provide certain evidence in favor of the peace treaty concerning the Palestinian conflict.

Analyzing the Opinions of the Scholars: Authoritative Viewpoints

Analyzing the existing arguments concerning the Arabian-Israeli conflict, the probable means of its solution and the arguments of both the Arabians and the Israeli, one can come to the conclusion that the existing evidence favors the Arabians’ viewpoint considerably. According to the viewpoints of the scholars, it is most efficient to solve the issue with the help of reasonable compromises and settling the peace in the country. For instance, according to the recent researches, it is crucial to maintain the peace within the country, otherwise not only the country, but also the environment and, therefore, people’s health, will be in peril: “Warfare increases deforestation in the country” (Li, Michalache-O’Keef and Reuveny 758).

It is also essential to draw the reflections of Yitzhak Reiter, who considered that, if taking into account the specifics of the Islamic religion and the peculiarities of the Arabs’ vision of the world and incorporating it with the Israeli position, one can find a reasonable compromise (Reiter 238), thus, making it clear that moderate views are also accepted by the Islamic people.

In addition, it is necessary to take the reasons of Carter into consideration and admit that maintaining peace between the Arabs and the Israeli, making reasonable compromises, is much more efficient than maintaining the current warfare. As the ex-President claims,

We all knew that Israel must have a comprehensive and lasting peace, and this dream could have been realized if Israel had complied with the Camp David Accords and refrained from colonizing the West Bank, with Arabs accepting Israel within its legal borders (Carter 53).

Therefore, it cannot be doubted the compromise between the Israeli and the Arabs can and must be achieved. Restoring peace and helping people overcome the devastation and poverty caused by war is the key goal now. Hence, the reasonable compromise must be made, which will lead to the long-awaited solution of the conflict and the restoration of the trustful relationships with the rest of the world, including the Israeli people.

Works Cited

123b456m. “The Arab Conscience (Translated).” YouTube, 2008. Web.

Carter, Jimmy. Palestine: Peace not Apartheid. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006. N. Print.

Li, Quan, Andreea Mihalache-O’Keef, and Rafael Reuveny. “The Effect of Warfare on the Environment.” Peace Research (2010): 749-61. Web.

Reiter, Yitzhak. War, Peace & International Relations in Islam: Muslim Scholars on Peace Accords with Israel. Portland, OR: Sussex Academic Press, 2011. Print.

Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths among Us

Summary

The book discusses issues revolving around psychopathic patients living within our society. It describes the situation as the most dangerous form of personality disorder.

The discussion is based on an extensive study of the world of psychopaths. It is worth noting that the author uses empirical literature characterized by various anecdotes. The author further describes psychopaths, their characteristic behavior from film and literature. Also the author discusses such issues as they appear in the press.

There are also particular celebrated cases that include Clifford Olson and Ted Bundy that are mentioned in this book as some of the ways in which the study can be done using these figures. Oprah Winfrey and Jack Abbott are also mentioned in this book. Many individuals who have been mentioned in this book shared a number of behaviors which have a common theme.

The author describes the psychopathic minds as characterized by egocentricity, recklessness and contentment. Other characteristics of psychopathic behaviors are grandiosity and lack of conscience.

The author gives three messages about how to treat psychopathic individuals. The first thing is that the parents of such people must not be blamed for the conditions of their patient relatives. Instead, such parents or spouses should consult the services of clinicians (Hare 1999).

The clinicians must be able to offer special diagnostic expertise and use specific strategies for certain special cases. The second message the author gives is that it should be known that the personality of a psychopathic patient is unlikely to change. Their behavior will change only in a situation where there is diminution with age.

Also, the treatment efforts may not be quite effective simply because the patients are content of themselves. The third message given by Hare is related to the way in which one might protect them from being mistreated by other people. This aspect of perspective is known as street proofing for adults.

