Codes of Conduct in the Workplace

Codes of Conduct in the Workplace TOPIC: CODE OF CONDUCT GROUP MEMBERS NAMES: PATRICIA MELANET KONAYE NDUNAT JASE NAUDET CUMANI NAKOT ABONGILE MKEFAT THEOPHILLUS MGWADLEKAT DEVON MARTINT A code of conduct is a set of guidelines clarifying the responsibilities of an individual, a group of people or organization. Other concepts that are similar to code of conduct are religious laws, moral codes and ethical. Code of conduct is also known as ethics, values, standards or rules of behavior that monitor the decisions or measures of an organization. It contributes to the welfare of an organization and it makes sure that it compliments each and every individual of that organization. A code of conduct has to be build or formulated under different departments and legislations (laws) depending on the goal or which circumstance the code conduct has to be drawn under. It has to be approved by all members of the group. It must be signed by the board and be fair to all the group members. It serves as an oath on every state of legislation. Code of conduct must have certain procedures that the members need to follow. It includes principles that are designed to help professionals to conduct business with honesty and integrity. A code of conduct document may have a summary of a mission and values of a business or organization, and how the members should approach unethical incidents in the working environment. The code of conduct assists the individual to perform professionally. It acts as a barrier to make it point that members don’t cross certain points in an organization. It helps individual to contribute effectively to the tasks given. Code of conduct have an advantage in it especial when it comes to conflict. This means having a set of rules that individuals work according fewer conflicts involve. Those who violate or fail to comply with the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary measures that might include dismissal if it is agreed upon. A code is also a tool to encourage discussions of ethics and to improve how employees/members deal with the ethical dilemmas, prejudices and gray areas that are encountered in everyday work. A code is meant to complement relevant standards, policies and rules, not to substitute for them. Codes of conduct offer an invaluable opportunity for responsible organizations to create a positive public identity for themselves which can lead to a more supportive political and regulatory environment and an increased level of public confidence andtrust among important constituencies and stakeholders. (Principles of Stakeholder Management, The Clarkson Centre for Business Ethics, 1999, p. 12.) Codes of conduct have been around for quite some time. The purpose of the code of conduct is to make a point that the rules and standards of a business or organisation are met. They serve as a base to carry common obligations. Even, though people confused them with law rules. They capture vision for excellence for individuals and organizations. Codes are not meant for professional environment only; you can find them at church, political parties, schools, communities, organizations and businesses. There are there to emphasis dedication to employees and individuals to make them responsible not to create trouble or blame one another about certain things in a group or team. Codes of conduct are designed different their can have a negative and positive influence towards the employees or members. A former US Supreme Court Justice, Earl Warren wrote â€Å"law float on a sea of ethics†. In my own understanding this quote means everything that concerns the law is dealt with a according to the rules or ethics. A good social and cultural consideration helps with implementing code of conduct. Code of conduct determines economic growth and development of a certain business or organization. The code of conduct is approved by Island Council that it provides guidance to members on what standards they must or expected to conduct them according. Therefore members are required to comply with the code of conduct. According to the Pitcairn Island code of conduct it’s a priority for members to attend the meetings. If they don’t attend justification of being absent is required. Members must come prepared to the meeting and arrive in time. Nolan principle emphasis that the members must comply according to the following aspects: selflessness, integrity, objectives, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. If conflict arises as a result of clashes in one of the mentioned principles public is more favoured (when experiencing conflict between personal and public integrity, after a decision is made public integrity is more favoured). (Prime Minister John Mayor.20 October 2011.Committee on Standards in Public Life).[Online].Available:www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/com mittee_on_Standards_in_Public .