Western Classical Culture & Christian Culture
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/2403
Browse
Item The theory of Empedocles on the Origin of life against the background of Greek Myths(Aquinas Journal, Aquinas, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1985) Jayasekera, K.The theory of Zoogony as put forth by the Greek philosopher and how he had analyzed its development according to the cosmic cycle he had presented provides many thought provoking theories to the moderns. As for example the concept of adaptation to the environment, struggle for existence and the evolution factor makes one even ponder on the validity and the connection they have with theories expounded by many others much later in time. But a Classist is also led to observe the connection or affinity the theories have with the age old myths of the Greeks. Myths had originated in Greece, may be before writhing had developed. They are, also not without reasons, believed to science of ancient man. Analytical examination proves that either the later thoughts of the philosopher had been affected by the earlier myths or that he his thoughts had developed, though independently on the same lines. For the purpose, the methodology used was to examine the various myths, their points of agreement or disagreement. The outcome was critically compared with the philosophical ideas of Empedocles.Item Femininity and the position of Women in Ancient Rome(Aquinas Journal, Aquinas, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1987) Jayasekera, K.The belief is that no human woman gave birth to the founders of Rome. They were children of she wolf. The characteristics the Romans prided themselves of is quite visible from this. They were proud of their masculinity, war like nature and courage that their nation was built with. But this paper examines the role of women, their relationships and their interactions with men and its results. The interesting findings would prove that it is the very femininity that had empowered them over their male counterparts to such an extent that it was they who initiated many political changes. The examination was made through in-depth analysis of chosen significant occasions. On almost all incidents and their outcomes the males retained their superiority that they so believed in while in actual fact it was the will of women that held the day.Item Drama and the origin of Greek Literary criticism(Thalalle Sri Dhammananda felicitation volume, Ministry of Buddhist affairs, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1990) Jayasekera, K.The paper explicitly examines the validity of considering Greek Old Comedy as an agent of introducing Literary Criticism to the ancient West. Had Aristophanes been aware of the revolution he was making in putting on stage two poets? Or was it just the product of his usual characteristics he indulged in producing comedies? He had made prominent Greek tragedians, namely Aeschylus and Euripides indulge in a contest in Hades, where only the essence of man was allowed to exist. The evaluation criteria as well as the reference to the responsibility of a poet in a war torn nation is highlighted. However there also remains the fact that he had criticized existing methods of evaluating literature, Bringing on to stage yard sticks and weighing machines.Item Aristophanes, the poet who crossed the boundaries of time(Sambhasha, Ministry of culture and Higher Education, Colombo ,Sri Lanka, 1993) Jayasekera, K.The study focuses on Aristophanes the sole representative of old Greek Comedy. This is an analytical study of his dramas. The poet is considered to have concentrated on the social, political and economic situation of the time he lived in. hence his dramas consisted of a topical value. His aim had been to find remedies to the weaknesses he saw in contemporary situations through providing a dream of a solution through his comedies. Some have even been led to refer to his plays as representative of a comic paper. But on examining in depth one is led to recognize the universal quality of his productions which surpasses the boundaries of time, land and the social context. The paper critically examines the messages provided in his creations which reach across time to appeal to even the twenty first century Sri Lankans.Item The ideas on rebirth in Greek philosophy(Sambsha, Ministry of Education, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1994) Jayasekera, K.The paper concentrates particularly on the ideas expressed by Greek philosophers on the concept or rebirth. In Greek philosophy many have expressed theories on what happens to the essence of a human being after death. Many have sought to resolve this mystery. The philosophers seem to consider the importance given to the universal and the worldly and the weight given to morality of humans. Some are of the opinion that rebirth was a result of cause and effect ? actions , experience and the quality of one?s essence taking a large part in the results. The intention is to examine the interrelationship, development and the importance allotted to the