Philosophies of the Draft Dodgers

Philosophies of the Draft Dodgers Countercultures, or groups that that break off from a dominant or larger society because they disagree with the societys values or beliefs, can have lasting effects on government policies or global affairs (Thomas 39). One such counterculture is the group of American draft dodgers. These individuals evaded conscription, or mandatory military service, in American since the American Civil War (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). They rejected the American values of patriotism and national security during key wars such as World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Also, they broke American laws, a part of the national culture, by burning their draft cards in protest and escaping to Canada to avoid their required service specifically during the Vietnam War (Kennedy and Cohen 891). These actions employed by draft dodgers display their own ideas and voices their rejection of the larger societys views, categorizing them as a counterculture in American history. Although draft dodgers can and have appeared in other countries around the world with mandatory military service, the American draft dodgers are specifically notable for their involvement in a number of American wars and polices. Draft evasion has roots in several areas from pacifism to personal unwillingness. Some countries exempted conscientious objectors to war and the draft (people who opposed bearing arms or violence for reasons related to their philosophy or religion) or provided them with specific jobs that did not require fighting, though others throughout history did not excuse these objectors from service (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). The United States addressed conscientious objectors during the Civil War by allowing them to serve in positions that did not require the use of weaponry (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). However, the 1940 conscript laws clarified objectors as people who were part of a known pacifist group, not individuals that claimed perso nal objections (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). The United States started experiencing draft dodgers during the American Civil War when conscription was first implemented in 1861 (Michael Ray). The affluent society in the North avoided military service by utilizing a bounty system, where the drafted individuals paid substitutes, especially African Americans, to enter the military for them (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). These citizens had an advantage over the poor and the military soon consisted of lower classes, inciting hostility towards both the wealthy and African Americans. Eventually, the Draft Riot of 1863 occurred with public unrest over this system; for four days, New York City rioters targeted African American buildings with violence (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). After the Civil War, the draft also added to the countrys military power during the two World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. All of these wars presented opportunities fo r draft dodgers, but the most notable wars they affected were the American Civil War and the Vietnam War. Most people associate draft resistance with American participation in the Vietnam War, where public protest of the draft escalated dramatically. Some of the public resistance of the draft stemmed from the Selective Service Systems deferment processes which provided certain people with special opportunities to avoid the draft (Michael Ray). Some draft dodgers resisted conscription by escaping to Canada (Kennedy and Cohen 891). After the Military Selective Service Act of 1967, burning draft cards, or the registration certificates for the draft, exploded as one of the most popular form of protest even though it broke government laws (Michael Ray). Protesters argued that the First Amendment protected their right to freely express opposition to the draft with this method (Michael Ray). David OBrien was one of the draft dodgers who burned their draft cards and ended up facing legal co nsequences (Michael Ray). His case eventually appeared before the Supreme Court in The United States v. OBrien, and the final ruling stated that burning draft cards hindered government actions and was not considered protected free speech (Michael Ray). Draft dodgers held great historical significance in American policy. In the Civil War, the draft dodgers influenced the composition of the military with the use of a bounty system to buy their way out of service (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). Their actions in the Civil War influenced American policy during World War I by prompting the government to abolish the bounty system in the 1917 Selective Service Act (Michael Ray). However, the most active and monumental role the draft dodgers played was during the Vietnam War (Kindig). They helped fuel opposition to the war with new drastic measures of burning draft cards and fleeing the country (Kennedy and Cohen 891). Their vocal actions had an unprecedented impact on the end of American involvement in the Vietnam War and the continuing attitudes later on. Currently, the U.S. draft sits dormant since there is no direct need for it, so draft dodgers appear less frequently in society as active protesters. However, in 1980 the gover nment required draft registration for men in case the draft ever resurfaced, and this policy still affects todays population (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). A sociological perspective and a sociological imagination can help people understand how draft dodgers actions affected the world. With a sociological perspective, people view others actions using scientific reasoning instead of everyday explanations (Thomas 4). It contends that everyone is a social being with hidden meanings behind his or her actions (Thomas 5). Clearly, draft dodgers did not protest the draft purely because of a disapproval of the implementation and process of the draft, although that did play a purpose in their actions. Using the sociological perspective, the actions of draft dodgers often target a larger intent to protest conscription in general and warfare as a method to solve conflict. A significant number of conscientious objectors objected to violence and bearing arms for religious or philosophical reasons, and since some governments