Critique of a Research Article Essay

This paper presents a critique of a qualitative research article titled: ‘Perceived support from healthcare practitioners among adults with type 2 diabetes’ (Oftedal et al, 2010) (appendix 1). To enable the critique of this article the Caldwell critiquing tool (2005) will be utilized. (Appendix 2) Research critiquing is a valuable skill, to gain as it enables student nurses to develop and improve knowledge and skills and also adheres to the NMC code of conduct (NMC, 2008). Polit and Beck (2006) emphasis the ability to analyse research enables individuals to gain knowledge. A great importance of research is that it introduces improvements and changes into practice based from evidence based practice (EBP). According to Pioneer David Sacklett (2000). EBP can be defined as â€Å"the integration of the best research evidence and clinical expertise, and patient values† (Sacklett,2000). This article was selected as diabetes is becoming an international epidemic affecting all healthcare professions (WHO,2012). First point of interest to a reader is the title; giving clear indication of the subject (Polit and beck, 2012). It should grab the attention of a reader as discussed by Parahoo (2006). A good title should contemplate all aspects of the above, also considering Polit and Becks (2012) thoughts on the title being with a 15 word limit. This title is very clear to the reader, in relation to the subject under study being short, concise and use of good language. Appropriate selection for a research paper relies highly on validity and reliability, which can be shown via credentials of authors. Working statues within health studies and behavioural research within university of Stavanger clearly quoted against each of the authors. This article has clearly labelled, educational status and working status of all authors. Willis (2007) believes that an author’s academic background can give validity and credibility within the research itself. Education held by authors was ‘MSc, PhD, RNT’ being of an university level (Oftedal et al, 2010). Further interest to a reader commences from the information shown within an abstract. This has to hold enough information for it to show a brief understanding of the study in place. Holloway and Wheeler (2010) recommend a clear, concise summary of the research and how it should be implemented. Burns and Grove (2007) mention good abstracts convey findings and capturing attention of a reader. A benefit to this article is that it is clear, readable and structured with subheadings providing a deeper structured understanding. The introduction of this article evidently outlines the rationale for the study; with reference of findings from other relevant studies completed. Holloway and Wheeler (2010) declare authors have to provide awareness of their subject and reasons for their study. Suggestions made indicated that it is paramount for study for the improvements to be made, emphasising on the rise in statistics from the condition (Oftedal et al, 2010). Within the article, there is no clear indication of a literature review. Although, through reading this it has become apparent that it has been included within the background section. Polit and Beck (2012) discuss a literature review being a summary of previous research. Explanations are given within reference to other studies such as Schilling et al (2002) which has shown to lack empirical evidence. However, Thorne and Paterson (2001) look at aspects, but indicate more research can be done. The purpose of a literature review is essential as it gives more emphasis on why the study is important; for instance lack of previous research on the subject. Within this article has an disadvantage, because there is no clear stating of a literature review, which would in some circumstances confuse a reader. Research referenced within the article was between the years 1992-2008; mentioning the need for further research (Oftedal et al, 2010). A purpose for an article is to generalise there aims, informing subject under study stating what is likely to be achievable from the study; Polit and beck (2012) emphasis this being an importance. The aim is clearly sub headed giving the reader clear positioning within the report, it is short and concise with relevant information; indicating the subject of study and what is desired. The aim being ‘perceived support from healthcare and different attributes, that influence people’s self-management of the disease’ (Oftedal et al, 2010). The study is complete by using participants. Ethical issues have a vast importance relating to the validity and credibility of the research. Approval of ethical committee’s is exceptional, including reference. Legal rights and ethical aspects for all research methods have to be considered (Holloway and Wheeler, 2002; Moule 2011; Strubert, 2011). The study appears to have been approved by Norwegian regional committee for medical and health research ethics, social science data services all having reference provided. Implications can be studied at length but four rights are paramount in research: the right not to be harmed, the right of full disclosure, the right to self-determination and the right to privacy, anonymity and confidentiality (ICN, 2012). It is apparent from the study that informed consent was gained from participants, as an invitation was sent, and approval from participants was gained. The right to withdraw was shown as two participants never contributed from initial approval. Methodology is discussed by Parahoo (2007) simply as a plan that describes, how, when and where data is to be collected and analysed. This article does not visibly show methodology but it is an interchangeable term such as research design is present. An advantage from the article is that further reading and comprehension is not necessary as it obviously indicates this research as â€Å"interpretive and descriptive qualitative design† (Oftedal et al, 2010). Holloway and Wheeler (2002) state it gives an understanding of human experiences, giving an advantage to this research as it is what they wish to achieve. Additionally, Holloway and Wheeler (2010) discuss, how roots with philology and the human science, especially in history, centring the way humans related to their subjective reality and attaching a meaning to it. Approach taken solely on world life context rather than individuality; allowing more of an understanding of human experiences at a whole. This type of research allows authors to gain characteristics within this field. Usage of the data is to develop theories and identify problems with current practice (Burns and Grove, 2007; Gerrish and Lacey, 2010). Outcomes achieved five themes, namely: an empathetic approach, practical advice and information, involvement in decision making, accurate and individualised information and on-going based support (Oftedal et al, 2010). These are gained via interpretive and descriptive qualitative design, as it focusses more natural environments rather than cause and effect which is quasi-experimental. This concept being noticeably identified via the research, this was conducted. Details of the participants can be found within the article visibly labelled participants. A participant enables the researcher to conduct the study; Burns and Grove (2012) suggest participants are selected