Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Quiz 2
1.
Which critical event happened in January 1919 in Germany?
A. Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht
are murdered in Berlin
2.
What article in the Weimar Constitution gave the legal pretext to suspend
liberty?
A. Article 48
3
. Which political party was the most dominant after the German revolution in
1918-1919?
C.
Social
Democratic Party (SPD)
4.
What does Völk mean?
C.
People
5.
What are the three forms of domination (authority) that Weber speaks of and
describe what they are?
The three forms of domination (authority) that Weber speaks of are: Traditional Domination, Charismatic Domination and Rational-legal Domination.
(1)Traditional Domination: which is rule by traditional elites: kings, feudalism, sultanism, etc.
(2) Charismatic Domination: which is rule by 'gift of grace' or heroic attributes: prophets and demagogues.
(3) Rational-legal Domination: which is rule by legal statues and administrative procedure.
6.Weber
defines the state as...
D.
an
organization that monopolizes the use of force in a territory
7. What year did Hitler assume power in Germany?
C.
1933
Walter Benjamin "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Assignment: Compare Benjamin and
Jünger's views on photography. Why does Jünger refer to the camera as
the "evil eye". How does Benjamin's views compare?
Nazism
Assignment: Choose either a passage
from this blog and write out the way in which we have done all the
assignments 1) Quote; 2) Interpretation; 3) Why you chose the quote. Or
choose a scene from the movie, describe it, interpret it, and explain
why you chose this scene.
I choose this passage because I have always felt that Hitler is a monster. He made many Jews suffer and the conditions they were in the concentration camps were horrible and inhumane. He even treated Germans as his pets because they had a constitution that was worth nothing, their rights were thrown to the trash and they were his puppets to do as he pleased. The cruelty of his actions I feel will never be forgotten by the world and is unbelieved that many people claim that the horrors Jews lived during his dictatorship never happened.
"In February, the Reichstag is set
on fire. The Nazis blame the Communists for the fire and under the pretext of a
terrorist attack, the Reichstag Fire Decrees are passed immediately and the
Enabling Act is passed in March 1933 granting Hitler’s government full
dictatorial powers. All of the communists and about a ¼ of the social democratic
representatives in the Reichstag are forcibly prevented from voting for this
law. Only the leftovers of the SPD vote against the Enabling Act, the centrist
and conservative parties vote for the Enabling Act. This act gives permanent
emergency powers to the German Chancellor, Hitler, who promptly suspends all
civil and political liberties. The constitution remains in effect but from this
point on it is just a formality. Political parties are dissolved except for the
Nazi party and it becomes illegal to form new parties. The government begins
cracking down on communists, artists, intellectuals, trade unionists, social
democrats, and other political opponents. Feminists are attacked, as are
homosexuals as traditional patriarchic values are forcibly re-established. Jews
and all racial minorities are persecuted and denied any legal protection. The
first concentration camp is created at Dachau, near Munich, the birthplace of
Nazism in 1933. Around the cultural center of Weimar, also the former capital of
the government, which represents the highest achievements of German art and
humanism, the Buchenwald concentration camp is constructed in 1937 (along with
hundreds more). Buchenwald is the first and Dachau is the second concentration
camp liberated by the U.S. and allies in 1945, this was the first confirmation
for the West of the true horrors of the Nazi regime".
This passage talks about Hitler's raised to power. He can be consider a cheater because he used lies to gain control. He took over the nation in a blink of an eye. The way he gained so much control and power over the Germans is frighting. He denied his own people their rights and put everyone into categories. The U.S. and allies in 1945,were able to free Jews of the horrible conditions they were living and the horrible treatment they were receiving. I choose this passage because I have always felt that Hitler is a monster. He made many Jews suffer and the conditions they were in the concentration camps were horrible and inhumane. He even treated Germans as his pets because they had a constitution that was worth nothing, their rights were thrown to the trash and they were his puppets to do as he pleased. The cruelty of his actions I feel will never be forgotten by the world and is unbelieved that many people claim that the horrors Jews lived during his dictatorship never happened.
Max Weber: Politics as a Vocation
Assignment: Please choose a passage from “Politics as a Vocation”, write
out the passage, and give the meaning of the quote as well as you chose
the
quote. How does Weber's writings on technical leadership,
rationalization, and bureaucracy anticipate Jünger's later writings on
technology?
