Pathologies of Rational Choice by Green and Shapiro Research Paper

Pathologies of Rational Choice by Green and Shapiro - Research Paper Example When these methods are corrected most of the empirical outcomes no longer hold true. Green and Shapiro claim that rational choice theory provides little understanding of overall political interactions . The writers claim that there are methodological defects in the rational choice 2) According to Green and Shapiro (reading #7) how scientific is rational choice theory?   Green and Shapiro have stated that rational choice theory is theory-driven rather than problem driven. There is a discrepancy between the faith placed in the rational choice theory by its practitioners and the failure of the theory to deliver empirical results. This raises questions on the rational choice theory as a scientific enterprise. The weakness of the rational choice theory has been an attempt by the theorists to come up with universal theories of politics. There is little attention paid to the fact as to how these theories may be put into operation. This is the reason that Green and Shapiro have declared it as an unscientific theory in which no empirical proof is available and only theoretical statements have been provided. 3) What conclusions do Green and Shapiro (reading #7) drawn regarding the value of   rational choice theory? Although Green and Shapiro have been extremely critical of the rational choice theory but in their book they have found limited faults with the theory itself. They have mainly criticized the theorists who have been associated with the theory. The book says that rational choice theory can be extremely useful if further work is done on it. They have also accepted the theoretical frameworks which have been provided by the rational choice theory. The only problem lies in putting to practice of these theoretical frameworks. 4) In his discussion of Anthony Downs’ An Economic Theory of Democracy what does   Bryan Jones (reading #10) regard as â€Å"a major addition to our understanding of rational   Choice†?   The major contribution of Anthony Down’s â€Å"An economic theory of democracy† has been to introduce the notion that search behavior is subject to a rational calculus. The more valuable is the outcome of a decision; the more search is one likely to perform. In case o flow information; a rational person will use shortcuts such as ideology or party identification. The addition of cost of search function along with understanding the role of risk and uncertainty are the major additions to the understanding of rational choice theory. 5) In your reading #11 on incrementalism, describe how Lindblom-Wildavsky’s model   of incrementalism has succeeded and how in the eyes of some theorists it has failed.   The theory of incrementalism has been declared by many critics in the sense that most policy decisions are incremental. These decisions are not re-examined every year against all the possible alternatives. More importantly even the critics of incremental theory have not represented a model of retu rn to rational, comprehensive decision making which was strongly rejected by Lindblom and Wildavsky. The theory also received a huge amount of criticism. John Wanat (1974) has argued that budget result could be accounted for by mandatory budget increases and there was no need to refer to constraints on individual decision making for this purpose. The theory of incrementalism was characterized by considerable rift as the concept was put into operation in different ways by different authors.  

Distant learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Distant learning - Essay Example Citing the pitfalls of DL as the reason for its disbandment is a way too easy out of problems, since all artificially contrived constructs are imperfect. This kind of standpoint also betrays being derelict of pragmatism and the failure to grasp the essence of DL. It is for these same reasons that educationalists posit that even in the face of a myriad of challenges that beset DL, DL can still be improved by fusing its elements with those of traditional learning. Statement of the problem This discussion is to facilitate a meaningful discourse on the nature, competitive progress and the fate of the distant or virtual learning system. Definition of Terms On one hand, the term distant learning refers to a system of learning whereby classes get conducted by correspondence, and lectures are broadcasted through the Internet, so that the student needs not to attend a literal school or college. In order to avoid a brush with redundancy, distant learning is to be abbreviated as DL, in this discussion. Thus, DL may be synonymously referred to as distance education. For this same cause, online education is not only a facet of DL, but may also be treated as an alternative term for DL, in this discussion. Another term that are used synonymously to DL include virtual learning, though the abbreviation DL is to be chiefly used. On the other hand, traditional learning refers to conventional and long-established customs in schools and colleges, having been deemed as appropriate by the society. Another term that may be synonymously used to refer to traditional education is back-to-back basics.

