Oedipus Rex And Bliss Is Ignorance Essays - Oedipus The King, Operas

Oedipus Rex And Bliss Is Ignorance One of the most memorable and meaningful Socratic quotes applies well when in context of Sophocles' Theban Trilogy. "The unexamined life is not worth living," proclaims Socrates. He could have meant many things by this statement, and in relation to the play, the meaning is found to be even more complex. Indeed, the situation of Oedipus, king of Thebes, the truth of this statement is in question. Would Oedipus have been better off if he was blind to the knowledge of his birthing and the fate which was foretold to someday befall him? Truly though, his life would have been a far better and easier path had he never known about his true origins. His life in Corinth would have been long and prosperous, and Thebes would have lived on under King Laius. In fact, everyone would have been better off in the long run if Oedipus had not ventured out beyond the walls of Corinth. So is it worth living an examined life? Socrates had made this statement long after the creation of the Theban Trilogy. In the context of his own time, this was meant to imply that life must be examined and reflected upon, known and discovered by each individual philosopher to better enrich life for all. Yet in terms of Sophoclean drama, specifically Oedipus Rex, this was meant in a vastly different way. The unexamined life was one that was in the dark, unknown as to what fate lied beyond every turn and irony of living. Oedipus, up to the point in which he heard the comment in the tavern in Corinth, lived an unexamined life. To Socrates, he was an unfulfilled man, one who deserved to know more, one who not complete. However, in a much less metaphysical sense, Oedipus' life was complete, in that he had all that he needed, and was living a happy and fruitful life. As the drama progresses, he finds out more and more, learning exactly what the implications of his birth was, he suffers the fate for examining his life. So what Socrates had meant, that the life which was not rich with self exploration and reflection was not worth living, was indeed different than its application in terms of Oedipus, who's life was unexamined, yet complete. The question arises, what would life have been like, if Oedipus had not discovered his true origins? If he had stayed in Corinth, would this have ever happened? We find that indeed, we would have had no story, if not for that lone comment of a drunkard which sparked the fire of rebellion in the young prince Oedipus. He ventured out to Delphi, to pry knowledge of his background out of it, and to discover if this was indeed the truth, despite the fact that his adopted parents of Corinth had assured him of it falseness. Oedipus leaves Corinth, fulfilling the Socratic idea of the unexamined life. However, we must evaluate the eventual consequences of his actions and the implications which they possess. What becomes of his fateful journey out of Corinth leads to the downfall of an entire city and family line. If he had not murdered King Laius, the Sphinx would have never descended upon Thebes, he would have never fulfilled the prophecy, and all would have lived on in a relative peace and tranquillity. Once examining these aspects of the relationship between the quote and Oedipus Rex, we can come to a final examination of its implications. The question which was addressed, that of the value of the examined life, can be answered. Indeed, if Oedipus had not ventured beyond the protective walls of his adopted home, would anything such as what occurred in the play ever have transpired? If Oedipus had not pursued that answers to the mysteries that plagued him, despite the pleading warnings of I?casta, in fact his life would have been contented and happy. Instead, he follows the Socratic method of exploration and discovery, and proceeds down the path of pain and distraught. Was, after it was over, all worth it? We find that no, it was not. Being content and suited with what he knew of himself would have saved Oedipus and his children/siblings much agony. However, in the typical Greek tragedy, we must see his fall from grace through, which is indeed what happens. In the bliss of ignorance, much pain and difficulty is averted. For what worries does the ignorant man have? In the case of Oedipus, ignorance would have suited him fine.

