Comparative essay for world literature Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Comparative for world literature - Essay Example The play is built upon an aura of tragedy where most of the characters including the ruler Creon justify their decisions according to the prevalent as well as divine law but suffer the consequences. Antigone is adamant in providing a decent burial to her brother against the royal edict and tries to convince her sister Ismene about her decision who is reluctant to go against the royal edict. But Antigone who is betrothed to the son of Creon is adamant and goes ahead with the burial of Polyneices which is later reported. This is followed by a chain of tragedies when Antigone is sentenced to be buried alive in a cave, resulting in her death and subsequent suicides by the son of Creon, Haemon and the Queen Eurydice who cannot bear the grief. Although Creon was warned of his wrong decisions by Teiresias, a prophet who proclaimed that the denial of burial to Polyneices and the imprisonment of Antigone were against the wishes of the gods, he sticks to his decisions only to relent later. Alt hough Creon has protected the royal order he suffers as a result and finally agrees that his actions which were against the wishes of gods had resulted in his dismal fate. The second play ‘Ghosts’ by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was originally titled ‘Gengangere’ which meant ‘the ones who return’. It highlighted the moral turpitude of those times which results in tragic circumstances for an otherwise well established family in society with the main sufferer being Mrs. Helene Alving who has to bear the adversities in life due to her philandering husband Captain Alving silently while being forced to keep up an honorable image of the family to the outside world. She tries to shield her son from the evil influence of his father, but after all her penance she discovers at the fag end that the son too suffers from a disease inherited from his

Cult of Hera Essay Example for Free

Cult of Hera Essay Cult of Hera Olympia Hera, queen of the gods, also known as the goddess of the sky, women, and marriage. She has many cults in Greece and is highly worshipped. I am going to focus on her oldest cult, which resides in Olympia. The cult was constructed around 600 BC, in fact it is the oldest temple in Greece. The style of the temple is peripteral hexastyle with six columns on the front and back and sixteen on both sides comprising pronaos, calla and optistodomos. The columns are a little over 15 feet. Originally these columns were made of wood and were gradually replaced by stone. The temple was thought in earlier times to have been dedicated to Zeus and Hera. When the temple of Zeus was completed it was officially only the cult of Hera. There is still an image of Zeus in her temple. In the cella there is Hera seated on a throne and Zeus is standing beside her wearing a beard and an helmet on his head. Only the head of Hera remains. There is also an image of Athena with an helmet on her head as ell as Zeus, carrying a spear and shield. The image of Hesperides was removed out the cult by the Eleans. The people of Megara built a treasury and dedicated offerings in it. The offerings were cedar white figurines inlaid with gold, represented Herakles fight with Acheloos. Other items important to the ancient Greek, such as, Iphitus bronze disk and a carved ivory chest hidden by cypselos, were believe to have been stored in the temple. In later years the cult housed the famous Hermes of Praxiteles. The cult stood for almost a thousand years, until about 300 A. D. References JSTOR: The annual of the British school, Vol. 90 Gate to Greece: Guide to Greece: Peloponnese: Olympia Temple of Hera Heraion Cult of Hera 1: Ancient Greek religion

