Friday, December 27, 2019

Aristotle s Theory Of Moral Virtue - 1269 Words

In books one and two of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle lays a foundation for and explains reasoning behind his theory of moral virtue. Aristotle does this to give understanding of what it means to be morally virtuous, and how to achieve it. I believe Aristotle’s theory, in the face of objections regarding the relativity of virtue, is sufficient to achieve an understanding to what it means to be morally virtuous and how to act in a morally virtuous manner. Aristotle uses book one of the Nicomachean Ethics to layout the foundational frame work from which he arrive at his theory of moral virtue. He begins by focusing on human activity, noting that all action is directed at something other than itself. He focuses on how each activity a†¦show more content†¦Rather, the value of an action is dependent on the goal; an action is morally good if it brings us closer to the goal of being humans. To be good, is to complete your action well, and the action which distinguishes humans from animals is the ability to reason; therefore happiness is an activity of a rational being which follows and acts in accordance with virtue. Aristotle divides the soul into two portions: the irrational and rational soul. The irrational soul is comprised of two aspects, the vegetative and appetitive. The irrational soul focuses on nutrition and growth of the being, along with governing urges without regards to virtuousness, and the rational soul controls the urges produced by the irrational soul. It is the rational faculty which provides the ability to assess and determine which urges to follow that were produces in the irrational soul. Aristotle uses this framework from book one in book two to further discuss moral virtue in book two of the Nicomachean Ethics. Just as there are two types of ends and soul, there are two kinds of virtue: intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtue is that which is taught over an extended period of time. In contrast, moral virtue is that which is learned and obtained through habit. The key difference between the types of virtue is the requirement of using extended rational to conclude and obtain

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Analysis of Liberalism and Democracy Essay - 1069 Words

Analysis of Liberalism and Democracy Liberalism has an ambivalent relationship with democracy, as liberals are against collective power, but support political equality. In the nineteenth century liberals were often opposed to democracy as they saw it as a threat to individual rights - the people are not a single entity but rather a collection of individuals with different opinions and interests, and so it is impossible for every view and opinion to be respected. Since the twentieth century most liberals have come round to the idea of democracy, and support it, but they still have reservations. Liberals defend democracy for a variety of reasons. First of all it ensures public accountability.†¦show more content†¦Leading on from this is the issue of property - according to John Locke, it was crucial that those with property were able to protect their rights against the government. The government has the right to expropriate property through taxation, therefore the owners of property have the right to control who makes up the tax-making body. This idea was summed up in the slogan ‘no taxation without representation’. Also, liberals believe that political participation is important in itself, as it allows personal self-development and political education. Self-development is very important to liberals - modern liberals in particular see freedom as the ability to develop skills, broaden understanding and gain fulfilment. Therefore any kind of self-development is very important. Democracy also allows individuals more control over their own lives - they play an active part in government, and indirectly affect all decisions made over their lives. This self-determination is very significant to liberals, as they believe that freedom is very important, and noone should have power over another individual without some degree of consent - democracy provides this consent, as people are able to choose a representative for themselves. Liberal democracy is based on competition and electoral choice,Show MoreRelatedPolitics is the Manner in Which Society is Organized1767 Words   |  7 Pagesthat is democracy and liberalism, will be discussed. These are not just political systems but they are