Islamic Ethics An Analysis

Islamic Ethics An Analysis This term paper was titled Ethics from Islamic Perspective which is including a morale and akhlaq. This paper was conducted because to give awareness about the important of ethics in Islamic perspective. Suitable with the papers aims whereas to give some of information and knowledge from an Islamic perspective about the ethics which is in moral and akhlaq aspect. The paper is sufficient to give the reader a feel for its potential to encourage further research in the area of resolving ethical issues, specifically for those who are calling for universal ethical theories to avoid moral imperialism. The Islamic perspective of the ethics concept should be refers based on the Holy Quran from the God and Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad. The ethics concept it must be generally and not too bias for others. The findings of this paper, it can be as a discussion, it is because the Islamic Work Ethics has economic as well as moral and akhlaq dimensions. Keyword: Islamic perspective, ethics, Islamic Work Ethics, moral and akhlaq INTRODUCTION This paper was discuss about the ethics concept from the Islamic perspective, so it should be construct an axiom system that faithfully reflects the Islamic view of ethics. The axiom system here is means by a proposition that either not proved or demonstrated but considered undeniable, or subject to a decision, so, the truth is assumed and became the starting point for concluded to the truth to another.This is an essential first step in determining the rules of economic behaviour in an Islamic society. The Islamic view of life processes is uniquenot only for its predominant emphasis on ethical norms, but also because of its being complete. However, to turn it into an operational tool of scientific analysis, an ethical philosophy must be reduced to a set of axioms, which is respect to Islamically valid rules of social and economic behaviour. 1.1 The Concept of Ethics, Moral and Akhlaq The concept of ethics, moral and akhlaq it can be in various point of view from many resources of our readings. Ethical behavior is an order based on a value system of a particular society. More ethics associated with science or philosophy, because it is the standard of good and bad it is human intellect. When compared with the morals, the ethics more theoretical while the moral is the practical. Moral more local or special nature and the ethical is more to general. There is many term that use by philosophers in order to give a meaning of akhlaq. But, we can conclude it, akhlaq is much related with the moral and ethics so much so have a opinion that stated akhlak is mean by moral and ethics. Put simply on that, Akhlaq is refers to the nature habits that owned on each individuals. It is includes behavior or nature owned by natural as feeling irritable, quick to laugh, irritability and so on. Also includes in this definition, a person belonging habits through training, education, discipline and fitness to be a flesh and blood character and good familiarity to someone. In addition, akhlaq is more refers to our natural habits. A while ago, in the western tradition, morals studies has long been exists and spread out before the birth of Islam and it known as ethics or moral knowledge. In aspect of etymology, the term of ethics and moral have a same meaning and also refers to the same field of study. In briefly, moral is derived from the Latin word, meanwhile the word ethics is derived from the Greek word. The both of term are related with the practical activities relating to behavior, customs, lifestyles, ways of thinking, freedom and the tendency of a person in engaging in an activity. On the other hand, the term of akhlaq was presented by the Muslim that based on the al-Quran and al-Sunah. On Islamic perspective, the ethics and moral was different from the point of conception, objectives and resources, it is called as Akhlaq. 1.2 Current related issues Ethics is usually defined by a written code of ethics. In the Middle East not many organizations and professions have written codes of ethics (Mudawanat Alsuluk) and violation is the norm rather than exception (AMAN, 2006). Behaviors that conform to those written codes of ethics are considered ethical and whatever violates the written standards is considered unethical. From that situation, it can be simply, people are not too concern about all this matter, when they talk about ethics, they usually do not remind about the moral and akhlaq. This is because, they are set their mind, the term of ethics just use in the business or information technology such as computer accessibility. As a Muslim, they should also think about that moral and akhlaq. In addition, the new code ethics was create, which is the Islamic Work Ethics (IWE). This philosophy was create to orientation that shapes and influences the involvement and participation of believers in the workplace. It implies that work is a virtue in light of a persons needs, and is a necessity for establishing equilibrium in ones individual and social life (Nasr, 1984). IWE views work as a means to further self-interest economically, socially and psychologically, to sustain social prestige, to advance societal welfare and reaffirm faith. The concept has its origin in the Quran and the sayings and practice of the Prophet Mohammed. METHODOLOGY In completing this term paper, the secondary literatures are used to enable in depth understanding of ethics from the Islamic perspective with the moral and akhlaq concept. The secondary resources which is from readings on a book and the web pages, so the major instrument that has been used is literature review. Based on the reading, this topic has many references in a Malay writing, but there is no problem on that, after read in Malay and understand the content, the term paper writing has been continued. By reviewing the literature, all the information will be paraphrased based on the understanding. The reference to literature review that has been used is article journal about the Islamic ethics that can be obtained from the online journal databases access. Another method applied for finishing this term paper is data collection from the web page and it is just for back up information if there any lack of data