buy custom Medieval Philosophies essay

buy custom Medieval Philosophies essay Medieval Philosophies The article Medieval Philosophies What Are They, and Why? by Georgy Gereby sheds more light to the notion of medieval philosophy. The author shows that the subject under discussion is not as simple as one may think at first glance. It has particular problems and difficulties on different levels. First, the term is problematic. It appears that it is complicated to define the term because of chronological and geographical aspects. One of the problems the researchers face is that the time framework of the Middle Ages is rather blurred. There are different versions about the beginning of this period. Second, the historical approaches are flawed. It seems that each historian has their own understanding of the Middle Ages and its philosophy. After all, the readers get to know that medieval philosophy is not strictly determinated chronologically, geographically, historically, and conceptually (Gereby 173). The problematic context of the medieval philosophy reveals the main question of the article. The author wonders if the philosophy of the Middle Ages existed at all. On the one hand, Gereby assumes that the philosophy requires some freedom of reason. On the other hand, he acknowledges that in the Middle Ages the Christian Church restricted the free use of reason. Thus, Christianity appeared to dominate medieval philosophy. Therefore, the author claims that the medieval philosophy was a religious philosophy. He supports his claim with the objectivation of Harry Wolfson and presents the main counterargument of Bertram Russell. Besides, Gereby shows the similarities and differences between theology and philosophy. According to him, philosophy used to be independent as a science, but closely related to theology. Comparison between different opinions leads him to the answer to his question. Gereby concludes that there was a philosophy in the Middle Ages, though to realize it, knowledge of the entire context is necessary. Thus, the article expands the readers vision on the essence of medieval philosophy. I learned a lot from reading the article. First, I got to know that there are three branches of medieval philosophy: Jewish, Christian and Islamic. Before, I had been familiar only with the Christian medieval philosophy and I had never heard of the Jewish one. I learned that although these three branches shared a common heritage in science, Judaism and Christianity had a profound impact on medieval philosophy. The approach of an author explains a lot, namely, how the debates were possible between philosophers and why traditional philosophers did not appear at that time. Second, I learned why theology is a science. Before that, I have never considered it one. To me, it was more about faith than about theoretical framework and principles. After reading this article, I have changed my mind. I see the logic in the argumentation of Thomas Aquinas. He effectively harmonizes faith and reason. Of course, philosophy and theology are different. Philosophy is based on the human mind, and theology is inspired by revelation. Still, both philosophy and theology refer to the truth and reality. Third, I learned that the medieval philosophy is not simple. I thought I had known a lot about the philosophy of that period, because I used to read about it in the books. Now I know that I lack competency in this field. Furthermore, currently I notice many uncertainties in the course of history and logical fallacies in argumentations. I suppose that there is no universal truth in science even if it claims there is. The universal opinion on the medieval philosophy period has not been achieved. Also, the essence of medieval philosophy remains blurred. I see that both Aquinas and Russell may be right, therefore, the reliability of scientific knowledge is relative. Order custom essay from EliteWritings.com

