The Kingdom of Kush Sub-Saharan African Rulers of the Nile

The Kushite Kingdom or Kerma society was a cultural group based in Sudanese Nubia and an active and dangerous adversary to the pharaohs of the Middle and New Kingdom Egypt. The Kushite Kingdom was the first Nubian state, situated between the fourth and fifth cataracts of the Nile River in what is now Sudan, with waxing and waning power over the Nile between about 2500 and 300 BCE. Key Takeaways: Kushite Kingdom Established by cattle pastoralists between the 4th and 5th cataracts on the Nile river beginning about 2500 BCEKingdom arose to power about 2000 BCE, with a capital city at KermaTrading partner and adversary to the Middle and New Kingdom pharaohsRuled Egypt during the Second Intermediate period, shared with the Hyksos, 1750–1500 BCERuled Egypt during the Third Intermediate Period, 728–657 BCE The roots of the Kushite kingdom emerged near the third cataract of the Nile River in the early 3rd millennium BC, developed from cattle pastoralists who are known to archaeologists as the A-Group or pre-Kerma culture. At its height, Kermas reach extended as far south as Mograt Island and as far north as the Egyptian fortress of Semna in Batn el-Haja, on the second cataract of the Nile. The Kushite kingdom is mentioned as Kush (or Cush) in the Old Testament; Aethiopia in ancient Greek literature; and Nubia to the Romans. Nubia may have been derived from an Egyptian word for gold, nebew; the Egyptians called Nubia Ta-Sety. Chronology Royal city of Meroe, ancient capitol of Kushite Kingdom and Royal Cemetery also known as al Ahram or the pyramids with tourist couple heading towards pyramid, Meroe, Shendi, Sudan. Dawie du Plessis / Getty Images Dates on the table below are derived from the known age of Egyptian imports recovered in archaeological contexts at Kerma and some radiocarbon dates. Ancient Kerma, 2500–2040 BCEMiddle Kingdom Egypt (Kerma Complex Chiefdom), 2040–1650 BCESecond Intermediate Egypt (Kerman State) 1650–1550 BCENew Kingdom (Egyptian Empire) 1550–1050 BCE  Third Intermediate Period (Early Napatan) 1050–728 BCEKushite Dynasty 728–657 BCE The earliest Kushite society was based on animal herding, with occasional hunting of gazelles, hippopotami, and small game. Cattle, goats, and donkeys were herded by Kerma farmers, who also grew barley (Hordeum), squashes (Cucurbita) and legumes (Leguminosae) as well as flax. The farmers lived in round hut dwellings and buried their dead in distinctive circular tombs. Rise of the Kush Kingdom At the beginning of the Middle Phase about 2000 BC, the capital of Kerma emerged as one of the major economic and political centers in the Nile Valley. This growth was at the same time as the rise of the Kush an important trading partner and an intimidating rival to pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom. Kerma was the seat of the Kushite rulers, and the city developed into a foreign trade-based society with mud-brick architecture, dealing in ivory, diorite, and gold. During the Middle Kerma phase, the Egyptian fortress on Batn el-Haja served as the boundary between Middle Kingdom Egypt and the Kushite kingdom, and it is where exotic goods were exchanged between the two governments.   Classic Period   The Kingdom of Kush reached its peak during the Second Intermediate Period in Egypt, between about 1650–1550 BCE, forming an alliance with the Hyksos. The Kushite kings seized control of the Egyptian fortresses at the border and the gold mines in the Second Cataract, sacrificing control over their lands in lower Nubia to the C-Group people. Kerma was overthrown in 1500 by the third New Kingdom pharaoh, Thutmose (or Thutmosis) I, and all of their lands fell to the Egyptians. The Egyptians took back Egypt and much of Nubia 50 years later, establishing great temples in the region at Gebel Barkal and Abu Simbel. Establishment of the Kushite State Statue of Kushite / Egyptian Pharaoh Taharqa, at Tombos, 25th dynasty, Sudan, 8th-7th century BC. C. Sappa / De Agostini Picture Library / Getty Images After the collapse of the New Kingdom about 1050 BCE, the Napatan kingdom arose. By 850 BCE, a strong Kushite ruler was located at Gebel Barkal.  About 727 BCE, the Kushite King Piankhi (sometimes referred to as Piye) conquered an Egypt divided by rival dynasts, founding the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty of Egypt and consolidating a territory that extended from the Mediterranean to the Fifth Cataract. His rule lasted from 743–712 BCE. The Kushite state vied for power in the Mediterranean with the Neo-Assyrian empire who finally conquered Egypt in 657 BCE: Kushites fled to Meroe, which flourished for the following thousand years, and the last Kushite kings rule ended about 300 BCE. The City of Kerma The capital city of the Kushite Kingdom was Kerma, one of the first African urban centers, located in the Northern Dongola Reach of northern Sudan above the 3rd cataract of the Nile. Stable isotope analysis of human bone from the Eastern cemetery indicates that Kerma was a cosmopolitan town, with a population made up of people from many different places. Kerma was both a political and religious capital. A large necropolis with approximately 30,000 burials is located four kilometers east of the city, including four massive royal tombs where rulers and their retainers were often buried together. Within the precinct are three deffufas, massive mud-brick tombs associated with temples. Kerma Necropolis The Eastern Cemetery at Kerma, also known as the Kerma necropolis is located 2.5 miles (4 km) east of the city, towards the desert. The 170-acre (70 ha) cemetery was rediscovered by archaeologist George A. Reisner, who conducted the first excavations there between 1913 and 1916. Additional research since that have identified at least 40,000 tombs, including those of Kermas kings; it was used between 2450 and 1480 BCE. The earliest burials in the Eastern Cemetery are round and small, with the remains of a single individual. Later ones more elaborate larger burials for higher status individuals, often including sacrificed retainers. By the Middle Kerma period, some burial pits were as large as 32-50 feet (10-15 m) in diameter; the Classic Period royal tombs excavated in the early 20th century by Reisner measure up to 300 ft (90 m) in diameter. Ranking and Status in Kerma Society The largest tumuli in the cemetery are located on the central ridge of the cemetery and must have been the burial places of generations of Classic Phase Kushite rulers, based on their monumental size, the high frequency of human sacrifices and the presence of subsidiary graves. The ranked burials indicated a stratified society, with the highest late Classic Phase ruler buried in Tumulus X with 99 secondary burials. Human and animal sacrifices became common in the Middle Phase and sacrifices escalated in numbers during the classic phase: at least 211 people were sacrificed for the royal burial called Tumulus X. Although the tumuli were all heavily looted, bronze daggers, razors, tweezers and mirrors, and pottery drinking cups were found in the cemetery. Most of the bronze artifacts were recovered in seven of the great tumuli of the Classic Phase Kerma. Warrior Cult Based on the large numbers of young men buried with weapons beginning in the earliest Kerma period, many of them exhibiting healed skeletal trauma, Hafsaas-Tsakos has argued that these individuals were members of the most trusted elite warriors in the personal guard of the ruler, sacrificed during the funerary rituals of the dead ruler, to protect him in the afterlife. Selected Sources Buzon, Michele R., Stuart Tyson Smith, and Antonio Simonetti. Entanglement and the Formation of the Ancient Nubian Napatan State. American Anthropologist 118.2 (2016): 284-300. Print.Chaix, Louis, Jà ©rà ´me Dubosson, and Matthieu Honegger. Bucrania from the Eastern Cemetery at Kerma (Sudan) and the Practice of Cattle Horn Deformation. Studies in African Archaeology 11 (2012): 189–212. Print.Edwards, David N. The Archaeology of Sudan and Nubia. Annual Review of Anthropology 36.1 (2007): 211–28. Print.Gillis, Roz, Louis Chaix, and Jean-Denis Vigne. An Assessment of Morphological Criteria for Discriminating Sheep and Goat Mandibles on a Large Prehistoric Archaeological Assemblage (Kerma, Sudan). Journal of Archaeological Science 38.9 (2011): 2324–39. Print.Hafsaas-Tsakos, Henriette. Edges of Bronze and Expressions of Masculinity: The Emergence of a Warrior Class at Kerma in Sudan. Antiquity 87.335 (2013): 79–91. Print.Honegger, Matthieu, and Martin William s. Human Occupations and Environmental Changes in the Nile Valley During the Holocene: The Case of Kerma in Upper Nubia (Northern Sudan). Quaternary Science Reviews 130 (2015): 141–54. Print.Schrader, Sarah A., et al. Symbolic Equids and Kushite State Formation: A Horse Burial at Tombos. Antiquity 92.362 (2018): 383–97. Print.Ting, Carmen, and Jane Humphris. The Technology and Craft Organisation of Kushite Technical Ceramic Production at Meroe and Hamadab, Sudan. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 16 (2017): 34–43. Print.

