...There often exists an ambiguity in Poe’s work. This duality is prevalent in “Ligeia.” The reader is left with a quandary at the end of the narrative. Is the narrator experiencing some supernatural phenomenon or is the narrator unreliable due to his drug use, insanity, or any other number of reasons? Ligeia is described with specific markers early in the story giving the reader the impression that she is from a multitude of cultural areas and has lived in ancient times. Her husband claims she has the nose of Hebrews, a chin of the Greeks, and the beauty of the Turkish people (Poe 394-395). She can also speak a multitude of ancient languages. The narrator states, that “In the classical tongues was she deeply proficient” (Poe 396). These suggest, along with other intimations, that she may have been reincarnated. In the end of the story, the narrator’s second wife, Rowena, has “shaken off, utterly, the fetters of Death” (Poe 403). This alone would be a supernatural occurrence, but then the narrator claims his second dead wife has reanimated as his first dead wife. He states, “these are the full, and the black, and the wild eyes-of my lost love-of the lady-of the LADY LIGEIA” (Poe 403). Unfortunately, the narrator also makes it known that he “had become a bounden slave in the trammels of opium” (Poe 399). Poe...
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...legend between truth and fiction A legend is a traditional tale popularly regarded as true but containing a mixture of fact and fiction. A legend is tale, usually told regionally and based in part in fact, usually to strengthen ones belief in his or her country or sitting lord. An example would be the Arthurian legends or the Iliad. Legends are sometimes distinguished from myths in that they concern human beings rather than gods, and sometimes in that they have some sort of historical basis whereas myths do not; but these distinctions are difficult to maintain consistently Legend vs Myth: Myths are generally referred to as traditional stories occuring in a timeless past. They may involve supernatural elements and are beyond the frontiers of logic. Myths may also give a religious explanation. Myths have their chronology of events and cannot be related to present timelines. They may also be imaginary things. Legends, however, are stories about real people who are famous for doing something brave or extraordinary. Legends may be told upon topics of historical importance. It is not an explanation of something nor a symbolic narrative, they're based on an event. Examples of myths and legends It is a Greek myth that Prometheus stole fire from Zeus, the chief god, and gave it to humans so that they could keep themselves warm. To punish him, Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock where his liver was eaten by an eagle every day but grew again every night. There is nothing to prove...
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...Evolution is the scientific theory that all life forms on Earth today are descended from a single cell organism 1. Charles Darwin & Natural Selection 2. Genes carry the DNA codes for a evolutionary trait to be passed to the next generation B. Creationists feel the need to attack the evolution theory to “free God from its shackles” 1. Evolution provides a meaningful explanation of the relationship of the Creator to man & animals 2. We are formed, by the Creator, from the dust of the Earth C. Evolution is metaphysics 1. Something transforms into other things, but the process is unexplained 2. Breathing air, wings & fins are excellent examples II. First Side- Evolution A. Does not prove there is no God 1. May not be able to prove there is a higher power, can prove that a fish grew leg & walked on land 2. Provides the basis for the Creator’s work, macro to micro B. Historical trials & their outcomes 1. Wesley Roberts-“A Struggle in Tennessee” 2. John Scopes- trial of religion & science III. Second Side- Intelligent Design A. The theory by Mr. Charles Darwin 1. No sufficient evidence to prove that one organism evolves into another 2. Evolution & Alchemy go hand-in-hand; catastrophe B. Events in history that are unexplained must be explained by supernatural processes 1. Creationists want to beat down the U.S. Constitution’s separation of church & state to pave way for religion in school...
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...In Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare in 1606, the text portrays power to be all consuming. This is shown through the themes of freewill vs fate, violence and tyranny and the supernatural vs natural. Macbeth follows Macbeth, who at the beginning is the protagonist, until power consumes his mind, leading him to do evil deeds and turning into the antagonist. The supernatural play a big part in Macbeth since they are the reason in motivating Macbeth’s desire for power. When Macbeth falls upon the witches, they say, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Cawdor,” (1.3.50) prophesising his fate as king. This is just the beginning of his desire for power since all the series of events that occur after this are due to his need to seize power....