collection. Approach that had been used in completing this term paper is understands from the readings and reviewing from the materials obtained and understand it. DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS OF ETHICS FROM ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE: MORAL AND AKHLAQ There are various definitions of ethics, moral and akhlaq. The various definitions are produced from various reading materials, such as book and article journal, so there is many opinions from the philosophers. Ethich from Islamic perspective are more concern to the religion behavior, code and ethics. Islam is supposed to be a complete way of life. A Muslim is bound by Islamic rules and hence is obliged to follow the instructions as prescribed in the Quran and Hadiths. Islam is a religion based upon the surrender to God (Allah). The very name of the religion, al-Islam in Arabic, means submission and peace, for it is in submitting to Gods will that human beings gain peace in their lives in this world and in the hereafter. Islam is considered to be a comprehensive religion and its ethical system is considered to be one of the major ethical systems. Realize about the importance of establishing an ethical system in the all fields, especially at our present time which is witnessing an ever increasing ethical problems, several specialist organizations have prepared codes of ethics to be complied with by members of those organizations. By generally, in Islam, ethics have two dimensions; first ethics toward Allah, the creator. A Muslim has to believe in Allah and has to worship Him. The second is ethics toward others; a Muslim business person has to deal ethically with others by maintaining good treatment and good relationship. This paper is of vital importance because people do not know sometimes what is ethical unless they study ethics. Ethics provide an essential foundation for business transactions (Cherrington and Cherrington, 1995, p. 1). They are essential for organizational effectiveness and are necessary for interpersonal relations. 3.1 Definition and Concept of Ethics Ethics is defined as a branch of philosophy that deals withmoral behavior. Morality refers to whether something is right or wrong, good or bad. Although morality is a complex concept, it can be defined in terms of both means and ends. Means is the process which occurs, while Ends refers to the consequences (Cherrington and Cherrington, 1995, p. 2). Ethics may also be defined as: [. . .] a systematic inquiry into the beliefs we have and the management we make about what is morally right or wrong and morally good or evil. It is an inquiry that attempts to answer the following questions: What kinds of conduct are morally right or wrong? And what things are good and what things are evil? (Cherrington and Cherrington, 1995, p. 2) Ethics is also defined as the code of moral principles that sets standards of good or bad, or right or wrong behavior (Schemerhorn, 2008, p. 32). Ethical behavior is what is accepted as good and right as opposed to bad or wrong in the context of the governing moral code. Islamic ethics is defined as the code of moral principles that are prescribed by the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith or sayings of Prophet Mohammad). Islamic ethics is based on rational methods as well as revelation. Revelation provides the truth which rational methods lead to understanding and appreciation of truth. Hence, Islamic ethics is based on tawheed, or unity principle, which determines the unique relationship between God and man; man and man; and man and his environment (Alhabshi, 1993, p. 83). Within the Islamic culture, the term that is mostly associated with ethics is referred to in the Holy Quran as Khouloq (Beekun, 2004, p. 2). Allah in the Quran has described Prophet Mohammad as a Prophet of good ethics. 3.2 Definition and Concept of Moral According to Peter Baelz (1977), morals and ethics often have the same meaning. However, is very useful if we could distinguish between the both of them, even though we often failed to make such a difference. While the N. Capaldi, E. Kelly and L.E. Navia (1981) stated that. In form of etymology, the English words ethical and moral is exactly same. Because of that, the study of ethics and moral actually just one and it is a same. The moral issues are practical issues, but not all belong to the practical issues in the field of ethics. It is because, moral more specifically examine the good and bad, right wrong and how individual should act in a particular situation. Therefore, moral was refers to disciplines knowledge that investigate the various about the human behavioral. Such as the opinion that written by J.L. Mackie (1971): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦moral and ethics can analyze the once action whether that is right or wrong; it is can provide a clear line of distinction about acts and of an internal disposition, whether good or bad; or at least, be able to develop a knowledge of ethics guidelines that can be adopted to make various moral of judgments. 3.2 Definition and Concept of Akhlaq According to Mohd. Nasir Omar, (2010) on his book, Akhlaq is refers to the nature, habits, customs, familiarity, values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹and lifestyle of the individual or group of individuals. In fact, belief system or religion by a person also often included under the definition of akhlaq by many researchers. It is because of religion greatly influenced the thinking and lifestyle of the individual (Ibn Manzur t.t II: 1244-1248 and Jamil Saliba 1971, I: 49). While according to Ibn Miskawayh (1966), akhlaq is refers to the situation that forms in a human and it is function as a executive power that was directed that individuals by doing all his habits. Many philosopher was agreed with that statement that akhlaq related with the disposition that create in a person (al-nafs/soul) of a human. Spiritual dimension of the situation is very important because it is the cause of all acts done by humans. Therefore, akhlaq is does not refer to the act of good or bad done by a person, but to someone spiritual dimension pressing to do an act, whether good or bad. Akhlaq is located in the interior of humans soul and in the meanwhile, the act are refers to the exterior