GP Essay Essay Example

GP Essay Essay It would be very difficult to argue that the view of the majority is always right. Would advise against this. Different ways to approach discussion (not mutually exclusive): The view Of majority is right. But not always (can be wrong). View of majority is usually right. But in limited circumstances, wrong. View of majority is right. But actually very limited. More likely to go wrong. Or as in this essay, no emphasis on the extent of right or wrong of the majority view. Simple evaluation of the proposition itself. The view of majority is right for certain reasons. But it is not necessarily the view of majority itself that is right, but underlying values/ principles it promotes and represents. The adoption of the view of the majority alludes to a democratic model of governance and organization of a group of separate and distinct individuals living and interacting with one another, where decision-making is driven by the mandate of the majority. Contextually, it may apply to smaller communities such as families or business organizations, or may apply to a political society in general, where leadership and policy are determined based n majorities election. The validity of the majorities view has long been regarded as highly contentious, attributable to its paradoxical nature, aptly described by Sir Winston Churchill as the worst form of governing a country, save for all other systems that have since been attempted. While some fervently advocate such an approach, it has also been subject to strong denunciation by others who are quick point out that democratic structures blindly assume that the view of majority is always right. They argue that this may not necessarily hold true in all circumstances. We will write a custom essay sample on GP Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on GP Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on GP Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In this essay, we shall examine several justifications that vindicate the adoption of the majorities view, as well as reasons exposing the fallacious character of the statement alleging that the hue of the majority is always right. It is argued here that while the democratic approach remains largely salient, we must be cautious to guard against its weaknesses, in recognizing that it engenders social and political repercussions that need to be properly acknowledged and addressed. Paragraph 1 Tries to set out the context and scope of the discussion. Introduces ideas of association that may help in defining what the view of the majority means. Also sets out the rough outline of argumentation (i. E. What the essay aims etc achieve and how it is focused on the topic and some evaluation). At the outset, it is easy to see why some hold strong conviction that the vim of the majority is right. Firstly, by ensuring the need for a majority threshold to be secured, the opinions, preferences and demands of different individual within a particular community can at least be accounted for in a fair and balanced manner. This minimizes the chances of biased or skewed presentation, which would be far more likely to occur in the case where the views of only a particular minority are respected. Paragraph 2 The first point brought across is one of the justifications explaining why the view of the majority is right fair and balanced representation. Notwithstanding this however, there are several pragmatic limitations, which hamper the effectiveness of such democratic systems in allowing the views most members of a certain group to be reflected and expressed. This is because proportionate representation is desirable only where most member f the group in question are capable of making fully informed and rational choices, such as to reach to a well-evaluated decision overall. Yet, asymmetrical knowledge, resources and talent will inevitably exist to sabotage the ability of many within society to make such CEQ Lully balanced judgments. This may be especially pertinent with respect to less developed societies, where most have not experienced the benefits of education, and where there is a lack of infrastructural support to enable the widespread distribution of information or equip individuals with the necessary skills and sources to make enlightened choices. For example, in Thailand and Malaysia, inhabitants of rural areas often lack educational opportunities, culminating in an inadequate understanding of the policies and manifestos electoral candidates. As a result, they simply vote for the sake of doing so, without careful consideration of its wider, far-reaching implications. Furthermore, some who fail to appreciate the significance of their political views may also give away their votes in exchange for meager remuneration promised to them by corrupt officials, thus allowing unscrupulous politician o remain in power. This perpetuates a downward cycle of unsound police undertaken, inept leadership and social inequity, a clear indication that upholding the view of an undiscerning majority can impose severely detrimental effects on society. In other words, a tyranny of the wise by the majority may ensue, as forewarned by reputed philosopher, Plato, who voiced deep concerns over the potential subjugation of those better equip to make decisions that would shape the growth and progression of society, contrast with an ill-educated and incompetent majority. Paragraph 3 Here, we are evaluating the first point, by providing reasons explaining why the view of the majority is not always right. Firstly, asymmetrical knowledge, resources and talent might impinge ability the majority to make right choices. Example is provided to substantiate thief point. Moreover, championing the majorities view may promote a herd mental where individuals within the majority may be easily influenced because the may feel pressure to succumb to a particular