Abstract This paper reviews how Burroughs filed a motion for summary judgment and it was denied. The court, based on its reading of the motion for summary judgment, called for briefs from both sides related to the Court suspicion that Kirkland and Ellis, the attorneys for Burroughs, had violated Rule 11 by stating that the motion was based in existing law. The paper further discusses how, in fact, Kirkland and Ellis had originally stated that the motion was based in existing law and then altered their position in a later motion stating that the case was made based on an argument for extension modification or reversal of existing law.
Abstract This paper outlines the E. H. Carr's theory in his book, "The Historian and His Facts", which argues that that a historical fact can never be a hard fact that can be taken at face value because it is really just a reflection of the historian's thought process. The paper summarizes Carr's arguments, which support his theory, and cites the examples used by Carr, which add credibility to his views. The paper also reviews Carr's belief that hard historical facts can not exist independently and objectively of the historian because the view of the past is always colored by the present. Finally, the paper looks at how Durkheim's definition of social facts can both relate to and refute Carr's theory.
From the Paper "Carr presents several logical and highly persuasive arguments in support of his argument. For instance, he submits that our picture of Greece in the fifth century B.C. is largely based by the documentation and picture left behind by a select group of people in Athens and to that extent is not truly representative since very little was recorded of the history of the Spartan or Corinthian civilizations. Similarly, he questions the current day picture of the medieval man as deeply concerned with religion since the facts of medieval history have almost all been selected by people who were professionally occupied in the theory and practice of religion and who, therefore, may have focused on recording all facts relating to it."
Abstract This paper will discuss the historical precedent set by Homer's The Iliad, and seek to understand the mistaken conclusion that it was an actual history, rather than a mythos. By understanding that certain archeologists have shown, the evidence does not, and cannot perpetuate this theory, and hence, never proven. By resenting the facts that have been uncovered from this ancient story, as well as some of facts that are shown in the data recovered for the site of Troy, which is the basic foundation for this argument, we can see how the evidence is severely lacking in the connection of fact with fiction.
Abstract The writer of this paper ponders the issue of the Trojan war and debates whether the war in fact occurred. This paper discusses the lack of writing and description of the Trojan war until Homer's "Iliad" written some 300 years after the event. This paper examines the modern archaeological excavation findings as well as discusses geographical and historical facts of the Trojan war.
From the Paper "There are some other curious literary anomalies. If the Trojan war was such an important event to the mainland Greeks, why is it that there are so few other descriptions or writings about it, until Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, some three hundred years or so, later. "Another epic, the Kypria, dealt with the events leading up to the arrival of the Greek forces at Troy at the beginning of the ten-year siege. The full text of this epic no longer survives, but a capsule summary of its contents is preserved."
Abstract The paper is a second year essay for a philosophy course. The topic of the paper is David Hume and matters of fact. The assignment looks at Hume's theories on the nature of matters of fact. The paper argues that experience and custom determine what becomes a matter of fact because we can't observe all the forces in the universe.
From the Paper "The nature of knowledge has always been a central question in philosophy. This process has looked at a number of processes that most people take for granted. One of the most interesting areas of enquiry into the nature of knowledge relates to the concept of matters of fact. One of the most important individuals who investigated matters of fact was David Hume."
Abstract Many historical facts have been lost in the shuffle concerning the Thanksgiving Holiday traditions in America, in favor of origin myths commonly accepted by mainstream society. This paper examines some of these origin myths and sorts them out from the true historical facts.
From the Paper "Although physical remains of their settlement have not been found, historians and geographers have utilized surviving navigation logs and other records to reconstruct the 1526 voyage. Based on the latest research, the San Miguel de Gualdape settlement probably was situated on the mainland of what today is McIntosh County in Georgia, opposite Sapelo Sound. Disease and disputes with the local Guale Indian village caused many deaths in the settlement, and finally in November 1526, the African slaves rebelled, killed some of their Spaniard masters, and escaped to live with the local Guale tribe."
Abstract This paper looks at Ridley Scott's movie , "Gladiator." The author compares and contrasts the movie's portrayal of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, and Maximus Decimus Meridius, with what happened to them in their "real" lives in ancient Rome.
