Unit 2 Reflection: Synthesis Essay

The duties of a government and its people revolve around the Social Contract Theory.  It is through the Social Contract that responsibility even exists.  Because the people come together to form this compact, they all have roles to play.  Individuals ought to behave morally while governments ought to provide protection and justice.
              The idea of the Social Contract emerges when individuals decide to come together and work as one unit.  By creating this system, the people become dependent on one another.  No longer is every man for himself; rather every man is somewhat bound together by his legs.  Therefore, individuals have the obligation to look out for their collective well-being.   Men are expected to be less selfish and work toward the common good.  When they vote, they must vote for what they believe will be best for the community as a whole, rather than what they believe will be best for themselves.  As Locke stated in the Second Treatise of Civil Government, “Every man, by consenting with others to make one body  politic under one government, puts himself under an obligation, to every one  of that society, to submit to the determination of the majority, and to be  concluded by it” (Locke).  By entering the Social Contract, therefore, individuals must work for the majority as well as accept the vote of the majority.  In other words, they have the duty to look beyond their own self-interests and consider those around them.

A similar position was taken by Rousseau when he stated, “Only when the voice of duty replaces physical impulse and when right replaces the cravings of appetite does the man… realize that he is under compulsion to obey quite different principles, and that he must now consult his reason and not merely respond to the promptings of desire” (Rousseau).  Essentially, an individual’s responsibility in his society is to act morally.  Only then will the exchange of personal freedom for government be worthwhile.  By acting morally, people live more pleasantly and less violently.  They promote common good and aid a healthy government.

The government’s role in society, on the other hand, is simply to uphold its side of the Social Contract.  It should enforce moral laws by protecting its citizens and punishing those who impose injustice.  It should also offer convenience and stability to its people.  Ultimately, its sole purpose is to create a more pleasant and civilized life for people.  In some special cases, however, the government must know when to use a heavy hand.  While it has a responsibility to act in accordance with the people’s will, the people are not always right.  Machiavelli acknowledged this when he wrote that “a prince must know how to use wisely the natures of the beast and the man” (Machiavelli).   If a ruler surrenders himself to the pure democracy of his people, he may find that his society will be victim to human nature; as a result, the people will suffer from the same mistakes repeatedly.  In order to avoid past mistakes, the government has the obligation to temporarily suspend the rights of the people and to use its better judgment to save the people from their dooms.   It is only through the fulfillment of these duties that a civilization can last.  Therefore, when the framework of the system is at stake, government must exercise full power to maintain it.   It has the responsibility to do for the people what they know not better to do for themselves.

According to the Social Contract Theory, the people and their government establish interdependent roles.  The people agree to come together in exchange for stability, protection and convenience.  In return, they have the responsibility to behave with good conduct and vote on behalf of the common good rather than personal advantage.  The government’s job is to enforce the laws of morality that come along with the Social Contract so that the people do not live like animals.

AOW #12: Advertisement

URL: http://creativeadvertisingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/32.jpg

The author of the advertisement is the organization WWF (World Wildlife Fund).

The advertisement displays the Earth on an ice-cream cone as if it were melting to stress the effects of Global Warming.  On the bottom of the advertisement, a caption states that “no one will be spared from climate change.”  Therefore, everyone should help prevent it.

The context includes prior knowledge to environmental change, which may cause sea levels to rise drastically and make Earth inhabitable.  Context also includes debates regarding to whether Global Warming is a legitimate issue or merely a conspiracy. 

An obvious rhetorical element is the analogy of Global Warming being like ice-cream melting on a cone.  It implies that soon, if action is not taken, the Earth will be no more and humanity will cease to exist.  Another rhetorical element used was the pace of the advertisement.  It states climate change as an immediate threat; therefore, people should pay it urgent attention.

The author’s purpose was to urge people to take action.  It was aimed at everyone because Global Warming is a global issue.  It is not exclusive to one country.  I think that it was a creative advertisement.  It was clever, and that may be enough to push people to take action.  However, by itself, it may not make an extremely effective argument; those who have not started taking action already are unlikely to do so simply because of a silly advertisement.