Underwriting and Research in Investment Banking (375 words) Auditing

Essays on Underwriting and Research in Investment Banking (375 words) Auditing and Consulting in Accounting Firms (375 words) Research Paper Auditing and Consulting in Accounting Firms Auditing and Consulting in Accounting Firms One of the main conflict of interest amongauditors in a considerable number of accounting firms include the conflict in auditors’ personal interests, financial interest as well as editors’ emotional interests. In most case, editors and other stakeholders in accounting firms favours their subconscious and conscious interest over the interest of executing quality audit as prescribed in the ethical and moral principles and guidelines. In achieving their financial interest, editors in accounting firms compel their client to pay certain amount of fees in order to get better services and favouring reports. This as a result brings about potential conflict of interest among the involved editors, accounting firms stakeholders and their clients. Although there are well-defined guidelines on ethical requirements that govern the execution of social responsibilities among editors pertaining to th e mode of payment, a considerable number of editors in accounting firms do not abide by them. Following failure to comply with the existing guidelines, many editors have been compromising the fairness and quality of their services in expense of their personal, emotional, and financial interests (Williams, 2010). Due to the ever-increasing conflict of interests among clients and editors, accounting firms stakeholders acquires a lot of unnecessary profits and benefits. In reacting to the editors of the accounting firms behaviours of favouring their interest in expense of the legal and ethical requirements, many customers do not have confidence in the services offered by numerous accounting firms. To enhance ethical corporate social responsibility practices, practitioners should acknowledge the fact that, compromising the quality of their service delivery for personal and financial gain is a severe setback that requires immediate action. According to the existing guidelines on editors’ behaviours, clients’ fees should not at all affect their activities and behaviours. To improve the quality of the editors’ service delivery, clients should identify and work with editors who do not compare the quality of their service to the amount of the fees paid on them. Moreover, to minimise the conflict of interest among professionals and stakeholders in accounting firms as well as to counter the existing conflict of interest between clients and editors, accounting firms and other legal authority should ensures that, editors are compelled to comply fully to the existing guidelines. Editors as well need to be adequately informed on the important of their services to organisations’ accountability and transparency. Reference Williams, T. (2010). Uncontrolled Risk: The Lessons of Lehman Brothers and How Systemic Risk Can Still Bring Down the World Financial System. London: Mcgraw-Hill.

Confucius (2309 words) Essay Example For Students

Confucius (2309 words) Essay ConfuciusThe history of Chinese civilization spans thousands of years and encompassescountless ideas, beliefs, and societal and political doctrines. However, from amodern standpoint one distinct perspective prevails above the rest in the mannerand degree it has influenced the development of China. For the previous 2,000years the teachings of Confucius, and the systems of thought and behavior thathave evolved from them, have had significant effects on Chinese thought,government institutions, literature and social customs. Confucianism has serveda primary role as a social and moral philosophy and as practiced by many,especially in the educated upper classes, Confucianism had definite religiousdimensions. The teachings of Confucius served to unite a developing society,binding together various aspects of civilization and culture into one coherentbody that functions under common values and attitudes. Confucius sought a typeof all encompassing unity for the world and for his people; his wi sdom wasintended to serve as guide. In the Analects, a compendium of Confucianteachings, Confucius said, Be of unwavering good faith and love learning. Besteadfast unto death in pursuit of the good Way. Do not enter a state which isin peril, nor reside in one in which the people have rebelled. When the Wayprevails in the world, then show yourself. When it does not, then hide. When theWay prevails in your own state, to be poor and obscure is a disgrace; but whenthe Way does not prevail in your own state, to be rich and honored is adisgrace. (Analects 4.5) This lesson serves well as a paradigm for Confucianthought; it shows the direction that Confucius aspired toward, and the propermethods for the journey. Before endeavoring to understand Confucianism and itsconnection with China, it is necessary to develop and understanding of China inthe pre-Confucius era, in which this philosophy evolved. The most ancientevidence of Chinese religious and social civilization dates back to the Shangd ynasty, circa 1500 B.C.E. In this early agricultural society, there is evidenceof some of the basic fundamentals of most Chinese religious thought; thepursuit, establishment, maintenance and enjoyment of harmony in the earthlyworld. During the Zhou dynasty (1122 771 B.C.E.), the path initiated by theShang was sustained and expanded upon. The Zhou quest for harmony and order ledto the development of some extremely crucial concepts that would directly effectthe development of Confucianism. It was in this era that the notion of Tian, theforce that can be best understood as heaven, first came to light. This later ledto the conception of the idea of the Mandate of Heaven (Tian-ming) from whichrulers derived all power and sense of legitimacy, due to the accordance of theirbehaviors with the norms of morality and ritual correctness. In connection withthis, the relatively stable feudal society of Zhou era was responsible for theemergence of the tao. This principal made cosmic order and har mony possible; thetao can be thought of as the road or path from which come perfect unity, harmonyand order. This idea played a critical role in the development of Confucianismand dramatically affected the course of Chinese development. In the eighthcentury B.C.E., the Zhou dynasty began to fall apart as barbarous tribes invadedfrom the west. This led to the disintegration of Zhou rule and the creation of anumber of contending smaller states hoping to re-unify China under a newdynasty. This serious breach in the structure of society and the disharmony thatprevailed led to new movements of thought. The sages of this time felt strongaspirations to find solutions to the numerous problems that surrounded them. Itprobably is for this reason that the six-century B.C.E. was characterized bydistinct progress in Chinese thought, and became known as the age of the hundredphilosophers. Foremost in this era, Confucius was born. Kung Fu-tzu was thegiven name of the great moral philosopher and te acher, Confucius is merely aromanized version of this. He is thought to have been born in the principalityof Lu, in what is now Shantung Province, in Northeast China. This is the onlyinformation about Confucius that is known to be unyielding fact; almost all ofthe biographical information on this man is derived from the Life of Confuciusby the historian Szema Chien. Nearly all the data contained in this book isheld to be accurate, being derived from dependable oral traditions. Confucius issaid to have embarked on his quest for knowledge, order and harmony in an effortto dispel the conflict and dissension that existed in his time. Throughout hislife he would seek to bring about a return to the ancient values, through astandardization of rituals, the creation of a system of rationalized feudalismand, most importantly, the establishment of ethical relationships based upon theprincipals of reciprocity and benevolence. Confucius most likely started hiscareer in a very lowly position (alt hough some scholars dispute this) andthrough his intense devotion and perseverance was able to rise to a respectedposition in the civil service. It was at this time that Confucius is thought tohave traveled widely in China, studying ancient rites and ceremonies. Hisdevotion to antiquity was genuine and passionate. Confucius said, I transmitbut do not create. I have been faithful to and loved antiquity (Analects 7.1)Confucius then developed a reputation for overtly criticizing governmentpolicies, arguing that the governments of the time were leading the people awayfrom li, a Confucian inspiration that can best be understood as a amalgamationof the terms ritual, custom, propriety and manners. Because of this Confuciusbegan to devote the preponderance of his labors to teaching and edification. .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .postImageUrl , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:hover , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:visited , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:active { border:0!important; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 { 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; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:active , .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .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; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269 .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub3ffe28519ecd272c8f35cb55c5a0269:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Unemployment Essay We will write a custom essay on Confucius (2309 words) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Confucius is accredited to have said, I silently accumulate knowledge; I studyand do not get bored; I teach others and do not grow weary for these thingscome naturally to me.'(Analects 7.2) Confucius quickly began to develop areputation as a prominent instructor and sage. Even though he had ceased tofunction as a political administrator, his teachings were steeped in politicsand state affairs. In fact, an inordinate number of Confucian pupils achievedgreat success as office seekers. In his last years, Confucius wholeheartedlydevoted himself to editing the classical books of Chinese history now known asthe Wu Jing or Five Classics. In these books Confucius sought to permanentlypreserve the ancient knowledge that he valued so dearly, and it seems to serveas a perfect legacy for this distinguished academic. Confucianism can be mosteasily understood by breaking its complexities into distinct vocabulary, in factConfucius himself was reasonably obsessed with terminology. Li, the principle ofsocial conduct to be observed by the moral personality that assumes the form ofritual and social order, was Confucius answer to the problems of his era. As hesaw the state of affairs, the adamant ritulization of life would facilitate thecreation of a harmonious society. The first step in the Confucian program toestablish the proper order of things, tao, was to reform the government. Confucius approach to this is quite distinct when looking from a western pointof view that favors a democratic and egalitarian ideal. Confucius believed thatdirection must come from the uppermost levels of the state, thus working its waydown to everyone. However Confucius held no value in any type of officialcoercion. Instead he believed that if the leaders were accomplished and virtuous(te), and they lived by li, that the people would correct their behavior bytheir own initiative. In the Analects, Confucius said, Lead the people withlegal measures and regulate them by punishment, and they will avoid wrongdoingbut will have no sense of honor and shame. Lead them with the power of virtuousexample and regulate them by the rules of li, and they will have a sense ofshame and will thus rectify themselves. (Analects 2.3) Confucius sought tocreate an environment in which people would naturally be harmonious and thusvirtuous. He believed that harmony was an unavoidable result of li, because liwas a perfect reflection of cosmic order. From a Confucian perspective, any landthat acted according to li was civilized, and any land that did not was notcivilized. This idea was even expanded to claim that a in populace that did notabide by li, the people were not fully human, in the sense that they had nomeans of realizing the full potential of humanity, called ren. Another importantaspect of Confucianism was an ideal known as chun-tzu, which is contemporarilydefined as superior man or true gentleman. Confucius likely envisioned thisconcept due to his struggles against the resolute privileges of the feudalhereditary aristocracy of his day. Confucius saw many of the aristocracy usingtheir political power to protect their own wealth and status, which he saw as agross distortion of the proper order. The superior man of Confucian thought wasa man honored for individual merit and character, which were derived frommeticulous adherence to the Way of the ancients. The chun-tzu was embo died in aman who was above egotism, a man who thoroughly understood li, and a man of ren,altruistic and humane. Confucian thought continued to flourish and develop inChina, even long after the death of Confucius himself. Around the tenth centurya great revival of Confucianism spread across China, triggered by twophilosopher brothers, Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi. They ignited the spark that wouldlead to Neo-Confucianism with their highly respected commentaries on theConfucian classics. Neo-Confucianism blended the old Confucian way withBuddhism, which had a significant following in China. From old Confucianism itderived an emphasis on moral principals, proper order, rule governed behaviorand harmonious human relationships. But these ideas were filtered through aBuddhist perspective, creating the notion that all thought, ordinary experience,and performance of rituals are based on a single, absolute ultimate reality. .