From the Paper "Marcus Aurelius was actually the Roman Emperor at the time the movie took place. The real Marcus Aurelius was the last of the Five Great Emperors of Rome. He ruled from 161 to 180 BC. The movie corresponded nicely with these dates. As portrayed in the movie, Marcus was a very wise stoic philosopher. In the movie Marcus desired to hand Rome to the Senate and showed so in his handing the Empire down to Maximus. In actuality Marcus Aurelius did often portray the image that he respected the Senate and publicly held a very Republican point of view. Speculations have been made though, that Marcus Aurelius simply may have put up this front to avoid the fate of other rulers such as Julius Caesar."
Abstract This essay is a subjective response to the article written by Felice Schwartz's "Management Women and the New Facts of Life" in the January-February 1989 issue of the Harvard Business Review. The concept of this article is that it cost more to employ women than men in management . This article also suggests relegating most working mothers to a gentle career path also known as the "Mommy Track".
This paper addresses the key issues regarding the myths about sex. It has a "Myth: Fact:" format and has numerous issues, which are discussed with relevant factual information.
Abstract This paper addresses the main myths that are spread regarding sex. It addresses each myth and discusses it in detail, considering the reality and the facts that deny or prove that myth.
From the Paper "Youngsters face enormous confusions throughout their early years with regards to sexual knowledge. Their questions and queries either fall on deaf ears or they are to shy to discuss this. This results in a lot of confusion and therefore gives rise to rumors and stories which they hear from peers and class mates."
Abstract This paper defines history as presenting facts without expressing any opinion or analysis of the events whereas memories are comprised of emotions that can have a great influence on the actual event. This paper examines the various mistakes of researchers who may take a piece of primary documentation as the absolute truth about an historical event. This paper probes the effects of emotion on memory which is important in evaluating primary sources for inclusion in factual research projects. The writer also explores the vast responsibilities of historians to preserve events in the most accurate manner possible, as well as the various methods of researching history.
Topics covered in this report include:
Emotion and Memory
Politics and Expression of Opinions
The Question of Personal Viewpoint
Historiography - Bringing History to Life or a Piece of Historical Fiction
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The historiographer treats the person as a character and tries to devote equal time to historical accuracy and building the person as an interesting character. The historiographer is the middle ground between and strict historian and a historical fiction writer and many tend to lean one way or another. The purpose of a historiography is to give depth to a historical event. A straight history presents the facts in an often-dry manner and places more emphasis on what happened. It does little to answer the question of why it happened."
This paper analyzes whether or not the character of Guinevere is portrayed in a historically accurate way in Jerry Bruckheimer's 2004 film "King Arthur."
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the historical content of Bruckheimer's film which the director claims is the true story of King Arthur and his relationship with Guinevere, based on discovered archaeological facts. The writer of this paper contends and explains why this is somewhat inaccurate, due to the fact that the film is based on speculation put forward by the historian Kemp Malone in 1924. This paper focuses on the character of Guinevere as depicted in this film, while comparing it to available historical data that contradicts the director's claims. This paper discusses the difficulty of pinning down an accurate portrayal of Guinevere due to the fact that she is defined primarily by her relationship with Arthur. This paper details why the film's depiction of Guinevere and her relationship to Arthur is not necessarily based on historical fact or legend, but rather on entirely speculative historical fiction.
From the Paper "Guinevere's clothing and hands are not the only thing critics point to; they also suggest that she is being presented in a historically inaccurate way as a female warrior. In many movies it may be true that women are ahistorically buffed up - however, this is not necessarily one of those cases. While the historical Gwenhyvar is unlikely to have been a warrior, there is no historical reason to suggest that she was not a warrior. Celtic women were considered equal with the men, and many of them went into battle. An article published in Keltria: Journal of Druidism and Celtic Magic, explains how primary sources indicate that "Celtic women also took an energetic part in melee."
A discussion of the dangers of drunk driving and the lives it affects, including appeals of pathos (heart and values), ethos (character) and logos (facts & logic) to convey a powerful message to the reader.
Abstract A healthy balance between the different arguments of pathos, ethos and logos (emotion, value, character, and facts & logic) are found in this essay which which deals with the dangers of drunk driving. Included are interviews with those who have personally been affected by drunk driving, as well as personal anecdotes, and significant facts and statistics. All sections of the paper are strategically organized in order to better convey the message to the reader.
