A ROMAN STYLE COLLAPSE

Throughout history, collapses have occurred many times. No matter how great they are, no civilization is immune to the vulnerabilities that may lead societies to the end. The Ottoman Empire, The Maya Civilization and/or The Roman Empire are three of those civilizations that were the super-powers of their time. No one, during  those times, could forecast their  collapse especially when they reached the peak of their  power. Now, modern western society is the dominant power in the world. It can be compared to a stable bicycle whose wheels are kept spinning by economic growth. Should that forward propelling motion slow, values shaping the society- democracy, individual liberties and social tolerance- would start to teeter. Regardless of how great the things are in the present moment, the situation can always change. While it is impossible to predict the future precisely, history and mathematics can give us some hints about the long-term continuation of western societies. In view of the fact that the economic growth of Europe has slowed down lately and  the number of conflicts between the neighbours of western nations has significantly  increased, collapse now is a threat for the western society , however, it is not too late to take precautions because there are still some actions which can be taken to prevent a total societal collapse. 

To begin with, there are several factors that can lead to global or localcollapse. Ecological strain and economic stratification are two of the most important factors besides the impact of humans  on the environment, climate change and relations with neighbours. The ecological category is the more widely recognised path to potential doom, especially in terms of the depletion of natural resources such as forests, fossil fuels or groundwater, all of which can be worsened by  climate change. On the other hand, economic stratification may lead to collapse on its own. Elites push the society to instability by hoarding huge quantities of wealth as well as resources. They leave little or none for commoners who actually support them with their labour force. Consequently, the working-class crashes because the portion of wealth allocated to them is insufficient. This process is followed by the collapse of elites due to the absence of labour. The inequalities which can be seen today point to such disharmonies. For example, the top ten percent of global income earners are responsible for almost as much total greenhouse emissions as the bottom ninety percent combined. In addition, about  half of the world population live on less than three dollars per day..There is a limit to how long this situation can last. . If this is overshot by too much, collapses become inevitable. The World’s poorest countries will be among the first affected by the effects of collapse. Syria can be an example of this. They enjoyed high productivity  rates for a time, which fuelled rapid population growth. A severe drought combined with groundwater shortages left large numbers of people unemployed and desperate. After that, existing ethnic tensions increased, creating fertile grounds for  violence. Furthermore, poor governance tipped the country into a civil war in 2011.                                                                                                                  

Apart from the Syria case, according to Homer-Dixon,the increasing occurrence of sudden or unexpected changes in the world order such as the 2008 economic crisis, Brexit or the election of Donald Trump is another sign that the world is going into/ entering a dangerous zone. Some hints might be acquired from the past for how the future will be. The process of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire is a good example of this. By the end of the 100 BC, Rome had spread across the Mediterranean. They should have stopped there because transportation by sea was economical but transportation across land was expensive and slow. But they felt empowered to expand to other regions by land. That caused costs to run up exponentially. As stated in thermodynamics, it requires energy to maintain any system, and human society is not an exception. By the 3^rd century, Rome was adding new things such as a double-sized army, a cavalry, courts, subdivided provinces just to maintain its status quo and keep from sliding backwards.

Up to now, western society has largely/ for the most part  been able to postpone similar precipitators of collapse through fossil fuels and industrial technology.  Investing in complexity as a problem-solving method is all very well but it reaches a point of diminishing returns and vulnerability to collapse. Paralleling to Rome, westerns societies’ collapse will be preceded by a retraction of people and resources back to homelands. As poorer nations continue to disintegrate amid conflicts and disasters, enormous waves of migrants will stream to more stable states. Western societies will respond to this with restrictions and the banning of immigration. They will heighten border security. Meanwhile, a widening gap between rich and poor people will push societies to further instability from inside. Europe will feel the pressure first on the grounds that it is close to the Middle East and Africa- the heart of conflicts. The   US will likely (is likely to..) hold out longer because it is surrounded by ocean buffers.  Western society is not going to face a total collapse but they will lose their friendly nature and values shaping their lives because inequity is going to explode. Randers asserts that democratic liberal society will fail while strong governments like China will be the winners.

After analysing  the process briefly, it is not difficult to say what could be done to prevent collapse. Before that, it is also important to examine why nations did not take any precautions and why they could not  understand what was happening. It is simply because of the conflict of interests between the short-term interests of the decision-making elites and the long-term interests of the society as a whole. That is, business elites were doing  advantageous things for themselves but they were to the detriment of the  whole society. Overall, turning the present unsustainable course into a maintainable course is simply the solution of that problem. That is, making rational choices, such as reducing the inequality and population growth, is the key to eradicating this problem. Using science to guide decisions, paired with extraordinary leadership and exceptional goodwill, human society can progress to higher levels of well-being. In brief, all major threats we are facing today are problems entirely of our own making. Again, we are the ones who will eradicate this. We should not forget that this is a challenging process. If we do  10 things correctly but 1 thing wrong, we may face a total collapse. We should choose what to do and implement it after thinking twice.

