Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Plato - Knowledge vs. True Belief Essay - 661 Words

Knowledge vs. True Belief The discussion of true belief and knowledge in the Meno develops in the analogy of the traveling men; one who knows the correct path to Larissa and the other who has a true belief of the correct path to Larissa (Meno 97a-c). Socrates tells Meno that if both men led to the same result, then true belief is no more useful than knowledge and both beneficial (Meno 97c). This comparison changes in book five of the Republic when Socrates says an ideal state must have a philosopher-king as a ruler (Republic 473d-e). Socrates and Glaucon conclude that knowledge and true belief are different powers so their natures cannot be the same (Republic 477c-478a). Knowledge is the most effective power, while true belief†¦show more content†¦Socrates then introduces the discussion of â€Å"what is completely,† â€Å"what is and what is not,† and â€Å"what is not completely,† (Republic 477a, 478a-478c). Knowledge is to know something that exists (i.e. object of knowledge) . While objects of belief consists of what does exist and does not exist. This shows how knowledge is infallible and true belief is fallible. Knowledge is eternal and does not change or go anywhere, and true belief is the opposite. It is a similar reference that Socrates speaks about in the Meno, specifically on the example of the Daedalus statue (Meno 98a). Having the statue tied down ensures its eternal presence. It is always there in the soul and never wrong. While not having the statue tied down conveys true belief. When the statue is there it serves as a benefit to man, it is what exists. Since you cannot be guarantee the statue will remain, the departure of the statue explains how belief will change over time. This is what will change belief to what does not exist. The meaning for the particular will change, indicating it is not eternal. One consistency in both texts of the Meno (Meno 99c) and Republic (Republic 472d) is that people who use true belief cannot show or explain how their belief is the truth. I believe this is one of the largest distinctions between knowledge and true belief. Knowledge isShow MoreRelatedPlatos Philosophy in Apology1375 Words   |  6 PagesPHL202H5 Plato s Philosophy in Apology Plato was known to be one of Socrates students, and knew him for over 40 years. Although Plato s version of Apology is popularly believed to be (the most accurate) historical recount of what happened in 399 B.C on the day of Socrates trial, historians cannot be sure the validity of everything he wrote. It can be argued that it is actually a philosophical work, remarking on the teachings of Socrates and his beliefs, which he stood by even until hisRead MoreThe Scientific Method Essays1678 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"COMPARING BELIEF AND THOUGHT† EUTHTHYPHO vs. SOCRATES Saint Leo University PHI 110 Professor Anthony Nattaninia A young man by the name of Euthyphro involves himself in a conversation with the well known Socrates. During this conversation Euthyphro attempts to impose unrealistic beliefs concerning piety. Euthyphro is the plaintiff in a murder suit that he is filing against his very own father. Euthyphro believes that he has a case against his father, the reasons the youngRead MoreEnlightenment Vs. The Comfort Of Fantasy Essay1541 Words   |  7 PagesEnlightenment vs. The Comfort of Fantasy Plato is known as the most progressive and fruitful philosophers of his time. He created the practice of questioning everything, and he illuminated the knowledge ignored by the majority. His ideas were rejected, despite his intentions of expanding knowledge and creating a more clear vision of the world. However, his students of philosophy, Aristotle and Glaucon were the most prominent of those who chose to learn from him. Plato engaged in dialogue with theseRead MoreHume vs. Plato on Knowledge: A Comparative Analysis1541 Words   |  6 PagesHume vs. Plato on Knowledge Introduction Platos ideas on knowledge represent, perhaps, the most foundational and influential attempt to establish the boundaries of what can be known. His ideas have had an immense influence on successive philosophers as well as Western Civilization as a whole. David Hume, who came over two millennia after Plato, represents perhaps the most relevant attempt to establish the boundaries of what can be known. Thesis: According to Humes position on ideas and causationRead MoreAn Ideal Hero: Greek vs. Roman Essay1527 Words   |  7 Pagescultural propaganda. Greek Heros= models of courage skill to men (what to be) women (what to look for- sense of security). a. Dominant Theme: warrior code of personal honor and glory b. Contrasting themes: Family principle, simple country life vs. war, admiration of enemies. 