Water Resources in Malaysia

Water Resources in Malaysia Abstract Malaysia is a island around with ocean. It seems that there are lots of fresh water can be obtained. And I found that Malaysia received an abundance of rainfall per year. And they are rich with water resources. Also, Malaysia have bottled water in anywhere. The government often provides many bottled water to poor people and dry place. the size of bottled water is large and large in Malaysia, and then, each family all possess some bottled water at home. Finally, I want to suggest the factors and use other ideas to further support the solution. Introduction First, I found some information about fresh water in Malaysia. There are lots of solutions online. Although, Malaysia is surrounded by ocean, and it received an abundance of rainfall. They also rich with water resources. The   south of Malaysia and north of Malaysia are all need more water. And there are many sewage sources, like lots of industry and garbage in the country. So, many river would become very bad, likes there are many green points covered the river, you will smell bad and you cant use this water. In Malaysia, the supply of water is inadvisable for our. They do not have perfect protection of system. If one river be polluted, other rivers also be polluted. Because of this, many aquatic animals will be died. Likes whale will be disappointed in the world cause the ocean be destroyed. Therefore, I mean that the system of water resources should be improved. Methodology From the internet, I find that some websites about the supply of water in Malaysia. And I saw many bad things about bad environment in Malaysia. This means that there are lots of problem in Malaysias water system. They have many sewage sources into river because of many chemistry industries, likes sewage treatment plants, manufacturing industry, animals industry etc. and I also saw the other strategies, that is bottled water using. Its really reliable for peoples life. This is an ideas from unknown author. And I saw a website published by that author. He is famous person, so, I believe that very will. In the internet, I spent more times to research the different topic.and they can give me different ideas. Therefore, I know what is different topic. Findings From the internet, I found the chart of water resources about Malaysia. And the chart describes the number of river is dirty or clean. From the chart, we know that the situation of river is becoming better and better during 2005 to 2012. Cause government express they has the rule about protect the fresh water. And they also purchase the water from china. And the part of slightly polluted also become better and better. In the final, the part of polluted is becoming smaller and smaller. And from the internet, I know a lot of problems about water resources. But now, they can use bottled water to keep working and living. And the water environments situation will not become bad. Discussion In findings, there are one issue that I can talk. From above, I can know the China hold lots of fresh water, so Malaysia purchase the fresh water from china is right. And the Malaysias water system is becoming better during 2005 to 2012. The pollution start to become a little condition, people can possess the clean place to live. On the other hand, I think Malaysia can save the fresh water by themselves. They can built many techniques to survive the water.they can do it without others help. And other countries also have enough water, its better for Malaysia to life. They can acquire these water from other place. But, they should take out some ideas for their water resources. Also, the government should protect the river by all citizen. Someone think that Malaysia government should award some strategies for water environment. I agree with it, I also think bottled water use is right choose. Therefore, I support the strategies to use and keep. Conclusions and Recommendations       Overall, in my view, the alternative of bottled water use and protect the water environment are all right. But now, I think protect water environment is right for us. Because its the basic reason for improve their water environment. To solve this problem, the water system will go original situation. And now, they should purchase the bottled water from other countries. That also is a big problem now, it will cause other pollution for the world. However, I think that they should balance the water use and environment protection. Only do this, their water resources can be keep streaming. References List of the fresh water in Malaysia(1993), available from:http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/T0800E/t0800e0a.htm [Assessed 5 may] Water supply in Malaysia(1989), available from: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/18072/[Assessed 14 oct] Malaysia need o reduce water consumption(2015), available from: https://m.malaysiakini.com/letters/323856[assessed 18 dec ]

The Effects of Male Pattern Baldness :: essays research papers

