| Papers [1-15] of 22 :: [Page 1 of 2] | | Go to page : 1 2 —> | Search results on "OCCULT": |
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The Worlds of "Phaedo" and the Occult, 2005.
A view of the concept of the occult in "Christabel" by Coleridge, the "Blair Witch Project", and "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe.
3,857 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 21 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
The central thesis of this paper is the meaning of the Platonic concepts of the forms and particulars as they relate to an understanding of the occult. The difference between the forms and particulars, it is argued, is equivalent to the difference between the unknown and the known, or the strange and the familiar. The occult is viewed as the knowledge of the unknown. This view of the forms and particulars is applied using Freudian and Jungian theoretical perspectives and is applied to an analysis of "Christabel" by Coleridge, the "Blair Witch Project", and "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Platonic Forms and Particulars
2.1. The Occult
3. Critical Perspective
4. Analysis of "The Blair Witch Project" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "Christabel"
5. Conclusion
From the Paper
"In his philosophy Plato distinguishes between the world of reality and the world of illusion. The world of reality and timeless truth is that of the forms. The word of illusion refers to the world of particulars and everyday experience. We exist during our lifetimes in this world of the senses or the world of particulars. For Plato and Socrates, death is the escape from the imprisonment of the world of particulars which is the reason why Socrates in the Phaedo states that he welcomes death. He believes that the soul will continue after death and the knowledge that he seeks as a philosopher will be encountered in the death state."
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The Occult in "Ragtime", 2005.
An analysis of the lure of the occult in E.L. Doctrow's "Ragtime".
807 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, throughout the novel, "Ragtime," several characters express interest in the occult, most notably, Harry Houdini and Pierpont Morgan, and how these two men from opposite ends of society both begin their search in response to the inadequacies of the material world.
From the Paper
"Throughout the novel Ragtime, several characters express interest in the occult, most notably, Harry Houdini and Pierpont Morgan. These two men from opposite ends of society both begin their search in response to the inadequacies of the material world. Houdini becomes interested when he finds himself unable to accept his mother's death; without her, his world is empty. Pierpont Morgan's interest also blooms later in life. As he faces his own death, Morgan becomes dissatisfied with his enormous wealth, realizing that worldly affluence will mean nothing to him after his passing. In life, Morgan is a man of power, residing at the top of society, yet in the face of death, he is just as ignorant and helpless as anyone else. His search for occult wisdom relating to death and the afterlife is an attempt for him to feel once more in control."
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Rise of the Occult in Contemporary America, 2003.
Examines how people are looking to the occult to meet their religious and spiritual needs.
1,841 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
In the past several decades, more people in American culture have been turning to alternate forms of spiritualism. People are rejecting the established organized religions and switching to more individualized forms of intuitive knowledge. The paper shows that in contemporary American society this clashes with the established norms of religion and therefore these forms of spiritualism have been termed as cults. Many perceive them as dangerous to the values of society, yet people continue to be fascinated by these unfamiliar New Age forms of spiritual guidance. The paper shows that as American society progresses into the twenty-first century, old forms of religion are not providing the spiritual needs of many people in society. In addition, as science seeks new "truths" about the physical world, more people are doubting its direct benefits to mankind. The paper concludes that they are therefore seeking to understand more of the spiritual side of their existence. As a result, interest in the occult continues to escalate.
From the Paper
"This connection with science finds its basis over twenty-five centuries ago with the mathematical knowledge established by Pythagorus. His insistence on the importance of abstract numbers influenced the beliefs of numerology, fortune-tellers, mystics, as well as tarot card readers23. In addition, the importance of symbols in many occult sciences is similar to that of physicists who use symbols on an everyday basis yet they accept that these symbols relate to things which are beyond their knowledge24. As a result, both science and New Age beliefs deal with the unknowable."
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Death and Occultism, 2007.
An analysis of the theme of death in Edgar Allan Poe's "Ulalume" and "The Imp of the Perverse".
1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Poe's poem "Ulalume" and the short story "The Imp of the Perverse". The paper explains that Poe's life as a writer was steeped in the occult; a human reaction to what we cannot know, to the mysteries that still persist despite the advances of science and knowledge. The paper portrays Poe's characterization of death in these two works.
From the Paper
"No one who has read Edgar Allan Poe would suggest that the author does not deal in the macabre. Poe's famous writings--such as "The Raven" or "The Cask of Amontillado"--are classic examples of the manifestation of the occult in literature. The occult, contrary to popular misconception, isn't a word that is simply interchangeable with devil worship or witchcraft. The occult references the darker, less rational, side of the human condition. All of man's experiences that escape the ability of science and logic to explain can fall into the realm of the occult (Hart). Thus, Poe's life as a writer was steeped in the occult, as his work routinely dealt with subjects and themes that extended beyond the reach of mortal rationality. In particular, Poe is well known for intimate, if bleak, portrayals of death."
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Superstition, 2008.