5. Literary works by Homer Blind poet Homer - represents the culmination of a long and vigorous tradition in which oral recitation—possibly to instrumental accompaniment—was a popular kind of entertainment. Read MoreEssay about Socrates vs Gilgamesh1173 Words   |  5 PagesJoe Arce 19 Sept 2011 Socrates Vs. Gilgamesh Socrates’ view of death in the Phaedo, Crito, and Apology is complex. His argument tries to prove that philosophers, of all people, are in the best state to die or will be in the best state after life because of the life they lead. Socrates’ views are sharply contrasted in The Epic of Gilgamesh. In fact, he would probably say that Gilgamesh had not lived the proper kind of life and his views of life, and death would lead to an unsettled existence in theRead MoreAnalysis Of Plato s Republic, We Read About The Allegory Of The Cave1644 Words   |  7 Pageseducated about them and how one would incorporate our actions after having that knowledge. In The Republic, Socrates poses two different views on education. â€Å"Socrates uses numerous varying and often conflicting ideas and images (among which is the first account of education) to gradually guide his pupils toward a personal realization of knowledge and philosophy.† In this paper, I will address the different views Plato writes about education. The way these views differ will be explained. The â€Å"AllegoryRead MoreAristophanes Vs Socrates1472 Words   |  6 Pagesthe significance of Socrates contribution to the society cannot be sidelined based on the dynamics which still expose his attributes in line with the perspectives of many experts of the ancient and present times. For example, both Aristophanes and Plato were determined to present their opinions over the life of Socrates . However, there is a huge contrast in how Socrates in perceived in their different revelations from their works. Aristophanes, a comic playwright professional, uses a more flexibleRead MoreCharacteristics Of The Tragedy Of Platos Apology1068 Words   |  5 PagesThe relationship of comedy and tragedy are often overlapped in meaning, notably in ancient Greek drama and arts. Comedy often presupposed tragedy and are known to compliment one another in literary work. P lato displayed the proper elements of adversity within the â€Å"Apology† and detailed the unfairness the democratic society of Athens presents by punishing an opposing, equally justified force. Socrates preforms his defence arrogantly and sarcastically in the courtroom of Athens, humouring his own trialRead MoreNature Vs Nurture : Assignment Written By Jessica Lovelock1386 Words   |  6 PagesNature Vs Nurture – Assignment written by Jessica Lovelock The Nature-Nurture debate has been scrutinised by psychologists for over a hundred years and, more recently, by biologists in the field of cognitive science. It inquires as to the influence of both ‘nature’; the hereditary present factors of a person determined by biological genetics; ‘Nurture’ is based on circumstance, the belief that the person we are is purely influenced by our environment, upbringing and circumstances that we encounter

Monday, December 16, 2019

Is College Still Worth It - 915 Words

In â€Å"The Great Debate: Is College Still Worth It?† author Ricardo Azziz endorses post-secondary education by stating its economic advantage in today’s society. The author begins his article by introducing a survey done by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, which shows that the majority of college graduates believe college education is worth its cost. Not only are people convinced of the value of a college education, adults with a degree of some sort (bachelor’s degree or associate degree) tend to earn more than those without one. But also, post-secondary education gives people a better chance at achieving the â€Å"American Dream† through diligence and hard work. Azziz states that â€Å"college graduates were 5.3 times more likely to leave the bottom quintile than non-college graduates†. In addition, in times of an economic downturn, individuals with a college degree are often able to better cope with the difficult y than those without. However, amidst the benefits of college, Azziz does not forget to address the reality that attending college is still, without a question, an expensive endeavor. The author raises many key points that I find to be all valid. As an avid believer of college education, I find value in it and that is why I am currently attending university. There are a myriad of claims and stories of people who have succeeded without a college degree, and therefore argue against its necessity. However, in reality, such cases are rare andShow MoreRelatedCollege: Is it Still worth it? Essay1199 Words   |  5 PagesElementary school, middle school, high school, college―that’s how we’re told our education careers should go. After college you go on and get a job based on the degree you received. Seems simple right? According to Erik Lowe in his Seattle Times article â€Å"Keep Washington’s College Tuition Affordable,† he informs that people in his generation are the first to be less educated than their parents, in the United States. He explains that this is due to the high cost of tuition followed by a huge amountRead MoreIs Col lege Still Worth The Expense?921 Words   |  4 Pagesthemselves asking is college still worth the expense? With tuition continuing to sky rocket each year. Textbooks with their outrageous sales tax. It adds up, that I am sure of. So again is it really worth it? I say, yes. College changes and shapes individuals in ways unimaginable. Whether you attend college or go