did not excuse these objectors from service, they were forced to become draft dodgers in order to uphold their beliefs (The Edi tors of Encyclopedia Britannica). The American draft dodgers actions during the Vietnam War also had these sentiments, after media coverage of the war displayed unpleasant scenes that conflicted with their morals (Kennedy and Cohen 891). Draft dodgers conveyed the arguments for pacifism and nonviolence in their actions, two themes that apply to any country in the world. A sociological imagination, created by C. Wright Mills, allows people to connect their personal actions and experiences with the larger world in order to recognize the effects (Thomas 5). This viewpoint displays the great effects of draft dodger actions on larger bodies such as the United States of American and even the world. They significantly affected United States domestic and foreign policy. The Draft Riot of 1863 over the unfair bounty system influenced later domestic policy in the Selective Service Act of 1917, in which the process was prohibited (Michael Ray). They also influenced interpretation of the First Amendment when the Supreme Court case The United States v. OBrien arose from the protest method of burning draft cards that became popular during the Vietnam War (Michael Ray). The limitations of free speech were clarified for the American public, influencing later forms of protest. On the global perspective, foreign policy during the Vietnam War also received the impact of draft resistance since the protests amplified an opposition to American participation in the war. Their actions influenced the removal of American troops from Vietnam. Ethnocentrism is conviction that one group of people reigns supreme over other inferior groups (Thomas 35). Draft dodgers had an element of ethnocentrism in their actions, contributing to their classification as a counterculture, specifically during times of war. The draft dodgers who were conscientious objectors for religious or philosophical reasons believed that their values of pacifism or their faith were superior to the American sentiments of patriotism, leading them to resist the draft and conscription. Other draft dodgers felt that the value of life, including their own lives, was superior to patriotism, national security, or U.S. global power. They expressed their superior views by attempting to fulfill the requirements for exemption from service (deferment from Selective Service boards for academic or family reasons), burning their draft cards, or fleeing the country in order to not risk their own lives and protest the danger imposed on others lives (Michael Ray). Their ethn ocentrism encouraged draft dodgers to protest and fight for their beliefs rather than just duly accepting their fate as American citizens, resulting in their counterculture status. Cultural relativism practices that the standards of cultures different from one another, so a culture could only receive judgement based on their own point of view (Thomas 36). Using cultural relativism, draft dodgers avoid conscription because of their connection to the American culture from which they split. The American culture emphasized freedom to express and act according to an individuals beliefs (within obvious limitations). These draft dodgers, surrounded by the ideas that sharing opinions is acceptable and appreciated, naturally protested their opposition to drafts and conscription based on their own values and interests. In fact, one could argue that they protested the draft to save their own lives and the lives of their families, a priority for a number of people. A pacifist who is not a part of a formal organization would not receive exemption from conscription but would still have difficulty if drafted because the violence would conflict with his personal values, and ma y even die before fighting and breaking his values; therefore, draft avoidance could save his life (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). The draft sent men off to war whether they wanted to go or not, and unfortunately not all soldiers return home to their families. The families of the men who never return to war are left with a hole in their family structure, especially if the man was unwilling to fight. In this case, protesting and dodging the draft could protect a mans family, a formidable incentive to avoid conscription. Cultural relativism allows other individuals to understand the importance of draft evasion for men and their loved ones. Despite the incentives to evade conscription, I personally do not agree with all of the philosophies of the draft dodgers. The draft dodgers rightfully protested the unfair draft systems such as the bounty system during the Civil War or the subjective deferments of the Selective Service Board and I agree with the ideas of pacifism and resolving conflicts without violence that spurred draft dodgers to reject conscription. However, the draft should remain a possible tool today with modifications that require women to register as well as men to guarantee a suitable fighting force for national security. I cannot see the value in protesting a draft if the whole country faces peril and destruction as a result of a lack of volunteers to a war effort (with hope that such a situation never arises in the future). Also, there is no harm in registering when the government may never activate draft again in ones lifespan, and if the draft is reenacted, then there must be a dire need for soldiers w ith the already impressive advancements in military power through technology and volunteers. Although I cannot agree with their ideas, the fact remains that draft dodgers impacted American policies, values, and history significantly as longstanding counterculture. References   Kennedy, David M. and Lizabeth Cohen. The American Pageant: A History of the American People. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2016. Textbook. Kindig, Jesse. Vietnam War: Draft Resistance. 2008. Website. 3 March 2017. Michael Ray. Selective Service Acts. 10 September 2015. Website. 3 March 2017. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. Conscientious Objector. 30 June 2010. Website. 3 March 2017. -. Conscription. 16 6 2011. Website. 3 March 2017. -. Draft Riot of 1863. 16 June 2011. Website. 3 March 2017. Thomas, W. LaVerne. Sociology: The Study of Human Relationships. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2003. Textbook.

