Plato The repubic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Plato The repubic - Essay Example Socrates did not leave his teachings in writing but Plato incorporated most of them in his many books. Socrates arguments exemplified and clarified to his listeners the various philosophical concepts. Socrates utilized various intricately woven arguments to illustrate such philosophical constructs. The conception of abstract ideas of beauty and justice are illustrated in the statement "we shall conclude then that those who behold beautiful things but cannot see beauty itself- and will not permit another to guide then to where it is- who observes many just things but do not see justice itself and think this way in all other things, such as men have opinions about everything but know nothing of what they profess to believe" (Republic, Book V, 479). Socrates begins his argument about the abstraction of the idea of beauty by emphasizing the excessive importance normally attached to the perception that philosophers have compared to the other groups. He believes that the rulers of the days, have natures quite distinct of those of philosophers. Rulers like other 'men of pleasure' are clouded and limited in their views of beauty. He cites the examples of the lovers who are so overwhelmed by there emotions of affection, love and attachment that "They love all, and turn blemishes into beauties. The snub-nosed youth is said to have a winning grace; the beak of another has a royal look; the featureless are faultless; the dark are manly, the fair angels; the sickly have a new term of endearment invented expressly for them, which is 'honey-pale.'Similarly lovers of wine and lovers of ambition also desire the objects of their affection in every form"(Republic, Book V) "As you are a man of pleasure, you will not have forgotten how indiscrim inate lovers are in their attachments; they love all, and turn blemishes into beauties. The snub-nosed youth is said to have a winning grace; the beak of another has a royal look; the featureless are faultless; the dark are manly, the fair angels; the sickly have a new term of endearment invented expressly for them, which is 'honey-pale.' Lovers of wine and lovers of ambition also desire the objects of their affection in every form. Now here comes the point:--The philosopher too is a lover of knowledge in every form; he has an insatiable curiosity. 'But will curiosity make a philosopher" (Republic, Book V) However the philosophical crux is missed in the process. For instance the philosophers are also lovers of knowledge in all form and also have a greedy curiosity to extend this knowledge to infinite. However the presence of mere curiosity doesn't imply that a philosophical attitude or approach is present. These philosophers attitude realizes that the brief and finite life the philosopher is more inward oriented to the soul. It is his soul that is hungrier for knowledge. We will never satisfy our real appetites without reason and to get reason ruling, we have to pass through the worldly appetites of wealth, power etc. A philosopher seeks honour and love. He is not frightened of death as he is less driven by the worldly appetite and more by the appetites of the soul like he seeks ho nour. The philosophical soul believes that there is something after death. And that it's a practice of death "Aporia" is state and place of not knowing. Real philosophical education is falling into a kind of death "here is the man

Distance Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Distance Learning - Essay Example The online enrollment estimations made in the late 1990s have been exceeded and continues to grow at amazingly high rates. Thus, the number of online students reached 2.6 million in the fall of 2004 (Allen, and Seaman, 2004). Despite the tremendous success of distance technology-mediated learning (this term covers not only fully online courses, but also various blended approaches that integrate online components into traditional classes), experts suggests that it still remains at an early stage of development (Smart, and Cappel, 2006). The conventional concepts and theories of education were reported to retain their suitability in the web-based learning environment. Numerous research studies demonstrated that cognitive factors such as performance, learning, and achievement in distance education classes are comparable to those observed in traditional classes (Russell, 1999). ... s enrolled in an introductory psychology course performed better in distance education courses, although the level of their satisfaction with them was lower. Students in the web based course consistently scored an average of five percentage points higher on the final exam than did those in the lecture course, but they consistently reported less satisfaction than the students in the lecture course (Hagel, and Shaw, 2003). Student satisfaction is currently believed to be one of the major indicators of student development in conventional higher education. The mission of higher education is not only to impart knowledge but also to enhance the student's total development (Astin, 1993). One of the ways higher education institutions accomplish this mission is by continuously collecting information on student satisfaction, defined by various authors as an "everpresent campus variable" (Betz, Menne, Starr, and Klingensmith, 1971: 99), the key outcome of higher education (Astin, 1993), and the 'quality enhancement tool designed to improve the quality of the student experience' (Harvey, Plimmer, Moon, and Geall, 1997: 3). Traditionally, the institutions of higher education have used the data on student satisfaction to improve understanding of the educational environments. This understanding, it its turn, allowed to create settings more conducive for student development. Student satisfaction is an indicator of higher education institutions' responsiveness to the needs of students. Also it is a measure of institutional effectiveness, success, and vitality. Measuring student satisfaction is also important for maintaining and increasing enrollment, managing attrition and retention problems, and making better-informed decisions in the area of student affairs (Beltyukova, 2002).