The Theory Of Functionalism

The Theory Of Functionalism The theory of functionalism is the oldest, and may also be the most dominant theoretical perspective of sociology. Functionalism agrees that brain states are responsible for mental states, but disagrees that they tend to be identical to each other. It is the argument from a functionalist perspective, that, the brain activity or neurological states are what realizes mental states, which in turn lead to the behavioural output in a physical way. It has a broad variety of positions which it is capable of articulating in many different diverse forms. They can be classified into the following; Analytic functionalism: The most widely used form of functionalism, which describes the causal role as a job description of mental states, which are derived from our concepts. Analytic functionalists claim, that, the specifications for a functional role (job descriptions) for mental states are a priori. The second version is Physchofunctionalism; which rejects the idea of behaviourism in psychology, as well as reject the physical aspect of the mind. The third would be Machine-state functionalism: This analogy was put forward by Hilary Putnam, a well-known American philosopher, who was inspired by the analogies of mind (the Turing machines) which is able to compute all given algorithms. In non-technical terms, the mind is a very complex computer program. It is a state in which given an input B, and such and such tends to happen. An example is when we input a set of numbers into the computer through a keyboard/software. It proposes that brain states are activities which are low level, whilst helping to realize mental states which are high level. To help the reader understand about the idea which was described above, I will use the more common functionalist example to discuss the relationship between the software and the computer. For example, we type the numbers 5 plus 8, on the one level (low level), the computer is dependent on the software for input. The software within the computer is calculating the answer to the numbers entered, while at the other level (high level), the information is output on the screen. In this instance, the functionalists would argue that the process of calculation would be released by the hardware (monitor). Therefore, the software which is used by the hardware, acts as the function role. This computer example can be used to translate into the terms of the brain. The mental states are dependent on the brain states in the same way, as the computers software is dependent on the computerÃÆ' ¯Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¿Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ½s hardware for the output of the information (monitor) and vice versa. In the functionalists view, the brain states help to realise the mental states which functions as a total functional system. With this, it is meant that the mind is made up of the total possible functional mental states that it can have. These will interact with the inputs (software), and the hardware (monitor) together, before they both produce the outputs. Functionalists say that if we think of mental states in a similar way, then maybe one day the machine may do the thinking or be artificially intelligent. This way, we could compare our process of thinking to a computer software, which in turn could run on several different machines. The concept for a machine is the concept of an artificial intelligence. This intelligence can be classified as weak AI or strong AI. This type of intelligence would make it possible that one day a computer could be invented with a mind of its own. In other words, it would think, imagine, and reason. It could eventually do all the things we associate with the human brain. In a weak AI example, it is argued that the intelligence of a computer appears to think on its own, but it is actually unconscious the same way human brains are. In the weak AI, just like in the human brain, an input must occur in order to produce an output. When comparing functionalism with dualism for example, it has obvious strengths. Functionalism tries to explain behaviour, rather than just observing it. It uses the physical world to explain the mental states, combining physical inputs with the outputs, rather than segregating the physical world from the mind. In Dualism for example, mental and physical states are both separate, in general terms, the two cannot be assimilated to form one unit (Levin, 2009). One of the most famous philosophers in the 17th century, Descartes, who considered himself a Dualist, also argued against the thought of mechanical and mind properties to be the same (Cottingham, p. 221, 2012). His notion led him to believe that the mind and the body could indeed exist without one another. Then again, how could the mind operate without the physical? This would not be possible. For example, if we take pain as an example. Pain just does not happen in our brain. Pain can be identified with something material (physical) which sends a neurological message to our brain that something hurts (mental). As you can see, the physical and mental aspects correlate, rather than act separately. Another strength of functionalism, is that a functional system can be realisable in multiple ways. For example, if we refer back to the computer analogy, the same computer software should be usable on different computers. Potentially, computers could have minds similar to ours, as long as they can perform the some functions as us. On the other hand, some philosophers think functionalist accounts of mental states tend to be too liberal. For some, it is a mistake for a computer and its software to have the same mental states as a human. Some of these philosophers have argued that a computer and software would be unable to show genuine emotions. It would also be incapable of consciousness without someone inputting information e.g. typing the numbers 5 plus 8 into the software. Functionalism seems to omit the qualia of emotion or any consciousness in the process. This could be in part that is includes non-living things, as possible mental states. Some critics of functionalism do argue that mental states of living things (humans) or systems (computers) ought to include an account of qualia (emotions and consciousness). Another objection to functionalism would be that computers are non-living, it doesnt not use its own incoming information for their behaviour as do humans and other living things (non-human animals). In regards to non-living things, they are not systems or living things which rely on survival; and they do not have self-interests of their own. These are some of the considerations which objectors argue for, and call for functionalism to refine its theory. The minimum would be to try and distinguish the living things from the non-living. Would the objection to functionalism be answered if we were to imagine the mind as if it were unified? Perhaps one could look at individual mental states and imagine that some of them could portray certain aspects? i.e. memory and solving problems, but no kind of emotion or consciousness. If the computer for example would portray any of the above mentioned such as memory or solving problems by itself, one would not speak of the computer with having a mind or not. One would speak of the computer as having been able to solve a problem and using its capacity for memory to store the data etc. Would one ask a cat if it has a mind, although, one would rather enquire about its capacity for memory, its deception etc. The strengths and weaknesses have been stated for functionalism. It is an odd theory that non-living things could give rise to different mental events. In order for us to understand on how our mind works, we need to understand these processes. Only one type of brain state is needed according to functionalism, in order to correlate with events in our brain. It also seems, that, functionalism is dependent on things which are physical rather than involving mental events from the outset. It certainly leaves out emotions and thinking. The basis for functionalism seems to be input output only. Lets say, someone steps on a pin and they shout. The functionalists view seems to indicate that artificial beings and systems could produce their own consciousness and thoughts. Even if technological advancements of great magnitude can be made, a machine could not replicate the feelings and thoughts of a human. These examples would include stress, anxiety, nervousness etc.. It would be odd to think that a machine could be producing a personality that feels nervous or has a moral obligation to things. It perhaps maybe the case that functionalists are digging really deep in order to find and justify their theory on mental states and mental events.