is made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹from morality. Hence, a good moral will of course realize that good deeds and vice versa. PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC BUSINESS ETHICS According to Hanafy and Salam (1995), classified ethical principles of Islam into six categories, which is: truthfulness, trust, sincerity, brotherhood, science and knowledge and justice. Principles of Islamic Business Ethics Justice Science and knowledge Brotherhood Sincerity Trust Truthfulness In order to get a pleasure from the Almighty, as a Muslim, it is should be followed this six principle of Islamic ethics by doing all the business or activities in their daily life. TRUTHFULNESS: Truthfulness is a basic ethical value of Islam and the meaning of Islam itself is, in a way, the other name of truth. There is no scope for cheating, telling lies, swearing too much, and providing false advertising in the Islamic framework of business. TRUST: Trust is another fundamental ethical principle of Islam and the essence of the trust is the sense of acountability, which is the sense of having to appear before Allah S.W.T and to account for ones action. All the activities were conducted well in no case harm or damage the society or the environment. SINCERITY: Islam attaches great importance to the sincerity of intentions and actions in every walk of life. For example such as ethical code results in more efficiency as well as a high rate of productivity. Sincerity also discourages manipulation or exploitation of others for personal reasons. BROTHERHOOD: Islam declares all human beings are brothers to each other wihout the distinctions of race, colour, tribe, caste and language of an individual or group. Everyone is entitled to an ethically right behavior irrespective of distinctions of caste, creed, race, or territory. SCIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE: Islam makes it obligatory for Muslims to seek knowledge and obtain excellence in performance. Research and development is highly encouraged in Islam. It such concern about science and knowledge in the Islamic code of ethics has been highly fruitful for Islamic civilisation in the past. JUSTICE: Justice is undoubtedly a prerequisite of business and trade as it encompasses the entire whole series of human life. The whole universe is based on the concept of justice and balance.justice here means that every one should be treated as he or she deserves, without any undue pressure or discrimination. CHALLENGES IN ENCOURAGING ISLAMIC ETHICAL BEHAVIORS AMONG INFORMATION / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL Muslims unethical behavior is influenced by several factors, such as stage of formal development, personal values and personality, family influence, peer influenceand so on. The challenges in Encouraging Islamic Ethical Behaviors Among Information / Information Technology Personnel CHALLENGES EXPLANATION Stage of moral development The lunatic, the sleeper and the child before puberty not responsible for their behavior. Personal value and personality One who stresses honesty will behave differently from those who do not respect others rights. The locus of control also affects individual ethical behavior (Robbins and Coulter, 2005, p. 112). Family influence The home is the place to start being a good Muslim. Children are likely to be ethical if they see their parents and other members of the family consistently adhere to high standards. In Islam, it is easier for a parent to teach his kids what is right (halal ) and what is wrong (haram) than to teach them rules and principles of good conduct and behavior. Peer influence Children are influenced by actions of their peers with whom they interact. Islam urges people to be very selective of peers as they have very big influence on companions. This coincides with the Arabic proverb Birds of a feather flock together or A person is known by the company he keeps. Life influence Key events like taking part in Alhajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) for example has a positive impact on Individual behavior. As the Quran states: Whoever goes to Hajj comes back from his journey innocent and pure and white as of the day of birth. Situational challenges It is the situation that sometimes makes one behave unethically, as the only way out. For example, a secretary may lie when answering a phone as the only way to turn away a client. She may simply lie by saying that the manager is not in the office while he is in fact in. On many occasions, the researcher has observed many Muslim secretaries quit their jobs simply to avoid being forced to tell such lies. However, lying is acceptable in Islam under three conditions: first, in wars; second, to solve conflicts between people; third, husband lying to his wife or vice versa for the sake of getting closer to each other and saving the marriage, e.g. saying I love you while it is the opposite (Hadith), or you are the most beautiful woman in the world. All this is meant to strengthen the ties between couples. Societal challenges People try to conceal unethical behavior and always justify their actions as being ethical in order to please members of society. In Muslim cultures, society places a heavy pressure on individuals to practice wasta, so a manager may have to deviate from the rules and regulations of the business in order to please a cousin, a friend or a neighbor. On one hand, wasta is considered as ethical and legal, e.g. in solving conflicts, while on the other hand, it can be viewed as illegal and unacceptable when it is used to override established laws and traditions, e.g. in obtaining favors like jobs. In Muslim cultures, a business person is more concerned about what others might think of his decision than what he thinks himself. Table 1: The challenges in Encouraging Islamic Ethical Behaviors Among Information / Information Technology Personnel (Source: Abuznaid, 1990) GUIDELINES TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES IN ENCOURAGING ISLAMIC ETHICAL BEHAVIORS AMONG INFORMATION / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL In Islam, Allah emphasizes the following ethical guidelines as being outlined in the Holy Quran. These guidelines govern the Islamic code of ethics relating to a persons daily