Baroque Era: Language, Court Life, and Societal Shifts
Regarding language, the discussion revolves around which language to use, be it the Tuscan of Petrarch, that of the time… ultimately settling on that of Lombardy. There are numerous quotations from classical sources (perhaps not common in everyday conversation, but normal for scholars), as well as references to real people, lending an air of authenticity.
Within The Courtier, the ideal character is one who strikes a balance between opposites: weapons and letters, education, activity and passivity.
Read MoreLogical Positivism, Falsificationism & Modern Science Critiques
Logical positivism and falsificationism are two influential philosophies of science that attempt to define how scientific knowledge is formed and validated.
Logical Positivism
Logical positivism (also called logical empiricism) emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the Vienna Circle, a group of philosophers and scientists. It aimed to establish a rigorous, scientific approach to knowledge by emphasizing verification through experience and logic.
Core Principles
- Verification Principle
Synergy, Recursion, and Systems: Definitions & Concepts
Chapter 2: Synergy and Recursion
2.1 Synergy
When the sum of the parts is different from the whole, and an object meets this principle, we have synergy.
Some objects inherently possess synergy, while others do not. Wholes generally devoid of synergy can be referred to as conglomerates.
Cluster: This is assumed to be without synergy, i.e., the sum of its parts equals the whole. Therefore, we conclude that the conglomerate does not exist in reality, but it may exist for other purposes such as statistics,
Read MoreHow Culture Shapes Architectural Design Worldwide
Understanding Architecture’s Cultural Roots
We often find ourselves wondering what architecture is and what makes a particular building in one country different from another building in another country. What characteristics make a building unique and distinguished among all the buildings in the world? As we observe the wide variety of spectacular buildings globally, we notice that each has qualities that make it part of something bigger and greater than just architecture.
The Architect’s Cultural
Read MoreFascism: Core Concepts and Ideological Traits
Fascism: Origins and Ideology
Fascism, in the singular, is the name given to the system headed by Mussolini, who governed Italy between the two world wars. The term in the plural has gained widespread use, often fraught with problems. Some scholars suggest that its use in the plural should be rejected. Others have used the term fascism to describe a host of undemocratic regimes.
The fact that so many different interpretations have arisen reflects enormous ideological diversity. Several additional
Read MoreInstitutional Barriers for Women in US Politics
Social Institutional Expectations & Gender Roles
(Based on Sue Thomas and Schroedel)
Female Political Firsts
- Female firsts like Angela Merkel (Germany), Michelle Bachelet (Chile), and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia) serve as flag bearers of political change, equality, and feminism.
- The USA has never had a woman president, although two women have served as Secretary of State.
Questions for a Potential US Female President
- Will she be a Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative?
- Will she be a Senator