Hobson’s Choice

522 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Character analysis where are you going

Hobson’s Choice A Hobson’s choice is basically to offer the option of taking the thing preferred or nothing. So, it is not really a real choice at all. The phrase originated from a practice of a seventeenth century Cambridgeshire stable owner called Hobson whose customers had to take the horse nearest to the door, which was actually Hobson’s choice. The phrase was passed on by many generations and is now a phrase used by a large number of people. In the play ‘Hobson’s Choice’, Harry Hobson who lives in Salford above his boot shop with his three daughters, Alice, twenty-three, Vickey, twenty-one and Maggie, the oldest by seven years of Vickey. Hobson is a middle-class man who receives his income from the shop he owns. This shop of his is a boot shop. He, however, does not take any part of the operating. His eldest daughter, Maggie is his main source of income. Her talent in persuasion and a boot maker, Willie Mossop, go well as a partnership; his natural craftsmanship provides boots worth buying. Hobson, whilst the shop is in operation would usually his time in the Moonraker’s Inn. He would usually meet with Jim Healer, his companion. Hobson creates an image of himself as a rather domineering character. His hypocrisy is a main ingredient of his bullying behaviour. The attitude and feelings immediately change when Ms. Hepworth, a first-class citizen enters his shop as he pampers her.

Show More
Related

  • Summary Of The Article 'Wild To Mild' Choices

    303 Words  | 1 Pages

    Summary: “Wild to Mild” is about how cats became a thing. Before cats were tigers they were hunters at a point they help egyptian hunt for birds. They ate meat and their bodies build for power,speed, and stealth. The article was also about how people domesticated tigers into cats. Archaeologist found cats living near humans in Israel but they couldn’t tell if it was a wild cat or a pet. The ancient Egypt may have like cats because they ate pesky rats,mice,and snake. Some families shave their eyebrow if their cat die that how much they fell in love with cats. Some people like the Europeans believed cats were sent by devils but now cats are all over the place. Human learn to love

    Read More

  • The Utilitarian Theory: The Theory Of Utility

    819 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Theory of Utility teaches that we make our decisions in life based on the basic principle of maximizing happiness – which can be measured in pleasure and pain. Morality can also be defined as that which brings about the largest amount of happiness, and the least pain. Unlike other theories, however, Utility states the happiness of all is to be considered over the happiness of one. When faced with a choice, one must choose the option that will cause the greatest pleasure and the least pain. Applying this part of the Utilitarian argument to the supplied scenario, it would seem that Utility would say stealing the ice cream and breaking the law are the morally right course of action. However, Utility continues on in its teaching stating that

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Free Will

    708 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many modern day scientists argue that humans construct the concept of free will rather than free will actually existing. The dialogue on this matter will likely continue for more years. While these scientists devote time attempting to prove their theories on the issue, other scientists research the effect on people when they believe their decisions are pre-determined for them. These studies prove that, regardless of the validity of the idea, people who call free will an illusion have lower moral standards than those with a belief in free will.

    Read More

  • Understanding Utilitarianism: Ethics in Practice

    700 Words  | 2 Pages

    In general, the term utilitarianism can be defined as the ethical or right action is the one that results in the greatest good for the greatest number. Therefore, some people suggest that rightness or wrongness is determine by numbers that are total the positives and the negatives outcome of an action or the one that produces the highest score of positives or negatives that is the most ethical, or right, thing to do (Neher, W. W. Sandin, P.J., 2007, p. 61).

    Read More

  • How Do We Make a Moral Choice?

    1499 Words  | 3 Pages

    Having an abortion is a moral choice. The essay “A Moral Choice” by Mary Gordan discusses many issues concerning abortion, the author clearly favors pro-choice. The debate about when a fetus is alive (437) is a concern as to when it is acceptable to get an abortion. As well as the morality of abortion judged in the media, religion, society, and by self. The women who get abortions are critiqued as cold and technological (441). These normal everyday women have made this moral decision for centuries. Although society needs to be realistic our world is over populated and some women are not designed to have children. How do women make this moral decision?

    Read More

  • A Choice That Will Change the World

    1486 Words  | 3 Pages

    Never in U.S. History has the fate of millions laid in the hands of one man, President Harry S. Truman. Truman became president after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April, 1945. This shift into presidency left Truman with the choice to use atomic weaponry for the first time in human history. Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs depends on scenarios provided by the Secretary of War Henry Stimson and the Secretary of State James Byrnes. Both secretaries have substantial justifications for their arguments in which either decision possesses implications that will change the status of the war and the world. While Truman’s decision will be elaborated on at the end of this piece it is beneficial to establish an appropriate standpoint for Truman. Ultimately, Truman’s choice to utilize an atomic bomb is up to him. Nonetheless, it is justifiable to claim that implementing an atomic bomb against Japan is a suitable decision because there is a higher probability of saving more military and civilian lives than a full-scale invasion.

