The Development of the Atomic Theory free essay sample

The Development of the Atomic Theory Have you ever wondered how the atomic theory came to be? Or have you have wondered who it was that helped in its development? There was not just one man who came up with the atomic theory, but there were many scientists that contributed to its development. One of these scientists was Democritus, a Greek philosopher. Democritus was the son of Hegesistratus, and he was a student of Magians and Chaldaeans. By some authorities he was thought of as the greatest of the Greek physical philosophers. He was born in Abdera in Thrace sometime between 470 and 460 BC. Democritus studied under the Greek philosopher Leucippus, whose system he later on developed further. Democritus visualized atoms; atom is a Greek word for indivisible, which means as moving through space, then colliding to form the universe and the natural objects in it. Democritus was said to have excelled in all the branches of knowledge. We will write a custom essay sample on The Development of the Atomic Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"His name was associated with the first exposition of the atomic theory of matter, according to which all matter is composed of single, indivisible atoms exactly alike qualitatively.† (Greek: pg 1) His theory was different from the theory of early philosophers, who believed that matter was composed of particles that differed qualitatively from each other, and that disagreed only concerning their differences. Democritus believed that the first principles of the universe were atoms and empty space, and that everything else was only thought to exist. He also believed that the space which the atoms moved in and their motion within that space was without end. Democritus’ theory also included that atoms were unlimited in size and number, and that they generate all composite things. He wrote extensively on the nature of matter, but only fragments of his original work still remain today. Democritus also contributed to ethics, theology, and psychology. The second scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was John Dalton, who was an English chemist. The idea of the atom was first suggested by Democritus, but his assumption was said to not be useful in explaining chemical phenomena, because he did not have experimental evidence to support those assumptions. It was the late 1700’s when early chemists began to explain chemical behavior in terms of the atom. â€Å"Joseph Priestly,  Antoine Lavoiser, and others were the ones that set the stage for the foundation of chemistry.†(Early pg.1) They did this by demonstrating that substances can combine to form new materials. It was John Dalton, though, who put the pieces together and helped in the development of the atomic theory in 1803. In Dalton’s theory he had five basic assumptions the first one stated that all matter consisted of tiny particles called atoms. Dalton along with others anticipated the atoms that composed all matter as tiny, solid spheres in different stages of motion. The second assumption was that atoms are indestructible and unchangeable. Atoms of an element cannot be created, destroyed, divided into smaller pieces, or transformed into atoms of another element. Dalton based this hypothesis on the law of conservation of mass which was stated by Antoine Lavoisier and others around 1785. The third assumption was that elements are characterized by the weight of their atoms. Dalton suggested that all atoms of the same element have equal weights. Therefore, every single atom of an element, such as oxygen, is alike to every other atom. On the other hand atoms of different elements, like oxygen and mercury, differ from each other. The fourth assumption was that in chemical reactions, atoms combine in small, whole-number ratios. The experiments that Dalton and others performed indicated that chemical reactions happen according to atom to atom ratios which were accurate and well-defined. The fifth assumption was that when elements react, it is possible that their atoms may join in more than one whole-number ratio. Dalton used this hypothesis to describe the reason it was that the ratios of two elements in various compounds, such as oxygen and nitrogen in nitrogen oxides, differed by multiples of each other. John Dalton’s theory was accepted because of its explanation of the law of conservation of mass, definite proportions, multiple proportions, and other observations. The third scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was Robert Millikan, who was a Nobel Prize winning physicist and one of the best known scientists in America. He was born in Morrison, Illinois. His father and mother were Silas Franklin and Mary Jane Millikan. Robert Millikan went to college at Oberlin in 1887 where he then began to have an interest in problem solving and experimentation. In 1893, after receiving his master’s degree, he was given a fellowship by Columbia University. Later, Millikan became a teacher and wrote several  physics textbooks. Robert Millikan realized that he was going to have to do important research if he wanted to make a name for himself, so he began to search for a research project that could produce fundamental results. Scientists in the past had estimated that the electron was a subdivision of the atom with a unit charge of constant value. Then in 1907 Robert Millikan began to explore ways to measure that charge. He then refined the method that was developed by the Scottish physicist C. T. R. Wilson, and Millikan developed the â€Å"oil drop experiment.