life and business dealings. Muslims are required at all times to behave islamically because Allah himself is watching their practices. In response to these challenges, several guidelines are proposed as follows: Be patient. Islamic business people should not get angry and should not be irritated (Holy Quran, XXV:63) and (Holy Quran, III:134). Be fair and just. A Muslim business person has to be fair and just in all his dealings. He has to be fair with his employees; he has to give fair wages and has to be fair and kind with animals when slaughtering them (Holy Quran, II:278-279). Be humble. Being humble is the opposite of being arrogant. Being humble is a great characteristic of Muslims. Business people should be humble and down to earth (Holy Quran, XXVI:215). Be complacent. Being complacent is another characteristic of a Muslim. Muslim business people should be satisfied with what Allah has allocated them. To Muslims complacency is not the enemy of progress as the West views it. Be generous. Being generous is the opposite of being stingy. Alkareem is in fact one of Allahs magnificent names meaning being generous. Alkaram (generosity) is another characteristic of the Muslim business people. They should be generous in giving money and goods to the needy. Islam urges people to give legal alms or obligatory charity (Az-Zakat). Az-Zakat is an ordinance prescribed by Islamic law. Social responsibility is another important principle in management practices. Sadaqat (donations), not obligatory, are very much urged in the Holy Quran (Holy Quran, LVI:77) and (Holy Quran, XLIV:17,26). Be dignified. A business person in Islam should not indulge in investments that are not Halal. Halal is the opposite of Haram. Halal is ethical while haram is unethical. Examples of haram earnings for a Muslim include trading in alcohol, Be trustful (Al Amaneh). Being trustful means giving rights to others. For example, if you borrow some money from someone, you are supposed to return it at the agreed time at no interest. A good loan with no interest is an example of Islamic financial dealings (Alkird Al hasan) (Holy Quran, XL32) and (Holy Quran, IV:58). Be friendly. Muslims should be friendly and united at all times. No discrimination exists among Muslims, regardless of nationality, gender or color. The only difference between Muslims should be on the basis of piety (Holy Quran, XLIX: 10, 13). Be equitable. Equity is the opposite of injustice. A Muslim manager should be equitable. In Islam people should be treated fairly and with equity. Do not be involved in fraud. A Muslim business person should treat others the same way he himself would like to be treated (Holy Quran, XVI: 90, IV: 58). Do not bribe. The practice of all kinds of bribes is forbidden in Islam (Holy Quran, II: 188). However, there should be differentiation between sadakat (donations), gifts, and bribes. Gifts are encouraged in Islam because they help gain friendship. The prophet encourages the use of gifts saying Give more gifts so you be better liked (Hadith). Bribes on the other hand are unethical. Bribes are used to influence decisions. There are two kinds of bribes: the lubrication bribe and the white mail bribe. The white mail bribe generally involves an elaborate system for concealing the use of large sums of corporate cash. This type of bribe is used to buy influence in high places (Abuznaid, 1990, p. 319). From these key guidelines principles of ethics, we can conclude that Islam is a religion of high-moral standards. Muslim business people are urged in Al Quran and Al Sunnah to follow certain principles and guidelines. (Source: Abuznaid, 2009) CONCLUSION As stated above, the main purpose of this term paper is to discuss the meaning of ethics from an Islamic perspective. The research has defined Islamic management ethics as those guidelines and principles that are prescribed by the Holy Quran and sunnah (hadith). The paper has give explanation on the major determinants of individual ethical behavior in Islam and pinpointed based on the moral and akhlaq. Besides that, the paper has outlined some of the ethical principles which is the principles of Islamic business ethics. This paper has also discussed the challenges in encouraging Islamic ethical behaviors among information / information technology personnel. It further helps non-Muslim people become more aware of management ethics in an Islamic environment by giving them a better understanding of the subject, thus making it easier for them to carry out all the activities in an Islamic culture. However, it must be stated that there is not one united form of applied Islamic teachings am ong different Muslim countries. It is widely known that Middle Eastern countries have become more active in the global market place by applied their ethics. Moreover, this paper has outlined major commonalities between Islam and other religions on the subject of ethics from the Islamic perspective. Although this paper has presented the concept of ethics from Islamic perspective, hope all the Muslim are together applied all the ethics that are based on the al-Quran and al-Sunah to be an excellent humans. Therefore, it is the duty of all researchers interested in this issue to develop this knowledge. May Allah gives guidance in this new endeavour. REFERENCES 8.1 Book Dr Muhammad Sharif Chaundry. (2006). Social and Moral Code of Islam. Batu Caves, Selangor: Masterpiece Publication Sdn. Bhd. Khaliq Ahmad. (2007). Management from Islamic Perspective: Principles and Practices. Kuala Lumpur: International Islamic University Malaysia Press. Mohd Nasir Omar. (2010). Falsafah Akhlak. Bangi, Selangor: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Syed Nawab Haider Naqvi. (1990). Etika dan Ekonomi: Satu Sintesis Islam. Kuala Lumpur: Berita Publishing Sdn. Bhd. 8.2 Article Journal Muhammad Arham. (2010). Islamic Perspective on Marketing. The Journal of Islamic Marketing, Vol. 1 Iss: 2 pp, 149-164. Salam Abdallah. (2010). Islamic Ethics: An Exposotion for Resolving ICT Ethical Dilemmas. The Journal of Information, Communication Ethics in Society, Vol. 8 Iss: 3 pp, 289-301. Samir Ahmad Abuznaid. (2009). Business Ethics in Islam: The Glaring Gap in Practice. The International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, Vol. 2 Iss: 4 pp, 278-288.