concept.Item Socrates, Aristophanes and Historical Fact(Sambhava,Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1995) Jayasekera, K.The exercise comprise of an attempt to examine the relationship that Aristophanes had with Socrates, in the backdrop of Classical Greece. Many are of the opinion that TheClouds, staged by Aristophanes was indirectly instrumental in bringing about the death sentence against Socrates. The study is carried out through a n examination of the existent plays, Plato?s The Symposium , The Apology etc.The study is also made with reference to the characteristics of his plays, the innovations he had introduced and the results of other plays which he had used to criticize other prominent personalities. Most of all emphasis is made on the reasons that had made him so critical of the philosopher.ie;Was it personal or political?Item Women in Politics during the Julio - Claudian period of the Roman Empire(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 1999) Jayasekera, K.The Roman Empire is believed to be a very powerful institution during the period. The Emperors in whose hands the power rested seemed the center of the government. However evidence is examined to evaluate the impact the women in their lives had on the rule through them. Most powerful Emperors came in to power, ruled and even faced death due to the women in their lives, as mothers, mistresses and sisters. Their popularity and their desire for recognition as well as popularity is looked in to through the available literary evidence as well as archeological evidence such as monuments, sculpture and coins.Item An analysis of the ideas expressed by the ancient Greeks on literature(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2000) Jayasekera, K.The paper traces the ideas expressed by the early poets of ancient Greece on the value of literature, the poets and the role they played in the social, political field. The study proves that from a very early period in time creative writings of the poets were different from the ordinary writing for other practical purposes. Hence the various styles adopted the manner in which they treat words and even expression has a special twist that reaches beyond simple communication. When the introduction of literary criticism was made by the comic poet, again as a consequence of the characteristics of his comedies one observes how the actual critical criteria is for evaluation is highlighted. The paper also examines how the criteria in actual evaluation changed with the development of society. Starting with the influence of literature on society as a whole it culminates with theories presented by Aristotle where the individual feelings become the center point, though the society is a collection of individuals. This is the collective impact that literature has the ability to impose.Item Philosophy, Literature and Epicureanism(Studies of Philosophy, Homagama Dhammananda thero felicitation volumeStudies of Philosophy, Homagama Dhammananda thero felicitation volume, 2000) Jayasekera, K.The study examines how Lucretius had used poetry in order to promote Epicurianism among Romans. But it also paves the way to critically analyze how poetry has highlighted some of the philosophical theories to the effect of painting a negative picture to the readers. The paper raises the question whether the effort encouraged or discouraged readers to take in the theory that he took efforts to popularize.ie, theory of Flux etc. Had the poet in Lucretius presented a morbid picture instead of encouraging readers tocomprehend the truth that the philosopher in him had tried to promote?Item 'Mind of the ruler when faced with challenges' - examples from the plays of Sophocles.(Ministry of Education and culture, 2002) Jayasekera, KThe paper examines how Sophocles, the Greek Classical Tragedian has examined how the mind of a ruler, changes when he is faced with challenges through his tragedy Oedipus Rex. The change of personality when one believes that his people do not obey him, the manner he assumes that he has enemies, the inability to listen, to have a second thought and finally how he considers all critics as traitors to the county is examined with reference to the text of the play. The text is particularly quoted where one feels that the words reach beyond the limits and barriers of time. The study proves that the psychological state of the individual is liable to hinder sound judgment when he believes that the state and the ruler are synonymous.Item The concept of the One in Greek philosophy(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2005) Jayasekera, K.The study intended to critically examine the birth of the concept of The One in Thales?s philosophical thoughts when he intentionally excluded the Gods from his explanation of the world. The many interpretations and positions the concept held in the different philosophers were examined. The last was the concept of The One in the philosophy of Plato where he explained The Good, The Beautiful and The Truth as The One. Providing a religious interpretation combined with a philosophical.Item