Abstract Critique of the 1996 book on the DarkAges. Book depicts the end of an era of little or no intellectual accomplishments. The despondency of the era. The failure of imagination. The discouragement of individual thought. Argument of the author that the medieval spirit was not a bridge to the Renaissance.
From the Paper "THE AUTUMN OF THE MIDDLE AGES
To most of us, this was a period often referred to as "The Dark Ages". It was a time of lean intellectual accomplishments. The only light at the end of any creative tunnel occurred in the monasteries. What had been attempted in the Holy Roman Empire of Charlemagne had not really lasted. But, the autumn of this period was really unlike the autumn of the seasons in the sense that it would lead to a cold winter. Instead, it led to the recovering of Man in the rebirth - the Renaissance - of thought, art, and prospects of a better, un-serf like existence even for the common man. Huizenga (1996), however, according to his editor here, does not see the 14th and 15th centuries as a bridge to the Renaissance. Instead "as the end of the Middle Ages, as the age of medieval thought in its last phase of life, as a tree with overripe ..."
This paper selects two turning points in Western history in each of these periods: The period of Greece and Rome, the period of the DarkAges and the Renaissance and the period of the Reformation and Enlightenment.
Abstract This paper explains that the author chose different turning points, moving away from victories on the battle-fields or conquests of uncharted territories to persons whose life's work moved forward the essential difference that separates man from lower orders of animals: Thought and reasoning. The author points out that, in the Hellenic Age of philosophy and art, when the mind for the first time in recorded history developed the first formation of moral and ethical standards, Plato and the advent of Christianity through Jesus were selected. The paper also selected as the turning points, in the DarkAges, the adventurous merchant, son of Venetian merchants, Marco Polo; in the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci; in the Reformation, Martin Luther and, in Age of Enlightenment; Thomas Jefferson.
Table of Contents
Two Turning Points in Western Civilization: Greece and Rome
Two Turning Points: The Era of the DarkAges to the Renaissance
Two Turning Points: Reformation and Enlightenment
Some Conclusions Concerning the Various Turning Points
From the Paper " DaVinci was born as an illegitimate child in Vinci,. Italy, in 1452. While we tend to consider the Mona Lisa as his most significant work, he did so many things, outside the world of painting and there is so much distortion about his accomplishments that he has become known as "the Hamlet of art history, whom each of us must recreate for ourselves. He is justly well-known for his drawings, especially how life-like his anatomical representations are. He advised students of painting that "It is necessary to know the inner structure of man." However, when one lists his accomplishments and innovations outside Art, he is a most remarkable creative Human...truly the outstanding example of a "Renaissance Man". To begin with, he ante-dated Galileo and Copernicus when he said "the sun does not move.""
Tags: accomplishments, thought, reason, adventure, mind
Abstract This paper reviews the DarkAges, the period from circa 500 AD up to about 1066 AD when William I became Norman king of England, period that is often unjustly been referred to as a largely uneventful epoch in which Europe essentially lost track of its past and ignored its cultural legacy. According to the paper, the truth is somewhat more complex and it now seems evident that the DarkAges were a period wherein concerted and dynamic efforts were made to reconstitute the ancient Roman Empire - if only in Western Europe. The following paper will explore one of the most remarkable phenomena of the period - Charlemagne's crowning as "Emperor of the Romans" in 800 AD - and outline why he was crowned as such and the enduring significance of the event.
Abstract This paper analyzes the ancient poem, "Works and Days", by Hesiod. It presents an argumentative historical essay on the kind of social values found in Hesiod's advice to his brother in the poem and what this says about DarkAge culture in Greece. The paper contends that Hesiod's advice to his brother Perseus is simple and complicated at the same time. Hesiod's social values include the values of work rather than idleness, which he passes on quite clearly to his brother.
From the Paper "Little is known about the Dark Ages in Greece. In fact, some scholars believe they never existed, and there are simply 200-300 "more" years in history than actually occurred, and they believe this is why there is so little known about the Dark Ages in Greek history. However, Hesiod's work seems to stem from this time, and to give hints about how Greeks lived life during this period, and what some of their most important social values were. In addition, many experts believe the Greek population declined during the Dark Ages, perhaps due to attacks from northerners who spoke a different dialect of the language. Thus, Hesiod's epic poem is a plea to Greeks to choose the right social values so they can again become strong and repopulate their country, rather than bringing the wrath of the Gods further upon them."
Abstract This paper discusses the legacy of the Roman Empire and its continued influence over Western Europe since the DarkAges. The paper discusses the Roman political institutions that survived the fall of the Roman Empire, particularly the relationship between the emperor and the state. The influence of the Roman Empire on legal systems and social development is also discussed.