Kafka

This simple yet ingenious quote by Kafka does make one stop and think, is life really that meaningless? How can one concur if life is meaningless or not? Before these questions can be answered, one must ask, what is meaning? Amazingly enough, meaning is something we create ourselves. We attach meaning to everything around us whether it be language, a person, an item, or even a pencil.Meaning comes from within us, making us the sole contributor to our own existence. Therefore, nothing has meaning unless one was to ttach meaning to it, and to attach meaning to anything proves one has created an identity, and that identity allows one to exist. Mortal life by definition comes to an end whether one likes it or not, and because of this, we are always facing the pressure of extinction. The way we cope with this pressure is by giving meaning to the things we do, the things we love, and all the other things which matters in ones life.To give ourselves an identity in which we exist in this wor ld and to leave behind a trace of our existence. Although it is truly evident that meaning comes from within the individual, others might think differently. One of the main arguments against meaning coming from the individual is that we were already given meaning since birth, given a set of beliefs and morals to follow, so how does one create meaning if it was already given to us from generation through generation?What they do not know is that meaning is something we gain through experience, and experience is not something we have from birth. Another valid argument would be that this universe does not need meaning and therefore it is not important to have meaning or create meaning. However, meaning is all around us and whether one likes it or not, we were built to reate meaning in order for us to exist, and for us to be able to create an identity. Before we dive deeper into the topic of how we gain meaning, we first have to question what is meaning?Clare Carlisle quotes Kierkegaard and explains, â€Å"Even though all sorts of things exist, for Kierkegaard the word â€Å"existence† has a special meaning when applied to human life. This meaning arises from the fact that we always have a relationship to ourselves. † (Carlisle, What does it mean to exist? ) To go into more thorough detail, meaning is the stem of everything human. Meaning come rom us because like stated above in the quote by Kierkegaard, we are the only ones can have a relationship to ourselves.Humans only truly exist through identity, identity is gained through experience, and experience is what use to create meaning. Many other individuals would like to believe that meaning does not come within us, but rather given to us, passed down to us from our past generations. For an example, Annie Druyan, wife of astronomer/philosopher Carl Sagan (1934 – 1996) remembered a conversation her husband had with a young man and it goes, â€Å"At the end of it, a young man came up to him and he said: What do you give us in return? Now that you've taken everything from us?What meaning is left, if everything that I've been taught since I was a child turns out to be untrue? Carl looked at him and said, ‘Do something meaningtul. ‘ † (Sagan. ) Without meaning this world would b complete chaos. A person needs to grow up with meaning as a supporting factor, or else their world would become chaotic and by definition, meaningless. The young man in the flashback is a person who struggles with the belief that he grew up with meaning given to him and therefore once he comprehend the truth and reality of it all, there would be no significance left.Carl Sagan tries to make this young man understand that in truth, meaning is something we can create anytime, anywhere, and anyplace. Sagan's simple and brief quote ‘Do something meaningful' gives us hope because it illustrates that meaning does not stem from the beginning of our lives, but something we have to exp erience and something we have to do in order to gain meaning. Although there are many others out there like the young man depicted in Annie Druyan's flashback, they would have to know that meaning is not something in which they are given, but is gained through their Journey and understanding of life.This is significant because it is imperative for ones knowledge to understand that no matter how lost or confused one might be, they could always create their own meaning instead of relying or is biased on the thought that meaning was created for us. If one was to be biased on that thought, their total reliance on the meaning at which was given to them would collapse when they learn the undeniable truth that meaning has always been within their reach. Although meaning is a controversial and conflicting topic to discuss, some might argue that meaning is something we shouldn't try to understand at all.Alex Percival as a strong opinion towards meaning and how he believes the universe does n ot need meaning at all. He states in his own words, â€Å"With modern discoveries, we have found that the meaning of life itself is pointless, but we are extremely lucky to be here because the probability that any one of us being in existence is next to 0%. † (Percival. ) In truth, meaning does matter in this world that we live in. Without meaning we would be lost with no identity, and would have no proof of our own existence.It is important for humans to make