[20 Mach 2014]). Some people don’t agree with the code of conduct so that means it has disadvantages as well. Opponents conserve that codes of conduct are often only pleasant, predictable and worthless words without any obligation. However, if the code of conduct has been established jointly by every person in the business or organization, and it is constantly reviewed due to changes and new experiences it will have a great value. Opponents often see code of conduct simply as a resourceful marketing and public relation tool. Thought, an existed code of conduct demonstrates its value in crisis circumstances rather than in trouble free times. Employees or members will be the ones who will face painfully experience as the result of an unnoticed written code of conduct. Critics doubt that management really expects employees or members to obey to the ethical values of its code of conduct, if it would mean losing business or reducing profits. Upholding high ethical standards is important to stay in a business and maintaining long term profitability. Therefore management and the owners of the business expect employees to always act according to ethical principles. It has been recommended that a code of conduct is not in the interest business or organization. The more the business or organization focuses to a code of conduct the greater the advantage of members or employees to cheat. An industry that believes in ethical behavior doesn’t take time in punishing the person who broke the rule. Occasionally it is felt that a code of conduct is reassuring unrealistic expectations, that it is self-righteous talk and spiritual beliefs about what is possible in a hard, realistic business world. One main crisis with a code of conduct is that it needs to take subjective standards and make them objective. Indeed this is their main point to take subjective standards and make them a common sequence of standards. A disadvantage of a code of conduct it needs to be forced (consequences) in order for people to obey it. Code of conduct is vague, what it says is not what it means because top managers interpret it according to managers needs. A code of conduct is a company’s professional belief of ethics morals, values and appropriate behavior for its operation, imposed by the leaders. In order for a code of conduct to work in an organization or business it must be flexible to employees. Managers must allow employees to participate in formulating a code of conduct. Code of conduct it doesn’t consist of positive ethical rules and it doesn’t give employees freedom of choice. I think it’s a good idea to revisit the code of conduct now and then to see if it’s still on point with what’s going on in the business or organization. Bibliography http://www.djargoproject.com/conduct/2013 -04-08 [17 March 2014] Ethics codes codes of conduct as tools for Promoting an Ethical Profession Public Service: Comparative Success Lesson. 2005. Prem, World Bank, Washington DC.1 – 76. Driscoll, Dawn-Marie and W. Michael Hoffman, Ethics Matters: How to Implement Values-Driven Management, 2000, p. 77. Principles of Stakeholder Management, The Clarkson Centre for Business Ethics, 1999, p. 12. http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/employee-development-employee-ethics/913929-1.html Louise Balle [20 March 2014] https://www22.verizon.com/about/careers/pdfs/CodeOfConduct.pdf [19 March 2014] http://www.allbusiness.com/professional-scientific/accounting-tax-preparation/4500132-1.html [18 March 2014] Www.pwc.co.za. (2008) Code of conduct the way we do business. [Online] Available from http: //www.pwc.co.za/en_ZA/za/assets/pdf/pwc-code-of-conduct-june-08.pdf. [Accessed: 18 March 2014]. Island Council. 9 November 2011. Code of Conduct. 1 – 6. Article On Moodle: CRITICISMS OF A CODE OF CONDUCT/ETHICS (UNKNOWN) CODE OF CONDUCT In our group we understand a code of conduct as a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group. Code of conduct is rules and regulations that guide the group to a common goal and delegating the responsibilities to individuals for proper and effective running of the task given. It’s an agreement on rules of behavior by the group. In our group we expect all the group members to obey, follow and comply to the code of conduct, if not there will be consequences faced. Statement of Core Values Build trust and Credibility – the success of the group depends on the trust that we earn from each other as a group members. Commitment is important when working in groups, showing integrity, honesty and trustworthy. Respect for the individual – respect is very important when working with people. Every individual in a group deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. If we treat each other with respect there will be fewer conflicts. Intercultural Communication – everyone should be treated equally, so that they can feel comfortable to express their feelings and views. Understanding other people’s culture makes communication easy between one another. Conflicts of Interest – when conflict arise the group leader mustn’t take sides because the conflict involves his/her friend. The conflict must be resolved in a fair manner to both parties. Participation – all group members are required to participate