From the Paper "While the Rome did eventually recognize and even adopt the Christian religion as its own, thereby intentionally spreading it throughout the Empire, the dominant religion of the medieval era also grew in strength thanks in great part to the early efforts of the emperors to squash the religious movement. Martyrs such as Polycarp and Perpetua, who perished as a result of their Christian practices, became legends and the source of inspiration for generations of Christians to come. Many of these early saints and martyrs were later recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, and assimilated into the Roman calendar. This custom of assimilation, designed to simplify the transition from the old state religion to Christianity swapped new feast days for old. While the dates remained the same, the reason for the celebration was simply changed. Thus, the early Church converted the Roman New Year's festival of Lupercanalia to St. Valentine's Day, at once honoring the martyr, while preserving the traditions of the Roman people (McKay, 199). As the Church and the Empire split, these festivals continued to be celebrated by the people of Europe. Little did they know that in celebrating the lives of their martyrs, they were also honoring the pagan feast days of the Roman Empire."
This paper discusses the role that images of nature play in three novels of clashing cultures: Tayeb Salih's 'Seasons of Migrations to the North', David Malouf's 'Remembering Babylon', and Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness'.
Abstract This essay discusses the following three novels: Tayeb Salih's 'Seasons of Migrations to the North', David Malouf's 'Remembering Babylon', and Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' . All of these novels reveal the shadow side of the human soul, the dark, forbidden side that most of us don?t want to admit exists and show how it manifests in relationship to the unknown. When humans come into contact with something other than that which they know well, they often react out of fear which springs from the depths of their own hidden inner selves. Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness is the classic on this theme to which the other two are compared. In these novels human life is represented as a duality hovering between light and darkness. All three writers use nature extensively to symbolize this duality. In these books most often nature is evil and dark, though now and then we catch a glimpse of beauty and light.
From the Paper "This study will explore the role that images of nature play in three novels of cultural conflict. Tayeb Salih's Seasons of Migrations to the North, and David Malouf's Remembering Babylon, will be discussed using Conrad's Heart of Darkness as the standard by which all such works are measured.In addition to being about clashing cultures, these novels are about the shadow side of the human soul, the dark, forbidden side that most of us don?t want to admit exists and how it manifests in relationship to the unknown. When humans come into contact with something other than that which they know well, they often react out of fear which springs from the depths of their own hidden inner selves. Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness is the classic on this theme. In these novels human life is represented as a duality hovering between light and darkness. All three writers use nature extensively to symbolize this duality. In these books most often nature is evil and dark, though now and then we catch a glimpse of beauty and light."
Abstract This paper briefly summarizes the plot of "Heart of Darkness" and then delves into the more complicated aspects of the main characters in the story. The paper discusses the portrayal of Marlow as one who sees himself as superior to both the Congo natives and to Kurtz, the man he sets out to save. It also looks at the irony in this perspective. Also examined is the characterization of Kurtz as a man who has set himself up like a god for those whom he rules over. Additionally, the paper includes a review of the critique of "Heart of Darkness" by African author, Chinua Achebe, and a look at the different opinions on whether Conrad was or was not a racist. The paper concludes with a discussion on the similarity between both characters, which is demonstrated by their feelings of superiority, whether it is cultural superiority or personal superiority.
From the Paper "Joseph Conrad's short novel Heart of Darkness is superficially a story about one man, named Kurtz, who devolves into a savage-like king during his residence in the Congo. However, the novella is really about the evolving relationship between the first-person narrator, a man named Marlow, and his point of view of Kurtz. The novella is truly a novel of shifting perceptions of these two men's different characters, rather than a series of direct contrasts between good and evil. Marlow's perceptions of the supposedly barbaric Kurtz shift and change, as to the reader's own perceptions of Marlow as a reliable narrator."
Abstract The paper describes Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness;" a famous short story that tells the story of a sailor recounting what happened years before, on a trip into the Congo in Africa. This paper looks at the narrative style of the story-within-a-story and how it is used, as well as the overall meaning of the story and the relationship between darkness and madness.
From the Paper "Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is a tale within a tale, one for dark nights and lost souls. The story is remarkable in a number of ways, but the two that will be focused on are the narrative structure and meaning imparted in the story, which are closely entwined with each other and the imagery used. The fact that this is a narrative within a narrative is significant because it leads the reader to question the validity of one of these "yarns of seamen" which the exterior tale's narrator alludes to, but mostly forces us to look more closely at how the story is told (Conrad 68.)"
Abstract This paper anaylzes the central passage in Joseph Conrad's novella, "Heart of Darkness", from the scene between Marlow and Kurtz that takes place on the river-boat just prior to Kurtz's death. It is a highly dramatic scene, and one that is open to differing interpretations. The paper attempts to analyze what Marlow believed drove Kurtz to cry out the words, "The horror! The horror! ".
Abstract This paper discusses how Conrad's plot revolves around the disintegration of Marlowe's high flung theories about colonialism when he sees the cruelty his government has imparted on the African people. In 'Heart of Darkness', the colonial objectives of the British are also thematic through these insular points of view. Conrad writes on how the English perceive the African in their travels to Africa.