Its All About Tour Essay Example for Free

Its All About Tour Essay I was so excited when I heard that we will have a class outing with a team building in Fontana Resort, Pampanga. There are so many pop up question in my mind like, what we’re going to do, what will happen during that time. Imagining everything and planning what will I’m going to wear and bring. Actually, 2 days before our outing, all of my things are ready. That’s what you called EXCITED. Our first day in Pampanga, we divide ourselves into 4 groups for activities. Our first activity is making our own cheering for our group. I enjoyed the time when my group mates and I practicing our cheering. Full of laughs, jokes, bonding and many more. Even though we’re not winning in that activity at least we enjoyed each company and we had fun. After that activity, we eat dinner sponsor by Jollibee. We all look like a survivor. Then we rest for minute and we proceed for another activity. Next is making a pyramid in the pool. This is unforgettable for me, because my all my group mates are cooperate. We measure how strong we are, and have trust to each other. For me, this is the best activity. That was the last activity for that night. Then, we had a party. Not totally party. We drink alcoholic beverages then play cards. Very enjoyed. We had a bonding to each other. I know more about my classmates. In the morning, we had another activity. How to survive and also the basic safety. That was the last activity we had. Well, for me I don’t regret that I choose this outing than the vessel pump. I super enjoyed the outing. The whole outing was covered by fun time and activities that tight us together. And also we learned a lot from the activities we had. We feel like we had a short vacation. It is a big help for us, because we can apply it in our daily life. It’s the history that we made. A momentous day of our life.

The Benefits of Compulsory Education

The Benefits of Compulsory Education In Ireland all children of the state are obliged to attend school and receive an education. Compulsory education in Ireland is enforced by the school attendance act 1926 and the education welfare act 2000. The acts insure all children are provided with an equal opportunity to education. There are three levels of education available. Each student is required by law to attend up to the age of 16 or to Junior Certificate level. Prior to the existence of compulsory education many children had no access to basic education because their parents may have not been able to afford tuition. That problem has been eradicated due to the introduction of free public schooling. Basic education prepares a child intellegualy for mature adult life. Education shall prepare the child for an active adult life in a free society and foster respect for the childs parents his or her cultural identity, language and values and for the cultural back round and values for others (Article 29 of unconventional of the rights of a child) As a result of compulsory education, Ireland has one of the highest education rates in the world. 81% of Irish students complete second level and approximately 60% of these students proceed to higher education. Compulsory education follows a holistic approach. Although it is important to focus on the academic aspect of education it is also vital to point out the social aim of education. The main purpose of a holistic approach to education is to prepare individuals for a competent adult life emotionally, physically and spiritually. It aims to provide each child with the ability to seek out their own uniqness. Few schools are committed to holistic principles but many teachers try to use the ideas behind holistic education. By teachers using real life experience and events and not just delivering facts and notes, helps engage a student into a subject making learning fun and enjoyable. Self direction and resilience are major components of holistic principles. With the guidance and support for teachers, children can learn from their own experience and in turn can build on them. The highest function of education is to bring about an integrated individual who is capable of dealing with life as a whole (Jiddu Krishnaminti) Education provides a daily routine, responsibility and activities, which contributes to a healthy well rounded development. Compulsory education discourages child labour. Child labour is the exploitive employment of a child under the minimum legal age limit. The minimum age limit to work differs in each country. Irelands minimum age limit is age 15. Child labour occurs when there is limited access to education, no child labour laws and no employee rights. Working children are under paid. This in turn sees the high demand for low paid employees and leaves less employment available to adults. The cycle then continues. In 1919 the International Labour Organisation began to address the major issue of child labour. This contributed to the introduction of the School Attendance Act in Ireland in 1926. The act obliged children between the age of 5 and 16 to attend school. Previous to compulsory education the majority of families may have relied on children to leave education to help obtain basic necessities for the family. This undoubtedly denied children their right to education. The more education available to individuals can only benefit Irelands economic growth. Our progress of a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.(John F Kennedy) Presently in Ireland child labour is near to non existence. Child labour has decreased from 25% in 1960 to 10% in 2003 mainly due to the introduction of compulsory education Illiteracy levels continue to decline since the introduction of compulsory education. Illiteracy is the inability to read or write in any language. Prior to the existence of the compulsory education acts, reading and writing were seen as a skilled profession and only the rich and important had access to gain these skills. Illiterate people were unemployable even in the most basic working environment as many could not even fill out simple information details. Currently in Ireland illiteracy may not be attributed to poor attendance in school. Many individuals who experience literacy difficulties have physical or psychological issues. Illiterate people were often seen as carless, immature and unintelligent individuals. . Since physical and psychological issues are now often detected early on in school and addressed, ilitricy and discrimination are uncommon. There are five levels which literacy is assed at. Level one is classified as having very poor or no literacy skills. Level three is classed on having an adequate amount of skills to cope with life. Level five is seen as highest level of literacy which individuals can process difficult information. In Ireland 17% of 16 to 25 year olds are at level one compared to 44% of 55 to 65 year olds. This percentage is mainly due to enforced attendance in school. Although literacy levels are declining people who dont readily use there literacy skills daily can easily get out of practice. Compulsory education provides a skilful and qualified workforce. A qualified and skilful workforce is necessary for economic growth within a country. Education helps individuals become self sufficient therefore able to earn a living. Educated individuals create wealth for the country and these attract foreign investment. Foreign investment was up 10% since 2008. Even with Irelands economic down turn Ireland is still capable of attracting investment due to Irelands competent and highly skilful workforce. Presently in Ireland 81% of Irish students complete second level education. Approximately 60% of these students continue on to further or higher education. Compulsory education gives the individual the incentive to further their education. Being obliged to attend school to Junior certificate level gives the student a chance to make mature and sensible choices regarding their future. Education is the main component in the structure of adult life. Ethnic minorities in Ireland are socially accepted due to compulsory education. An ethnic minority are a group of people who have their own cultural values. These minorities hold different views on culture, religion and language. The travelling community are one of Irelands oddest ethnic minorities, accounting for 0.5% of the population. Approximately 7,769 traveller individuals are in education in Ireland toady. Prior to the compulsory education act the majority of travellers did not attend school. Traveller parents may have felt education was not necessary as they were traditional self employed. Traveller individuals were also less likely to obtain employment due to their life style and were often socially excluded and discriminated. Traveller children who attended school prior to the education act were thought in the same class room regardless of age. Presently in Ireland 100% of traveller children are in age appropriate classes. The traveller community have become integrated with society. People from a wider community have begun to understand their cultural differences and needs. Today the department of education and science employee 503 resource teachers for travellers (RTT). The resource teachers address their ethnic and cultural needs and help promote cultural awareness to other students. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26 (2) Compulsory education leads to equal opportunity for every individual regardless of back round. The traveller community are now employed in all sectors of the workforce. A number of travels now attend third level education.