also a set of rules and theories. Democracy is the branch of politics that has to do with the organisation of society through the collectively binding decision-making of the entire population. Liberalism on the other hand is a philosophy of politics that has to do with the freedom of control and interference from a governmental organisation. The values of equality in liberalism and democracy are twoRead MoreRealism, Liberalism And Constructivism : The Field Of International Relations1379 Words   |  6 Pagesfield of international relations, there are a multitude of theories or schools of thought. All of these theories have a different perspective on how the world operates and how states interact with each other. The more popular theories are realism, liberalism and constructivism. All three theories recognize that the international system is anarchical; there is no overarching power to govern world affairs. Realism is a view of international politics that emphasizes its competitive and conflicting worldviewRead MoreEssay on Ir Theory Article Review-Doyle1103 Words   |  5 PagesDoyle, M. ‘Liberalism and World Politics’, American Political Science Review, 1986, vol. 80(4), pp. 1151-69 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY Article Review 17th October 2011. 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Secondly, this analysis will address neo-liberal institutionalism, followed by an analysis of theRead MoreThe Development Of Liberalism After The Chinese Economic Reform And Open Up1708 W ords   |  7 PagesFriedrich von Hayek elaborates the necessity of economic freedom to the formulation of liberalism. In the 1980s, China, a country undergoing dramatic economic program, worshiped Hayek’s idea, and fiercely debated the extent of government interventionism in this entire process. Following Hayek’s logic, a pure and complete economic freedom would inevitably lead to political liberalism. In contrast, a manipulated economy, like the one China developed before 1977, suppressed consumers’ freedom, and facilitatedRead MoreEssay on Strength and Weaknesses of Classical Realism1037 Words   |  5 PagesClassical Realism, with its implication that humans are intrinsically evil, is often characterized as a pessimistic analysis of human nature. While this characterization is undeniably true, Classical Realism should not be reduced to merely a cynical view of politics. Philosophically, Classical Realism is the epitome of the modern philosophical departure from ancient Greek philosophy, especially under Aristotle who contends that human nature is a â€Å"tabula rasa.† As our worldview changes, so do ourRead MoreFailure of Liberalism in Dr. Strangelove898 Words   |  4 PagesTessa Wilson PSC 3030 October 6, 2011 The Failure of Liberalism in Dr. Strangelove Though Stanley Kubrick wrote Dr. Strangelove as a comedy, the premise and plot of the film are extremely realistic and suspenseful, this in part accounts for why the nightmare comedy was so successful. The main objective of the film was to show how military and civilian leaders would attempt to cope with an outbreak of an accidental nuclear war. However, in subtle and sometimes not so subtle ways, it alsoRead MorePolitics, Realism, Liberalism And Liberty1507 Words   |  7 Pageschallenges thoughts on existing theories and helps to develop the understanding of political concepts that are often deemed to be effective or ineffective. This essay will refer to some concepts and theories such as Political Corruption, Realism, Liberalism and Liberty. It will explore the kind of things academics generally try to find out through studying politics to explore these topics and what they should possibly be looking for instead when studying politics. Political Corruption covers a broad

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Computation of the Taxable Income and the Tax Payable for Ethan Jones