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .postImageUrl , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:hover , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:visited , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:active { border:0!important; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d { 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; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:active , .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .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; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4412b49d534358b0d39497db8a86c64d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: History of the olympics EssayThis absolute was called Li, though had a completely different meaning than theoriginal use of this word. In the Neo-Confucian outlook, Li comprises the ideasof reason, principle and order. This was the fundamental principle that governedthe thought of the Neo-Confucian, it became a metaphysical entity to them; Liwas reality itself. Along with this newfound fixation with the absolute,Neo-Confucians also developed a clear definition of the most important Confucianvirtues, called the five moral principals. Ju Xi, a prominent Neo-Confucianphilosopher said, Mans original nature is pure and tranquil. Before it isaroused, the five moral principals of his nature, called humanity,righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faithfulness, are complete. As his physicalform appears, it comes into contact with external tings and is aroused fromwithin. As it is aroused from within, the seven feelings, called pleasure,anger, sorrow, joy, love, hate and desire, ensue. As feelings become strong andincreasingly reckless, his nature becomes damaged. For this reason theenlightened person controls his feelings so that they will be in accord with theMean. He rectifies his mind and nourishes his nature. (Ibid 2.3) According tothis train of thought, emotions are grounded in Li, the absolute, and arestimulated by the activities of everyday life. By nature the emotions, evenanger and hate, are not considered bad. But when the emotions become overstimulated, a disparity may appear between ones inner essential nature and onesouter, conscious life. When this takes place, ones actions will no longer be inaccordance with the Principal and disharmony will pers ist unbridled. In additionto Neo-Confucianisms emphasis on emotional control, the old moral and politicalstance of Confucius was held to be paramount. Respecting the ancient knowledgein the true Confucian manner, Neo-Confucianism continued to emphasize theregulation of public and private lives. Everything was to be kept in its properplace, and ritualized social patterns prevailed. Enacting a firmly regulatedsocial life was inner harmony and the direct experience of the ultimate Li. Confucianism almost exclusively regulated the social and political structure ofChina from the eleventh century through the nineteenth. Much can be ascertainedabout China by studying this phenomenon. Confucianism was always an elitetradition, and it generally did not appeal greatly to the masses. For thisreason, in Confucian ruled China, few attempts were made to root out anddissolve other religious practices and institutions. Although this could havelikely been done without excessive effort, the original Confucian stance ofrule-by-example was strictly adhered to. Thus the Confucian attitude towardDaoist, Buddhist and folk religious practices was one of bemused toleration. Itonly catalyzed into active persecution if one of the groups entered a positionwere it was a threat to political stability. Confucianism held its elatedposition in China through intense promotion of Confucian institutions acting onthe state, village, occupational guild and family level. At the state level,Confucian practices and many groups were strictly adherent to rituals. Theeducated elite, intellectuals and office holders were often devout supporters ofConfucian structure. Twice a year government officials gathered at Confuciantemples to practice determined rituals. These rituals were quite important,serving to show the officials loyalty to the state and their loyalty to theideas of chun-tzu, the superior man. In the Imperial court, there was also anintense devotion to Confucian rituals. The emperor himself played a vital rolein most of these practices, symbolically acting on behalf of the entire Chinesenation. Throughout the entire record of Chinese history as we know it today, fewthings remained constant. Yet because of the extent at which Confucianism wasintegrated into Chinese society, politics and daily life, it stayed invariablefor many hundreds of years. Confucian thought played a dominant role in thegradual development and evolution of a society. Even though dramatic changeshave r eshaped China in the recent history, it seems like many Confucianattitudes and ideas must still influence the way Chinese think and live. Fewfactors could have helped to shape the Chinese character more dramatically. Itis for this reason that I see Confucianism as a valuable tool for developing alucid and precise understanding of China. To understand Confucianism similar tounderstanding the manner in which a river helps to shape a canyon. Confucianismholds many direct contrasts to the majority of western the philosophies that Ihave experienced. Understanding this has helped me bridge the cultural andphilosophical gap between China and the West that has hindered my comprehensionin the past. BibliographyWright, Arthur F. Confucianism and Chinese Civilization. Stanford: StanfordUniversity Press, 1975. ? Dawson, Raymond. Confucius. New York: Hill and Wang,1982. ? Paley, Alan L. Confucius: Ancient Chinese Philosopher. Charlotteville:SamHar Press, 1973.

Plato the Tripartite Soul Book Iv 435c-441c Essay Example

Plato: the Tripartite Soul Book Iv 435c-441c Essay Plato: The Tripartite Soul Book IV 435c-441c The soul and justice within the soul are issues that Plato endears much time and effort into explaining. The existence of ones soul and its influence upon society is a definite argument by Plato, yet viewed very differently by various scholars of the time and centuries to come. Through this essay I intend to address Platos interest in the just soul in relation to his tripartite vision of its existence. As Plato lays out in his work The Republic, the soul is a multi-level entity consisting of three main valid points of interest and justification.I will disclose these three main entities concerning the soul and compare and why each portion may be more effective in argument than the other and why two of his beliefs may strategically work simultaneously while being controlled by the third. I will also approach the intense discussion between the members of the conversation and detail their opinions or arguments for or against this view of the s oul. Overall, the paper should outline the three points regarding the tripartite just soul of man and based upon my understanding of the material I will deliver my ideology on the topic in concern to the soul and the justice that lies within it.As the plot of The Republic has developed Plato leads into a discussion about the two parts of man, the body and the soul. In his explanation Plato explains that the body is an inanimate object that basically serves as a capsule to lead us through life. The soul however is the actual performing part of a person in that it controls the body through its desires. While he felt confident in his claim, Plato realized it was flawed because in order to desire something one must also be able to desire the opposite.With this analogy or aspect of thinking Plato realizes it is impossible for this to be true unless the soul was composed of more than one being. Socrates has enticed his cohorts with an intense discussion which has led to the topic about th e soul of man and its relationship with the citys construction. Within this discussion Socrates makes many valid points of interest and delivers analogies concerning the issues at hand, but his main argument is the correlation between the citys and the soul of man. 2 Socrates feels that people and cities exhibit the same functions and embody the same features and attributes.Socrates explains how in a city the King rules all and is followed by the soldiers who are under direct control of the king and the finally the commoners who have desires and needs, but are bound by the rules of those above them. Thus, we are all complex beings made up of complex parts that all serve a particular purpose in our lives and society. The evidence of this can be seen through various arguments, but the tripartite soul is one phenomenon that must be acknowledged and explored due to its enticing and argumentative nature.While Plato did deliver his opinion on the soul in a somewhat â€Å"on the fly† method, nonetheless it was effective in that it drew the attention of his colleagues and there beliefs regarding it. In turn, Plato sets forth the three parts of the tripartite soul in a way in which they directly relate to the different beings within each state, all of which contribute in some way to the overall function of the individual and state as a whole being. As Plato discusses the virtues within the tripartition soul he has developed he focuses much of his attention on several key issues.These issues are in direst relation to his argument surrounding the make-up of a city. Plato realizes that just like the city of classes of man, the soul is very similar in nature. As he continues to drink with Socrates, Plato introduces the appetitive aspect of the soul, which he feels is responsible for the desires and individual quests of man. Socrates delivers a convincing argument about the inner appetite of a person as well. His insight delivers idealism that one may be thirsty and therefore wants a drink to conquer their thirst, however there are many other ideas to consider than just thirst.Is this thirst for a cold drink to quench your thirst from the intense heat of the day or is it a drink to give you warmth from the frigid temperatures that surround you. Scenarios regarding thirst I this aspect are somewhat endless, but the overall point being made by Socrates is meant to show the in depth appetite of the soul of man. These circumstances are meant to show the appetitive aspect of the soul as well as to show the difference between reasoning and appetites in the soul. As one is thirsty they follow their soul and acquire a drink, while if one is sick, despite his 2 remendous thirst he realizes it is in his best interest not to have an alcoholic drink. This could also be seen through the actions of college students like myself across the globe. If a student needs to prepare for an exam and is thirsty, their choice for water would be much more plausible and e ffective than their choice to drink alcohol in preparation for the exam. This is the quaint difference between the appetitive portion of the soul and the rational portion of the soul which as seen in this instance often coincide with one another. The appetitive portion of the soul is mostly based upon the desires of the