Philosophy

In Erasmus’ work “The Praise of Folly”, the narrator delivers a speech praising Folly with the following: “And to whom is it generally agreed life owes its beginning if not to me? For it certainly isn’t the spear of  mighty-fathered’ Pallas or the shield of cloud – gathering’ Jupiter which fathers and propagates the human race”. Here the narrator, who is Folly herself, tries to put herself above everyone else, even the Gods on Olympus.

She says that she is the beginning of all life, and that she should be the most regarded person, while in reality, this is all a bunch of ‘folly’. She ridicules the Gods and strips them of their powers. She tries to convince the reader that they can never have “Self-Love” without the presence of her. In Folly’s eyes, she proves these items as being virtues and not defects. Folly leads the reader into believing that all foolishness is, in fact, wisdom. While Folly continues her deception, she also criticizes the philosophy of Christian church.

She sees the happiness of Christians as a type of folly. Paraphrasing Folly, the philosophy is ‘as long as the mind makes proper use of the organs of the body, it is called sane and healthy. But once it begins to break its bonds and tries to win freedom, men call it insane. ‘ Even so, according to Folly, this type of person shows a knowledge they had never previously learned, and giving clear indication of something divine. Knowledge, power and position don’t, and can’t, get you true happiness. It is only with a little ‘madness’ that a person can truly be free and live an enjoyable life.

Philosophy pursues questions rather than answers. It alms at understanding and enlightenment rather than shorthand answers. Despite the fact that it is absolutely committed to the truth, certainty in philosophy is never given and complete as we cannot definitely close out the totality it strives to capture. Therefore the search for truth is rather like constant striving for more insight than for the final word on the matters of life and the world. Nevertheless, a true philosopher is not bounded by any particular “truths” that set limits to his urge to continue forming enquiries.

Philosophy does not have any specific subject matter and hence cannot be defined with regard to any particular scope of investigation. It may deal with every dimension of human life and can raise queries in any field of study or endeavor. Skepticism lies at the heart of philosophy. Therefore, asking a question is more fundamentally important than answering one. However, we should always keep in mind that philosophy properly done is not mere speculation. Just like scientists, philosophers formulate hypotheses which ultimately must answer to reason and evidence.

Philosophy starts from bewilderment, curiosity, amazement about the world, life, and ourselves. It emerges from the functioning of an inquisitive mind which is puzzled by seemingly common things or by those that appear to be entirely impractical. Philosophers articulate their initial concern by formulating questions (mostly what, how and why questions) that guide their curiosity toward the comprehension of the problem. Russell revives the same Idea in claiming that philosophy “keeps alive our sense of wonder by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect”.

As soon as we begin to philosophize, we find that even the most everyday things lead to confusing problems while those initially “impractical” issues often prove very significant even for our temporal needs and certainly for our self-understanding. Russell admits that philosophy is not very much successful in providing “definite answers” to Its questions but explains the apparent inconclusiveness of philosophic answers partly as deceptive, partly as Inevitable. 4 One might ask, If philosophy Is Just “a residue” of unanswered questions or a pursuit of the unknown, why should we keep doing it?

The answer is simple – Just dealing with the enigma increases our comprehension of the problem and the complications involved in it. Without philosophic curiosity displayed, many important issues would have been overlooked or forgotten a long ago. Thus by continuing to raise questions and studying their implications, as Russell points out, we keep theoretical interest alive no matter whether It can yield positive results or not. This Is a rational strategy study. Therefore, despite the fact that philosophy does not provide definitive answers, it is not a futile activity of human mind.

She has no plans about where and how she wants to live out the remaining years of her life other than “right where she is now”. I have to say that was extremely concerned with her Brick wall she has built around the concept of aging and dying. I do not think that my elder has accepted the fact that the only guarantee in life is that everyone will eventually die. She has also not come to terms with God and is not sure if she even believes in God, even, hell, reincarnation, afterlife, or any of those sort of things.