due to experience, knowledge and views related to the study in the progress aiding the researcher to gain accurate information. Within this article, the type of sampling which has been declared is purposive sampling; Parahoo (2006) suggests that this type of sampling conducted is chosen because it provides more reliable and valid data as it is represented by participants diagnosed with the condition. Furthermore the participants, who were invited to take part, were recruited via referrals, from local organisations relating to diabetes such as learning and coping. Ability to speak Norwegian and be within an age bracket of 30-65 allows the data to be more accurate. As discussed, sampling was purposeful; therefore it emphasises the reliability. The sample size used for this research was 19 participants recruited from 3 organisations, unemployed to reduce bias. Mixed gender, aged 30-65 and all participants had the condition for a minimum of one year. Although, purposive sampling is used it does not indicate which strategy; for instance, Patton (2002) allocates more than 12 for qualitative research, Polit and Beck (2012) note there being no fixed rules for sample size, although Morse (2000) mentions how much broad the scope, reflects in the sample size. This research has an advantage as it focussed on participants whom are diabetic. However limitations being restricted are age group, and metabolic generalisation. For example: participants within the study all had the controlled blood glucose levels, there was no sample members who shown uncontrolled or unstable diabetes. Data collection from the research conducted was presented within a table. Collected via focus groups, consisting of 6-7 person per session, participants were interviewed at the workplace of the authors and mixture of genders per group. Although as mentioned by Polit and Hungler (1997) advantage being that it increases dialogue; disadvantage being an decrease for those not comfortable voicing within a group. As it has it pros and cons we can establish that all participants’ had type 2 disease therefore would not have much influence on responses. Limits of time, and for 2 sessions was placed by researchers. The authors recommended time for reflection between sessions. The models used, were identified with the data collection section being expectancy-value and social support theory for questions within the focus groups. All the participants spoke one language; Norwegian which is an advantage to others as it is easier to transcribe. The focus groups explained in data analysis was audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, creating auditability. The analysis was as stated â€Å"Qualitative content analysis in nursing research: Concepts, procedures and measures to achieve trustworthiness† (Graneheim and Lundman, 2004; Oftedal et al, 2010, p1503). Processes took place for this study, unmistakably shown as coding to breakdown text into parts; identifying patterns within the data (Burns and Grove, 2006; Holland and Rees, 2010). After identifying codes, this enables the themes to be developed which was interrelated as findings of the study. Furthermore, data management requires clear processes to ensure methodological rigour and credibility of the findings (Burns and Grove, 2007). According to Polit and Beck (2006) a reader should consider if the data is adequate, to be published in a clear and efficient manner. This article has appropriately labelled correctly making it readable and understandable. The results gained from the data analysis, is clearly drawn within the article under the findings section; providing the established themes, creating an understanding for the reader of how and why they found referenced themes. Polit and Beck (2013) discuss how a reader should notably find limitations within the study. this article presents a limitation section outlining a discussion of how it affects the results and further addresses possible queries that can be made such as, different attributes that can be found from people without stable metabolic ranges as it was limited to acceptable metabolic levels (Oftedal et al, 2010). The impact of results found can construct towards EBP. Additionally, the authors have discussed implications for practice within the study. This advantage is a favourable point as it leads the reader of the implications and how it can be implemented. It focuses hugely on how beneficial it is when it comes to practice. According to transferability of these findings it becomes apparent that type 2 diabetes is a worldwide increasing problem. Results can be transferrable to any country to improve better care for those with type 2 diabetes. The study was conduct in Norway, although it is based within another country the prevalence is still applicable in the UK. Holloway and Wheeler (2010) discuss the meaning of transferability as â€Å"findings of one context that can be transferred to similar situations or participants† diabetes is a worldwide known disease (WHO, 2012) it can be transferred. Polit and Beck (2013) reference that for the generalisation of the study; it has to be valid and reliable for this to take place. The role of a nurse becomes paramount within this section. Whether the results can be implemented by a nurse in practice, such as supporting patients in a better manner and referring if needed for more education, giving more individualisation to self-management programmes as discussed within the article (Oftedal et al, 2010). In relation to the conclusion within the article it clearly sums up the findings and how it can be implemented within practice. It states that further research is necessary before definite conclusions can be retained. Transferability of the research to other chronic illness similar to type 2 diabetes was also mentioned. Burns and Grove (2010) express that the findings and the meaning of the research should be placed within the conclusion. The assignment has explored the significance within research and EBP, transferability of research and recommendation have an importance in this. Overall, this article was clear with good use of words, presentation was greatly achieved, allowing the reader to be more focussed. It discussed within itself the limitations, recommendations and the need for further research for this to become meaningful. Recommendations can be viewed as knowledge and implemented within practice from this study. Also showing that evidence based practice does start from research; it is shown that studies are required in some circumstances to gain more knowledge to improve services. References Burns, N, Grove, S K (2006) Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence based practice 4th ed Elsevier Saunders, United States of America Burns, N, Grove, S K (2007) Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. 5th ed. Elsevier Saunders, United States of AmericaCaldwell, K., Henshaw, L., and Taylor, G. (2005) Developing a frame-work for critiquing health research, Journal of health, social and envi-ronmental issues, 6(1), pp45-53. [accessed via: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/2981/1/Developing_a_framework_for_critiquing_health_research.pdf] [accessed 20/05/2013] Cutcliffe, J. and Ward, M. (eds.) (2007) Critiquing nursing research. 