† Then over the next few years he refined it, and then finally in 1913, Millikan published the value of the electronic charge. â€Å"He showed that the mass of an electron was truly 1/2000 of the simplest type of hydrogen atom. His experiment also showed that the charge to mass ratio was very high. This meant that although the mass of an electron is much smaller than that of a hydrogen atom it has about the same size charge as a negative ion of hydrogen.†(Robert 1909 pg 1) The fourth scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was James Chadwick, who discovered the neutron in 1932. He was born in 1891 in Manchester, England, and he graduated from Manchester University in 1911. He then stayed to work with Ernest Rutherford. Chadwick created an experiment that would help to answer the question of an unknown nucleus mass source. He smashed alpha particles into beryllium, a rare metallic element. He then allowed the radiation that was released from it to hit another target which was paraffin wax. After the beryllium radiation hit the hydrogen atoms in the wax, the atoms were sent into a detecting chamber. In physics it was recognized to be the only particle to have approximately the same mass as a hydrogen atom. The results of the experiment showed that an impact with beryllium atoms would release enormous neutral particles, which Chadwick called neutrons. This provided the answer for the hidden mass in atoms. His discovery helped to develop experimental work for all scientists. Because neutrons do not have any electrical charge, neutrons fired from a source have the capability to go through deep layers of materials and go to the nuclei of the target atoms. After Chadwick’s work, scientists all over began to attack all types of materials with neutrons. The fifth scientist who helped develop the atomic theory was J.J Thomson, who discovered the electron in 1897. He put his work towards a new theory that stated the atom was made up of small particles. Thomson discovered the  electrons, and he proved his theory with the use of the cathode ray tube. Scientists did many experiments, trying to find the structure of the atom. They passed an electric current through a vacuum tube, and saw light glowing inside the tube. It traveled in a straight line and they were not able to explain it. J.J. Thomson began doing more experiments on the cathode tube. He put two electric plates in its path, one of which was positively charged and another which was negatively charged. The glowing light bent towards the positively charged plate, and he found that the glowing light was smaller particles that were even smaller than the atom. In conclusion to this experiment, J.J. Thomson found the particle called the electron, and so his atomic theory was found. He stated that electrons came out of the trace gas that was inside of the cathode tube. Then because of what he stated, a new theory which said that atoms were made of tiny particles came to the attention of people. Thomson discovered the electrons, and it was then proved that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and he also proved that the atom was divisible. Because the atom was neutral, he suggested that the negatively charged electron was equal to the positively charged proton, and that neutrons did not have charges. He also suggested considering the atom as a sphere, with positively charged particles. These positively charged particles were surrounded by the negatively charged electrons which were placed there because of electrostatic forces. Mattheis 6 The sixth scientist that helped in the development of the atomic theory was Ernest Rutherford who was born in New Zealand. Rutherford worked with and studied under James Chadwick in England. He performed many experiments with radioactive alpha particles. At the time it was unclear what that alpha particle was, they just knew that it was very tiny. Rutherford fired tiny alpha particles at solid objects such as gold foil. He found that most of the alpha particles would pass through the gold foil, but there was a small amount that passed through at an angle and bounced straight back. These experiments that he did suggested that gold foil, and mater had holes in it, and that these holes allowed most of the alpha particles to pass directly through. There was still a small amount though that bounced straight back because they hit a solid object. In 1911 Rutherford  anticipated a ground-breaking view of the atom. He suggested that the atom was made up of a small, and dense core of positiv ely charged particles in the center or nucleus of the atom, and that they were enclosed in a swirling ring of electrons. The alpha particles bounced off because the nucleus was so dense. The electrons were very small, and they spread out to great distances so then the alpha particles were able to pass through the area of the atom. Rutherford’s atom represented a tiny solar system with the positively charged nucleus always at the center and the electrons that revolved around the nucleus. In the development of the atomic theory there were many scientists that contributed to it by experiments, research, and hard work. Because of what all these scientists researched and learned we have all this information on the atomic theory today. If it had not of been for their research and dedication, we would not know the things we know about the atomic theory.