AOW #11: How About Better Parents?

Editorial by Thomas L. Freidman, former chief White House correspondent and winner of 3 Pulitzer Prizes


Freidman writes about the important influence of teachers on students.  However, he does not disregard the fact that parents play a large role in their children's educations as well.  Statistics show that the elementary students whose parents read to them often or weekly earn higher test scores than those students whose parents do not read to them.  This correlation between parental involvement in a child's education and the child's test scores are evident in all types of people, no matter the social background.

The context includes different methods in raising a child.  It also includes education and how to further the learning of children.

Freidman uses statistics to draw the relation between parental involvement and children's school grades. By doing this, there is a sense of legitimacy brought to the argument.  The studies show that this is not just a theoretical hypothesis, but a practical and evident one.

The purpose of the article was to encourage parents to take part in their children's education.  By simply reading to them at an early age, they can significantly improve their academic habits.  Furthermore, they help their children establish self-discipline, which goes a long way.  I think the author was effective in presenting his argument.  Not only did he offer proof, but I have personal experience to back up his data.  My dad read to me often when I was a kid, and both my parents stress heavily on education. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to be responsible and hardworking.

AOW #10: Cain's Paine

Editorial by Sophia Rosenfeld, professor of history at the University of Virginia and author of Common Sense: A Political History

In the article, Sophia writes about Herman Caine, possible GOP party nominee.  Herman Caine has campaigned with the motto of "using common sense," in order to spread his influence.  While this popular theme reflects that of the brilliant Thomas Paine, Caine has had problems living up to his own words.  By misspeaking and the recent sexual harassment allegations against him, he has somewhat been discredited and most likely will not be elected President in 2012.

The context includes the upcoming 2012 Presidential Elections.  The GOP party has yet to find a nominee worthy of running against Barack Obama. 

Some rhetorical elements used in the article were direct quotations from Cain himself, to exemplify some of the radical claims he has made.  Sophia also makes many references to both historical and current day figures, to compare and contrast the many different politicians.

The purpose of this article was to give one's perspective on Republican Herman Cain.  While he has certain good aspects, he fails to be intellectually up to par with candidates such as Obama.  He also seems to have oversimplified and underestimated the position of Presidency.  Acting according to "common sense" is easier said than done.  I think Sophia was generally fair about what she said.  She did not completely bash Herman Cain, and made a point to make clear his good qualities.  However, she gave enough proof and quotes to
show that he is inconsistent. 

AOW #9 (IRB)

The Dalai Lama's philosophy is a mixture of realism, practicality and idealism.  Through Pico Iyer's observations, a more personal outlook into the monk's life is revealed.  The way in which the Dalai Lama characterizes life affects how he approaches it.  While he certainly possesses lots of answers, he also acknowledges that he can not know everything.  He accepts that in omniscience, his understanding of the universe is but fractional.  He continues to teach lessons on meditation, kindness and its natural effectiveness, and resilience in the face of suffering.  Perhaps the greatest lesson of all, however, is his experience itself.  His  entire life seems to be lived with purpose, every moment meaningful and full of wisdom.

Pico Iyer uses many personal stories with the Dalai Lama to credit his observations.  He also quotes from him and references conversations/dialogues that they've had.  He pulls examples from certain events in history to help him prove his points. When his writing isn't completely focused on intellectual content, he takes the time to set the mood.  He describes the Dalai Lama during meditation, during conversation, during serious times.  One aspect of the book that I found interesting and effective was the way in which Pico Iyer divided the book.  In some sense, Pico Iyer's book almost floats around, seemingly without a skeleton; however, as one reads on, he realizes that there is a structure.  He splits Dalai Lama's life into three general sections, with three additional subsections each; such titles included: The Philosopher, The Monk, and The Mystery.  Each chapter is like a piece of the whole picture.  In conclusion, Pico Iyer returns to an occurrence referenced in the beginning of the book.  He reflects a bit on how the Dalai Lama has affected his life, and how he continues to receive more and more of the Dalai Lama's wisdom.  By leaving on such a note, he leaves readers with a strange sense of hope.