The health and wellbeing of America’s children and adolescents is in jeopardy. now and in the future, is under threat. In 2002–2003, research found that most healthcare problems stemmed from a preventable condition. the most prevalent child health issues affecting children are preventable: obesity, dental disease, emotional and behavioural problems, bullying and learning delays. These problems often present as comorbidities. Overweight and obesity affect about 23% of children and adolescents in the United States, with 6% being obese.1 This figure has tripled compared to studies in the early 90’s. Studies of historical datasets have also revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents doubled over the period 1985–1997, a far greater rate of increase than in the preceding 16 years.3 Health inequalities related to overweight and obesity are evident. There is a higher incidence of overweight and obesity in children of parents of particular backgrounds,3 and maternal education is the strongest social determinant of overweight and obesity in childhood.4 Although there are limited national data, and combined New South Wales, Victorian and National Nutrition datasets1 failed to find a rural/urban difference, Victorian epidemiological data show a statistically significant, higher proportion of overweight and obese boys in metropolitan areas, but this difference was not found for girls (Ms K Hesketh, NHMRC PhD Scholar, Centre for Community Child Health, Melbourne, VIC, personal communication). The health consequences of overweight and obesity are substantial, although Australian data remain unclear in certain areas.5 At least in the United States, obesity carries more stigma in children than any physical disability, and this is evident across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups.6 Issues of social acceptance, athletic competence and physical appearance are well known to obese children and affect their sense of social and psychological wellbeing. Obese children with decreasing self-esteem are more likely to smoke and drink alcohol compared with those whose self-esteem increases or remains the same.7 Obese children and adolescents may also have a range of medical conditions including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and even type 2 diabetes. Other problems, such as musculoskeletal discomfort, obstructive sleep apnoea, heat intolerance, asthma and shortness of breath, greatly affect their lifestyle.8 Implications for the future can be gathered from longitudinal studies. Combined cohort studies indicate that relative body weight is sustained from childhood to adulthood, and, once children or adolescents are overweight or obese, their weight is unlikely to track backwards.5 If this is not sufficient reason for concern, reflect that these studies (of the long-term consequences of child and adolescent obesity) were all performed before the worldwide obesity epidemic developed.

Tyco International Company Culture and Ethics

On September 12, 2002, Tyco International’s former chief executive officer L. Dennis Kozlowski and former chief financial officer Mark H. Swartz have been arrested and charged with stealing more than $170 million from the company as well as more than $430 million through false sales of Tyco stock and covering the information from shareholders. Kozlowski and Swartz were charged with more than thirty counts of wrong doing. Hence, Tyco scandal was one of the most notorious of the early 2000s. Consequently, companies need to be alert of any changes in their culture, predominantly with regard to ethical behavior. For example, according to George P. Jones (2003), if sales personnel who aggressively book revenue are consistently rewarded while those who take a more conservative approach are left behind, one may expect to find problems in the company’s revenue classifications and related financial figures. Furthermore, corporate culture is how a corporation thinks the business should be ran. Senior management always has a belief that a firm owed it to its shareholders to get as much profit as possible forgetting that the company’s corporate culture is as important as the profit making. In Tyco’s case, the CEO, Kozlowki was the second-highest-paid CEO, but his lack of conservativeness, his aggressive business style and his extravagant way of living, did raise some red flags and indicated that Kozlowski was acting unethically by manipulating the company’s financials and using the company’s money unethically. According to Whelan G. 2012), as MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS (MNCs) have become more numerous, more powerful, and more variously engaged (Dunning & Lundan, 2008; Roach, 2005; UNCTAD, 2010), and as their global operating context has changed (Kobrin, 2005; Ruggie, 1982, 2008a), so too have the normative demands commonly made of them. Within the business ethics and business and society literatures for example, the belief that ‘globalizatio n' has increased the power of MNCs, and concomitantly decreased the power of states, has informed a body of work that normatively prescribes, and positively describes and explains, the political duties and activities of MNCs. Tyco’s stock price initially fell when Tyco was going to make a bid for Honeywell (subject of General Electric's failed takeover last year). The rumor caused Tyco's share price to plummet around 8. 