Free Essays on Courting Vs. Dating

Courtship - the act of wooing Woo - to ask in marriage; to court, to solicit eagerly; to seek to gain. You ask, â€Å"What in the world is Courtship?† Let me start by saying it is our country’s dating problem solution. Not too long ago, Christian parents along with their youth had realized the need to re-map the route to fruitful, God-ordained marriages. The result has been a push particularly among homeschoolers, to return to the more biblical principals of courtship. Simply defined, courtship is a reformed version of dating under the supervision of parents between a man and a woman who are ready to marry in the near future. In consumer terms, contemporary dating is the equivalent to window-shopping and courtship is shopping w/ cash in hand under the direction of experienced buyers. The term used is not important. What’s important is that courtship bypasses the pitfalls of contemporary dating and provides a much safer, smoother ride to the union of man and wife... not teen girl and teen boy. I mean let’s face it! The first major problem of dating is that it has very little to do with marriage. The purpose is to just have a good time. All right! Dating may be the best thing that could have ever happened for you to find your spouse... PLEASE count yourself very blessed. Because I’ve noticed a pattern in dating that, I’ve seen in marriages. Dating much consists of finding a person whom you want to have a good time w/ and them breaking off the relationship, back and forth, back and forth, etc. Which results in hurt feelings, disappointing parents who thought â€Å"you both look right for each other† (but, are they right for each other?). Good old Webster’s Dictionary defines the word â€Å"break† as to separate into parts w/ violence or suddenness; to collapse or give way; to change suddenly. Where did we lose the thrill of true romance, the excitement of planning for marriage, the anticipation of a family’s wholehea... Free Essays on Courting Vs. Dating Free Essays on Courting Vs. Dating Courtship - the act of wooing Woo - to ask in marriage; to court, to solicit eagerly; to seek to gain. You ask, â€Å"What in the world is Courtship?† Let me start by saying it is our country’s dating problem solution. Not too long ago, Christian parents along with their youth had realized the need to re-map the route to fruitful, God-ordained marriages. The result has been a push particularly among homeschoolers, to return to the more biblical principals of courtship. Simply defined, courtship is a reformed version of dating under the supervision of parents between a man and a woman who are ready to marry in the near future. In consumer terms, contemporary dating is the equivalent to window-shopping and courtship is shopping w/ cash in hand under the direction of experienced buyers. The term used is not important. What’s important is that courtship bypasses the pitfalls of contemporary dating and provides a much safer, smoother ride to the union of man and wife... not teen girl and teen boy. I mean let’s face it! The first major problem of dating is that it has very little to do with marriage. The purpose is to just have a good time. All right! Dating may be the best thing that could have ever happened for you to find your spouse... PLEASE count yourself very blessed. Because I’ve noticed a pattern in dating that, I’ve seen in marriages. Dating much consists of finding a person whom you want to have a good time w/ and them breaking off the relationship, back and forth, back and forth, etc. Which results in hurt feelings, disappointing parents who thought â€Å"you both look right for each other† (but, are they right for each other?). Good old Webster’s Dictionary defines the word â€Å"break† as to separate into parts w/ violence or suddenness; to collapse or give way; to change suddenly. Where did we lose the thrill of true romance, the excitement of planning for marriage, the anticipation of a family’s wholehea...

Organizational Process Recommendation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Process Recommendation - Essay Example The control chart is basically a graph which is used to study the changes in processes over a particular period of time. The chart has a central line for the average, an n upper line which represents the upper control limit and a lower line which represents the lower control limits. The lines are determined using historical data. The comparisons of the current data to the above lines, a conclusion can be drawn about whether the variation in the process is consistent (implies process in control) or unpredictable (implies process out of control which are affected by special causes of variation). A control chart is based upon the statistical feature of normal distribution. The considerations of probability form the basis of the control limits. These basically depict whether the system in control are supported or not. The control charts can also be used to warn about the potential system problems. These charts also reveal the need for corrective action. Control charts are always prepared in real time. The procedure involves choosing an appropriate control chart for a particular data set, this is followed by determining the appropriate time period for plotting and collecting the data. The next step involves collecting the data, constructing the chart and analysing the data. Further the out of control signals on the control charts are determined and suitable steps to correct them are undertaken. The values that are obtained for repetitive measurements processes are plotted sequentially for evaluating the stability of the measurement process. These should be very similar to the test samples of interest. The absolute differences (R) of the duplicate measurements are sequentially plotted for evaluating the precision of management process. The average range which is related to the short term standard deviation. A t test is undertaken to assess whether the mean of the second set of data is has significant differences from the first set of

Implementation Challenges and Methodology for ERP Implementation Essay

Implementation Challenges and Methodology for ERP Implementation - Essay Example The researcher states that the major benefit associated with the implementation of ERP within organizations is its ability to increase the productivity of the organizations, through increasing the timely, continuous and widely applicable real-time business information. This enables organizations to plan well for their different operations. Nevertheless, the implementation of the ERP can be marred by varied challenges, which combine to reduce the chances of the implementation success. This, therefore, requires that the implementation of ERP should apply a methodology that minimizes such challenges, and thus delivers the expected benefit of the ERP system to the organization with minimal associated costs. The methodology applied to implement an ERP should, therefore, be loaded with the essential critical success factors, to ensure that the organization is able to start enjoying the benefits of an ERP system from the very beginning and that such benefits are sustainable. The discussion analyses ERP implementation as a global technology transfer project, which can enable Roll-Royce to transform from its initial legacy system into enjoying the full benefits of the ERP thought its multinational operations. Technology Transfer refers to a process by which the knowledge and information that is embedded within a technology by the technology creator are put into practical use by the user of the technology. Therefore, the implementation of the ERP system in Roll Royce does not only entail the application of the ERP equipment, but also the know-how. Therefore, the challenge facing the global implementation does not only entail the challenges of the conveyance process from the vendor/creator of the ERP system to the organization, but also the subsequent challenges involving the adoption, possession, and promotion of the ERP by the organization.