                                                                                                                         ENİS KAAN BİRGİN

Can Suffering Make Us Stronger?

Most of us experience a lot of grief in our life. Whether we are well-off or not has no meaning in the contex of this matter because there are many rich people feeling unbearable sorrow. As one can see, grief is part and parcel of life. It, therefore, should have a meaning concerning human life, shouldn’t it? This situation has naturally been a controversial issue among people. While some of them, including me, assert that affliction is vital for the perfect human being, some others are against this due to a variety of reasons.

To begin with, suffering enables people to gain inner strength. Nietzsche, a German philosopher, said, “That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” This is exactly true because people can learn many things from their mistakes and thus become more vigilant as Buddha said, “Your greatest enemy is your greatest teacher.” Moreover, suffering refines our character. For example, we can have great patience if we endure suffering. There are numerous humans feeling distress across the globe. It goes without saying that most people in the world ignore them. Suffering makes us more sympathetic to the distress of others as it usually raises our awareness. Additionaly, since people think that nothing experienced in life is unnecessary, they usually develop more philosophical and spiritual attitudes to life thanks to affliction.

On the other hand, opponents of the above mentioned arguments state that suffering may make us vicious. There are a multitude of hard-hearted people who had experienced a lot of  suffering before they became cruel. Had they not experienced so much grief, they wouldn’t be brutal now. As there are numerous compassionate people who experienced suffering, opponnents aren’t the case. Thus, what is the difference betwen the good and the bad? Viktor E. Frankl, one of the most important psychiatrists in the 20th century, was incarcerated  in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Luckily he survived in the camp and therefore was released. He wrote a book about his experiences  there and named it “Men’s Search For Meaning” There is a real story in the book. Frankl wrote, “When we were released, we started to walk towards down-town, and then had to pass through a field. A friend of mine didn’t hesitate to trample on the vegetables. I asked him why he behaved this way, he said to me he  had experienced so much suffering that he wouldn’t be compassionate towards anything.” In that case, why didn’t Frankl trample on the vegetables? He explained this situation as follows: however effective environmental factors are concerning being cruel or compassionate, ultimately, which characteristic we will have depends on our decisions. In other words, we are capable of being good or bad. Suffering, therefore, is a catalyst making the good more compassionate and the bad more cruel.

All things considered, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that only if we endure hardship and suffering will they make us stronger. Moreover, we can be more successful in life thanks to them. Yaşar Nuri ÖZTÜRK, the most important thelogist in the 20th century according to The Times Magazine, asserts in his book “Reconstruction” that suffering is the driving force behind creativity and mental development. Apart from these, I am of the firm opinion that if you never experience suffering, you aren’t truly living.                         CEM KOCA

DESIGNER BABIES

Designer babies are a weighty matter which is often discussed in today’s world. The first designed babies, named Lulu and Nana, were born in China. They have immunity to HIV. As there is an uncertainty about the long-term consequences of this process, this situation has naturally created a lot of controversy among people. Moreover, whether creating a baby is ethical or not can worry us. As one can see, there are a lof of thorny issues as far as the complex background of this matter is concerned. While some people argue that we can now eradicate some incurable diseases like AIDS through modifying genes, some others, including me, are against this due to a variety of reasons.

First of all, there are a multitude of interesting points regarding the historal development of gene modification/ the modification of genes . With the discovery of DNA, the staple molecule controlling the vital activities of cells, the first genetically modified animal was born in 1974. Thanks to this operation, some significant research on drugs could be conducted. The first patent was given to an engineer who had created a microbe absorbing oil. And the first modified food, the flavor saver tomato, went on sale. The tomato had important genes impeding the activity of rotting enzymes. This provided a much longer shelf life. In the 1990’s, there was also a serious attempt in human engineering. A baby who had an infertile mother was created. Genetic information was transferred  from three humans to the baby. S/he was the first human having three genetic parents. Today, we have super muscled pigs, featherless chickens and so on. In addition, we created the florescend zebrafish priced at $10.

