Abstract The paper explores the importance of language in the post structuralist theory of Lacan. The paper explains Lacan's approach to linguistic constructs and behavior and also includes his view of the self and of human development. The paper incorporates the importance of signifying.
From the Paper "What must be understood above all about Lacan's approach to languages is that it is conceived of as both a symbol or sign of human experience and as a mediating mechanism whereby human beings may indicate other symbols and construct signs that constitute social intercourse of any kind."
Abstract This paper discusses the theory of oppression and analyzes how it is addressed in fundamentally distinct ways in the writings of Michel Foucault, Frantz Fanon and JacquesLacan. The paper then explores, in turn, how each thinker develops his respective understanding of the concept. The paper focuses, in particular, upon points of convergence between psychological and political oppression.
From the Paper "While it may be objected that this is "reading" too much into what was simply an act of rape, Fanon's text makes clear that French colonial power was by no means simple. In fact, the colonial authorities deployed not only torturers but also doctors and psychiatric specialists to subjugate the Algerian people to French power (Fanon 284). The act by the French interrogator of not only raping the woman, and thus satisfying his own anger, but of also stressing that the woman tell her husband is revealing of the complexity of this act for the French."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts Jacques Cousteau's discoveries with American underwater scientists during the same timeline. It specifically compares his work to that of the American underwater scientist named Charles William Beebe. The paper concludes that Cousteau's work overshadowed that which was produced by the rest of the world although many of his ideas and discoveries were closely related to the work of the American, Charles William Beebe.
Table of Content:
Jacques Cousteau
Charles William Beebe
The Bathysphere
The Lime Diving Suit
The Invention of SCUBA
Underwater Photography
The Bathyscaphe
Cousteau's Growing Media Career
Environmental Activism
Cousteau's Achievements and Record
From the Paper "Jacques Cousteau's list of achievements and awards is very extensive for an equally extensive and amazing career span of more than sixty years. During his career he discovered species of animals and sea creatures that had never before been seen by a human eye, he led ground breaking expeditions around the world and to foreign parts of the world, including Antarctica, he developed diving equipment used by military forces and scientists alike, he developed methods of raising ships that had sunk over 130 feet to the surface so that they could be repaired and put back into service, he perfected underwater broadcasting, and created some of the worlds most riveting underwater documentaries and films. Cousteau founded environmental organizations, and non-profit organizations for the protection of the environment, he invented turbosails, and studied natural disasters as well as environmental disasters caused by human error, such as the oil spills in Alaska. His work has been recognized world wide by world leaders and organizations. He has been received by the President of the United States in the White House and he has been invited to address the UN Environmental Conferences, he has also been appointed to many international boards concerning the environment and ecosystems."
Abstract An essay on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which discusses his works, "The Social Contract" and ?Discourse on the Origin of Inequality.? It shows how Rousseau's doctrine had a profound impact on French revolutionary thought, as well as socialist thought. Moreover, many believe he anticipated, rather than influenced, many insights of modern social psychology.
From the Paper Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived from 1712-1778 during the height of the French Enlightenment. In 1762, he wrote "The Social Contract" examining many of the difficulties concerning freedom and authority to determine how freedom might be possible in civil society. He believed that in the state of nature humans enjoy the physical freedom of having no restraints on behavior (Rousseau). However, by entering into the social contract, humans place restraints on behavior, thus making it possible to live in a community. Rousseau contends that by giving up physical freedom mankind gained the civil freedom of being able to think rationally, although, as humans were good in a state of nature, corruption must thus be born from civilization. Rousseau sought to harmonize one's individual need for expression with society's need to ensure the well-being of community life (Rousseau)."
Abstract This paper explains that, in "The Social Contract", Jean Jacques Rousseau clarifies the idea of the social contract and the way the state should work together with its subjects to create a perfect and peaceful society. The author points out that Rousseau's opening statement that "Man is born free" is intriguing because, according to the rest of the section, this statement is not true; a child is obliged to be in bondage to its parents until it can leave the home on its own. The paper contends that, until lessons from the past can be recognized, books like "The Social Contract" will have academic value only; practical applicability is entirely dependent upon the human ability to recognize lessons, to adjust, and to evolve accordingly.
From the Paper "Rousseau makes a strong argument in his first book when he states, ?One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they.? (Book I; ch.i). This is applicable to current society, which is more often than not subject to some or other less than laudable human trait such as greed or addiction. People are slaves to money, drugs, success or any other of a maze of possible enslavements. This was also true in Rousseau's time, and he recognized that human beings are in bondage since birth."
Tags: applicability, bondage, slavery, sovereignty, government
A discussion on the idea of art as propaganda through an examination of two works: "The Death of General Wolfe" by Benjamin West and the "Oath of the Horatii" by Jacques-Louis David.
Abstract Using a compare and contrast methodology, this paper explores the propagandist values and themes present in both "The Death of General Wolfe" by Benjamin West, and "Oath of the Horatii" by Jacques-Louis David, as well as examining the artistic and stylistic differences of each.