Hitler Became Chancellor in 1933 Because He Was Leader of the Most Popular Party in Germany Essay Example for Free

Hitler Became Chancellor in 1933 Because He Was Leader of the Most Popular Party in Germany Essay Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 because he was leader of the most popular party in Germany. How far you agree with this opinion? Hitler’s appointment in 1933 cannot be put down to just one factor. There were many influential occurrences leading up to his appointment but overall the Great Depression seems to be the biggest factor as it started a ‘chain reaction’ that overall led to Hitler being Chancellor of Germany. Therefore, despite being the leader of the most popular party in Germany playing a part in Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor it was not solely responsible and was also not the most important factor. An argument that could be used to show that Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 because he was leader of the most popular party in Germany is the idea that the Nazis used effective tactics which not only allowed them to gain extreme popularity but also their leader, Adolf Hitler. Essentially, the Nazis clever strategies allowed Hitler to gain recognition. For example, the Nazis were incredibly good at changing their policies to suit their audiences at rallies. The Great Depression was also used to their favour; promoting Hitler as the saviour in their propaganda to incredible effect. Goebbels’ propaganda campaign was very effective and it won support for the Nazis and Hitler. Also, Hitler moved away from violence and realised that the only way he could receive true power was through the Reichstag. The Nazis were able to win over the working and middle classes by using their anti-Jewish propaganda for the working classes and for the middle classes and farmers they focussed on their policies on powerless and honourless Germany, making it great again. No other party focussed more on propaganda than the Nazis; they were masters of propaganda. Their propaganda skills had the ability to change the public’s opinions and views. It encompassed every aspect of Weimar Germany to entice millions of people into following them, their policies ranged from unemployment to the stab in the back myth of Versailles. This increased the appeal of the Nazis and as a result they increased their vote in the Reichstag in the next election of July 1932, increasing their number of seats to 230 and becoming the largest party in the Reichstag. The Nazis used the problems with the economy and the Weimar republic to boost their support; this is evident in the fact that as unemployment got worse, Nazi support increased. Therefore clearly, being the leader of the most popular party did have extreme benefits for Hitler in terms of helping him become Chancellor due to gaining popularity through the party. Having said that, the idea that Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 because he was leader of the most popular party in Germany to an extent can be argued to be untrue; as briefly discussed the weaknesses of the Weimar government also played a clear role. More specifically, events happening outside of Germany such as Wall Street Crash; The Great Depression. Germany suffered the consequences due to the collapse of share prices on the New York Stock Exchange more than any other country. US loans and investment ceased and demands quickly followed for the repayment of previous short-term loans. Also, the crisis caused a further decline in the price of food and raw materials as the industrialised nations reduced their imports. As demands for exports collapsed world trade slumped and German industry could no longer pay its way. The argument could therefore be made that without this event the Nazis may not have become the most popular party. After all, the party’s popularity came from anger and bitterness of Weimar. Therefore, people turned towards the extremist political parties. Yet many workers turned to communism but this frightened wealthy businessmen, so they financed Hitler’s campaigns. Many middle-class people, alarmed by the obvious failure of democracy, decided that the country needed a strong government. The depression of 1929 created poverty and unemployment, making people angry with the Weimar government. Overall, this argument clearly signifies that Hitler’s appointment to become Chancellor was not just down to him being leader of the most popular party in Germany; events outside Germany lead to Weimar failing miserably which also played a clear role. Nazis electoral success in 1932 did to an extent have an impact and therefore, can be used to argue that Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 because he was leader of the most popular party in Germany. After all, the elections to the Reichstag in July saw the Nazi percentage of the vote increase to 37. 3 per cent, making it the largest party in the Reichstag. This was a sensational breakthrough. As the largest political group in the Reichstag, they had a mandate from the German people to be involved in the government. Clearly, this indicates that whilst the Nazi party looked increasingly powerful, their leader Hitler did so too; making him more well known throughout the country. This argument is also strengthened by the thought that it is after all, down to being the leader of the Nazis because the moderate parties would not work together despite the fact that together they would be stronger than the Nazis and therefore, weaknesses of other parties contribute to Hitler and the Nazis looking stronger. This strength made Hitler more established as a political figure giving him a clear advantage. However, in comparison to the previous argument another reason for Hitler’s Chancellorship was Von Papen; indicating that Hitler did not become Chancellor just due to being the leader of the most popular party in Germany. After all, the Nazis gained electoral success in 1932 but Hindenburg still refused to make Hitler Chancellor; indicating despite being the leader this did not put Hitler in an advantageous position. Yet, Von Papen had been Chancellor before Hitler and had become close friends with President Hindenburg. This played much to Hitler’s advantage as Papen offered to convince Hindenburg that Hitler was the right choice for the new Chancellor provided Papen could be Vice Chancellor. Von Papen managed to convince Hindenburg, along with various other politicians that Hitler was the best choice. Without Von Papen, Hitler may not have managed to initially become Chancellor or at least not until later than January 1933. This combined with the idea that previous governments were weak and lacked support made a clear sign for that Germany needed change. Hitler was something new and had clearly opposed the idea of a democracy from the start. As the German public started to go against the Republic their support turned to the opposing and completely differing view of Hitler. He was different to the past chancellors such as Von Papen who represented failed governments. He portrayed himself through propaganda and in speeches as a strong and powerful leader who could lead Germany out of this depression and unrest and that’s what the German public needed at the time. After all, Hindenburg had no other alternative but to place Hitler as Chancellor due to the failures of previous governments and Hitler’s growing support from people close to Hindenburg. Also, other conservative elites believed that Hitler was a man that could easily be tamed and kept under control. This gave him an advantage over the Communists, as Hindenburg believed he wouldn’t be able to control the communists if he supported them. This is therefore important in the eventual appointment of Hitler as Chancellor as without the support of the conservative elites, it is debatable as to whether or not Hitler would actually have gained power. Even, when in the July 1932 the NSDAP won 230 seats, becoming the largest party in Germany, Hindenburg did not appoint Hitler Chancellor. Hence, it is hard to imagine why anything would have changed without considerable pressure being mounted on Hindenburg from business. In particular, without the support of von Papen and his supposed ability to control Hitler, Hindenburg would certainly not have been persuaded. Clearly then, these conservative elites had at least some impact in bringing about Hitlers time as Chancellor. Also, the misjudgement of von Papen and Hindenburg in believing that they could control Hitler is crucial in explaining the overall Nazi seizure of power.