in a group task and take responsibility by doing their work in time. Sub-Groups – during group discussion there must be no sub-groups within the groups. This can cause conflict and it’s so disrespectful to do that. Communication – professional way of communicating is very important it gives others a chance to voices their thoughts. When talking all at the same time nothing will be resolved or conflict will arise. Time Management – everyone is expected to arrive in time during meetings. Members should inform the group in advance if they are going to be absent with a valid reason. Plagiarism – copying of other peoples work is not encourage as we all know that plagiarism is a big offence to commit. Every research you do must be reference so that you can be safe. Team Work – working together save time. Makes the tasks very easy and you have an advantage of finishing n time. Cell phones – playing with a cell phone while we are in a meeting is not allowed. This means that you don’t want to be part of the meeting. When receiving a call you can go out quietly and answer your call. Language – since we diverse cultural group, English is an appropriate language to use so we can understanding each other Aggressive behavior – vulgar language, aggressive attitude and violence are not allowed. We need to be respectful to others and talk to each other in a respectful way. Confidentiality – no confidential information may be disclosed without permission of a group. CONSEQUENCES WHEN CODE OF CONDUCT IS BREACHED: Penalties of breaching a code of conduct depend on many factors such as: Who breached the code of conduct? How and when did they breached the code of conduct What were the effects of the breach? Whether the behavior has taken place repeatedly or is a once off thing? Penalties would be as follows: Request the person to change their behavior Issue an informal or formal warning (written or verbal) If the behavior continues in several occasions ask the person to leave the group immediately Last action is to ban the person from coming to the group

DNA Profiling and Ethics

DNA Profiling and Ethics Reflection Journal Vanshika Khemka 14th October 2012 â€Å"33 autorad off† On 10th September 1984, geneticist Alec Jeffrey’s wrote these three words in his red desk diary. This marked the completion of an experiment, which studied how inherited illnesses pass through families. The experiment failed entirely. (McKie, 2009) However, this led to the most profound discovery: the world’s first DNA fingerprint. Now, the smallest swab of blood or sweat can determine the identity of an individual.We will discuss this process of DNA profiling in this journal. After going into the in-depth analysis of DNA profiling, we will discuss its uses and the ethical and legal issues that swarm the subject. |What is DNA Profiling? | Formally, DNA profiling is the analysis of short, highly specific, tandem-repeated- or hypervariable- genomic sequences, minisatellites known as variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs), to detect the degree of relatedness to ano ther sequence of oligonucleotides. Segan, 1992) It is a technique employed by  forensic scientists  to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective  DNA  profiles, which are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person's DNA makeup and can also be used as the person's identifier. |The Process | Deoxyribonucleic Acid (â€Å"DNA†) is a six-foot long molecule found in the nucleus of every cell in the body. With the exception of identical twins, each individual’s DNA is unique.Thus the first step in the profiling process is to obtain a sample of the individual’s DNA, which is usually done using a buccal swab (i. e. from the cheek). We could also use a sample of blood, semen or hair. This sample is then analyzed using different techniques; discussed below. |Techniques of DNA Profiling | |Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) |It is a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences. It refers to a difference bet ween samples of homologous DNA molecules that come from differing locations of restriction enzyme sites, and to a related laboratory technique by which these segments can be illustrated. In this process, the DNA is first chemically extracted from the sample. It is then fragmented using restriction enzymes. These enzymes act like scissors and cut the DNA where a specific sequence occurs.By gel electrophoresis, the DNA fragments are placed in a gel through which an electric current is passed. Owing to the negative charge of the DNA, the fragments migrate toward the positively charged pole of the gel. The DNA is then denatured and Southern blotting transfers the DNA fragments to a nylon membrane. A buffer solution is pulled through the gel and membrane and absorbed in paper towels. Hybridization, brought about by radioactive probe, shows only those fragments of interest from the polymorphic area of the DNA.Autoradiography is carried out next where the blot is placed in contact with a p iece of x-ray film, where the radioactivity