2nd ed. London: Quay Books. Gerrish, K and Lacey, a (2010) The reseach process in nursing 6th Ed Blackwell publishing: Oxford Graneheim, UH. & Lundman, B. (2004). Qualitative content analysis in nursing research: Concepts, procedures and measures to achieve trustworthiness. Nurse Education Today, 24, pp. 105-112. [accessed via: http://www.nurseeducationtoday.com/article/S0260-6917(03)00151-5/abstract][accessed 20/05/2013] Holland, K. and Rees, C. (2010) Nursing: evidence-based practice skills. New York: Oxford University Press. Holloway, I, Wheeler, S (2002) qualitative research in nursing 2nd ed. Blackwell publishing: Oxford Holloway, I, Wheeler, S (2010) qualitative research in nursing and healthcare 3rd ed. Blackwell publishing: Oxford ICN (international council of nurses) (2012) ethical guidelines for nursing research. Geneva ; ICN [accessed via http://www.icn.ch/images/stories/documents/publications/free_publications/Code_of_Ethics_2012.pdf] accessed 20/05/2013. Morse, Janice, M. (2000). Determining sample size. Qualitative Health Research, 10(1), 3-5. [accessed via http://qhr.sagepub.com/content/10/1/3.extract] accessed 20/05/2013 Moule, P, Hek, J (2011) Making sense of reseach; an introduction for health and social care practioners. 4th ed. Sage publications: London Nursing & Midwifery Council (2008) The code: standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. London: Nursing and Midwifery Council. Oftedal, B, Karlsen, B, Bru E. (2010) Perceived support from healthcare practioners among adults with type 2 diabetes. Journal of advanced nursing, vol 66, issue 7, pp1500-1509. Blackwell publishing [accessed via http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05329.x/abstract] [accessed on 01/03/2013] Patton, M Q (2002): Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, Sage: Thousand Oaks. Parahoo, K. (eds.) (2006) Nursing research: principles, process and issues. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (eds.) (2012) Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (eds.) (2006) Essentials of nursing care: methods, appraisal and utilization. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (eds.) (2010) Essentials of nursing research: appraising evidence for nursing practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (eds.) (2013) Essentials of nursing research: appraising evidence for nursing practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Polit,D F, Hungler, B P (1997) Essentials of nursing research; methods, appraisal and utilization. 4th Ed, Lippincott- Raven, Philadelphia: New York David L. Sackett (2000). Evidence based medicine; how to practice and teach EBM. Volume 2 Edition, 2, Churchill Livingstone: University of Michigan. Schilling L.S., Grey M. & Knafl K.A. (2002) The concept of selfmanagement of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents: an evolutionary concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 37(1), 87–99.accessed via: .http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11784402 [Accessed 20/05/2013] Streubert, H J, Carpenter, D R (2011) Qualitative research in nursing: advancing the humanistic imperative 5th Ed, Wolter Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Williams:London. pp56-59 Thorne S.E. & Paterson B.L. (2001) Health care professional support for self-care management in chronic illness: insights from diabetes research. Patient Education and Counseling 42(1), 81–90.Accessed via: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11080608 [Accessed 20/05/2013] WHO. (2012) About WHO [online]. World Health Organization. Available from: http://www.who.int/about/en/ [Accessed 17th December 2012]. Willis, J, W. (2007) Foundations of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.

Facts, Fiction and Persuasive Speech Essay Topics

Facts, Fiction and Persuasive Speech Essay Topics Persuasive Speech Essay Topics - Overview The third step is to make certain that the speech is localized. The variety of body paragraphs will mostly are based on the amount of your paper. The very first step is to obtain a suitable topic for the speech. There are just a few examples of the easy persuasive speech topics we've got on our site. When you compose a persuasive essay speech be sure that it is both factual and informative. Remember your essay shouldn't be a string of jokes, it's a narrative it ought to have a start, middle and the end. Having selected a superior topic to argue about, at this point you will need to make an argumentative essay outline. Fantastic examples are climbing in road accidents and theft. Understanding Persuasive Speech Essay Topics There are range of alternatives for the necessary nutrition. To defend your subject, you can recall the effect of overloaded schedule on college grades. If you've ever taken an on-line class, you understand how different it can be from a classic face-to-face course. There are several persuasive essay topics to select from to finish your high school or college assignment. Students are accustomed to the simple fact which their professors give them with the assignment's topic. They should keep their mobile in silence so as to not disturb the class. They have to complete a lot of writing assignments during college years. They should be allowed to listen to music during prep time. By way of example, such a speech is used if you would like people to vote for a specific candidate, to adhere to the city rules or to change somebody's opinion on an important issue. Persuasive speech refers to a certain kind of speech where the speaker has the objective of persuading the audience to accept their perspective. A persuasive speech is provided with the goal of persuading the audience to feel a particular way, to take a specific action, or to support a particular view or cause. It looks like a tough challenge for many students. There's no demand for smoking cigarettes. Giving up smoking is surely harder than simple talking about the risks of smoking. Preparing a convincing speech about the risks of smoking and the way to give up the habit is something which literally saves lives. A good deal of it simply is dependent on your nature and interests, as what you find easy and interesting, others might come across dull and too complicated. Many people wind up covering the exact tired topics they see in the media daily, only because they can't produce a better idea. Not all individuals are suicidal that manner. There are positive and negative individuals. You can't expect to modify the world in one day! Remember which you are attempting to make your audience except a brand-new vision of the issue. It's best in the event you choose a topic in which you get a genuine interest in as you'll be doing a lot of research on it and if it's something which you take pleasure in the procedure will be significantly easier and more enjoyable. It's good since they can easily find help and it may also prevent them from doing something naughty. When you have the proper knowledge you also need to learn to deliver it in the most convincing method. Your persuasive argument is going to be made stronger if you're able to demonstrate that you're passionate about this issue and have a strong opinion one way or the other. Normally, having three big arguments to demonstrate your point is sufficient for a convincing paper. You may find there's a compelling argument for learning another language after all!