5 percent in the last half hour of trading, and although a company spokesperson denied there was any truth in it immediately after the close, Tyco was in the spotlight – it came under very close scrutiny in the days and weeks that followed (insideinvestorrelations. com). Additionally, the fraud began to unfold when the Securities and Exchange Commission was examining the company's stock price. Business practices by senior management have raised some red flags and the SEC started an investigation into Tyco's practices. Suspicious accounting practices surfaced because Tyco had forgiven a $19 million loan to Kozlowski in 1998 and had paid the CEO's income taxes on the loan. It was then discovered that the company's stock price had been overvalued, and that the CEO and CFO had sold 100 million dollars' worth of shares, and then stated to the public that he was holding them, which was a misrepresentation and misled the investors. Kozlowski and Swartz stole approximately $600 million by taking unauthorized pay and bonuses, abusing loan programs and selling their company stock at overstated prices after lying about Tyco’s finances. And according to nbcnews. com, often, when these two men were accused of stealing millions of dollars, prosecutors said, the defendants hid their alleged thefts by failing to disclose the bonuses and loan forgivenesses in company prospectuses and federal filings, and bought the silence of underlings with outsized compensation. Both used Tyco’s money to buy extravagant lifestyles that featured art, jewelry and real estate, prosecutors said. An example of that spending was the gaudy $2 million toga party Kozlowski threw for wife Karen’s 40th birthday on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, they said. Tyco paid about half of the party’s cost. Lines Mr. Kozlowski crossed in his tenure as CEO †¢He had Tyco pay for his $30 million New York City apartment which included $6,000 shower curtains and $15,000 â€Å"dog umbrella stands†. He also purchased several acres in the private gated community, â€Å"The Sanctuary†, in Boca Raton, Florida †¢He was engaged in financial frauds through Loan forgiveness and inappropriate bonus payments. †¢He also lied to the shareholders by overrating the stocks of the company. Kozlowski made Tyco pay $1 million (half of the $2 million bill) for the 40th birthday party of his second wife. The party was held on the Italian island of S ardinia, it included an ice sculpture of Michelangelo's David urinating Stolichnaya vodka and a private concert by Jimmy Buffett. The party was announced as a shareholder meeting in order to get corporate funding. CONCLUSION Perhaps one of the most disturbing things of the Tyco scandal was that nobody caught the thieves on time, the fraud surfaced when special groups were put in place to particularly prevent fraud and protect investors. The SEC was not able to prevent or catch the problem on time, they only caught this once it had already spread widely. Decentralizing corporate structure can make it difficult, even for the board of directors, to effectively monitor a firm’s dealings and finances. Kozlowski’s fall and the repercussions of his dirty dealings (financial penalties and jail time) are also detailed. Finally, an explanation of how Tyco survived the scandal is provided, along with safeguards the company has put into place to ensure that similar misconduct does not occur in the future. Reference Jennings, M. (2012). Business ethics: Case studies and selected readings. 7th Ed. Mason, OH South-Western Cengage Learning Whelan, G., 2012. The Political Perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Critical Research Agenda. Retrieved from: learners.ncu.edu George P. Jones, May 2003. Corporate Culture and Ethical Behavior. Retrieved from: http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2003/May/CorporateCultureAndEthicalBehavior.htm Insideinvestorrelations.com. Fall of the house of Tyco. Retrieved from: http://www.insideinvestorrelations.com/articles/case-studies/16294/fall-house-tyco/ Nbcnews.com. Ex-Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski found guilty. Retrieved from: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8258729/ns/business-corporate_scandals/t/ex-tyco-ceo-dennis-kozlowski-found-guilty/#.UYa2oKLqnco

My Philosophy of Nursing Essay