Arthritis :: essays research papers

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis, a condition in which joint cartilage degenerates or breaks down. New tissue, which grows at the ends of bones, now has no cartilage cap to control it. Instead, this new bone forms into strange lips and spurs that grind and grate and get in the way of movement of the joint. Osteoarthritis is common in older people after years of wear-and-tear that thin the cartilage and the bones. Osteoarthritis can also result from diseases in which there is softening of the bone, like Paget's disease in which the long bones of the body curve like a bow, or osteoporosis with its bowing of the shoulder called "dowager's hump," or other bone degeneration. Other forms of arthritis can also cause a secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable problem of aging. Those who don't suffer from it may have their heredity and possibly the strength of their immune systems to thank. Medical science is not quite sure of all the factors that com e into play in deciding who gets osteoarthritis and who doesn't. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis. It is second only to osteoarthritis in the number of its victims. It affects primarily the small joints in the hands and feet and the synovium, causing crippling deformities. This is an arthritis that usually starts in middle age or earlier. Estimates of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis run as high as one person in every hundred, and females are two to three times as likely to suffer from it. It seems to start more in the winter and after some siege of sickness, but it is not considered an infective arthritis. Nobody knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. There may be some hereditary trait, and there seems to be some connection to viral infections like German measles and serum hepatitis, the liver disease brought on by an injection of one kind or another. Because of this, scientists theorize that rheumatoid arthritis may be an autoimmune disease, one in which the body acts as though it were allergic to itself. The immune system gets mixed up and attacks normal joint tissue instead of the stuff it is supposed to attack. Polyarteritis Nodosa is also an inflammatory arthritis, fortunately it is a rare form of arthritis. It can lead to complications that are dangerous to life. It affects four times as many males as females, mostly young adults.

Reasons behind Self Induced Harm in Cases of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is considered as an eating disorder which is usually mentioned together with anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorders; this so due to the fact that all three pertain to abnormalities in the eating patterns or tendencies of an individual which cause considerable risk (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2005). An eating disorder may not sound alarming, but in fact, severe disregard on over overall health may lead to dire consequences, especially in the case of bulimia.In addition, not only can malnutrition be caused by such a disorder, but cardiovascular and deadly complications may also arise (APA, 2005). Not only is bulimia referred to as a type of eating disorder, but it is also considered to be a severe mental health issue characterized by frequent events of binge eating and subsequent purging (Cooper, Todd, & Wells, 2009). This means that a massive amount of food is consumed by the individual with bulimia, and afterwards the food taken is expelled through v arious means of purging.Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, and misuse of diuretics are considered to be the three main categories of how an individual achieves purging (Mehler, 2003). Due to such actions, the condition of the body would be in a state of severe imbalance, hence causing various symptoms or different levels of severity. The symptoms of bulimia are the occurrence of a continuous case of sore throat, inflamed salivary glands, puffy cheeks, deterioration of the teeth, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, intestinal disorder, kidney disorder, and severe body dehydration (APA, 2005).Bulimia can be differentiated from anorexia and binge eating on the basis of how eating is perceived and reacted upon by the individual, thus having different sets of symptoms. Unlike individuals with anorexia who avoid eating at all costs, bulimics eat a lot of food which is taken out afterwards; its difference to basic binge eating disorder is that instead of purging, individuals with bi nge eating disorder simply reach a state of regret afterwards (Grange & Lock, 2007).It is evident that a person that suffers from bulimia does significant physical harm to their bodies. Also, one must also take into account that individuals with bulimia are also commonly diagnosed with other psychiatric conditions including cases of current and long standing psychiatric disorders; these disorders may include depression, dissociative identity disorder, substance abuse disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and borderline personality disorder (Cooper et al. , 2009).The reason as to why they commit such acts of binge eating and purging, which does not only wear down and considerably weaken the body but also initiates fatal risks and complications, must therefore be identified. Based on statistics, out of 100,000 individuals, 26. 5 females and 0. 8 males are bulimics (Treasure, Schmidt, & Furth, 2003). The presence of such effects and sym ptoms upon an individual with bulimia makes it crucial for people to understand the core reasons so as to be able to identify peers who are currently suffering or at risk from the disorder and to provide proper aid in recovery and treatment as well.The fact that the actions done by bulimics are fueled by social, psychological, and emotional factors, especially their personal appraisal and their concept of ideal physical form, is rather becoming the common perception (Treasure et al. , 2003). However, current trends in studies also suggest genetically based explanations to eating disorders (Grice et al. , 2002). Developments in genetics and biological studies have allowed the possibility of bulimia as being directed by more than the social and behavioral factors, contrary to what was previously thought of.Given the extent of problems and risks as presented, awareness towards the details regarding bulimia nervosa is definitely beneficial. In relation to this, information regarding the causative agents as to why individuals with bulimia commit such harm towards themselves must be established. