Analysis of Atheism, Terrorism and Ethics in the USA - Essay Example

Web Report Chapter 7 Atheism An interesting article on atheism was written by Adrian Barnett en d “God did it? So what?” The article explained why an atheist, like him, could not possible believe that God is the creator of the universe – as averred in the book of Genesis, in the Holy Bible. Barnett initially begun by introducing himself as a juggler and proffered analogies between skills of a master juggler and God. His contentions were that “the awe and majesty of the naturalistic view renders the mumblings of religion insignificant. To say that God snapped his cosmic fingers and magicked things into existence makes the beauty and wonder of the Earth and the rest of our universe little more than a cheap conjuring trick” (Barnett, 2001, par. 14). He concluded that those who believe in the omnipotent power of a religious being as the creator of all things belittle the intelligence of the rest of mankind through the sheer disregard for the natural evolution of life. An atheist proclaims their total disbelief in any of the thousands of deities that millions of other people sincerely believe in. Atheism is total freedom from religious affiliations, values and beliefs. In this regard, atheists, like believers in other religions, respect the rights of others. Each person is entitled to his or her own beliefs. There is always a line between being a religious devotee and that of being a fanatic. The important thing to consider is respecting each other’s personal and religious orientations and beliefs. Reference: Barnett, A. (2001). God did it? So what? Retrieved 04 March 2010. < http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/juggler.html> Web Report Chapter 8 Terrorism The evolution of domestic terrorism in the United States could be traced since the Civil War through the Vietnam War until contemporary times. A comprehensive report was written by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, one of the primary institutions in the country which is actively involved in studying terrorist activities. Their report entitled “Terrorism in the United States” was written to review and assess domestic terrorism in the United States within a thirty year period starting 1980s until 1999. The period under study revealed a drastic decrease in the frequency of domestic terrorist attacks as compared to levels recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. “Approximately 641 terrorist incidents occurred in the United States between 1971 and June 1975. Among these attacks were 166 bombings, 120 fire bombings, and 118 shootings.” (Terrorism in the United States, 1999, 29). From 1980 to 1999, of total terrorist attacks of 457, there were 321 bombings, 21 assassinations and 16 arson – with domestic terrorist attacks numbering 322 as opposed to 135 international acts. However, with the decrease in frequency, it should be noted that terrorists have shifted their focus to utilizing Weapons of Mass Destruction which poses more danger to human lives, properties and environmental safety. Further, with the advancement in technology, terrorists utilize the World Wide Web as a means to proliferate their agenda. Terrorist activities are becoming more diverse and complicated with advanced weapons of mass destruction posing severe danger to human lives. The history of domestic terrorism has evolved from a pattern of decreasing frequency due to the preventive mechanism, measures, policies implemented by the United States government. However, the advancement in technology still paves the way for terrorists to utilize other medium to pervade other sectors of the society. The best response is to remain vigilant and to continue the extensive efforts to thwart further violent attacks of terrorist to ensure the preservation of human lives. Reference: Terrorism in the United States. (1999). Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved 04 March 2010. < http://www.fbi.gov/publications/terror/terror99.pdf> Unit 7 Tell the rest of us (1) which code of ethics you have chosen for your paper, (2) one thing you learned while reading it, and (3) your first impression of the code after reading it.  Make sure to answer each of these completely.  Answers less than a "good paragraph (7 - 9 sentences)" will not be given credit. Code of Ethics Chosen I would like to pursue a career in Respiratory Care. This field of endeavor is governed by the Code of Ethics of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). In its Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct, AARC emphasized its organizational structure as dedicated to “improving all aspects of the science of respiratory care.  