Abstract Some astrologers and sympathetic defenders claim that scientists are often engaging in astrological research under new labels. But to be astrological such research would have to involve birth charts, which is not the case. This paper researches the history of astrology, it's creed and systems of belief as it relates to science.
Abstract This paper discusses that idea that the basis of science in Shakespeare's plays does not hold a solid empirical view of the heavenly bodies, but certainly astronomy had a predecessor in astrology. By learning of the affect stars, planets, and the zodiac has on these the various characters Shakespeare brings forth, one can realize how magic and the desire for good fortune were central aspects of faith in these plays.
From the Paper "In this drama study, the basis of science and pseudo-science is brought forth in the dramatic works of William Shakespeare. In early astronomy, the use of astrology is communal used as a guide for many of the characters that Shakespeare used in his plays. In this analysis, the lack of real science in the plays of Shakespeare is evident, but surely, the precursor to modern astronomy is mentioned through his various quotes related to astrology. In essence, astrology is a form of science used in Shakespeare's plays that acts as a forerunner to the modern development of astronomy in 16th and 17th century England. The moon and the sun were visible guides for astrologers who wished to learn about how their future may unfold before them. "
Abstract This paper examines the issue of whether there is a scientific basis for astrology. The author presents a brief history of astrology and then proceeds to analyze the scientific criticisms of astrology.
Abstract A 7-page historical survey of the bond of Astrology and Astronomy and how as the result of the scientific method that bond was broken and how both are still influencing us today.
A look at Jonathan Swift's "Prediction for the Year 1708" and "The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff's Predictions" in which he caustically satirizes an Almanac-Maker and astrology.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 39.95
Abstract Jonathan Swift's "Prediction for the Year 1708" & "The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff's Predictions" in which he caustically satirizes an Almanac-Maker & astrology. Swift's purpose to expose sin & folly. Reasons Swift targeted almanac-makers & astrologers including exploitation of gullible people. Discusses Swift's satirical methods such as incongruity, mockery, exaggeration.
From the Paper In "Predictions for the year 1708" and "The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff's Predictions," Jonathan Swift lashed out at Partridge, the Almanac-Maker, and astrology in general. By using a variety of satirical techniques, such as incongruity, sarcasm and exaggeration, Swift captured the deception of almanac-makers who pretended to make accurate predictions of the forthcoming year in their annual publications. The satire works even more successfully because of its realism: Swift imitated the writing style of a rival maker of Partridge (Mayhew 278). Furthermore, Swift literally stabbed at the heart of astrology by predicting the death of Partridge and then consolidated his "death" in the subsequent piece, "Accomplishment," in a deliberate attempt to play a joke on him (Mayhew 276-278).
Abstract This paper analyzes the use of fate, coincidence, and accident in "Libra" as these topics serve to reinforce the book's titular concern with astrology, as well as the affinity that the concept of astrologically-determined fate and conspiracy theories have with each other. It traces the references to fate, coincidence, and conspiracy in the novel, ultimately finding Oswald's sun sign, Libra, to be the generator of the events of the novel.
From the Paper "Libra tells the story of the life and death of Lee Oswald, and the conspiracy to assassinate John F Kennedy. Oswald's life is out of control, constantly pushed and pulled in different directions by those around him. The chaos of Oswald's life and mind are explored throughout the novel, and his character is predictably weak-willed and mercurial. Less predictable, however, is the fact that the seemingly well-organized plot to kill the president is equally out of control, equally subject to the machinations of some greater exterior force. In admitting the chaos of Oswald and his life into their plot, the conspirators subject themselves to the forces of coincidence that this chaos facilitates and allow a greater outside force to manifest itself through him."
Abstract Scientific discoveries and tools have changed our knowledge of the universe over the years. With astronomers past and present, we have learned about the planet Earth, our Sun, and the planets that surround. This paper details the history of astrology, prominent astronomers, and the solar system.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the life of Omar Khayyam, born on 18 May 1048 at Nishapur, the provincial capital of Khurasan. The writer explores all aspects of his amazing life, as painter, mathematician, musician, writer and philosopher. The paper begins with his early life in Persia through to his death in Nishapur on 4th December 1131. The writer believes that Omar Khayyam was an outstanding astronomer and astrologer and his contributions to this field are invaluable still today. The paper includes a number of drawings of the man and examples of his writing.
From the Paper "Omar Khayyam was well known as a poet, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and physician. His full name was Ghiyath al-Din Abu?l-Fath Omar ibn Ibrahim Al-Nishapuri al-Khayyami. A literal translation of the name al-Khayyami means "tent maker" which maybe derived from his father's trade or he may have practiced this skill at one time. Khayyam played on the meaning of his own name when he wrote; ?Khayyam, who stitched the tents of science, Has fallen in grief's furnace and been suddenly burned, The shears of Fate have cut the tent ropes of his life, And the broker of Hope has sold him for nothing!?."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in "Gravity's Rainbow", Pynchon intertwines a lot of references to science in order to make us understand how science is destructive and how it creates wars and deadly weapons. In particular, the paper examines some of many scientific theories that Pynchon explores such as astrology, spiritism and mathematical use of Zipf's Principle of Least Effort and the message that Pynchon conveys through them.