probe exposes the film and bands appear on the film where the probe has bound to the DNA. The results are then interpreted and in the case of a criminal investigation or civil case, it is matched against the suspect’s DNA profile, thus completing the process. (Hoeffel, 1990) This method is however very long-winded, cumbersome and the combination of all the above-mentioned steps could take about a month to complete.A large sample is required which makes it tougher. Hence other methods are adopted in recent times. |Polymerase Chain Reaction | With the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, DNA profiling took huge strides forward in both discriminating power and the ability to recover information from very small (or degraded) starting samples. PCR greatly amplifies the amounts of a specific region of DNA.This process increases the number of copies of the allele, making enough DNA to allow the test to be performed on what may have originally been a DNA sample of insufficient molecular weight. Due to this technique the test can be conducted using a single hair strand. (Hoeffel, 1990) This process consists of a series of 20-40 repeated temperature changes, called cycles, with each cycle commonly consisting of 2-3 discrete temperature steps. The cycling is often preceded by a single temperature step (called  hold) at a high temperature (>90 °C), and followed by one hold at the end for final product extension or brief storage.The temperatures used and the length of time they are applied in each cycle depend on a variety of parameters. These include the enzyme used for DNA synthesis, the concentration of divalent ions and dNTPs in the reaction, and the melting temperature (Tm) of the primers. The rest of the process is similar to the RFLP method. The major breakthrough is the fact that now the smallest trace of evidence can be used for DNA profiling as opposed to the large samples needed in th e RFLP method. |Short Tandem Repeat Analysis |Also known as Microsatellites, short tandem repeats is used as an extension of the PCR Method. This method uses highly polymorphic regions that have short repeated sequences of DNA (the most common is 4 bases repeated, but there are other lengths in use, including 3 and 5 bases). (Hoeffel, 1990) Because unrelated people almost certainly have different numbers of repeat units, STRs can be used to discriminate between unrelated individuals. These STR  loci  (locations on a chromosome) are targeted with sequence-specific primers and amplified using  PCR.The DNA fragments that result are then separated and detected using  electrophoresis. |Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism | This is another technique that is much faster than RFLP and uses PCR. It not only has higher reproducibility, resolution, and sensitivity at the whole genome level compared to other techniques, but it also has the capability to amplify between 50 and 100 fra gments at one time. In addition, no prior sequence information is needed for amplification (Meudt & Clarke 2007).As a result, AFLP has become extremely beneficial in the study of bacteria, fungi, and plants, where much is still unknown about the genomic makeup of various organisms. |Applications of DNA Profiling | DNA profiling is extensively used for paternity testing and forensic analysis for criminal investigations. Parental testing is the use of genetic fingerprinting to determine whether two individuals have a biological parent–child relationship.Comparing the DNA sequence of an individual to that of another individual can show whether one of them was derived from the other. Specific sequences are usually looked at to see whether they were copied verbatim from one of the individual's genome to the other. (Berry, 1991) As for forensic analysis, laboratories compare the molecular weights of fragments of DNA from the suspect sample and crime sample and decide whether the t wo fragments could have come from the same individual. There are major benefits from this technology: the potential to make speedy and robust suspected offender identi? ations through automated profile comparisons in centralized criminal justice databases; the ability to con? dently eliminate innocent suspects from investigations; the increased likelihood of generating reliable and persuasive evidence for use in court; a reduction in the cost of many investigations; the likely deterrent effect of DNA databasing on potential criminal offenders; and a possible increase in public con? dence in policing and in the wider judicial process. (Berry, 1991) We will explore the ramifications of this extensive use in the next section. Is it ethical? | Now that we know the widespread use of DNA profiling, we see the power that it has and the influence it can have when it comes to people’s lives and the verdict issued in criminal cases. But is this power justified on an ethical front? Is i t ethical to give so much power into the hands of the people responsible for carrying out these tests? Indeed, the development and application of DNA pro? ling has been widely described as