The book however seems to contradict in certain specific aspects. The author appears to make suggestions that emanate from common sense. Some of his suggestions also emanate from clinical insight and folk wisdom whereas he warns against relying on such sources.

A good example of this scenario is when the author describes the fixate stare of the patients as one that can be identified by eerie anecdotes. The author goes ahead to contradict himself by saying that this method is unreliable since it does not give accurate results.

Sometimes, the author describes things in a way that can be viewed as a promotional piece. This is exemplified especially when it depicts the convention of PCL as the only way in which the patients can be diagnosed with their conditions.

This statement contradicts his earlier thoughts of a developed structured interview protocol. The other contradictions by the author are that sometimes the book seems to read like a public service announcement. The announcement is further viewed as aimed at protecting the society from the menace of psychopathic situations.

Various human personalities of a psychopath are described by the use of anecdotes. Such features are actually translated by Hare as behavioral action and victimization. The author sums up by presenting his views as a form of litany of tales that have mixed emotions. Thus, the tales are a mixture of fascinating and sorrowful senses.

The author clearly states that many people have a limited understanding of psychopathic patients. He therefore recommends an in-depth and rigorous scientific research coupled with investments into the study of psychopaths.

Reference List

Hare, R. (1999). Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths among us. Guilford Press, New York.

Abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Moral Conscience

Introduction

Christian values and virtues are significant when individuals are faced with moral dilemmas of helping their communities or not. Harriet Tubman was one of the people who led the abolitionist movement in the U.S. Harriet Tubman’s family was subjected through cruel treatments by the slave owners. The unethical behaviors of the slave masters led to the death of many slaves and separation of families. Consequently, Harriet Tubman chose to escape and help others to end slavery regardless of the consequences. Therefore, the main ethical issue in Harriet Tubman’s life was whether her aggressive actions against the slavery regime were morally justified or not. Although many people died due to Harriet Tubman’s resistance against slavery, her actions played a crucial role in liberating the African Americans.

Brief Harriet Tubman’s Autobiography

The African American community is known for its abolitionist movement in the epoch of slavery. Harriet Tubman is one of the famous abolitionists who helped the community liberate itself from the colonial and slave masters (Chism, 2022). Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross on 10th March 1882 to enslaved parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross (Field, 2021). Her mother was enslaved by Mary Pattison while the father was enslaved by Antony Thompson. Her father’s master owned a large plantation near the Blackwater River in Dorchester County, Maryland (Davis, 2021). Although historians state that Harriet Tubman’s birth year was 1882, it is controversial whether the date is accurate. Harriet Tubman was among the many slaves’ children whose birth records were not prioritized by the slave masters.

Many slaves in the U.S. were imported from Africa, and Tubman’s ancestors are believed to be of African origin. Her grandmother, Modesty, was shipped from Africa, but little information is known about her family. However, Harriet Tubman was told that she is of Ashanti origin due to her character traits. Her mother was a cook while her father was a skilled woodsman who managed timber work on Thompson’s plantation (Davis, 2021). Slavery affected their family, threatening to tear them apart. For instance, Edward Brodess sold three of Harriet’s siblings, separating them from their family forever. Therefore, Harriet Tubman’s life was full of misery, encouraging her to take part in the abolitionist movements.

Slave Trade in the U.S. and Ethical Issues

The U.S. was one of the countries where slavery was a common trade in the eighteenth century. The trade was associated with the European colonial masters who owned large plantations that needed huge manpower. The first African slaves arrived in the U.S. in around 1526 (Givens, 2022). Since the harsh treatments led to the death of many slaves, the colonial masters preferred indentured laborers who signed a contract to pay with work for their passage and upkeep while in the U.S. (Givens, 2022). The existing legal system was harsh to the slaves, and some were convicted of trying to flee their services. While slavery was beneficial to the slave masters, various ethical issues were pertinent.