Philosophy is defined as the study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge; embracing and seeking wisdom through reason and the logical presentation of ideas. This concept, I believe, is to strip an idea down to its fundamental basis or theory, analyzing cause rather than effect, then through investigation and exercise, begin to find understanding. When this concept is applied to an existing practice, all parties benefit from an equal and larger pool of knowledge. As a nurse, I see firsthand how philosophy applies to my profession. How do we define nursing as a practice? After reviewing many journals and textbooks, I found one statement that defines nursing as I see it. Ramona T. Mercer, who is known for her Maternal Role Attainment theory, states that the three major foci for nursing are, â€Å"health promotion and prevention of illness, providing care for those who need professional assistance to achieve their optimal level of health and functionin g, and research to enhance the knowledge base for providing excellent nursing care. † (Alligood, 2009, p.586) I believe that these three applications stem from the following ideals: family values, happiness, sense of accomplishment, honesty, and responsibility. In order to succeed at these applications, there must be a balance between practice and concern. There are three major branches of philosophy, natural philosophy, metaphysical philosophy, and moral philosophy. When speaking of nursing philosophy, it is the moral aspect that comes into play most, driving guiding and defining the practice. This paper will address the theme of the Philosophy of Nursing. I will define nursing as a whole and discuss its primary goals, discuss the aspect of nursing as an art or science, and introduce theory and how it pertains to the philosophy of  nursing. I will then discuss how this philosophy relates to me, how my morals and ethics are shaped by not only knowledge, but belief as well. Primary Goal of Nursing Nursing is a profession steeped in rich values based on the work of Florence Nightingale. This profession has not degraded over time due to the character of the individuals that commit to this career. It is reasonable to think that each of us chose nursing because of some key beliefs or values that we possessed. These values and beliefs ultimately guide us in formulating our own definition of nursing and what we believe to be its primary goal. Friberg (2011) related to this quote from Florence Nightingale (1860) â€Å"put the patient in the best condition for nature to act upon him†. This essence of nursing practice continues to be reflected in contemporary nursing. My personal goal in nursing is to give the greatest care with the best of my ability to a patient and his family. To do this, I make a commitment on my part to keep myself up to date with new technologies, evidence-based research, and new protocols, and, to trust in my moral philosophy and beliefs in order to put t hese tools to best use. Nursing is an Art and a Science Scholars have debated for years over the perception of nursing as an art or a science. Those closer to the field see nursing more as an art form; working through medium, process, and product. Those who look at nursing from the outside, however, tend to view nursing more of a science; practice through systematized knowledge and exercise. For much of the history of nursing, the argument has stemmed from the idea of which practice is most beneficial. First, let’s address nursing as an art. The pioneer’s theorists such as Florence Nightingale are referenced as practicing the art of nursing as it pertains to compassion, feelings, trust, and performing tasks with skills. Each of these ideal is a foundation to the next; without caring the nurse cannot connect with the patient, if the nurse cannot connect, trust will not develop, without this trusting relationship, therapeutic nursing cannot take place. Therefore, caring is at the center of all-successful nursing encounters. In her book Novice to Expert Benner states, â€Å"One way to separate the instrumental and expressive aspects of  nursing is to regulate caring as the art of nursing (Benner, 1984, 170). Also, the art of nursing is the ability to form trusting relationships, perform procedures skillfully, prescribe appropriate treatments, and morally conduct nursing practice (Johnson, 1994). As important as the art is, however, it relies on the science to guide it; as a hand guides a brush to canvass. Now, let’s address nursing as a science. The nurse should have knowledge in biology, chemistry, pathology and current guidelines for pharmacological therapy. This is an ever-changing body on knowledge. Science also encompasses the skill required to perform technical tasks. Benner’s Novice to Expert model explains the science behind skill acquisition. As nurses we are all on a continuum to achieve â€Å"expert† in each of the seven domains of competencies. Science makes up the foundation for current practices exercised in nursing. It shapes and drives this practice through knowledge, understanding and technology. However, the science of nursing can only be applied through the art of the practice; especially in a field where case are seldom similar. I believe that, in order to be a successful nurse, one must be able to provide the â€Å"art† of caring through form, as well as continuing to obtain knowledge, or â€Å"science†, through function. The balance of these two styles is essential to providing optimal treatment; each encourages the other. Roles that Theory plays in my BN Nursing Practice The study of existing theories provides framework and guidelines for the nursing field; and it has since as far