Aztec Religion and Gods of the Ancient Mexica

The Aztec religion was made up of a complex set of beliefs, rituals and gods that helped the Aztec/Mexica to make sense of their worlds physical reality, and the existence of life and death. The Aztecs believed in a multiple-deity universe, with different gods who reigned over different aspects of Aztec society, serving and responding to Aztec specific needs. That structure was deeply rooted in a widespread Mesoamerican tradition in which concepts of the cosmos, world, and nature were shared across most of the prehistoric societies in the southern third of North America. In general, the Aztecs perceived the world as divided into and balanced by a series of opposing states, binary oppositions such as hot and cold, dry and wet, day and night, light and dark. The role of humans was to maintain this balance by practicing appropriate ceremonies and sacrifices. The Aztec Universe The Aztecs believed that the universe was divided into three parts: the heavens above, the world in which they lived, and the underworld. The world, called Tlaltipac, was conceived as a disk located in the middle of the universe. The three levels, heaven, world, and underworld, were connected through a central axis, or axis mundi. For the Mexica, this central axis was represented on earth by the Templo Mayor, the Main Temple located at the center of the sacred precinct of Mexico—Tenochtitlan. The Multiple Diety UniverseThe Aztec Heaven and underworld were also conceived as divided into different levels, respectively thirteen and nine, and each of these was overlooked by a separate deity. Each human activity, as well as the natural elements, had their own patron deity who overlooked different aspect of human life: childbirth, commerce, agriculture, as well as the seasonal cycles, landscape features, rain, etc. The importance of connecting and controlling the cycles of nature, such as the sun and moon cycles, with human activities, resulted in the use, in the pan-Mesoamerican tradition of sophisticated calendars which were consulted by priests and specialists. Aztec Gods The prominent Aztec scholar Henry B. Nicholson classified the numerous Aztec gods in three groups: celestial and creator deities, gods of fertility, agriculture and water and deities of war and sacrifices. Click on the links to learn more of each of the main gods and goddesses. Celestial and Creator Gods Xiuhtecuhtli-Huehueteotl (Old Man, the cycle of seasons)Tezcatlipoca (Smoking Mirror, god of night and sorcery)Quetzalcoatl (the god/hero, the once and future king figure) Gods of Water, Fertility, and Agriculture Tlaloc (rain god)Chalchiutlicue (She of the Jade Skirt, childbirth)Centeotl (Maize Cob Lord, maize)Xipe Totec Lord with the Flayed Skin, fertility) Gods of War and Sacrifice Tonatiuh (Aztec sun god)Huitzilopochtli (war god, patron god of Tenochtitlan)Tlaltecuhtli (earth goddess) Sources AA.VV, 2008, La Religià ³n Mexica, Arqueologà ­a Mexicana, vol. 16, num. 91 Nicholson, Henry B., 1971, Religion in Pre-Hispanic Central Mexico, en Robert Wauchope (ed.), Handbook of Middle American Indians, University of Texas Press, Austin, Vol. 10, pp 395-446. Smith Michael, 2003, The Aztecs, Second Edition, Blackwell Publishing Van Tuerenhout Dirk R., 2005, The Aztecs. New Perspectives, ABC-CLIO Inc. Santa Barbara, CA; Denver, CO and Oxford, England.

The Philosophy and Psychology of Sophocles’s Antigone and...

The Philosophy and Psychology of Sophocles’s Antigone and The Eumenides in Aeschylus’ Oresteia There is a consensus among readers of the poetry or plays written in the fifth century that the plays succeed with inspiring profound movement on the audience. The methods or reasons for the reader to be moved by a text are often disputed. Specific to tragic works the concepts of philosophy and psychology are critical elements to understand the cause of the stirred emotions of individuals who response to classical tragedies in a similar manner. Philosophy helps to understand â€Å"why† and psychology â€Å"how† poetry affects and moves human emotion. Philosophy and poetry are united by a common intent. Each searches for an†¦show more content†¦This logic is based on the universal principle, evidently accepted by Athena in the play, and supports the patriarchal ancient Greek society. The universal described by Aristotle was, â€Å"How a person of a certain type will on occasion speak or act, according to the law of probability or necessity† (Aristotle, 68). Aristotle identified the characters of tragedies with tragic flaws. These tragic flaws may be considered tragic qualities because it is the identification and sympathy of the audience for this quality that will have a profound impact. In his introduction of Oedipus the King, Bernard Knox identifies the similarity between values held by Oedipus and the people of Athens and modern readers. â€Å"The more important for the play’s impact on the audience than this grim setting is the characterization of the play’s central figure, Oedipus the King. The poet’s language presents him to the audience not as a figure of the mythical past but as one fully contemporary† (Knox, 138). Oedipus’ quick decisiveness, emphasis on intelligence and dedication are admirable qualities. Creon demonstrates great nationalism promoting, â€Å"The safety of our country is our safety† (Sophocles, 68). Agamemnon also has admirable nationalist qualities because of his willingness sacrifice his daughter for the future conquest of Troy. Each character is met with tragedy but has characteristics that are identified and even admired by the