From the Paper "Eighteenth century virtues such as honour, valour, and love of one's country were believed to produce great people and great deeds (Gardner's 846). Other virtues including courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice were considered 'natural' and find their place in patriotic or propagandist works of art. The theme of the 'death in battle' of young military heroes has been expressed since antiquity, both in statuary and other forms of art. This same theme of the death of a military hero is portrayed in Benjamin West's The Death of General Wolfe."
Abstract This paper discusses what Jean-Jacques Rousseau's real philosophical identity is. The paper examines Rousseau's theories. It defines classic realism, traditional liberalism and critical theory. The paper questions whether Rousseau's views follow those of classic realism or whether they are written in the critical theory genre. It also explores whether Rousseau is a liberal in the traditional sense and whether his views follow that thread throughout his extensive works.
From the Paper "Rousseau's theories in this assigned essay are somewhat conflicting from time to time, but it is clear his views can safely be placed in the genre of liberalism. He steps "out of the lecture room" and sees "wretched nations groaning beneath of yoke of iron." Mankind is "ground down by a handful of oppressors." That last quote certainly shows Rousseau's great concern for the less fortunate and the politically powerless citizens; and when he says "ground down by a handful of oppressors" readers can easily see those oppressors are not governing with the consent of the governed."
Abstract The paper discusses how Jean Jacques Rousseau was essentially against any social order that curtailed personal freedom or natural liberty. The paper explains his beliefs of allowing the public to choose the person who would implement laws while the system would work on the principle of general will. The paper relates that Rousseau's social contract theory shaped modern political thought and is still commonly cited when democracy and rights are discussed.
From the Paper "Political upheaval in the 19th century France was caused as much by political discourse as by active insurgence. Jean Jacques Rousseau's theory of social contract or rather his rejection of the same occupied an important place in the political discourse of the time. It was not starkly different than previously held beliefs but definitely encompassed some original concepts including the idea of general will and the elusive lawgiver. Rousseau's rejection of social contract was grounded in the premise that by contracting with a man or assembly of men, individuals are forced to part with some of their natural liberty. In other words while he knew that freedom was compromised to an extent with social contracts were entered into, he maintained that the relinquished freedom should be social freedom and not natural freedom."
Tags: freedom, liberty, sovereign, democracy, general, will
Abstract This paper explains that, because the film's dialogue is sung rather than spoken, which suggests a romantic comedy or Hollywood musical, French director Jacques Demy's film, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", (1964), a tale of thwarted young love set to music, is more heart-wrenchingly realistic and bittersweet than the fantastic presentation more typical of this genre. The author points out that this film's most obvious contemporary parallel would be Baz Lurman's "Moulin Rouge" (2001) in that it, too, is largely sung rather than spoken and has a cast of largely poor young people and a heroine who must choose between a poor man she loves and a rich man who can provide her with worldly comforts. The paper relates that the greatest difference between the plot of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" and "Moulin Rouge" is the portrayal of the 'other' love interests.
From the Paper "At the beginning of the film, at first, Genevieve believes that love can conquer all. She only alters her point of view after she receives a few spare letters from Guy when he is away, and she wonders if she will be left pregnant and alone. Again, the theme of Guy and Genevieve as star-crossed lovers, a la Romeo and Juliet, is suggested by the plot. The viewer is called to wonder, if only Guy had not been drafted, if only Genevieve had not become pregnant and thus would have felt more secure waiting, if only her mother had not pressured her daughter for so long..."
Abstract This paper examines the love triangle with a zombie and two brothers, in Jacques Tourneur's film "I Walked with a Zombie", as delineated in the scene in which the maid Alma brings Betsy her breakfast in bed. The author points out that this scene demonstrates the way this film is deliberately and carefully crafted. The paper utilizes Roland Barthes' model of textual analysis, which determine the meanings of a specific text, to dissect this interaction and interpret the ways in which it ties the characters of Betsy and Jessica together. The author states that Barthes's approach to analysis still leaves important questions unanswered. The paper concludes that no system can take into account the infinite ways in which an adroit author can manipulate his or her text, subverting it, twisting it and then simply ignoring parts of it completely.
From the Paper "Lastly, the Cultural Code is a loose concept that acknowledges the importance of common cultural knowledge in understanding texts. As mentioned above, again the cultural code is most relevant in this sequence in relation to class and race. A knowledge of Western racial history enables viewers to understand that, as privileged members of the racial upper class, both Betsy and Jessica enjoy a similar social status that places them above Alma. To illustrate, it would be surprising to see Alma wait on Betsy if she too were black, which itself would be surprising since blacks at the time of the film were generally denied the opportunities necessary to enter the medical field in the first place."
