Kerri Loves Jesse

http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/annotatebib.html

Durant, Will. The Pleasured of Philosophy. New York : Simon and Schuster, 1953.

This book closely examines the philosophical question of what is beauty, as well as the concept of aesthetics in general. Several aspects of aesthetics are looked at such as ; primary and secondary beauty, and the objective beauty. This source remains unbiased as it provides information on many aspects of aesthetics. Each sub-topic is set up in different sections to make researching easier, and information more accessible. Durant uses quotes from several well known philosophers to solidify his information. This source is a very effective tool while researching this topic. Durant provides a very informative book, that has been quite useful throughout learning about this topic. There are a variety of strong conclusions and Durant justifies his claims through the use of quotable evidence. His writing is clear and effective. This source clearly touches on subjects that will be useful when writing the final essay. However, this book was written over thirty years ago, and therefore has limitations. But overall this source is effective and helpful in a variety of ways.

The events that are unfolding throughout the Darfur have been described as genocide, by all parties involved excluding the United Nations. Criticism has been given to the United States for not stepping up, and putting a stop to the violence. I feel however, that the responsibility does not lie solely with the United States. Given that the US is the most powerful / influential country, not just in a military sense, but a political sense as well. But despite being the obvious power house, the fact still remains, they are not the only country with the means to help the people suffering in Darfur. The United States in waging there controversial war on terror. Which involves thousands of troops from across the country. But when the US invaded Iraq in order to assist innocent people, there were protests against it. What is the difference in Darfur? I do not understand how people could be all for an invasion in one country, but not another.

Another reason the US does not hold the majority of the responsibly is because there are fifty-plus other countries involved in the UN. Each country taking the same oath to protect human rights. Any other country could assist Darfur not just the US. Libya attempted to improve the situation, but had the complete opposite effect. Libya began showing favour towards the Arab population. It would be impossible for a country to interfere and not show favouritism towards a particular side. This creates hostility between one side, and the inferring force. Therefore establishing new grudges towards the United States, something they do not need more of. The United Nations has a certain responsibility towards the issue as well. Despite being on the top of there agenda, the lack of military power has made it difficult for them to have an significant impact. The United Nations does not consist soley of the United States. It is the problem that the world is facing. "Never again". It is the duty of the countries throughout the world to ensure that genocide never again occurs. Not just the duty of the biggest kid on the playground.

The United Nations was officially established October 24, 1945, as a replacement for the League of Nations. Canada was one of the founding members of the UN, and along with fifty other countries to whom signed the UN charter in San Francisco, after the second world war. The United Nations affects people throughout the world, and struggles against racism, colonialism, disease, and illiteracy. The members of the UN fight for the oppressed peoples of the world, this includes millions of women and children to whom suffer on a daily basis. The UN has contained many conflicts, and brought relief to thousands of victims. The UN has six main organs ; The General Assembly, The Security Council ( which consists of five permanent members, and ten rotating members), The Economic and Social Council, The Trusteeship Council, The International Court of Justice, and The Secretariat. Each organ is responsible for a specific aspect of the United Nations.

The United Nations has four primary goals ; To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in the fundamental human rights, to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other source of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. The six organs listed above work in unison to achieve the four goals throughout the world.

The earliest priority of the UN was to control nuclear arms, and in some situations disarming was vital. In order to control nuclear weapons, the UN promoted a ban on nuclear testing. It established the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1957, in order to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The UN also instituted the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to halt the spread of nuclear weapons to other countries. These laws established by the UN, have changed the face of the world as we know it. The restrictions placed on nuclear weapons by the UN, have kept the majority of dangerous weapons out of the hands of terrorists.

Another main concern of the United Nations is the protection of human rights, securing the independence of colonized countries, and the development of poorer countries. In 1946 the United Nations created the Commission on Human Rights, this led to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In order to improve aspects such as health care, and communications a number of specialized programs were formed, such as the UN Conference on Trade and Development. The United Nations also works along side with several other international organizations such as the World Health Organization. Eighty percent of the work the UN participates in, is devoted to helping people and under developed countries. By promoting democracy, saving children from starvation as well as disease, and providing assistance to disaster victims, the United Nations plays a massive role in ending the suffering of thousands around the world.

The affect the United Nations has had on the world can be see everyday. Providing relief to those who suffer, putting restrictions on nuclear weapons, and establishing human rights. The laws that the United Nations have created have helped and protected people around the world. Despite being criticised by many for there peace keeping efforts, and the lack of funding, the United Nations still contributes greatly to the population of the world. Since 1945 , nearly 1,300 UN peace-keepers have died while preforming there duty, 100 of those deaths have been Canadian. However Canada is proud to be a member of the UN, and to continue the fight for peace, and a better world.