the â€Å"greatest breakthrough in forensic science since ? ngerprinting. † However, the spread of forensic DNA pro? ing and databasing has also prompted a wide range of concerns about problems that may arise from the storage of tissue samples (especially those taken from individuals without consent) and the proliferating uses of genetic information by the police. (Williams & Johnson, 2006) One could say that DNA profiling violates basic ethical values. Based on the values of liberty, our rights are technically reduced by police powers, which have the right to take and retain fingerprints and DNA profiles and samples without consent. The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007) â€Å"So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means†; these words of wisdom imparted by Kant, also suggest that DNA profiling and the freedom to use that as evidence without explicit permission of the individual concerned would be using them as a means to an end and not an end in themselves. Therefore it can be argued that using DNA profiling takes away autonomy. The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007) Spatial privacy is â€Å"a state of non-access to the individual’s physical or psychological self†. This is invaded by the nonconsensual taking of biological samples and fingerprints, and, to a lesser extent, by unwanted surveillance of the individual. And as can be inferred by the very nature of DNA profiling, informational privacy and anonymity is infringed upon by using samples obtained from databases and tests. (The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues, 2007)Additional issues arise if identifiable samples or profiles on a forensic d atabase are used for research outside the narrow context of identification and police investigations. Using DNA profiling for paternity testing and for determining one’s lineage can be very harmful as it violates the privacy of the people concerned. It could cause potential moral and mental harm to the parents and the children concerned as entire families can be uprooted as a result of this. Past criminal cases which used paternity testing also prove that relatives and families can be affected mentally as well as physically.People in witness protection programs as well as people on the police databases can be negatively affected if a previously unknown family link is reestablished without their knowledge and consent. (Haimes, 2006) The list of legal and ethical concerns is endless. The question the arises that which side wins? Benefits of DNA profiling, or the issues concerning DNA profiling? |Which side is stronger? | Having seen the costs and benefits of DNA profiling and i ts usage, the benefits are debatable on moral and ethical grounds.However, in my personal opinion, it does not have to be black and white; good or bad. There can be a grey area, a middle ground, where DNA profiling is neither entirely correct nor entirely wrong. There have been cases where DNA evidence has saved many innocent lives and incriminated people who had been causing immense harm to others. Thus, we should pass legislations, which aim at curbing violations and encouraging true and just practices. In the cases where the DNA of individuals is being used as evidence or if parental testing is being done, their should be informed consent by the individuals.They should be aware of the sensitive nature of the information and should be expressly asked for consent to have the data published or used as evidence. The National DNA Database set up in the UK is an example of the dangers and benefits DNA profiling can hold. Personally, a national DNA database in all countries would be a v ery risky venture as a lot of personal information would be at stake and inter country rivalries could result. We have established the power of DNA profiling and the power that people who have access to this information have. So I would like to end with a quote.One’s interpretation of this quote can determine where they stand on the matter. â€Å"It is time for you to gather some idea of what power means. The first thing you must realize is that power is collective. The individual has power in so far as he ceases to be an individual†¦ The second thing for you to realize is that power is power over human beings. Over the body- but, above all, over the mind. Power over matter- external reality, as you would call it- is not important. Already our control over matter is absolute. † – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four Bibliography | Berry, D. A. (1991). Inferences Using DNA Profiling in Forensic Identification and Paternity Cases. Statistical Science , 6 (2), pp. 175-205. Haimes, E. (2006, June 1). Social and Ethical Issues in the Use of Familial Searching in Forensic Investigations: Insight from Family and Kinship Studies. Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics , 263-276. Hoeffel, J. C. (1990, January). The Dar Side of DNA Profiling: Unreliable Scientific Evidence Meets the Criminal Defendant. Stanford Law Review , 42 (2), pp. 465-538.McKie, R. (2009, May 24). Eureka moment that led to the discovery of DNA fingerprinting. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Guardian: http://www. guardian. co. uk/science/2009/may/24/dna-fingerprinting-alec-jeffreys Segan, C. J. (1992, February 15). DNA Profiling. The Dictionary of Modern Medicine . The Forensic Use of Bioinformation: Ethical Issues. (2007, September). NuField Council on Bioethics . Williams, R. , & Johnson, P. (2006, June 1). Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Intrusiveness: Issues in the Developing Uses of DNA Pro? ling in Support of Criminal Investigations. Journal of Law, Medicine and Et hics , 234-247. Wikipedia