All things mentioned above are impressive. Gene editing, however, was extremely expensive, complicated and took a long time to do until recently. This has changed with a revolutionary new technology. Its name is CRISPR, which stands for "clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats". Instead of years, it takes a few weeks to conduct experiments thanks to CRISPR. It is really tough to explain CRISPR’s importance regarding designer babies, ending diseases, eternal youth and so on. It has a great potential which can change humanity forever.

CRISPR is a genom technology which enables scientists to change some faulty genes with correct ones. As  mentioned above, it is possible to creat children immune to some diseases such as AIDS. You can also give them some qualities like extraordinary intelligence or blue eyes via this method. Two-thirds of the 150.000 people who die today will die of age-related causes. We know from nature that there are animals immune to aging like the lobster and the planarian. Maybe we can even borrow a few genes for ourselves. We can also create modified populations and solve many problems. Engineered humans will be able to overcome a number of health problems like obesity.

 On the other hand, CRISPR technology has numerous drawbacks. Firstly, the complex interplay of genes isnt’t known, and therefore, wrong edits on DNA may trigger unwanted changes. In other words, when we want to make people healtier via genetic modification, we could make them sicker because this technology is so new and powerful. It is also possible that governments may force citizens to use CRISPR for their children because you can create a healtier generation and thereby reduce health costs. Let’s look at China’s one-child policy. It is thought that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million infants. Furthermore, eugenics, a kind of practice aiming to improve the genetic quality of a human population excluding ethical values, can also be revived.

There may also be a number of sociological problems. The process of designing a baby will be incredibly expensive, at least in the beginning. This means that firstly, the rich will be able to use CRISPR technology, and therefore, inequalities in society will increase dramatically. They will have smarter, stronger, more beautiful children. It is also possible that you will be evaluated according to your genetic endowement such as intelligence and predisposition to some diseases when you apply to a company for a job. Because of this, natural people will be inferior and have no opportunity or chance in societies. As one can see, gene discrimination may emerge in the future. There are already numerous people suffering de facto discrimination. Most of them are regarded as inferior owing to their religion, gender or race. We don’t choosewhere we live or our family before we are  born. For example, only if you were born in a poor family would you be destitute. If you are handsome or beautiful, you will always be far superior to others in today’s world even though you didn’t decide to be like that.

To sum up, it seems that the debate over designer babies is likely to continue for a long time. Some people will support their argument while others reject it for many reasons. However, it is my contention that CRISPR could cause a sociological disaster across the globe. As there are already many thorny problems needing/ which need  to be resolved in the world, we, primarily, should consider the possible downside of designer babies before creating them.

CEM KOCA

ELECTRONIC WASTE

The Industrial revolution followed by the advances in information technology had, without doubt, a vital role in human life because it radically changed man’s lifestyle. Although this development has a lot of benefits, mismanagement and people’s anxiety about innovations have led to new problems of contamination and pollution. People developed a lot of  technical prowess during the last century, but these innovations created  a new challenge in the management of waste. Moreover, these products, named electronic waste, are becoming quite dangerous. Even though there are several effects of elecronic waste, environmental pollution and the danger to human health can be claimed to be the most important two.

To begin with, nature is accepted as the essence of technology ; however, this revolution impacted nature negatively. For example, nowadays the computer has become the most common and most used gadget in all kinds of places ranging from schools and residences to offices and the like. Despite/ Inspite of the   benefits, it contains many heavy metals. It’s bateries, including cadmium, are highly toxic. Consequently, these toxins seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Such electronic devices, which are thrown into garbage containers  or just dumped, literally poison nature. To exemplify, the exposure of electronic wastes to heat, light or shock causes toxic substances in the environment to seep into the environment. Briefly, electronic gadgets accelerate routine work and provide many advantages  for human life, but they hasten the end of the world at the same time.

Furthermore, human health seems to be the second effect of electronic wastes. These days, the smart phone is really like an extension of people’ bodies; it is like a  part of the communication system. Unfortunately, it is the only organ that harms the body in all circumstances. For instance, it contains a lot of lead that disrupts the central nervous system and reproductive system and causes brain damage in children. In addition, problems such as memory loss and blood diseases are common. To give another example, e-wastes contain substances like lead in low doses and mercury, which cause poisoning. Mercury is known to damage the nervous system and kidneys. In short, the lifetime of electronic products is very short and they decrease  the human life span.

All in all, environmental pollution and human health are said to be the most common effects of electronic waste. If we want to have a long and healthy life for ourselves and future generations, firstly we should decrease the consumption of e-material, secondly we must have enough recycling facilities.