Explain which developmental tasks your client has met or not met: My client has maintained a close, supportive, loving relationship with her spouse. (l did not talk to her about sex. I felt that was intrusive) did learn that they still sleep in the same bed because she says he snores really loud. They have had issues adjusting to life on a limited income, her husband like to buy stuff and if they don’t have the money he charges it.

They both seem like they are able to perform all the Dad’s necessary for day to day life. My elder is even able to match her clothes really well considering her poor eyesight and does so without the help of her husband. My client has difficulty accepting the facts of life.  Describe possible reasons specific developmental tasks have not been met: think my client has trouble meeting certain developmental tasks as she ages because she is not ready to accept the fact that death is inevitable.

You hold the key to your own mind and imagination and it’s better for people to understand that so they’re able to move on in the future. Inner Harmony, Self-Respect and wisdom are definitely the most important to me because they encourage mental and spiritual growth. Know many people aren’t religious but spiritual doesn’t always have to be put in that context. Mean it in a more “One with your mind, one with your body’ kind of way. I’m not a person who is god with expressing her feelings through speech, I like to analyze privately and observe things.

I am more of a reserved person unless I’m in my comfort zone. Being comfortable with yourself could make you feel comfortable any and everywhere. Values like world peace and equality are definitely important, it’s just that to me, they’re only possible if EVERYONE in the world IS at peace within themselves, and at the rate we’re traveling I’m not sure if we’ll get there anytime soon. I don’t value social recognition at all; it hinders a person to do things only to be noticed. It’s okay to want to make a change, but don’t seek outside opinions for approval. It isn’t that important what others think of you.

You should focus on your own peppiness and positive contribution to the world. I usually value qualities I don’t yet possess, which explains why I’m mostly talking about the Terminal values. I feel like the instrumental values are pretty much qualities everyone possesses whether they know it or not, so I didn’t find the need to elaborate on them. I’m hoping to someday reach peace within myself or inner-harmony because I believe that the key to happiness, self-respect because essential to inner harmony, and wisdom because it’s necessary for clear understanding.

Demonstrate an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the whitetail arts through using oral, written, or visual means to communicate an informed personal reaction to works of theatre. (Communication Skills) 4. Show social responsibility through intercultural study and discovery of regional, national and/or global artistic traditions In theatre. (Social Responsibility) The Actor 1. What does Thespian mean? Thespian means Actor. 2. Describe the acting profession as stated in your book? Most bewildering profession. Can be extraordinarily rewarding but also most tough and demanding.

Takes incredible sacrifices from every area of life: Financial, virtual, mental, and physical. 3. Define representation training/acting. Acting emanates from somewhere INSIDE the actor. Studies the role closely, uses imagination, lives the life of the character. 4. Define presentational training/acting. Actor presents something to the audience. 5. What Is The Method? 7 Elements: Cadenza, Public solitude, Subtext of meaning, Artistic communion, Emotional memory, Physical actions, Hard work 6. What school was founded by Elli Kane and who was this school’s ?

Actor”s Studio: Lee Strangers 7. What two features are required to make a good actor? Acting from the Inside and Acting from the Outside. Actor’s instrument, Actor’s method of approaching a role 8. What are the three parts to the actor’s instrument/self? Body, Voice, Imagination 9. Inhalation, practically understood as an element of voice, is sometimes seen to be mystically equivalent to what? Inspiration 10. What are the elements of voice? Breathing, Phonated, Resonance 11. What are the elements of speech? Articulation, Pronunciation, Phrasing 12.

What is projection? 13. What is resonance? The sympathetic vibration, “Resounding” of the voice, as it is heard in the throat, the chest, and the head 14. What is the major psychological component of the actor’s instrument? Imagination 15. What is cadenza? The Character’s Problem 16. What are the three stages of the actor’s routine? Audition, Rehearsal, and Performance 17. What is an audition? Primary process in which acting roles are awarded. Actor has opportunity to demonstrate to the director how well he or she can fulfill a role. 18. What is blocking?

