Answer one of three Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Answer one of three - Assignment Example The purpose of the present essay is to show how such estrangement, or ‘Othering’, played out in the course of several centuries of history of political, economic and cultural ties between the Christian West and Islamic Orient. For the purposes of present discussion, the terms â€Å"West† and â€Å"Islam† will be used in generalized sense, with the former corresponding to the cultures and nations dominated or influenced by Western (Catholic and later Protestant) Christianity, while the latter encompassing the totality of political and cultural space for which the religion of Islam was the most fundamental unifying factor. The issues of relationship between the cultures influenced by Orthodox (Eastern) Christianity and Islamic civilizations are to be analyzed in this essay to the extent of their impact on the perception of Islam in the West and the attitude of Islamic cultures towards the Christians in general, respectively. The chronological boundaries of the research encompass the historic period ranging from 7 century CE to our times, with special attention being paid to the vicissitudes of change in the models and criteria of ‘Othering’ being employed by both parties. The rise of Islam as a religion of the new mighty world empire, which managed to destroy centuries-old powers of the Middle East, i.e. the East Roman Empire (Byzantium) and the Sassanian kingdom of Persia, from the very outset led to the increasing feelings of insecurity and dismay on the part of Christian scholars and theologians. Having been previously accustomed to the feeling of utter superiority and ultimate triumph of the Christian faith, they were immensely surprised by the fact that an initially ‘insignificant’ religious group from the Arabian Peninsula managed to assert itself as a viable proselytizing alternative to their own creed. At the same time, the direct connection between Islamic

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE PAPER Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE - Term Paper Example In the book entitled ABC’s of the Human Mind, it was revealed that â€Å"although some philosophers have cast emotions as villains that represent what is most irrational and animal in human nature, there is a strong argument for crediting the emotions with all that is worthy and wonderful about human life† (ABC’s, 1990, 168). In this regard, the objective of the essay is to describe what one hopes to gain from the course, after reading the assigned references, and how it is believed that one may be able to use the course content in one’s daily life. What One Hopes to Gain from the Course Daniel Goleman’s book entitled Emotional Intelligence proffered some insights on the part of the brain that controls emotions, and the nature and application of emotional intelligence, among others. The assigned readings discussed relevant issues on how to bring intelligence to emotions. By discussing what emotions are for, one is given the preview of determining th e role of emotions in people’s lives. I shared Goleman’s experiences of having encountered people, either directly or indirectly, whose lives were drastically transformed due to uncontrolled emotions. I believe emotions of anger are the most destructive when expressed irresponsibly and violently. It is my firmest hope that the course would provide ample opportunities to learn strategies and lessons for taming anger and other vicious emotions, such as jealousy, shame, or fear. It would also be interesting to find out if emotions are almost always manifested and expressed in a universal manner – meaning, do expressions vary from one culture to another? And how come women seem to be more comfortable with expressing their emotions than men? I was moved when I read Goleman’s prelude under Aristotle’s Challenge, to wit: â€Å"those who are at the mercy of impulse – who lack self-control – suffer a moral deficiency. The ability to control i mpulse is the base of will and character† (Goleman, 1997, xii). Accordingly, there is some ecstatic expectation to learn the rudiments of better and more effective self-control, not on a personal basis, but to share the rudiments to those in need. As one gets to observe contemporary generation’s emotional outbursts, I believe there is extreme need to focus on self-restraint and self-discipline. The problems of vices: alcohols, cigarettes, drugs, are manifestations of emotions run astray. The question that challenges us, as averred by Goleman was: â€Å"What can we change to help our children fare better in life?† (ibid, xi – xii). I hope to gain lessons, insights, guidance to direct me into transforming lives through teaching intelligence to our emotions. Applications of the Course The holistic development of a person lies not only in honing intellectual skills, knowledge and abilities on various endeavors, but more so, in learning emotional restraint and compassion. People’s lives are almost always an interplay of actions and thoughts that provoke emotions. The course would be beneficial in providing guidance to appropriate behavior. Again, as revealed by Goleman when he cited Aristotle, it takes a rare skill â€Å"to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way† (ibid, xiii). I hope by the time I finish the course, I would possess this rare skill. I see applications of emotional intelligence in various scenarios and settings where people interact. In academic institutions where professors and