person it entails.This portion of the soul is responsible for some of the most common cravings or needs a person may have. These cravings would include the simplest acts needed for survival such as drinking or eating, but also include all other cravings one may have that are not detrimental to ones life. These cravings would include over-zealous needs for sex, desires for wealth, or having a unique friendship with politically elite individuals. While both are a part of the appetitive portion of the soul they are conflicted or controlled by the soul through different measures.The appetitive basically stands guard over the physical aspect of the body, attempting to gai n what it needs while at the same time avoiding what will harm it. Necessities such as food are controlled or influenced by a part of the soul while the other non-life threatening issues are controlled by another portion of the soul all together. The appetitive soul simply addresses simple desires of man and the acquisition of these needs. However, while the appetitive portion is one aspect of the tripartite soul, its inner workings are delegated by different parts of the soul on a larger scale of thought.The appetitive soul for the most part is based in a material nature. The appetitive soul strives to obtain the most basic of necessities while also striving for material pleasure or goods as well. This aspect of the appetitive soul makes it very controversial in terms of justice and its relationship between the other parts of the soul. The appetitive soul in many ways can be considered very close in nature to the spirited part of the soul which is the part of the soul responsible f or feelings associated with acts of 2 love or victory.The spirited soul ultimately seeks feasible actions or goods just as the appetitive soul does, regardless of their ultimate implications. While thirst and hunger are human needs that must be satisfied or they will result in death, the lack of love or honor will not kill you. However, in many instances in our history the spirited soul aspect has played a certain role in the tragic death of someone that lost their true love or lost the honor they so desired. For example, while it was not a human need for survival, love can be very powerful and the loss of ones love could cause someone to commit suicide.Thus, both portions seek something to satisfy or aid the soul in some manner. In short, these two aspects of the soul certainly share many similar traits in respect to their interest for the soul involved. The appetitive soul therefore serves a very important purpose in the tripartite soul set forth by Plato. Its importance is pricel ess as it is one of the three key parts needed for a balanced soul and therefore Socrates did well in explaining its importance through stories of thirst for different drinks and the desire associated with thirst and hunger.Plato also explains how each individuals desire is natural and only present for its particular purpose. This is very vital to the appetitive soul as it depends on desire to function. Without the appetite or desire for something this part of the soul would hardly exist. Therefore these desires or needs are so influential in our lives they are represented as a key part of the soul. There will always be a appetite for drinks and food, as well as other pleasures that dwell within our societies. It is with this notion that we acknowledge the appetitive soul and its overall contribution to the tripartite.While hardly thought of in depth, this argument is quite intriguing and sets the standard for the tripartite soul ideology Plato sets to lay forth for his company. Fol lowing the discussion about the appetitive part of the soul Plato and Socrates begin to discuss how the body or mind tends to avoid or completely ignore the desires that the appetitive soul entails. Plato then begins his discussion about the rational portion of the soul, which he feels is responsible for these actions. In this part of the soul truth is the ultimate goal. This truth is obtained by 2 ctions such as intense thinking, as well as educational entities such as math or the sciences. The rational portion relies on reason to address issues, including the desires that humans have. Through this reasoning the rational portion of the soul determines what is logically a good choice or not. In the best interest of the soul or body, the rational soul controls or inhibits the desires that form in the daily lives of man. Throughout all actions the soul permits, the rational portion of the soul is very much surrounded by your mind and sense of ideas that form your soul or character.The rational soul thus is the part of our mind or soul that thinks about the situation and its consequences or rewards and makes a decision regarding that matter. The rational portion of the soul also makes decisions on other important factors of life and how life should be lived in order to fulfill your life to the fullest. These decisions would include simple notions such as what is fact or fiction or complex questions such as what is actually plausible or not.Thus, the rational portion of the soul makes decisions for the soul pertaining to all issues of life in accordance with living the best possible life one could possibly hope for. Therefore the rational or thinking portion of the soul is very important in nature. Without the reasoning and thought that comes with this part of the soul man would make decisions simply based on desires or needs, not what is actually rational or feasible in each individual situation. Plato compares the rational soul to a charioteer that is drawn by t wo horses.One horse is very powerful and commanding, which would be compared to the appetitive soul, while the other horse is obedient, comparable to the spirited aspect of the soul. Overall the rational soul seeks what is best for ones life based on logical reasoning, not desires or pleasures. It is a counter-balance for both of the other portions of the soul as it does not simply act on inhibitions, but rather addresses the desires or issues at hand and then through various methods decides what will provide the best outcome for the soul involved.As Plato and Socrates discussed the issue of drinking once again, the rational part of the soul is once again brought to the forefront of attention. Their discussion revolves around the thirsty that refuse to drink. â€Å"Isnt there something in their soul bidding them to drink and something forbidding 2 them to do so, something different that masters that which bids? † Through this statement they are recognizing the rational portio n of the soul which calculates and rationally leads to their conclusion on wether or not to drink.Without this rationale the men could be infected by disease, therefore being rational prevented this result. Both scholars then conclude that it would not be irrational to conclude that there are two parts of the soul, one part which delivers the desires or urges and the other that rationally addresses these needs and logically decides if they are for the good or bad of the person involved. As mentioned earlier, we now move on to the spirited portion of the soul which is also very influential in the tripartite soul system of thinking.The spirited soul is the actual desires we hold pertaining to ideas such as love and honor. These desires can also be much more complex or awkward, as seen in Leontiuss actions at the Piraeus. While at first he could maintain his desire and not view the corpses, he was overcome by desire and therefore had to look and comment about their presence. (440a) The spirited portion of the soul is in turn very rich and deep. Since it is rooted in the spirit of the soul, it can contain a vast array of possibilities concerning affect on ones soul.The spirit has direct correlation to a persons will or devotion. Therefore the spirited soul carries out the pursuits of ones soul, however courageous or honorable they may be. These actions are carried out based on the actual intellect of the individual involved and whatever their intellect is advising them to do. Due to its direct relationship with emotions, the spirited soul in many ways sustains and promotes harmony within the overall scope of the soul. The spirited soul also serves a very important purpose in the tripartite ideology.Just as in the appetitive soul, certain pleasures or emotions will directly affect the decision of man. As this spirited soul keeps our minds heading in the right direction and controls the limitless desires we entail. Therefore the limitation of desires is a direct res ult of the spirited soul. By gaining what we desire in moderation we can better control future desires and greatly benefit the overall health of the tripartite 2 soul. Since the spirited soul is highly devoted to honor and pride, it is believed that a direct energy forms from this portion of the soul and is used to keep our desires in order.Direct emotions such as hatred directly represent the anger or ill will of the human spirit. Because of this, the spirited soul is necessary to keep desires in line and provide a greater or more powerful spirit to the soul involved. The spiritual part of the soul can be seen as a machine that drives us into making actions or believing in ideology that we feel confident with. This portion also directly influences our drive within our own lives, as well as the lives of others that surround us, physically or mentally.In many ways when developing this spirit, the spirited soul acts as a guide for the rational soul to serve as a control mechanism for the appetitive soul. The spirit is what initially drives a person and aids them in their decisions on what has occurred in their past and what they hope will occur in their future. Overall the spirited portion seeks a positive outlook upon the person involved and delivers an account on the value of that person. Courage, honor and the pursuit or acquisition of victory is the purpose of the spirited soul, despite the consequences that may follow its actions.After discussing the three parts of the tripartite soul there is an obvious relationship between two of the souls that seem to be directly influenced by the third. The appetitive and spirited souls are directly effected by the rational part of the soul, which as mentioned above acts as as a charioteer leading the two horses, or souls. Despite the desires of the appetitive soul or the emotion and passion within the spirited soul, the rational soul ultimately makes the final decision regarding their actions. The rational part of the soul takes into consideration the aspects of the other souls uch as needs or ambition. In a balanced soul within the tripartite system the rational soul will make the best decision to benefit the soul as a whole. Basically the appetitive and spirited souls are seeking something, wether negative or positive, and the rational soul interprets these wants and comes to a concise conclusion on what decisions will be most beneficial or feasible given the individual situation. By acting as a leader or charioteer the rational portion of the soul creates balance and in turn produces a soul that is just. 2 With the analyzation of the tripartite soul complete.I will now address how each portion was believed to fit into the society of a city, as Socrates strongly felt our soul can be seen as a direct reflection of the cities in which we partake life within. Plato also felt the soul resembles the city in many forms and therefore the virtues present in the city are also present in the soul. For a soul to be complete it must embody the same characteristics of the city to maintain proper balance and order. With this ideology the three parts of the soul can be classified just like the three classes of citizens that make up a city as a whole.In this analogy there are the rulers of the city, or those that are in control or make the rules for others to follow. These people are at the highest end of the citys class system and in relation to the soul they would be the rational portion. The rational soul ultimately makes the decisions, just as the rulers of a city would in their endeavors. Therefore the rational soul would be the higher class or guardians of citizens seeking knowledge and wisdom while ruling or making decisions regarding the other classes in the citys society. The next level of class in the hierarchy of the city would be the auxiliaries or soldiers.Just as with the spirited soul, these actors seek honor and victory in their pursuits. Thus, when comparing the city to a portion of the soul, the spirited soul would represent this social class as it