Questions: Ethan Jones a Medical Registrar in a Melbourne Public Hospital earned a gross salary of $220,000 during the year ended 30 June 2014. He had PAYGW deducted of $73,000 from this salary. He salary sacrificed $10,000 of his gross salary to an ATO regulated superannuation fund. He received interest income paid by the bank of $4,500 into his bank account. However he did not provide a Tax File Number and tax of was deducted of $3,682 from the interest derived for the year. He received dividends of $7,000 from fully franked distributions for the year ended 30 June 2014. He received additional income and paid expenses as follows: Unfranked dividends of $30,000 Partially franked dividends (franked to 20%) of $10,000. Capital losses on sale of shares of $15,000. Net loss from carrying on a small business of $25,000. Bank charges of $50 on his investment account into which he banked his dividends and interest. Tax Agents Fees of $800. General Interest Charge of $550 on late payment of his income tax bill for the year ended 30 June 2013. Amount was not demanded until December 2013. Purchase of a raffle ticket for $150 from the Salvation Army. The prize was a motor vehicle. Gift to Royal Childrens Hospital of $1. Subscription to the Professional Cooks Association of $300. Laundry of $200 no receipts Parking meter fees on visiting clients $190 no receipts Protective clothing $290 no receipts Parking fine of $170 on expired meter while visiting a client Payment of $5,000 to ANR superannuation fund. Purchase of a medical brief case costing $600 for work. The brief case was purchased on 2/7/2014. Further Information: Rental Property Ethan Jones purchased a Motel during the 2014 taxation year and received rental income from the motel business operator during the year ended 30 June 2014. Details of the financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 2014 were as follows: Motel Purchased 1/9/2013 - land and buildings 500,000 Motel Building Construction cost construction in 2002 200,000 Mortgage - Period of loan is 30 years 450,000 Motel was listed by the Real Estate Agency available for Rent on 1/9/2013 Carport - built 15/05/2014 18,000 Rented from 1/10/2013 13,000 Net loss on rent from main residence see below* 10,000 Survey fees on purchase of property 800 Stamp Duty on Transfer of Land 32,000 Stamp Duty on Loan 500 Valuation fees re loan application 500 Loan Application Fees 600 Loan Mortgage Insurance (LMI) 8,000 Loan Establishment fees 700 Conveyancing fees on transfer of land 10,000 Mortgage documentation - Bank 2,000 Mortgage broker commission 3,500 Bank fees on Transfer of Land 1,400 Bank fees - investment account 120 Travelling to inspect rental property using 6cylinder V6 - 3000 kms ? Capital Gain Ethan has capital assets but decided to dispose of the following assets due to his debt levels due to the purchase of the motel Asset Cost Purchase Date Date of Disposal Proceeds House in Toorak 500,000 15/03/2009 16/05/2014 700,000 Shares in Coles Ltd 17,200 18/06/1997 17/03/2014 23,200 Shares in BHP Billiton 16,000 18/11/2008 19/04/2014 6,800 Ultralight aircraft 13,000 18/01/2013 19/11/2013 14,000 Painting 600 03/03/1969 30/01/2014 25,700 Gold Watch 450 21/10/1985 29/12/2013 50,000 Houseboat 10,500 28/9/1987 29/06/2014 85,000 Notes: The House in Toorak was rented out from date of purchase for the first 3 years of ownership. Ethan then occupied the premises as his main residence. During the period of ownership the property made a loss from the rental of $10,000, which was claimed by Ethan wants to claim as a tax deduction in his tax return see above.* The Ultra-light aircraft and the Houseboat were for Ethans own personal use. Ethan also has the following capital losses carried forward from the previous year. Capital loss on the sale of Macquarie shares of $5,000. Capital loss from the sale of his caravan which was destroyed in a car accident of $5,500. Capital loss from the sale of an engagement ring that was given by his ex-husband of $3,500. Ethan wishes to minimise his net capital gains. Required: Calculate the taxable income and the tax payable for Ethan Jones in relation to the year ended 30 June 2014. Answers: Ethan Jones Computation of the Taxable Income and the Tax Payable for Ethan Jones for the year ended 30.06.2014 Particulars Details Amount($) Earnings categorized as personal a) Income From Salary 1 137000.00 b) Interest Income 2 Nil c) Dividend Income 3 46950.00 A 183950.00 Income From Business or Trade a) Small Business Loss (25000.00) b) Rental Income From Motel 4 111152.00 B 86152.00 Income from Sale of Capital Assets 5 - C 77217.00 Gross Total Income D =A+B+C 347319.00 Deduction from the Capital Gain Income 6 E (6541.00) Taxable Income D-E 340778.00 Tax Payable on Above including Medicare Levy 7 136928.22 Table Showing Details 1. Computation Of Income From Salary Pay received as salary = $220000 Less : Deductions for PAYGW = $73000 Salary sacrifice as super salary sacrifice = $10000 Taxable Salary Income of the Individual = $137000 2. calculation of interest income Interest Income received or accrued = $4500 Deduction at source from the above income = $3682 The above income shall not be included in the