Slavery was associated with unethical behaviors that injured the slaves, physically and psychologically. The slave masters and traders disrespected the dignity of the slaves, treating them as inhuman. During the trade, the victims were chained and would walk for long distances without food, and were denied an opportunity to choose their masters. Additionally, when working in the plantations, the slaves were subjected to physical torture and threats. Many slaves lost their lives due to hunger and injuries. Treating human beings harshly and disrespecting their dignity was unethical, questioning the moral fabric of the Western communities that actively engaged in the slave trade.

Moral Consciousness: Meaning and Ethical Principles

Morality is a relative concept that is shaped by a society’s perceptions of what is right and wrong. However, some societies’ have adopted questionable cultures. For instance, while the Western community saw it right to colonialism and torture African Americans, it was blatantly wrong for any society that respects human dignity. Consequently, it should be obvious to accept just anything that society sees it right. Moral consciousness is a concept that allows individuals to master social realities, and choose their stand (Revathi & Vasuki, 2022). Therefore, in psychology moral consciousness involves a personal perspective on one’s conduct, intentions, or character anchored on the obligation to do right or wrong.

Ethical Principles

Moral consciousness is guided by various ethical principles that societies must exhibit through their commissions and omissions. Ethical principles are part of the normative theory that justifies and defends moral judgments (Klenk & Sauer, 2021). Although moral consciousness can be subjective, ethical principles eliminate individual bias when acting. The normative theory suggests seven basic moral principles: non-maleficence, beneficence, health maximization, justice, self-autonomy, proportionality, and efficiency. Although all principles may be inapplicable to a single action, every society and individual must apply them when committing or omitting their duties. The ethical principles are integrated into various professionals and social institutions of public interest.

Harriet Tubman’s Moral Consciousness

Harriet Tubman remains a significant figure among African Americans. She grew up in a society that shaped her moral stands in various ways. Being born to enslaved parents, she experienced the harshness of slavery first-hand. Additionally, she was brought up by parents who had suffered in the hands of slave masters who had no dignity for the African Americans working in their plantations and homes. Therefore, Harriet Tubman developed a moral standing against discrimination and slavery in the U.S. Although Harriet Tubman took some actions that could be termed illegal, she did them for the benefit of her family and community at large.

Upbringings and Christian Background

Religion plays a significant role in shaping individuals’ moral standing in society. Christianity is one of the common religions that encourages virtues such as forgiveness. Harriet Tubman was brought up in a Christian family that believed in forgiveness as portrayed by God through His son, Jesus Christ. Consequently, she observed Christian values when dealing with her enemies. For instance, she was once sick diminishing her value in the eyes of the slave traders. Although her slave master, Edward Brodess tried to sell her, she kept him in her prayers (Chism, 2022). Harriet Tubman’s Christian values enabled her to peacefully handle her worsening situation by making prayers.

Fighting for Her Freedom

Although Harriet Tubman observed her Christian values of not fighting her slave masters, she could no longer withstand the pain and discrimination against her. Consequently, she decided to fight for her freedom by making risky but rational decisions. She tried to escape from slavery with her brothers. In 1849, she made a brief escape for fear that her master wanted to sell her. However, she returned under the influence of her brothers who decided to return (Davis, 2021). Going back was a rational decision since her moral consciousness could not allow her to risk her family members’ lives. However, she later made a bold decision of escaping leaving her family members at risk. Harriet Tubman’s moral consciousness motivated her to escape the pains subjected to her by the slave masters.

Helping others Fight for Freedom

Individual liberalization enables one to see and experience the importance of freedom. However, it is difficult to enjoy freedom when one’s society members are suffering. Therefore, it is a moral obligation to help family members and close relatives. Her consciousness was disturbed upon hearing that one of her nieces was about to be sold (Field, 2021). Consequently, she bravely decided to help her family and other slaves escape, just as she did (Davis, 2021). During the escape, she threatened those who gave up and dared return to their slave masters (Chism, 2022). Furthermore, she joined a group of other abolitionists after the 1861 war. Joining the movement was risky for her life and that of her family members.

