Introduction
It has been argued over the years, whether to judge people based on their deeds, irrespective of their intentions. When this is done, they are subjected to judgments based on their actions, without considering if they are responsible. It is quite easy to note that people have different reasons for their actions, even though some are inborn and come from within their genes like behavioral tendencies, examples are those born with internal peace and dislike violence at all cost and the ones who cannot do without violence. In this context, the people are considered irresponsible of their acts, however, since they have done them, they are judged based on success or failure (Pojman, 1999, pp. 83-102). An example is the Homeric King, whose followers ,according to Pojman, judge based on their performances in battles, if they keep succeeding, they are termed as arêtes, meaning virtuous and when they fail irrespective of their competency, they are considered aischron, meaning shameful. This does not lie in evaluating their strength against the opponents; they must win at all costs to be considered successful. This paper will seek to assess critically, Pojman’s argument that people should strive to make a world in which the arêtes are rewarded while aischons are punished according to the level of their offence (Adkins, 1960, p. 32).
Merit is defined as the things resulting from good deeds, according to most sources. It also refers to those things that result from good thoughts as well as behavior. They are considered to have the capability of contributing towards, one’s liberation and overall personal growth (Goodin, 1985, pp. 575-598). Moreover, Merit is considered transferable to a deceased to lessen his/her sufferings in a new life and this is according to the Shitro practice. Pojman’s concept of merit lies based on positive attributions like praise, rewards while demerit is a feature of negative attributions, and brings with it penalties as well as other kinds of punishments. He also argues that people do not work to gain the societal advantages they find, for example, Kings are born, and find themselves in the royal family; they do nothing to earn it and therefore call these non-deserved merits. These merits are associated with physical endowments, color of skin, type of skin, type of personality, the basic intelligence a person possesses and other features like good looks (Adkins, 1960, p. 32).
Pojman’s Argument
Having categorized merits and demerits as shown above on whether they are deserved and undeserved. Pojman argued that people should therefore strive to make a world in which those who are virtuous are rewarded while the vicious are punished for their deeds on their proportions. This has raised vigorous debate on his stance (Pojman, 1999, pp. 83-102).
Discussion
First, it is quite important to relate his views on the subject, he specifies merit in two categories, those that are deserved and those that are not. Again, he categorizes demerits in the same way, the deserved and undeserved. It is clear from this point that some people’s undeserved demerits hand them disapprobation while on the other hand, those with merits get noticed and even rewarded (Pojman, 1999, pp. 83-102). An example is in rewarding the most handsome or beautiful, the ugly, who in this case convey an undeserved demerit, will be disapproved, for nothing out of their choice, but natural. This is unfair, because when one is brought into this world, he has no chance of choosing where to be born or how, as well as his features. Unfortunately, this is the trend in this world, Kings are born in royal homes, and the beautiful captivates the world for reward while, those with misfortunes of demerits get pushed aside and risks further shame if they try to complain.
People should not be punished for what they do not deserve it is very unfair. On the other hand, there are Merits that are deserved and are earned by each and everyone who tries; examples of these are behavioral changes, from bad to good, despite having undeserved demerits, people can change their ways of thinking and behaviors, to earn merits, rather than demerits. This is very crucial for their development and determines how they respond to the world. This then should follow Pojman’s stance, because these are merits and demerits people are able to control and even change. Therefore, they should be rewarded and punished accordingly to help build a better world. Pojman’s argument should therefore apply to those features that can be controlled (Pojman, 1999, pp. 83-102).
Conclusion
Pojman’s stance on rewards or gifts for demerits and punishments or disapprobation for demerits is a reflection of what is observed in reality. But I am partially convinced by it implications, those who have nothing to do with demerits associated with them should be embraced and instead strengthened, it is quite unfair and cruel to punish someone for what he/she is not responsible (Adkins, 1960, p. 32). However, this should apply only to those with demerits that are automatic and cannot be controlled. For those that can be earned, like respect, obedience, among others, those who ignores them should be punished, to help make better world. This way, everyone will rejoice in his natural features, as he/she will be embraced, while at the same time they will be building a better world by pursuing merits, thus making the world a better place to live in.
Reference List
- Pojman, L. (1999). Journal of Social Philosophy. Blackwell Publishers. Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 83-102.
- Adkins, A. W. H. (1960). Merit and Responsibility: A study in Greek Ethics. Chicago. University of Chicago, p. 32.
- Goodin, R. (1985). Negating Positive Desert Claims. Political Theory. Vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 575-598.