immediately into the workforce, many recognize the amazing opportunities college has to offer its students. In high school, high school opens doors for college. In college, college unlocks opportunitiesRead MoreIs An American College Education Still? Worth It?1465 Words   |  6 PagesIs An American College Education Still ‘Worth It’? One of the realities of the past several decades is that society has come to place an increasing level of emphasis upon the importance of education. Whereas it has been understood for decades that education is an integral component of the overall level of success that a person might hope to experience during their lifetime, the necessity of each and every individual striving for a college degree has been a more and more defining aspects of the driveRead MoreCollege Education Is Still Worth It For Everyone1751 Words   |  8 Pagesunemployed college graduates have increased for each year, many people have been debating whether everyone should have college education and whether college education is still worth it for everyone. Some people found that they did not gain the benefits that they wished from college education, and some people found that they still could not find the job they desired after they spent all the money they had on college education and being in heavy debt. Therefo re, everyone was not sure that colleges are designedRead MorePersuasive Essay1334 Words   |  6 PagesFatemah Karim Ms. Meyer AP English 11 February 22, 2013 Is it really worth going to college, owing hundreds of dollars in order to get a degree in a profession to become successful and experienced in the real world? Today, as tuition costs increase students are questioning whether college is fit for them or not. For one, college can be really expensive, for example at the University of Minnesota for an undergraduate during the academic year of 2011-2012, the cost for one credit was $448.08 and $5Read MoreIs College Still A Good Investment?958 Words   |  4 PagesIn Does College Still Pay, Lisa Barrow explores that even though the college tuition costs are increasing rapidly, is college still a good investment. Barrow states that college still worth wild and there is no evidence of a downward trend to students attending college due to increasing college tuition. Barrow also claims that by getting a bachelor s degree today, a college student can expect to regain all of their investments they have put towards their education within 10 year s after graduationRead MoreCollege Education Essay1364 Words   |  6 PagesIs College Still Worth it ? Since their childrens infancy parents have always encouraged their children to go to college and become a professional. But in this new age economic crisis, is college really worth it? Tuition costs are rising to a criminally high price has everyone arguing. Is college really a good investment? Well in a very short way, yes it is. An investment that makes you 500,000 to a million dollar lifetime payout is uncomparable. In the end, today an average college graduate willRead MoreIs College Worth The Cost?1296 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: The U.S. is home to some of the greatest colleges and universities in the world. But with an overwhelming 1.3 million students graduating with an average student loan debt of $29,000 each and with youth unemployment elevated, the question of whether or not college tuition is worth the money arises (The Institute for College Access Success, 2013). Higher education faces intimidating challenges: continually rising costs, access and completion problems, constant changing of technologyRead MoreCollege Is Necessary for a Successful Future Essay788 Words   |  4 Pagesyears of school enough? Who needs college anyway? Working a nine to five job with no chance of a promotion would not be that bad, would it? Do not deny, this is not the desired lifestyle of most young adults. Clearly, the way to achieve a superior job and future is college. College is the most necessary tool in order to be successful in life. College gives its graduates the greatest ability to achieve a higher paying job. Furthermore, adults who attend college earn higher wages over those who doRead MoreThe Cost of Your Future1436 Words   |  6 Pages The Cost of Your Future At one point you may have asked yourself whether or not college is worth the cost. By cost I mean the financial cost, the personal sacrifice and the time it takes to actually garnish a degree. College students weigh out these factors every day; but at the end will it all be worth it? As a college student, I have witnessed these phases happen to not only me, but my fellow classmates as well. For example, we see students switching

Sunday, December 8, 2019

The Period From The Eighth To The Fourteenth Century Was One Of Vast R Essay Example For Students