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...planet we called “Earth” is a very controversial subject. The whole topic is a battle of the beliefs of its inhabitants. It is seen in politics, as well as in schools, the workplace, and other areas that people are interacting. Intelligent Design is occasionally referred to as Creationism. However, the proper title is Intelligent Design. Creationism is more along the lines of a religious assembly. Yet the supporters of both affiliations are called Creationists. Evolution, by definition, is the scientific theory that all life forms on Earth today are descended from a single cell organism (Source B). Intelligent Design is the belief that a higher power fashioned all the forms life as they are now. Charles Darwin created the idea of Natural Selection (Source B). Within it, a specific species can adapt to a change and pass that gene onto its offspring. The genes carry the DNA codes for the evolutionary trait to be passed on (FAQ). Creationists feel the need to harass the evolution theory to “Free God from its shackles” (Leone). Evolution provides significant justification of the relationship linking the life on Earth and the Creator (Leone). As quoted from Leone, “We are formed, by the Creator, from the dust of the Earth.” Evolution is metaphysics; a branch of philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science (Gerdes). Some subjects transform into other subjects, yet this process in unexplainable. Examples of these transformations...
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...his nature via revelation Tillich - symbols unlock things from God Bultmann -demythologising stories Wittgenstein -picture theory of language, language games James -physcology, empiricism,pluralism, pragmatism -passive, ineffable, noetic, transient -Philosopher/ Phychologist -rel exp has mental dimension, not just this -truth is in the results! Otto -Wholly Other Schliemacher -emotional experiences Buber -I thou relationship Feuerbach - God is man in large letters Freud - God stems from childhood Jung -rel exp is a result of collective unconscious Alston -rel exp may be the same as normal exp? Broad -blind society Hume -“transgression of a natural law” = miracles -miracle occurred Vs witnesses mistaken? (whats more likely?) -practical case against miracles (insane,supernatural, ignorant,pluralism) Holland -“too coincidental...
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...In my paper I will be talking about article The Origin of Old-Earth Geology and its Ramifications for life in the 21st century by Terry Mortenson. I will discussing the main points of the article along with the strengths and weaknesses. This article is a breakdown of a huge debate that has been going on for years. As I mention before this article is based on a debate that has been occurring for years. It is just another argument between the theories of the young- earth and Old-earth. A lot of the information within the article is a based on the creation of earth. Mortenson, uses scientists of religious and non-religious backgrounds which had different philosophies. It is also includes the views of uniformitarianism and catastrophism events and how it was believed to impact the creation of earth. Article strengths in this article are large in number. The author gave us a good outline by the way he broke every paragraph down. Terry used several different scientists that had several different perspectives. These are just a few of the things that I feel were done right. Next I will talk about the points he had clear and if they were writing precisely. We started the article with a section pointing out the new theories on the history of creation. Terry beginning by using the Christian view that has been teach from thousands of years. Let us know that in the 4000 BC God created the world and everything in it within six 24-hour days. The same world he created was the same one he destroyed...
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...The downfall of a central character is common in a Shakespearean tragedy. Examine how Macbeth’s actions led to his own downfall. Macbeth is a play that adheres to a typical Elizabethan tragedy, which follows the journey of a noble protagonist, who is flawed in some way, placed in a demanding situation, ending with a fatal conclusion. On the same note, hamartia and hubris qualities deem Macbeth himself to be the ultimate tragic hero, flawed with erupting ambition. Macbeth is an ever evolving character who loses his nobility to acts of murder. ‘The higher you are the harder you fall’ governs Macbeth his fall is a result of his own actions. Paradoxical themes of Ambition Vs. Power, Appearance Vs. Reality and Fate vs. Free Will, dictate the future and irrational decisions made by the tragic hero. It is evident that through Macbeth’s murderous actions, in Act 2 Scene 1, Act 3 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 8 that he finds it hard to restrain himself, causing him to escape his moral compass. Macbeth’s insanity manifests his downfall which is plagued by his love for Lady Macbeth, his belief in the prophecy, fate and ultimately his tragic flaw of ambition. Undoubtedly, Macbeth’s own actions lead to psychological torment and the degradation of his moral sensibilities. In Act 2 Scene 1, Macbeth’s soliloquy reveals his true thoughts and feelings to the audience. Antithesis is used at the commencement and conclusion of this monologue to emphasise the idea of contrast...