From the Paper "It was the first day of March. It was the type of day where the chill and dampness seemed to penetrate your soul. I silently watched as Jeremy's mother laid a blood red colored rose on the marble stone. Wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, she ran a hand across the letters of his name that adorn the cold gravestone. Jeremy Taylor (1982 - 2000). She said a silent prayer and turned towards the car. She glanced back once more before walking away. Today Jeremy would've been eighteen. He would've been able to vote or play the lottery if he wanted to. In a couple months he would've graduated " top ten in his class! He would've walked across the stage, gotten his diploma, and tossed his cap high into the air with all his friends. He would've made his plans to leave for college. He had already been accepted into an Ivy League school. How desperately he wanted to become a lawyer. His mom always said she could tell he would make a great lawyer by the way he argued with his sister".But all that changed within a moment. His life was ended at the hands of a drunk driver as he made his way home from school one fateful February afternoon. No longer would they see his smiling face. No longer would they laugh at the childish burping contests he had, as boys do. No longer would they hear the crowd cheer his name as he scored the winning touchdown or the sound of his voice as he excitedly told of his plans to become the best lawyer they had ever seen. All of that was gone now, because someone chose to drink and drive. Watching my friend's burial was one of the most emotional experiences I can recall. I think of how scared he must have been in his final moments. I wonder what he was thinking as he lay there dying. It was an eerie feeling to know that the casket could not even be opened during the service because of how horrific were the injuries that he had sustained. Now whenever "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton comes on the radio, I think of him. I will never get the chance to say goodbye or to tell him all the things I wanted him to know. I can only hope he knows how much he was loved and will be missed. Rest in peace my angel."
Abstract This paper reviews the work "What is History", by Edmund Hallet Carr. It looks at how the work redefines the way historical facts are understood and the importance of context in the interpretation of historical facts. It looks at the importance of a historian having an awareness of the time-frame a historical work was written in, the objectives of the writer at that time and his/her own society-based biases. The paper then brings in Cronon's "A place for stories: nature, history, and narrative" and Linda Alcoff's "The problem of speaking for others", as examples of how Carr's ideas have been used by other historians writing on the meaning of history.
From the Paper "Edmund Hallet Carr's book, What is History?, was first published in 1961 and had a major impact on the understanding of history. Reading this book over 40 years later, it still has the same impact, creating a change in the way history is viewed and understood. The lasting impact of Carr's concepts can also be seen by the way they are still applicable to modern ideas on the meaning and purpose of history."
Abstract This paper examines the facts of the Dred Scott vs. Sanford decision, including an in-depth review of the facts of the case and a legal analysis of the majority opinion. The paper also discusses the dissenting opinions in the case and takes the position that Chief Justice Taney, in writing the decision, was justified in ruling in the way he did.
From the Paper "Certainly one of the most controversial and well-known Supreme Court decisions in the history of the United States is the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford. Historians and legal scholars have debated this decision for over a century and many have taken an increasingly negative view of Chief Justice Roger Taney. Some view the decision as one of the major causes of the War Between the States. This paper examines the history of Dred Scott's case and provides an analysis of both the majority and the minority opinions in the case. After an in-depth analysis of the case as well as its historical context, we are left with the conclusion that Chief Justice Taney's majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Sanford is merely a reflection of the way in which he interprets the Constitution and is not the legal and moral outrage that historians and modern jurists claim it to be."
Tags: civil, compromise, court, lincoln, missouri, sanford, supreme, taney, war
Abstract This paper discusses how, by utilizing the best-established facts surrounding this topic, the question as to what really happened after Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha can be addressed with some certainty, while allowing room for much speculation. It looks at how a majority of contemporary Christian scholars, who study the Holy Bible and, especially, the New Testament, genuinely believe that the disciples saw the risen Jesus after his crucifixion, whereas the lack of hard data to support this belief leads others to believe that the story is, in fact, a myth.
From the Paper "In support of the information that Paul, Peter and James supplied about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is clear that the disciples experienced some kind of visual manifestation, for "it is almost impossible to dispute that at the historical roots of Christianity lie some visionary experiences. . . understood as appearances of Jesus, raised by God from the dead" (West, 235). But is it truly as clear as West maintains? Could the apostles have possibly fabricated all the material with the intention that it serve as the basis for their new religion, being Christianity? Logically, any new religion must have converts and the information provided to these converts must be strong and infallible, for without a solid foundation to lie upon, the entire structure will collapse."