The Period From The Eighth To The Fourteenth Century Was One Of Vast R Essay eforms,some for the better and some for the worse. During this period in Europe, commonlyknown as The Middle Ages, economic reforms took place as well as social, political, andreligious changes. One common theme throughout The Middle Ages consisted of therelationship between the Church and the State. The Catholic church during this era held aprominent role in society, and it had an abundant amount of power and authority duringthis time. The Catholic Church exercised its authority in many different stages, in which aresponse from the people occurred because of the way the Church showed its power. The nature of the Catholic Church began its reform around the time Charlemagne,from 768 to 814, took control. He became a Christian emperor and the first great politicalleader in Western Europe. His main goal was to promote the Roman Catholic religionthroughout all of the world known to man, and to do this Charlemagne coordinated withthe pope, which in turn the pope crowned him the holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagnestrived to reestablish central authority and revive the culture of the Early Middle Ages,and he succeeded by gaining authority over a large area, including almost all of Westernand Central Europe (Charlemagne p.130-131). Charlemagne also made many reforms,mostly Church and educational ones. He first reformed the monasteries by making themBenedictine; he also made sure that the churches were abiding by the rules and not doinganything wrong. Charlemagne designed a system in which four archbishops were set up infour different regions with their headquarters in cities in that par ticular region. Thearchbishops appoint bishops authority in their territories. As the Catholic Churchsauthority increases during this time, it also comes with consequences. This system ofarchbishops and bishops are great for the Church, but Charlemagne uses them as royalagents, which is part of royal policy. Furthermore, Charlemagne makes reforms ineducation in order to further improve the Church; he sets up a system which strengthensthe priesthood by setting up bishop schools. These reforms indicate a lack of divisionbetween religious and secular affairs (Charlemagne p.131). Who really has authority, is itthe pope or the king? King Charlemagne did make all of the reforms, but the pope alsocrowned him holy Roman Emperor. This will create problems in the near future betweenthe Church and the State. The nature of the Catholic Churchs authority again changed during the HighMiddle Ages in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Basically, the papacy became moreconfident by claiming greater powers and actually challenging the monarchs themselves fortotal authority (Sherman p.166). Pope Gregory VII is a great example of the increasedconfidence and authority during these times. The papacy under this pope asserted itspowers under the proposition derived from Pope Gregory VII. It indicates many of thepowers that the Church claims to hold. Some of them include: The pope is the onlyperson whose feet are kissed by all princes. He may depose emperors. He may bejudged by no one (Pope Gregory VII p.168). The pope is obviously claiming higherauthority over the State, especially over the emperor. The Church also had the power toexcommunicate members of the Catholic Church, which holds a sever punishmentespecially during the Middle Ages. Because an excommunicated person was forbiddenfrom all socia l intercourse, this punishment would thus be terrible politically, socially, aswell as economically (Noble p.204). In the thirteenth century, Pope Innocent IIIcontinued to claim powers for the Church and even had some of his claims hold up. Heclaimed that the royal power derived the brilliance of dignity from the pontifical authority,which includes the pope (Pope Innocent III p.197). Central governments in the Europeannations began to evolve and try to change the ways of the papacy, which, in turn, broughtup problems for the Church (Noble p.205). This is especially true with the case of PopeBoniface VIII. He issued a letter which forbade the taxation of the clergy without explicitpapal permission, and King Philip IV responded by campaigning against the pope. This,in turn, rallied support for the monarchy in France (Noble p.222). This attack on PopeBoniface VIII unveils the extreme splits in the Christian community; it seemed apparentafter these events that European governments had n o intention of recognizing absolutepapal authority (Noble p. 226). .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .postImageUrl , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:hover , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:visited , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:active { border:0!important; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:active , .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60 .