Best Beach Destinations: A Comparison Of Cape May, NJ Beach Resort And Del Mar, CA
Introduction
Let’s go on vacation! Do you like beach vacations? My grandparents and parents were vacationed in Cape May as children and adults. My mother’s parents traveled from Philadelphia every summer and my father’s parents traveled from Washington DC every summer for vacations. They stayed in my great-grandparent’s summer homes. Our family, my parents, sister, and I have been going on vacations to Del Mar during the summer holidays. My sister and are very keen on spending our holidays at Del Mar since it is characterized by younger people doing what we love doing best, surfing. However, at times, we spend our summer holidays in Cape May, where we spend time in my great-grandparent’s old Victorian house. Cape May is an old but quiet place. My sister And I are particularly passionate about collecting Cape May diamonds on the beach and kayaking on the bay. We also spend a lot of time with relatives. In Del Mar, we like surfing, boogie boarding, and sunbathing along the beaches. We enjoy spending time with our friends at the timeshare every year. Beach resorts are a primary focus for tourists and are normally located on the coastal side of a country. This paper aims at comparing and contrasting Cape May, NJ beach resort and Del Mar, CA. In order to achieve this, the paper will address the history, location, beaches, seasonal activities, population, and tourist attraction features around the beaches.
Similarities and Differences
Both Cape May and Del Mar resorts have private homes where vacationers can reside. In addition, both resorts have great seafood restaurants, involve Whale and Dolphin watching, parasailing, and sea kayaking. Both Cape May and Del Mar are also known to offer superb sites for wedding ceremonies. Cape may is known for excellent bed& breakfast as well as Victorian styled homes which include Old Famous hotels such as Congress Hall. Del Mar is known for its exceptional wedding site inside the park, timeshares/hotels, and steep hills with Mission-styled homes. Unlike Del Mar beaches which are free, Cape May beaches require purchasing for the beach tags. (Come Discover Cape May par. 2). Cape May is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Cape County in southern New Jersey while Del Mar is located on the Pacific Ocean in San Diego County, CA. Del Mar recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary while Cape May is on its 400th anniversary. In Del Mar, the major tourists attractions features for many vacationers are Power and Seagrove Park, Del Mar Racetrack, European village plaza with shops and restaurants, beautiful beaches for swimming and surfing, music concerts in the park, Cultural and Sports events in San Diego. There is also plenty of Sea World as well as the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Mission Boardwalk, Nogales, Mexico go north Lego land, Carlsbad, Disneyland Anaheim, Universal Studios, Los Angeles. In Cape May, the attraction features include Lighthouse tours, Bird watching tours, Victorian mansion tours/Haunted house tours, Stage theatre dinner shows, Wine Vineyard tours, Coast Guard Training Base, Boardwalk with Convention Center with music festivals, Restaurants, shops and arcades. Special past times eating Frozen Custard and playing Miniature golf, deep-sea fishing and crabbing. Other attraction sites include Cape May Lewis Ferry to Delaware’s 135 outlet stores, Atlantic City casinos & shows, Cold Springs Historic Museums, Cultural & Sports events in Historic Philadelphia an hour in half, New York City north two hours, Washington DC two hours south via the Ferry. (A Short History of Cape May Cape May Par. 2).
Apart from the beach rentals in Del Mar, the resorts also have timeshares which are alternative lodgings. In addition, Cape Mar resort is well known as a birding location while Del Mar is known for its racetracks.
| Summary list of the similarities and differences between Cape May and Del Mar | |
| Similarities | Differences |
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Conclusion
The beach resorts in Cape May and Del Mar are excellent holiday destinations for families as they have exquisite facilities and activities. These tourist attraction sites contribute significantly to economic growth as they generate income from the tourists. In a nutshell, one compelling factor about the resorts is that each has a unique attraction that lures vacationers.
Works Cited
“A Short History of Cape May Cape May”.New Jersey.2005.Web.
“Come Discover Cape May, New Jersey”. Pittsburgh & Beach Avenues, 2009. Web.
Marina Barrage: Land Contamination And Noise Pollution Assessment
Land Contamination Overview
Marina Barrage building presupposes the division of the basin into three areas: industrial, agricultural and recreation. Industrial region will be featured with chemical contamination, and contamination with heavy metals. Agricultural region is featured with pesticide and herbicide contamination, while recreational area is subjected to littering. The prediction techniques are closely linked with the deep analysis of the activity performed, and
Another method is the comparison of foreign experience associated with land contamination prediction. In fact, other countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia also experience the problem of floods and rainfalls, hence, their experience and contamination rates may be analyzed in order to make general assessments associated with the contamination level in the Marine Bay region. (Dooley, 2005)
The challenges associated with these methods are linked with the presumption that the precise assessment of the contamination level may be performed with the directly aimed chemical analysis of the land samples, while the prediction methods do not offer 100% precision of the analysis. Hence, the problems that are closely linked with these problems should be considered for the precise analysis of the forecasted contamination levels.
