..."What if the Sun / Be Centre to the World": Cosmology in Paradise Lost Nothing less than the creation and ordering of the universe defines the scope of Paradise Lost. The epic explores its cosmological theme in theoretical discussions between Adam and Raphael and in the narrator's descriptions and metaphors. Further, Milton imagines Satan surveying the universe in an expedition of discovery through a new world in his fall from Heaven and his passage through Chaos to Earth. Adam tries to understand the earth's physical place in the universe and its associated ontological and theological value as the home of man. He wonders aloud about "this Earth a spot, a grain,/ An Atom, with the Firmament compar'd/ And all her numbered Starrs, that seem to rowl /Spaces incomprehensible" (PL 8.17-21). Milton asks us to imagine the first man struggling with many of the same questions a Renaissance thinker, contemplating new models of the universe, must have considered. In response to the theory that everything revolves around the sun and not the earth, philosophers were forced to question the importance of man's role in the universal order. Raphael, responding to Adam's concerns, suggests there is no reason "bodies bright and greater should not serve / The less not bright, nor Heav'n such journies run / Earth sitting still" (PL 8.87-9). Yet, the poem does not answer all such questions directly, and scholars often find it difficult to determine Milton's attitude toward science. In these debates...
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...Model Review Most people know Stephen Hawking as a top scientist in cosmology with the neuro-muscular disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as ALS. Many people may confuse Hawking to be an atheist but when it comes to his actual worldview he is and has been a strongly committed Naturalist. (Smith 2002) Hawking does not have the ability to walk or speak since his mid 20’s so his worldview is shown through his writing and life choices. I will cover the way he views the nature of God, his career, and family and how those areas of his life compare with my own beliefs and worldview. Hawking’s worldview when it comes to the nature of God is evident in his written works. In A Brief History of Time his theology is contrasted against Christian theism. The literary work focuses on his understanding of the laws that govern the universe. He concludes the universe was neither created nor destroyed; but just is a continuous form that has always been in place of its own power or ability. (Paradowski 2010). This theory assumes that the universe can create itself out of nothing, and God is no longer necessary when addressing the creation of the universe. Instead of a Christian base divine creation of the universe he advocates that it was uncreated, based on a theory of quantum gravity. Time is a relevant and driving factor in his explanations to the forming of the universe and many of his ideas. "Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe...
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...Universe From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Universe (disambiguation). Part of a series on Physical cosmology • • • • Early universe[show] Expanding universe[show] Structure formation[show] Future of universe[show] Components[show] History[show] Experiments[show] Scientists[show] Social impact[show] Universe Big Bang Age of the universe Chronology of the universe • • Astronomy portal Category: Physical cosmology • • • V T E The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of existence,[1][2][3][4] including planets, stars, galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, the smallest subatomic particles, and all matter and energy.[5][6] Similar terms include the cosmos, the world, reality, and nature. The observable universe is about 46 billion light years in radius.[7] Scientific observation of the Universe has led to inferences of its earlier stages. These observations suggest that the Universe has been governed by the same physical laws and constants throughout most of its extent and history. The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological model that describes the early development of the Universe, which is calculated to have begun13.798 ± 0.037 billion years ago.[8][9] Observations of supernovae have shown that the Universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.[10] There are many competing theories about the ultimate fate of the universe. Physicists remain unsure about what, if anything, preceded the Big Bang. Many...
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...ACCRA, NOVEMBER, 2011 Table of content pages Introduction 1 1. Philosophy of history 1 2. Philosophy of religion 4 3. Logic 6 4. Ethics 8 5. Cosmology 10 6. Philosophy of mind 12 7. Metaphysics 14 8. Philosophy of beauty 16 9. Philosophy of language 18 10. Philosophy of science 20 11. Epistemology 21 Conclusion 23 Bibliography 24 Introduction Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom. Philosophy at this contemporary world has gone through a lot of changes before getting to this stage. It can be seen in the historical perspective and also the topical perspective. The historical or chronological is when we look at the ideas of some philosophers in the past how they influence society with their way of thinking and the motive behind them. In these chronological system is the ancient era, the medieval era, the modern era and presently the contemporary era. In the beginning all systematic search for knowledge was philosophy. This is clearly seen in the modern university where the highest degree granted in all of the science and humanities is the Ph. D. the doctor of philosophy. But the children began to leave home. The first to leave was physics and astronomy. As they begun to develop experimental techniques of their own. This exodus, led by Galileo and Isaac Newton and Johannes...