income because the tax has been already deducted from this income. Since the Tax File Number was not submitted the tax was deducted at Highest Marginal Rate of Tax. 3. Income Earned or Received in the form of Dividends Franked Distribution = $7000 Distribution of Unfranked nature = $30000 Partial Part of the franked distribution = $10000(20% of the total amount) Expenses deductible from the above incomes = ($50)(Bank Charges) Total Dividend Income = $46950.00 Also there is eligibility of credit from the above dividend income specially in relation to the franked ones amounting to = $7000 + 10000*20% = $9000 4. Rental Property Income Here the most important thing to note what is the intention of the assessee in relation to the property in question. We need to look at the point from where the intention is present. The intention is there from 1.09.2013. So this date forms the basis of allowance of any expenditure in relation to the property in question. Any expense incurred prior to this date shall not be allowed for deduction while calculating the taxable rental income. So there is a need for calculation of the ratio for the expenses incurred evenly throughout the year. Total number of days = 365 (Office) Allowable period 01.09.2013 to 30.06.2014 consists of 303 days. Hence the expense incurred evenly during the year will be allowed up to this ratio. Rental income receipt is from 01.10.2013. we can analyse each and every point as following: a) Income from last 9 months = 13000*9 = $117000.00 b) Main residence rental loss shall be fully taxable amounting to $10000.00 c) The fees paid for survey are related with the property cost. There is not income impact. d) Stamp duty on transfer of the capital asset (land in this case) is a part of capital gain calculation. e) Stamp Duty on loan part is to be added with the capital assets for which the loan was taken. f) Fees on valuation of the property shall be allowable in the ratio of 303/365 amounts to $500*303/365 = $415. g) The fees on loan application are a capital expenditure. h) Loan mortgage insurance is allowable in the ratio of 303/365 and since the lease period is 30 years then the amount again shall be divided by 30 = $221(8000*303/365*30) i) Loan establishment expenses are not revenue. j) The fees in relation to the transfer of the land shall be a part of the capital gain calculation. So there is no treatment here. k) A proportionate deduction will be allowed for the documentation charges in relation to the mortgage $2000*303/365 = $1660 l) Mortgage Broker Commission is an indirect expense in relation to the property loan. So this is not allowable. m) Bank fees in connection with the transfer of the land shall be dealt in the capital gain part. n) Investment Account bank fees = 120*303/365 = $100 o) The amount for the travelling expenses incurred for Inspection of the property is allowable. In absence of any amount it is assumed to be $1000. p) Borrowing expenses in relation to the mortgage are allowed only for a part of the 30 years and that too in the ratio calculated. $450000/30*303/365 = $12452 Taxable Rental Income = 117000 + 10000-415-221-1660-100-1000-12452 = $11152 5. Calculation of the Capital Gain Income 6. a) House in TOORAK: If assessee is using the property for main residence the entire property shall be not taxable but the exemption is available proportionately if the assessee is not using the place for own residence. Partial exemption is calculated as follows: Total Capital Gain * Number of days the property was used for own residence/ total days of ownership. In this case the assessee has a property since 15.03.2009 but for 3 year the property was rented. The sale date is 16.05.2014. So the assessee is eligible for a partial exemption only. The amount of partial exemption shall be calculated as discussed in the formula. Sale consideration of the house = $700000 Cost basis = $500000 Capital Gain = $200000*3 years/5 years 2 months = $116129 b) Shares held in Coles Ltd. In this we need to check whether the assets were acquired before 21.09.1999 or not. Since the shares were purchased on 18.06.1997, the assessee can follow either of the method(discount or indexation method) to calculate capital gain as favourable. Sale Consideration = $23200 Cost Basis = $17200 Capital Gain = $6000 option 1 discounting method. Discounting method is applicable on individuals. 