Robert E. Lee :: essays research papers

The idol of the South to this day, Virginian Robert E. Lee had some difficulty in adjusting to the new form of warfare that unfolded with the Civil war, but this did not prevent him from keeping the Union armies in Virginia at bay for almost three years. The son of Revolutionary War hero "Light Horse" Harry Lee-who fell into disrepute in his later years attended West Point and graduated second in his class. During his four years at the military academy he did not earn a single demerit and served as the cadet corps' adjutant. Upon his 1829 graduation he was posted to the engineers. Before the Mexican War he served on engineering projects in Georgia, Virginia, and New York. During the war he served on the staffs of John Wool and Winfield Scott. Particularly distinguishing himself scouting for and guiding troops, he won three brevets and was slightly wounded at Chapultepec. Following a stint in Baltimore Harbor he became superintendent of the military academy in 1852. When the mounted arm was expanded in 1855, Lee accepted the lieutenant colonelcy of the 2nd Cavalry in order to escape from the painfully slow promotion in the engineers. Ordered to western Texas, he served with his regiment until the 1857 death of his father-in-law forced him to ask for a series of leaves to settle the estate. In 1859 he was called upon to lead a force of marines, to join with the militia on the scene, to put an end to John Brown's Harper's Ferry Raid. Thereafter he served again in Texas until summoned to Washington in 1861 by Winfield Scott who tried to retain Lee in the U. S. service. But the Virginian rejected the command of the Union's field forces on the day after Virginia seceded. He then accepted an invitation to visit Governor John Letcher in Virginia. His resignation as colonel, 1st Cavalry-to which he had recently been promoted-was accepted on April 25, 1861. His Southern assignments included: major general, Virginia's land and naval forces (April 23, 1861); commanding Virginia forces (April 23 July 1861); brigadier general, CSA (May 14, 186 1); general, CSA (from June 14, 186 1); commanding Department of Northwestern Virginia (late July-October 1861); commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (November 8, 186 1-March 3, 1862); and commanding Army of Northern Virginia June 1, 1862-April 9, 1865). In charge of Virginia's fledgling military might, he was mainly involved in organizational matters. As a Confederate brigadier general, and later full general, he was in charge of supervising all Southern forces in Virginia. In the first summer of the war he was given his first field command in

Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning

Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning Operant conditioning is a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. The process relies on the idea that organisms respond to stimuli, and that if they can be taught to associate a specific stimulus with a particular behavior, they will be more likely to engage in or avoid the behavior, depending on the type of stimulus involved.In the other hand, classical conditioning is a learning process that occurs through association between an environmental stimulus and a naturally stimulus. It involves placing a neutral signal before a naturally occurring reflex. While operant conditioning and classical conditioning techniques share some similarities, it is important to understand the differences between them. One of the major differences involves the types of behavior that are conditioned. While classica l conditioning is centered on involuntary, automatic behavior, operant conditioning is focused on voluntary behavior.An example of classical conditioning could be when: someone flushes a toilet in your apartment building or your house, the shower becomes very hot and causes you to jump back. Over time, you will begin to jump back automatically after hearing the flush before the water temperature changes. As a child my mother would always tell me to go to the store and buy fresh baked bread first thing in the morning, and I would immediately put a piece in my mouth, years has past and the smell of fresh bread baking makes my mouth water.We have a lion in a circus. It learns to stand up on a chair and jump through a hoop to receive a food treat, this example is operant conditioning because standing on a chair and jumping through hoops are voluntary behavior. You check the coin return slot on a pay telephone and find a quarter. You find yourself checking other telephones over the next few days. This is also an example of operant conditioning because checking the coin return slot is also a voluntary behavior