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...ENH251 World Mythology: Lesson 1 Assignments 1 & 2 Due 3/30/2013 Assignment 1 Read the foreword in your textbook on pages 8 and 9. Then, answer the following questions, using three or four sentences. a. As you begin this course, you undoubtedly have an idea of what a “myth” is. Your textbook’s editor, however, tells you that in Campbell’s view, “Any good story . . . can teach us something, but only certain beguiling visions, stories with the power to shape and control our lives, can inspire and, far too often, destroy us.” These “potent timeless tales” are the only ones he would consider true myths. What about these stories do you think would make them potent? What would make them timeless?--Answer below: What makes these stories potent are the lives these people had. Their journeys through trials, love, and adversity that brought them closer to the true understanding of themselves and the world around them. What makes these stories timeless is how they were told and how the characters were portrayed. They stir up something in us that give us a glimpse into ourselves and makes us want to share these stories fro generations to come.b. Campbell also said that, “Every myth . . . is symbolic. Its narratives and images are to be read, therefore, not literally, but as metaphors.” How would you define the difference between reading something literally as opposed to reading it as a metaphor? Then, as an example, explain the following sentence first literally and then metaphorically:...
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...two for some of the role models) of the worldviews that we have discussed in this course. * Write an Introduction of 3-5 sentences to set up the purpose of the outline. Include the identification of the worldview of the person you chose in the introduction. * Write a Thesis Statement. This should appear at the end of your introduction in the final draft of the paper. A sample thesis would look something like: Martin Luther King Jr.’s worldview can be seen in the way that he viewed family, the nature of God, and social issues. His view of these three topics will be compared with my own. * Address each question with a topic sentence (the first sentence in the paragraph) and 1-2 additional sentences (“a” = 1 sentence / “b” = 1 sentence). In the topic sentence you should clearly identify the topic being discussed. A sample topic sentence would look something like: Martin Luther King Jr.’s worldview can be seen in how he views the issue of family. * Write a Conclusion of 3-5 sentences to wrap up the purpose of the outline. In this paragraph you should explicitly state why you do or do not consider the individual you wrote about to be a role model. * Write your References in GCU style: These should be three academic references that you will use and cite throughout your paper on the final draft. * Total word count for this document should be 400-650 words. I) Worldview of Role Model: Stephen Hawking is an objectively defined Atheist. ...
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...Integration Paper Thiago DeSouza Psychology and the Bible Liberty University Abstract Integration for many years has been a topic of discussion between psychologists and Christian leaders. The debate between the two disciplines has been whether or not the two can coexist together or if the two disciplines should never merge. Epistemology, cosmology, and philosophical anthropology lays down the foundation for integration. Both disciplines seek to understand human behavior and both seek to fix what appears to be broken within humanity. Both disciplines seek for truth. Psychology seeks for truth through science and what has been observed, whereas the source for truth for Christianity is found in God through His Words and His Works. The two may not contradict. There are several models of integration and they look to explain what the relationship between psychology and Christianity ought to be. The Allies model, which is discussed in more depth, holds the view that truth is found in God’s Words and Works and that God is sovereign over all things. Integration Paper The integration of psychology and Christianity has been a topic of discussion for many years and will be for many more years to come. It is important that this discussion is not put aside but rather be openly discussed among members from both disciplines. There are many models within integration and they all offer their own perspectives on the relationship between psychology and Christianity. One is not necessarily...
