Mid-twentieth century America, it would seem, is experiencing a period of deep social, intellectual, moral and spiritual discontent. Critics proclaim what they see to be an obsession with material values, rampant commercialism in all areas of life, excessive competition, a deteriorating environment, violence, intemperance and the like. Many commentators plead for a more natural, a more humanist...

“grounded in the philosophy of caveat emptor.” We believe that inappropriate self-referral and the overuse of generously reimbursed procedures are primarily caused by informational asymmetries and a poorly designed compensation system, not commercialism per se. Improvement in patients’ incentive and capacity to shop for cost-effective medical services would discourage unscrupulous behavior and ...

In “Buying Health: the Costs of Commercialization and an Alternative Philosophy”, Larry R. Churchill and Shelley C. Churchill discuss the commercialization of health and, in particular, the commercialization of nutrition. In this commentary on their article, I draw a connection between Churchill and Churchill’s account of the commercialization of nutrition and Michael Pollan’s critique of “nutr...

Organ shortage for transplantation remains a worldwide serious problem for kidney patients with end-stage renal failure, and several countries have tried different models to address this issue. Iran has 20 years of experience with one such model that involves the active role of the government and charity foundations. Patients with a desperate demand for a kidney have given rise to a black marke...

This essay argues that the process of digitization has farreaching implications for the broadcasting field and claims that the most suitable theoretical framework to comprehend the full scope of these changes is provided by Ulrich Beck’s theories on risk society. Despite predictable developments, digitization increases the sources of uncertainties and the level of risks for the expanding number...

Friesen is presently undertaking funded research in media theory and multiple literacies. Abstract In recent years, new socially-oriented Web technologies have been portrayed as placing the learner at the centre of networks of knowledge and expertise, potentially leading to new forms of learning and education. In this paper, I argue that commercial social networks are much less about circulatin...

The transformation of the health care industry into a marketplace governed by commercialism and free competition challenges the doctrine of medicine as a profession valuing service to the patient above financial reward. Many physicians have become disenchanted with their ability to serve as advocates for and provide care to their patients. Financial success, the measure of the marketplace, has ...

There is a tremendous age old faith, trust and respect towards physicians in Indian culture. The doctor is often viewed as a demi god and his advice, is usually considered as a gospel truth without any doubt and misgivings thus imposing an onerous responsibility on him for an ethical, correct and honest approach in his dealings with his patients. However, the physicians must realize that they a...

In 1920, Jacques Gréber published what was and still is the largest book on U.S. architecture and urban design ever issued in France. His dual agenda was to stress the impact of Beaux-Arts design methods (presenting his gardens and Philadelphia parkway as highlights of this trend), and to advocate the practical accomplishments of a pragmatic and affluent civilization. Showcasing an "edited" Nor...