50% of the net capital gain is allowed as deduction from capital gain. Net capital gain means the capital gains left after adjusting any losses. This method is applicable only if the property is held for 12 months or more. Capital Gain as calculated above = $6000 Capital Loss in Macquarie shares = $5000 Discount = 1000*50% = $500 Net Capital Gain = $1000-$500 = $500 Option 2 Indexation Assets acquired before 11.45 am of 21.09.1999 are eligible for this method. Here indexed cost is to be calculated by taking the values of the Consumer Price Index. The Consumer price index of the quarter ended 30.06 are available and the multiplication factor is calculated as 123.40/82.60 = 1.4939. (Government, 2014) Sale Proceeds = $23200 Cost after Index(17200*1.4939) = $25695 Capital Loss = $2495. c) Share in BHP Billiton When the cost base is already higher than the sale proceeds, then there is no requirement of the calculation of the indexed cost base. Sale consideration = $6800 Cost Basis = $16000 Capital Loss = $9200 d) Ultra Light Aircraft Assets which are personal in nature shall be taxable only if their cost basis is greater than $10000. Here the cost of the asset is $13000. So, normal calculation of capital gain shall be there. Here the property is held for less than 12 months. Therefore the discount method is not available. Sale Price =$14000 Cost Basis =$13000 Capital Gain = $1000 e) Painting Pre Capital gain tax assets are not taxable. The assets purchased before the insertion of the capital gain provisions are not taxable. The painting is purchased before 20.09.1985 and hence no capital gain would be there. f) Gold Watch Gold watch is a collectible and the collectibles below $500 are not taxable. Since the acquisition cost of the asset is $450, hence the same is exempted from tax. g) House Boat This asset is used for personal purpose but the amount of acquisition is greater than $10000. Another important thing here is the option is available, discounting or indexation (since purchased before 20.09.1999). (Property, 2014) Option 1 Discounting method. Sale consideration = $85000 Cost basis = $10500 Capital Gain = $74500 Net Capital Gain = 50% of above = $37250 Option 2 Indexed method: Here the Consumer price index for the quarter ending on September is 119.70. the CPI in the numerator shall be 123.40. the multiplication factor is 123.40/119.70 = 1.0309. Sales Consideration = $85000 Indexed Cost = $10824(10500*1.0309) Capital Gain = $74176. Thus the discounting method is beneficial to the assessee. Capital gain amounts to $37250 as per discounting method. Now the overall computation of capital gain is given in the following table: Asset classification Name Capital gain/(loss)$ Net Capital Gain($) Collectables Painting(e) Nil Gold Watch(f) Nil Personal Used Items Aircraft(d) 1000 House Boat(g) 74500 75500 Other Assets Toorak House(a) 116129 Shares in Coles Ltd.(b) (2495) Shares in BHP Billiton(c) (9200) Capital Loss on Sale of share (15000) 89434 Grand Total 164934 Less: Capital Loss(NOTES) 10500 Net 154434 Discount (50%) 77217 TAXABLE CAPITAL GAIN 77217 NOTES: Capital Loss Macquarie Shares 5000 Destroyed Caravan 5500 Engagement ring sale Personal Item Loss not considered - Total Capital Loss $10500 6. Deductions ITEMS Amount ($) Fees of the Tax Agent 800 Interest Charge not allowed Nil Raffle Ticket Purchase 150 Gift made to Royal Children Hospital 1 Amount paid as Subscription to Cooking Association 300 Parking Meter Fees are not allowed - Expenses in relation to protective clothing 290 Parking Fine is disallowed - Contribution to ANR Super Annuation Fund 5000 Briefcase purchase is not allowed as for next year - TOTAL DEDCUTIONS 6541 NOTES: a) General Interest charge is not allowed since the same is made after due date. b) Expenses in relation to the parking and the laundry expense has no receipt in connection. So they are not allowed. c) Parking fines are specifically disallowed. 7. Computation of the total tax and medicare levy Particulars Amount($) Taxable Income(from Total Income Statement) 340778.00 Tax on above total income 126897.10 Levy in relation to medicare 6815.66 Budget repair levy 3215.66 TOTAL INCOME TAX PAYABLE 136928.22 References Calculator, Tax. "Australian Income Tax calculator." 2014-2015. Capital Gain. june 11, 2014. (accessed 2014). Government. "Austrailian taxation office." ato.gov.au. 2014. https://www.ato.gov.au/uploadedFiles/Content/MEI/downloads/ind39784n17290614.pdf. Office, Austrailian Taxation. "ATO, Deductions for Business." ato.gov.au. https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Deductions-for-business/What-you-can-claim-and-when/What-is-an-allowable-deduction-/. Property. june 12, 2014. (accessed 2014).