Methods and techniques for controlling the land contamination levels are defined by the EIA regulations:
- Defining at least six control points (2 in agricultural region, 2 in industrial and two in recreation zone), and periodically take samples of soils. (Alexandre and Barde, 2004)
- Collection of soil samples at 0.5 and 1.5 m below the ground level.
- Analysis of the samples for contaminants, including Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Lead, and Zinc. (El-Ahraf, Qayoumi, 2004)
Contamination matrix is as follows:
| Contaminant | Class A contamination | Class B | Class C |
| Cadmium | 1 | 5 | 20 |
| Chromium | 100 | 250 | 800 |
| Copper | 50 | 100 | 500 |
| Mercury | 0,5 | 2 | 10 |
| Lead | 50 | 150 | 600 |
| Zinc | 200 | 500 | 3000 |
(Nuckols, 2007; Weber, 2006).
The values are given in mg m3 units, and the classification is divided into three classes, depending on the concentration of the contaminants in the soil. In accordance to LaDuke (2007), Class A is close to normal levels of metals and other contaminants, Class B means awareness, and Class C signifies that ecological catastrophe is inevitable. Considering the quantitative approach towards assessing the marina barrage building, the coefficients of land contamination depend on the operations performed. The quantitative index of soil contamination will be defined by the chemical analysis of the samples; though, the contamination parameters should be defined in accordance with the plan chart of the Marina Barrage building process:
| Geotechnical investigation | Construction Works | Mobilization of machinery | Clearing terrain | Excavation | Cleanup | Clearing soil | Maintenance | |
| Erosion | 0.17 | 0.38 | 0.34 | 0.18 | 0.24 | 0.44 | 0.36 | 0.38 |
| Contamination | 0.19 | 0.47 | 0.32 | 0.21 | 0.32 | 0.40 | 0.41 | 0.14 |
(Weber, 2006; Brockett, 2008).
As for the control for polluted waters, which is a part of land contamination control, it should be emphasized that the actual control for contamination level would depend on the population density in the region. Another aspect of land contamination is linked with public health issues. In accordance with Nebel and Wright (2004). The effects of land contamination for public health may be closely linked with the pollution of water with various wastes described above. Hence, the medical inspection services should constantly control the pollution and contamination levels and inform the agencies and organizations responsible for tourism development as well as recreation control and public health monitoring.
Noise Pollution Overview
First, it should be stated that noise pollution sources may be of various origins. This may be originated by construction, monitoring measures and work of the measuring machinery, increase of the tourist flows, work of filtration system etc. In accordance with Prasher and Sułkowski (2002, p. 190), it should be emphasized that the effects of noise pollution are various:
Noise health effects are both health and behavioral in nature. The unwanted sound is called noise. This unwanted sound can damage physiological and psychological health. Noise pollution can cause annoyance and aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and other harmful effects. Furthermore, stress and hypertension are the leading causes to health problems, whereas tinnitus can lead to forgetfulness, severe depression, and at times panic attacks.
Additionally, noise may cause increased vibration levels, which is harmful both for health and for constructions, as materials may be subjected to erosion and destruction under the effect of vibration. As for the environment and biosphere, Harris (2006) claimed that noise may have a negative impact on flora and fauna of the environment, and it may cause birds, animals and representatives of sea fauna migrate as far as possible from the noise source. The same may be stated of insects which pollinate plants. Hence, the noise levels should be decreased in order to prevent the ecological disaster and misbalance in flora and fauna migration. The mitigation measures may cause gaps in a State budget, as these measures involve creation of noise barriers, restriction of speeds, and reconstruction of roads for decreasing vibration levels, improvement of traffic control. As for the Barrage building and fresh water supply, sound isolation materials, and barriers will be required for the equipment, as well as strict schedule of works. Considering the fact that the largest level of noise pollution is registered after the rainfalls, the pumping machinery should be properly isolated in order not to cause discomfort for visitors of the recreation zone.
Methods and techniques of noise pollution control involve measuring the noise level for several times during the non-rainy season, when the pumping machinery is off, and during the rainy season, when it is on. The several measuring points should be defined: in industrial area, in recreation and agricultural areas as well. The pollution levels should be defined for the comfortable recreation and living. Hence, the norms of pollution are as follows
| Area | Day Time | Night Time |
| Industrial area | 75 | 70 |
| Business area | 65 | 55 |
| Residential area | 55 | 45 |
| silence area | 50 | 40 |
If the norms are exceeded, there are several solutions: minimize the power of the pumping machinery, decrease the amount of vehicles involved, and improve noise isolation measurers.
