The Era of Renaissance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Era of Renaissance - Essay Example The spiritual content of painting changed where subjects from Roman history and mythology were borrowed. Devotional art of Christian orientation became classically humanized. The classical artistic principles, sensible expressions including harmonious parts as well as logical postures of Greek and Roman Artistry were adopted by Italian artist during this period. The rebirth of art in Italy was associated with the rediscovery of ancient philosophy, literature, and science and the growth of practical methods of study in these fields, consequentially the subject matter relative to Greek and Roman history and mythology is usually injected as the core theme of almost all artistic masterpieces at this time. Art became respected as a means for religious and social teaching, and a form of personal, visual expression. Both Italian renaissance and classic antiquity utilized human form as their subject but the prevalence of vibrant color and boldness was more depicted in the Italian renaissance art. Although much of the influence at this time was borrowed from the classic antiquities, what sets this era apart is the uniqueness brought about from blending the old and the new concepts. While it is true that the artistic talents of the Italian painters were made possible through the influences of many Greek artist who fled to Florence to seek refuge after the downfall of Constantinople, the improvements and modern touch of art depicted in most masterpieces during this time was mostly because of the imaginative perspectives of the artist honed and further developed through the newly acquired contemporary ideas and skills from Greek and Romans (Hunt. pg. 507). Where as the classical antiquity was confined to walls of catacombs, the Italian renaissance art were revered by many in many great cathedral ceilings, and although depicting heavenly subjects, realistic stories were conveyed even including the characteristic improvement of human form which the Greeks did not have in the ir style. The distinction and improvement of the depiction of the human form in the classic antiquity and Italian renaissance art is also quiet evident in the manner with which the Italian sculptures utilizes the S shape curve which is a characteristic feature where figures are described as emotionally restrained, graceful, elongated with delicate features. Sculpture further developed with the increasing accuracy of the human body. Idealized figures with the classic tradition of heroic nudity are commonly depicted (Hunt. pg.513). In the aspect of educational system, books and paintings contained many of the same stylistic qualities where manuscripts grew in demand as a form of social standard for those few literate where illustration figures are shown also in the S-shaped curve and are usually elongated with the modeling of garments to show volume (Hunt. pg.509). Where as printing is the new form of keeping annals of history as suppose to the old norms of classic antiquities which requires several scribed to hand write the pertinent information, both Greece and Italy were similar in the sense that there is an immense need to improve intellect during this time. They differ in the sense that while it takes time to handwrite the information this requiring more time to transmit information, this is greatly improve with the introduction of paper and