also seeks honor and victory in its pursuits. Courage is strong characteristic of soldiers just as it is the spirit of man. The spirit seeks honor and victory at any cost and therefore must be compared to the middle class soldiers in a citys society as the soldiers enforce the ideas that are set forth by the ruling class, or rational soul. Finally we see he appetitive soul, which in this analogy is compared to the lower class, or the commoners of a city. Within this class are the common people of society, such as traders or craftsmen, who can be compared to the appetitive part of the soul as it contains certain desires, but is forced to obey the the other two due to their lack of influence. This portion seeks out desires and pleasures but are limited by the rational judgement, or rulers of society and also the spirit, or soldiers that enforce the rules set forth by those rulers. All in all the analogy o f the soul being consistent with the actions of a 2 ity is very convincing. Each part of the soul serves its own purpose just as each social class of the city does the same. The involvement of all three of these souls create balance in the mind and a moral soul, just as the the three social classes create balance within the citys society. Obtaining a just and balanced soul is possible and laid out quite well with the discussion of a tripartite system of the soul. As each part of the soul is examined and discussed through the readings in The Republic it becomes apparent that the soul is a very complex entity that works very similarly to a city in many ways.The vision of a three part soul is very intriguing and is effective as an argument as it includes all the notions and actions that we practice on a daily basis. The appetitive portion of the soul can be seen in our daily lives through our need for food and water, as well as our non-life threatening needs such as sex or cigarettes. We all as humans inherit these natural needs and in turn they are directly a part of our souls as man. The spirited soul can be seen in human nature through our need for honor or our reputations.As seen in politics, honor and integrity are essential traits that voters look for when voting for a representative of our government. The spirited soul bases its choices on spirit and what is honorable. Thus, electing the official you believe will preform the duties of government to their best ability is very honorable. Finally the rational soul can be seen in almost every decision we make on a daily basis. Our rational soul interprets what needs or wants our mind or body requests and acts according to what is best overall for the body or mind.This could be seen in a childs choice not to steal candy from a store based on the moral ideas that have been instilled within them. The rational soul is a constant in the tripartite scheme and has direct influence over the two other aspects of the so ul. Overall we all have this tripartite system of soul within ourselves, regardless if we have recognized it before or not. This system takes all of our thoughts, needs, wants and every other aspect of the soul into consideration and preforms actions based on the three parts of the tripartite system.In closing, the soul of man is a very complex being and has been debated by scholars for 2 centuries. The arguments made in The Republic speak of a soul that consist of three entities that coincide and work together to create a balanced and just soul. After this reading it is apparent that there are different portions of the soul and each contribute to the overall soul in many different ways. As Plato, Socrates, Glaucon and others debate the issue of the soul they are quite intense and this shows the importance and relevancy that the soul held in relation to man at this time in history.However, this discussion has transcended time and still continues today. The soul is a intricate and vi tal part of the human race. While we cannot see the soul or know what happens to the soul upon death, the soul is of utmost importance to mankind. The argument and discussion at the Piraeus regarding the soul is invaluable. As the colleagues drank together and discussed this in-depth topic they set forth ideology surrounding the soul and how it relates to the citys in which we live.In a just society we need just souls and an overall moral balance to the scheme of life in which we live. The tripartite soul is a system of much thought and scrutiny, and therefore should be considered highly plausible, specifically from a philosophical perspective. All in all the three part soul is a complete outline of the souls of man. It adequately addresses how the needs and wants of our human nature our directly a part of our souls and how our rational judgement is the third part of our souls that make up the tripartite system.In turn Plato delivers his idea and with the help of his friends develop a system of the soul in which we still acknowledge today. By working simultaneously together these aspects of the soul provide a basis of argument regarding an issue that cannot be recognized by any of the five senses. This alone shows the how generations from centuries ago recognized the importance of the soul and how it influences our lives. Thus, the tripartite system of the soul is a interesting and highly regarded insight into the soul of man and its role in the societies in which we live. 2 Plato the Tripartite Soul Book Iv 435c-441c Essay Example Plato: the Tripartite Soul Book Iv 435c-441c Essay Plato: The Tripartite Soul Book IV 435c-441c The soul and justice within the soul are issues that Plato endears much time and effort into explaining. The existence of ones soul and its influence upon society is a definite argument by Plato, yet viewed very differently by various scholars of the time and centuries to come. Through this essay I intend to address Platos interest in the just soul in relation to his tripartite vision of its existence. As Plato lays out in his work The Republic, the soul is a multi-level entity consisting of three main valid points of interest and justification.I will disclose these three main entities concerning the soul and compare and why each portion may be more effective in argument than the other and why two of his beliefs may strategically work simultaneously while being controlled by the third. I will also approach the intense discussion between the members of the conversation and detail their opinions or arguments for or against this view of the s oul. Overall, the paper should outline the three points regarding the tripartite just soul of man and based upon my understanding of the material I will deliver my ideology on the topic in concern to the soul and the justice that lies within it.As the plot of The Republic has developed Plato leads into a discussion about the two parts of man, the body and the soul. In his explanation Plato explains that the body is an inanimate object that basically serves as a capsule to lead us through life. The soul however is the actual performing part of a person in that it controls the body through its desires. While he felt confident in his claim, Plato realized it was flawed because in order to desire something one must also be able to desire the opposite.With this analogy or aspect of thinking Plato realizes it is impossible for this to be true unless the soul was composed of more than one being. Socrates has enticed his cohorts with an intense discussion which has led to the topic about th e soul of man and its relationship with the citys construction. Within this discussion Socrates makes many valid points of interest and delivers analogies concerning the issues at hand, but his main argument is the correlation between the citys and the soul of man. 2 Socrates feels that people and cities exhibit the same functions and embody the same features and attributes.Socrates explains how in a city the King rules all and is followed by the soldiers who are under direct control of the king and the finally the commoners who have desires and needs, but are bound by the rules of those above them. Thus, we are all complex beings made up of complex parts that all serve a particular purpose in our lives and society. The evidence of this can be seen through various arguments, but the tripartite soul is one phenomenon that must be acknowledged and explored due to its enticing and argumentative nature.While Plato did deliver his opinion on the soul in a somewhat â€Å"on the fly† method, nonetheless it was effective in that it drew the attention of his colleagues and there beliefs regarding it. In turn, Plato sets forth the three parts of the tripartite soul in a way in which they directly relate to the different beings within each state, all of which contribute in some way to the overall function of the individual and state as a whole being. As Plato discusses the virtues within the tripartition soul he has developed he focuses much of his attention on several key issues.These issues are in direst relation to his argument surrounding the make-up of a city. Plato realizes that just like the city of classes of man, the soul is very similar in nature. As he continues to drink with Socrates, Plato introduces the appetitive aspect of the soul, which he feels is responsible for the desires and individual quests of man. Socrates delivers a convincing argument about the inner appetite of a person as well. His insight delivers idealism that one may be thirsty and therefore wants a drink to conquer their thirst, however there are many other ideas to consider than just thirst.Is this thirst for a cold drink to quench your thirst from the intense heat of the day or is it a drink to give you warmth from the frigid temperatures that surround you. Scenarios regarding thirst I this aspect are somewhat endless, but the overall point being made by Socrates is meant to show the in depth appetite of the soul of man. These circumstances are meant to show the appetitive aspect of the soul as well as to show the difference between reasoning and appetites in the soul. As one is thirsty they follow their soul and acquire a drink, while if one is sick, despite his 2 remendous thirst he realizes it is in his best interest not to have an alcoholic drink. This could also be seen through the actions of college students like myself across the globe. If a student needs to prepare for an exam and is thirsty, their choice for water would be much more plausible and e ffective than their choice to drink alcohol in preparation for the exam. This is the quaint difference between the appetitive portion of the soul and the rational portion of the soul which as seen in this instance often coincide with one another. The appetitive portion of the soul is mostly based upon the desires of the person it entails.This portion of the soul is responsible for some of the most common cravings or needs a person may have. These cravings would include the simplest acts needed for survival such as drinking or eating, but also include all other cravings one may have that are not detrimental to ones life. These cravings would include over-zealous needs for sex, desires for wealth, or having a unique friendship with politically elite individuals. While both are a part of the appetitive portion of the soul they are conflicted or controlled by the soul through different measures.The appetitive basically stands guard over the physical aspect of the body, attempting to gai n what it needs while at the same time avoiding what will harm it. Necessities such as food are controlled or influenced by a part of the soul while the other non-life threatening issues are controlled by another portion of the soul all together. The appetitive soul simply addresses simple desires of man and the acquisition of these needs. However, while the appetitive portion is one aspect of the tripartite soul, its inner workings are delegated by different parts of the soul on a larger scale of thought.The appetitive soul for the most part is based in a material nature. The appetitive soul strives to obtain the most basic of necessities while also striving for material pleasure or goods as well. This aspect of the appetitive soul makes it very controversial in terms of justice and its relationship between the other parts of the soul. The appetitive soul in many ways can be considered very close in nature to the spirited part of the soul which is the part of the soul responsible f or feelings associated with acts of 2 love or victory.The spirited soul ultimately seeks feasible actions or goods just as the appetitive soul does, regardless of their ultimate implications. While thirst and hunger are human