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...island of Willow Springs and the large city life of New York. The other main characters of this book are Ophelia, Baby Girl and Mama Day. Mama Day is the most prognostic in the book and often the most outspoken, brave and powerful person of Willow Springs. What would happen if she left the town, since it seems that she is the one with the most authority there? Well as she said it herself, she has no intention of leaving. Mama Day is often symbolized with Eco-feminism, as the author would always place her at scenes in her Garden, or in the forest or with some natural inclement weather. Mama Day also focuses on what will be said the two most important characters of the novel, Cocoa Day and George Andrews. Cocoa Day is torn between two worlds of the nature and city life, where in the city everything is dependent on an explanation. Cocoa’s husband, George, is an engineer from the big city and often cannot except supernatural things the he sees around him. Both characters often come into conflict with their own different views of life as seen throughout the novel, as George, because of his lack of belief, dies in the end since he was trying to control something he could not comprehend. Cocoa has been changed by the city life and often tries to speak the “city language”, but cannot help...
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...LCMP 303 OL July 28, 2012 The Worldview Conundrum in Business; Christianity vs. Naturalism In a society that is increasingly hostile to the Christian worldview, one must understand that that hostility is forming changes in the culture. Many businesses in America have operated under the presupposition that Business’ only mandate is to make money with no further responsibility to society. It is the philosophical belief of Naturalism that society owes business the framework upon which to operate with no corresponding obligation to benefit society in return. As America continues to struggle economically it is fair to wonder why. In Business, the conflict between differing worldviews is paramount to the health and sustainability of the economy. Understanding the differing beliefs between the Christian worldview and the worldview of Naturalism, as they pertain to business, will help people see the affect those views have, and potentially have, on the economy of the United States. It is important to define these two worldviews philosophically in order to fully grasp their intent and scope. The metaphysical, epistemology and axiological beliefs of Naturalism will introduce a deeper understanding of this particular worldview. The metaphysical belief of Naturalism is that the natural order is eternal, self sufficient and uncreated. The epistemological belief of Naturalism is that knowledge is gained through human experience and scientific method. Finally, the axiological...
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...ATR vs. Taoism All the religions of the world differ from each other in many different ways, but some have very synonymous concepts and origins. In this case, ATR (African traditional religion) will be compared to Taoism. Now, African traditional religion is a label referring to a variety of religions indigenous to Africa. Like tribal religions from other parts of the world, African religious traditions are defined largely along community lines. Traditional African religions involve teachings, practices, and rituals that lend structure to indigenous African societies. These traditional African religions also play a large part in the cultural understanding and awareness of the people of their communities. Now, Taoism also known as Daoism refers to a variety of religious traditions that have played a major role in East Asia for over 2 thousand years. Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, men-cosmos correspondence, health, longevity, action through inaction, liberty, and spontaneity. Taoism has a few concepts that differ from ATR that I would like to point out. For example, Taoism has a “founder”.Laozi is the founder of Taoism who lived in 6th century BC. Taoism have a different kind of belief in deity. Taoist believes the supreme being/ultimate truth is beyond words or any conceptual understanding. When asked to name it, it is referred to as Tao or the Way. The Power of the Way is referred to as Te. Although Tao and Te are similar to other practices' ideas of God...
