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Susanne Langer on Imagination and Dreams, 2002.
This paper looks at the theories of Susanne Langer and how they apply to the imagination and dreams.
3,087 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
The paper asks the question of whether or not humans are the only creatures who dream. The writer uses the texts of Susanne Langer to explore this question and to argue that the human mind, born of dream figments, and nurtured by the symbolism which the mind itself produces, has all the equipment it needs both for its own maintenance and, especially, its future growth and development.
From the Paper
"At one point in her Mind series, Langer suggests that feeling is simply a phase of a total act. Titchener?s view supports that notion. If all acts have a phase of feeling, then a superact, which entrains smaller acts in its progress, will possess the final product of all those psychic phases. That product would, in turn, be experienced as a broadening of the variety, as well as a concentration, of feeling. ?The total activity of the matrix has been raised to a higher level? (Mind 2, 273). For the purposes of theorizing, and having admitted that knowledge as to where feeling begins still escapes us, Langer will work with the hypothesis that it begins with behaviour. But she makes the further acknowledgment that exactly where behaviour begins is difficult to determine. (Mind 2, 272)"
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Susanne K. Langer on Symbolism, 2002.
An interpretation of the views of philosopher Susanne K. Langer on symbolism and the human mind.
2,712 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
According to Susanne K. Langer in "Philosophy in a New Key", symbolism plays an enormously vital role in the evolution of the mind of man.
This paper explains the views of Langer--what divides humankind from other animals is ?a vast and special evolution of feeling?. It shows that this feeling arises from man?s propensity to symbolize anything which comes within reach of his individuating brain. The paper discusses how Langer distinguishes between two varieties of 'signs' and how she confronts the question whether man has a need for symbolization. Finally, the paper looks at Langer's interpretation of the concept of 'communication'.
From the Paper
"Langer distinguishes between discursive symbolism and what she labels presentational symbolism. Discursive symbolism belongs to the realm of language while presentational symbolism to that of art, dream, fantasy, myth, and rite. The cognitive value we receive from the apprehension of presentational symbols lies in their necessity as a foundation to our development of language. If we had never experienced the richness and diversity of ideation inherent in presentational symbols, we could never have acquired the tools?words?to structure the vast edifice of grammatical form. Langer devotes much of PNK to explaining how presentational symbolism plays this, its most demanding role."
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Susanne K. Langer on 'Acts' as Elements in the Continuum of Life, 2002.
An interpretation of philosopher Susanne K. Langer's views on acts.
4,427 words (approx. 17.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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Abstract
According to Susanne K. Langer in her work, "Mind: An Essay on Human Feeling", acts function as elements in the continuum of a life. This paper analyzes Langer's views on the subject including her theory that within all acts, one can find smaller functional sub-units which, in their miniature realm, still exhibit and adhere to the typical act form. Langer claims that if we should turn our attention in the opposite direction, from microscopic acts to those of macroscopic dimensions, the same essential pattern, the same act form, will dwell there too.
Outline
The Act Concept
Individuation and Involvement
The Evolution Of Acts
The Growth of Acts
From the Paper
"Langer refers to the environment facing an organism at any given time as the environmental situation or ambient world. An organism shapes its ambient world; the stuff of the actual environment is altered through peripheral contact with that life. Not only do environmental forces impinge upon the organism, but that life, because it is a life and therefore does not exist passively, effects changes on its immediate environment. We could say that, in a sense, both creature and environment adapt. Different organisms in the same environment, because of their probable living uniqueness or individuation, may therefore exist in widely different ambient conditions. (282)"
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The Epistemology of Susanne K. Langer, 2002.
This paper looks at the work of Susanne Langer, "Philosophy in a New Key", comparing it to the theories of classical Idealism, Rationalism, and Empiricism and of the newer Pragmatism, Logical Positivism and Intuitionism.
5,452 words (approx. 21.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 133.95
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Abstract
The writer uses Langer's book to argue her theory that while discursive reasoning leads us to knowledge, we must look to what supplies us with the materials and desire to seek that knowledge. The paper takes a chapter by chapter look at the way in which Langer tries to define epistemology, the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge.