As evidence of its evolutionary nature, the Association has seen fit to initiate a process which will continuously amplify its ethical statements in order to meet the growing complexity of what the profession of respiratory care is asked to accomplish” (AARC, n.d., par. 4). What I Learned from it There were twelve specifically defined ethical and professional principles that bind activities of respiratory therapists and those practitioners in respiratory care. The code of ethics encompass principles and values of integrity, objectivity, competence, respect and protection of legal and personal rights, confidentiality, nondiscrimination, promotion of wellness and disease prevention, refusal to participate in illegal and unethical acts, following scientific and ethical research procedures and compliance with state and federal laws, among others. There are other areas touching on avoiding conflicts of interests and promotion of stewardship of resources. First Impression of the Code My first impression was that the code of ethics governing respiratory care practitioners could be overwhelming in its expectations and scope of governance. However, I am sure that for the efficient compliance of responsibilities of a professional on respiratory care, one would have to abide by the code for his or her own protection, as well as the safety, security and protection of one’s clientele. Reference: American American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). (n.d.) AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Retrieved 04March 2010. Unit 8 Choose any euthanasia case from the case studies from these below.  Decide what you think the right (or best) ethical action would be for that case.  Explain why you think your solution is the best one.  Choose one or more of the approaches to moral reasoning (theories) that weve studied this semester that would support your decision. Your answer will need to be two "good paragraphs (7 - 9 sentences each paragraph)" to receive credit, and will need sound support from chapters 4 and 5. Case 4. Don, a former world-famous surgeon, is the victim of a stroke. Although his body is relatively healthy, the stroke has left him unable to communicate or even to think rationally. He is somewhat aware of pleasure and pain, but functions on a very low mental level. His life is comfortable, and he is not in pain or under any immediate threat of death, but he is living on what many would call a very "low level." His family feels convinced that Don would not want to continue to live under these circumstances, and they are considering mercy killing. Euthanasia has been specifically defined as “the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. The key word here is "intentional". If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia” (Euthanasia.com 1). The problem has been a source of controversial debate since people from diverse parts of the world hold various beliefs and values that run counter to the objective of euthanasia. Killing, has been viewed, as a criminal act and whatever purpose it deems to be achieved, it is still regarded as contrary to human law. The article written by Collier entitled Euthanasia debate reignited proffered arguments and counterarguments for the controversial subject of assisted suicide. The Quebec College of Physicians had been rallying for euthanasia being included “as part of the appropriate care in certain particular circumstances”. These circumstances include people who are at least 18 years of age, have severe “physical or mental pain without prospect of relief” and have “provided a medical practitioner, while appearing to be lucid, with two written requests more than 10 days apart expressly stating the person’s free and informed consent to opt to die”. Organizations opposed to the idea of euthanasia aver that the contentions were weak and insufficient. In particular the phrase: “appearing to be lucid” is subject to scrutiny and subjective assessment of its veracity. In Don’s case, he is not in pain nor in any immediate threat. Further, living and functioning on a very low level is not reason enough to end his life. Using the Consequential Theory, the family should keep Don alive because there is still even a slim chance to recover, more so because he is a medical professional. The theory is therefore consistent with the base morality on the results and outcomes of behaviors. Actions with good consequences are seen as morally good; actions with bad consequences are considered morally bad. Aside from giving Donald the chance to recover by keeping him alive, the action would also give his family a chance to take care of him and support him now that they are needed. He has obviously done his part in supporting them when he was functioning well – it is just morally right to return the favor. In my personal belief and conviction, euthanasia should not be legalized and supported given the ethical and moral concerns of the issue. It is true that for patients who are extremely in pain and seem to find no recourse for improvement in their health condition would most likely request that their lives be ended. But still, ending ones life is not in their capacity, nor in any of the relatives and even the medical practitioner’s discretion to decide. Other people might consider diverse factors contributing to their personal stance on euthanasia, such as the risk of abuse, pain control, compassion, freedom of choice, among others. I believe that people have defined biological clocks that end on predetermined times. When one’s purpose in life has ultimately been achieved, then, it is his or her time to transcend to the life beyond here and now. References Collier, R. (2009 Oct. 13). “Euthanasia debate reignited.” Canadian Medical Association Journal. 181 (8). Pp. 463-464. Euthanasia.com (n.d.). Definition of Euthanasia. Retrieved 04 March 2010, Read More