    Read More

  • Utilitarianism: Explanation And Study of Criticisms

    3062 Words  | 7 Pages

    Utilitarianism: Explanation And Study of Criticisms The dictionary definition of Utilitarianism is: 'The doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the guiding principal of conduct.' When making a moral decision, we should look at the outcome of an action. Whatever brings the greatest happiness to the most people is the morally 'right' decision. It is a consequentialist principal where the majority rules.

    Read More

  • Choice Vs Choice Theory Essay

    1335 Words  | 3 Pages

    Understanding addiction is a complicated subject that inspires controversy and debate. Not only do people want to understand addiction because of the curiosity to understand human beings and human nature, but there are factors that go into the defining of addiction such as public policy and health care coverage. There are two theories that are on the opposite spectrum when it comes to addiction which include the “disease concept” and the “choice theory”. One defines addiction as a disease, something that is out of one’s control, while the other thinks of it as a choice or a moral deficiency that resides in a person. The consequence of this gap is the delay in gaining control over drug abuse. While the people who support the choice theory see

    Read More

  • Risk Taking

    971 Words  | 2 Pages

    the lottery. The second is of a person who spends his life savings on a

    Read More

  • Rational Choice Case Study

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    In this case study, Laura and Danny have had significant changes in their lives. Laura has now left with the children and planning on moving with them to El Paso, Texas in a month. She has also filed for divorce from Danny. While Laura is making positive improvements to her life she is still concerned for Danny. She goes to collect what’s left of her belongings when she finds Danny in a state of panic. Danny has let himself go at this point. He started consuming alcohol, has not found a job, and is living with no electricity. Kid decides to pay Danny and Laura a visit and he quickly realizes Danny is in trouble. Danny begs for Kid’s assistance in order to help him start a new life. Danny is worried that he will end up alone and homeless

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Utilitarianism

    1026 Words  | 3 Pages

    The utilitarianism theory holds that an action is moral if it produces the greatest amount of good for the largest amount of people that are affected by the consequences of the action DeGeorge 44). Jeremy Bentham believed that one should measure the intensity, duration, certainty, remoteness, or purity and their opposites when evaluating for each person that is affected (DeGeorge 46). For example, a consequence that gives a more desirable quality like pleasure would be favored, just like if one would receive a good immediately rather than at a later time, the sooner would be favored. To know whether the action produces the absolute greatest good, one must compare it with alternative actions as well. To determine whether an action is moral or not, one should calculate the action and its opposite. An action is moral if it produces more good than harm and its opposite produces more harm than good. Utilitarianism should also be interpreted as requiring one to choose the best action among good actions. For example, if two actions produce the same amount of good, then they are both moral and either may be done (DeGeorge 47).

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Life Insurance

    1657 Words  | 4 Pages

    In an ever changing world of uncertainty, we all should have some sort of insurance to assure us that regardless of the change that comes, our loved ones will be taken care of. As the population increases, we are becoming exposed to multiple faces of danger. The insurance industry has become like that of an ice cube left in the summer sun. The "what ifs" run like water as the ice melts, and we faced with the reality of having to make a decision based on the unknown. A wide range of insurances' are available, but the debate remains focused on, "what is life insurance and do I need it?"

    Read More

  • Weighing Your Consciences

    427 Words  | 1 Pages

    We have all watched cartoons where conscience comes into play. In the situation, the character is confronted with the angel and the devil on his shoulder. Based on how each plays up his side of the story, the character either chooses the angel, his conscience, or the devil, his carnal desires. But is everything as simple as the cartoon makes it seem? Erich Fromm, in "Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem" states choosing the "angel" because of the perception of good is just as bad as choosing the devil. Fromm also states disobedience of authoritarian conscience increases the ability to "be and to judge oneself." Because of this, humanistic conscience is more important. (2-3)

    Read More

  • Utilitarian Logic in Hard Times

    1678 Words  | 4 Pages

    Utilitarianism "Quadruped. Graminivorous. Forty teeth, namely twenty-four grinders, four eye-teeth, and twelve incisive. Sheds coat in spring......" A perfect example of a product of utilitarian education, Bitzer defines a horse off the top of his head in a split second. Utilitarianism is the assumption that human beings act in a way that highlights their own self interest. It is based on factuality and leaves little room for imagination. Dickens provides three vivid examples of this utilitarian logic in Hard Times.

    Read More

  • Advantages And Disadvantages Of Risk Taking

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    Risk taking is considered an everyday staple of life and a major part of growing up. When we limit the risks we take in our lives we also limit the capabilities those risks present, such as encountering new experiences and situations that improve us as human beings. Risk taking is imperative to personal growth and when discussed in good context it seems harmless, however that is only a half truth. To say risk taking is always safe is completely incorrect and sometimes these risks are often unsafe and not thought out. This essay addresses the following question, why do teenagers engage in this form of unhealthy risk taking? I will also be discussing whether or not certain groups are more at risk and any known strategies to make teenagers aware

    Read More

More about Hobson’s Choice

Open Document