view espoused by many other Rather than analyzing the underlying rationale and prudence of their choice; hey are swayed by mere numbers. This suggests that the majority view RL be largely fuelled by an emotional response rather than a genuine reflection of what members of society truly want and think is right. A study by researcher, Main Cousin, at Oxford University, provides evidence to suggest that humans do possess a behavioral inclination to conform to the major rule. While this implies that democratic principles are in line with our nature, tendencies as humans, this does not validate the proposition that the majority is always right. Quite the contrary, it indicates that we usually lean awards the view of the majority not because it is right, but because it is an instinctive response generated by the fact of our existence within a group individuals. Paragraph 4 Secondly, underlying the majorities view might be a herd mentality. Example is provided to substantiate this point. Despite these factors, the majority view may still be right because it protects society against an abuse Of power. By enforcing the view Of most individuals in the community in question, a concentration of power or essential resources in the hands of a select few is mitigated against. Essentially, it enables a more even distribution of power across members of society, thus providing a check and balance against autocratic rule, which may prompt those in power to subscribe to corrupt practices due to the lack of appropriate censure. This is illustrated by the toppling of the Marcos Empire in Philippines, where the restoration of democracy managed to absolve civilians of the politicians corrupt regime. Rendering leaders or decision- makers answerable to the views of the majority causes them to become accountable for policies drafted and measures implemented because a allure to comply with expectations of the masses could subject them to the risk of being ousted, removing them high positions of power or authority. Therefore, advancing the majorities view incentives leaders to constantly assess the opinions and demands of most individuals and act in a manner that corresponds to those interests, rather than their own. Paragraph 5 Here, we are providing the second reason which explains why the majority is right protects people against an abuse of power arising from overcompensation of power in hands of minority. Example provided to substantiate this point. However, a potent backlash of this is that leaders may resort to populist measures, maneuvering their policies to satisfy the demands of those whom they serve, without actual consideration of whether their actions will ultimately benefit the community at large. This is problematic because as discussed earlier, the majority may lack accurate notions of what they want, or what is best for them. At the same time, simply pandering to the whims of the majority will inadvertently sideline the interests of the dissenting minority) thus obstructing the impartial protection of rights and freedoms of all individuals within society.

Magwitchs Signifigance in Great Expectations Essays

Magwitchs Signifigance in Great Expectations Essays Magwitchs Signifigance in Great Expectations Paper Magwitchs Signifigance in Great Expectations Paper Essay Topic: Great Expectations Magwitch thought that Pip was a pathetic child who could not be trusted, but when he returned with the food and files he would have trusted him and start to like him when Pip says he is glad he has enjoyed the food. When Magwitch reappears in Chapter 39 revealing that it was he that sent Pip the money, making him rich. He did so because he was grateful for Pips kindness and thinks that money will give him status and therefore power, The Reader may consider whether the money was ever actually a good thing. As an adult the money have made him smug because he isnt used to living life as a rich person. It makes him think hes a better person. He uses it to try and gain Estellas respect. He turns his back on his family. Eventually he becomes unhappy, which is ironic because Magwitch only had good intentions. Pips resent towards Magwitch when he first comes back and that he was the money sender may be because of this. But when Magwitch appears in court it becomes more and more obvious that Pip wants to treat him with respect. This is brave of him because as rich person with high social status you are not expected to be friends with a working class convoy. Although Dickens may not have intentionally done so every time, there are frequently similarities between Magwitch and other characters, which not only give us different ways to interpret the story but also can also simply help readers understand the characters better. Early on in the novel we begin to compare Magwitch to Pip. Pip is obviously terrified of Magwitch but the way Pip is threatened by him so fiercely almost makes it seem as if he is fearful himself. Both Pip and Magwitch experience the feeling of desperation but they deal with it in different ways. Pip knows that his life depends on bringing Magwitch the food and the file but he appears rushed and slightly impatient, because he takes the wrong turn. Magwitch is patient; he appears to have been waiting all night for the food. When he has the food, however he shows great desperation in the way he rushes through it. Magwitch later shows himself to be loyal because he returns and sends him money. Pip has almost forgotten about him and seems ungrateful on the other hand. At this point in a way they are both rich, yet Magwitch has earned the money himself, when Pip does nothing to become the way he is now. We are able to make comparisons with Magwitch and other characters now because we are further on in the book. Like him, Joe is loyal towards Pip, despite being treated badly. They both remain working class throughout the story and are both very hard