Siege of Veracruz in the Mexican-American War

Siege of Veracruz in the Mexican-American War The Siege of Veracruz began on March 9 and ended on March 29, 1847, and was fought during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). With the beginning of the conflict in May 1846, American forces under Major General Zachary Taylor won quick victories at the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma before advancing to the fortress city of Monterrey. Attacking in September 1846, Taylor captured the city after a bloody battle. In the wake of the fighting, he angered President James K. Polk when he granted the Mexicans an eight-week armistice and allowed Monterreys defeated garrison to go free.   With Taylor at Monterrey, discussions began in Washington regarding future American strategy. It was decided that a strike directly at the Mexican capital at Mexico City would be the key to winning the war. As a 500-mile march from Monterrey over rugged terrain was deemed impractical, the decision was made to land on the coast near Veracruz and march inland. This decision made, Polk was forced to decide on a commander for the mission. A New Commander While Taylor was popular, he was an outspoken Whig who had frequently criticized Polk publicly. Polk, a Democrat, would have preferred one of his own, but lacking an appropriate candidate, selected Major General Winfield Scott who, though a Whig, posed less of a political threat.  To create Scotts invasion force, the bulk of Taylors veteran troops were ordered to the coast. Left south of Monterrey with a small army, Taylor successfully held off a much larger Mexican force at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. The sitting General-in-Chief of the US Army, Scott was a more talented general than Taylor and had come to prominence during the War of 1812. In that conflict, he had proven one of the few able field commanders and earned praise for his performances at Chippawa and Lundys Lane. Scott continued to rise after the war, holding increasingly important posts and studying abroad, before being appointed general-in-chief in 1841. Organizing the Army On November 14, 1846, the US Navy captured the Mexican port of Tampico. Arriving at Lobos Island, fifty miles south of the city, on February 21, 1847, Scott found few of the 20,000 men he had been promised. Over the next several days, more men arrived and Scott came to command three divisions led by Brigadier Generals William Worth and David Twiggs, and Major General Robert Patterson. While the first two divisions were comprised of US Army regulars, Pattersons was made up of volunteer units drawn from Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The armys infantry was supported by three regiments of dragoons under Colonel William Harney and multiple artillery units. By March 2, Scott had around 10,000 men and his transports began moving south protected by Commodore David Connors Home Squadron. Three days later, the lead ships arrived south of Veracruz and anchors off Anton Lizardo. Boarding the steamer Secretary on March 7, Connor and Scott reconnoitered the citys massive defenses. Armies Commanders: United States Major General Winfield Scott10,000 men Mexico Brigadier General Juan Morales3,360 men Americas First D-Day Considered the most heavily fortified city in the Western Hemisphere, Veracruz was walled and guarded by Forts Santiago and Concepcià ³n. In addition, the harbor was protected by the famed Fort San Juan de Ulà ºa which possessed 128 guns. Wishing to avoid the citys guns, Scott decided to land southeast of the city at Mocambo Bays Collado Beach. Moving into position, American forces prepared to go ashore on March 9. Covered by the guns of Connors ships, Worths men began moving towards the beach around 1:00 PM in specially designed surf boats. The only Mexican troops present were a small body of lancers which were driven off by naval gunfire. Racing ahead, Worth was the first American ashore and was quickly followed another 5,500 men. Facing no opposition, Scott landed the remainder of his army and began moving to invest the city. Investing Veracruz Sent north from the beachhead, Brigadier General Gideon Pillows brigade of Pattersons division defeated a force of Mexican cavalry at Malibrn. This severed the road to Alvarado and cut off the citys supply of fresh water. Pattersons other brigades, led by Brigadier Generals John Quitman and James Shields aided in holding off the enemy as Scotts men moved to surround Veracruz. The investment of the city was completed within three days and saw the Americans establish a line running from Playa Vergara south to Collado. Reducing the City Within the city, Brigadier General Juan Morales possessed 3,360 men as well as another 1,030 offshore at San Juan de Ulà ºa. Outnumbered, he hoped to hold the city until aid could arrive from the interior or the approaching yellow fever season began to reduce Scotts army. Though several of Scotts senior commanders wished to attempt a storming of the city, the methodical general insisted on reducing the city through siege tactics to avoid needless casualties. He insisted that the operation should cost the lives of no more than 100 men. Though a storm delayed the arrival of his siege guns, Scotts engineers including Captains Robert E. Lee and Joseph Johnston, as well as Lieutenant George McClellan began working to site gun emplacements and enhance the siege lines. On March 21, Commodore Matthew Perry arrived to relieve Connor. Perry offered six naval guns and their crews which Scott accepted. These were quickly emplaced by Lee. The next day, Scott demanded that Morales surrender the city. When this was refused, the American guns began bombarding the city. Though the defenders returned fire, they caused few injuries. No Relief The bombardment from Scotts lines was supported by Perrys ships offshore. On March 24, a Mexican soldier was captured carrying dispatches stating that General Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna was approaching the city with a relief force. Harneys dragoons were dispatched to investigate and located a force of around 2,000 Mexicans. To meet this threat, Scott dispatched Patterson with a force which drove off the enemy. The next day, the Mexicans in Veracruz requested a ceasefire and asked that women and children be allowed to leave the city. This was refused by Scott who believed it to be a delaying tactic. Resuming the bombardment, the artillery fire caused several fires in the city. On the night of March 25/26, Morales called a council of war. During the meeting, his officers recommended that he surrender the city. Morales was unwilling to do so and resigned leaving General Josà © Juan Landero to assume command. On March 26, the Mexicans again requested a ceasefire and Scott sent Worth to investigate. Returning with a note, Worth stated that he believed the Mexicans were stalling and offered to lead his division against the city. Scott declined and based on the language in the note, began surrender negotiations. After three days of talks, Morales agreed to surrender the city and San Juan de Ulà ºa. Aftermath Achieving his goal, Scott only lost 13 killed and 54 wounded in capturing the city. Mexican losses are less clear and were approximately 350-400 soldiers killed, as well as 100-600 civilians. Though initially chastised in the foreign press for the inhumanity of the bombardment, Scotts achievement in capturing a heavily fortified city with minimal losses was staggering. Establishing a large base at Veracruz, Scott quickly moved to get the bulk of his army away from the coast before yellow fever season. Leaving a small garrison to hold the city, the army departed on April 8 for Jalapa and began the campaign that would ultimately capture Mexico City.