The Psychology of an Adopted Boy as examined by Sophocles in his Tragedy King Oedipus(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2008) Jayasekera, KKing Oedipus was even referred to by Aristotle when examining the ideal type of tragedy in his Poetics.Many have commented on its merits as a tragedy that brings out the cathartic emotions of fear and pity, considered best in a tragic play. The rapid movement of plot, the presentation as well as the visual impact that made the play a success has caught the interest of many. But in this paper, the concentration is the protagonist of the play, Oedipus himself. But the analysis is made with reference to the psychology of an adopted boy. Of how, Oedipus , though a mighty king , acts and reacts as an adopted boy. The insecurity, desire to find the biological parents, indignation , the quest itself which becomes a personal one is brought in to discussion which leads to reexamine certain theories presented earlier, such as the nature of the tragic flaw etc. Would he have acted differently if he had not a personal quest? Or was it purely a result of integrity or that of security or political?Item The Union of Religion and Philosophy in Pythagoras(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2008) Jayasekera, KPythogoras is a philosopher studied for many reasons. The intention of this was to focus on the basic number philosophy presented by Pythagoras. His philosophy had provided man with a way of life and a goal in life with notions of life after death. These are usually given to man by religions. Thus one could observe how his philosophy is connected with religion in Pythagoras. It is also believed that his first intention had been to for a group promoting new thoughts on religion. Dissatisfaction with the remaining religious thoughts would have led him to do this. Close scrutiny proves the connection of how one could harmonize and thereby purify the soul by the concentration and contemplation of the working of the universe. The connections prove interesting and enlightening to those versed with the eastern religions. His ideas on birth, rebirth and vegetarianism as well as the cycle of rebirth according to the quality of the soul of the individual are interesting. The salvation or emancipation of the soul from the cycle and thereby the ability to terminate being born again has a connection with the quality of the soul one possess at the end. And the said quality being a direct result of one’s conduct and accumulated experience is shown by this study in a thought provoking manner. The ultimate result being a responsibility of one is the ultimate verdict.Item Word Power as recommended and exercised by the Ancient Romans(Kalyani, University of Kelaniya, 2008) Jayasekera, KThe objective of this paper is to examine the recognition and position the Roman literary critics have given to the power cleverly used language has on its recipients. Concentration is given to the ideas presented on achieving sublimity in a work of literature by Longinus (1st cen. BCE). Thisis an extensive study of how to depict and impose feelings and ideas to listeners. His object was to teach the poets how to transport and not persuade the listeners. The method used was to portray powerful emotion by the use of language. A well versed person in the instructions would be able to show that he is experiencing a powerful emotion, even if he was not. It is through this that he could transport the feelings to others. Works of two famous writers of Rome had been able to convey powerful yet basically different emotions, are carefully analyzed with the above discussion in mind. The poets are, Juvenal Birth 55AD), the satirist (in his Sixteen satires) and Tacitus (born 56-57AD) the Roman Historian. Both writers had expressed indignation and anger at what they were experiencing in the era they were living in. But both had used the expression and style to highlight the emotions they were experiencing. The very fact had made step aside from strict rules of grammar. Their very emotions had been faithfully presented in the way they were experienced. Hence the examples quoted etc and the argument agrees with the fact that the art in nature was the most effective of all.Item Comprehending and Accepting the Working of the Universe for Self Salvation according to Heraclitus(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Jayasekera, KItem A Comparative Study Between women Depicted as Victims of Love by the Greek and Roman Epic Poets(S. Godage publishes, 2009) Jayasekera, KItem Man in the universe without diving assistance and the dawn of Greek philosophical thought(S. Godage publishes, 2009) Jayasekera, KItem Fears and Aspirations of Humans as Expounded by Lucretius and Juvenal(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Jayasekera, KItem An Analysis of the Ideas akin to the Indo-Aryan Concepts of Plato(Journal of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Jayasekera, KItem The Nature of Religion in Pre Greek Society. Collective Needs or Individual Salvation?(S. Godage publishes, 2010) Jayasekera, K