Stage movements 19. What is stage business? Stage actions – scripted or seemingly unconscious physical behaviors 20. What is subtext? The unspoken and underscored character goals hidden beneath the lines. The Playwright 1. What is the most important trait of the playwright? Independence. 2. Why is every person a playwright? Because we dream. 3. What is the core of every play? Action 4. What are the playwright’s two tools? Dialogue and Physical Action. 5. Explain the concept of continuous and linear in a play. Means Continuous in Structure and Linear in chronology.

Point to point, cause and effect storytelling. Remains basic architecture to most popular and serious plays. 6. Explain the statement “Intrigue draws us into the world of the play; credibility keeps us there. ” Intrigue demanding surprise, credibility demanding consistency. They generate a kind of believable wonder; Credibility alone will not suffice to make a play interesting, and intrigue alone cannot make a incredible play palatable. 7. What is “richness” in playwright? Leaves a sense of satisfaction; Richness of detail and richness or dimension 8. Explain “depth of character. Requires that every character possess an independence of intention, expression, and motivation. 9. What is gravity in a play? The central theme is one of serious and lasting significance in humanists spiritual, oral, or intellectual life. 10. Who is David Mate? Successful Playwright 1 . Name and understand the four major staging formats. Proscenium, Arena, Thrust, Black Box 2. What is another name for the picture frame stage? Proscenium 3. What is a scenery centered staging format? 4. What are the actor centered rather than scenery centered type staging formats? Thrust, Arena, and Black Box 5.

What type of stage dispenses with all scenery except floor treatment, furniture, and out of the way staging or hanging pieces to focus attention on the actors? Arena 6. Describe a black box stage area. Simple space able to adapt to a variety of staging styles. “Experimental Atmosphere” 7. What is realistic scenery? Attempts to depict, often in great detail, a specific time and place in the real world where the plays events are presumed to take place. 8. What is metaphorical scenery? Favors visual images that seek to evoke the production’s intended theme, mood, or social/political implications 9.

What is a flat? Portable framed wall sections, usually represent walls and occasionally the ceilings of a real room 10. What is a cyclorama? Hanging fabric stretched between upper/lower pipes and curved to cover back and sides of the stage. Colored with lights 11. What is a scrim? Can make things appear and disappear; Loosely woven gauzy fabric, lit from the front, solid, lit from the back, see through 12. What is stage machinery? Give examples. Anything that moves; Fly systems, wagons, elevators, wagons 13. When was electricity introduced into American theatres for lighting? 1879 14.

What are the primary considerations of lighting design? Visibility and Focus 15. What were the first theatrical costumes? Ceremonial vestments 6. What was the ancient and original use of costume? Separate Actor from Audience 17. What are the four primary functions of modern costume design? Ceremonial Magic, Social and Cultural values of the world being portrayed, individuality of each character, wearable clothing for the actor 18. What function does makeup serve? Evoke or highlight psychological traits, illustrate character, simplify and embolden actor’s features 19. In regards to makeup, what is the face considered?

Canvas The Director 1. What are the tasks of the director? What are the three eras of the director? Teacher, Realism, Anti-Realism 3. What are Andre Antoine and Constantine Statisticians primarily known as and what was their primary focus in the theatre? Naturalists. Sought to make the theatre a powerful social and artistic instrument for the expression of truth 4. Who is generally regarded as the first modern director? Saxes Engineer 5. What are styling directors? Unrestrained by rigid formulas w/ respect to verisimilitude or realistic behavior 6. Who founded the Theatre d’art in Paris in 1890?

Paul Fort 7. Who evolved his theatre of biomedical constructivism in Moscow? Absolved Empowered 8. What is the director’s primary responsibility? To envision the main lines of the production and to provide the artistic leadership to realize that vision 9. What are the roles of the producer? Finance the production, create and manage the budget, choosing and acquiring the theatre facility, establishing the plays rehearsal and performance dates, handle legal and business aspects, and oversee publicity, casting, ticketing, etc. 10. What is the criterion for play selection?

