Philosophy1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy1 - Essay Example That means that there are still limits to human will. In this paper, I will be arguing for the contradictory nature of self-identity that establishes itself through choice, as Existentialists assert (Solomon, Higgins and Martin, 2011, p. 303), but necessarily encounters the opposition to its choice from the parts of the larger context (â€Å"Others†). I believe that the working momentary compromise between the assertions of human will (internal factors) and such external factors as natural circumstances, or the will of other(s), is a possible solution of the problem of self-identity. Such thinkers as Locke and Sartre strictly associated self with consciousness: Locke believed this because he relied on the separation of mind and substance (Solomon, Higgins and Martin, 2011, p. 291) while Sartre emphasized such act of consciousness as choice. This notion is very controversial for a number of reasons. Firstly, there are states of mind in which the present of self is either not re gistered or not controlled by ‘consciousness’, the ones that are conceptualized as different brain waves in contemporary neurology (Hall, 1998). Beta wave is associated with awake condition while alpha (relaxed) or theta (sleep) waves are slower in frequency, which prevents humans from performing the whole scope of actions they would be capable of in an awake state (Hall, 1998). However, a given brain remains the same in these conditions. Secondly, returning to the domain of philosophy, it is still unclear what is the entity that is responsible for the conscious decision (Solomon, Higgins and Martin, 2011, p. 2

Eiffel Tower by Robert Dalaunay Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eiffel Tower by Robert Dalaunay - Essay Example The essay "Eiffel Tower by Robert Dalaunay" explores Eiffel Tower, created by Robert Dalaunay. The piece has very little white space, which gives it a crowded, crushed feeling not normally associated with the Eifel Tower, which is usually shown majestically scraping an open sky. The painting plays with point of view in very interesting ways. Firstly, the aerial view and low contrast between the tower and the ground make the tower seem small, minute. Not being able to tell where the ground ends and the structure begins at first glance seems to shrink it. This, combined with the aerial view, gives the tower a smallness, showing how minute it really is when put in its context (even though the tower dominates the painting). This could make the viewer reflect on how big they are – if this tower, so large and majestic, can seem so small and crushed when viewed from a different angle, how small indeed must the viewer be, who is so much smaller than the tower? It puts human works, pai ns and troubles in the context of the wider world, and chastises our self-importance. This work does a very good job accomplishing what it sets out to do. The colors are bold and well chosen, and the play of contrast is especially interesting. Furthermore, it serves several purposes – as mentioned previously it seems to be making a poignant point about the paucity of human existence, but on the other hand it is still a very aesthetically pleasing work, using only bright colors that complement each other very well.