HUM 120 Western Culture and the Arts I
Response 2
- Responses should be at least 3 full pages in length. All responses should include the student’s name and must be submitted as Microsoft word documents or rtf documents. They should be typed, double-spaced, employ a 12 point standard Times New Roman or 11 point Calibri font, have one inch margins all round. Responses should be proofread for typos, misspellings and other errors prior to handing them in. Responses will be considered late, and therefore not accepted, if they are not turned in during our class period on the due date.
- Please use specific examples from the primary texts we have read or refer to specific works of art in your arguments (i.e. Parthenon) – do not rely on generalizations. Please avoid plot summary or general description of the works of art; rather, concentrate on critical analysis of the work of art. Do not merely describe the plot of “Oedipus,” but analyze how his act of blinding himself is symbolic of a Platonic search for truth and knowledge.
- Please come by my office (2604) or make arrangements to consult with someone at The Learning Center (2400) for guidance as you write your responses.
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Topic:
The play “Oedipus” is closely associated with Aristotle’s philosophy because of the analysis he gave it in
Poetics. Imagine, however, that Plato had also chosen to offer comments about the play. Based on your reading of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” what interpretation would he give? Pretend that you are Plato, and write a letter to your former student Aristotle. Discuss how “Oedipus” relates to your (Plato’s) philosophical beliefs. In addition, select one work of art or architecture and analyze how it relates, or doesn’t relate, to your (Plato’s) philosophy. How might Plato believe that Aristotle would interpret this piece of art? Think about how each philosopher’s beliefs relate to the classical Greek notions of balance and perfection.