BIOETHICS IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT--PHILOSOPHY; RELIGION; HISTORY; POLITICS presents a unique; philosophical approach to modern bioethics. Rather than simply setting up debates about contemporary issues; this book recognizes that many of today's bioethical controversies are tied to profound underlying questions fundamental as: "When does life begin and end?" "What is a human being or person?" "What is life's purpose?" "What is the ideal society?" The book is comprehensive and accessible; featuring a wide range of content that is crisply presented and clearly explained. A multitude of interesting examples and cases provides ample opportunity for discussion; debate; and research.
#332038 in Books Joseph Plumb Martin 2006-05-26 2006-05-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .36 x 5.24l; .37 #File Name: 0486451461176 pagesMemoir of a Revolutionary Soldier The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great primary source for the Revolutionary WarBy RandomRoosterJDThis book provides the account of Joseph Plumb Martin; a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Unique to Plumb is that he served almost the entire war which was very uncommon. I like it because it provides a rare look at a life of someone other than the high profile people of the time like Benjamin Franklin or George Washington. The only reason I give it four stars is because Martin tends to repeat the same things over and over such as the constant cold and lack of food; and it gets somewhat fatiguing for the reader for him to mention it it seems every page; however; these ordeals were what soldiers had to face and still face today so Martin's mentioning that all the time makes the reader aware of what they constantly faced.31 of 32 people found the following review helpful. Give the common soldier a voiceBy SareinhartI read this book because I heard Joseph Plum Martin quoted on nearly every documentary about the Revolutionary War. I wanted to know what else was in his book. And what a fantastic book it was.This was one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. Sgt. Martin was clearly an intelligent man; but a common man. I say this because it was written in the common man's english but the author was clearly intelligent. It was written by an old Sgt Martin who was looking back at his life as a soldier and evaluating his own conduct. That; too was clear.Historians agree that this is probably an accurate account because he always placed himself at the right place based on the movements of his unit. But more importantly; Sgt. Martin's narrative is believable. He never makes himself out to be a hero. His accounts of combat almost never focus on his actions. (Which I feel could have lead to making himself into a hero) Instead it was...I saw this; I felt that or WE did this. When he did write about his own actions; it was never to puff himself up. At one point; he wrote that he wished that he did not kill a man that he took deliberate aim at; although he confessed he meant to at the time. In addition; he documents far more occasions upon which he acted foolishly than bravely. He does not whine about starving; but instead reports it. But; most interestingly; he includes short; seemingly inconsequential conversations and events. The addition of these events; far from being tedious provide a window into 1770 1780s America.Another reviewer said; in the title of their review that this should be required reading for all 8th grade students. I agree. I think it could well be comprehended by them and it would help instill a sense of American pride that is lacking in our country.This book affected me in a way that no other has. I have never walked away from a book and wanted so badly to meet the author. Sgt. Martin must have been an incredibly interesting person. The things he saw and did; I'm sure could have filled 10 volumes. But more than that; the gratitude I feel for this; and every other such man was sharpened by this book. My desire to express my thanks to him and my admiration for such a fine account this period filled me to the point of bursting.I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is short (166 pages); moves well; reads easily; entertains; inspires and educates.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A young soldier who struggled with hunger.By Roger L DeLongThis is not a novel in the traditional sense; but from a soldier who enteredd service which begain at age 16. Later he became a person who learned and used words that were lofty and refected the time he lived in. It was difficult to read at first; but having served in the military myself I knew a lot of what he described. The words he uses often are lofty and by the end I understood it better and now I am reading it again with a greater understanding of his writing of events. All throughout his writing he is constantly talking about the hunger that he suffered with.