meaning for themselves because we want to exist and therefore we should exist. Meaning is not pointless at all, in fact meaning is apart of ones soul, apart of us. Meaning is a tool we strive and depend on to survive, because without it we would feel worthless and needless to say, useless. Despite the many oppositions against the interpretation of meaning, language is one of the many factors in which humans attach meaning to. One blogger give their thoughts on how meaning relates to language and states, â€Å"Language communicates meaning, and the origin of meaning is relationship.In fact; if we use the idea that â€Å"relationship is the origin of meaning† as our lens, it opens up a whole new world eyond the narrow definitions that confine meaning to traditional ideas of language. † (The Wisdom of Life. ) Language in fact does relate to human relationships. To be able to communicate and articulate our thoughts gives us meaning. Without language, humans would not be able to express their thoughts and empty their minds and this is an important process to meaning because how can one attach or create meaning if they cannot express themselves.It is crucial to understand that language does not get it's meaning from others but it is something we attach to it. For n example, as Professor Jacoby has mentioned in class, â€Å"A chair does not have meaning unless we give it meaning. The word chair to another person could mean something much more significant or it could mean nothing depending who this person is and what significant attachment they have given to the chair. † (English 205 Lecture. ) Anyone can give meaning to anything as long as there is a special significance to it.This is how we gain existence and gain identity. It comes through our experience and how we see things in our own eyes and not through what has already been defined for us. When one speaks about language, often we question what is the significance of many languages in this world. As Noam Chomsky says in We Still Live Here, â€Å"A language is not Just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It's all embodied in a language. † (Chomsky. Language is no longer Just words or different types of languages that people speak around the world, it is what set us apart from others. It is what defines us as a people, it gives us meaning. With many languages around the orld, one could feel lost or troubled because they a re afraid they could lose their identity. Although that is definitely not the case, language could preserve ones true identity because with language comes a culture, a tradition, a community, and a whole history. With all these factors combined, one can find their identity and create meaning to their lives in their own ways and form.To find ones own identity is truly important in terms of existence, and the only way to find ones identity is through finding meaning within themselves. Meaning also attaches itself to forms of exceptionalism, how we interpret and ruly follow this ideal belief is entirely up to the person. In one article by The Globalist, they proclaim, â€Å"And Americans can only be exceptional if we are well informed and willing to make hard choices and take risks. Apathy, ignorance and risk aversion are the death sentence of the American experiment. (The Globalist, The Idea of American Exceptionalism. ) This is not only true to Americans, but also other cultures aro und the world as well. To make one self â€Å"exceptional† the person needs to be able to make well informed decisions on their own accord and take risks by the ips of the their own fingers. This connects to meaning because the only way we can make our own decisions and take our own risks is by attaching our own meaning to what all of these things mean. To be exceptional does not necessarily translate to ignorance, it could also mean it is their only form of survival.To any culture around the world, their identity is found through their culture, history, tradition. They rely on these factors because it is what makes them special, unique, and superior from others. Just like how each of them have their own language, tradition, and beliefs, hey want to preserve this by giving it a name, American Exceptionalism, British Exceptionalism, and Greek Exceptionalism. This way, they have given meaning to these terms which in return protect their identities. As individuals we all have a specific responsibility to be fulfilled once we take our first breaths in this world.One specific sentence which caught my attention in the article by The Globalist was, â€Å"As citizens, we have a sacred duty to conserve government by the active † not passive † consent of the governed. † (The Globalist, The Idea of American Exceptionalism. Even if we are a citizen of American or not, it does not matter, because every human in this Earth has a specific duty, which is to do something meaningful so that can be remembered for what theyVe done. The government is depicted as powertul, and because we see them as powertul, we believe that meaning comes from the government.The governments rules and laws seem to constrain us, but in reality it's constrictions is what tests our understanding of what meaning is. For an example, in The Trial, a relatable quote from the conversation between K. and the doorkeeper goes as this, â€Å"Everyone strives to reach he Law,† sa ys the man, â€Å"so how does it happen that