Polloclk essays

Polloclk essays To properly judge any body of work, the first relevant question to ask is; did the creator achieve the objective or vision that he originally sought after? As director and star of Pollock, Ed Harris had the challenge of bringing this extraordinary character to life as well as telling his story. As you might have guessed, being a brilliant actor and a first time director, hell have to settle for one out of two. In the beginning, stumbling up a stairwell in the middle of the night, it is quickly established that abstract art legend Jackson Pollock suffered from a drinking problem. Soon after, Pollock met a painter in Greenwich Village, Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden), who showed passionate interest in his artistic style and work. As the two became romantically involved, Krasner also began to take on the role as his manager. Krasner proved her devotion to Pollock by staying by his side no matter what the circumstance; even though time after time he was repeatedly in and out of being a crazy demented alcoholic. After marrying, the two isolate themselves by moving away from the city to Long Island, where Pollock seemingly contemplates his life as an artist. With growth and change comes a whole new artistic style; one that had never been seen or painted by anyone before. Ultimately, as Pollock reached the height of his success, he unfortunately turns to the bottle again and is met with an untimely death. Pollock is a hugely challenging subject for a first-time director, and Harris is most successful when it comes to his acting performance. However, Harris fails to produce a film worthy of awards. There is no doubt that it takes a tremendous amount of talent to accurately portray the disturbed artistic mastermind, which Harris brilliantly accomplishes. At times he is neurotic and of-the-wall, other times he isintense and powerful; Harris is frighteningly convincing as Pollock. I truly bel...

Hitler and the collapse of Germany Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hitler and the collapse of Germany - Essay Example The first four years of its existence, 1919-23 were surrounded by instability and chaos due to a number of reasons. The signing of the treaty of Versailles in June 1919 led to the state being ‘robbed’ of its assets by its Western Counterparts. The German people viewed it as not only the handing over of their land and industrial resources but of their pride and honor as well. This is why many people never came to fully accept the Weimar Republic. From the very beginning, the Weimar Republic faced a number of problems which included tough political opposition, from the left and the right of Weimar itself, economic instability, hostility from the western Allies, and ever increasing inflation. The Republic was under constant threat from political opponents, left, right and center, like the communist leaders Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Liebknecht. There were uprisings in various parts of Germany, attempts to take over Berlin and about 376 political murders. These rebellious attacks continued until November 1923, when they came to a halt with the failed â€Å"beer hall putsch† attempt by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Another reason why the Weimar Republic failed was that it was a democratic system and Weimar Germany had been given a purely democratic constitution. But Germany had never been a democratic state and the entire concept was new for it. Also, the general population itself had little trust in the government and the people were disappointed and shattered after Germany’s fall in the World War One. But one of the most serious problems that Germany had to face during those times was the brutal economic conditions. The cost of war was heavy on the state and it had to give up 6.600 million as compensations and damages to the Western Allies. It lost vital portions of land under the treaty of

Sweetener Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sweetener - Assignment Example In China people derived it from a grassy plant called â€Å"Saccharum†, in Hindustan Peninsula (India) from palm juice, in Canada from maple, in Poland from birch juice. The sugar that we know today came from India. It is believed that Indians some 3000 years ago invented sugar from cane. The Indians collected juice of cane, boiled it until the formation of brown crystalline grains. These grains in Sanskrit were called â€Å"sarkara†. The name sugar in different languages came from the original Sanskrit name. Thus, in Arabic – Sukkar, in Turkish – Seker, in Latin – saccharum, in Italian – zucchero, in German – Zucker, in Russian – Skhar, and in English – Sugar. In 327 B.C. the warriors of Alexander the great entered the Indian land. Their attention was attracted to the strange white colored solid material with a sweet taste. Onisikrit, the Greek historian of that time, who accompanied Alexander the great, wrote about the fact that in India; a cane produces honey without bees. Seventh century Arab expansion revealed Indian recipe of sugar production. Arabs brought the sugar cane from India and began to cultivate in Middle East. Arab established sugar production in North America and Spain as their expansion spread. West Europeans came to know about sugar during 11th century Crusade. Later West European trade with the East introduced sugar to the Europeans. Sugar was an extraordinarily expensive product at that time. For example, in 1319 in London, in today’s currency it cost $ 100 for one kilogram. In the 15th century sugarcane made its voyage to the New world, thus becoming one of few plants that came from Europe to America. It is recorded that in 1493, Columbus took sugar cane plants to grow in the Caribbean, and thus established a whole period of sugarcane plantation network. Caribbean islands became a real paradise for Indian sugarcane. Plantation supporting required a lot of workers. This also established export of 900,000 slaves from Africa during 1701 to 1810 just to support plantations in Jamaican and Barbados. Massive sugarcane plantation resulted power struggle