Contribution Of Positivism To Society Philosophy Essay

Contribution Of Positivism To Society Philosophy Essay Since the invitation of the term of positivism in the late eighteenth century, this concept has been widely used and discussed. This method stresses on the use of quantitative evidence and is mostly used in the study of natural objects. As positivism provides people with a method to avoid speculation but to make scientific and reasonable prediction by the study of hard facts and scientific knowledge, the method is more and more used in the study of human society. The application of positivism in the study of society has brought many benefits and has promoted the development of society study. At the same time, there are some doubts about the ability of positivism to study society efficiently in the same way of studying natural objects. The essay is to critically discuss the contribution of positivism to the study of society. A rejection of speculation Positivism is firstly used in the study of natural science. With the assistance of positivism, the natural sciences have experienced great development and changes. Many new discover and findings have been made. At that time, the study of human society is still at a stage of the study of the abstract ideas and something metaphysical. The development of the society needs a better and deeper understanding about its nature and laws (Althusser. 1970). The study of society needs to be more regulated, systemized and scientific. The introduction of positivism has helped the study of science to get out of the old trap. Personally, the most important contribution of positivism to the study of science is the rejection of speculation. The introduction of positivism in social study leads people to make studies and predictions based on empirical data and hard facts. People make law-like regularities based on the study of the hard facts and generalize the conclusion to a wider scope in society. Comte is the first one to bring up the idea of sociological positivism. Actually, he brought up this concept under the influence of Enlightenment. The introduction and expanding of science have shocked the world. Comte has studied the sciences and the circular dependence of theory, and then he brought up the first sociological version of positivism (Gordon. 1991). He suggested that the society has three stages. The first stage is the theological phrase when people will get the knowledge and belief from God. Human society is governed by God and assessed in association with the divine world. People will take the doc trines and words of the church rather than the rational science. The second stage is called metaphysical stage. In this period, human will be aware of their innate rights and democracy and dictators should appear to defend the humanity rights. The final stage is the scientific one. It can also be called positive one (Craib. 1997). In this stage, the individual right will be most valued than in any other periods. Each one should have the right to get what he or she with his or her free will and ability. The doctrines and thoughts given by Comte are much different from the ones in modern sociological positivism. The theory is not absolutely right. The explanation and use of positivism are not fully developed in his work (Halfpenny. 2001). However, his brought up of positivism has made a great contribution. Personally, the meaningful important contribution of his version of sociological positivism is his appreciation of human right, the respect for objective natural rules and scientific knowledge. Positivism is born with a duty to fight against the past blind faith. It provides people with a new way to get to know the society and the world. At that time, it is a great fight against the dominion of peoples mind by God and the church. He suggests that the effective way to evolutes from the inferior theological stage to the superior positivism stage is through the objective and scientific study of the past of the society and other things. In this way, positivism leads people to give up t he reliance on God and the church for knowledge about humanity and the society and turn to the objective social disciplines. The study of society began a transition from speculation to reason and logic (Pleasants. 1997). The further development of positivism has more and more used hard facts and empirical data to fight against the metaphysics and speculation. The deployment of scientific methods Another great contribution of positivism to the study of society is its supreme valuation of the use of scientific methods like statistic analysis to study the world and the society. In the field of positivism, all the knowledge is generated based on the scientific study of past experience and data got in observation (Rabinow. 2006). Hard facts and empirical data are more powerful than any fancies. The philosophers of positivism try to use the methods which are used to study natural sciences to study the science. They try to make laws for the changes and development in society, conduct experiment to mimic the situation in the real world and try to use different factors as alternatives to make prediction of the outcome. One of the most important meanings of the use of scientific methods in the study of society is that it allows people to search for a reasonable casual explanation for the activities happen in the society. Otherwise, the social phenomena are most usually explained by the reasons of accidence and the will of God or something else (Smart. 2001). Just as has been mentioned, speculation is common in that situation. The use of scientific methods can help people to analysis all the external and internal factors in a scientific manner and to explore the causal relationship between these factors and the arising of a specific outcome. There is one fact has to be aware that though positivism stresses much on the importance on the use of facts and statistics, that does not mean the study of society is the pure study of these things. The ultimate aim of the use of the scientific methods is to conclude laws based on the analysis result of the facts and the empirical data. Another important contribution of positivism in the deployment of the scientific methods to study society is that, it helps to eliminate subjective thinking and opinions which may lead to bias in the outcome. One of the most obvious characteristics of the study of science is the objective attitudes and methods in the study. The application of these scientific methods in the study of social science, in a way, compels people to look directly at all the facts, no matter if the fact is pleasing or disgusting. Any lies which may make one feel better when looking at the facts can not exist in these scientific methods, as they can not be accounted as a statistical parameter (Cohen. 2007). The subjective opinions can not work to distort the outcome, as the objective data can not be influenced. That is why there are so many cruel but true social laws are discovered by positivism philosophers. However, there are also some shortcomings in the use of the scientific methods. In a sense, the study of social science is more complex than the study of science. Most factors in the study of science can be clearly defined and measured. If not all the factors can be defined at present, they can be further completed as science develops. In the study of social science, many factors can not be clearly defined and measured. The factors are too complex to name them all (Ashley. 2005). The function of them is also very complicated. Too much reliance on the use of the scientific methods will lead to an extreme situation for the researchers. After all, social science is much different with natural science. People especially the researchers can not neglect that fact, or they may lose the ability to think about the society in a human way. To work like a machine will be a disaster. The revealing of social law As has been mentioned in the last part, the ultimate aim of the use of the scientific methods are to discover the social laws hidden behind the diverse but similar social activities. Unlike the doctrine given by the church, the social laws given by sociological positivism are based on the numerous facts and data. Theses social laws are concluded not for the aim to guide peoples behavior and life, but just to reveal the objective laws that are working in the society (Rashed. 2007). The revealing of the hardened social laws helps people to get to know about the nature of the society. In this way, the study of human society has get deeper from an abstract but superficial level to a concrete deep level. Durkheim is a great sociological positivism researcher in Europe. He has studied about the laws of social structure which will guide the evaluation of the society and determine the rise or fall of a certain society. Thus with the laws, it is possible to define if a society is healthy or n ot. The laws can also make the researcher to bring up reform or remedy for the society at stake. The laws about the nature of the society are discovered by the researchers by the study of the hard facts and the empirical data. Then theses laws are used in every branches of the human social science. Many reforms about the society and the making of new laws from then on are made under the guide of these social laws. For example, John Austin introduced his utilitarianism theory in his foundation of jurisprudence. He found that the origination of government laws and rules is not the social contract, but the utilitarian thinking of human being. Some pleasing masquerades about the nature of the society have been laid bare. That is no bad. As if the society is to develop, the development can not be made on basis of the lies. The Noble Lies of Plato is not likely to be beneficial in the modern society. There is one thing very troublesome about the conclusion of laws in sociological laws. It is known that along with the development of sociological positivism, there have emerged many branches of this science. Different branches usually have different beliefs and different chosen of study method. The conclusions or the social laws they have made also differ much. It is not justified to say who is right or who is wrong. The social science is more complicated and has many different possibilities. Even with the use of objective scientific methods, it is hardly to reach a single right law. Personally, these laws can not be applied in every situation but should be used in consideration of the different context. 5.0 Conclusions Overall, the introduction of positivism in the study of society is a great development. It has helped the study of social science to break the limit of abstract metaphysical methods. Positivism has provided the social science with a new way to perceive the world. The most important contribution of positivism is that it helps people to break the limit of mind by God and the church. People turn to the study of hard facts and data from past and experiment to get knowledge rather than only from the teaching the church. The use of the scientific methods, people can understand the society in a more reasonable way. The subjective bias is avoided in the study. Sociological positivism researchers have also made many in depth laws based on the scientific study which provide people with more initiative to manage the society. However, there are many problems troubling the use of positivism in the study of society. To study society like a natural science is under great argument. Human society is much more complex and full of changes. Too much reliance on the scientific method but neglect the human thinking will turn to people into machines. The conclusions made will are not be reliable.

