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Daily Archives: January 7, 2011

"scientific research . . . suggests that dolphins are ‘non-human persons’ who qualify for moral standing as individuals"

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LMU Professor Presents Case for Dolphins as Nonhuman Persons at Science Conference: “Are dolphins nonhuman persons? Loyola Marymount University professor Thomas White insists they are, and presented his research this week at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in San Diego. White, the author of “In Defense of Dolphins: The New Frontier,” spoke on a panel on the Ethical Implications of Dolphin Intelligence: Dolphins as Nonhuman Persons. He and other experts discussed scientific research showing dolphins are highly intelligent, and, like humans, appear to be self-conscious, unique individuals with personalities, memories and a sense of self. They are vulnerable to pain and suffering and experience fear, dread and grief, the research suggests.

  • “Dolphins should be considered nonhuman persons,” says White, “because they have the kind of consciousness that, in the past, we thought was unique to our species. They’re not just aware of the world around them but they have the ability to look inside and say ‘I.’ They have a sense of choice and will.’” Because of these attributes, White believes, dolphins should be given “moral standing” as individuals. Humans have always believed that moral standing as an individual entitles them to special treatment. White says dolphins need to be treated in a similar way.”

    • Unemployment rate falls to 9.4% in December; payroll employment increases by 103,000

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    News release: The unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage point to 9.4 percent in December, and nonfarm payroll employment increased by 103,000, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment rose in leisure and hospitality and in health care but was little changed in other major industries. The number of unemployed persons decreased by… Continue Reading

    CareerCast: The 10 Best Jobs of 2011

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    The geeks strike back: despite enduring an industry bubble and the threat of outsourcing, Software Engineer ranks as the Best Job of 2011: “In recent years, the job market has increasingly rewarded math whizzes at the expense of less technical professionals. Jobs like Actuary, Mathematician and Accountant have all ranked among the best in America… Continue Reading

    The U.S. housing bubble and bust: impacts on employment

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    The U.S. housing bubble and bust: impacts on employment, Kathryn J. Byun, an economist in the Division of Industry Employment Projections, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics “Employment Projections Program data are used to estimate employment impacts due to the recent housing market cycle, and alternative “nonbubble” demand scenarios indicate… Continue Reading