Research Paper of the Research Proposal that I give you

Of the Proposal that I give you - Research Paper Example Nok sculptures also show animals and humans. Their purpose is yet unknown, because scientific fieldwork is still not available. Essentially, the terracotta is preserved in the variety of littered pieces. That is why Nok art is famous presently just for the heads, both male and female, whose hairstyles are especially comprehensive and advanced. The sculptures are in remains since the discoveries are normally made from alluvial mud, in landscape made by the attrition of water. The terracotta sculptures established there are secreted, rolled, polished and fragmented. Hardly are the works of great size preserved intact making the, exceedingly prized on the global art market. The terracotta figurines are hallow, coil produced, almost life sized human heads and torso shown with exceedingly stylized aspects, adequate jewellery, and different stances. Numerous artifacts have been established depicting an assortment of physical ailments, including incapacitating illness and facial paralysis. The Nok culture of central Nigeria is famous for its terracotta sculptures and denotes the first sculptural in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, Nok plays a well know functions in the appearance of iron technology, offering some of the most primitive proof of iron smelting in West Africa about 500 BC as illustrated by excavations in Taruga. In comparison to its scientific significance, Nok remained a mystery for a long time, since few archaeological fieldwork has been committed to the Nok culture, and previously, little less is known about the creators of those remarkable works of art. In reality, Taruga is better described as an iron-smelting site, as huge figure of iron-smelting furnaces have been revealed but no abode has been found with surety. Test excavations have been conducted, which have long established. The position of many iron-smelting furnaces, some of which have been excavated have been found. It has also proved likely, as a consequent of the work at Taruga, to acquire a clearer perception of the pottery connected with the sculptures than has until now been likely from the alluvial sites. No particular stone tools have been identified at Taruga, so that there in any case it appears the Nok culture was totally iron-using. The iron smelting furnaces at Taruga are at the time the most primitive known in sub-Saharan Africa. The only location where a fulfilling interface has been discovered between a pre-metal and a metal using phase of technology is at Daima. In the farthest north-eastern horizon of Nigeria (Fagg 41-50). In 1943, an archeologist based in the United Kingdom Bernard Fagg, traveled across central Nigeria looking for artifacts of any known ancient African civilization, and collected virtually 200 terracottas through buying, persuasion, and his own excavations. Soil examination from the sites where the artifacts were discovered dated them about 500 B.C. This appeared unlikely since the form of advanced communities that would have created such works were not thought to have existed in West Africa that early. However, when Fagg subjected plant content identified embedded in the terracotta to the then new method of radiocarbon dating, the dates varied from 440 B.C. to A.D. On the other hand, a scarecrow head was excavated and dated to about 500 B.C. utilizing a procedure known as thermoluminescence that measures the time since baked clay was fired. Taruga