From the Paper
"While verbal language is the overt activity of one kind of symbolic process, the mind transforms those experiences which lie beyond the ability of language to describe into other quite different activities. "Just as the results of that primitive process of mental digestion, verbal symbolism, may be used for the satisfaction of other needs than symbolization, so all other instinctive acts may serve the expressive function" (45). The direct motivation which lies behind magic, for example, "is the desire to symbolize great conceptions." The language of magic belongs to the greater phenomenon of ritual, the language of religion (49). Further, the language of human behaviour, gesture, demonstrates that "symbolization is both an end and an instrument; and so far, epistemology has treated it only as an instrument." (51)."
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Susanne Langer's "Philosophy in a New Key", 1974.
This paper reviews Susanne Langer's "Philosophy in a New Key", a critique of her theory of art and focuses on her concept of art as presentational symbols.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"In her book, "Philosophy in a New Key", Susanne Langer draws a provocative distinction between verbal discourse and works of art. According to Langer, works of art are presentational symbols. These symbols conceptualize the flux of impressions in the sensory field and transform them into a concrete form. They articulate complex and subtle feelings and emotions which would be incommunicable through language. Presentational symbols differ from Discursive symbols (language) in that they have no vocabulary or syntax. One cannot, according to Langer, obtain meaning from a part of an art work in the same way as one can from part of a sentence. The art work has meaning only in as much as one scrutinizes the work as a whole, a constituent element has no intrinsic meaning. Presentational symbols are no less capable of articulation than are words. However, the laws ... "
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Dreams and Dreaming, 2004.
An overview of the process of dreaming and what dreams really mean.
2,253 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to define what exactly a dream is, whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or whether there more to it than mere fantasy. It examines how many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"Thanks to these dream researchers, it is now known that there is a regular cycle of sleeping and dreaming during each period of sleep. For most people, a night of sleep begins with certain rituals; sleep then is supposed to come in an instant. Within the first few minutes, the temperature of the body falls, and brain waves begin their regular alpha rhythms, indicating a relaxed state. In Stage One, the muscles lose their tension, breathing becomes more even, and the heart rate slows. In Stage Two, random or nonsensical image may float through the mind, mimicking the dream state. In Stage Three, the body continues its process of slowing down; the muscles lose all tightness, breaths come slowly and rhythmically, the heart rate decreases and blood pressure falls. In Stage Four, the body and the mind are at their most restful periods and may last for many hours."
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Dreams and Dream Research, 2006.
This paper looks at the sleep cycle and studies dreaming.
2,261 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what exactly a dream is. The writer ask whether it is a story that evolves in the mind in a single flash of inspiration, moving from beginning to end in a few seconds, or if is there more to it than mere fantasy. The writer discusses the sleep cycle and the act of dreaming and notes that many researchers, both past and present, have given numerous definitions for what dreams are and how they can be interpreted.
Outline:
The Mechanics of Dreaming
The Sleep Cycle
Body Dynamics
The Healing Power of Dreams
Dream Deprivation
The Meaning of Dreams
From the Paper
"A 2000 study at the University of Michigan found that the human body's dreaming condition is much like the fight or flight response in waking life, which gears the body up to confront a threatening situation. Yet the brain simultaneously signals the spinal cord to hold the body completely rigid. Science is still attempting to exactly determine what
physical function dreaming has for humans, but since the 1950's, researchers have made remarkable advances in the study of sleep and dreams.
"The cycles of sleep are a fairly new discovery, but in the years since researchers finally cracked the code of sleep, much has been learned about how the human body reacts when one dreams."
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To Dream or Not To Dream, 2001.
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper
"In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the ?land of promise? where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The ?American dream? differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one?s goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
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Dreams and Western Philosophy, 2005.
This paper discusses that, until recently, Western philosophy tended to look at dreams negatively as a source of confusion and as a way of determining a person?s character.
