Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Myth Or Science Essay Example For Students
Myth Or Science? Essay Throughout history there have been many attempts to explain the origin and workings of our universe. Most every culture has their own cosmogony. Nearly every individual has his or her own idea of what our universe is. During our modern era of advanced scientific knowledge, we feel that we have a good grasp on how the universe works. We have our Chemistry and Physics, along with Mathematics, to examine the universe with. Any person educated in these fields will tell you that they know our universe. The point is science in the modern era is thought to be the correct summation of the universe. We think we are right. Does this make everyone else wrong? Those that believe in myth over science, are they wrong? These are some of the questions that I will be discussing in this essay. I will examine the evolution of cosmological thought in Ancient Greece (Pre-Socratics through Aristotle). In doing this, I will show a movement from myth to more science based cosmologies. I will then examine th e Buddhist Cosmology, which is somewhat separated from Ancient Greek thought. After all of this, I will examine the question of which is more correct, Science or Myth. Before continuing a clear definition of ?myth? needs to be established. The term myth has multiple meanings. Websters II Dictionary, defines it the three different ways. ?1. A traditional story that deals with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serve as primordial types in a primitive view of the world. 2. A real or fictional story that appeals to the consciousness of a people by embodying its cultural ideals or by giving expression to deep commonly felt emotions. 3. A fictitious or imaginary person, idea, or thing.? For the sake of this essay, I would like the second definition to apply to my use of the word myth. The term myth should not be thought of as fictitious or primitive. The possibility for the myth to be real should always be considered. Some of the earliest known philosophies on the creation of the Earth come from the works of Hesiod. In his Theogony he attempts to explain the creation of the Earth, and all that surrounds him, using myth. In the myth Hesiod an thropomorphizes the cosmos. He tells of ?Chaos? being the first to come into being, then he goes on to describe how each of the gods of the cosmos comes in to being. The gods of the cosmos are all related to some characteristic of our universe. They can be physical parts or concepts (similar to Platos idea of the forms). For example the line, ?Earth first bore starry Heaven, equal to herself, to cover her on every side, and to be an ever-sure abiding-place for the blessed gods.?(Theogony, 126) describes both the act of birth, which is a human characteristic, and physical parts of the universe being gods (Heaven meaning the stars, and the Earth). He also has gods, such as Eros, which represents the concept of Love. Two main issues the come up during discussions of cosmology are how the universe was created and out of what was the universe created. In the Theogony, Hesiod has the world created out of gods that are human by nature and to create this universe the gods reproduced. Hesiods theories of the universe can clearly be classified as myth, since there is no scientific background for it. The philosophers to follow Hesiod moved slightly away from this. The Pre-Socratics begin to de-anthropomorphize the universe. Even later, in the works of Socrates and Plato, the universe is completely de-anthropomorphized. The Pre-Socratics focus more on what the universe was made of than how it was created. They typically chose a single element that everything consisted of and tried to explain the world according to that element. Sometimes these elements were one of the basic four elements; earth, fire, air, and water. Sometimes they were more abstract such as Anaximanders theory. ?The principle element of existing things was the aperion it is neither water nor any other of the so-call elements, but some other aperion nature, from which come into being all the heavens and the worlds in them.?(Hetherington, pg. 58) The Pre-Socratics based their theories on insight and observations. For this reason their theories are both mythical and scientific. Because some of their choices of what the key element is are based on instinctive feelings, they can be considered myth. On the other hand, they support their ideas through observations and experience making the ideas scientific. Science is defined one way in Websters II Dictionary to be ?Knowledge that is acquired through experience.? The Pre-Socratics were not completely scientific because not everything they theorized was based on experience, but they were not as mythical as Hesiod either. Diabetes EssayMultiple lives, reincarnation, is another important aspect of the Buddhist thought. The idea of karma plays a major role in the lives of Buddhists. ?In Buddhism, an individual experiences rebirth into this world and begins the volitional production of both good and bad karma, or lay, which will determine his or her future rebirth and chances for enlightenment.? (French, pg. 63) To reach enlightenment is the highest standard for the Buddhists, which might be why nirv?na is placed on the outer most edge of their world. To reach enlightenment one must have developed a high level of good karma. Those that do not reach enlightenment in their lifetime are reborn into the world, and the life given to them is based on the level of karma they were at when they died. This makes karma not only important because it is the way to reach enlightenment, but also because it will provide a better life. After discussing the cosmogonies of different cultures, we have come across to different methods of thought. These being, myth and science. We have seen the Greek thought move from myth to science, and we have seen the Buddhist thought focus in on