This paper discusses superstition within the occult tradition or the paranormal.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the concept of superstition is often commonly understood only in a vague sense as a term that is somehow related to the occult, magic and the paranormal. One of the central aims of this paper is to show that superstitions are often the remnants of knowledge that has been lost or neglected by modern science and forgotten and that they are in many cases not just false beliefs. This approach to the meaning of superstition is one that will allow the reader to understand the term in the context of and in relation to the occult and paranormal traditions in the world. The writer concludes that in the final analysis, the term superstition should be seen as the possible remnant of a larger body of knowledge, which is commonly known as the occult tradition. In this sense, superstition is understood as a watered down version of some greater truth. However, the writer notes that it should also be borne in mind that not all superstitions can be seen in this light and that many are fictitious constructions of fantasy.
From the Paper
"These definitions point to two different ways of looking at superstition. The first and more conventional view sees superstition, as an empty and fanciful set of beliefs that have no foundation in any reality. This is a view that sees superstition as separate from the occult and paranormal traditions of knowledge.
"The second understanding of superstitions is related to the perception of superstitions as linked to other religious views or to the larger occult traditions in religious systems throughout the world. This meaning is more in line with the idea of occult and paranormal traditions. This view would therefore explain superstitions as being based to a greater or lesser extent on knowledge and lost traditions; or at least having its roots in such knowledge rather than seeing it as mere blind faith and empty fancy."
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Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", 1990.
This paper discusses Mary Shelley's work, "Frankenstein": Textual study, problems of authorship, search for origins, tracing reputation & influence, impact of occultism, philosophy and morality of science.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to discuss Mary Shelley's work, Frankenstein. The paper will study the text of the work, examine the problems of authorship, and search for the origins of the book. In addition, this paper will trace the influences that led to the writing of the book: occultism, philosophy, science and morality.
Very few writers exist outside of the currents in which they live, and Mary Shelley is no exception. She was a product of the Romantic Era and she moved among the greatest talents of that particular time. But most closely associated with the writing of Mary Shelley is Edgar Allan Poe. His use of the gothic and the bizarre might be said to be a direct descendant of the Frankenstein creation. In any case, since Mary Shelley was so familiar with all of the great minds and talents of the Romantic ... "
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New Age, 1989.
Analyzes holistic spiritual movement. Discusses historical-cultural background, ideals, health & healing, personal growth, music, occult practices & beliefs, Harmonic Convergence and consumer aspects.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, $ 79.95
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From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to discuss the "New Age" movement. It will be seen that this represents in many ways the changes that society is currently undergoing in its shift from an industrial way of life to the values of an information age. The "New Age" movement is one that gradually grew out of the ideals of the 1960s counter-culture movements in America and elsewhere. In that decade, the so-called baby boom generation came of age and began exploring and developing its own value systems, which often sharply contrasted with the established standards of the previous age. There was a general understanding among the youth of that period that the world was entering the "Age of Aquarius" and that new lifestyles would have to emerge out of that transition. As such, there was an explosion of interest in (...)"
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Electricity, 1994.
This paper discusses the history and development of electricity from Benjamin Franklin to the early 20th Century: Major theories, discoveries and applications, social and psychological implications, occult aspects, inventions, motors, cells, communicati
6,750 words (approx. 27.0 pages), 12 sources, $ 135.95
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From the Paper
"Before about the last quarter of the eighteenth century, electricity essentially did not exist as a comprehensible phenomenon. The effects of lightning were of course universally known, but no remotely accurate guesses had been made as to its causes. The phenomenon of static electricity was also known--the word electric and its variations comes from the Greek word elektron (in Latin, electrum), or amber, which produces static electricity when rubbed with a cloth (Shilling, 1948, p. 5). (confusing, the term was also used for an alloy of gold and silver, perhaps of similar color.) Experimentation with static electricity began in sixteenth-century Italy; Jerome Cardan, about 1550, first distinguished electrical from magnetic phenomena. The relationship between the two continued to be acknowledged; Gilbert, in 1600, ... "
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Angelology, 2002.
An introduction to angelology, or the study of angels.
2,504 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at angelology from several points of view. Firstly, it shows that many are skeptical about the existence of angels, since they cannot be physically perceived with the senses. Thus these people take a rational and scientific view of the issue, explaining angels in religious literature in rational, naturalistic terms. It then explains the religious (Christian) view where the Bible features angels in both the Old and New Testaments. Such evidence is enough for Christians to justify a religious belief in angels. Finally, the paper covers the more occult view of actual current experiences with angels. Some people claim to have had experiences such as dreams and visions during which angels visited them. This, like all other occult phenomena including mediumism, is a highly controversial issue. The paper describes the nature of angels and gives evidence of their existence from the above-mentioned points of view. It concludes that, in the same way as beauty, the reality of angels is in the eye of the beholder.
From the Paper
"The supernatural concept of angels as it is depicted in a society not necessarily attached to any religion is therefore now considered. Many religious persons have termed any reference to the supernatural outside of religious scripture as dangerously "occult". The appearance of angels in society and the media is therefore a highly controversial issue. A television show such as "Touched by an Angel" for example has been rejected by many Christians as unbiblical, and thus perpetuating the misconceptions attached to these creatures. However, even biblical conceptions of angels appear to disagree more than anything else, and surely each person has the right to investigate and prove the matter for him- or herself. It thus appears to be a much more personal issue than some religious fanatics would admit."