Moral standings can drive people into taking risky actions that cause their death or those they are trying to help. Harriet Tubman, upon learning the lay of the land in Union camps in South Carolina, offered her service in the army as a spy (Davis, 2021). Furthermore, she took part in daring raids that risked the lives of many slaves. For instance, in June 1863, she took part in the nighttime raid on Combahee Ferry which saved many slaves but risked their lives. The raid at Combahee was successful, leading to its adoption during the abolitionist movements. Additionally, the raid exhibited the importance of the African American troops in the U.S. army. Although some of Harriet Tubman’s decisions led to the death of slaves and soldiers, she had a moral obligation to help her community get freedom from slavery.

Harriet Tubman’s Illegal Acts and Moral Consciousness

Every society has its legal system that ensures the maintenance of order. Therefore, regardless of an individual moral standing, their actions must be consistent with the set laws and accepted ethical principles. She was motivated to liberate and save slaves from the harsh actions of the slave masters. However, she engaged in activities that were illegal and immoral to some extent. She pioneered many raids that led to the death of slaves and soldiers. Additionally, she and John Brown planned the Harpers Ferry arsenal raid (Keating, 2022). She helped John Brown recruit soldiers who raided the federal arsenal. Although Harriet Tubman and John Brown intended to empower the freed slaves their action was unacceptable before the law.

The raid sharpened the tension between the North and South, catalyzing the Civil War. While John Brown was sentenced to death, Harriet Tubman escaped. The Civil War threatened the lives of many Americans and the country’s economy. Non-maleficence is an ethical principle that encourages people not to engage in actions that would harm others. Therefore, Harriet Tubman ignored the ethical principles and law in pursuit of justice. While her actions were illegal, they were justified since they led to an absolute end of slavery. Moreover, her actions pioneered the development of rigid legal systems that respected the dignity and lives of everyone, regardless of their racial background. Therefore, Harriet Tubman actions played a significant role in shaping contemporary society.

Harriet Tubman Accomplishments and Decision-Making

Christian values are significant for effective decision-making that help a person and those around them. Harriet Tubman risked her life escaping from her slave master and helping others. Her escape and actions were aimed at liberating her society, and changing the White men perspectives on the African Americans. Additionally, she helped others so that they would help her in the mission of ending slavery in the country. Although some of her actions and decisions were questionable, there is enough evidence that they were justified.

Effective decision-making involves choosing among the alternative cause of action. The rational decision-making model allows individuals to use facts and information before taking an action (Djulbegovic, 2021). Meanwhile, the intuitive model involves arriving at decisions without conscious reasoning (Luoma & Martela, 2020). Harriet Tubman decided to escape from slavery and help others regardless of what was needed from her. She was ready to give up her life just to end the cruel treatments: dodging bullets and threatening weak freedmen. Her sacrifices were worth the escape and safety of other slaves. Harriet Tubman could have chosen alternative actions such as taking no action, helping her family members only, or just praying for the situation. Therefore, her bold decision to take part in the abolitionist movement was beneficial to her and the entire African American community.

Conclusion

Slavery led to the death and torture of many African Americans who worked in plantations and the homes of the colonialists. Harriet Tubman was among the people who pioneered the abolitionist movement that led to the end of slavery. She helped his family and other slaves escape the unfriendly working conditions. Christianity and personal experiences shaped her moral standing on slavery and were ready to do anything possible to end it. Consequently, he joined other abolitionists, conducting many raids to save slaves. While her actions were rationally based on her moral consciousness, some were illegal. However, the consequences of her actions play a significant role in contemporary society. Therefore, the society is obligated to emulate Harriet Tubman and encourage rational decision-making for the benefit of society.

References

Chism, J. (2022). “Go On or Die”?: Historical and ethical analysis of Harriet Tubman’s authoritarian rule to shoot feeble fugitive slaves. Journal of Disability & Religion, pp. 1–26.