among leading world powers of that time to take control of West Indies. In 1674, the Netherlands surrendered New York (at that time was called New Amsterdam) to England in exchange of sugar plant ownership in Suriname. In a 1673, France was ready to leave Canada to the UK in exchange for the return of Guadeloupe. Necessity is the mother of invention, and it dictated to find an alternative of expensive sugarcane â€Å"sugar† in Western Europe. Way back in 1575, French botanist Oliver de Serres tried to draw attention to the high sugar content in sugar beet, however, only in 1747, German chemist Andreas Sigismund Marggraf managed to extract sugar from sugar beets. He presented a report about this discovery to the Berlin Academy of Science. During the life of Marggraf, his discovery did not get the ne cessary attention. In 1786, Charl Achard, French by birth, one of Marggraf’ student initiated agricultural experimental work of cultivation near Berlin. His goal was to learn how to grow the most sugary beet that could be used for sugar production. In January 1799, Charl Achard presented the first significant sample of sugar beet that weighed about 4 kg to the Prussian king Frederick William III. In his explanatory note to the King, he mentioned that by replacing sugarcane â€Å"sugar† by sugar beet â€Å"sugar† the country would save a considerable amount of foreign currency and create jobs for the locals. In 1802, with help from the government, Charl Achard, built the first plant in the estate of Kunren of Prussia for the production of sugar from sugar

Renegotiating Contractual Terms under PPPs

Renegotiating Contractual Terms under PPPs Renegotiating contractual terms under PPPs- Moral Hazard or Practical Solution? Table of Contents (Jump to) Executive Summary 1. Introduction 1.1 Evolution of PPP model in India 2. PPP mechanism in India 3. Current status of PPPs in India 4. PPP model and schemes 5. Why closed approach to contract renegotiation? 5.1 Risk Involved in PPP 5.2 Case Study of Delhi Metro Express Line 6. Moral hazard or Practical solution? Executive Summary The development of the India depends on the extent to which the ongoing and planned projects are successgully executed. In twelfth five year plan 2012-1017 a total of $1 trillion is envisaged to be expensed on infrastrucural development and out of which around 50% will be catered by private sectors. The basic principle of partnering with public entity is profit maximization. Any disputes can adversely effect the project. This delay comes with a cost and loss of revenue for private partners. Thus, the effectiveness of partnership lies in the Dispute Resolution System (DRS) of the country. The practical solutions such as amicable settlement, mediation concilliation, arbitration and expert adjudication by statutory bodies are some of the measure to settle disputes. Other solutions can be mutual concessions and adjustments which can merge the differences between a concessionaire and the contract-granting government entity. Re-negotiation in a transparent and equitable manner can be the key adjustment solution for dispute resolution. This dissertation delves in the fundamentals of public-private partnership (PPP) model in India. It reflects on evolution, mechanism, current status, models and schemes, renegotiation factors. It concludes by giving recommendation on residing to practical solution of renegotiation rather than considering it a moral hazard. 1. Introduction A public-private partnership (PPP) is a joint agreement between government and private sector for the purpose of provisioning of public service or infrastructure. In order to develop a world class infrastructure for huge Indian geography and economy, mammoth investment is needed which posed liabilities to government sector. The partnership with private sector to develop public infrastructure is a possible solution to cater infrastructure bottlenecks. It shares knowledge risk and resources for development. Lack of adequate and improved infrastructure from public transport, housing, ports, education, and healthcare may turn out to be an impediment to growth. The rapid increase of population need and demand creates budgetary constraints in building large projects. Involvement of PPPs into the development framework is a more effective, disciplined, efficient and commercial way of approach. 1.1 Evolution of PPP model in India The evolution of PPP model in India dates back to mid-18th century where railway and tramway services were built on this model. There wasn’t much development in infrastructural development post-independence until the year of liberalization in 1991. Later which the government and private players jointly built large projects. The overall concept and implementation is still nascent in India when compared to developed nations. The policy framework of legal, institutional and regulatory are in evolutionary stage. Today, it is the favored model of project execution involving resource management by private sector. India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), a government owned body incorporated by Ministry of Finance to provide long term debt finance to infrastructure projects and help central and state government in capacity building. Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) approves project proposal worth Rs. 100 crore or more. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, IMF and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to promote aggressive PPP policy in India and help in attaining long term vision of development. 