3,195 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although Western philosophy emphasized the irrationality of dreams and the dreaming state, Socrates and Aristotle investigated the thought that the dream was a possible indicator of a person?s character. The author points out that this investigative of dreams came to an abrupt halt with Descartes, and not until Jean-Paul Sartre?s ?The Psychology of Imagination? did dreams became an extended topic for philosophical inquiry. The paper relates that an existential psychoanalytic approach to dreams can be seen in Ludwig Binswanger?s essay, ?Dream and Existence? (1930), Michel Foucault?s ?Dream, Imagination, and Existence? (1954), and in Federico Fellini?s dream sequence and interpretation in his film, ?8 ??.
From the Paper
"These early thoughts on dreams have a certain charm in their quaintness and naivet?, and they were tentative attempts at trying to connect the dream state with the awake state. But if the dream had any notion of entering into center stage at any time beyond this period of philosophical antiquity, Descartes rudely gave the dream the hook and pulled it away from the wings and out the exit door. Never mind how the dream state connects with the awake state and how we can come to understand our daily lives. When Descartes contrasted the waking life with the dream state, he talked about the dream as a negative example to advance his theory of rational evidence, the role of sense perception, and the sensory resources available in the waking life."
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Dreams, 1987.
Clinical significance from Freudian & non-Freudian perspectives. Examines wish fulfillment, individual interpretations, human v. animal dreams, recurring dreams and group therapeutic approach.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 14 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
" The purpose of this research is to examine the literature related to dream states as revelatory of unconscious activities. To this end, the paper provides a review of Freudian notions of dream analysis and interpretation; challenges to these notions are then examined. These challenges include the writings of people such as Carl Jung and R. D. Cartwright. There is also a brief discussion of the relatedness of dreams to physical states such as brain activity states and bodily illness.
The first theorist to formulate a comprehensive and scientific theory of dreaming was Sigmund Freud (Mattoon, 1978). He was also the first to integrate dream theory into a theory or personality. Freud initially hypothesized the dream to be a (...)"
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Dreams and Intuition, 2001.
This paper is about the effect that dreams have on us as individuals and how intuition can be tapped into by using our dreams as tools, through a review of Frances Vaughn's "Awakening Intuition".
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
Can dreams help us be more creative and intuitive in our lives? This paper is a quest for more answers on this subject. It asks questions like: How do dreams that we receive when we are asleep help us in our waking lives? If we tap into these dreams and allow ourselves to be completely open to whatever may come we might just open up to pure insight and intuition. The paper also includes expert opinions on the subject.
From the Paper
"According to Frances Vaughn author of Awakening Intuition , ?Carl Jung believed that dream content did not necessarily conceal or disguise psychological truth, but actually revealed it.? Jung felt that dreams could reveal ?hidden conflict or problems, or point the way to an unrecognized possibility of future development.? (Vaughn, 1979). I believe this to be true because I feel that all dreams are creative and that dreams are our most intuitive resource for understanding and unfolding the mind. Many people work out business deals in their sleep. Many others such as painters, sculptors and musicians etc... can create artwork while sleeping. And some can even go to bed with their problems and after waking up they realize the problems have been solved while they were sleeping. I would like learn to do this by becoming more open to my own intuition. This sounds like a positive way of growing, a way to self-discovery, and a path to higher learning, and self-growth."
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Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", 2005.
This paper discusses the book "American Dreams: Lost and Found" by Studs Terkel, which features a number of American dreamers telling their version of the American dream.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", the truth about the concept of the "American Dream" is that there is no single concept of this dream because it means different things to different people depending on their race, location, creed and lifestyle. The author reviews various dreams from individuals featured in this book including Miss America Emma Knight, who, through her public speaking, attempted to benefit society and the environment by addressing issues of pollution and the effects of mass consumerism but found that politicians did not want to hear about their mistakes. The paper concludes that the American Dream entails not necessarily money but rather a wish to reach the best level of achievement in any area in which one chooses to focus.
From the Paper
"Some of the dreams featured in Terkel's work do indeed seem grand in terms of money and material success. Ted Turner for example used his drive and individuality to launch CNN; Arnold Schwarzenegger went from impoverished conditions to an international superstar; Wallace Rasmussen, son of a Danish immigrant worked himself up from poverty to a multi-million dollar business CEO and chairman. These dreams also seem to stem from a childhood of poverty and want. However, this is not where the dream ends. Many who have made a great deal of money do not entertained the short-term views criticized by Emma Knight."