The African Athena Controversy Essay example -- Ancient Civilizations

The â€Å"African Athena Controversy† is a topic that has been under attack by numerous authorities as to who is the best authority and has the best interpretation on the origin of ancient Greece. The author’s in this reading set have some form of experience or expertise and offer their different perspectives on Greece’s origins. All three authors admit that the Greek language is an Indo-European language and words that do not directly correlate were probably loaned, borrowed, but not stolen (Bernal, p. 6), (Berlinerblau, p. 16), and (Lefkowitz, p. 4). After analyzing the three reading sets, this writer agrees with Bernal’s argument that the Egyptians and Phoenicians did have a strong influence on Greece as his Revised Ancient Model asserts and that his syllogism is plausible. He infers that his Revised Ancient Model had been in competition with the Aryan Model regarding its plausibility and not over certainty† (Bernal, p. 9). He elaborates, the issue of â€Å"competitive plausibility† was in regards to the model being â€Å"plausible† despite the facts of â€Å"contemporary documents of the Late Bronze Age, archaeology, language, toponyms, divine and mythological names, religious ritual, and historical analogy or typology† (Bernal, p. 9). Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model has both strong support and the movement towards favoring the model, by documents, archaeology, language, and cult. He goes on to say that plausibility is better than predictability. That plausibility hypothesis can and should be tested, as new evidence is unearthed and that the parallels of Eastern Mediterranean civilization should and need to be crossed check as well. His opinion on â€Å"prediction is not favorable, because in light of competition, evidence can fit into eith... ...of the Greece, as Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model asserts. Works Cited Berlinerblau, J. (1999). The Aryan Models. Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the reponsibilities of American intellectuals [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Bernal, M. (2001). Introduction Black Athena writes back [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Lefkowitz, M. R. (1996). Ancient history, Modern Myths. Black Athena Revisited [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy [Portfolio reading set]. (2012, June). Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston, CEHD, CLA, CPCS, CSM, and CNHS Writing proficiency evaluation (WPE): http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy Essay example -- Ancient Civilizations The â€Å"African Athena Controversy† is a topic that has been under attack by numerous authorities as to who is the best authority and has the best interpretation on the origin of ancient Greece. The author’s in this reading set have some form of experience or expertise and offer their different perspectives on Greece’s origins. All three authors admit that the Greek language is an Indo-European language and words that do not directly correlate were probably loaned, borrowed, but not stolen (Bernal, p. 6), (Berlinerblau, p. 16), and (Lefkowitz, p. 4). After analyzing the three reading sets, this writer agrees with Bernal’s argument that the Egyptians and Phoenicians did have a strong influence on Greece as his Revised Ancient Model asserts and that his syllogism is plausible. He infers that his Revised Ancient Model had been in competition with the Aryan Model regarding its plausibility and not over certainty† (Bernal, p. 9). He elaborates, the issue of â€Å"competitive plausibility† was in regards to the model being â€Å"plausible† despite the facts of â€Å"contemporary documents of the Late Bronze Age, archaeology, language, toponyms, divine and mythological names, religious ritual, and historical analogy or typology† (Bernal, p. 9). Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model has both strong support and the movement towards favoring the model, by documents, archaeology, language, and cult. He goes on to say that plausibility is better than predictability. That plausibility hypothesis can and should be tested, as new evidence is unearthed and that the parallels of Eastern Mediterranean civilization should and need to be crossed check as well. His opinion on â€Å"prediction is not favorable, because in light of competition, evidence can fit into eith... ...of the Greece, as Bernal’s Revised Ancient Model asserts. Works Cited Berlinerblau, J. (1999). The Aryan Models. Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the reponsibilities of American intellectuals [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Bernal, M. (2001). Introduction Black Athena writes back [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu Lefkowitz, M. R. (1996). Ancient history, Modern Myths. Black Athena Revisited [Portfolio reading set]. Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston: http://www.UMB.edu The African Athena Controversy [Portfolio reading set]. (2012, June). Retrieved from University of Massachusetts at Boston, CEHD, CLA, CPCS, CSM, and CNHS Writing proficiency evaluation (WPE): http://www.UMB.edu