Tone and Irony in Oedipus Rex :: essays research papers

Besides for being an entertaining play, Oedipus Rex, is also an incredibly in-depth and insightful piece of literature. Sophocles does an outstanding job of bringing the play to another level, making the reader delve deep into the. Sophocles uses literary devices such as irony and tone to enhance the story. Tone and irony are constant throughout the play, and used well to develop the characters. From the beginning we know a lot about Oedipus, mostly from previous knowledge in previous plays. It is known that he was a hero and the leader of many people. In this novel it is clear from an early point that the city is once again in trouble and Oedipus’s help is again required. At first he seems very honest and sincere about helping his people but as time goes on we see a different side of Oedipus. When Teiresias first meets Oedipus is a perfect example. At the beginning of their encounter Oedipus seems to be more concerned with his people and fixing the plague, but as soon as Teiresias brings up the notion that Oedipus has anything to do with it he immediately becomes very defensive and aggravated. We quickly learn that Oedipus is more concerned with himself than with his people. After the discussion with Teiresias, Oedipus plays the murder off on his friend, Creon. This is another example of Oedipus being more concerned with himself than the people around him. Oedipus of ten questions his past or other people about his past. He is unsure about himself and often seems troubled and short tempered. Tone is a huge part of the play and especially Oedipus. Another literary device used in the play is Irony. In Oedipus Rex, dramatic irony is often present in Oedipus’ long speeches. Oedipus constantly sees things incorrectly, and is in denial that he has, in fact, killed his father and married his mother. This is first apparent when he demands the death of the man who killed Laius. Oedipus calls the man who did this an evil murder. Oedipus assumes that, as he became a citizen of Thebes after the murder, though he did kill someone, he is ruled out Laius. In another speech, Oedipus accuses Creon of setting him up in order to get the throne, by framing him as the murderer. At this point, Oedipus proves that he has no feelings for his friends and it shows his true colors.

heroarms Henry’s Personal Code in A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