needs that must be satisfied or they will result in death, the lack of love or honor will not kill you. However, in many instances in our history the spirited soul aspect has played a certain role in the tragic death of someone that lost their true love or lost the honor they so desired. For example, while it was not a human need for survival, love can be very powerful and the loss of ones love could cause someone to commit suicide.Thus, both portions seek something to satisfy or aid the soul in some manner. In short, these two aspects of the soul certainly share many similar traits in respect to their interest for the soul involved. The appetitive soul therefore serves a very important purpose in the tripartite soul set forth by Plato. Its importance is pricel ess as it is one of the three key parts needed for a balanced soul and therefore Socrates did well in explaining its importance through stories of thirst for different drinks and the desire associated with thirst and hunger.Plato also explains how each individuals desire is natural and only present for its particular purpose. This is very vital to the appetitive soul as it depends on desire to function. Without the appetite or desire for something this part of the soul would hardly exist. Therefore these desires or needs are so influential in our lives they are represented as a key part of the soul. There will always be a appetite for drinks and food, as well as other pleasures that dwell within our societies. It is with this notion that we acknowledge the appetitive soul and its overall contribution to the tripartite.While hardly thought of in depth, this argument is quite intriguing and sets the standard for the tripartite soul ideology Plato sets to lay forth for his company. Fol lowing the discussion about the appetitive part of the soul Plato and Socrates begin to discuss how the body or mind tends to avoid or completely ignore the desires that the appetitive soul entails. Plato then begins his discussion about the rational portion of the soul, which he feels is responsible for these actions. In this part of the soul truth is the ultimate goal. This truth is obtained by 2 ctions such as intense thinking, as well as educational entities such as math or the sciences. The rational portion relies on reason to address issues, including the desires that humans have. Through this reasoning the rational portion of the soul determines what is logically a good choice or not. In the best interest of the soul or body, the rational soul controls or inhibits the desires that form in the daily lives of man. Throughout all actions the soul permits, the rational portion of the soul is very much surrounded by your mind and sense of ideas that form your soul or character.The rational soul thus is the part of our mind or soul that thinks about the situation and its consequences or rewards and makes a decision regarding that matter. The rational portion of the soul also makes decisions on other important factors of life and how life should be lived in order to fulfill your life to the fullest. These decisions would include simple notions such as what is fact or fiction or complex questions such as what is actually plausible or not.Thus, the rational portion of the soul makes decisions for the soul pertaining to all issues of life in accordance with living the best possible life one could possibly hope for. Therefore the rational or thinking portion of the soul is very important in nature. Without the reasoning and thought that comes with this part of the soul man would make decisions simply based on desires or needs, not what is actually rational or feasible in each individual situation. Plato compares the rational soul to a charioteer that is drawn by t wo horses.One horse is very powerful and commanding, which would be compared to the appetitive soul, while the other horse is obedient, comparable to the spirited aspect of the soul. Overall the rational soul seeks what is best for ones life based on logical reasoning, not desires or pleasures. It is a counter-balance for both of the other portions of the soul as it does not simply act on inhibitions, but rather addresses the desires or issues at hand and then through various methods decides what will provide the best outcome for the soul involved.As Plato and Socrates discussed the issue of drinking once again, the rational part of the soul is once again brought to the forefront of attention. Their discussion revolves around the thirsty that refuse to drink. â€Å"Isnt there something in their soul bidding them to drink and something forbidding 2 them to do so, something different that masters that which bids? † Through this statement they are recognizing the rational portio n of the soul which calculates and rationally leads to their conclusion on wether or not to drink.Without this rationale the men could be infected by disease, therefore being rational prevented this result. Both scholars then conclude that it would not be irrational to conclude that there are two parts of the soul, one part which delivers the desires or urges and the other that rationally addresses these needs and logically decides if they are for the good or bad of the person involved. As mentioned earlier, we now move on to the spirited portion of the soul which is also very influential in the tripartite soul system of thinking.The spirited soul is the actual desires we hold pertaining to ideas such as love and honor. These desires can also be much more complex or awkward, as seen in Leontiuss actions at the Piraeus. While at first he could maintain his desire and not view the corpses, he was overcome by desire and therefore had to look and comment about their presence. (440a) The spirited portion of the soul is in turn very rich and deep. Since it is rooted in the spirit of the soul, it can contain a vast array of possibilities concerning affect on ones soul.The spirit has direct correlation to a persons will or devotion. Therefore the spirited soul carries out the pursuits of ones soul, however courageous or honorable they may be. These actions are carried out based on the actual intellect of the individual involved and whatever their intellect is advising them to do. Due to its direct relationship with emotions, the spirited soul in many ways sustains and promotes harmony within the overall scope of the soul. The spirited soul also serves a very important purpose in the tripartite ideology.Just as in the appetitive soul, certain pleasures or emotions will directly affect the decision of man. As this spirited soul keeps our minds heading in the right direction and controls the limitless desires we entail. Therefore the limitation of desires is a direct res ult of the spirited soul. By gaining what we desire in moderation we can better control future desires and greatly benefit the overall health of the tripartite 2 soul. Since the spirited soul is highly devoted to honor and pride, it is believed that a direct energy forms from this portion of the soul and is used to keep our desires in order.Direct emotions such as hatred directly represent the anger or ill will of the human spirit. Because of this, the spirited soul is necessary to keep desires in line and provide a greater or more powerful spirit to the soul involved. The spiritual part of the soul can be seen as a machine that drives us into making actions or believing in ideology that we feel confident with. This portion also directly influences our drive within our own lives, as well as the lives of others that surround us, physically or mentally.In many ways when developing this spirit, the spirited soul acts as a guide for the rational soul to serve as a control mechanism for the appetitive soul. The spirit is what initially drives a person and aids them in their decisions on what has occurred in their past and what they hope will occur in their future. Overall the spirited portion seeks a positive outlook upon the person involved and delivers an account on the value of that person. Courage, honor and the pursuit or acquisition of victory is the purpose of the spirited soul, despite the consequences that may follow its actions.After discussing the three parts of the tripartite soul there is an obvious relationship between two of the souls that seem to be directly influenced by the third. The appetitive and spirited souls are directly effected by the rational part of the soul, which as mentioned above acts as as a charioteer leading the two horses, or souls. Despite the desires of the appetitive soul or the emotion and passion within the spirited soul, the rational soul ultimately makes the final decision regarding their actions. The rational part of the soul takes into consideration the aspects of the other souls uch as needs or ambition. In a balanced soul within the tripartite system the rational soul will make the best decision to benefit the soul as a whole. Basically the appetitive and spirited souls are seeking something, wether negative or positive, and the rational soul interprets these wants and comes to a concise conclusion on what decisions will be most beneficial or feasible given the individual situation. By acting as a leader or charioteer the rational portion of the soul creates balance and in turn produces a soul that is just. 2 With the analyzation of the tripartite soul complete.I will now address how each portion was believed to fit into the society of a city, as Socrates strongly felt our soul can be seen as a direct reflection of the cities in which we partake life within. Plato also felt the soul resembles the city in many forms and therefore the virtues present in the city are also present in the soul. For a soul to be complete it must embody the same characteristics of the city to maintain proper balance and order. With this ideology the three parts of the soul can be classified just like the three classes of citizens that make up a city as a whole.In this analogy there are the rulers of the city, or those that are in control or make the rules for others to follow. These people are at the highest end of the citys class system and in relation to the soul they would be the rational portion. The rational soul ultimately makes the decisions, just as the rulers of a city would in their endeavors. Therefore the rational soul would be the higher class or guardians of citizens seeking knowledge and wisdom while ruling or making decisions regarding the other classes in the citys society. The next level of class in the hierarchy of the city would be the auxiliaries or soldiers.Just as with the spirited soul, these actors seek honor and victory in their pursuits. Thus, when comparing the city to a portion of the soul, the spirited soul would represent this social class as it also seeks honor and victory in its pursuits. Courage is strong characteristic of soldiers just as it is the spirit of man. The spirit seeks honor and victory at any cost and therefore must be compared to the middle class soldiers in a citys society as the soldiers enforce the ideas that are set forth by the ruling class, or rational soul. Finally we see he appetitive soul, which in this analogy is compared to the lower class, or the commoners of a city. Within this class are the common people of society, such as traders or craftsmen, who can be compared to the appetitive part of the soul as it contains certain desires, but is forced to obey the the other two due to their lack of influence. This portion seeks out desires and pleasures but are limited by the rational judgement, or rulers of society and also the spirit, or soldiers that enforce the rules set forth by those rulers. All in all the analogy o f the soul being consistent with the actions of a 2 ity is very convincing. Each part of the soul serves its own purpose just as each social class of the city does the same. The involvement of all three of these souls create balance in the mind and a moral soul, just as the the three social classes create balance within the citys society. Obtaining a just and balanced soul is possible and laid out quite well with the discussion of a tripartite system of the soul. As each part of the soul is examined and discussed through the readings in The Republic it becomes apparent that the soul is a very complex entity that works very similarly to a city in many ways.The vision of a three part soul is very intriguing and is effective as an argument as it includes all the notions and actions that we practice on a daily basis. The appetitive portion of the soul can be seen in our daily lives through our need for food and water, as well as our non-life threatening needs such as sex