back as Florence Nightingale in 1850’s. Each of the many theories, as taught in the Bachelor of Nursing program, has something different to contribute to nursing, depending on which area of health care it is applied to. That is not to say that we, as nurses today, cannot think outside of the boundaries of these theories; technological advancement, scientific breakthroughs, and persistent research are ever-changing the way we understand our practice. Theory should be used as the groundwork of which all other teachings are built upon; by studying the past, we are more prepared for the future. The foundation of nursing theories is based on knowledge which is gained through four ways of knowing: empiric, ethics, esthetics, and personal, according to Carper (1978). By building upon the fundamentals learned from obtaining a nursing diploma, my  undergraduate education in nursing (BN) gives me the additional tools necessary to establish my nursing practice. Through the study of established methods and practical training (empirically and esthetically), I have laid a strong foundation for practice and exercise. Through observation and experience (ethically and personally), I continually expand my critical thinking and improve ability with my newly acquired knowledge. Once these theories are established, we use reasoning to be able to formulate them into research, practice, and philosophies. The three most common methods of reasoning are deductive, inductive, and abductive as stated by Johnson (2010). For most of my nursing career, I have relied on abductive reasoning and intuition, as I have worked in varied intensive care units. Because circumstances vary greatly from patient to patient and case to case, we can never assume an outcome based solely on previous situations. It is in these experiences where common theories are shaped into our personal philosophies. Nursing Practice as it relates to my philosophy? As I research this paper, I reflect back with a fresh perspective on the nursing theorist past and present. Having been a nurse for many years now, I find that my views and beliefs I held at the beginning of my career differ greatly from those I keep today; whereas early on I supposed that nursing was primarily based on assessment and exercise, now I find that personal values and belief are just as important as practice. Teachers and mentors established a base for nursing philosophy; however, my experiences, both good and bad, have helped shaped my own. I have come to understand and relate to Florence Nightingale’s approach to nursing, placing caring at the center of all practice. My philosophy is based on key values that place care of the patient foremost: honesty, trust, empathy, advocating, education, observation, and responsibility. Honesty, trust and empathy are important for me to be able to establish a relationship with the patient. Education and observation are importa nt in be able to provide the best care available; and in worst case scenarios, providing comfort. Advocating is important when the patient is not able to speak for themselves. And finally, we have responsibility. Responsibility drives me to be ever improving and learning so that I can be assured of providing the best possible care. All of which are reliant on the others. Having 22 years of  intensive care experience taught me a great deal about myself. There were situations where I felt extremely vulnerable and ineffective, such as dealing with aggressive or confused patients that basically rendered me emotionally distraught for some time after the events. In that situation, I needed to learn coping mechanisms to deal with the situations or needed the support of my colleagues to trade with me or help me when those times got tough. We all need to support and help each other get through our tough days. Ethical issues are a current component of health care. A sound personal nursing philosophy is required to deal compassionately and comfortably with issues such as medical futility, allocation of resources, withdrawal of treatment, use of restraints, caring for homeless people, etc. This also means that we are consummate advocates for the patient and willing to speak up when we do not feel the environment is as safe as it can be. For me, investigation and development of my own nursing philosophy is a prerequisite for a meaningful life and a fulfilling career in nursing. I believe we should be our patient advocate, especially in the intensive care unit where the patients are very vulnerable, and unable to speak because they are sedated, unconscious, or intubated. I face challenges every day at work to the best care I can give to my patients. On one of those days, I was taking care of an elderly patient who had been hospitalized in the ICU for a prolonged stay and she was on life support. Her condition was not improving and the family was asked to make a decision about withdrawal of treatment, but the family was afraid of the guilt and responsibility for her death. This family needed reassurance that everything had been done to improve the patient‘s conditio n but with no