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the reasons as to why individuals with bulimia nervosa cause harm towards their own bodies. Methods In order to gather sufficient information regarding bulimia nervosa, a preliminary search for basic information from the internet was done. By browsing credible medical websites such as womenshealth.gov, medicinenet. com, mentalhealth. com, and nlm. nih. gov also known as Medline plus, basic familiarization with the disease or disorder was established. It must be understood, however, that this step was merely done in order to learn the basic terms and facts regarding bulimia. It was decided that a brochure on eating disorders from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is to be utilized as a source since the association is credible and the information is well-presented. Afterwards, a search for online journals related to bulimia nervosa was conducted in several medical, genetic, and psychiatric sites.Related journals were acquired from the databases of American Journal of Genetics (AJG), Archives of General Psychiatry (AGP), and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Books on bulimia nervosa and eating disorders were provided by several peers. Examples of such books, which are generally recent releases and therefore provide updated information, are Treating Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating: An Integrative Metacognitive and Cognitive Therapy Manual by Cooper, Todd and Wells (2009), and Treating Bulimia in Adolescents: A Family Based Approach by Grange and Lock (2007). DiscussionBulimia nervosa is considered to be caused by interconnected aspects, including those of psychosocial and biological origins (Treasure et al. , 2003). Thus, it is possible to assess the probable reasons as to why individuals with bulimia nervosa resort into committing harm towards their own bodies. In this sense, insig hts into the reasons can be efficiently acquired through the review of factors based on psychosocial and biological sources in a separate manner. Problems during early periods of the life of an individual may cause an individual to develop bulimia later on in life.Concerns regarding weight and appearance may develop early during childhood (Keel, 2006). An example of how early cases of problems in self-appraisal arise may be observed in the association between parents and children since these are the first sources of social interactions that an individual is commonly exposed to. When a child is taken good care of by his or her parents, he or she would come to perceive that he or she is rather important or precious; in the opposite sense, a child that is neglected tends to think that he or she is unwanted for several reasons (Treasure et al. , 2003).In this sense, the child might be led to think that something about his or her physical characteristics is undesirable. Furthermore, teas ing and possible mistreatment from the peers of a child regarding his or her appearance, especially their weight, may become imprinted in their thoughts as they age and develop. Thus, early on, a child may possibly develop a desire to lose weight and improve appearance (Treasure et al. , 2003). The point of displeasure towards the current state of appearance is commonly further established during adolescence as this is the phase wherein attraction between genders become apparent.It is also during adolescence that the actions are more controlled by the individual rather than by parents or authoritative figures; adolescents become aware of their capacity to question and to refuse to follow such figures. However, due to the fact that they are still not that knowledgeable, they are considerably prone to mistakes. If an adolescent develops a problem such as bulimia nervosa, it has been connected with increased risks of developing physical as well as mental disorders upon entering early a dulthood (Johnson et al., 2002). In addition, findings of a study done in 2003 reveal that the incidence of bulimia nervosa on adolescents increases as years pass; the main reason as to why teenagers choose to commit actions of risk-related behavior is their heavy focus and attention on physical appearance including weight (Forman, 2005). As a side note, adult incidences of the disorder are very much similar to the adolescent incidences in terms of risk factors, symptoms, and development (Cooper et al. , 2009).All of this information point towards the validation of interplay between psychosocial factors as a potential cause of bulimia nervosa. As a result, it becomes evident that a major reason as to why people with bulimia nervosa harm themselves is to maintain a good physical image, possibly in order to prevent potential negative judgment from other people and to portray a positive public appraisal based on appearance. For those with bulimia nervosa, keeping the ideal physical ima ge is vital and certainly of utmost importance, even more than their own welfare in the long run.In relation to this, the concept of keeping an ideal image may be directed by culture, personal cognitive tendencies, and/or derived from stressful events (Treasure et al. , 2003). Having defined the main reason behind the harm caused by individuals towards themselves based upon psychosocial factors, it is now important to assess the biologically based reasons behind it. As with numerous diseases and disorders, there is a current trend of discovering or determining the genetic triggers which initiate the onset of such problems.As mentioned, current research has revealed that there is a genetic or biological basis in the occurrence of bulimia nervosa (APA, 2005). In areas of medicine and genetics, a complex disease is one that is considered to involve the interaction of gene-based and environmental factors. Thus, such diseases cannot be passed on simply from parent to offspring; however, the tendency to develop susceptibility can