Changes in Prisons

Changes in Prisons BY Logrolling Changes in Prison The American Correction system has been in existence for over 130 years. It has been since the meeting of American Prison Congress on 1870 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Allen, Latest & Ponder, 2013, p 30-31) The reformation was totally encompassing the inmate's life in prison. The minds that met in 1870 were ahead of their times. With having put accountability and standards in the prison system created an improvement for the prisoner and the term he/she served. The beginnings were in Philadelphia at the Old Stone Jails on Third and Market Streets.Its purpose was to hold debtors, and others awaiting trial. It has come a long way from the origins of the first Jails of the American Revolutionary however faltering in different fashions. The Jails were inadequate facilities. Inmates were lumped together male and female. A new Jail was erected in Walnut Street. This new Jail became the first state prison in Pennsylvania. The state prison had creat ed separate cells for the various inmates. It also instilled different punishment in accordance with the crime.Walnut Street prison had implemented new workshops to educated prisoners with useful employment. Nonstop, Ph. D. , 2012) Walnut Street prison set up was the ideal make up for the moment. The state prison was the foundation for many more prisons to be built in the same fashion. Because of the rapidly growing population, a new Jail was begun in 1773 on Walnut Street, behind the State House (later, Independence Hall). The new prison had the traditional layout of large rooms for the inmates. Initially, conditions were little better than they had been at the old Jail.Prisoners awaiting trial might barter their clothes for liquor or be forcibly stripped upon entering by other inmates seeking funds for the bar. The result was great suffering when the weather turned cold. One estimate stated that 20 gallons of spirits were brought into the prison daily by the Jailer for sale to the inmates. It was also considered a common practice for certain women to arrange to get arrested to gain access to the male prisoners. After the peace of 1783, a group of prominent citizens led by Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Rush and others organized a movement to reform the harsh penal code of 1718.The new law substituted public labor for the previous severe punishments. Members of the Society were shocked by what they learned about the new Walnut Street prison. The next year they presented to the state legislature an explanation of their investigations of the conditions. They recommended solitary confinement at hard labor as a remedy and reformative strategy. An act of 1790 brought about sweeping reforms in the prison and authorized a penitentiary house with 16 cells to be built in the yard of the Jail to carry out solitary confinement with labor for â€Å"hardened atrocious offenders. Walnut Street Jail, by the same legislation, became the first state prison in Pennsylvania. Foll owing 1790, the Walnut Street Jail became a showplace, with separation of different sorts of prisoners and workshops providing useful trade instruction. The old abuses and idleness seemed eliminated, but with Walnut Street now a state prison and the population of Philadelphia increasing rapidly, it, like its previous Jail, became unbearably crowded. The large rooms, 18 feet square, which still housed most of the prisoners, by 1795, had between 30 and 40 occupants each.The Prison Society continued to urge the creation of large penitentiaries for the more efficient handling of prisoners. The reformers also remained convinced that in spite of the small-scale isolation cellulose at Walnut Street, that site would never prove the value of the system of separate incarceration which came to be called the Pennsylvania System. Only an entire larger structure, built specifically to separate inmates from one another, would be needed. Legislation was finally passed on March 20, 1821, and eleven commissioners were appointed by the governor.Among them was Samuel Wood, later to be the first warden of the prison. All but three of the building commissioners were either members of the Pennsylvania Prison Society or had revered on the board of inspectors of the Walnut Street Jail. Members of the Prison Society felt that the solution to the disorder and corruption in most prisons and even at the