From the Paper "Astrology is a pseudo-science widely use in Gravity's Rainbow. There are plenty of references to astrology in the book. As we have seen in reading The Crying of Lot 49 and as we continue to see in Gravity's Rainbow, Pynchon does not chose the names of his protagonists without reflexion. Some names have meanings; that is why it is important to consider them. In Gravity's Rainbow, names of certain characters have an astrological meaning. Scorpia Mossmoon, for example, has her name derivate from the sign Scorpio, which has the significance of travel to higher realms of experience, as mediumship, occultism and psychic abilities, themes that we can find widely in the novel. Scorpia's last name, Mossmoon, also refers to astrology, as well as Selena (the surviving wife of the spirit in the seance)."
Abstract This paper is a book report on the book "Sacred Geography of the Ancient Greeks" by Jean Richer. The paper notes the way that the author examines astrological symbolism as found in art architecture and landscapes and presents what he finds in terms of the astrological theory accepted by the ancients and then in terms of the way they represented these ideas in their art and architecture. The paper discusses the many photographs and maps of the ancient world that the author makes use of.
From the Paper "Jean Richer is an academic with a firm grasp of aspects of the ancient world. He has written numerous books aspects of ancient art and the society that produced that art. In the book Sacred Geography of the Ancient Greeks, Richer examines astrological symbolism as found in art, architecture, and landscapes, presenting what he finds in terms of the astrological theory accepted by the ancients and then in terms of the way they represented these ideas in their art and architecture. He provides a detailed examination of the topic, many photographs of the works of art he discusses, maps of the ancient world showing alignments with various celestial and astrological features, and tables and charts that help the reader picture some of the relationships discussed. The book offers an interesting discussion of the topic in a well-written narrative."
Abstract This paper describes the life of Galileo Galilea--his childhood, youth and how this affected his chosen path in life. It analyzes his theories as well as the harsh and life threatening criticism he faced from the Church.
From the Paper Galileo's father was a musician who eventually challenged Aristotelian beliefs about music theory and who proved some of it wrong, so Galileo grew up in a forward-thinking house where beliefs that had been long-held by educated people were being questioned. His father was part of a small group of musicians who revolutionized the way music was written. These changes led to the birth of opera. He saw his father's musical experiments, which contradicted the most basic assumptions regarding music theory. These older beliefs were also tied to church theology. It was believed at the time that the rules of harmony paralleled the motion of the heavenly body. This concept was known as the ?music of the spheres.?
From the Paper "One of the philosophical plays of Calder"n de la Barca is Life Is a Dream, a play that mixes several different themes in a complex fashion shaped around the basic plot and interaction of the characters. Calder"n expresses these themes in terms of imagery evoked either by the words of the characters or by the staging of the play itself. The essential conflict in the play is political--how can a ruler know that his successor is worthy and what can he do to assure a continuity of rule that will be of benefit to the kingdom? Patterns of imagery in the play contribute to this theme and to the other themes of import in the play--free will versus determinism, issues of deception, and the underlying concept that life is a dream. The basic contrast in the play that serves these different themes is that between..."
Creates a business and marketing plan to ensure the succesful entry into the Japanese market of Astro-Vest, an astrology-based investment software program.
4,500 words (approx. 18 pages), 13 sources, 1997, $ 135.95
From the Paper "Export Feasibility Analysis of Astro-Vest Software to Japan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Astro-Vest is a newly created product which has been in research and development for three years and in beta testing for six months. The following analysis examines the feasibility of exporting this software product to Japan.
The economic climate in Japan is changing rapidly in response to stock market devaluations of the last several years. These largely negative financial events have had a profound impact on the social and economic needs of the population.
Great copyright improvements have been made in Japan. However, the lack of import rights in existing laws has forced Japanese consumers to pay unusually high prices for some kinds of ..."
Scientific, practical & intellectual knowledge & innovations of ancient pre-Socratic civilizations. Looks at their views of astronomy, astrology, mythology and cosmology.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 8 sources, 1993, $ 79.95
From the Paper " The ancient Greeks of the early classical age were not remarkable among ancient civilizations for their engineering skills or their practical knowledge of the world around them. For example, Greek temples such as the Parthenon have had an enormous influence upon subsequent Western architecture, both directly (e.g., the public monuments of Washington, D.C.) and indirectly (in shaping Western ideas of architecture). Yet they were quite limited in their exploitation of the potentialities of stone. The arch was almost completely unused by the Greeks, in sharp contrast to the extensive use the Romans made of it.
Yet the early-classical Greeks, and in particular the so-called pre-Socratic philosophers, beginning with Thales, are rightly regarded as the forebears of Western science, and more broadly of the Western view of the world as operating by.."
Abstract Traces the rise of Muslim scholarship from the 8th & 9th Centuries. Syntheses of existing astronomical traditions--Persian, Indian & Greek texts. Arab knowlededge of celestial world. Importance of Ptolemaic model for the planets. Establlishment of House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Islamic impact on development of astronomy & mathematics. Contribution of astrologers.
From the Paper "The rise of Muslim science began after the life of the
prophet Mohammed and the beginning of Islam in the seventh century. The eighth and ninth centuries involved the period of consolidation of the Muslim people, and the real rise of Muslim scholarship occurred in the ninth and tenth centuries (Al-Daffa', 1977). The Muslims integrated the astronomical traditions of the Indians, Persians, the ancient near east, and especially the Greeks into a synthesis which began to chart a new chapter in the history of astronomy from the eighth century onward (IAL). The unification of the tribes of Arabia into a powerful nation, including Persia, Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, the whole North Africa, Gibraltar, and Spain created a vast intellectual empire (Ead). However, the Greek legacy did not immediately dominate without a struggle with native ..."
