During the course of the 76 years that Augustine of Hippo lived (354-430 AD), the world experienced a process of unprecedented turbulence, as the Roman Empire which had emerged out of the prior Republic in 27 BC was in the midst of collapse. By 410 AD, the man who was to later to be sanctified…
Tag: plato
Poe’s Metaphysics: Rediscovering Eureka
By Matthew Ehret What I here propound is true: — therefore it cannot die: — or if by any means it be now trodden down so that it die, it will “rise again to the Life Everlasting. Nevertheless it is as a Poem only that I wish this work to be judged after I am dead.” –Edgar…
The Edgar Poe You Never Knew: a Mere Writer of Horror or a Humanist Master of the Mind
by Cynthia Chung What say of it? what say CONSCIENCE grim, That spectre in my path? -Chamberlain’s Pharronida The purpose of this paper is to debunk the myth surrounding Poe; that he was just a mere writer of horror and that he had an unhealthy obsession with the mad and the morbid…since isn’t that all…
An Introduction to Friedrich Schiller: Theater Considered as a Moral Institution
by Cynthia Chung I know of only one secret to guarding man against depravity, and that is: to arm his heart against weakness. – Friedrich Schiller’s Theater Considered as a Moral Institution As within any period of time, the question is repeatedly asked “What is the Role of the Artist?” That is, what is the…
How to Conquer Tyranny: A Lesson from Plato
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Plato’s Letter VII Plato to Dion’s associates and friends wishes well-doing. You write to me that I must consider your views the same as those of Dion, and you urge me to aid your cause so far as I can…
The Spirit of Win-Win Cooperation: 15-19th Century Diplomatic Success of China
Although it is well known that China has become the world’s largest and fastest growing economy in the world- outpacing the USA since the unveiling of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, it is too often forgotten that this dominant position is not new, but merely a return to the “normal” state of world…
A Fresh Look at Raphael’s Stanza della Segnatura
Everyone knows about Raphael Sanzio’s immortal mural entitled the School of Athens featuring an array of philosophers across the ages centred around the epistemological divide between the founder of the School of Athens named Plato (in motion, holding his Timaeus while pointing to the eternal realm of ideas) in a debate with the chief sophist…
A Study of Schiller’s Ghost Seer Part I
By Cynthia Chung The Ghost Seer first appeared in several instalments in Schiller’s publication journal Thalia from 1787 to 1789, and was later published as a three-volume book. It was the one of the most popular works of Schiller’s during his lifetime. People were attracted by the subject of mysticism, apparitions and the horrifying unknown….
A Study of Schiller’s Ghost Seer Part 2
by Cynthia Chung For Part 1 please refer here. Note to the reader: it is absolutely necessary that you first read Part 1 before proceeding to Part 2 for the lesson to have a complete overview and the reader a thorough understanding of what Schiller’s intention was for this very important and insightful drama. The…
Classical Culture Finds its Defenders in the USA and China
By Matthew Ehret In the post WWII years two cultural revolutions swept both Asian and western civilisations appearing on the surface to have distinct characteristics, yet each resulting in profound moral cultural decay. In America and Europe, the rise of modernism in painting, music, philosophy and architecture were imposed upon academia and the arts which…