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9141eefa22db5cc4f0798aecd2df2d60:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: In Cold Blood EssayThe nature of the Catholic Church was basically transformed during the LateMiddle Ages in the fourteenth century, due mainly to the aftermath of the Great Schism, asplit between rival popes in Rome and Avignon. Because of the problems between theChurch and the State and the challenges that kings laid on the Church, popes had to dealmuch more carefully with the governments of Europe. During the Late Middle Ages, thekings of France and England along with the rulers in Germany, Italy, and the papacy allovercame the political and cultural crises that arose during the schism. The nature of the Catholic Churchs authority during the Middle Ages is apparent,but how does the Church use the power they hold and beset to discharge its religiousmission? During the Early Middle Ages, Charlemagne mostly spread Christianity throughconquering new lands and basically forcing the new peoples to abide by the rules of theCatholic Church. He was often on the move with his troops and missionaries going tonew lands preaching Christianity. Charlemagne became involved in numerous wars withthe Saxons. Soon, the Saxons were forced to accept the terms of Charlemagne; they hadto leave their pagan religion, accept Christianity, and be united with the Franks (Einhardp.133). During the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the High Middle Ages, the Churchdischarged its religious mission through the crusades, initiated by the Church in order tospread Christianity at the cost of the Islamic religion (Sherman p.183). The first crusadeswere very successful because the Christian forces reestablished control of Spain andestablished control in the Holy Land for most of the twelfth century (Sherman p.183). Pope Urban II justified his call for a crusade in a plea that he stated. He justified his callfor a crusade because the Persians, a race of people which he states are alienated fromGod, have destroyed the churches of God or appropriated them for the rites of their ownreligion (Pope Urban II p.185). Basically, he seeks change in the areas where the Persianslive, and he demands a change; therefore, he called for a crusade. Furthermore, PopeEugenius IIIs inducements for crusades further exemplified the power of the papacyduring the twelfth century. He states that the Church can grant full remission of sins, andthe mens wives, children, and other possessions are under protection of the Holy Church(Pope Eugenius III p.187). In the fourteenth century of the Late Middle Ages, the churchs authority wasbeing questioned by powerful European monarchs, so the Church had to fight for the rightdischarge its religious mission; the powers it used to hold were being questioned, so theChurch was more worried about keeping those rights than anything else. Furthermore, theConciliar Movement was brought up in discussion and placed ultimate power to a Churchcouncil, which would diminish the powers of the pope. This movement was extremelypopular and also revealed the problems facing the Church; no spread of Christianity wastaking place. The Decree Sacrosancta declares that the Church council had powers overanyone in the areas of things that pertain to the Church of God (Sherman p.218). TheDecree Frequens states that a council will always be in session (Sherman p.219). Thesetwo decrees would definitely limit the powers of the pope, but this never happened due tothe election of a single pope, Martin V. Moreover, heresy was a major problem facing theChurch. Groups like the Waldensians posed a major threat to the Church. They wereexcommunicated because they did not abide by the Church, they preach that they are in noway under the power of the pope, and they claim that they hold the power of hearingconfessions without even being a member of the Church (Gui p.219-220). Heresy posed ahuge threat to the Church; they were more worried about losing authority during thesetimes instead of promoting Christianity. .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .postImageUrl , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:hover , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:visited , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:active { border:0!important; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:active , .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc092c4f43d4381ab4c108f1b8c09364a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Espionage and thrillers EssayChristianity throughout the Middle Ages, from the eighth century until thefourteenth, has been impacted several times by the monarchies of Europe and by thepapacy. Considering everything the Catholic Church has gone through , was it successfulin the religious mission it set out for. The answer to this question is very opinionated tohistorians, but I believe the answer is no. Notably during the High Middle Ages in whichthe crusades occurred, many popes set out into various lands including Byzantium andIslam in order to spread Christianity and stop the popularity of the Islamic religion. Manyhistorians believe that the Crusades contributed to the economic and intellectualdevelopment of Europe by reopening Mediterranean east-west trade, but these people arewrong (Cantor p.192). All the Crusades did was stir up religious prejudice and theintolerance of Muslims (Cantor p.193). Although the Christian world learned a great dealfrom the Muslims, the Crusades were not a part of this occurrence. In addition, the factthat heresy occurred from such groups as the Hussites and the Waldensians further provesthat the papacy had problems with people actually turning away from the Catholic Church. How could the Church be successful in its religious mission if groups of people arebreaking away from it?