Burak Özçifçi

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE INTERNET ON CHILDREN

The internet has become indispensible in the modern world. It is essential in business, at school, in politics, in short in every area you can imagine. This being the case, there is a computer and internet access in practically every home. Children growing up in modern households are, therefore, exposed to the internet very early in life. However, constant access to the internet impacts children in a negative way.

First of all, spending the majority of their time on the internet negatively impacts health. Constant inactivity makes the child gain weight, which is unhealthy. It also prevents muscle development and such children become weak. Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and lack of it can cause all kinds of developmental issues. Constantly staring at a screen is also bad for the eyes. The UV rays which are emitted by computers cause eye problems. This is why many of the young people are wearing glasses. Sitting in front of a screen also dries and irritates the eyes and is uncomfortable. In short, physical health is affected by continued internet use.

Second of all, spending too much time on the internet impacts psychological development. People are basically social creatures and live together in large communities. This being the case, they need to interact with each other. Staring at a screen all day is a solitary activity and it doesn’t help the child develop the social skills he needs. He doesn’t have enough face to face contact with friends; he doesn’t play with them and he doesn’t even speak to them much. He grows up to become awkward in society. In short, excessive time spent on the internet reduces a child’s social skills.

Lastly, spending too much time on the internet can expose children to actual danger. There are all manner of sites on the internet. Some of them are useful and harmless, others are dangerous and harmful. Kiddy porn, terrorist websites and various other sites can lead children astray. Predators on the internet are eager to entrap innocent children. Many children have become involved in all manner of harmful activities due to excessive use of the internet. In short, there are a lot of dangers lurking on the internet.

The society has no use for zombies. It needs individuals who will grow up to become useful members of society. Children who grow up cut off from the physical world and who don’t know how to interact with others are of little use to anyone. Therefore, parents should monitor and restrict the time children spend on the internet.

PROBLEM AND SOLUTION ESSAY: OBESITY

Discuss the solutions to the problem of obesity

1.       THE FIRST VERSION

·         Number of paragraphs: 4

Introduction

Obesity is of concern to the individual and the government

Health issues (cardiovascular, diabetes and the like)

The treatment of the above: expensive

Thesis statement: should cover both entities

Development (2 paragraphs)

First developmental paragraph: personal solutions

(Diet and exercise)

Second developmental paragraph: Solutions the government/ municipality may implement

(Banning the sale of fast food, sweet snacks and sugary drinks at school canteens, banning the advertising of the same, providing opportunities for sport at schools, in parks and playing fields)

Conclusion

Individuals and the municipality need to pull together to tackle the problem/ it concerns everyone

2.       THE SECOND VERSION

·         Number of paragraphs: 6

Introduction:

Same as above

Development: 4 paragraphs

First developmental paragraph: first personal solution, diet

Second developmental paragraph: second personal solution, exercise

Third developmental paragraph:  solutions implemented by the municipality, in school measures, sales in the canteen, sports facilities in school

Fourth developmental paragraph: public solutions, regulating of advertising, targeted education (the media), public sports facilities (parks)

Conclusion

Same as above

WHEN TO GET MARRIED

The family is the most important and the smallest social unit in society. There are two sorts of family, extended families and nuclear families. However in both cases, the core of the family is the man and the woman who decide to spend the rest of their lives together and formalize their union in a ceremony called marriage. The ideal age for marriage varies across the world. Some prefer to get married earlier in life others prefer to wait until later in life. The age at which people get married results in some similarities and differences in the union that is formed.

There are various similarities between unions formed earlier in life and those formed later in life. In both cases the couple shares a house, their income and their lives with each other. The factors that keep families together are the same also: love and respect are expected, common interests and hobbies help and a similar world view is essential. Both types of couple decide to spend the rest of their lives together because they share a strong bond, enjoy each other’s company and are willing to share the good times and the bad. Both types of marriage can work and both kinds may fail for various reasons. In short, the basics of marriage are the same in both forms of union.

There are also numerous differences between marriages that take place earlier in life and those that take place later in life. The first difference is family income. People who get married straight out of school have not built a career yet and their means are more limited than people who establish their career and get married in their late thirties for instance. This means that economic concerns may constitute a source of stress for younger couples but not for older ones. The second difference is levels of maturity. Obviously, the older people are, the more life experience they have. The more life experience they have, the more mature they are. Young people are still growing as people and finding their feet whereas older people have developed into fully fledged individuals. To sum up, age does lead to some differences between the two types of marriage.

In conclusion, people get married at various different ages and this can impact the union in various ways. There are early marriages which last for decades and marriages that take place later in life that are over in a couple of years. There are no absolutes. Whatever the case, a happy marriage is very desirable.