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...involved in the establishment of sets of ethical rules and in their implementation. Actually, they believed that humans should apply a spirit of rational criticism to all things, including religion and politics. Besides, those philosophes' focus was the improvement of the terrestrial world, and its enjoyment, rather than the belief in a hypothetical paradisiacal afterlife. In the seventeenth century, John Locke, a British contemporary of Isaac Newton, argued that humans were born with a tabula rasa (blank mind) in his "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" in 1690. Therefore, according to Locke, humans were moulded by their environment and, as a consequence, proper changes could influence their behaviour and, thus, the creation of new societies could be possible. The creation of a better world on earth was in the hand of all humans: once more, Christian beliefs were undermined. The French Enlightened philosophes have undoubtedly launched the most ferocious attacks against the Christian church and its beliefs. François Marie Arouet (1694 - 1778), also known as Voltaire, criticized the fanatical, intolerant and superstitious facets of the Christian religion. He also valued Deism (philosophy based on the Newtonian world-machine) that...
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...will cover: #12.2 Genesis 1–4, Creation & the Fall The exam will not ask about the different views of creation, but the other material is testable. #14 Essential Passages in the Pentateuch #16 Basic Nature of OT Covenants & ANE Treaties #17 Thirteen Propositions Re: . . . Covenants #19.1 Conclusions from the Pentateuch Be able to identify each of the five books we've covered, by way of main events (esp., the covenants), the main characters, and where the books fit into the redemptive-historical context of the Pentateuch. Know which sort of covenant is which (esp. H/O #16), and esp.(!) what are the specific covenants we have seen so far in the OT. What are their features, whom are they with, etc. A few must-know chapters & verses: (These are not the only ones; these are the must-know chapters). Gen 12, 15, 17 & 22 Exod 19, 20 & 24 Exod 34:6 Lev 26:12 Lev 26 Deut 7 Otherwise, be able to identify the chapters in boxes . Other items / ideas we have stressed: Israel's religion and cosmology and cosmogeny (vs.( that of pagan religions. Be able to answer the three questions posed on p. 2 of H/O 12.2. In the prof's assessment (I agree with ESV), what is the first verse of the 2nd account of creation? How does the rest of the Bible seem to view the 2nd account of creation? In the prof's assessment, does...
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... In fact, Historic Pueblo cosmology may hold insights into the religious considerations underlying construction of the Great North Road. At important solar times, the Pueblo people traditionally re-enacted the creation as well as emergence events. One part of these ceremonies includes the journeys to certain mountains, canyons, caves and lakes, where they regard as Sipapu openings. It is believed to lie at the end of that northern road. As a primary direction in many of Puebloan cosmology, North is also the location of the Sipapu or the place of emergence that allowed he kachina spirit to travel northward from death and the grave, and southward to life and the cradle. When the people came out from the worlds below they stayed near the opening at Sipapu for a time, then moved south and stopped at a place where they lived for a long time. AS a result, a road to the north is described over which the spirits of the dead returned to the underworld. In a Pueblo origin myth, a religion leader emerges from the underworld and makes four parallels paths by clearing away the brush. Number 4 suggests the cardinal directions, important in many modern Pueblo religious texts and stories. The four clans travel these paths separately and meet again on the way to Middle place, which is the place where the 4 cardinal directions converge. Because the Great North roads seem to be more symbolic than practical, one of the pieces of evidence offered for this view is ceramic scatters and a number...
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...1) What do recent developments in cosmology and biology suggest about the role of teleological explanation in the sciences? What implications, if any, does this have for religion? Due to recent developments in the natural sciences fields of cosmology and biology the information suggests that the theistic worldview is easily reinforced through the Anthropic Cosmological Principle. The cosmological principle states that strengths of controlling forces of nature are determined by constants in nature (McGrath, 2010). In the cosmological principle we see through a series of fine structures life as we know it depends on physical constants and out of these constants there is the fine structure constant, gravitational fine structure constant and...