Internship Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Internship Report - Essay Example 1. Understanding the work environment: Most of the things I studied in my degree were theoretical. I was expecting to get a fair overview about how units and components of an organisation works together to attain the results that have been set by the top elements of the organisation; 2. Communication skills development: I sought to get important skills and competencies in communicating and delivering information to parties within and outside an organisation. So I made it a point to learn and study the way different stakeholders and different players interact in an organisation and also try to work on it. 3. Cultural Competency: Since the world is multicultral now, I sought to understand the way a city like London works to integrate all the cultural requirements of its diverse environment in the workplace. To this end, I sought to understand how people interact within the organisation and how they interacted with external stakeholders. In a very critical sense, I did not get to learn all what I wanted and sought to learn. This is because the responsibilities I was given seemed to have been far from what other stakeholders and other top managers were required to do. Thus, I was not able to appreciate things to the depths that I wished I could uncover. However, being a basic marketer gave me the chance to observe a lot of things from afar. I was able to understand how the organisation operations and how it sought to provide its services to people who use their services. I was also able to understand how marketing operates and how it links up to the various units and components of an organisation. Hence, I could understand my actual contribution to the firm. I could not learn much about how to attain efficiency and effectiveness since most of the things I was supposed to do were straightforward and could be done fairly easily without challenges. However, I could observe the areas where critical results were expected and I could understand

The Elements of Religion in 19th Century in America Essay Example for Free

The Elements of Religion in 19th Century in America Essay In the 19th century United States of America was experiencing new developments in religion. Different movements and sects emerged as a result of the inspirations by the new interpretation of the Bible, the expectation of the second coming of Christ and the teachings by the new thinkers and prophets The philosophical and scientific questions that arose at this time also contributed to the changes that took place in the religion in this country. This period was characterized by the second and the third great awakening in the religion The spirit of revival was spreading all over the country just like it had happened in the first Great Awakening. This wave led to the emergence of the new movements such as Restorationism, Mormons and the holiness movement in New York. The revival saw the growth of the Methodists and Baptists as the two denominations gained new members especially the freed slaves. Missionaries’ societies were set up to help in the process of evangelization in the country. Members of the missionaries’ societies acted as the educators and the apostles. (Noll,Mark 1992 93) The Baptists and Methodists sent missionaries to the south where they were able to convert many people especialy the slaves. Protestants also gained members although not to a greater extent as the the evangelical churches. There was a marked growth of the non denomiational churches such as the Churches of Christ which advocated to the return of the standard teaching of the Bible. Many people were seeking a return to what they believed as the fundamental teachings of the New Testament. The missionaries society in the south converted both the slave owners and the slaves. The changes that took place in this region gave the slaves some freedom in the course fof conducting their own affairs in the church. Though there was some attempt by the slave owners to control their services the move was met with a stiff opposition from the slaves who maintained that they will be running their own affairs. This happened despite passage of legislation requiring the Balck slaves to have a white man anytime they were conducting In the Appalachian the revival was done through use of the camp meetings where mutiple preachers evangelized to the locals for several days urging them to turn away from their sins. There was an emotional following that characterized these meetings where converts came together and formed small local gatherings. (Noll,Mark 1992 254) The revival spread ot the other parts of the country where different denomination were busy converting followers. The methods were not one of the denomination that employed the best method and had a very efficient organization. Baptist on the other hand did not have any church organization ,its first prechers were people who had receive4d a call from God. Noll in his book a History of Christianity in United States and Canada observes that the second great awakening was very influential in the American church history. It brought a wide and strong rekindling of interest on religion all over the country. It provided a platform through which similar patterns of revivals were experienced at different times of the century in the country. During the American Revolution war the state of Christianity in this country had been injured greatly, the war had disrupted church activities especially in the regions where the war was very intense. The congregations had been disrupted such that in some areas they had ceased to operate. This affected the mission of theses gathering as they were not in the position to continue with their evangelization activities during the war. The war had dealt a very heavy blow on the church especially the Episcopal Church which was believed to be closely associated by England. It was treated with suspicion due to the fact that many people saw its association with the England the former colonial power. There was a general decline on the interest of the church affairs. People were more concerned with the issues at hand leaving very little time for the church and its activities. (Noll,Mark 1992 156) The revival occurred again after the end of the war, the immigrant communities had kept the fire burning as far as Christianity was concerned. The end of the war brought back the interest that had been there on the religion, again there was a renewed interest on religious matters across the country. There was peace again and the missionaries could continue with their work. They carried their mission with zeal as they reached every corner of the nation. The American Christians took as their responsibility to reform the society also. There are several notable changes that were brought about by the revival of the religion after the war. There was a spirited campaign to rid the society of the veils that characterized it at this moment. The antebellum reform which included: the abolitionism, the fight for women rights and other issues that faced the society. This was seen as God’s plan to purify America. (Noll,Mark 1992 203) Religion in the 19th century underwent tremendous changes which saw the revival of faith in different parts America. The number of denominations increased as well as the members of these churches. The period saw the emergence of sects and movements which have shaped the history of the church since this period. This period emerged as one of the most important in the history of religion in United States of America. Work Cited Noll,Mark A history of Religion in America and Cananda,Grand Rapids W. M. B. Eerdman Publishing Co (1992)