The implementation of noise regulation system in legislation of the State will inevitably cause the necessity to improve the existing legislative basis, as some norms of noise reduction may contradict the existing civil, administrative, criminal, environmental, and commercial legislations. Thus, as Harris (2006, p. 188) emphasizes:
Noise laws and ordinances vary widely among municipalities and indeed do not even exist in some cities. Numerous conflicts over noise pollution are handled by negotiation between the emitter and the receiver. Escalation procedures vary by country, and may include action in conjunction with local authorities, in particular the police. Noise pollution often persists because only five to ten percent of people affected by noise will lodge a formal complaint.
In the light of this statement, it should be emphasized that the actual importance of noise regulation should be legally stated, as it may be the reliable basis for environmental protection measures, as well as public heath control and monitoring.
Checklists
Land Contamination Monitoring and Mitigation Project
| Project name | |
| Yes No | |
| Is the inspection area defined? | |
| Whether Person Responsible appointed? | |
| Contractor | |
| Schedule of monitoring measures |
| Is the Total Area divided into spheres |
Inspection Control Checklist
| Soil erosion Measures | Yes / No answers | ||||||||
| Flood Control measures taken? | |||||||||
| Wind caused erosion prevention | Wind Protection | Dust Control | |||||||
| Required parameters | Salinity | Humidity | Acidity | ||||||
| Vegetation parameters taken? | |||||||||
| Desilting Measures | |||||||||
| Filtering systems | Type | Pumping capacity | Locations | Organization responsible for Technical maintenance | |||||
| Required geo-structure parameters | |||||||||
| Equipment and Machinery Involved | |||||||||
| Whether machinery is using non-contamination fuel? | |||||||||
| Vehicle maintenance and control | Schedule defined? | Organization Responsible appointed? | Budget confirmed? | ||||||
| Chemicals required listed?. | |||||||||
| Are the chemicals protected from rainwater? | |||||||||
| Chemical Inspection | Person(s) responsible | Schedule | List of required actions | Protection measures | |||||
| Fire inspection | Person(s) responsible | List of required actions | Schedule of fire extinguishers inspection | Safety rules | |||||
Noise Pollution Monitoring and Mitigation Project
| Project name | |
| Inspection Area defined? | |
| Person Responsible appointed? | |
| Contractor stated? | |
| Schedule of monitoring measures taken? |
| Total Area defined? | |
| Estimated area of contaminated land defined? |
Inspection Control Checklist
| Noise pollution sources listed? | ||||
| Noise prevention measures taken? | During Rainy Season | During Non-Rainy Season | ||
| Public health concerns monitored? | ||||
| Ecological concerns monitored? | ||||
| Safety requirements listed? | For noise isolation materials | For equipment | Fire safety | |
| Environmental Safety measures taken? | ||||
| Noise protection improvement measures taken? | ||||
| Flora and Fauna Protection measures taken? | ||||
Reference List
Alexandre, Ariel, and Jean-Philippe Barde. “Land Pollution?.” OECD Observer a.167 2004: 23-26.
Brockett, Charles D. Land, Power, and Poverty: Agrarian Transformation and Political Conflict in Asia. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2008.
Dooley, Erin E. “Land Pollution Clearinghouse.” Environmental Health Perspectives 113.1 (2005): 27.
El-Ahraf, Amer, Mohammad Qayoumi, and Ron Dowd. The Impact of Public Policy on Environmental Quality and Health: The Case of Land Use Management and Planning. Westport, CT: Quorum Books, 2004.
Harris, Cyril M., ed. Handbook of Noise Control. McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 2006.
LaDuke, Winona. All Our Relations: Native Struggles for Land and Life. Cambridge, MA: South End Press, 2007.
Nebel, Bernard J., and Wright, Richard T. Environmental Science: The Way the World Works. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. 2004.
Nuckols, John R., et al. “Linkage of Pesticide Use Reporting Database with Spatial Land Use Data for Exposure Assessment.” Environmental Health Perspectives 115.5 (2007): 684.
Prasher D, Sułkowski W. The role of otoacoustic emissions in screening and evaluation of noise damage. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 12(2): 183-192. 2002.
Weber, Bruce R. “The Valuation of Contaminated Land.” The Journal of Real Estate Research 14.3 (2006): 379.