myth. The question arises, which method of thought is better or more accurate? Ask an astronomer or a physicist, and they will probably tell you that science is more accurate. Ask a Buddhist monk or a Zen master and they might tell you that myth is better (if the definition of myth is presented to them properly). The physicist will argue that science has evolved so far that we can accurately predict the motion of the planets, we can explain the process of recreation, etc. This is a very strong argument for using science to explain the universe. The Buddhist monk will reply that we only believe that we know those things and that it is just a part of the illusion of the first reality. This wont convince the physicist, but it does open another door. A person who opens their minds to all the possibilities will not be able to rule out the idea that everything we perceive could simply be an illusion presented to us. Science itself could be the illusion. If the entity that set up the illusion (if there is one) wanted the illusion to be believable, they most likely would place a set of laws on the illusion to keep it consistent. These laws could be the laws that we are now discovering and calling science. This is just one of many possible arguments for myth being the method of explanation of the universe. A scientist might not agree and say that this argument is implausible, but their only evidence against it would be the science that has been declared illusionary. By no means am I stating that myth is the proper method of explaining the universe. I am merely stating that it, and science, are possible explanations. Which one to believe in is complete up to the individual. Bibliography:Hetherington, Norriss S. Cosmology : Historical, Literary, Philosophical, Religious, and Scientific Perspectives. New York ; London: Garland Publishing, Inc, 1993. French, Rebecca Redwood. The Golden Yolk : The Legal Cosmology of Buddhist Tibet. Ithaca ; London, Cornell University Press, 1995. Kloetzli, Randy. Buddhist Cosmology. Delhi, Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Parthenon Pantheon Comparison Essay Example
Parthenon Pantheon Comparison Essay The Parthenon is known to all of us as a huge structure that was built many thousands of years ago. But is that all it really is. The Parthenons construction started in 447 B.C. and the whole structure was completed in 438 B.C. (A)First for the Parthenon the emperor wanted to turn the building into a church. So it was but after much disputes over the Emperor Theodosius, the Franks, and the Turks. Finallya conclusion was made and the Parthenon became a Christian Church. (A) The reason for the Parthenon to begin with was a monument for Athena. There were two Temples dedicated to Athenabefore the construction of the Parthenon, but in 480 B.C. the Persians destroyed those two temples. They insisted to pay respect to the goddess they would build another temple, that is still standing to this day. Built by two architects Ictinus and Callicrates, and people say that the temple is a prime example of Doric one of three Greek architectural styles. (B) Inside the temple there were two rooms mad e on was the East room which was designated to the 40 foot high statue of their goddess Athena, and a smaller room housing the Delian League Treasury. (D) Since the Parthenon was made for the Goddess Athena every four years there was a celebration of the people of Greece in honor of goddess Athena. The celebrations would last up to 12 days, and included music, dancing, and sporting events. On the peak of the celebration which was Athenas birthday there would be 100 bulls sacrificed in honor to Athena. (A) In Rome there is another beautiful building that we may not know enough about. It is know as the Pantheon. The Pantheon was built as a monument or temple to all the Gods of Rome. The Pantheon was built in 27 B.C. and is the only building in the Roman Greco world that is still in perfect condition. The Pantheon was built to replace two building that were destroyed. One wasFor those of you who dont know the
Monday, April 13, 2020
Tips To Improve Your Student Essay
Tips To Improve Your Student EssayIf you are writing a good student essay, what is the best approach? How can you improve your skill level and earn a very high grade? A good student essay will not be of high quality if it does not contain sufficient information. Therefore, it is necessary to work out every little detail.Knowing how to structure a good student essay helps in improving its performance. It is also very important to use proper grammar and punctuation. It is of no use for a student to write something that sounds like an essay.Students who are writing student essays need to have a clear idea of what they want to say. They should be able to break down and organize the information in a manner that is understandable by their audience. An essay that is not organized is likely to turn out to be confusing. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that each student should write his or her own essay.Being aware of what you are writing is another crucial tip for students. You can use Google search to find out what students are writing. Try to gather ideas from their writings. Do not copy the writing style, as it is normally more polished than yours. Make sure that you follow the same style, which suits your subject matter.Besides, it is important for you to compose your essay sample on a consistent basis. This is because you will need to practice writing it over again. So, do not start writing a new essay right away.There are some professional writing schools which offer free student essays. So, you can try these out if you think that this is the best way to improve your ability to write a good student essay. You can also download free writing samples from various websites.In short, the tips given above are useful in your quest to write a good student essay. Do not forget to include the above tips when writing your own essay.