2. PPP mechanism in India The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance manages the PPP mechanism in India. The process starts from Phase-1 of project identification where various projects are identified through strategic planning and pre-feasibility analysis. A detailed sustainability of the project as PPP is studied and evaluated against alternatives. Other parameters such as value for money, internal clearances and suitability checks are carried out. Value of Money analysis helps in decision making and choosing between PPP procurement and conventional procurement options. It gauges project on the three basis of: Viability- Will the project meet desired expectations? Desirability- Will the project outweigh costs? Achievability- Will the project be completed within stipulated timeframe? The ultimate goal is to maximize the profit of all stakeholders involved which can done by identifying risks and understanding mitigate measures. The partnering party must commit to adhere to the contract legislation and abide by them throughout project lifetime. Phase-2 of full feasibility ensures the commitment of contracting parties. It starts from PPP project development, structuring, contract making, getting project clearances and necessary approvals. The implementing agencies undergoes: Economic assessment- understanding project need, cost-benefit for all stakeholders and impact of micro and macro-economy. Financial analysis- revenue source model, cash flows, net present value (NPV) using discount rate (cost of capital), rate of return and other critical financial ratios. Affordability analysis- land acquisitions, environment and regulatory clearances, rehabilitation resettlement policies, tariffs and user charges etc. A qualitative assessment of value for money is performed to know the systematic risk of project. This risk must be optimally allocated between implementing parties rather than unequally transferring to private party. Phase-3 is related to project procurement and award. In order to imbibe public confidence, these procurements must be unbiased, competitive and non-discriminatory. It must be allocated timely and encourage maximum participation from several parties involving in competitive bidding. All applications must follow PPP rules and procedures as framed by Government. Request for qualifications (RFQ) and Request for proposals (RFP) have to be submitted by parties after expression of interest (EOI). Technical and financial proposals must also be submitted in case of large and complex projects. A prescribed bidding procedure and model documents should be followed by implementing agencies after getting approvals from competent authorities such Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) or Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). E-tendering and online auction are also conducted to invite participation from large number of agencies. The contract draft containing legal rules, regu lations and standards are provided to prospective parties before bidding. Arrangements are made for speedy implementation of project. Phase-4 of contract management and monitoring is done after project allocation. It actively supervises project as per contract throughout the project life cycle. It is a phase where majority of dispute occurs and is most crucial due to changing business and economic scenarios. A credible and efficient dispute resolution mechanism is set up to deal with any differences. It must be in accordance to contract that has been made during bidding process. Project monitoring Committees are formed to assist parties and resolve issues among implementing agencies. 3. Current status of PPPs in India The sector wise distribution of PPP projects shows that 53% out of 758 projects are in road projects having worth of 46% by total value (Figure) mainly because of small size of projects. Urban development project accounts for 20% of total number of projects. Ports having larger project size accounts for only 8% of total number but 21% by total value. The expansion plans of highways, inadequate berth at Ports, inadequate capacity at airports, saturated routes with low payload to tare ratio in railways and energy shortages are some of the factors that drives the need of infrastructural development in India. The total cost of all the project is INR 3,833 billion. Some states have taken this model to far more extent than others. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat with 104, 96, 86, 78 and 63 projects are top five states following PPP based development. It can also be seen that states and municipalities have much larger role to play in boosting private investments in healthcare, e-governance and education sectors which seems to be untapped across India. National Highways Authority of India holds maximum of 155 projects and fall under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) type of PPP. Government policies in favor of alluring private participation as well as innovation in implementation has rewarded success. Most of the contracts are awarded by domestic or international competitive bidding while remaining are awarded by negotiated MoUs. The valuation graph shows that almost 78% of total project worth 500 or more. 4. PPP model and schemes PPP model was formulated in order to improve public sector infrastructure and services. It includes whole spectrum of partnership between private and public agencies through contract making and revenue sharing. This arrangement includes significant risk due to imbalance in project finance and future uncertainties. Precautions are taken to keep the process flexible and discernible during contract formulation through various models and schemes which are summarized in figure xx. 5. Why closed approach to contract renegotiation? A big question is that why India does not have a defined and established legal and regulatory dispensation to address the issues relating to renegotiation and life-cycle management of PPP infrastructure assets? The struggle for reset of imported coal based projects for Adani Power and Tata Power, the GMR and GVK break up from mega-highway projects, The Gurgaon Expressway case, Delhi Metro Rail Express Line case of arbitration and private telecom operator case for fighting against government bodies poses a very clear demand for policy change. An independent, impartial and credible body should be set up in line with others created in emerging economies such as Infrastructure Concessions Regulatory Commission in Nigeria, the PPP Advisory Unit in Ghana, the PPP Centre in Philippines and the PPP Unit in South Africa. This empowered body should dispense judgment related to disputes in contract renegotiations. An overview of more than 1,000 PPP concessions studied by the World Bank Institut e in Latin America and Caribbean from 1985-2000 throw up these characteristics of PPP renegotiation: Some expert believes that perception among investors that PPP model will never face contract renegotiation related problems is a root cause of dispute. How can a large project having life of more than 20-30 years be expected to be never renegotiated? Several international case studies shows that it is rare to see project without renegotiations. In fact, in changing times, no human ingenuity can predict zero problems over a life cycle of PPP project. 