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Maya Angelou Explains ( In Her Autobiography, Why The Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou explains ( in her autobiography, Why the Caged Bird Sings,) why her religious background and church upbringing are so important to her life and poetic writing. I came to know Jesus, as I was married and sad, I found in him a resting place, and He made me glad. (page 124). She also states The good Lord gave me another day and I'm thankful. (page 122). I know I am a witness for my Lord. (Page 124). The Bible says, he who can hear let them hear. Maya wants the world to hear her sing through her poetry. Understanding Maya Angelou's religious upbringing and faith in God is the key to understanding her as a bblack female poet and writer caged in the rascism of America. Her belief in God shapes her writing and gave her the courage to sing in a caged racist society. After reading Maya Angelou's book, Why the Caged Bird Sings, it was obvious that her religious background and upbringing in the church is an important key to understanding her writing. As I read her book , I came to realize the caged bird is symbolic of how Maya feels about life. She is the caged bird. The cage is the racsim and pejudice in America against Blacks and females. Maya's poetry is her song. God meant for birds and Maya to sing. God also meant for birds to be free. Maya's faith in God has freed her to sing her beautiful poetry. Her religious upbringing gave her the courage to sing through her poetry as a black female trapped in an invisable cage made of racial prejudice and economic poverty. Maya Angelou literally and sybolically sings through her writing and her poetry. The caged bird is sybolic of a black female learning to cope and fight against the the racist attitudes and realities that exist in America. Maya knows why the caged bird sings because she realizes she is a caged bird in a rascist society. A caged bird can sing a beautiful song or a black female in America can write beautiful poetry. Her belief in God set her free to express herself without fear of reprisal. God gave Maya a gift and she uses it to honor God. Her family and church upbringing gives her the confidence and belief in herself that she can succeed base upon her her own character and God-given talents. Maya's determination and drive to succed as a poet, literally sets her free from the rascist cage she is imprisioned in both as a child and a young woman. A bird is set free when it sings whether it's caged or not. The act of singing or freely expressin oneself through poetry sets a person free. The soul and spirit cannot be caged. A true belief in God set Maya Angelou free to pursue her dreams and use the literrary talents God gave her. Religion and family are central influences on Maya Angelou's life. She called her grandmother, a big bullheaded Christian who was always witnessing to everyone. (page 254) Her Grandma was like a mother to her and her brother and always took them to church twice a week. Maya's grandma was always quoting biblical scripture. Maya believes her grandmother was trying to teach her through the examples of Jesus Christ. Grandma always had a moral to her religious stories. (page 131). Like her grandma, Maya takes great comfort in the fact that she has accepted Jesu into her heart and knows she's going to Heaven. Maya has no fear with God and is free to sing. Church gatherings are also a major influence on Maya's life. These gatherings give her a chance to learn the Word of God , and intreract with her peer and elders. Socially and spiritually, Maya finds a place where she's accepted. She learns to be free of the racial shackles that oppressed her people. She learns to sing like the caged bird. Nothing can keep her from singing even if she and her people are caged. God gives her the faith and belief that she can do anything. Like the old Negro Hymnal states, We shall overcome. Religious revivals bring Maya's whole community together. Revivals are a