Tags: hermeneutic, semic, proairetic, symbolic, cultural
Abstract This paper discusses how, in his book, "The Social Contract", Jean-Jacques Rousseau explains the relationship of the individual to society. The paper relates that Rousseau emphasizes the natural law of personal rights and sovereignty and argues that any government derives its legitimate power only from the collective choice of many individuals to allow government to act as a proxy for their personal exercise of those rights directly. The paper also examines how, for similar reasons, Rousseau opposed the concept of "rightful" ownership of slaves, especially those who did not choose to become slaves. Finally, the paper discusses how Rousseau questions the legitimacy of some forms of democratic.
Outline:
Introduction
Rousseau on the Origin of Legitimate Power
Rousseau on Political Representation, Democracy, Law, and the Need for Legislators
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Rousseau, legitimate governmental authority can only come from the voluntary will of many people, and those forms of governmental authority that derive their power elsewhere are fundamentally illegitimate. Rousseau acknowledges that allowing the collective will to establish rules that govern individual conduct might be a form of relinquishment of individual rights. He takes the position that this apparent contradiction is resolved by the fact that it is in the interest of every individual to give the power of social policy and rule enforcement to the government, because without some form of collective power, the individual cannot enforce any legitimate social concerns at all. Finally, Rousseau questions the legitimacy of some forms of democratic representation and suggests that affiliation or allegiance to sub-groups or representative political parties cancels out some of the main benefits of the principle of individual expression in political choice."
Tags: rights, ownership, slavery, society, government, power
Abstract This paper considers the ways in which the theories of JacquesLacan 1901-1981) can be applied to Toni Morrison's "Beloved". This author discusses Lacan evaluation of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" as being "said softly and with such kindness".
Abstract In "L?Immoraliste" by Andre Gide and "The Captive" by Marcel Proust, neither main character attains his desire. This paper shows that the reason for each gentleman's failure can be found in the theories of Sigmund Freud and JacquesLacan. It explains that, according to the work begun by Freud and continued by Lacan, desire is forever elusive because the object of desire is continually non-existent. This lack of an object for desire is explored by applying the theories of Freud and Lacan to the works in question.
From the Paper "The main desire of Michel, the narrator in L?Immoraliste is self-actualization and self-discovery. His own inner soul becomes his elusive Other. The problem however arises when circumstances devastate Michel's original self, and another takes its place. It is interesting that Michel and Marceline's positions as they relate to each other change progressively throughout the novel, as do Michel's own disposition and desire. In the beginning of the narrative Michel is ill, and Marceline is healthy. These positions reverse as the novel continues. The hope of a new baby is lost with Marceline's miscarriage and things basically deteriorate in Michel's inner world as they do for Marceline's physique."
A description of Jacques Derrida's attitude towards the term "animal" and examination of the viewpoints of Martin Heidegger and JacquesLacan regarding this term.
Abstract This paper examines how Derrida applies his process of deconstruction to the term "animal." It looks at how Derrida asserts that "animal" and "human" did not always represent two distinct categories; rather, there are humans, mice, monkeys, snakes, etc., and a human is no more different from a mouse than a snake is from an elephant. The paper also discusses how, when Judeo-Christian thought became dominant, the concept of "the animal" came into existence as an absolute other and, with this linguistic separation, came a psychical divide that caused us to lose touch with the dark, mysterious, "animal" which resides deep inside of ourselves.
Outline:
Introduction
Derrida On Lacan: The Animal Cannot Cover Up Its Tracks. But Can The Human?
The Seer
The Great Disavowal
From the Paper "An animal's relationship to the world is limited by its "disinhibitors" - its inner drives that render it completely passive to its bodily demands. Heidegger calls this state of passivity "captivation." The animal is completely at one with its disinhibitor - it does not have the reflexive ability to step back from its drives and perceive that it is controlled by them. Because it cannot see outside of its "disinhibiting ring," it only perceives the world insofar as it relates to its own instinctual demands. Not being able to escape this state of stupefaction, objects only exist for the animal in relation to its present needs. Unable to step out of its disinhibiting ring, it cannot perceive objects as existing in themselves, as more than a means to serve the ends of its disinhibitors. Passivity with respect to its disinhibitor implies passivity with respect to objects in the world - it must use and perceive them only insofar as its disinhibiting ring requires. "
Abstract This paper analyzes Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych", by integrating the theories of Sigmund Freud and JacquesLacan in order to examine the development and indeed demise of the main character. It looks at how Ivan develops from a young person with very idealistic, if somewhat mundane ambitions, to a disillusioned and emaciated man on his death bed. The paper further discusses how Ilych's condition of ego-idealism and narcissism was to a great extent to blamed upon both his society and his childhood and how tragically, he appears to have left this legacy to his children as well.
From the Paper "Many of Freud's theories have been popularized by today's cultures in terms such as repression, libido, superego, fetishism, and others. Felluga however warns that such terms should not be taken at the often shallow interpretations presented today, but that they should be investigated in terms of Freud's original meanings. Particularly applicable to Tolstoy's main character in The Death of Ivan Ilych are Freud's concepts of repression and superego. Lacan built upon Freud's work to create his theory of the subconscious, and also to create new terms such as the natural or essential reasons for psychic processes. Of use here are instincts and ideology."