Proctor for avoiding church and forgetting a commandment. )The spiritual center is the church. I The Devil and Tom Walker Tom is starting to venture out on his own a bit from organized religion a la the transcendentalists, but later in life aerobically comes back to It without real passion or Interest. Halls adamant adherence to religion Is likened to his adamant adherence to greed and rings false. I Transcendentalismorganized religion is not needed and might even be a distraction to the person in obtaining spiritual enlightenment on one’s own.

I Land I Nature must be tamed by people and worked to obtain her resources. Forests are unknown and where the “heathen” Native Americans live. Len a man’s worth Is often tied up in how many acres he has. I Tom’s usury is likened to the “land grabbers” and speculators who made money off selling land In a dishonest way. Native American view that land is not a commodity but a spiritual place. Nature should be preserved in its wild, unadulterated state to allow for the calming presence it gives the individual as a solace away from busy and corrupting society.

Hypocrisy I The Puritans held to the 10 commandments and religious doctrine, yet they were overzealous and ended up putting to death innocent people on speculation Just because they didn’t conform to their rules. I Tom becomes corrupted by greed and sells his soul to the devil. He was once poor but now greedy and “ostentatious. ” He uses people through his usury. I Holds that the hypocrisy comes from society that corrupts when people become “blinded” by material things and comparing themselves with others. Therefore, the individual is favored to avoid bad influences of others or via peer pressure, etc.

The Nightingale and the Rose | | The Nightingale and the Rose – Oscar Wilde Note: please take time to read the actual story before reading this analysis. There can be multiple interpretations for any one text and everyone’s opinions differ. This analysis is meant as a guide only. Links to text: on ZYLite online-literature. com A readable but tragic story at first glance, this particular story has deeper themes which mock people in society for being pretentious.

A large part of the story is set in the garden with its animals and plants, and that sets the background for the ending. It is useful to take note of first impressions when reading a text. In this case the notable first impression is the concept of sacrificing a life for love. The nightingale went through suffering and sacrificed her life for the sake of love – the concept of true love. This is an allegory to the biblical concept of sacrificial love. The allegory is the first hint, further reading of the story reveals that the language used, parallels that used in the bible.

The language is simple and friendly-reading for children, but yet note the nightingale’s description of the lover and love, that she describes his hair and his lips as similar to beautiful plants like roses, and even says “his lips are sweet as honey”. For those who know, this is familiar language because it is derived from Song of Solomon in the bible. The statement which represents the theme of the story “… for Love is wiser than Philosophy, though she is wise, and mightier than Power, though he is mighty. This is another statement that alludes to the language of the bible, this time from the book of Proverbs – that philosophy is referred to as “she”, and power is referred to as “he” (see below for more detailed references). What does Oscar Wilde want to convey from these hints in form of the story? Take a closer look at the statement – the nightingale claims love to be favoured over philosophy and power, but at the end Wilde uses symbolism to contradict this very statement.

The rose represents love, but it was tragically thrown on the road to be rolled over by cart wheels. Sadly it is people in society who value philosophy and power more than they value love. (the student went back to valuing philosophy over love after his attempt failed, and the professor’s daughter valued power in the shape of the Chamberlain’s nephew) The ending of the story becomes a mockery of how society behaved at that time – that society claims to follow biblical doctrine, but only so on the surface.

People in society were hypocritical enough to claim to follow Christian doctrine, but miss the meaning of true love. When practical considerations come in, a lot of people are self-interested and merely use speech to give the appearance that they possess good virtues. One last interesting note.. it is ironic that the student thinks that art has “no sincerity” and is “selfish” – but sadly that was how art was perceived in Victorian times. The field of knowledge was seen as a more worthwhile personal pursuit and it was in society’s self-interest to study that to gain renown.