workers. Like Magwitch, Miss Haversham has a person taken form her. This impacts their lives greatly. They try to almost substitute this person by teaching them things in life and giving money. And unfortunately for the two of them, it does not make these people happy. From the start of the book they both have an association of death and hanging. The deaths of these characters occur within the story. There are certain themes in the book that reappear and are connected to one another. Betrayal is an important theme, it occurs when Pip is ungrateful at Magwitchs return, and when Estellas marries a man who does not actually love her. Another theme is secrecy, like Magwitch and Mollys affair resulting in Estella. As many other stories, love is an important theme in the book whether it is between family members; like Joes love for Pip and Magwitchs love for Pip and Miss Havershams love for Estella or love between partners; like Molly and Magwitchs affair and Pips love of Estella. Dickens tries to convey his views about crime and punishment in Great Expectations having endured unlawful punishment in his earlier life. In the novel it can be interpreted as both a good and bad thing. On the one hand it seems cruel and unlawful because the law does not always take account of the individual needs of a case. Readers would have seen this in Chapter fifty-four when Magwitch is arrested. We know that he has transformed from genuinely being a troublemaker to becoming a better person. We may already feel sorry for him because of Pips reaction when he comes back but for society to consider him guilty when what he really deserves is a thank-you makes it all the worse. Dickens tries to show that crime can be committed lawfully in a number of situations like for life and death (Pip stealing the food and file) for loved ones (Magwitchs return) and for reputation (Pips debt after trying to impress Estella with the clothes. On the other hand the law is shown to have its good points too. After all, it is used to keep everybody in order and ensure people live in a safe environment. One example is when Pip gets into trouble for his debt. It puts him back in his place and so he can realise that he should stop being greedy with his money- Pip gets into debt trying to impress Estella with the clothes. Readers could think it was a sign for him to realise that he should stop chasing after her. Getting into trouble for committing a crime can teach you a lesson, and the ability to change and become a better person in society may even be better than always achieving things at the same rate throughout your life. Magwitch was the person at the start who was breaking the laws and so on yet by the end of the book he has shown himself to be possibly one of the loveable characters in the novel. Another important theme in the novel is the idea of social status. There was great variation in wealth and status in the time at which Great Expectations was written yet even within people with of the same range of wealth there were noticeable differences. Neither Pip nor Magwitch are rich yet at least Pip has a house and is told by Magwitch that he had fat cheeks. We learn also that working class in those days were hard workers and always had determination whether it meant to have a decent way of living or simply by means of survival. The book shows that you can earn money but not necessarily be rich and interestingly you do not have to earn any money to become rich and have a high status. In the end, this may not be good for either person. We realise this when Magwitch earned many riches but gave it all to Pip, who had not worked at all. Readers may feel that it was Magwitch who deserved the money. Language is an important element to the novel. In the first chapter we get the impression that Pip is talking about himself as a child, because he refers to himself as being childish and small and it sounds as if the scene was remembered in an exaggerated way. This already gives readers the impression that he is altogether unsure about himself. Magwitch comes on to the scene using dialogue-in a short and abrupt sentence shocking Pip and the reader. In the paragraph that Pip is describing Magwitch, the sentences become longer and longer giving the impression that he is increasing in fear as he becomes more aware of him. Despite all this, there is an element of humour. The fact that Pip is in a graveyard and he is being threatened to be killed is ironic and the image of a little boy being rocked backwards on a gravestone with every sentence is sort of symbolic, certainly humorous. When Pip hurries to bring back the food later on, he almost believes that the animals like the cow know that he is stealing. This use of exaggeration is not because Pip is trying to show off about the story, but because he is very fearful. This makes the readers feel sorry for him. Pip finds Magwitch still hugging himself and limping. Use of repletion gives the effect that Magwitch is desperate and patient. Imagery is used when Magwitch eats. Pip compares the way Magwitch devours his food to a dog, illustrating that he is bad mannered and hungry but also, in a way thankful that he has the food. Pip is quite observant of Magwitch to be like this, so he may already be starting to like him. There is often the use of pathetic fallacy associated with Magwitch. When we are first introduced to him it is rainy and just before he appears later in the book Pip describes the bad weather; how it is wet, muddy and cold. Pip has no idea who the mystery person is but the reader may be able to identify him as being Magwitch because of his familiar dialogue and abrupt, simple sentences. It is ironic how Magwitchs good intentions only made Pip more miserable than he should have been, even though it was he who may have saved Magwitchs life at the start. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Great Expectations section.