5.1 Risk Involved in PPP Figure below shows some of the risks associated with public and private partnership that can result in conflict. 5.2 Case Study of Delhi Metro Express Line The Reliance Infrastructure and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) partnered subsidiary DAMEPL was the country’s first PPP project in railways. The airport express line project was commissioned in February, 2011. The dispute in this project was not a surprise as it was into controversy from day one on safety clearances and technical glitches. The tussle between parties was on payment of delay penalty. After commissioning of the project, the issue became severe and resulted in operational closure of service for six months. It settled only after payment of fees by Reliance infra who later claimed along with its lost reputation as penalty. Analysis: The fiasco that resulted in withdrawal of Reliance Infrastructure from airport express line of Delhi metro questioned the policy of PPP in India. The major factor for dispute of Express Line PPP was wrong projections of daily passenger traffic by DAMEPL. The actual passenger never exceeded 20,000 per day which was against the expected 40,000 per day. This skewed the financial liabilities towards the Reliance Infrastructure. Some critics suggests the private party to meet the commitment of concession agreement without asking for contract renegotiation. The penalty of Rs. 795 crore slapped by the private partner set the stage for a long drawn legal battle between the two agencies. Had the terms of contract been renegotiated, and financial implications been revisited, the dispute would have never been raised. A practical solution of dispute resolution by an independent government body could have rescued the parties entering into dispute and later penalty payments.

Creationism vs Evolutionism Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most people view the theory of evolution as being a feasible explanation of how life became what is today. Evolution is a theory that the various organisms are descended from others that lived in earlier times and that the differences are due to inherited changes that occurred over many generations. It must be realized that evolution is a theory and cannot be considered a fact. Even though it’s roots are from Greek anatomists, the theory of evolution came to light in 1859 when Charles Darwin published his book The Origin of Species, which dealt with natural selection. Since then, scientists have been continually searching for proof for the theory through research and experimentation. Some of the topics that are associated with proving the theory are fossil records, carbon-14 dating, and DNA testing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These are also noted as part of phylogenetic systematics, which is the term used for classifying and understanding the relationships and history among species of the past and present. Natural selection, or â€Å"survival of the fittest†, is the mechanics of evolution. Natural selection deals with the dying of weaker offspring of an organism, and the survival of the stronger offspring. When a strong organism survives, its dominent genes are passed on to its offspring. Over time, these genes will lead to mutations, which allow a species to adapt as they slowly move to different environments or other natural change.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This is a broad interpretation of how evolutionists explain, for instance, sea creatures becoming land creatures. Evolutionists believe that life began on earth when chemicals combined to produce the first cell. Throughout the course of millions of years, single cell organisms arose to life as it known today. Fundamentally, evolution is based on scientific reasoning and experimentation. As with most sciences, inaccuracies do occur through new discoveries and the theory of evolution must be rethought. Creationism deals with the theory that the world was created in a brief amount of time by a higher being. Creationism has been the way humans explain the making of the earth and the inhabitants on it for thousands of years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This has been depicted through ancient hieroglyphs, stories, and popular mythology. Al... ...on. The only people who do think there can be coexistence are those who are less educated on the topic. A popular opinion that I share with these people is that evolution has and is happening as scientists believe, but at the fate of a higher being. An example of this belief is that when non-organic chemicals came together to form the first living cell, as scientists give credence to, there was a deity involved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One way that evolution might gain more acceptance is the decline of religion in society. Since most creationism is based off of religion, which is declining in participation from generation to generation, more people might turn to science. Creationism would require a supernatural occurrence to turn evolutionists over to accepting it as fact.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The opposition between the theory of evolution and the belief in creationism is in an idle balance, and without any extravagant changes in evidence or approach, it will be for an extensive time. I myself, have personally come to a stand still. It might not be a life or death decision, but just the same it is a question that I do not think anyone is in the position to decide.