Teaching Philosophy Statement :: Education Teachers Classroom Essays

Teaching Philosophy Statement â€Å"I touch the future. I teach.† Christa McAuliffe’s statement about touching the future is how I feel about teaching. Being passionate about teaching and wanting to help and inspire the youth of America is my philosophy. Teaching is not always thought of as the noblest career choice, but in my eyes it is. Without the inspiration of good teachers there would be no doctor, lawyers or other teachers. I agonized over the decision of what career path to take, but it all became so clear my senior year of high school. I thought of all the teachers who had inspired me in years past to do my best and not to give up, and that is when I decided I wanted to be a teacher. There were a few teachers that made me feel they really cared about my education and my future. That is the kind of teacher I strive to be. I hope I can inspire my students to do something great with their lives. Although I was happy with my decision everyone I told thought I was crazy to want to purs ue such a â€Å"thankless job† as they called it. I saw it in another light though; teaching is something I knew would be right for me. Teachers have the ideal work schedule I think. I may have some paper work to do or school functions to attend, but this job will allow me to spend time with my family. If I decided to have children this would allow me to have the quality time I want to spend with them also. Overall the positive aspects of teaching greatly out weigh the negative ones from my point of view. My major is physical education and health, which will allow me to teach something I am passionate about; physical fitness. I believe for a student to be well balance they have to feel good and feel good about themselves. In today’s society of video games and computers children are leading more and more sedentary lifestyles. As a P.E. teacher I hope to change that and teach kids healthy habits for long-term fitness. As part of the â€Å"New P.E.† generation I think the skill-based learning with be more effective than simply just letting kids play games that they don’t have the skill for.

Irony Essay

Both â€Å"The Necklace† and â€Å"The Gift of the Magi† have plots that depend in large measure on the use of situational irony to create a surprise ending. â€Å"The Necklace† tells the story of Madame Mathilde Loise, a lowly clerk’s wife, who, in an effort to appear more debonaire than she is, borrows expensive jewels from Madame Jeanne Forestier, a wealthy friend. After the inevitable loss of the jewels, Madame Loisel and her husband secretly replace the jewels. Years later, Madame Loise, now impoverished, encounters Madame Forestier on the streets of Paris and admits to the secret. Madame Forestier, shocked by the change in Loise, explains that the necklace was merely costume jewelry. The situational irony that both the reader and Madame Loise experience simultaneously is the twist, the unexpected turn of events that is both a perfect example of irony and the very element that makes the plot so original and memorable. Similarly, â€Å"The Gift of the Magi† employs irony to provide the unexpected ending. A young couple, barely able to feed and house themselves, sells their most valuable possessions to buy presents for each other. In an ironic catch typical of O’Henry, Della sells her hair to buy a watch fob for Jim, her husband. Jim, in turn has secretly sold his watch to buy the tortoise-shell combs Della dreamed of running through her long, dark hair. The story makes use of both dramatic irony and situational irony to create the literally-doubly ironic ending: both â€Å"sacrifice for each other the greatest treasures of their house. †