or cigarettes. We all as humans inherit these natural needs and in turn they are directly a part of our souls as man. The spirited soul can be seen in human nature through our need for honor or our reputations.As seen in politics, honor and integrity are essential traits that voters look for when voting for a representative of our government. The spirited soul bases its choices on spirit and what is honorable. Thus, electing the official you believe will preform the duties of government to their best ability is very honorable. Finally the rational soul can be seen in almost every decision we make on a daily basis. Our rational soul interprets what needs or wants our mind or body requests and acts according to what is best overall for the body or mind.This could be seen in a childs choice not to steal candy from a store based on the moral ideas that have been instilled within them. The rational soul is a constant in the tripartite scheme and has direct influence over the two other aspects of the so ul. Overall we all have this tripartite system of soul within ourselves, regardless if we have recognized it before or not. This system takes all of our thoughts, needs, wants and every other aspect of the soul into consideration and preforms actions based on the three parts of the tripartite system.In closing, the soul of man is a very complex being and has been debated by scholars for 2 centuries. The arguments made in The Republic speak of a soul that consist of three entities that coincide and work together to create a balanced and just soul. After this reading it is apparent that there are different portions of the soul and each contribute to the overall soul in many different ways. As Plato, Socrates, Glaucon and others debate the issue of the soul they are quite intense and this shows the importance and relevancy that the soul held in relation to man at this time in history.However, this discussion has transcended time and still continues today. The soul is a intricate and vi tal part of the human race. While we cannot see the soul or know what happens to the soul upon death, the soul is of utmost importance to mankind. The argument and discussion at the Piraeus regarding the soul is invaluable. As the colleagues drank together and discussed this in-depth topic they set forth ideology surrounding the soul and how it relates to the citys in which we live.In a just society we need just souls and an overall moral balance to the scheme of life in which we live. The tripartite soul is a system of much thought and scrutiny, and therefore should be considered highly plausible, specifically from a philosophical perspective. All in all the three part soul is a complete outline of the souls of man. It adequately addresses how the needs and wants of our human nature our directly a part of our souls and how our rational judgement is the third part of our souls that make up the tripartite system.In turn Plato delivers his idea and with the help of his friends develop a system of the soul in which we still acknowledge today. By working simultaneously together these aspects of the soul provide a basis of argument regarding an issue that cannot be recognized by any of the five senses. This alone shows the how generations from centuries ago recognized the importance of the soul and how it influences our lives. Thus, the tripartite system of the soul is a interesting and highly regarded insight into the soul of man and its role in the societies in which we live. 2

Problems Caused by Chinas Three Gorges Dam

Focus Statement The purpose of this study is to offer an objective exploration of the environmental, socioeconomic, health, archeological and geological problems resulting from the construction of The Three Gorges Dam across The Yangtze River as well as to offer possible mitigation measures of the problems caused by the dam.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Problems Caused by China’s Three Gorges Dam specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Interest Rationale The choice of The Three Gorges Dam as the focus of this study was informed by two main factors. Foremost, the Three Gorges Dam is the biggest hydro-electric project in the history of mankind with obvious environmental and social ramifications. According to Gleick, the dam is about 20 meters high, with a 40 million cubic meters volume and has a reservoir capacity of 40 billion cubic meters (Gleick 140). It is expected that its power generation capacity will attain a potential capacity of 22,000 MWe point at completion, which is currently the highest in the world (Gleick 140). On the financial front the total cost of putting it up has been so enormous that no conclusive estimate can be arrived at (Gleick 141). Considering the total number of subsidiary projects that have come up as a result of its construction, the unofficial expenditure the government has had to foot and the extent of less obvious expenditure such as official corruption, social disruption, ecological and archeological losses, any attempt at comparing the initial financial estimates with the eventual actual cost becomes impossible (Gleick 141, 142). Secondly, while development projects of significant size always end up being a source of controversy, the Three Gorges Dam has been the source of an unusual uproar of conflicting opinions ever since its idea first came into being in 1919. The Three Gorges Dam Project’s conceptualization and eventual exec ution has been the subject of a host of factors ranging from differences in policy between successive governments. Issues of interests include; floods of 1949 and 1954 that encouraged the government to hasten the implementation of the project due to its intended capability to control floods; economic market reforms that resulted in a need for more energy to drive Chinese economic growth and the local and international criticism and protests from human rights and environmental activists who saw the project as a huge affront to both nature and human rights (Ponseti Jordi 154).Advertising Looking for annotated bibliography on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Jackson and Sleigh conclude that the dam always elicits either one or both of the following reactions from everyone who first hears of it: â€Å"awestruck interest or passionate disapproval† (2). It is not a wonder therefore that it has through out its unusual ly long history been the object of a world wide campaign of condemnation and criticism. Western media has been noted to be especially vocal regarding the demerits of dam, probably echoing the cautionary stance adopted by their national governments. For instance, in 1995, a year following its construction, the United States Government withheld credit to American firms which expressed interest in the contracts the dam project offered (Lewis). It is this controversy that makes a study of this sort completely necessary. What interests me about this topic? The Three Gorges Dam was of interest to me due to the following reasons; as explained above, the magnitude of the project itself and the controversy it raised. In issues of great controversy, objectivity becomes hard to achieve and the truth consequently quite hard to determine. Truth formed my most primary motivation. At the same time, the dam offered a good opportunity to assess the viability of large hydro-electric dams. Boundaries of the Research The research made use of secondary data from studies based on the social, economic, archeological, health and geological consequences of the Three Gorge Dam project carried out between the years 1994 and 2012. Methodology Due to the richness of data that the Three Gorges Dam project presents, the observational case study research design and use of secondary sources such as literature review will be the research approach that will mostly be used. How is this topic connected to what I have read or experienced? Since this task directly relates to my field of learning, I am anxious to learn what the impact of Three Gorge Dam has to the environment and to people social life. What I know Hydro-electricity is the second largest source of power in the world and is believed to be environment friendly and sustainable. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydro-electric dam in the world and has been the subject of the greatest hydro-electric related controversy ever.Advertising We will write a custom annotated bibliography sample on Problems Caused by China’s Three Gorges Dam specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What I want to know Have there been social, economic, environmental, geological and health problems caused by the Three Gorges Dam and other similar projects? What has been the extent of these effects? Does the Three Gorges Dam therefore make a viable and worthwhile project? Is hydro-electricity the saint in has been believed to be? How did I choose my sources? Numerous studies have carried out on the Three Gorges Dam. Those chosen for the purpose of this study were the ones that focused on the consequences of the dam on the social, economic, archeological, and health fronts. I relied on the school library e-journals database to search for relevant sources by using â€Å"Three Gorges Dam† as the search term and chose the most relevant hits that I got. Annotated Bibliography Ponseti, M. , Jordi L. â€Å"The Three Gorges Dam Project in China: History and Consequences.† Revista, 4 (2006): 152-187 The paper gives a rare insight into the scope of archeological loss that will be occasioned by the building of the dam. According to this study, the area to be inundated by the construction of the dam presents the heritage of a number of prehistoric cultures. More than 1,282 prehistoric sites and all the artifacts they contain will be submerged under the dam’s reservoir. Prior to its approval, the dam project was analyzed by a panel of various experts according to this study and no opposition to the construction of the dam on the basis of the destruction of cultural heritage was presented. As such, the value of cultural relics eventually lost cannot be quantified or valued. The paper also posits that the complete change of topography envisioned by the completion of the dam would lead to the loss of such heritages as ancient battle fronts as well sceneries that served as inspirations to ancient works of art and literature would have been submerged. At the same time though, the paper reports, the excavation undertaken during the construction of the dam nonetheless resulted in the gathering of a significant amount of information regarding prehistoric cultures that occupied the Yangtze River valley such as the Ba.Advertising Looking for annotated bibliography on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More International Rivers Network. â€Å"Human Rights Dammed Off At Three Gorges: An Investigation of Resettlement and Human Rights Problems In The Three Gorges Dam Project.† 2003. Web. http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/3gcolor.pdf This paper carries an assessment of the Chinese resettlement policy in the Three Gorges Dam and compares it with international resettlement standards. Using qualitative data collected in five of the counties that are most affected by resettlement for the Three Gorges Project. The study finds the dam project wanting in its settlement policy in various aspects summarized as (1) the lack of engagement of the affected population by the Chinese authorities; (2) the compensation for demolished houses being based on outdated rates; (3) the unavailability of land and jobs previously promised to displaced persons; (4) the diversion of resettlement funds to unrelated projects by the authorities; (5) the use of excessive force to quell protests demanding th e amelioration of resettlement related grievances (6) along with other discrepancies between Chinese and international resettlement standards. For these reasons recommendations are offered as mitigation measures for the resettlement problems resulting form the construction of the dam. The paper finally offers such recommendation as resettlement and rehabilitation of all displaced people; the establishment of grievance channeling mechanisms and the engagement of independent consultants to monitor resettlement among others. The paper therefore offers viable solutions to the social catastrophe that the Three Gorges Dam presents. Jiaqi, L. â€Å"The Impact of China’s Three Gorges Project: An Evaluation of Its Effect on Energy Substitution and Carbon Dioxide Reduction.