Ethical Issue Information and Communication Technology

Question: Discuss about theEthical Issuefor Information and Communication Technology. Answer: Introduction Currently, ethical dilemma has become a major issue for the business organizations. An ethical dilemma refers as a situation wherever people prefer either an ethical or an unethical thing to do. In other words, nowadays, ethical dilemma has become a major area of distress for the business firms. Along with this, this research essay is helpful to exemplify a case of ethical dilemma that is linked to the information and communication technology (ICT). In addition, this research essay is also helpful to represent a terrible ICT related issue that is related to data privacy of the customers. Ethical Dilemma: Apple vs. FBI A moment ago, an ethical dilemma occurred on the platform of Apple Inc. The major issue in this case was that FBI wants to unlock the cell phones of Apple to do investigation of a terrorist. The iphones of Apple are encrypted to protect data as well as privacy of customers. In this case, the US court asked Apple Inc. to help FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) to unlock an iPhone that belongs to one of the shooters of the San Bernardino attack (Kharpal, 2016). In this case, the major reason of ethical dilemma was not relate to unlock a phone. But, the main reason of ethical dilemma was that the FBI asked to Apple Inc. to develop new software to confiscate particular security protections that the organization accumulated in its iphones to protect data and personal information of the customers. On the other hand, it is well known that, Apple Inc. did not have any issue in order to unlock a phone. In the past, Apple Inc. has unlocked lots of phones to assist the government in some other cases (Harris, 2016). In this case, Tim Cook, the chief executive officer of Apple Inc. clearly declared that the company would not amend its mobile software to facilitate the FBI to unlock phone of an activist. In this case, Apple Inc. is absolutely right on its place. The main reason behind it is that it is related to security and privacy for the customers. Apart from this, the firm is totally dedicated to protect the confidential information of its customers. In this case, FBI may notify that what information is essential from the unlocking of the iphone. But, FBI wants to develop software to disclose the information of the user. This step of FBI is unethical and also responsible to create a situation of ethical dilemma for the organization (Lichtblau Benner, 2016). Ethical Theories to Analysis a Situation of Ethical Dilemma The situation of an ethical dilemma is perilous because of it influences the success and growth of an organization in a negative way. On the other hand, ethical theories play a major role to reduce the chances of ethical dilemmas in an effective way. Business firms may adopt and implement ethical theories in order to find out the appropriateness or unfairness of actions or decisions that are performed in a particular case. Along with this, utilitarianism and deontology are the two important ethical theories that are valuable to condense a circumstance of ethical dilemma in an ethical way (Lamb, Hair McDaniel, 2014). The major classical ethical theories are portrayed as below: Utilitarianism Theory: Utilitarianism is a major classical theory of ethics. The utilitarianism theory of ethics is related to the happiness of the people. Along with this, the aim of this theory is to generate the extreme amount of contentment to the maximum number of people. The utilitarianism theory describes that; the business organizations must do the things for the pleasure of the people as well as society. In other words, the business firms pay their attention on the delight of the people in order to execute the ethical things or activities (Pollock, 2006). In the relation of given scenario, the activities or actions performed by the FBI were unethical. FBI developed new software only to get personal information of a terrorist. The action of FBI influenced the image and reputation of the Apple Inc. in a negative way. The customers provide their private information to telecommunication firms because of they have faith that the firms will not release their confidential information for the benefit of o thers. The business firms are also responsible to protect their data and information. But, FBI spoiled the image of Apple Inc. in the eyes of its customers. According to the utilitarianism theory of ethics, this case is related to the privacy of people (Lo, 2012). As a consequence, the actions or decisions of FBI are totally unethical and responsible to create an ethical dilemma for the organization. Deontology Theory: Deontology theory is also an important theory of ethics. The theory states that the actions or activities carried out by the people must be ethical or accurate (Pollock, 2016). Along with this, the sources that are used to complete these activities must also be fair. In the context of the given case scenario, the actions performed by FBI were not ethical. It is because of FBI may ask to Apple Inc, for the required information. But, FBI developed software to obtain the information of a terrorist. The software exposed all the confidential information of the customers. In this way, according to the Deontology theory, the actions performed by FBI are out of place and totally unethical (Lamb, Hair McDaniel, 2011). Conclusion/Recommendations On the premise of above conversation, it is clear that, these days, the business firms are facing the issues of ethical dilemmas that are negatively influencing the market image of the firms. Along with this, in this case, the court and FBI must understand the privacy concern of the organization. The court should ask to unlock the iphone. The court should not permit FBI to develop software to get the personal information of a user. Moreover, FBI should also comprehend the concern of the firm and should not oblige to do something that is out of the limits for an organization. In this way, these steps may be beneficial to reduce the chances of ethical dilemma in this case. References Harris, S. (2016). Apple Unlocked iPhones for the Feds 70 Times Before. Retrieved From: https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/17/apple-unlocked-iphones-for-the-feds-70-times-before.html Kharpal, A. (2016). Apple vs FBI: All you need to know. Retrieved From: https://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/29/apple-vs-fbi-all-you-need-to-know.html Lamb, C.W., Hair, J.F., McDaniel, C. (2011). Essentials of Marketing. USA: Cengage Learning. Lamb, C.W., Hair, J.F., McDaniel, C. (2014). MKTG 8. USA: Cengage Learning. Lichtblau, E., Benner, K. (2016). Apple Fights Order to Unlock San Bernardino Gunmans iPhone. Retrieved From: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/technology/apple-timothy-cook-fbi-san-bernardino.html?_r=0 Lo, B. (2012). Resolving Ethical Dilemmas: A Guide for Clinicians. Australia: Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Pollock, J. (2006). Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice. USA: Cengage Learning. Pollock, J. M. (2016). Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice. USA: Cengage Learning.