"Today the relation between the state and violence is an especially intimate one. In the past, the most varied institutions--beginning with the sib--have known the use of physical force as quite normal. Today, however, we have to say that a state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory. Note that 'territory' is one of the characteristics of the state. Specifically, at the present time, the right to use physical force is ascribed to other institutions or to individuals only to the extent to which the state permits it. The state is considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence. Hence, 'politics' for us means striving to share power or striving to influence the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a state” (Page 6).
This passage written by Weber states that the state and violence have an intimate relationship. In order for a state to rule it needs to use violence to have control over the people. Weber states that "a state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory" meaning that the people in the state are the ones that use violence as a way for obedience from others.Weber states as well that "The state is considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence" meaning that violence is the key for the state's success in controlling and doing what they please. Lastly, Weber states that " 'politics'...means striving to share power or striving to influence the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a state" meaning that politics causes states to want to use violence in order to have power and it influences how that power is distributed and used within the state.
Weber's writings on technical leadership, rationalization, and bureaucracy anticipate Jünger's later writings on technology in the fact the Weber felt that the state had to much power and when a country has a lot of power they try to gain more. Technology has always played an important role in the development and rising of nations especially in times of war.
"Today the relation between the state and violence is an especially intimate one. In the past, the most varied institutions--beginning with the sib--have known the use of physical force as quite normal. Today, however, we have to say that a state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory. Note that 'territory' is one of the characteristics of the state. Specifically, at the present time, the right to use physical force is ascribed to other institutions or to individuals only to the extent to which the state permits it. The state is considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence. Hence, 'politics' for us means striving to share power or striving to influence the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a state” (Page 6).
This passage written by Weber states that the state and violence have an intimate relationship. In order for a state to rule it needs to use violence to have control over the people. Weber states that "a state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory" meaning that the people in the state are the ones that use violence as a way for obedience from others.Weber states as well that "The state is considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence" meaning that violence is the key for the state's success in controlling and doing what they please. Lastly, Weber states that " 'politics'...means striving to share power or striving to influence the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a state" meaning that politics causes states to want to use violence in order to have power and it influences how that power is distributed and used within the state.
Weber's writings on technical leadership, rationalization, and bureaucracy anticipate Jünger's later writings on technology in the fact the Weber felt that the state had to much power and when a country has a lot of power they try to gain more. Technology has always played an important role in the development and rising of nations especially in times of war.
The Weimar Republic
Assignment: Please choose TWO sections,
one from the first part on the structure of government, and a second
from the second section on rights. Please write out the passages,
interpret the meaning of them and explain why you chose these passages.
Article 17
Every state must have the constitution of a free state. State parliament must be elected in a general, equal, immediate and secret ballot, in which all Reich German men and women participate, according to the principles of representative election. The state government requires the confidence of state parliament.
The principles for the election of state parliament also apply for local elections. State law may determine if those who lived in the community for one year or less may participate in the election or not.
My interpretation of this passage is that if your a born and raised citizen you have the right to vote for whom ever you wish to represent you in parliament. This will be done without judgment and no one can know for whom you voted because it is a secret ballot. Men and women are represented equally and there is no separation. State and local elections are conducted the same way. According to state law it can be determine if "those who lived in the community for one year or less may participate in the election or not".
I choose this passage because I feel that is important to have the right to vote and equally no separation of men or women. Is very important to have the right to vote without the fear that everyone will know who your voting especially during the time this took place. The only thing I don't agree is with the last line because in order to vote in the community you live in you should have lived there for over a year, is the same as the fact that you most be a citizen in the United States in order to vote. In my opinion everyone should have the right to express their opinion if they live in a place.
Every state must have the constitution of a free state. State parliament must be elected in a general, equal, immediate and secret ballot, in which all Reich German men and women participate, according to the principles of representative election. The state government requires the confidence of state parliament.
The principles for the election of state parliament also apply for local elections. State law may determine if those who lived in the community for one year or less may participate in the election or not.
My interpretation of this passage is that if your a born and raised citizen you have the right to vote for whom ever you wish to represent you in parliament. This will be done without judgment and no one can know for whom you voted because it is a secret ballot. Men and women are represented equally and there is no separation. State and local elections are conducted the same way. According to state law it can be determine if "those who lived in the community for one year or less may participate in the election or not".
I choose this passage because I feel that is important to have the right to vote and equally no separation of men or women. Is very important to have the right to vote without the fear that everyone will know who your voting especially during the time this took place. The only thing I don't agree is with the last line because in order to vote in the community you live in you should have lived there for over a year, is the same as the fact that you most be a citizen in the United States in order to vote. In my opinion everyone should have the right to express their opinion if they live in a place.