for all these many years no one but myself has ever begged for admit-tance? † The doorkeeper recognizes that the man has reached his end, and to let his failing senses catch the words roars in his ear: â€Å"No one else could ever be admitted here, since this gate was made only for you.I am now going to shut it. † (Kafka 256. ) In The Trial, it is Kafka's intentions to make the court look so powerful, because in this way, K. is forced to look for meaning and search for his own identity instead of trying to search for significant meaning in others. In fact, the court is so powerful that they have already planned everything out for K. K. ‘s future was in their hands and yet he barely even realized this because he was transfixed on trying to get everyone else to help him when the answers was within him.This message is of vital importance to comprehend, because one must know that no matter how powerful the barrier maybe be tween the person and their journey to gain meaning is, their duty as a human allows them to conquer those obstacles and face their own challenges. In The Trial it is evident from the very beginning K. ‘s thoughts were always ethered to what others thought about him and his need to find meaning through them instead of himself. Whenever K. spoke, he would always pay close attention to others, as though their opinions and thoughts were crucial to him, † ‘Intrusive, thoughtless people! ‘ said K. s he turned back into the room. The supervisor may have agreed with him, at least K. thought that was what he saw from the corner of his eye. But it was Just as possible that he had not even been listening as he had his hand pressed firmly down on the table and seemed to be comparing the length of his fingers. † (Kafka 17. Throughout the Trial, K. is repeatedly focusing on what others think of him, how others does not give him attention, and how others gave him mean ing. His mind was constantly affected by the whispers around him and it affected him to the point whereby he was utterly dependent on other people.Kafka's mission was to make us understand that K. was trapped in the wrong place the whole time, in someone else's mind. When a person is trapped in someone else's thoughts, it would be hard for them to understand how important meaning is if they are constantly looking for meaning in the wrong place. One of the great meanings behind Kafka's works was to question one specific word, â€Å"Meaning. † In the text, K. ‘s conversation with the Priest demonstrates how Kafka views the word meaning, miou look for too much help from people you don't know,† said the priest disapprovingly, â€Å"and especially from women.Can you really not see that's not the help you need? † (Kafka 252. ) Kafka used K. as a guide to help him search for or make meaning. K. is constantly seeking and depending on others to be able to survive an d to exist in this world that the meaning to his life soon became xactly that; his reliance on others became his meaning of survival, to exist. Kafka wants us to know that meaning was not already given to us, but we make meaning. We give meaning to people, things, and everything around us so we can feel special, unique, and most importantly to teel I ike we exist.Katka also wants us to know that K was looking for meaning in all the wrong places and to learn from K. ‘s mistakes. K. looked for meaning through his reliance on others, when he was supposed to create meaning within himself. To exist, we first have to rely on our own thoughts and our own ideas. This significant because our thoughts and our own ideas is how meaning is created. If we do not create meaning through our own minds, we do not exist according to Kafka, and that is why K. ies (Kafka 271) at the end because he was not able to realize his whole life depended on someone else, and his sense of meaning came from t he people around him as well which is what makes one exist. Although, this leads to the quote which was stated in the beginning of the essay, â€Å"The meaning of life is that it ends. â€Å"-Franz Kafka. No matter how a person tries define meaning or try to apprehend it, life does end. So why is meaning so important? Meaning not only gives us a sense of security and comfort from the chaotic world we live in, but it also serves as a backbone to our identity and our existence.By us giving meaning to anything and everything, it gives us a sense of comfort knowing that it is significant or in some ways meaningful to us therefore making us feel as though we exist because we gave meaning to something which never had meaning before it came into our lives. To exist, to give meaning, and to gain an identity is all part of what it means to be human. Meaning nowadays is interpreted in many different ways, but one theory seems to tand out more than the rest, and it's that meaning comes from within each individual and not from an external source.We use meaning to create ourselves, find our identities, and sustain our existence through our lifetime. In these modern times, the word meaning has been modified to each persons own interpretations of what meaning is. The problem is, would meaning ever be completely defined? Or is it a word that us humans can attach our own meaning to? It is definitely something to think about as we progress further into the world of constant change and start to lose the roots of our identity and even our existence.