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Latino Immigrants and American Dreams free essay sample

And what does the American dream mean to these Latinos? The quality of being an American is a right to freedom and liberty. People living in different countries do not have the privilege to experience our freedom and liberty as we do. But they certainly think highly of those privileges. Americans feel safe and comfortable in being citizens because they are entitled to their constitutional rights. But for non citizen Hispanics that live here or pending citizenship see freedom and liberty far from close. Not because there Latinos but because of the racism or prejudice that often take affect from ignorant people who do not believe in giving immigrants a chance to a better life. Few Hispanics like myself stay in school to attain a career in order to not only support themselves and their lifestyle but also to support their family. Some not given the opportunity to advance will have to depend on there minimum wages that will leave them living a mediocre life where they live c heck to check just to survive. We will write a custom essay sample on Latino Immigrants and American Dreams or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Latinos who are already a born citizen doesnt quite have the same problems as immigrated immigrants. Today the U. S. Border has become increasingly strict to curb the border making it harder for illegal immigrants to guarantee to cross over the border. Immigrants who choose to become a permanent resident have to jump through hoops to finally become a resident. Green cards today can get really expensive for undocumented immigrants and can vary from $5,000-$15,000 even before adding application fees. Immigrants today in the U. S. Can still wait for citizenship up to four years or more. But finding no sense of direction or help from the government as left many crossing over because of the years pass by without any answers and how extreme the price it is to become a citizen in the united states. Immigrants hear about all the opportunity that are available living in the united states. They hear stories about the American dream with promises of a better life were they can peruse there careers and become doctors,teachers and lawyers. But when they come in the states reality kicks in and in stead of perusing a career there stuck doing manual labor for less than minimum wage. They can afford to live in the states so they defiantly cant there family even if they wanted to because the right we Americans have does not apply to them so there taken advantaged. Immigrants come to the states to get jobs that us Americans wont consider taking but then Americans complain that all the immigrants are taking all the jobs. Employers hire immigrant workers for less than they would have to pay for non-immigrant workers but in the article â€Å"illegal aliens taking U. S. Jobs† â€Å"this employment that men are doing are illegal under a law enacted in 1986. hey hire illegal workers for underground employment and simply accept fake employees for there business. Hispanics today are slowly growing rapidly in the states and as population grows there level of education stays the same leaving immigrants working hard to get somewhere in life and those who are raised and born here are spoiled with all the advantages the government gives them,its all wasted on dropouts t o set there lives juggling jobs or being unemployed collecting welfare as they sit on the couch and waste there lives. Statistics shows In 2000,64 percent of Hispanics 18-24 years old had completed secondary schooling , this is a majority of immigrants today working less then minimum wages to support families wishing they were able to have that advantage that they will never get suffering not having medical plans or retirement because they are non citizen workers working illegally. Few immigrants Hispanics found themselves becoming things they could only dream of doing with there life like in the article â€Å"Immigrants search for better life and understanding† Jorge Islas-Martinez who came here illegally change his life around,becoming a citizen and a translator, teacher and bill collector and often volunteers and owns a home,and is an activist on immigration reform. Immigrants like Jorge broke the rules to live a better life for those who might this is impossible. Jorge entering the states was also a struggle as he hid under the train and grab the underbelly going to California. Growing up in a poor family with six kids his mother wouldnt eat to leave enough for her children. These are just few of Hispanics who are truly looking to make something out of there lives.