Walnut Street Jail lay in complete separation of each inmate for his or her entire sentence, a system which had been tried occasionally in England but was always abandoned because of costs and inadequate prison structures.The small â€Å"penitentiary house† of 16 cells at Walnut Street Jail had ended up being used mostly for hard core prisoners and as punishment for infractions of prison rules. What was deed was a solely new kind of prison on a large scale. In 1822, work began on what was to become Eastern State Penitentiary, although at the time it was called Cherry Hill because it moved a cherry orchard. Despite not being finished, the prison opened in 1829.Completed in 1836, it turned out to be one of the largest structures in the country at the time and was higher than preliminary cost estimates. Each prisoner was to be provided with a cell from which they would rarely leave and each cell had to be large enough to be a workplace and have attached a small individual exercise yard. Cutting edge technology of the asses and asses was used to install conveniences unmatched in other public buildings: central heating (before the U. S.Capitol); a flush toilet in each cell (long before the White House was provided with such conveniences); shower baths (apparently the first in the country). The system of 24-hour separation of each prisoner coupled with in-cell feeding, work and sometimes vocational instruction, came to be known as the Pennsylvania System or Separate System, and remained the official position of the Pennsylvania Prison Society throughout the 19th cen tury, although the system and its unusual architecture -? a central hub and baking celluloses -? were seldom imitated in other states.

Essay about 17th Century Culture - 2079 Words

Many important pieces of literature were produced during the 17th century. One of the most prominent literary voices in history was William Shakespeare. He wrote and produced plays many famous tragedies during the early 1600’s such as Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear which many believe it was one of his best. Miguel de Cervantes became a legendary author when he penned the novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha. This lengthy and popular story â€Å"is considered a valuable work not only to literature buffs, but also to those interested in understanding what life was like in Spain during the reign of Kings Phillip II and III† (Taylor 101). On the other side of the world in Japan, â€Å"Kabuki emerged as a genre of†¦show more content†¦There is little to argue about when suggesting that the Baroque period of art and architecture during the 1600’s â€Å"was characterized by a positive, vigorous, and passionate styleâ⠂¬  (Gerdes 253), enveloped in lavish splendor, glorifying the imagery of highborn aristocrats, religion, and homoeroticism. The theatrical, grandiose, and ornate style was heavily influenced by Christianity, life, love, symbolism, allegory, and morbidity. The artist Michelangel Merisi da Caravaggio a leading artist during this period used a â€Å"combination of religious scenes in everyday locales filled with rough looking common people† (Kleiner 549) along with the intensity of the dramatic Baroque passion for richness in color and texture. One of Caravaggio’s most famous pieces of art was the Entombment of Christ, and David with the Head of Goliath, for which â€Å"he painted his own head as the victim, with blood drips from his freshly severed neck, sparing nobody the gory facts of decapitation† (Harris 49). The disturbed genius was also interested in the fresco painting of the Renaissance and this is perhaps what enticed Caravaggio to paint the Creation o f Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The history of the Baroque period cannot be discussed further without mentioning the Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, whose â€Å"Baroque paintings rose to universal significance and appeal† (Gerdes 264). His style created gorgeous movement and fluidity characterized byShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Othello At The Globe Theater Essay1404 Words   |  6 PagesIn this drama study, an analysis of the racial xenophobia and anxiety of Anglo-Saxon culture in the 17th century performance of Othello at the Globe Theater. Othello, published in 1604, was performed at the Globe Theater in England, which provides a racially xenophobic cultural setting based on English class values as a basis for the play. Early 17th century England was an isolated island that interpreted privilege and class status on white racial perceptions that often demonized or subjugated peopleRead MoreAnalysis Of English Renaissance : Three Important Things922 Words   |  4 Pageshats with the feathers in them. Although, I do believe these were all very common things during this time period, it wasn’t the meaning behind the renaissance. The Renaissance actually means the â€Å"rebirth† and is dated from the late 15th Century to the early 17th Century. The country went through a plague where half of the population passed away from a