House Calls - The Metaphors of Dr. Gregory House

Before you can ask if theres a metaphor in the house, Dr. Gregory House will oblige: Have you guys heard any of my metaphors yet? Well come on, sit on grandpas lap as I tell you how infections are criminals; immune systems the police. Seriously, Grumpy, get up here: itll make us both happy.(Dr. Gregory House in the Mirror, Mirror episode of House, M.D.) Over the course of several years, the names of a dozen writers have appeared in the credits to the Fox TV program House, M.D. Each, it appears, owns a well-thumbed copy of the Merck Manual of Medical Information. And by now all must be collaborating on a new edition of the Dictionary of Metaphors. As regular viewers are aware, the shows deeply disturbed protagonist (played by Hugh Laurie) is inclined to deliver inflammatory eructations of festering figures of speech. Houses Medical Metaphors At times House relies on metaphors to translate complex medical conditions into language that his colleagues (and other true idiots) can understand. Cervical lymph node is a garbage dump. Very small one--just one truck comes, and it only comes from one home. Al Gore would be appalled. (97 Seconds)Saying there appears to be some clotting is like saying theres a traffic jam ahead. Is it a ten-car pile-up, or just a really slow bus in the center lane? And if it is a bus, is that bus thrombotic or embolic? I think I pushed the metaphor too far. (Euphoria, Part 1)Dr. House: You know, when the Inuit go fishing, they dont look for fish.Dr. Wilson: Why, Dr. House?Dr. House: They look for the blue heron, because theres no way to see the fish. But if theres fish, theres gonna be birds fishing. Now, if hes got hairy-cell, what else are we gonna see circling overhead? (Role Model)Dr. House: As far as youre concerned, the patient is Osama bin Laden, and everyone not in this room is Delta Force. Any questions?Applicant #11: Were protecting Osama bin Laden?Dr. House: Its a metaphor. Get used to it. (The Right Stuff)The tumor is Afghanistan, the clot is Buffalo. Does that need more explanation? OK, the tumor is Al-Qaeda. We went in and wiped it out, but it had already sent out a splinter cell--a small team of low-level terrorists quietly living in some suburb of Buffalo, waiting to kill us all. . . . It was an excellent metaphor. Angio her brain for this clot before it straps on an explosive vest. (Autopsy)The liver is like a cruise ship taking in water. As it starts to sink, it sends out an SOS. Only instead of radio waves, it uses enzymes. The more enzymes in the blood, the worse the liver is. But once the ship has sunk, theres no more SOS. You think the livers fine, but its already at the bottom of the sea. (Locked In)Dr. Cameron: Idiopathic T-cell deficiency?Dr. House: Idiopathic, from the Latin meaning were idiots cause we cant figure out whats causing it. Give him a whole body scan.Dr. Cameron: You hate whole body scans.Dr. House: Cause theyre useless. Could probably scan every one of us and find five different dooda ds that look like cancer. But, when youre fourth down, 100 to go, in the snow, you dont call a running play up the middle. Unless youre the Jets.Dr. Cameron: I hate sports metaphors. (Role Model) But House is generally more intent on frightening than on edifying. As he once said: The point of metaphors is to scare people from doing things by telling them that something much scarier is going to happen than what will really happen. God, I wish I had a metaphor to explain that better. (All In) At other times the House metaphor is nothing more than a comic exercise in doctor-patient incivility. Once, after discovering that a young man had attempted self-circumcision with a utility knife, House snapped, Stop talking. Im going to get a plastic surgeon. To get the Twinkie back in the wrapper. House Metaphors About Life in General Of course, House himself is a walking, or rather limping metaphor--his crippled leg an emblem of his deformed spirit. And his acerbic metaphorical remarks may be read as symptoms of an undiagnosed malady. No, there is not a thin line between love and hate. There is, in fact, a Great Wall of China with armed sentries posted every twenty feet between love and hate. (Occams Razor)Dr. Wilson: Beauty often seduces us on the road to truth.Dr. House: And triteness kicks us in the nads. (Occams Razor)Lies are a tool: they can be used either for good or--no, wait, Ive got a better one. Lies are like children: hard work, but theyre worth it because the future depends on them. (Its A Wonderful Lie)Dr. House: Nothing matters. Were all just cockroaches, wildebeests dying on the river bank. Nothing we do has any lasting meaning.Evan Greer: And you think Im miserable?Dr. House: If youre unhappy on the plane, jump out of it.Evan Greer: I want to, but I cant.Dr. House: Thats the problem with metaphors. They need interpretation. Jumping out of the plane is stupid.Evan Greer: But what if Im not in a plane? What if Im just in a place I dont want to be?Dr. House: Thats the other problem with metaphors. Ye s, what if youre actually in an ice cream truck, and outside are candy and flowers and virgins? Youre on a plane! Were all on planes. Life is dangerous and complicated, and its a long way down. (Living the Dream)You know me. Hostility makes me shrink up like a . . .. I can’t think of a non-sexual metaphor. (Spin)You know its all nice when people start to dig these holes, but then they start to live in these holes and get angry when someone pushes dirt into those holes. Come out of your holes, people! (House vs. God)Dr. House: Im a night owl, Wilsons an early bird. Were different species.Dr. Cuddy: Then move him into his own cage.Dr. House: Wholl clean the droppings from mine? (Sleeping Dogs Lie) Every now and then, however, House finds himself on the wrong side of a metaphor, as in this exchange with a young patient: Dr. House: Are you going to base your whole life on who youre stuck in a room with?Eve the Patient: Im going to base this moment on who I am stuck in a room with! Its what life is. Its a series of rooms, and who we get stuck in those rooms with, adds up to what our lives are.(​ One Day, One Room) And how does House respond to the womans metaphor? As he must, by silently--and literally--walking out of the room.