Davis, J. C. (2021). An Artistic tribute to Harriet Tubman. Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Djulbegovic, B. (2021). Ethics of uncertainty. Patient Education and Counseling, 104(11), pp. 2628-2634.

Field, C. T. (2021). Old-age justice and Black feminist history. Radical History Review, 2021(139), pp. 37–51.

Givens, T. E. (2022). Ties that bind: slavery and colonialism. In The Roots of Racism. Bristol University Press. Web.

Keating, W. D. (2022). Cleveland and the Civil War. Arcadia Publishing.

Klenk, M., & Sauer, H. (2021). Moral judgement and moral progress: The problem of cognitive control. Philosophical Psychology, 34 (7), pp. 1–24.

Luoma, J., & Martela, F. (2020). A dual-processing view of three cognitive strategies in strategic decision making: Intuition, analytic reasoning, and reframing. Long Range Planning, 54(3), pp. 102065.

Revathi, G., & Vasuki, D. G. (2022). Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(3). Web.

Surgical Conscience and Its Importance

Surgical conscience is a distinct notion that is fundamental to perioperative surgical professional practice. It is a nebulous phenomenon that explains a surgeon’s moral commitment to protect surgical asepsis and patient safety. The phenomenon remains poorly understood and documented despite its profound roots in perioperative history. Thus, it is difficult to discuss the importance of the principle without dissecting different elements of the surgical conscience itself.

Regardless of their spiritual views, nearly everyone would agree that all people have a conscience as human beings. It is that “small voice” within each and every person that helps them discern between good and wrong. The concept of human conscience has been extended in recent years to the operating theatre, where surgical conscience has become a rallying cry for many healthcare professionals and patient safety advocates. The word relates to the idea of human conscience as it applies to all actions in the operating room. This impacts the rules, regulations, and best practices guidelines that govern correct procedures for every activity, from cleaning methods to patient posture, aseptic techniques, and various infection control techniques.

Today, surgical conscience is a guiding principle in perioperative care, and most nurses apply it on a regular basis. Surgical conscience is instilled in surgical technologists at most hospitals and throughout nursing school, and they use it on a regular basis. As a medical professional and surgical technologist, I take pleasure in my job and strive to provide the greatest outcomes for patients. They must have a firm surgical conscience as patient advocates to guarantee that the patient has a safe perioperative experience. Often it takes one irresponsible error to drastically alter a patient’s life thus, we must all practice with the patient’s safety in mind (Mayes 460). Surgery may already be risky for most patients; surgical technicians should not add to that vulnerability by acting ignorantly. For surgical technologists specifically, the conscience available to them significantly relies on the specific procedures performed as well as the actions of other professionals.

An example of surgical conscience would be requesting a break within an isolated sterilized location of a procedure, even if it involves dismantling and reassembling a case. Assume the sterile field on a complex case becomes slightly contaminated. Medical experts may be hesitant to demolish the sterile field in order to avoid wasting money or causing delays. Even if they only suspect sterile contamination, they should cease all movement and get the problem resolved.

Even when it’s uncomfortable, speaking up is a consistent strategy underpinning the titular concept. It is also the most difficult aspect of adhering to surgical conscience for many surgical technologists, myself included. I find it very hard to oppose, even slightly, the more experienced professionals in my field. Regretfully, some surgeons and/or staff members may be demanding, disrespectful, and even hostile, and physicians are sometimes scared to disagree with them (Mayes 463). If any member of the surgical team notices something that might be hazardous to the patient or the procedure’s result, they must speak out without fear of upsetting the status quo. Overall, the importance of surgical conscience can be understood as a key commitment that all medical professionals share with their patients.

Work Cited

Mayes, Carole G. AORN Journal, vol. 112, no. 5, 2020, pp. 457-469. Wiley, Web.