be passed on and can be induced by mutations (Treasure et al. , 2003). In this sense, a person that is susceptible to develop bulimia nervosa is depicted to have genes or alleles that allow such susceptibility.Alone, a susceptibility gene cannot cause the development of the disease, but upon the addition of additional susceptibility genes, the interaction between the collection of genes leads to disease development (Treasure et al. , 2003). In fact, a study was conducted in order to assess the specific sets of chromosomes that confer bulimia. In the said study, it was mentioned that a portion of bulimia nervosa cases does indeed have a familial bearing, suggesting that its incidence in families with members that has bulimia is observed to be rather connected in terms of successive or prior cases of bulimia in the family (Cynthia et al., 2003). Given this, the researchers opted to analyze a significantly large sample wherein genetic data was collected and analyzed in order to determine where the susceptibility gene of bulimia is located. Exactly 308 families were used as sample, wherein a linkage analysis of the families regarding heritable genetic characteristics of bulimia, such as vomiting, was conducted. The results of the study from linkage analysis have shown that a dominant linkage results was observed between D10S1430 and D10S1423, implying that the effects of chromosome 10p in families with bulimia are the common denominator (Cynthia et al., 2003). With such proof of genetic basis in developing bulimia, especially since it was proven to be heritable, it becomes evident that there is indeed a biological basis in the presence of the disorder. In this sense, an individual may cause harm to themselves due to genetic interaction between susceptibility genes which confer bulimia and its symptoms, for example when genes that code for self-induced vomiting are activated, the individual will tend to induce vomiting upo n him or herself.Since bulimia can be considered as rather hereditary, environmental implications of affected families may also cause other members with sufficient susceptibility genes to develop bulimia. In this sense, there are mainly two identified reasons behind the harm those individuals with bulimia cause upon themselves. The first reason is in order to maintain a desired physical appearance of weight as dictated by personal, cognitive, stress, or cultural factors.The second reason is that the activation of certain genes, especially those in chromosome 10p, may cause the development of symptoms related to bulimia, which in turn may cause the development of the overall disorder. These results are not surprising due to the fact that it has long been a common thought that bulimia has psychosocial roots. Also, regarding the development of a genetically based causative agent to bulimia, it is a trend today, with the vast development in genetics, that certain diseases may be trigger ed by genetic factors.However, as mentioned, pointing out these reasons directly is rather beneficial so that individuals will become aware of the possible causes of developing bulimia and continuous suffering due to the disorder. In effect, individuals can practically assess cases where bulimia can already be detected and also provide preventive support to individuals which may have a higher risk of developing the disorder. In terms of future implications and significance of such results, these data can provide further insight and proof that bulimia nervosa, resulting in self-induced harm, is not only triggered by psychosocial factors but genetic factors as well.Hence, further research may make use of the data presented in order to provide further information regarding the specific areas under psychosocial factors and/or genetic factors. Conclusion The research yielded information regarding the causative agents of self induced harm in individuals with bulimia nervosa. It has been d etermined that the causes of self-induced harm can be divided into categories: psychosocial and genetic. In terms of psychosocial, it has been assessed that the roots of the problem may start young, possibly during infancy or childhood.The development into adolescence also further increases the risk of individuals to develop bulimia as the focus towards appearance is increased. Due to various factors such as negative peer judgment and inappropriate self-concept based on behavior, cognitive, cultural, and stress-related aspects, a person may choose to maintain optimum appearance and weight as he or she may see fit through self-induced vomiting which is a form of self-induced harm.In terms of the genetic factors, it has been assessed that the symptoms of bulimia nervosa is rather heritable; hence, the occurrence of the disorder has a familial basis. Specific effects of numerous susceptibility genes, which are generally connected to chromosome 10p, provide the genetic basis of the deve lopment of the problems associated with bulimia. In addition, it was also mentioned that self-induced harm such as purging is activated by specific genetic elements.Therefore, the aim of the research to list the reasons behind self-induced harm in cases of bulimia has been completely fulfilled due to the fact that the two main reasons for self-induced harm was enumerated, one being a desire for maintaining or developing an ideal appearance and weight-based on varying criteria and the other being the interaction of genetic elements which, when triggered, can lead to the symptoms such as induced vomiting which is considered to be self-induced harm. ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2006, November). Let’s Talk Facts About Eating Disorders. [Borchure]. Arlington, Virginia: American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. healthyminds. org/factsheets/LTF-EatingDisorders. pdf. Cooper, M. , Todd, G. , & Wells, A. (2009). Treating Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating: An Integrative Metacognitive and Cognitive Therapy Manual. New York: Routledge. Cynthia, M. B. , Delvin, B. , Bacanu, S. , Thornton, L. , Klump, K. L. , Fichter, M.M. et al. (2003). Significant linkage in chromosome 10p in families with bulimia nervosa. American Journal of Human Genetics, 72 (1), 200–207. Forman, S. F. (2005). [Review of the book Clinical Handbook of Eating Disorders – An Integrated Approach]. The New England Journal of Medicine, 352 (6), 636. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://content. nejm. org/cgi/reprint/352/6/636. pdf. Grange, D. L. & Lock, J. (2007). Treating Bulimia in Adolescents: A Family Based Approach. New York: The Guilford Press.Grice, D. E. , Halmi, K. A. , Fichter, M. M. , Strober, M. Woodside, D. B. , Treasure, J. T. et al. (2002). Evidence for a susceptibility gene for anorexia nervosa on chromosome 1. American Journal of Human Genetics, 70, 787–792. Retrieved April 22, 2009 from http://www. pubmedcentral. n ih. gov/picrender. fcgi? artid=384957&blobtype=pdf. Johnson, J. G. , Cohen, P. , Kasen, S. , Brook, J. S. (2002). Eating disorders during adolescence and the risk for physical and mental disorders during early adulthood.Archives of General Psychiatry, 59, 545 – 552. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://archpsyc. ama-assn. org/cgi/reprint/59/6/545. pdf. Keel, P. K. (2006). Eating Disorders. New York: Infobase Publishing. Mehler, P. S. (2003). Clinical practice: Bulimia nervosa. The New England Journal of Medicine, 349 (9), 875–882. Retrieved April 22, 2009 from http://content. nejm. org/cgi/reprint/349/9/875. pdf. Treasure, J. , Schmidt, U. , & Furth, E. V. (2003). Handbook of Eating Disorders 2nd Edition. England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Compare and Contrast Essay on Newspaper Articles Essays

Compare and Contrast Essay on Newspaper Articles Essays Compare and Contrast Essay on Newspaper Articles Paper Compare and Contrast Essay on Newspaper Articles Paper Compare and contrast the two articles The aim of this essay is to compare and contrast the two newspaper articles. The first is entitled Young, bored and pregnant, and the second is called Nightmare in the playroom. These articles shall be referred as Article one and Article two respectively. Both the articles are based about the subject of teenage pregnancy, and its role in society. The audience for both articles one and two are teenagers who are just sexually maturing or parents who will be faced with teenagers. The author of both the articles is trying to make the point that teenage pregnancy is to blame for as mentioned in article one urban Britains moral freefall. They both use facts, opinions and persuasive and emotive language to get the reporters point across. My task is to compare the two articles and then contrast the two texts, writing about how the authors make use of: * Presentational Devices * Stylistic Devices * Language In addition to this, I will give my opinion of the articles, whether or not I agree with what the reporters are saying. Both the articles use facts and opinions. However, article one is based more around fact than opinion, for example, the reporter, Burhan Wazir, introduces the first article by describing the atmosphere outside a Sheffield nightclub, and then says that scores of teenage mothers pushed prams along the leafy streets as if every other teenager was a teenage mother. This is obviously an exaggeration of the truth. It then goes on to tell the reader of the facts about teenage pregnancy figures in the UK. Using facts such as around three in every hundred teenage women give birth it makes it sound like it is a common problem. Three in a hundred women are only 3 percent and as a result, this is a substantially insignificant number. Nevertheless, the article does make use of the reporters, and other peoples opinions as well as facts. Mentioned in the article are the dolls that are equipped with computer chips, to simulate baby habits to emphasise the realities of motherhood. The leader of this (the Tudor project) says, Perhaps there is a failure at schooling level maybe we need a greater emphasis on the pains of teenage conception. This seems to be an opinion that the reporter shares with the Tudor leader. Both of the articles, being based on the same theme are, inevitably, very similar In article two, the report is based mainly around opinion. Article two starts off by explaining the situation and then recalling past experiences of the same thing. It then goes on to make a very valid point The 12 year old mum-to-be from Rotherham confide in her mother, only 26 herself (a distressing but typical arithmetic in these cases) that The main focus here is that the mother is only 26 years old, and therefore was only 14 years old when she gave birth herself. The reporter, Mark Lawson calls this a distressing but typical arithmetic, meaning that because the mother gave birth at such an early age, it is more probable that her daughter will as well. He then goes on to say the only remedy is for former teenage mothers to be paraded through classrooms with their children, explaining that, while babies do offer unconditional love, they demand 24 hour care in response. The article does not make best use of presentational devices, and is much less persuasive than article one, mainly due to the fact that it has neither much fact nor opinion within it, rather anecdotes. The language used in both articles is fairly similar, however, as I have already mentioned, article one came across to me as more persuasive, and has a better chance of influencing its readers than the second article. In article two, the subheading is The child-parents of Yorkshire are without shame or hope This is just an opinion, and as a result of the wording, comes across as a generalisation, because this is a prejudiced approach towards the situation, when he is not fully informed. In my opinion, the articles are not a true reflection of modern city life, as I have said before, the facts show an insignificant amount of teenage pregnancies compared to other problems which contribute to the moral decline of Britain today. However, the reporters are biased towards a certain opinion, and this is reflected in the articles. The writers of the articles try to convey their opinion that there is no hope or future for anyone that is born into a young family, or born in a built up urban area. This is ridiculous because there is just as much chance of a decent future for anyone no matter where they are born.

Comon Sense by Thomas Paine essays

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