Philosophies Relationship to Death Essay - 971 Words

Philosophies Relationship to Death Apology and Phaedo Knowledge of Death versus Belief in a Soul In Plato’s Apology, Socrates says that he knows nothing of death while in Phaedo he discusses many of his beliefs on death and its philosophical ramifications. From this simple perspective it may seem as though he is contradicting himself although he, after further investigation, is not. Philosophically, the idea of death and an afterlife can be looked at from multiple non-contradictory viewpoints. Socrates talks of his lack of knowledge of death in order to define, more so, his philosophy on life. While in Phaedo, he talks explicitly about his philosophy on death. The two discussions of death are equally important in†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, death does not constitute a certain evil and death may not interfere with the will of God, his teaching and discussing and thinking. So, as simple logic can explain, living would require that evil does exist whether it’s incarceration or any other punishment, while death may be, in fact the greatest good, rather than the preconceived notion of many that it is the greatest evil. Socrates, thus, chose the possibility of good rather than the inevitability of evil. By discussing death in such a manner Socrates is also able to offer his opinion on the decisions made during life. If we are not able to know whether death is an evil at all, when compared to other options in life, it may be the better. We do know, for example, that disgrace is an evil so, when faced with the option, Socrates would choose death. Socrates discussed this in terms of following the orders of a righteous leader in a military situation, but made his reasoning more personal when he used it in describing his desire to follow the orders, or will, of God. It is therefore, if we want to live righteously, that we should not fear death as the many earthly evils should be feared instead. In Phaedo Socrates, during his last ours of life answers many questions on his belief of the ramifications of death. He discusses not whether death is an evil, nor does he say that he knows death, but instead whether death exists for the soul at all and in what form. Socrates argues that deathShow MoreRelatedEssay about Confucianism1154 Words   |  5 Pages Confucianism Confucianism is an East Asian philosophy built up by a Chinese philosopher, Confucius (Kung Fu-tzu), in the 6th - 5th century BCE. It’s a philosophy based on human morals and relationships. To really understand Confucianism, how it originated and what parts of history contributed towards its development, you have to look into: who is Confucius, the history of Confucianism and what happened to Confucianism after the death of Confucius? Who is Confucius? 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Understanding the dichotomous relationship of the soul and the body is integral to grasping the similarities and differences between the classical Greek and Indian paths because the way in which these concepts are understood definesRead MoreAncient Chinese Philosophies : Comparisons Between Lao And Confucius1476 Words   |  6 PagesAncient Chinese Philosophies: Comparisons between Lao Su and Confucius Daoism and Confucianism are two of China’s oldest religions. Both of these men’s teachings largely affect China’s belief system today, and both still widely practiced and still have temples all over the world. Confucianism helped shape China’s education system that still stands today, and Daoism has been helping people understand â€Å"the way† of life since the Han Dynasty. They are both very similar to each other, but at the same

Capetian Kings of France Free Essays

string(122) " of the royal demesne was the essential aim of the king and his advisor and Suger’s account seems to support this view\." What factors promoted the authority of the Capetian Kings of France in the Twelfth century? France in the eleventh century had been a fragmented land, divided into federal principalities, or mini-states ruled by princes or dukes. Though they recognized the King of France’s authority they did not expect him to exercise it in their individual territories. Feudalism increased the power of these mini-states in the twelfth century, and was the tool used by the Capetian Kings of France to advance their influence and wealth. We will write a custom essay sample on Capetian Kings of France or any similar topic only for you Order Now Why and how the Capetian dynasty sought to establish and then successfully utilize this particular system will be the main focus of my essay. Feudal law was the customs and relations between lord and vassal in regards to the most valuable medieval commodity; land. Under the ‘oath of fealty’ the lord protected the vassal and gave him land to hold in return for produce, labour services, or military services. The feudal lord could acquire a substantial sum of money if his vassal’s son wished to retain his deceased father’s fiefdom. The potential heir would pay a ‘relief’ to the lord to secure his succession. Other advantages in the feudal arrangement were in cases of the land reverting entirely back to the lord if its vassal died without any successors. The benefits of a feudal society were significant in terms of power and profit for a feudal lord. Therefore, a King who was also feudal lord of his kingdom would hold a strong position of authority. King Louis VI (the fat) sought to establish himself as a feudal monarch, perhaps to regain some of the distinction that had been enjoyed by his predecessor, Charlemagne. Louis VI’s reign was from 1108 – 1137 AD, during which time he sought to consolidate his power as a feudal lord in his demesne. The Capetian King would then have established a base from which to further expand his royal authority in the Kingdom of France. Louis VI felt that he should protect the lands of his vassals well and not appear to be seizing them for himself. It appears that he hoped this would establish a mutual confidence between lord and vassal and would be a great incentive for other subjects in the kingdom to become his vassals voluntarily. Ceaseless vigilance† was required by the king to assert his royal power and prevent its loss if it was not exercised. Louis VI therefore spent a great deal of his reign travelling from one end of his demesne to the other, quashing petty disputes with vassals and granting permission for festivals and markets. All this was in pursuit of respect for his feudal authority, which he painstakingly achieved. Consequently, the respect of other nobles in the kingdom for Louis increased and with his authority. Evidence of the King’s increased power can be seen in the invasion of France by Emperor Henry V in 1124. Nobles from all over the territory obeyed Louis VI’s summons to stand against the Emperor e. g. those from Soissons, St Denise, the Count of Flanders, the Count of Anjou, and the Duke of Aquitaine. Louis’s grandson, Philip II ‘Augustus’ would continue this practice of exercising royal control over his demesne. Philip invested a great deal in drawing up thorough and precise agreements with vassals old and new. By the time Philip II ‘Augustus’ was in power, the territory under Capetian control had grown significantly. This was due in part to the labours first carried out by Louis VI in first consolidating the royal demesne before enlarging it. Both kings knew the value in treating their subjects justly, as dishonesty or greed was sure to provoke a feudal rebellion and destroy any possibility of a feudal monarch. The relationship between the crown and the church also