success. I sat down with them to explained what withdrawal of treatment meant. After our discussion, the family understood that by removing the machines, we were allowing natural death to occur. This was the key decision factor because they originally thought they were killing the patient by removing the life support. After our discussion, the family agreed to remove life support and to initiate comfort measure. I believe everyone is entitled to quality of life and when we have exhausted all possible treatment, remove life support while keeping the patient comfortable. Personal experience is a very important influence in developing one’s philosophy of nursing. It adds diversity to known ideals which, in turn, increases the collective knowledge pool and improves  nursing as a whole. But, however great the benefits might be, each philosophy must still adhere to the practice standards of their work place, and the regulations set by their nursing order. I believe my philosophy of nursing clarifies the requirements in knowledge, human values, and technical skills so they can be organized, analyzed and evaluated. Throughout my career, I have constantly been evolving my philosophy. Each case, each patient, each experience, all contributing insight to who I am and what kind of nurse I want to be. Through it all, though, the one nursing theory that I relate to the most and the keystone of my nursing philosophy, is listed by Dr. Moyra Allen (1987) in the McGill model; health, family, collaboration, and learning. At the beginning of my career, I was working at Royal Victoria Hospital which is now part of the McGill University Health Center. I remember using a primary nursing care concept. It is basically continuity of care; same nurses are assigned patients from their admission to their discharge. It gave the nurse an opportunity to participate with the multidiscipline team about the patient’s care, and incorporate the family. I have always believed that that family needs to be incorporated into our care of patients. Too many times, I have seen nurses go in and out of patient’s room without interacting with the family or ignoring them. Families are a big part of the McGill model and in my own nursing practice. Conclusion My philosophy of nursing takes into consideration the elements of nursing practice which are the beneficiaries of care, their family, health/illness, and the society around them. It shapes my life and drives my daily experience as I interact with my family, strangers, my environment, and society around me. As our knowledge increases our philosophy grows; the two becoming tightly woven about one another and becoming ultimately inseparable. It is very difficult to face the demands of caring for people from day to day without the solid foundation of a personal philosophy. We are more effective in anything that we do when we understand ourselves, the way we think, and where our values are in reference to others as well as our personal strengths and limitations. This paper provided a different and valuable perspective for reinterpreting my knowledge on concepts, theories, and philosophy in nursing. It was interesting to document my journey as I  reflected on my philosophy of nursing and my career as an intensive care nurse. Our own values and beliefs must be clarified in order to authentically respond to the health care needs of our patients and to society as a whole. The main reason I chose this profession was because of the endless possibilities that are available to care for people. As an ICU nurse, my duties entails patient and family care, educating and mentoring new and fellow nurses, and assisting with policy and procedures. We need to rid society of the totally false dichotomy that nurses are either highly educated or caring. References Alligood, M. R. & Tomey, A. M. (2009). Nursing Theorists and Their Work (7th Edition). Maryland Heights, MI: Mosby Elsevier. Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: excellence and power in clinical nursing practice (2nd edition). Menlo Park, CA: Addison – Wesley. Burkhardt, M. A., Nathaniel, A. K., & Walton, N. A. (2010). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing (1st Canadian edition). Toronto, ON: Nelson. Darbyshire, P. (1999). Nursing, art and science: Revisiting the Two Cultures International Journal of Nursing Practice. 5: 123–131. Friberg, E. & Creasia, J. L. (2011). Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice (5th Edition). St-Louis, MI: Mosby. p. 49. Johnson, J. L. (1994). A Dialectical Examination of Nursing Art. Advance in Nursing Science. 17(1), 1-14. Johnson, B. M. & Webber, P. B. (2010). An Introduction to Theory and Reasoning in Nursing (3rd Edition). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippencott, Williams & Wilkins. Michalis, R. (2 002). Nursing as an art. ICUs and Nursing Web Journal, 9. Tourville, C. & Ingalls, K. (2003). The living tree of nursing theories. Nursing Forum. 38(2), 21-36. Zander, P. E. (2007). Ways of knowing in nursing: The historical evolution of the concept. Journal of Theory Construction and Testing, 11(1), 7-11.