Phaedrus Essay -- essays research papers

Purposely difficult and intentionally obsessive, Platos Phaedrus is an exceedingly difficult read that defies all conventional logic as a character of discourse. The schoolbook is extremely subjective, open to interpretation and individual creativity as to what or whom the narrative is about. Written by Plato, a close disciple of Socrates, this text is set along the Illissus river where Phaedrus and Socrates meet for a day of speech, debate, rhetoric and okayflirting. Phaedrus leads of the day and recites a speech by his close friend Lysias, who Phaedrus considers to be a top speechmaker. Socrates then, after chiding by Phaedrus unleashes two speeches of his own that overshadow and refute Lysias claim so boldly that Phaedrus is so taken by the business leader of Socrates, that Phaedrus I think misses the point of the entire speech. I think the main idea of the Phaedrus is that Platos purpose in writing the document, and using Phaedrus as an type of the reader of this dialogue, i s to develop a mad passion to pursue wisdom because of the way Socrates hints, and later describes his definitions of madness, pursuit of wisdom, and critical thinking. For it were a simple fact that aberration is evil, the saying would be true but in reality the greatest blessings come to us through madness, when it is sent as a gift of the gods (465). I think that one of the most powerful claims in the entire text is that of how madness is essential to pursue virtually e reallything, including Phaedrus beloved wisdom. In the quote Socrates is not suggesting or insinuating an aspect of his lesson he is not merely attempting to get Phaedrus to think, as he so often does in this text, but right here in this quote Socrates declares his love for the ability to be mad. The ability to want something so bad, so vehemently, is what Socrates flat out told Phaedrus, is nothing short of god-like. Socrates said this after his maiden speech when I believe Phaedrus is just starting to fall und er the spell that Socrates is attempting to blind him with. Speak without fear (465) Phaedrus says to Socrates just a moment sooner Socrates, I my opinion gives a little more information than he wants to, so early in the text. The quote on page 465 was also very strong because it was unexpected by I think both Socrates and Phaedrus. Socrates is very adamant about madness, and how it is necessary. Necessary for all aspe... ...rough proofs that I thought Socrates later small how to pursue wisdom, fueled by this mad passion that I feel Socrates felt had to illogical. I made the comparison of Bill Parish and Socrates because I felt that the equal way the old, wise Socrates was teaching Phaedrus that it was the mad pursuit that makes life worth living Bill Parish was doing the exact same thing to his daughter Susan. It was another film though that drove me to the point of madness, even irrational thought one that Plato wrote, Socrates directed, and Phaedrus acted in, that in the end proved my own main idea. ---- On a individualised note, I would like to personally thank you for turning me on to classic Greek literature. Especially all the encouragement you have given me in making this paper my own, and becoming literally addicted, passionate even, about the Phaedrus. I get the feeling though, that I can read and re-read this for 10 years and still not fully get everything that I could or should. But I guess that is the purpose of a text of this magnitude. I really hope enjoyed reading my thoughts on this, because I can honestly say I have had a great time writing it.

Wyoming-Colorado Border Wars Essay -- USA Geography History Essays Pap

Wyoming-Colorado Border WarsDeep in the heart of the American west lie two of the largest, most rugged, beautiful verbalizes in the nation, both of which have long been engaged in a heated rivalry. North and South from i another, Wyoming and Colorado have been at a border war since in the beginning either even gained statehood. With 97,195 square miles, Wyoming is the 10th largest of all 50 states. While the state is vast in land, it is scarce in population. As of 2005, a mere 509,294 residents inhabit The Cowboy State making it the least populated state in the nation (Wyoming facts, demography). Colorado, however, has a population of 4,159,000 according to the 2000 Census. Colorado is the 8th largest state in the nation encompassing 103,598 square miles (Colorado, facts). These neighbors however, have had anything but friendly relations. From piddle rights to football games, the infamous Border War has raged for over a century and will not likely cease in the near future. Long b efore interstates, college sports teams and cross-country travelers divided and merged the two states of Wyoming and Colorado, a inwrought border acted as a divider between the two. Near Carr, Colorado any traveler venturing down Interstate 25 drives directly through pictorial Fort. A very interesting and large rock formation, Natural Fort once acted as a rest stop for travelers between Colorado and Wyoming. As cities in both states grew closer to one another it was closed, however, it still acts as a natural border between the two states. Natural Fort served first as the site of a battle between the Blackfeet and jubilate Indians. On November 21, 1834 rival tribes, the Crow and Blackfeet, came across one another. Taking refuge within Natural Fort, the B... ...ns to find balance occur more frequently as time goes on. ReferencesThe Bronze Boot. Retrieved April 3, 2007, from Wyoming fun from http//wyomingathletics.com/trads/bronzeboot.html(October 19, 2005). ROTC Traditions Cont inue During Border War. Retrieved April 3, 2007, from University of Wyoming from http//uwyo.edu/news/showrelease.asp?id=3101Gibbard, F. (March, 2005). Wyoming v. Colorado A Watershed Decision. Retrieved April 3, 2007, from The Colorado Lawyer from http//www.cobar.org/tcl/tcl_articles.cfm?ArticleID=4063U.S. Supreme Court. (1940). State of Wyoming v. State of Colorado (309 U.S. 572 (1940), No. 10) from http//waterplan.state.wy.us/BAG/platte/briefbook/LaramieRiver1922.htmlNatural Fort, Carr, Colorado. Retrieved April 3, 2007, from Wallpaper Daves Gift Shop from http//wallpaperdave.com/fort.htm