played a part in promoting Capetian authority. The church lent support to the king in return for protection. The idea of a feudal monarch in Latin Christendom appealed to the clergy who favoured order and obedience which would allow ‘Christian life’ to flourish. The church even supported the claim that the king possessed a healing touch which he passes on to his son. This claim gave rise to the notion that the position of king was ordained by God and should be accepted as his will. This made way for another advance in solidifying royal power by helping to make the crown hereditary. The king’s son was permitted to be crowned during his father’s lifetime in order to preserve the healing touch. The church gave the monarch a higher degree of moral credibility and in return the church gained more prestige. One therefore increased the standing of the other in medieval France. Louis VI’s chief minister and ecclesiastical advisor was Abbot Suger of St Denise. He held his prestigious office from 1122 to his death in 1155, during which time he recorded a history of his king, The Life of Louis the Fat. As a result of this great power he held in France, he was very much involved in French politics and â€Å"virtually ran the Kingdom while King Louis VI was away on crusade. This aspect of Suger’s career would explain his proximity and involvement in the monarch’s progress in gaining a more prominent role in European affairs, and as a result of this proximity, why he was in a position to chronicle Louis’s life. He seems to play a significant role in promoting Capetian authority in how he portrays Louis as a most pious and worthy king to serve under. He sta tes in the introduction of his biography that â€Å"with my pen I describe his devotion to the church’s worship of God† and implores his contemporaries and readers not to forget Louis VI’s â€Å"marvellous zeal for the good of the kingdom. Perhaps Suger may be slightly guilty of exaggerating Louis’s piety in an effort to promote his image as a moral leader and help consolidate his power. The enlargement of the royal demesne was the essential aim of the king and his advisor and Suger’s account seems to support this view. You read "Capetian Kings of France" in category "Essay examples" Suger may have also wanted to record the events in the life of Louis VI that involved the French Church in order to emphasise the strong bond between the crown and the clergy. The King was forced to move against Thomas de Marle who was claiming land unlawfully. True to form, Louis acts quickly to prevent loss of royal authority by handling the matter personally. Suger reports that the clergy move with him [the King] to excommunicate de Marle and strip him of all honours for his crimes. This is described by The Abbot as â€Å"yielding to the prayers of the great council†, to whom Louis VI â€Å"was always very strongly attached. † The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Denis was also known as the Royal Abbey of France as many Kings had been educated and buried there. The old abbey church of St. Denis was partially dilapidated by the early twelfth century, having been built in the late eighth century by Charlemagne, and required renovation as an important symbol of French Capetian royal power. Suger was overseer of the rebuilding of the abbey. Though Suger’s involvement in its reconstruction was of more religious significance, the project was nevertheless just as much a political and architectural an event. The new building marked the beginning of Gothic architecture which would spread with the expansion of the House of Capet’s royal demesne as they came closer to becoming a feudal monarch. The family’s connection to Charlemagne also increased the perception of their glory and power. Their glorified ascendancy was highlighted by the restoration of the Cathedral the great emperor had first commissioned. The church aided the promoting of royal authority throughout the twelfth century as more vassals and land came under Capetian control. After establishing him-self as a respected feudal lord within the kingdom, Louis VI’s court became the place other lords turned to settle their disputes. This was an automatic assertion of Louis’s power in the kingdom. The nobles’ â€Å"submission to [Louis’s court’s] judgement necessitated the recognition of the King as one’s feudal lord. † Advantageous marriage was also a method employed to acquire territory for the crown and increase its power. Though it was not always a successful method, it is evidence that alliances with the Capetian house were not undesirable by rulers of the other mini-states. It also suggests that the consolidation of power into a feudal monarchy was not widely resisted. In 1137 Louis VI married his son, Louis VII to the daughter of the Duke of Aquitaine and thus acquired the extensive territory in western France through marital bonds. However, Aquitaine was lost to Henry II of England when Louis VII’s marriage fell apart. Philip II was slightly more successful than his father in regards to political marriage. He wished to marry the daughter of Canute VI of Denmark, Isabella of Hainault, in 1193, in the hopes that the alliance would give him the man power he needed to remove the English from the Kingdom of France. He was unsuccessful in this endeavour. He soon wished to have the marriage annulled but it was not permitted by Pope Innocent III. Philip obtained the district of Artois through this marriage. This acquisition marked the beginning of the northern expansion of the royal territory. Philip II soon found himself in a position to continue expanding north by claiming various districts of inheritance. These included Amiens in 1185 and St Quentin in the beginning of the thirteenth century. The continual expansion of the royal demesne to the north was not just to acquire land but to acquire particular land in the district of Flanders. Flanders would be a significant gain to a potential feudal monarch as it was one of the wealthiest parts of northern Europe. Its cities would dispense a considerable amount of money into the pockets of its feudal lord. The growing willingness of French nobles to submit to the Capetian kings throughout the twelfth century indicates that the idea of a feudal monarchy was neither unpopular nor unwanted. Louis VI’s demesne was seen as a prime example of order and a strong body, capable of wielding power over the rest of France and other European empires. Louis VI proved his worthiness to govern France as both king and feudal overlord. Philip II ‘Augustus’ built on his grandfather’s reputation and had accumulated a considerable amount of land and prestige for the crown by the beginning of the thirteenth century. The church also aided Capetian propaganda by emphasising the dynasty’s most prestigious member, Charlemagne. The restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Denis was symbolic of the Capetian celebrity that would have been well known in France. Suger and Louis VI the fat sought to utilize the connection for the advancement of Capetian power. This suggests that the monarch and the clergy were quite intertwined in the political events of France in the twelfth century, each shaping the power and the role of the other in the Kingdom’s progression of authority in Europe. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Marc Bloch, Fuedal Society, Volume 1,. (English translation, 1962) p. 60 [ 2 ]. R. H. C Davis, A History of Medieval Europe from Constantine to Saint Louis, (London, 1957) p. 327 [ 3 ]. Ibid. [ 4 ]. Ibid. P 329 [ 5 ]. Fordham University (http://www. fordham. edu/halsall/sbook1m. sp) [accessed 29 October 2011] [ 6 ]. Davis, A History of Medieval Europe, p. 325 [ 7 ]. Jean Dunbabin, France in the Making (London, 1983) p. 256 [ 8 ]. Davis, A History of Medieval Europe, p 325 [ 9 ]. Paul Halsall, Medieval Sourcebook:  Abbot Suger: On What Was Done In His Administration (New York, 1996) p. 2 [ 10 ]. Halsall, Medieval Sourcebook:à ‚  Abbot Suger (New York, 1996) p. 2 [ 11 ]. Abbot Suger, The Life of Louis the Fat, (translated Paul Halsall) (New York, 1999) p. 1 [ 12 ]. Ibid. [ 13 ]. Suger, The Life of Louis the Fat, (trans. Paul Halsall) (New York, 1999) [ 14 ]. Halsall, Medieval Sourcebook:  Abbot Suger, p. 2 [ 15 ]. Davis, A History of Medieval Europe, p. 341 [ 16 ]. Ibid. p. 333 [ 17 ]. Davis, A History of Medieval Europe, p 339 [ 18 ]. C. N. L Brooke, Europe in the central Middle Ages, 962-1154, (Essex, 1987) p. 266 [ 19 ]. Davis, A History of Medieval Europe, p 339 [ 20 ]. Fordham University (http://www. fordham. edu/halsall/sbook1m. asp) [accessed 29 October 2011] [ 21 ]. R. W Sothern, The Making of the Middle Ages, (London, 1953; latest edn London 1993) p. 151 How to cite Capetian Kings of France, Essay examples