HR problem

All employees are continually performance managed and this is looked at when going or promotion so the employees are always putting a lot of effort to get good assessments and appraisals. When many of the employees joined the company they were told that promotion would be available within two years, however this has not been the case. The general management seem not to worry about this lack of motivation and seem to think as long as the employees are making money they will be happy.Part b Problem Analysis To analyses the problems in this organization we need to look the issue of motivation at work and also the psychological contract between the company and the employee. Arnold et al (1995 cited in Preston 2006 P. 7) suggests that motivation is made up of three components: 1 . Direction: what a person is trying to do 2. Effort: how hard a person is trying 3. Persistence: how long a person continues trying Looking at this suggestion you can see that In the case of the employees they ha ve a key direction In looking for promotion and are putting In a lot of effort to receive good assessments and appraisals.However, they are starting to lack in persistence as they A highly motivated employee will be: o More committed to the business o A more productive worker Happier in their Job A useful theory we can use to look at motivational issues is Mascots hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization Esteem Social (belonging) Safety Physiological Preston (2006 p. 12) states ‘Mason believed that all people are motivated by the same things, but there are different levels of need.When one set of needs in the hierarchy has been met, we work harder to fulfill the next level. ‘ In relation to the problem stated earlier a majority of the employees work hard to achieve the different stages of need, however now they are lacking motivation because they are striving for more ND working harder to achieve more but it is not being made available to them. We can also look at Victor B room's expectancy theory he uses the equation x I x V) which looks at the process of motivation.In this case even though the effort being but in by the employees is huge, the outcome they are hoping for (promotion) is not great or non-existent. As promotion is a high priority for these employees they therefore have a lack of motivation. Another motivation theory we can link to this problem is Douglas McGregor (1960) Theory X and Theory Y. In this case the management are obviously Theory X managers only believing employees are motivated by money. The employees will become very disheartened by this as they are trying extremely hard and not being recognized for it.The psychological contract forms part of the unwritten contract and as Preston (2006 pop) states ‘differs from a written contract in that it is concerned with implicit expectations, obligations and promises that both parties believe have been made with regard to what each owes and expects to receive from each other. â⠂¬Ëœ The psychological contract covers a lot of areas and has become more important in cent times where the employee expects a lot more from their employer. When joining the company the employees understood that promotion would be available within two years. This was not in the official written contract but was a known promise.Many employees now feel dishonored. They have put in a lot of hard work which they expected would put them well on the road to promotion. These few points are all examples of the psychological contract. In this case it is very weak; this is also a good reason as to why the employees are not motivated. I think this problem could be solved and have produced a few ideas which could help both short term and long term. ; Condiment opportunities The company could offer its employees short term condiment opportunities in a higher position when the man power is stretched and in need of a temporary boost.Even though it is not permanent it may help increase motivation i n the short term. In the case on Broom's theory the promotion they have been working towards will have been made available (if only temporarily) which will increase motivation ; Working in there departments – increase company knowledge There may be a chance to look at letting employees work in different departments short term especially during low season when man power levels needed are not as high. This will benefit both the company and the employee.The business will benefit from the extra knowledge and skills the employee will learn which they will be able to bring back to their original role. The employee will enjoy doing something new and being more challenged therefore increasing motivation. ; Opportunities to work up On certain shifts the manager on duty could delegate his duties to a more Junior employee. This gives the employee the opportunity to learn on the Job whilst being supervised by the manager. This could provide a challenge and more stimulating day at work. B etter the relationship between managers and employees Reduce the barriers between general management and the workforce, I. E. Improving and encouraging more fluid communication between each party. This will enable the management to see how dedicated and committed their staff actually are and allow them to have a more personal idea of who their employees are. This would be a start n changing the managers from Theory X to Theory Y managers when looking at Douglas McGregor theory.