Friday, March 20, 2020
The eNotes Blog Get Free Homework Help with eNotes onTwitter
Get Free Homework Help with onTwitter Dont just ask for Homework Help, tweet it! Twitter has changed the landscape of so many thingsfrom literature, to politics, to education. Thats why we at couldnt resist jumping into the Twitter pool to bring you the homework help you need in a new and exciting way. Introducing operation #swag! Selfie courtesy of our loyal intern and resident mathematics genius, Dan. Whether you write to us @ or simply vent to the Twittersphere (see above) were here to give you the help you need. Simply post your question in a tweet and well post it for you on to be answered by our expert educatorsa team of real teachers and professors. What could be better than instant help with your assignments? How about free help with your assignments? Yup, youll be able to view that answer (tailor-made just for you) completely for free. PLUS well even throw in free study guide pages ordinarily available only to premium subscribers. Its just our way of showing you how helps you to study smarter. Hey, want a free trial, too? Consider it done. This exclusive deal is only available through our Twitter page! Follow us here so you dont miss out on any cool deals, competitions, and special offers. Now start tweeting! Itll make you feel like this. And this. Just sayin. Tweet to you soon! Not on Twitter? Weve got lots going on at our Facebook page, too. Come chat with us and well hook you up! For more info, study guides, and free homework help from real teaching professionals, check us out at .
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Authors Tone Worksheet 1
Author's Tone Worksheet 1 On most major reading comprehension tests, youll see a question or two related to figuring out the authors tone along with other reading comprehension skills such as finding the main idea, understanding vocabulary in context, determining the authors purpose and making inferences. But before you jump into this authors tone worksheet, first, read about what authors tone really is and three of the tricks you can use to determine the authors tone when you dont have a clue. Feel free to use these free printable pdf files for your own educational use, too: Authors Tone Worksheet 1 | Authors Tone Worksheet 1 Answer Key PASSAGE 1: An excerpt from H.G. Wells The Invisible Man THE STRANGER came early in February one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow, the last snowfall of the year, over the down, walking as it seemed from Bramblehurst railway station and carrying a little black portmanteau in his thickly gloved hand. He was wrapped up from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose; the snow had piled itself against his shoulders and chest, and added a white crest to the burden he carried. He staggered into the Coach and Horses, more dead than alive as it seemed, and flung his portmanteau down. â€Å"A fire,†he cried, â€Å"in the name of human charity! A room and a fire!†He stamped and shook the snow from off himself in the bar, and followed Mrs. Hall into her guest parlour to strike his bargain. And with that much introduction, that and a ready consent to terms and a couple of coins flung upon the table, he took up his quarters in the inn. 1. What does the author most likely want to convey through the use of the phrase â€Å"ready consent to terms and a couple of coins flung upon the table?                A. The strangers lack of manners and thoughtfulness.                B. The strangers desire quickly get to his room.                C. The strangers greediness in bartering.                D. The strangers discomfort. PASSAGE 2: An excerpt from Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.          However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.             ‘My dear Mr. Bennet,’ said his lady to him one day, ‘have you heard that Netherfield Park is leased at last?’      Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.             ‘But it is,’ returned she; ‘for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.’            Mr. Bennet made no answer.         ‘Do not you want to know who has taken it?’ cried his wife, impatiently.         ‘You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.’                  This was invitation enough.             ‘Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.’              ‘What is his name?’          ‘Bingley.’              ‘Is he married or single?’                ‘Oh, single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!’                 ‘How so? How can it affect them?’              ‘My dear Mr. Bennet,’ replied his wife, ‘how can you be so tiresome? You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.’                ‘Is that his design in settling here?’             ‘Design? Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.’ 2. The authors attitude toward mothers trying to arrange marriages for their daughters could best be described as: A. accepting of the notion B. irritated with the notion C. astonished by the notion D. amused by the notion 3. What tone is the author most likely trying to convey with the sentence, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.                A. satiric                B. scornful                C. reproachful                D. weary PASSAGE 3: An excerpt from Edgar Allen Poes The Fall of the House of Usher DURING the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country, and at length found myself, as the shades of evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was- but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. I say insufferable; for the feeling was unrelieved by any of that half-pleasurable, because poetic, sentiment, with which the mind usually receives even the sternest natural images of the desolate or terrible. I looked upon the scene before me- upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain- upon the bleak walls- upon the vacant eye-like windows- upon a few rank sedges- and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees- with an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after- dream of the reveller upon opium- the bitter lapse into every-day life- the hideous dropping of the veil. There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart- an unredeemed dreariness of thought which no goading of the imagination could torture into aught of the sublime. What was it- I paused to think- what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher? 4. Which of the following choices provides the best answer to the authors final question posed in the text, while maintaining the tone of the article? A. It could be that Id fallen into a nightmare without knowing it. B. It had to be the dreariness of the day. Nothing about the house itself was particularly depressing. C. The solution defied me. I couldnt get at the heart of my displeasure. D. It was a mystery I couldnt solve; nor could I grapple with the shadowy fancies that crowded upon me as I pondered. 