Star Wars A New Hope Essay Example For Students

Star Wars : A New Hope Essay The dramatic war-like classic of a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, it is Star Wars. The reason most people go to see it is because of the THX digitally mastered sound, the new visual effects, the superb acting, but most of all the all important theme, without which, Star Wars would not be half the film that it is. But now, it has launched Lucasfilm Ltd. into a new era and taken all the world with it. When Star Wars was first made in 1977, nobody expected it to become a big movie. George Lucas had only a small crew, a moderate number of actors without much of a reputation, the London Symphony Orchestra, and a bunch of college students to help out with the effects. But once the people started watching it and the word spread, it developed into a multimillion dollar investiture. Reason: the plot. Up to that time, the most realistic sci-fi movies ranged from B rated Ed Wood movies to the classic Take me to your leader films. Nothing was ever made that even compared to Star Wars. Even the Star Trek series seemed untechnological. When the movie starts out, it takes a whole new concept to bear : a small space cruiser being chased by one thats half the size of our planet. And then the small ship is raided by cruel looking soldiers in space suits lead by a half man half robot. The imperials, as the cruel army is called, are looking for the plans to their already built battle station, called the Death Star. Two robots escape in a pod with the plans. Now the protagonist is introduced, Luke Skywalker. A farmer on the same desert world that the robots landed on, he leads a boring life, even though he does turn out as the major protagonist at the end of the movie. When his uncle buys the robots and the one with the plans wanders off, Luke chases after it and winds up with the one who the little droid, Artoo, sought. Obi Wan Kenobi, as the man is called, tells Luke that his father was a man of great power and proceeds to explain the force, the all powerful entity that controls all people. To people of the 70s, this wa s a totally new idea. The thought of something which controls everything and everyone and can, at the same time can be utilized and controlled by those that it controls, hit many people hard on the head. But, it WAS the 70s and that wasnt TOO ridiculous. The story progresses and Luke finds his uncles and aunts charred remains following an imperial attack and agrees to go with Kenobi. They locate a pilot to take them to the destination planet, but find that it has been completely destroyed by the imperials. They then go to the Death Star (accidentally) and are almost captured, but then save Princess Leia, who was the woman who was carrying the Death Star plans until her ship was attacked. Before the crew can get off the Death Star, however, Obi Wan Kenobi is slain by the half robot, half man, Darth Vader in a fight. When the sextet of the two robots, the Princess, Luke, the pilot (Han Solo), and his wookie assistant (Chewbacca) arrive at the h!eadquarters of the resistance against th e imperials, otherwise known as the Rebel Aliance, Artoo displays the plans for the Death Star and an attack is planned. The Death Stars commanders know where the rebel base is and head for it to destroy that planet. However, the attack on the Death Star is made and Luke uses the force to launch two torpedoes from his fighter space craft into the Death Stars main reactor, and destroys it. In this film, Episode IV, Luke is but a 17 year old young man and does not know the ways of life. When he starts out, he is but a boy who is doomed to stay on his desert planet for another year to help his uncle farm. But he hates it. Like his father, Anakin Skywalker, he has great ambitions, even though he is still a little bit selfish. Overall hes a nice young man, but still needs to learn the lessons of life, and by joining the alliance he learns discipline and self control, not by the way we would do it, but by way of war. Even though this movie is mostly meant for pure entertainment, a conclusive aspect towards war can be drawn from it. When Luke finds his uncles and aunts charred skeletons, his life is completely changed. He develops a dislike towards the Galactic Empire and a need to revenge his aunts, uncles, and fathers deaths. Highly motivated, he goes all out to completely save the rebellion against the imperials. This way, he is truly made a man. Overall, Star Wars is a great movie. Its perfect for almost any viewer and is highly thought of as one of the best movies and best trilogies ever. And even though movies have only been around for about 90 years, the Star Wars trilogy will be forever remembered as one of the best there ever was. Quotes and Major ThemesHelp me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, youre my only hope. -Princess Leia, pleading to Kenobi on a recorded message to help her fight the EmpireThere will be no one to stop us this time. -Darth Vader, after invading an Allianceship. Owen, hes too much like his father. Lukes aunt talking to his uncle about him. Your devotions to that sorcery of yours has not given you clairovoyance enough to locate that rebel base -An anonymous moff (high general) addressing Darth VaderI find your lack of faith disturbing. -Darth Vader addressing that same moff while choking him with telekinetics. Arts And Crafts Essay IntroductionNarrator : Now the England begin a long voyage towards the heart of France, Agincourt. King Henry, with only a small force of 2,000 confronts the gates of Harfleur, one Of the main French forts standing in the Englishs path, and lays siege to it, and Nearly destroys it before demanding and immediate surrender. Act III, Scene II Before the Gates of HarfleurK. Hen. How yet resolves the governor of this town? This is the latest parley we will Admit : therefore, to our best medrcy give yourselves; or like to men proud of Destruction, defy us pur worst: for I am a soldier, if I begin the battery once again, I will not lieve the half achieved Harfleur, till in her ashes she lie buried. The Gates of mercy shall all be shut up. What ist to me when you yourselves are caise If your pure maidens fall into the hand of hot and forcing violations?Exe. Therefore, you men of Harfleur, take pity of your town and people whiles yet the Soldiers are in command; whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace Oerblows the filthy and contagious clouds of heady murder, spoil and villainy. K. Hen. What say