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...Governors University Romanticism vs. Realism The French Revolution brought about enormous change in the world. With the collapse of the absolute monarchy, the rules of society began to shift in favor of the common people. Under the new laws writers and artists were given a considerable amount of freedom to express themselves which did well to pave the way to set a high standard for literature (Gregory, 1915). During the time following the French Revolution, two very different styles of Art were formed; Romanticism emerged in 1820 and lasted until 1865. Realism then took over in 1865 and lasted until 1914. Although the two have very different characteristics, they both share the same beliefs in liberalism and the dignity of the common man. Romanticism evolved at the end of the 18th century as a reaction to the classical, formal compositions of Neoclassicism. Neoclassicism was based on reason, tradition, rules and order. Romantics believed the individual was more important than society, and with the Age of Industrialism upon them, they began to revolt against the conventional beliefs. Romantics viewed industrialization as an attack on humankind as well as Mother Nature. They believed that the industrial revolution was changing the natural order of man, who belonged in the country (Brown, n.d.). Romanticism had no “laws or rules” to follow. Romantic artist preferred emotion over reason, and the natural and mysterious aspects of life appealed...
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...sessions he would ask questions and answer them the best he could. So I wondered, how different would the education system be if we had follow Socrates way of teaching? Socrates is one of the most important people in western philosophy. I found it interesting that we have no writings from his own hand, from his two students Plato and Xenophon. I agreed with Socrates claim that appearance of the body is less important than how it functions and true beauty comes from spirit and character. I questioned if spirit and character is more important than the physical appearance, why do modern society judge an individual based on their physical appearance? Journal Entry 12. Chapter 6: the Theory of forms. Pages 144. Thursday, February 20, 2014. Knowledge Vs. Opinion Plato is one of the philosophers that interest me the most because of his search for knowledge outside his “comfort zone.” Plato left the Athens and wandered for twelve years and during that time he studied mathematics and mysticism. For me, as a math minor, it was interesting to see how mathematics influenced Plato’s philosophy and I wondered, does an individual’s knowledge in science and math affect their philosophy claims and theories? After he finished most of his writing he founded his academy “Academos.” I was fascinated how Plato lectured without notes for forty years. Does knowledge come from the heart and soul? In Plato’s work theory of Forms he attempted to provide a rational explanation on what knowledge really is and...
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...side in her time of need, nor was I able to attend her funeral services. With the passage of time I began to question the meaning of life, my life. I began to question the purpose for which I was born, was there really any purpose? So many other questions filled my thoughts, within me was a longing, a deep inner desire to know. Quest It had been two years since my Grandmother passed on. I can only describe them as tumultuous years.my emotions ranged in anger, and frustration, and so began my quest for meaning; purpose, and truth. Where did man come from? Why were we here? Was there any purpose to man’s existence? My journey led me to examine the theory of evolution vs. creation. The word "evolution" is often used as a shorthand for the modern theory of evolution of species based upon Charles's theory of natural selection, which states that modern species are the products of an extensive process that began over three billion years ago with simple single-celled organisms, and Gregory Mendel's theory of genetics.http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Theory_of_evolution Extensive archival research on my part led me to reject the evolutionary theory. There were just too many gaps within...
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...Running head: Existence of God The Existence of God Abstract There is always been a curiosity about God, the creator. Some question if it even exists as an entity. Others question of the operation of God, wondering if God is a single being or an umbrella term that describe multiple individual entities that operate as a unit. Regardless of the specifics, there is always been the argument and research/conversation about the existence of a universal God, and a continual search for evidence to prove once and for all if indeed God exists, or not. In this paper I plan to discuss the above topics, and provide evidence to support my assessment. The social influence on religion, the mind and science will be the primary area of focus. The Existence of God Statement of Research Problem Intuition can be defined as the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning (Wikipedia). I will also include a personal definition for intuition: Intuition is the inherent spiritual compass that is used by man to guide his/her steps along the proverbial pathway of life. Some to validate their reason for belief in religion uses this spiritual compass. Others believe it only exists on a personal level, independent of any internal or external spiritual influence. Some believe in a spiritual element of life, which is something we cannot see, taste touch or feel; a “God” component that allows us to understand the ethereal...
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