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August Strindberg and Dreams, 2002.
Examines the use of dreams in August Strindberg's plays, "A Dream Play" and "The Ghost Sonata".
1,198 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how August Strindberg makes use of the form of the dream in the plays "A Dream Play" and "The Ghost Sonata," with varied results. "A Dream Play" was written in 1901, and "The Ghost Sonata" in 1907. The paper shows how the structure of both plays is dreamlike and the characters experience the world as if in a dream. The subject matter of the plays, though, is life itself, with a strong religious and moral tone.
From the Paper
"Much of the dialogue also makes the action of the play seem dreamlike, for though the dialogue could be taken as metaphorical, it has the tone of something surrealistic when the daughter says that the "castle keeps on growing up out of the earth" (Strindberg, "A Dream Play" 199). The action as well has a surrealistic quality, as when the daughter of Indra goes on her dream journey to the opera house, where a mystical door opens to show the four learned representatives of different faculties busily arguing over their disciplines and the great problems of human knowledge. This leads to the great fire that consumes the castle, followed by a wall of questioning human faces as the roof turns into a giant chrysanthemum. Such transformations are of the sort that occur in a dream, carrying symbolic meaning on a deep level."
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The Use of Dreams in Literature, 2002.
This paper compares the use of dreams in six works by six different authors.
1,605 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed discussion on several works of literature and the use of the theme of dreams in them. The six works compared, contrasted and analyzed in this paper are: John Keats, " Ode to a Nightingale; "Langston Hughes, "A Dream Deferred;" Samuel Taylor Coleridge's, "Kubla Khan;" Thomas Findley's " Pilgrims; " Bierce Ambrose's " An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge;" and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's " Kubla Khan or, a Vision In a Dream: A Fragment." The writer discusses how each author uses the theme of dreams in their particular piece and then draws comparisons between the other author's works. The paper examines the proper use of dreams in any literary work. Using passages from each of these works, the paper shows how dream themes are used most successfully when dealing with death as a tool to explain the situation leading up to and immediately following the occurrence. The use of dreams often fills in many unanswered questions that may be plaguing the reader as they read a story or poem.
From the Paper
"Throughout literary history there have been themes used to underscore a point to the reader. Often times the same theme can mean different things to different authors, and it is played out in different scenarios in their works. The theme of dreams has been a popular theme for literature in the past, especially in short stories and poems. There are six separate works by six different authors, which have used the dream theme to carry out various tasks. Sometimes it is used to allow after death thoughts, other times it is about goals and future desires, but any time a dream theme is used in these six works the author drives home the point of heart filled emotion leading the story."
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Dreams in Shakespeare's Plays, 2007.
An analysis of the significance of dreams in William Shakespeare's "Richard III", "Macbeth", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
1,593 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly explores the significance of dreams in William Shakespeare's plays, "Richard III", "Macbeth", and "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It examines and explains how dreams serve chiefly to add depth and complexity to the main characters, reflect the belief systems of the audience Shakespeare was trying to enthrall and underscore the subjective nature of human "reality." The paper suggests that Shakespeare successfully uses dream sequences for commercial and dramaturgical purposes.
From the Paper
"By emphasizing the angst and suffering of the killers and conspirators, dreams also bolster the moral lesson that appears to lie at the heart of the drama. Just as in Richard III, those who ignore dreams in Macbeth do so at their own peril. For example, in Act II, Scene 1 of the play, Banquo announces to Macbeth that he has dreamt of the strange apparitions he and his untrustworthy friend encountered only a short while earlier. But although Banquo admits that the three strange sisters "have showed some truth" (Garber 113) as it pertains to Macbeth's elevated station, he fails to appreciate that the dream might also offer some insight into his own future. Banquo allows Macbeth to simply and disingenuously dismiss the prior encounter with the witches as meaningless even though their cryptic message is now impelling Macbeth to view his long-time friend as a rival who needs to be terminated (Garber, 114). As with Clarence and Hastings in Richard III, Banquo's inability to recognize the portents coming to him in dream prepares him for his tragic end."
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