5. Which emotion is the author most likely trying to rouse from his reader after reading this text?                A. hatred                B. terror                C. apprehension                D. depression
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Career or job search Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Career or job search - Research Paper Example I searched for and used three websites that have different emphases in their writings. I could use what I have learned through this research in a job search by being familiar with alternative work arrangements and knowing if certain organizations offer them, or being capable of requesting it if it can be applied to my target job position. First, it is important to be familiar with alternative work arrangements because it means that I know the pros and cons enough to justify it to my employers. Second, this knowledge will help me find organizations that support flexible work arrangements. Third, this knowledge will also help me know how to request for it and to use it properly without affecting my performance. This website is useful in understanding an example of a policy regarding alternative work arrangements and it is important in giving information about definitions and responsibilities, key considerations, performance evaluations, and request process. The content comes from the Human Resources department that emphasizes that alternative work arrangements are seen as a â€Å"privilege,†not an employee right, because â€Å"[n]ot all employees and jobs are suited for these types of arrangements†(Human Resources at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2013). This is a crucial point because there is no employment law that states that all workers have rights to demand flexible work time. Moreover, the website offers key considerations and performance evaluations. These variables stress the dimensions of work that allow it to be done through flexible arrangements and that employees still have to go through performance evaluation. Finally, the request process is added, which enlightens employees about guidelines and procedures. The website provides useful information on actual alternative work arrangements policy and processes. The website is
Monday, February 3, 2020
Gender development in kids Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Gender development in kids - Research Paper Example â€Å"Gender focuses on whether an individual is male or female based on how a person acts. It is related to what people expect from women and men. Sex, on the other hand, is related to a person's body. It has to do with whether an individual is biologically male or female (Myers-Walls, 2010).†Very few cases of wrong sex identification have happened in the past. Meanwhile, the gender of a person can only be known by himself or by those close to him, and this does not need to be printed in any legal document. According to Oswalt (2008), â€Å"Kohlberg's theory of gender identity development describes how young children learn to understand their gender, and what being that gender means in their everyday life. Kohlberg theorized that there are 3 stages to this process. Initially, during the early preschool years (ages 3 to 4 years), young children engage in gender labeling. Young children can tell the difference between boys and girls, and will label people accordingly. However , these very young children still believe that gender can change and is not permanent.†Influences on Gender Development of Children Everyone is influenced by society. From the moment each one is exposed to others, he begins to think about how he should act around them in terms of words and characteristics. Another influence that society has on an individual is the development of his gender. Recent studies show that children of age five and up already have an idea of the gender that they belong in, and it is also during this time that they act out to be a boy or girl depending on what they think is appropriate (Gender and Child Development, n.d). Oswalt (2008) also says that â€Å"by age 5, children tend to play with ‘gender-specific’ toys†¦Young boys often play together in larger groups, while young girls tend to play more in pairs and smaller groups.†Some of the stereotypes that the community has are that a little girl should play with dolls and a l ittle boy with trucks or other â€Å"masculine†toys. This is in reference to the kind of personality that they need to develop: women being passionate and kind and men being aggressive and strong. The children themselves do not know this during their early days, but when they look up at their models (i.e. parents, guardians, media), they try to act out the role of the one that they consider to be the most similar to them. Little girls tend to take up the actions of their mother, while little boys tend to copy their fathers. Durso (2000) also states that â€Å"gender stability is the realization that girls grown up to be women, that they don't grow penises and becomes men, and vice versa. Little boys realize that their penises will not fall off and that they won't grow a vagina and become a woman.†This trend is disrupted when parents do not give their children the right affection that they deserve. For example, a father who wants to have a son and is given a daught er instead would either feel indifferent towards the daughter, or raise her as he would his son. A daughter that is raised in a masculine role most
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