Galileo
Through the reading of Galileo “The Starry Messenger”, and “Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina”, I wanted to look further into two questions. The questions are, to what extent is it more effective to understand sacred scriptures through the book of nature as suggested by Galileo, and How do we distinguish between what is recognised […]
Rousseau, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
I really enjoy reading Rousseau’s works—he is such a gifted writer with beautiful images in his words and cutting digs that are barely below the surface. Here are some I just happened to open up to recently, among many passages I think are great. From towards the end of Part One of A […]
Galileo and the Tension Between Science & Religion
Even as s a devout Catholic, Galileo was seen as someone at odds with the Catholic Church. His goal as a man of science was not to challenge the Church but simply attempt to change how Catholicism interpreted phenomena in … Continue reading →
Paradigm Shifts and Higher Powers
Paradigm shifts are rarely brought about without a fair amount of resistance; whether in the realm of science, as was the case for Galileo, or in other areas such as with civil rights. The explanation for this is rooted in … Continue reading →
The Importance of Arts
Galileo’s talent in the arts is arguably the reason he was able to receive any recognition for his scientific discoveries. He understood how to observe the unknown and how to display it in a way for people to (eventually) agree … Continue reading →
The Magic of Theatre
Magic has always appealed to me. Just the idea of it, the stories of spells and potions with the ability to do a range of things beyond what our mere human abilities allowed. This play is filled with magic. There’s … Continue reading →
This Insubstantial Pageant’s Faded
I was 15 when I was married. He spoke to me softly then, told me in words as gentle as caresses that he would honour me, value me, love me. He had seemed beautiful too, white and flushing pink as … Continue reading →
The Value of Virginity
In The Tempest written by William Shakespeare, one topic that I find interesting is the way virginity is a matter of politics. At this place in time, matters of feminism were inexistent and women were treated fairly stereotypically. A woman … Continue reading →
Sights, Sounds and Words in Shakespeare’s The Tempest
In Arts One this week we discussed Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I just noticed that I have two other blog posts on this book from Arts One as well: see here for a post on the play and on the film Forbidden Planet, and here for one on how to interpret Prospero’s “magic” or “art” and […]
The Tempest: Shakespeare’s Dynamic Duos
It’s no secret that Shakespeare favours the dynamic duos: From Benvolio & Mercurio (Romeo and Juliet), to Antonio & Bassanio (Merchant of Venice), to even Rosencrantz & Guildenstern (Hamlet), Shakespeare continually strives to break up tension in his tragedies by providing comedic relief. One unique example of this rule: The Tempest. Though The Tempest is traditionally considered a comedy rather […]