you? Will you yield, and this avoid? Or guilty in defence, and thus Destroyd?Gov. Our expectation hath this day an end: the Dauphin, whom of succor we entreated, Returns us that his powers are not yet ready to raise so great a siege. Therefore, Great king, we yield our town and lives to thy mercy. Enter our gates; dispose of Us and ours, for we are no longer defensable. K. Hen. Open your gates. -Come uncle Exeter, go you and enter Harfleur, there remain And fortify it strongly against the French. Use mercy to them all. For us, dear Uncle, we will retire to Calais. To-night in harfleur will we be your guest; Tomorrow for the march are we adresst. Narrator. The English army presses through Harfleur on to Agincourt. On the way, Henry Has one of his best friends hung for stealing from a Church and spies on his own Encampment to see how his troops morale is doing. After, reaching Agincourt, Henry gives a long but extremely effective inspirational speech and the English Engage the French, who have 10 times the men, in a short but extremely bloody And destructive battle, known now as the Battle of Agincourt. After the fighting, Henry awaits the results. Act IV, Scene IIIK. Hen. All things are ready if our minds be so. Exe. Perish the man whose mind is backward now!K. Hen Thou dost not wish any more help from England , uncle?Exe. Gods will! My liege, would you and I alone, without more help fight this royal battle!Enter MontjoyMont. Once more I come to know of thee, King Harry, if for thy ransome thou wilt now Compound, before thy most assured overthrow: for certainly thou art so near the Gulf thou needs must be englutted. Besides, in mercy, the constable desires thee Thou wilt mind thy followers of repentance; that their souls may make a peaceful And a sweet retire from off these fields, where, wretches, their poor bodies must Lie and fester. K. Hen. Who hat sent thee now?Mont. The constable of FranceK. Hen. I pray thee, bear my former answer back and turn them out of service. If they do this, as if God plese, they shall, my ransom then will soon be levied. Herald save thou thy labour. Come thou no more for ransom, gentle herald. But tell me this, is the day ours?Mont. The day is yours. K. Hen. God be praisedMontjoy Exits Exe. The list of casualties, my lord. Of the French lords and barons, knights and squires, full fifteen hundred, besides common men. K. Hen. This note doth tell me of ten thousand French That in the field lie slain: of PPrinces in this number, and nobles bearing banners, there lie dead one hundred And twenty-six: added to these, of knights and esquires, and gallant gentlemen, Eight thousand and four hundred; of the which five hundred were but yesterday Dubbd knights: so that, in these ten thousand they have lost, there are but sixteen Hundred mercenaries; the rest are princes, barons, lords, knights, squires, and Gentlemen of blood and quality. Here was a royal fellowship of death! Where is The number of our English dead?Exe. Hands Henry another paper Of all men, But five and twenty. O God, thy arm was here; and not to us, but to thy arm Alone, ascribe us all! When without strategem, but in plain shock and even play Of battle was ever known so great and little loss on one part and on the other? Take it, God, for it is none but thine!Exe. Tis wonderful!K. Hen. Come, go we to the village: and be it death proclaim ed through our host to boast Of this of this, or take that praise from God which is his to give only. Montjoy returnsMont. Is it not lawful and please your majesty, to tell how many are killed?K. Hen. Yes, herald; but with this acknowledgement, that God fought for us. Mont. Yes, my conscience, he did us great goodK. Hen. Do we all holy rites: let there be sung Non nobis and Te Deum; the dead with Charity enclosd in clay: well then to Calais; and then to england then; where Neer from France arrivd more happy men.

Waiting For Godot Essays (671 words) - Theatre Of The Absurd

Waiting For Godot The Play about Nothing Waiting for Godot has been a subject of my thoughts for about two weeks now. While considering the work, its author, and the comments I have found about the play, I have come up with three hypotheses as to the meaning and overall theme. Either it is about Humanity waiting for a savior that does exist to return; or it could be about the hopelessness of Humanity waiting for a savior that doesnt exist, and therefore will never come; or, the easiest of possibilities, that Waiting really has no theme at all. This last theory is the one that I most readily accept, and the answer that Samuel Beckett, the author of the play, put forth when questioned about the meaning of his strange little piece. Many critics put the first theory forth as the true meaning of Waiting, and there are many aspects of it by which they can make their point. The most obvious is the title character, Godot, because the root word of the name is God. The many references to Christianity also create a close connection between the storyline and many important stories from the Bible. From the very beginning Vladimir and Estragon ponder their salvation, consider death, and draw a parallel between themselves and the two thieves that were crucified along with Jesus, according to the Gospels. Vladimir: One of the thieves was saved. Its a reasonable percentage. Gogo. Estragon: What? Vladimir: Suppose we repented. Estragon: Repented what? Vladimir: Ohwe wouldnt have to go into the details. Estragon: Our being born? (Beckett, p.8) The general attitude expressed throughout is the hopelessness, or possibly the meaningless-ness of life. Humanitys purpose is simply to wait out its existence until the Second Coming. Everything we do, say, feel, experience, etc., is just passing the time until our lives come to an end. Vladimir: That passed the time. Estragon: It would have passed in any case. Vladimir: Yes, but not so rapidly. (Beckett, p.31) Let us assume that Godot does symbolize God. He is someone who will come to make a great change in the Vladimir and Estragons lives, a great change for the better. But Godot, and whatever that change may be, does not come throughout the length of the play. They mistake Pozzo for Godot, and they mistake the messenger for Godot, because they do not know what Godot looks like or what manner of person he may be. Likewise, through our lives we mistake people and occurrences for Christ. And that helps us to pass the time until we die. The fact that Godot never comes also helps to prove the second theory about the meaning of Waiting. What if God and the afterlife do not exist? What then? We spend our entire lives waiting, biding our time in anticipation of our great reward. But when our lives end, thats it. All the preparation, all our good intentions, are useless and meaningless because there was no meaning in the first place. Beckett may have used the play to illustrate how pathetic Humanity seems as it strives toward a nonexistent goal. He also made great fun of all those philosophers that ponder on the meaning of our existence using the character of Lucky. When Lucky makes his lengthy oration of nonsense, it is illustrating what nonsense everything that all the great thinkers have said on the meaning of life. For if life has no meaning, then it is all gibberish, and Lucky makes just as much sense as Voltaire. The third and final theory about the meaning of Waiting for Godot is that it has no meaning. When questioned repeatedly on the matter, Beckett was quoted in the New York Times as saying, I know no more of this play than anyone who manages to read it attentively, and, I do not know who Godot is. I do not even know if he exists. Book Reports