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Lunar Effects on Behavior, 2006.
A discussion regarding the influence of the moon on the earth.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the influence of the moon on the earth and how it has fascinated mankind throughout history. According to the paper, prior to the present scientific age the moon was considered to have strange and occult powers that could influence human behavior and events in a multitude of different ways.
From the Paper
"The question therefore arises as to why certain behaviors have been ascribed to the phases and changes of the moon. The answer to this question in fact reveals the falsity of many lunar myths. One answer is that these myths have their origins in ancient folklore and legends that have been continued in various forms to the present time. For example, the myth about the way that the moon can influence human birth rates can be traced back to the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian beliefs which state that, "A woman is fertile according to the moon." (Carroll R. T. 2005) These views are therefore based on unsubstantiated and pre-scientific opinions of the world and nature and can therefore be seen in the same context as the belief that the world was flat and not round. "
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"The Sixth Sense", 2006.
An analysis of the movie "The Sixth Sense" and why it was so popular.
1,544 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the movie "The Sixth Sense" by M. Night Shyamalan. It explains that the movie was very popular because people are generally obsessed with the occult and the afterlife and that most movies on this theme are block-busters.
From the Paper
"Many people claim to have communicated with those who have passed over to the other side. They will tell you that they have felt the presence of their deceased friend or family member. Others have experienced contact with the dead through dreams or objects they
have left behind. These encounters are mysterious-defying both reason and explanation. But to those who have been blessed by them, they are real as rain and just as refreshing. Sometimes, however, people need a little help dealing with such phenomena. And, as many of the world's religions acknowledge, there are things the living can do for the dead. These are the themes of The Sixth Sense, one of the most heartfelt and deeply provocative films of 1999."
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J.K. Rowling?s "Harry Potter", 2005.
This paper discusses the controversy over the J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that much social controversy has arisen within the religious community which considers J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" to introduce impressionable young minds to the art and practice of magic, witchcraft, sorcery and the occult. The author points out that, when read by normal, intelligent young adults, the psychological affects are very low, especially when read as an enjoyable experience, which transports the reader to other worlds and forces them to utilize their imaginations, not to mention that it is often an enjoyable thing to be frightened. The paper concludes that (1) Rowling is only trying to tell an enjoyable story despite being heavily linked to the supernatural and, (2) if young adult readers really wanted to become a witch or a sorcerer, it would suit them far better to read the Holy Bible, which also contains images and suggestions of witchcraft and sorcery.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Fantastic Literature
Critical Theories on Young Adult Literature
Harry Potter and the Supernatural
Censorship and Harry Potter
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Any person who picks up a Harry Potter novel will surely come to realize that J.K. Rowling must have spent a great amount of time conducting research into the occult and the supernatural in order to produce such powerful and influential literary characters and situations. Obviously, Rowling has borrowed heavily from much older sources concerning the supernatural, sorcery and witchcraft, some dating back to medieval times. As one of the world's oldest religions, witchcraft is a pagan faith, non-Christian rather than anti-Christian, and is based upon the belief that nature and the universe can be controlled and manipulated via magic and the invocation of divine spirits."
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"Harry Potter", 2005.
A discussion on the controversy surrounding "Harry Potter".
1,610 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses of the controversy surrounding "Harry Potter," the best selling children's series of all time. It explains that the controversy lies in the packaging of the tale in a seemingly occult-friendly world. The author contends that underneath the packaging that bothers some religious fanatics so much, lays a series of books that brings the joy of reading and growth of spirit to almost any reader.
From the Paper
"Harry Potter is the best selling children's series of all time. Its first book is also the most banned book in the United States. The controversy lies in the packaging of the tale in a ..."
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Joseph Smith and the "Book of Mormon", 2005.
A biographical account of Joseph Smith, author of the "Book of Mormon" and founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
6,366 words (approx. 25.5 pages), 18 sources, MLA, $ 147.95
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Abstract
This paper first describes the upbringing and early childhood influences that may have contributed to Joseph Smith's founding of the Mormon Church. Next, the paper describes the visions Smith had that made him believe he should establish a new religion, his religious beliefs, and the eventual establishment of the Mormon religion and church. The paper also discusses the influence of Brigham Young on Mormonism, the basic doctrine espoused in the "Book of Mormon", the elements of Freemasonry and occultism within the Mormon religion, and the controversial topic concerning who truly authored the "Book of Mormon" and whether it is an original manuscript.
From the Paper
"Joseph Smith, Jr. was the fourth child of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Smack and born in Sharon, Vermont on December 23, 1805. The Smith family lived under arduous and unstable financial circumstances that compelled them to move in and around New England several times in those years (Wikipedia 2004). One of Joseph?s legs got seriously infected when he was 7 years old and the doctors wanted to amputate it but the Smiths refused. He later recovered but he had to use crutches for several years and limped for the rest of his life (Wikipedia)."
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