Henry’s Personal Code in A Farewell to Arms    A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway is a story of Love, war and one Man’s pursuit of finding his own personal code in order to make a separate peace. Fredrick Henry is an American who serves as a lieutenant in the Italian army to a group of ambulance drivers. Hemingway portrays Frederick as a lost man searching for order and value in his life. Catherine Barkley is an English volunteer nurse who serves in Italy. She is considered very experienced when it comes to love and loss since she has already been   confronted with the death of a loved one when her fiancà © was killed earlier in the war. Their love affair must survive the obstacles of World War. The background of war-torn Italy adds to the tragedy of the love story. The war affects the emotions and values of each character. The love between Catherine and Frederick must outlast long separations, life-threatening wartime situations, and the uncertainty of each other's whereabouts or condition. This novel is a beautif ul love story of two people who need each other in a period of upheaval. At the start of the novel, Frederick is given a vacation to leave the war for a period of time in order to relax. He befriends a priest because he admires the fact that the priest lives his life by a set of values that give him an orderly lifestyle. He is told by the priest to go to Abruzzi, there in the mountains he can relax and forget about the worries of war. But Fredrick is hardheaded and listens to his friends and decides to go to Naples, there he   drinks and travels from one house of prostitution to another and yet he is   discontent because his life is very unsettled. This vacation was his free ticket out of the war but Fredrick does not realize nor understand how bad this war is. He decides to return due to his pride and patriotism. A close friend of Fredrick, Rinaldi is also a Lt. In the army. Together they share stories and interests. Rinaldi is a strong man, one who understands what war is about. Through numerous attempts of lessons given to Fredrick, he still doesn’t understand. Rinaldi constantly calls Fredrick â€Å"baby† which is an accurate description of him. He is still a child and is not aware of the true meaning of war, love and life.

Justice to a Society Against Racism

Racism is a long time issue which has been existing for more than a century. Cases have been taken to the courts in order to bring justice to the society against racism. â€Å"Separate but equal† is a legislature that was being put into the constitution in 1792. It disrupted the society due to how it(law) was interpreted by the people. Although the American law for equal rights has been written in the constitution since 1792, most people even the authoritative ones(i. e. ; judges) never put it in practice. The cry for equal justice for minority groups is so extensive especially in the south where the KKK(Ku Klux Klans) are more in existence. Some of the legal issues about these outcries are the 1896 ‘Plessy vs. Ferguson† and the 1954 ‘Brown vs. the Board The Plessy vs. Ferguson case was a very crucial argument which argued the ‘separate but equal† issue in the State of Louisiana. Even though Plessy, a 30-year old shoemaker was mix of seven-eighths white and one-eighths black he was still considered â€Å"black† and punished for entering the wrong car by being jailed. When taken the case to the State court, Plessy argued that the 14th Amendment has been violated which states that: â€Å"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive †¦. † But the Louisiana Statute overturned his case stating that the state has its rights to regulate railway companies that operate only in its state and Plessy was found guilty. Plessy was a normal human being who was taken his rights away from him just for the cause of his race. The Louisiana Statute overlooked Plessy†s petition regarding justice against segregation which deteriorates the social equality of the society. The Courts deprived the liberty of the plaintiff†s equal protection of the laws regardless of the 14th Amendment in Constitution. Even when taken to the Supreme Court of the country, they still found Plessy guilty and overturned the case. After 55 years of the case, Thurgoode Marshall a black lawyer from Baltimore, Maryland took the case for a re-affirmation. Following the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the Plessy†s case in 1896, many Negroes from different states decided to fight for equal rights as they all deserved. The Brown vs. Board of Education was one of the most significant cases brought before the courts which formerly cannot legislate social equality. The case turned to be similar to the altercation about the 14th Amendment which so arguably had an impact on the society. The argument was about a colored fifth grader in Topeka, Kansas, Linda Brown who was denied an admission into a white elementary school. The people(black Americans) wanted desegregation and not segregation especially in public schools which did not value their freedoms as citizens of United States. When the case and some other similar cases from other states were taken to the high court in Kansas in 1951 by Thurgood Marshall and his colleagues, the courts indentured it. Until taken to the Supreme Court which the decisions did not come out that easy, the fourteenth amendment was brought into question. For almost two years the case was argued and re-affirmed. Though the Board of Education may have supplied equal physical facilities to both public schools (white and Negroes). It diminishes the equal treatment of the minority groups, an example of this is the textbooks issues which when compared 68 colored students had no books to 20 white students. And also the case that there was no coloured High School in the South. The cases were similar in respects that the minorities had to come out with the complaints of their oppressions. Their(minorities) liberties have been deprived from them under the protection of laws. Although the legal arguments share common cases about segregation, but Plessy†s case was one in which was indentured regardless of whom he poses to be. While Brown†s complaints were out to pursue equality in educational system and to reduce the inferiority complex going through the minds of innocent souls on how they are being treated. Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP crew argued that even though the law has abolished slavery for a guaranteed freedom, they(coloreds) were still segregated from the whites. The end of the segregated years marked the beginning of a new era for equality among all races. Thurgood Marshall and the members of the NAACP fought to their very strength to bring justice in both cases and to see that segregation is purely abolished. These legal arguments were some of the greater social decisions and most ideological significants in the American history that the Supreme Court has ever made.