Beauty of Music

Beauty of Music Free Online Research Papers Beauty is an object, person, or an idea that creates a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction. Beauty is found in many everyday things such as nature, art, literature, and music. The most beautiful of all of these is music. Music is beautiful in a way that nothing else can be. Music is beautiful because it makes the listener have pleasure and satisfaction while listening to it, but it also leaves the composer with pleasure and satisfaction from writing it. Some ways that music is beautiful are that the listener can relate to the lyrics, the composer can express their feelings through the lyrics, and a song can tell a story. Music has been a way for people to express their feelings and tell a story for thousands of years. One genre of music that holds this to be true is rap. Rap is common for being a way of expressing ones feelings through song. Not only does rap express ones feelings but it is also known for a way of rappers to tell either the story of their life or the story of the lifestyle from where they grew up. Rap proves music is beautiful because of the satisfaction and pleasure it gives to the composer and nothing is more beautiful then someone being satisfied. I see no changes all I see is racist faces misplaced hate makes disgrace to races We under I wonder what it takes to make this one better place, lets erase the wasted Take the evil out the people theyll be acting right cause both black and white is smokin crack tonight and only time we chill is when we kill each other it takes skill to be real, time to heal each other And although it seems heaven sent We aint ready, to see a black President, uhh It aint a secret dont conceal the fact the penitentiarys packed, and its filled with blacks But some things will never change try to show another way but you stayin in the dope game Now tell me whats a mother to do bein real dont appeal to the brother in you You gotta operate the easy way I made a G today But you made it in a sleazy way sellin crack to the kid. I gotta get paid, Well hey, well thats the way it is. (Shakur) Another example of music expressing feelings and telling a story is music from the 1960s. During the 1960s, America had a lot of conflict with communism and was at war with Vietnam. The general public was not happy with the way the American government was dealing with the pressure of communism. The way people felt influenced them to write songs about peace and no war. The music from this time period was about peace and loving. Most songs were about politics and that America should pull out of Vietnam. Musical artist expressed their feelings about Americas involvement in the war and sang about the corruption of the government at the time. Music in the 1960s is another example of how people can express their feelings through music. A composer expressing his or hers feelings is only one way that music is beautiful. Music is also beautiful because it can bring people together and give people a common interest. Music has been known to make people who have conflict with one another put aside their differences and get together in peace. Nothing is more beautiful in this world then conflict and fighting to come to an end and enemies becoming friends. Because music has that power, it makes it the most beautiful thing in the world. Research Papers on Beauty of MusicHip-Hop is ArtWhere Wild and West MeetMind TravelThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementCapital PunishmentHonest Iagos Truth through Deception19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraQuebec and Canada

Crop Production essays

Crop Production essays Beginning about 12,000 years ago, the human population began a trend that completely changed the way we, as a race, evolved. For the first time in history, humans pushed beyond the restraints of traditional hunting and gathering, into domestication and farming. It was a change that would not only take thousands of years to prove worthy, but also may have set us back on the evolutionary path at the time. Along the path to this point, we have been constantly changing and finding new ways to produce and maximize the yield of the crops we sow. Have these changes been successful or detrimental to us? The following will search into answering this question. Since the beginning, increased crop production has been the ultimate goal of the farmer. The very basic advances toward this included fertilization and rotation of crops. These simple steps alone took thousands of years to come about. Domestication perhaps, was the first process to actually take place. Evidence of this is prevalent throughout many parts of the world, as far back as 11,000 years. Detection of this was done by comparing wild varieties of the product to the preferred and produced varieties. Changes in size are the most common differences, especially among types of grain. However, this domestication came about mostly through the selection process. Since the people naturally selected the larger more hearty vegetable or grain, those larger specimens of the species would go on to produce the next generation. Though this may seem primitive, it has led to the varieties we see and eat today. The past two centuries have, no doubt, been the most influential and beneficial to the agricultural industry. Fertilization has been around for a long time, but not until recently did we really understand how to maximize the potential. Native Americans have known that burring a fish while planting seeds provides a larger yield. And mixing animal manure into the soil to increase produ ...