From the Paper " In this literary analysis of the Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad the basis of British perspectives on colonialism will be brought forth in Africa. The theme of this novel reflects the horror of colonialism, and the ruthless nature of governments that are presented through a British point of view. In relation to this the theme of colonialism, the character of Marlow in the novel reflect youthful and naive rejection of British imperial design. In essence, the theme of colonialism and Marlowe's rebellion against colonial principles will be analyzed within this study. For the author Joseph Conrad, the character Marlow is a young man that must learn that high ideals are colonial principles through experience, not through politically correct ideologies and literary propaganda. "
Abstract This paper studies the impact culture has on the aging process and discusses the concepts of successful aging, productive aging and comfortable aging. The author looks, in particular, at the American culture and how it affects the process of aging and concludes that as the American culture attaches a great deal of significance on financial independence and individualism, these are the factors that will contribute to the behavior of elderly people and their mentality as they age.
From the Paper " It is worth mentioning that every culture has its own behavioral code for every age group, therefore, there are certain stereotypes or standards, which should be met. Analyzing the impact of American culture on the process of aging, disease management and pain control, we must first identify the main features of American mentality. Having West-Indian origins, American culture can be characterized by the fear of aging; probably, it would be better to say the fear of death. Therefore, the elderly attempt to decelerate the process of aging in every possible way, for instance anti-aging drugs or plastic surgery."
Tags:aging concepts, health and mental well-being, independence
Abstract This paper defines and clarifies the debate over different types of aging. Starting with the revolutionary work of Havighurst in the late 1960's and incorporating research from the present day, this paper defines the three central components of aging: physiological, psychological (cognitive), and social. Numerous examples of both successful and unsuccessful aging across all three components are described, and backed by empirical research. No clear "recipe" for successful aging can be given, but this paper is a thorough and modern overview of this facet of psychology as it stands today.
From the Paper "In the late 16th century the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon set out on a quest to discover the fountain of youth. Intruding into uncharted and hostile Indian Territory, de Leon was struck dead by an arrow to his heart, at the age of 47. Today millions of Americans and billions worldwide are experiencing the golden years that evaded De Leon. But does older age necessarily equate to 'golden years'? Since at least the 1960s gerontologists have been developing conceptual frameworks, called schema, to describe ideal outcomes of the aging process. One of the most commonly used terms to describe good old age is "successful aging", often attributed to R.J. Havighurst (1961). This concept lies at the core of the practice of gerontology; the Havighurst article appeared as the first conceptual piece in the first issue of the discipline's prime publication, The Gerontologist. Defining 'successful' aging has been an issue of debate ever since. However, a complete definition must include at least three components: physiological, psychological (or cognitive), and social. It also must be able to be clearly distinguished from the opposite end of the spectrum, namely, 'unsuccessful' aging."
Tags:age, alzheimer, cognitive, development, developmental, geriatric, geriatrics, gerontology, havinghurst, old
Discusses the inevitability of aging and some of the changes that come along with aging as well as optimistic and hopeful philosophy that should be applied to the aging process.
Abstract This paper presents a philosophy of aging that emphasizes hope and commitment. Positive outcome of aged people staying productive, busy and engaged in meaningful ways. Importance of helping older individuals live in dignity in the final stage of their lives.
From the Paper "Aging is inevitable and is accompanied by many challenges and opportunities. Most elderly people, even those fortunate enough to live in advanced countries where high quality medical care is readily available and easily affordable, experience some decline in their physical functionality. Most also experience a series of losses that can include the loss of a spouse or partner, of friends, of an occupation that has helped to define the individual and of a certain amount of autonomy.Even among the healthy and somewhat..."
A discussion and analysis of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) that was signed by Congress in 1967 as a method of addressing the arbitrary policies that many industries had in the country relating to older workers.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), explaining that it specifically relates to workers of age 40 and older, as Congress believed that this was the age when there was the most evidence of age discrimination. The paper explains that the ADEA directly focuses on a number of issues that affect concerns of age discrimination. These issues include the hiring of employees, the promotion of employees, the salaries of employees and the ability of the company to discharge workers. The paper further explains that the Act discusses the publication of materials for workers that relates to their employment and how these publications may have a direct impact on the interpretation of the ADEA in courts.
Abstract This paper looks at the physical and mental aspects of aging, exploring how people regard old age. This includes how old people feel about being old, what they regret most about old age, what they feel about young people and old age as a state of mind.
From the Paper "While aging takes its toll on the body and there are many effects of aging which we simply cannot escape from, there are also many misconceptions held about aging especially by younger people. For instance, many people believe that when you grow old, there is no potential for growth, learning and being actively engaged in life. While this is true of some people, it is not true for the majority of the elderly who live happy productive lives."