The Pros and Cons of Police Discretion

Drawing the line between the appropriate functions of discretion among members of the police force remains to be an important component of policing. With the discovery of police discretion, there had been different debates as to its importance and hindrance in the application of law within communities. Many arguments have been placed as a result of such discovery and have prompted different set of opinions and views concerning its continued practice.In the end, by actively enforcing the needs of accountability and the synchronization of processes, the process of discretion can be minimized or limited at a certain extent wherein it is due compliant with the rule of law and objective in nature. The way policing has been practiced in the realms of law enforcement has spurred an enhanced approach in the dealing with crime prevention and maintenance of peace and security within a particular community. However, the subjectivity of interpretation among police officers when it comes to exerc ising discretion has resulted in various criticisms since its discovery.Due to this, there had been clamors for the abolishment and the promotion of its control. The paper seeks to showcase the relative pros and cons of police discretion. By showcasing its relative strengths and weaknesses, it exposes the reality behind the subjectivity and bias of such actions. Realizing such scenario, there is a need for a redefinition and structuring of police objectives that will ensure the application of the rules and laws while at the same time ensuring that police discretion is rooted on objectivity and accountability.Defining Discretion Before dwelling deeper in the relative strengths and weaknesses of police discretion, it is first important to emphasize on its meaning and its relationship with the police practice. By properly defining the term ‘discretion’, it may be proper to link it to the police practice since such term is associated with different meanings. Linking it with policing objectives, the term ‘discretion’ must actively partake and coincide with (1) judgment, (2) choice, (3) discernment, (4) liberty and (5) license (APSU, 2001).Seeing such, ‘discretion’ means the freedom in making choices responsibly under the circumstances aforementioned. â€Å"Discretion designates power or freedom to judge and decide what needs to be done in a particular situation† (Seri, p. 2). Establishing parameters and causes Also before elaborating on the strengths and weaknesses of police discretion, it is also proper to point out the relative causes of such concept and how it has cultivated the development of such practice. Determining such parameters, one must look at the variables or factors that enhance police judgments and leads them to practice discretion.Examples include (1) offender variables, (2) situation variables, and (3) system variables (APSU, 2001). Under the element of offender variables, the practice of subjectivity and prejudice somehow are manifested in the practice of law enforcement. â€Å"Gender and mental health status affect how police handle many incidents† (APSU, 2001). Such issue only brings about unequal practice and in the facilitation of sanctions and punishments for different violations. Another important variable involves the situation where the police enforces and uses discretion.It is in this situation that the priority is given on things that are unimportant rather than the actual case (APSU, 2001). This lack of logical judgment on what matters most often results in a biased and inaccurate results. Lastly, the system in a society also serves as an important and tool for the practice of discretion among the police force. The actual practice of discretion is dependent on the current situations that a system might be facing. Such system in relationship with discretion varies, that is why such practice also is different depending on the particular situation.(APSU, 2001) Pos itive Outcomes After the discussion concerning its definition and relative parameters and causes, the paper will highlight the positive outcomes of police discretion. One important outcome of the issue is that it legitimizes the role of the police not only as the protector of laws but at the same time they are given the interpreting power to analyze situations. â€Å"The police enjoy innumerable opportunities for discretionary judgment and wider margins of discretion than any other sector within the state apparatus† (Seri, p. 3).Another important outcome of the said practice is that it creates a different aura for the police force that practice discretion. The creation of laws are only relevant if they are ought to be enforced and practiced. â€Å"Their discretionary power allows police officers to transform the spirit of laws. With their interpretation of a particular issue, there is a legitimization of its overall hold of a particular society in creating control† (Se ri, p. 3) The practice of discretion also improves the way police enforces the rules and regulations stipulated by the law.Since they serve as the executor and protector of such laws, they are expected to address every challenges and hurdles given to them. â€Å"Like