Tattoo Essay

TATTOO Indians , Japaneses , American and African civilizations maked a tattoo for ornamental. In many civilizations tattoo used for protection to sickness and evil spirits. Tattoo used for emphasize the position of the individual in society (slave,lord,soldier,etc. ) A. C. 2000 in egypt , first tattoo found in mummy. Britons,Gauls and Thracians interested to tattoo art. Hellen and roman civilizations used tattoo for slave nd guilties people. First christian people wrote Jesus name to their body.Tattoo swords coming from Tahiti language â€Å"tautau†. Tattoo was used romantic feeling , patriotism or religionist aim but in 20 century just prof tattoo makers doing this art who has a licance . Because of hygiene problems and contegion as like AIDS. Tattoo , people usually say its a kind of an addiction. Well I think they are mostly right. But it depends on the people for sure. Some people are getting inked just for the model they like. Some are getting inked to tell others the th ings he has on deep inside his mind.People also say inked people will be regretful in the future cause they think tattooed people will get bored of their tattoos. Actually there is no really something like that. Tattoo is a way to show people what or who you are. Its a lifestyle. Or maybe just art. Tattoo will be a taboo for those forever. And the most amazing thing for some others,us. I love tattoo , I think tattoo isn't a sin . If you are ready tk get inked, you got to make sure you are doing it safe. You need A clean place and the professional hands .Its your body and There is no return at all. Price is never the same at tattoo studios. There is only one reason,quality. You re getting a painting on your body, get it well done! When you are getting inked, you need to be sober. If you drink alcohol,that makes your blood run faster and that means more blood out. Yes some of your blood would want to get out of your veins the pain of tattoo changes for the people. Some people says it a little bit hurts. Some even faint. Nothing to worry though. I think it's worth a shot.

Every Child Is Special Essay

Every Child Is Special is a Hindi drama film (Taare Zameen Par, translation: Stars On Earth) produced and directed by Aamir Khan (who also played the role of Ram Shankar Nikumbh an art teacher). It tells about a boy, Ishaan Awasthi an eight-year old whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate and who were always getting in trouble at school for being so misbehaving and out of focus from his lessons. Too often, he would be caught by his teacher daydreaming and getting low grades. He even cannot read nor write, for him letters and numbers are his enemy. For the people around him, Ishaan is a naughty and lazy boy because of this, his father sent him to boarding school, all alone and homesick with the hope of disciplining him, but the academic status of Ishaan did not still improve. Instead, he became withdrawn and lonely, far from the Ishaan who was active and fun-loving. Then came a new art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh who infects the students with joy and optimism. see more:every child is special full movie He breaks all the rules of â€Å"how things are done† by asking them to think, dream and imagine, and all the children respond with enthusiasm, all except Ishaan. But with Ram Shankar Nikumbh’s time, patience, care, and some awesome motivation he ultimately helps Ishaan find himself and change the way Ishaan would act towards school and learn to appreciate himself even more. Darsheel Safary is so perfect for the role of Ishaan Awasthi. Safary, with his innocent eyes and face, made me laugh with his funny antics and at the same time rend my heart as he goes through the agony of enduring boarding school alone and away from his parents. From start to finish, the movie gripped my attention, and the musical portions added to my fascination for that I can say that Every Child Is Special is a one heart-touching movie. This movie is an eye opener as to the worth and significance of every child. The story deals with an issue that is as real as it is unrecognized – dyslexia. The movie has increased my education about that kind of ailment. This is a kind of movie that can tug the heartstrings and at the same time bring hope that having dyslexia is not a desperate situation. Family support, patience, and love are central themes in this story, plus the primary focus on painting and art. The theory on multiple intelligences in education plays a major role in this movie and can be very informative to teachers and parents.