Hernan Cortes :: essays research papers

Hernan Cortes was born in 1485 in a town called Medellin in Extremadura. It talks about little of his child hood and little about his young life except that he studied law at the University of Salamanca. His law school years were cut short in 1501 when he decided to try his luck in the New World. He sailed from Santo Domingo in the Spring of 1504. After he had got there in 1511 he joined he Spanish Soldier and Administrator Diego Velasquez in the conquest of Cuba, and there he became alcalde or mayor of Santiago de Cuba. In 1518 he persuaded Velasquez to give him command to the expedition of Mexico. Juan de Grijalva, nephew of Velasquez, had discovered the mainland the year before by the Spanish soldier and explorer Fernandez de Cobia and. On February 19, 1519 Cortes set sail west from Cuba even though Velasquez cancelled his pay because of suspicion that Cortes would find himself independent and refuse to take order. Cortes took with him about 600 men, less than 20 horses, and 10 field pieces. Cortes sailed along the east coast of Yucatan and in March 1519 landed in Mexico. Cortes neutralized the town of Tabasco. The artillery, the ships, and especially the horses awed the natives. From these people of Tabasco Cortes learned about the Aztecs and their ruler Montezuma II. Cortes took lots of captives one of which they baptized and renamed Marina. She became his lover and out of loyalty to him became his interpreter, Translator, Guide, and Counselor. Finding a better harbor a little North of San Juan they established a town called La Villa Rica De La Vera Cruz, which literally translates to The Rich Village Of The Vera Cruz. This was later called just Varacruz. Cortes did what Velasquez that he would do, and abandoned the authority of everybody except the king and queen. Cortes was a strategical thinker and destroyed his group of vessels in order to prevent small forces from opposing him and returning to Cuba to tell Velasquez. At about this time Cortes started his famous march inland even after negotiations with Montezuma. Montezuma tried to persuade Cortes not to enter the capital city of Tenochtitlan but Cortes was good at not following directions. Cortes overcame the native tribe Tlascalans. This tribe quickly became an alliance to the Spanish because they were enemies to the Aztecs.

Public Speaking Self Reflection Essay

During the first week of class we learned about presentations and talking in front of people. At which each individual experienced nervousness and fear. As we gave our presentations each person was given a critique on strengths and weaknesses. I saw many weaknesses in my presentation and intend on working on finding ways to improve them into strengths. Some anxiety signs I noticed were speaking too fast and moving around. I feel maybe I rushed the presentation and possibly distracted by my thoughts and material in my hands. I didn’t have the correct mind set to calm down and speak clearer and slower. I wanted to get the presentation over with so I think I went in with the mind set of doing it fast. I think one way to work on that is take my presentations more seriously and find ways to enjoy them. Looking at the class while speaking may also contribute to this, because they seemed just as disinterested as I was. I think that may have messed with my head a bit but I need to work on ways to look and feel more enthusiastic, that way the class can feel the same. What I hope to accomplish in this class is get rid of the anticipation and nervousness I get before and during speeches and presentations. Though I don’t have a  problem speaking in front of people, I want the feeling to be second nature to me. Ways to improve that is practice talking with strangers and giving speeches or presentations in front of friends and family. If I can’t talk in front of my friends and family, then chances are I can’t do it in front of strangers. In conclusion, it was refreshing to get feedback from your peers in order to better yourself. A lot of times the presentation goes well in our head, or least we think so, but it doesn’t quite come out exactly like you thought. Having the kind of criticism is healthy because even though we practice, we don’t notice things about ourselves, like body language or tone of voice. Practice doesn’t make perfect but practice makes permanent. If you practice wrong, you risk bad habits and risk doing it wrong.