Article 119
Marriage, as the foundation of the family and the preservation and expansion of the nation, enjoys the special protection of the constitution. It is based on the equality of both genders.
It is task of both the state and the communities to strengthen and socially promote the family. Large families may claim social welfare.
Motherhood is placed under state protection and welfare.
My interpretation of this passage is that the family is the strength of any community. In order to have more generations that are responsible it has to start with the foundation of the family. The community plays a great role in encouraging the structure of family and togetherness. After all families create the future generations that will keep and improve the nation. Is important that gender is based on equality and that everyone has the right to better themselves and their families.
I choose this passage because I agree that family is important and is the foundation of society. Is important that the communities in which you live promote family and care for their welfare. Also mothers' are the foundation in creating, establishing and maintaining the structure of the family.
Marriage, as the foundation of the family and the preservation and expansion of the nation, enjoys the special protection of the constitution. It is based on the equality of both genders.
It is task of both the state and the communities to strengthen and socially promote the family. Large families may claim social welfare.
Motherhood is placed under state protection and welfare.
My interpretation of this passage is that the family is the strength of any community. In order to have more generations that are responsible it has to start with the foundation of the family. The community plays a great role in encouraging the structure of family and togetherness. After all families create the future generations that will keep and improve the nation. Is important that gender is based on equality and that everyone has the right to better themselves and their families.
I choose this passage because I agree that family is important and is the foundation of society. Is important that the communities in which you live promote family and care for their welfare. Also mothers' are the foundation in creating, establishing and maintaining the structure of the family.
Friday, November 4, 2011
"The Junius Pamphlet"
Assignment: Please read “The Junius Pamphlet” and
select a passage from the essay. Write out the essay, explain what the
passage means, and then explain why you chose this passage.
"...Business thrives in the ruins. Cities become piles of ruins; villages become cemeteries; countries, deserts; populations are beggared; churches, horse stalls. International law, treaties and alliances, the most sacred words and the highest authority have been torn in shreds. Every sovereign “by the grace of God” is called a rogue and lying scoundrel by his cousin on the other side. Every diplomat is a cunning rascal to his colleagues in the other party. Every government sees every other as dooming its own people and worthy only of universal contempt..." (Ch. 1, p 2).
My interpretation of this passage that I choose is that government is a business. Every country tries to obtain from others what benefits them. This usually causes war that leave cities in piles of ruins and the people not knowing what to do than to follow what the government tells them. War causes great destruction and leaves you feeling empty when is over. An example of government being a business is that fact that right now the United States is in debt to Japan, the irony being that during WWII they were enemies and many innocent people died. Their government only lost soldiers, while families lost loved ones.
The reason I choose this passage is because in my opinion government is a business that seeks to benefit those in power without taking in mind the needs of the people that voted them to office. Many critics of the war with Iraq believe and claim that the United States real reason for being in Iraq is not because of the terrorists attacks of 9/11 but to gain territory and oil. Which makes you come to the conclusion of business. Many times is better to put the blame on others so that the people around you don't notice the truth that is your fault whatever is happening to you.
"...Business thrives in the ruins. Cities become piles of ruins; villages become cemeteries; countries, deserts; populations are beggared; churches, horse stalls. International law, treaties and alliances, the most sacred words and the highest authority have been torn in shreds. Every sovereign “by the grace of God” is called a rogue and lying scoundrel by his cousin on the other side. Every diplomat is a cunning rascal to his colleagues in the other party. Every government sees every other as dooming its own people and worthy only of universal contempt..." (Ch. 1, p 2).
My interpretation of this passage that I choose is that government is a business. Every country tries to obtain from others what benefits them. This usually causes war that leave cities in piles of ruins and the people not knowing what to do than to follow what the government tells them. War causes great destruction and leaves you feeling empty when is over. An example of government being a business is that fact that right now the United States is in debt to Japan, the irony being that during WWII they were enemies and many innocent people died. Their government only lost soldiers, while families lost loved ones.
The reason I choose this passage is because in my opinion government is a business that seeks to benefit those in power without taking in mind the needs of the people that voted them to office. Many critics of the war with Iraq believe and claim that the United States real reason for being in Iraq is not because of the terrorists attacks of 9/11 but to gain territory and oil. Which makes you come to the conclusion of business. Many times is better to put the blame on others so that the people around you don't notice the truth that is your fault whatever is happening to you.
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