William Shakespeare s Macbeth - The Idea Of Free Will

Ethan Farber Mr. O’Connor British Literature 13 December 2015 Macbeth Final Essay In Macbeth the idea of free will is not known for sure, but Shakespeare’s play makes clear that free will is in existence. Macbeth, is controlled by a group of three witches that tell him he needs to become the King. This leads him onto a downward spiral path in his own life, the people around him, and his country. Macbeth convinced himself that what the witches said was true. The meaning of free will is the ability to make choices on your own without the influence of others. Macbeth s life has no meaning without the ability to have free will; Macbeth s free will is influenced by outsiders taking advantage of his weaknesses making Macbeth a living robot. The witches pressure Macbeth into killing the king by taking his free will away. We are not sure if Macbeth actually wants to become the king, but we know that the Witches have a great influence on his decision making. Macbeth questions killing Duncan right from the start. He says â€Å"If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir.† (1.3 157-158) What macbeth does not know is that he is already the thane of cawdor. Both Macbeth and Banquo are very startled when the witches deliver this news. Macbeth believe that it is unnatural to kill his own kind. Macbeth says that he wants to kill the king but his other half is saying he doesn t want to, â€Å"The prince of Cumberland; which honor must Not unaccompanied invest himShow MoreRelatedMacbeth Themes899 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"What are the major themes in Macbeth† By Connor Maguire William Shakespeare’s Macbeth a play complete with many themes and viewpoints. The themes are exhibited by the main characters of the play, notably antagonist Macbeth. Themes seen in the play include ambition, where is is portrayed as both dangerous and unnatural. However, it does exist in both good and evil forms in the play. 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Macbeth’s fate is determined by his own free will, as shown by his actions following theRead MoreMacbeth Essay856 Words   |  4 Pages2012 MacBeth 5 Paragraph Essay A Tragic Tale of Ambition A Play By: William Shakespeare ENG-3UR As Shakespeare s tale of tragic ambition Macbeth progresses, Lady Macbeth undergoes a metamorphosis moving from a stable, loving wife, into a power hungry woman driven to madness by her own obsession for complete control. Although when the question who is ultimately responsible for Duncan s death is asked, many will point the finger at Lady Macbeth. While she played a role in manipulatingRead MoreA Discussion On Morals And Freedom Essay1486 Words   |  6 Pagesmorals and freedom often focus on the issue of free will. This often brings up the question of whether humanity is responsible for all actions or could there be other forces already in play. The amount of evil caused by human fault is a theme located in literature all throughout history starting as early as the book of Genesis when looking at Adam and eve, ranging to Shakespeare s seminal play Macbeth. In the following paper, I will argue that Shakespeare has written this play so the reader can understandRead MoreSupernatural Malevolence In Macbeth Essay958 Words   |  4 PagesSupernatural Malevolence in Macbeth In William Shakespeare’s time, around the 1600’s, the idea that the supernatural existed was very common. It often can be found in his works, as he has a weakness for dark themes and tragedies. In Macbeth, an impressionable, Scottish General goes to great lengths in order to achieve the title of The King. Witchcraft looms incessantly throughout the play, creating destruction and decay in its path. The supernatural that lingers over Macbeth has a vital role in motivatingRead MoreMacbeth Abuse Power Essay1608 Words   |  7 PagesMacbeth: The Abuse of Power In William Shakespeare’s tragedy of Macbeth, a Scottish noble along with his wife Lady Macbeth, crave absolute power, which prompts them to do terrible deeds that eventually lead to their demise. As well as the malicious rulers, we have those who have authority, but use their power in beneficial ways, portraying them as just rulers. The play displays the fair ruling ways of King Duncan; the kind heart of Macduff; the mischievous and abusive actions of Lady Macbeth; theRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet1632 Words   |  7 Pagesage. Queen Elizabeth fought for women to be seen as equals to men through her reign. But in loving the theatre, she never allowed women to be on the stage; forcing men to play the role of men and women makes her ideals and society s hypocritical. William Shakespeare writes using strong women characters, such as Katherine Minola and Juliet Capulet, to show the society he inhabits just how important women are. Through his writing he shows that he views women as strong and independent. In Romeo andRead MoreThe Play Macbeth : Naked Ambition, And The Oral Documentary, Kevin s Sentence By Bob1629 Words   |  7 PagesIn my report I will analyse and investigate characters facing adversity throughout their life or at some point and relating them to our society we live in at this time period. The four texts I have used were Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Gandhi: Naked Ambition, a biography written by Jad Adams, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger and the oral documentary, Kevin’s Sentence by Bob Carty. Across these texts the main theme of ‘facing adversity’ was portrayed through characters, language and howRead MorePsychoanalytic Ideas And Shakespeare By Inge Wise And Maggie Mills1420 Words   |  6 Page sAbstract This essay is on the book Psychoanalytic Ideas and Shakespeare, edited by Inge Wise and Maggie Mills, Published by Karnac Books , London , 2006 ; research and descriptions by numerous authors who wrote on the writing works of Shakespeare, Freud’s work on the psychological works on Shakespeare in general are used throughout the book . The authors focus on psychopathic fiction characters in six plays Hamlet, Macbeth, twilight nights, King Lear, and the Tempest. The book when youRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth 1652 Words   |  7 PagesMacbeth is one of William Shakespeare s most famous tragedies, it is believed to have been written and first performed in 1606. Sources indicate that the play was written to appease King James I, who had ascended to the throne after Queen Elizabeth I. The play tells a tale of a brave Scottish Thane named Macbeth, whose thirst for power brought him to murder Duncan, the King of Scotland, only to become a tyrant, and have his ac tions lead to his eventual demise as the tragic hero. Throughout the play