disease that resulted in skin turning black. This was going on right before the renaissance had started, so it took away so much from the country. It wasn’tRead MoreBaroque Art Depicted the Religious Tensions During that Period801 Words   |  3 PagesBaroque art. In particular, the essay focuses on the works of Vermeer and Rembrandt, seeking to determine how their art relates to the philosophical views of Descartes. Rembrandt Rembrandt was one of the most influential Baroque artists of the 17th century, with popular works such as the Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, the Night Watch, and Angel Leaving Tobit and Tobias (Open University of Kaohsiung). His success was based on the fact that his work did not go out of fashion. The spiritual life of HollandRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of The Scientific Revolution804 Words   |  4 Pagesaccepting knowledge based on revealed truths, those who adopted the principles of the scientific revolution believed that truth and fact lay through first hand observation and experimentation. This skepticism formed part of the method that seventeenth-century scientist adopted to solve philosophical problems. For example, the philosopher Rene Descartes famously took these skeptical views to the theoretical limit, questioning even his own existence until he realized that the very act of doubting provedRead MoreBriefly Explain What Is Meant by the â€Å"Scientific Revolution† Tha t Took Place in Seventeenth Century Europe, and How It Marked a Departure from Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.1603 Words   |  7 PagesHIS-101 WESTERN CIVILIZATION I Briefly explain what is meant by the â€Å"scientific revolution† that took place in seventeenth century Europe, and how it marked a departure from ancient and medieval philosophy. The term  Scientific Revolution  refers to a period in the  17th century  when the intellects of Europe had a revolution. This was an illustrious time for science and the initiation of modern science. During that period famous people such as Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and  Isaac Newton  allRead MoreHow A Family Has On A Society From Multiple Angles1427 Words   |  6 Pagesinto the next one. While looking at families across the centuries of time, one reoccurring theme seemed to appear. It was the idea of a household being run by a man. Everything in the house, from his wife to the furniture and food, belonged to him. Even in recent ages, we can see this idea of the man being the bread winner and the women being at home taking care of the kids and house. Although this might not be the case in all cultures, most societies believed in the idea of a â€Å"paterfamilias,†Read MoreReligion And Religion1112 Words   |  5 PagesReligion was involved with many things in a person’s life. It affects things like social status, relationships, the economy, culture, and politics. The complex ideas of religion and politics have shaped societies. The Puritans have set their goal to make their society and way of living connected to God in every way, shape, and form. In the seventeenth century this standard to keep God by your side has deeply affected politics and lawmakin g, and has even caused some people to be continuously persecutedRead MoreHow Croquet Became A Social Pastime During The 19th Century1344 Words   |  6 Pagesrevisions made to the standard set of rules and regula1ions in order to keep a game popularized and alluring. John Jaques surely took the role in reproducing the game and made edits in 1857, 1860, and 1864. Croquet became a social pastime during the 17th century, as it was one of few games that could be played by both sexes. Astonishingly, this only birthed more excitement for the game, as those who played were of hierarchal status, in which case meant plenty of bonding amongst the nobles. In 1865, underRead MoreThe Crucible And The Scarlet Letter1130 Words   |  5 Pagesallow you to belong in most groups. Unspoken rules are what make a group who they are. The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter both have perfect examples for the relationship between unspoken rules and belonging. Also, these works take place in the 17th century around the same area. This creates almost the same setting for both stories where the unspoken rules will be almost identical. The knowledge and ability to follow the unspoken rules will lead to your belonging. Webster’s Dictionary defines unspokenRead More Changes in the Social and Political Fabric in 16th and 17th Century Europe1112 Words   |  5 PagesThe sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were periods of questioning and searching for truth. The practice of challenging traditional institutions, including the Church, was revolutionary. Individuals began to use reason to guide their actions and opinions and realized the oppressive nature of the Catholic monarchy. Individuals strove to act in their own best interest and in the name of what was true to them. The consensus was that society would be better off with an economy that shifted away from