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...Marx, Durkheim, and Weber - A Contrast of Philosophies on the Sociological Benefits of Religion ABSTRACT Throughout the history of the study of sociology, philosophers and sociologists have been attempting to explain the true nature and origin of Religion as a social concept. In this paper, we look at the works of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber and their analyses of the origins of Religion and how society has impacted and shaped the concept of a religious life. Where Marx looked at religion and its exercise as a major aspect of the bourgeoisie class, Durkheim approaches from a purely scientific stance. Weber, however, approaches the sociology of religion from a more holistic viewpoint, discussing the soul, the mysticism and cosmology of religion, and the innate germ of religiosity within the human being just waiting to be activated. The Sociology of Religion encompasses so very much of an individual's existence that it becomes difficult to separate it from other aspects of life. This is exemplified most easily in the writings of Karl Marx who, as a communist, believed in an agrarian society where all individuals were equal and a panacea-type existence derived only from the need of one to another was lived. In Marx's "Communist Manifesto", he talked about how he believed that religion was something of the bourgeoisie who felt themselves elevated above all others in society. While Marx utilized the term "bourgeoisie" to mean the upper class and all capitalists...
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...Reformed Tradition is, and why it is important. She continues by explaining his main point, that while the idea of concordance physical world and the Bible is a good one, there are problems specifically with how the two are in concordance with regards to the natural world, and with regards to God. She explores these ideas by examining the words of many different Reformists over the years, back to John Calvin of the 16th century. Using the words of John Calvin, she examines the idea that the revelation of God, as represented through both the natural world, and the Bible, must be viewed from the perspective of the Bible. She concludes with the key point that scientific findings should enhance our appreciation of God and the majesty of His creation, rather than undermine His authority. Critical Interaction: The author’s main concern is with regards to the Reformed Tradition of theology. The development of science has divided Christians into two groups. There are those who wish to harmonize Christianity with scientific...
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...to each other and for each other to communicate, reassure, share, and make sense of his or her realities. Myths enact and present a narrative of how a character lives out or goes through an event or a set of events. Myths have come to symbolize a particular genre of fiction along the lines of legends and folktales - important aspects of meaning-making and identity-creation in cultures all over the world. Mary Magoulick (2009) defines myths as such, "Myths are symbolic tales of the distant past (often primordial times) that concern cosmogony and cosmology (the origin and nature of the universe), may be connected to belief systems or rituals, and may serve to direct social action and values." In this paper I will discuss three theories, compare two creation myths, and finish with a summary and conclusion of my reflection towards the theories. Myths are important areas and source of sociological, psychological, and even historiographical discourse in our attempt at understanding and learning of the world of our ancestors and the people and civilizations that came before us. From these myths we learn their world views, how they made sense of their realities and how they reacted to and processed natural and social phenomenon. Theories of myths explain the nature, purpose, and origins of myths. According to Csapo (2005), all myths can be explained by the Andrew Lang's Aetiology, Max Muller’s Nature Myths, and Branislow Malinowski's Myth as Charter theories and in doing so explain...
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...Introduction This is a comparative essay and its purpose is to compare old-Earth and young-Earth viewpoints on Dating the rocks of the Grand Canyon. There are different views on this and no scientific method that can prove (completely) the age of the universe or the earth. There are the use of different types of calculations that can provide some guesses on the age of the earth. Many things need to be assumed such as a beginning date and the speed of change along with varying increases and decreases of material over time. “Young-Earth Creationism” (YEC) is based on a precept that earth and the universe were created by God, only 6,000 years ago in six days. Their position is that by examining geological records the scientific details of early history will become clear and a literal biblical view of Earth’s creation supported. Now, “Old Earth Creationism” (OEC) is also based on a precept that earth and the universe were created by God, but they also believes and interprets the book of Genesis differently. OEC try to fit cosmology and theories on evolution in (in some form). Both “Young-Earth Creationism” as well as “Old Earth Creationism” believes in a creator. The biggest area of disagreement is the age of the universe and the earth. This essay will look at both “Young-Earth Creationism” and “Old Earth Creationism” in regarding Dating of the rocks in the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular areas in the world to focus on this debate. There is a great deal...
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