† 1998. Web. http://www.american.edu/spa/publicpurpose/upload/The-Impact-of-China-s-3-gorges.pdf. One of the rationales offered by proponents of the Three Gorges Dam project is that in the dam’s absence , China would have to rely on the world’s most environmental unfriendly fuel: coal. This study offers a rare insight into the notion that hydro-power constitutes the clean sustainable power source it is believed to be and whether the Three Gorges Dam can solve the two main problems it was designed to address: reduction of thermal electricity generation and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Though credited with being relatively environmentally clean, hydro-electric power still does contribute towards global warming through the release of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere. These gases are produced by the decomposition of accumulated vegetation in reservoirs. China projects that by constructing the dam, it would avert 100 million tons of carbon dioxide, 2 million tons of sulfur dioxide, and 0.37 million tons of nitrogen oxide according to this source (Jiaqi). Until now, no reliable study has yet been carried out to assess whether these projections bear any truth. The research found out that the dam’s actual power generation performance falls short of expectation due to factors such as siltation and water scarcity resulting from droughts. The role of the dam, while originally meant to be a substitute of thermal generated energy, has rather turned out to be that of a complement of coal as a source of energy. Thus, the dam does not live up to the expectations suggesting that it was not worth the massive investment it presents. Jackson S., Sleigh, A. â€Å"Resettlement Issues of China’s Three Gorges Dam.†Ã‚  Economic Issues, 1998. Web. http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:10487/ei_2_98.pdf This study makes a prediction of immense significance regarding the eventual social consequences of the Three Gorges Dam project. Through a thorough analysis of the population that the construction of the dam sought to displace and a consideration of the attendant factors inherent in involuntary displacement of people, the paper offers in- depth insights into the potential social consequences of the dam. These predictions were based on the application of credible models of voluntary and involuntary human resettlement. The gravity of the issue of resettlement in the Three Gorges Dam project is magnified by the apparent disinclination of the Chinese government to engage with and address the genuine concerns of local inhabitants. The study states that the Chinese government was also seemingly incapable of raising sufficient funds to adequately handle the resettlement programs even without offering the displaced population any financial incentives. As a matter of fact, the paper stated, a third of the total cost of building the dam was yet to be secured; issues of lack of transparency regarding the use of resettlement funds were also of great concern. Even in cases of ideal involuntary human resettlements, the paper asserts, doubts still linger regarding eventual expected social and economic outcomes. Considering all the above factors, the paper predicts that China’s largest involuntary human resettlement in peace time is likely to result in social unrest. Mackie, T., He, M. â€Å"COEH Final Report: Public Health Impacts of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir: A Preliminary Survey of the Three Gorges Dam.† Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Student Project Award Program. 2005. Web. http://coeh.berkeley.edu/docs/student_award/Mackie_proposal.pdf. The rationale for carrying out of this study was that the dam was expected to change the ecology and hydrology of the Yangtze River in many ways. These changes would present many potential health concerns for the population around the resultant reservoir. By analyzing water samples from seven locations along the 700 kilometer reservoir, this study sought to assess the premise that the dam posed health risk to the population inhabiting areas around the reservoir. The study sought to analyze water samples for the presence of cyanobacter aia which is linked with such complications as liver damage, gastro-intestinal disorders and neurological impacts. The study found out that cyanobacteraia did exist in the water therefore posing a health risk to those who were exposed to water from the reservoir. The presence of these algae was as a result of the slowing down of the original velocity of the Yangtze River by the dam. It was also the direct result of the increase in water temperature and increase in organic materials in the river, both factors bearing a direct link to the construction of the dam. The study also found out that the risk of the population’s exposure to the reservoir’s water was real through such means as fishing, recreation and drinking. The findings of this study show that more comprehensive studies should be carried out to ascertain there aren’t more health risks posed by the dam. Synthesis The studies cited above provide a good picture of the problems emanating from the constructi on of the Three Gorges Dam. Generally classifying these problems into categories such as health, archeological, social-economic and environmental, a single strand of truth does shape from all of these sources. A consideration of independent arguments presented in each show that there are indeed significant shortcomings to the dam raising questions as to its overall worth. Most importantly, the clear exploration of the oversights leading to these problems from divergent points of view offers valuable literature for future dam projects. Similar themes can be drawn amongst the sources cited. For instance, both International Rivers Network and Jackson and Sleigh studies focus on the human resettlement aspect and thereby drawing similar conclusions. The strongest theme though, running in all sources selected is proof that the dam project could have benefitted from a more thorough cost-benefit analysis and a more open and transparent implementation process. Additionally, Mackie and He thr ough their analysis of the Three Gorges Dam reservoir water have shown that there are real health concerns by confirming the presence of cyanobacteraia in the Yangtze River. Jackson and Sleigh, drawing their arguments from the history and general principles of involuntary human resettlement, and the peculiarities of resettlement policy of the Three Gorges Dam project, predict that social unrest is a very probable eventuality as a social consequence of the dam project. Jiaqi concludes that the dam might not be realizing its goal of helping to significantly reduce China’s greenhouse gas emissions by replacing thermal power sources. The dam, the study found out, could actually itself be a significant emitter of these very gases. International Rivers Network concludes that unless mitigating measures as the ones recommended are taken, the dam project could easily become a human rights catastrophe. Lastly, Ponseti and Jordi posit that the value of the archeological heritage lost as a result of the dam project is so huge to ever be estimated. Works Cited International Rivers Network. â€Å"Human Rights Dammed Off At Three Gorges: AnGleick, Peter. â€Å"Three Gorges Dam Project, Yangtze River, China.† Water Briefs, 3 (1993):139-150. Investigation of Resettlement and Human Rights Problems in the Three Gorges Dam Project.† 2003. Web. http://www.internationalrivers.org/files/3gcolor.pdf Jackson, Simon Sleigh, Alex. â€Å"Resettlement Issues of China’s Three Gorges Dam.†Ã‚  Economic Issues, 1998. Web. http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:10487/ei_2_98.pdf Jiaqi, Luam. â€Å"The Impact of China’s Three Gorges Project: An Evaluation of Its Effect on Energy Substitution and Carbon Dioxide Reduction.† 1998. Web. http://www.american.edu/spa/publicpurpose/upload/The-Impact-of-China-s-3-gorges.pdf. Mackie, Timon He, Mack. â€Å"COEH Final Report: Public Health Impacts of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir: A Preliminary Survey of the Three Gorges Dam.† Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Student Project Award Program. 2005. Web. http://coeh.berkeley.edu/docs/student_award/Mackie_proposal.pdf. Ponseti, Marl Jordi, Lipin. â€Å"The Three Gorges Dam Project in China: History and Consequences.† Revista, 4 (2006): 152-187 This annotated bibliography on Problems Caused by China’s Three Gorges Dam was written and submitted by user Alexandra Hooper to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Bipolar Illness and Creativity

Bipolar Illness and Creativity In his article, Albert Rothenberg (2001) focuses on the relationship between such variables as creativity and bipolar illness. Overall, I find this work very informing and thought-provoking. The author argues that bipolar disorder does not increase creative abilities of an individual (Rothenberg, 2001, p. 144). He demonstrates that there is little or no dependence between these variables.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Bipolar Illness and Creativity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This article can be very useful to therapists and patients. People should remember that bipolar disorder can be a very dangerous illness that is more likely to harm the creative capacity of an individual, rather than promote it. In my opinion, Albert Rothenberg provides very convincing and interesting examples in order to illustrate his viewpoint. On the whole, this article raises many questions that researchers and therapists should cons ider. First of all, the author believes that the connection between bipolar disorder and creativity may be very difficult to determine (Rothenberg, 2001, p. 131). Therefore, researchers should understand how the connection between these two phenomena can be best examined or measured. They have to choose the methods that ensure the validity of results; otherwise their studies may be of very little use. Secondly, Albert Rothenberg says that people, who are engaged in creative activities can be more vulnerable to mood disorders (2001, p. 132). Therefore, therapists should think of how they can best help such patients. Probably, there is an approach that works most effectively for such people. Finally, the author mentions various famous artists or writers like Van Gogh or Virginia Woolf (Rothenberg, 2001, p. 132). In many cases, their psychological problems were diagnosed on the basis of their diaries or other autobiographical records. The question arises whether such records can used f or the purposes of psychiatric diagnosis. One should determine the extent to which they are reliable. This article can have significant implications mostly for the field of psychology. Overall, this work can raise higher standards for psychologists who study the relationship between mood disorders and creativity or intelligence. As it has been said before, they have to develop more complex methods that can either prove or disprove the relation between bipolar illness and creative talents. The development of such methods can be a very challenging task. Secondly, people, who are not professional psychologists or psychiatrists, will have to be more aware of about the dangers of mood disorders. The author eloquently illustrates the point that psychological disorders can and should be treated.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There is no reason to associate creativity or im proved performance with mood disorders. Such an approach is hardly permissible from ethical and scientific standpoints. Patients should reject the stereotype according to which bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are conducive to intelligence or creativity. On the whole, patients should be encouraged to seek treatment even if they do not want to. First of all, therapists should explain patient’s creative skills have nothing to with bipolar disorder or illness. Secondly, without treatment their emotional state can only deteriorate. In their long term, their career and relations with other people can be threatened (Rybakowski, Klonowska, PatrzaÅ‚a, 2008, p. 37). These are the main reasons that counselors should give when talking to people who may have bipolar illness or other diseases. Certainly, it is unethical for force such people into treatment, but therapists should at least peoples’ awareness about the dangers to which they are exposed. Reference List Rothenberg , A. (2001). Bipolar Illness, Creativity, and Treatment. Psychiatric  Quarterly, 72(2), 131-147. Rybakowski, J., Klonowska, P., PatrzaÅ‚a, A. (2008). Psychopathology and creativity. Archives Of Psychiatry Psychotherapy, 10(1), 37-47.