other â€Å"street level bureaucrats†, police officers must adapt to law and norms on specific situations, deciding on the extent which legal policy extend reflects the original law on the books† (Seri, p. 3). Lastly, the practice of police discretion is an important factor of police power and the maintenance of its hold and grasp of people within a particular community.The concept of discretion in itself is creating the determination of who are good and law-abiding citizens and who are criminals (Seri, p. 4). Such power remains to be vital in the overall functions of police practice. Negative Consequences Given the positive influences that police discretion creates, there are also implications in such pra ctice. One important consequence is the relative abuse of power among police officers in the issue of discretion. Such actions often emanates on both the extremity and unequal judgment given by authorities.â€Å"The exercise of police discretion to stop, search, arrest or charge suspects is now regarded as inevitable and not necessarily improper, given the limits of police resources, variations in the seriousness of offending behaviours and the inappropriateness of criminal law for dealing with some situations of conflict and disorder† (Bergen, 2005, p. 127). In addition, there seems to be a lapse and undue changing of laws that somehow have been an effect of irresponsible police discretion.Prior to its original function of responsible practice under the basis of laws, there is now a scenario that challenges the foundation of accountability and laws. â€Å"Discretion allows the police to challenge mechanisms of accountability and to erode the laws and rules that they are req uired to enforce, in part because of the proactive character of policing and the limited, retroactive character of accountability† (Seri, p. 4) Such misuse can create different problematic instances in the realm of law enforcement.The practice of discretion is often times biased and prejudiced upon citizens and results in a negative impression and simplification among races and ethnicity in society. There are â€Å"instances of police stereotyping, harassment and breaches of basic human rights† (Bergen, 2005, p. 127-128). Controlling Police Discretion Given the relative importance and challenges brought about by the issue of police discretion, there needs to be a controlling mechanism that will seek to prevent the misuse and abuse of power by police. By controlling such concept, the process becomes objective, justified, fair and equal.The last part of the paper seeks to showcase several approaches in creating a fair avenue for police discretion while at the same time ad dressing the individual needs of citizens as far as safety and security is concerned. One important realization is that police will continue to use discretion. (Kelling, 1999, p. 38). But in this setup, instead of creating an avenue for unjust and subjective interpretations, the manner in which it shall be applied should be dependent on a basis; laws and regulations in a particular state.Doing such actions can help enhance and prevent the process of bias and prejudice in apprehending alleged violators. Another vital criterion that can be exhausted in the process is the creation of rules and standards on as to how police practice discretion. Such feat may prove to be difficult in nature due to its relatively varied and diverse situations; however by making standards and rules, there can be a synchronized way of facilitating and improving the practice of discretion. It is a practice that is characterized as fair and equal treatment among different people.Moreover, there needs to be co ntinued training and development among police officers concerning amendments and changes in laws. Being familiar with such tenets can help prevent the occurrence of abuse and misuse of power. By actively cooperating among the citizenry and the academy, policemen/women can have a fair advantage and at the same time understanding within the community. (Kelling, 1999, p. 41). Accountability is the one often undermined and stepped on when police misuse their discretion.That is why, there needs to be a constant effort to enhance accountability while preserving the ability of the police to practice discretion. There needs to be an establishment of â€Å"accountability standards that identify competent and/or excellent performance violations of organizational rules, and incompetent and uncaring work, including performance with organizational rules† (Kelling, 1999, p. 38). Conclusions Indeed police discretion poses both positive and negative consequences in the community and society. On a high note, its importance in the practice of enforcement can clearly be seen. However, due to its uncontrolled state, it often leads to abuse and misuse among members of the police force. In the end, there is a need to control the practice of police discretion by placing and putting accountability and other important standards that can help prevent bias and subjectivity. In the end, after all such efforts had been made it still boils down to one common theme; the protection and maintenance of security among member of the community and society.