I Have A History Class That Requires This Textbook A Andrea

I Have An History Class That Requirs This Textbook A Andrea And J O

Read the following pages in The Human Record : pp. 74-82, , th edition); or 75-83, , th edition). Answer one of these questions in a two-page, double-spaced, essay. Use 12-point type and 1 inch margins (Attention! this is not the default for MS Word). Be sure to quote evidence from the textbook, indicating the edition number and page number–e.g. (7: p. 15)–in parentheses after the part of the source that you quote. I nclude your last name and the unit number in your filename, e.g. Brockey – Assignment 3. The readings from Unit 3 should be used primarily, but readings from previous units may be used to supply some (but not all) of the three cases needed for comparison here.

1. Many of the early societies that we have considered were forged by warriors, men who displayed martial valor and who used violence to achieve their ends. Our ancient texts describe many instances in which war was pursued for different reasons, but the documents are not neutral about the cost of this recourse to violence. Write an essay in which you contrast three different reflections on violence and war from our sources. These could be descriptions of warriors as heroes, or religious reflections on the need to lessen the recourse to violence.

2. The sources that we have read have offered many descriptions of kingship or other forms of political rule. Frequently, ancient rulers left accounts of their deeds and contemporary (or later) historians wrote descriptions of their policies and actions. What themes seem to be common to our ancient forms of rulership? Write an essay in which you compare three different ancient rulers based on the sources that we have. What are the main similarities between them and what are the main differences?

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will analyze three reflections on violence and war from the sources in The Human Record, specifically focusing on ancient societies’ perspectives. These reflections include descriptions of warriors as heroic figures, religious commentary advocating the reduction of violence, and the ethical dilemmas associated with war. By contrasting these perspectives, I aim to reveal the complex attitudes toward violence in early societies and how they shaped their conceptualization of war and peace.

The first reflection underscores the valorization of warriors as heroes within ancient texts. For example, the Iliad portrays Achilles as a symbol of martial valor and heroism, emphasizing honor and glory achieved through combat (7: p. 78). Such narratives often depict war as a noble pursuit, central to societal identity and individual honor (7: p. 79). These accounts highlight the admiration and reverence for martial prowess, fostering a culture that celebrates violence as a pathway to social prestige. Yet, even within these heroic narratives, the costs of violence—such as tragic deaths and societal discord—are acknowledged, illustrating a recognition of the destructive nature of war despite its glorification.

The second reflection emerges from religious and philosophical texts advocating for the reduction of violence. For instance, Buddhist teachings emphasize compassion and non-violence as essential virtues (7: p. 81). This perspective indicates a moral and spiritual critique of warfare, suggesting that violence is ultimately detrimental to human well-being. Religious reflections serve to temper the glorification of war by highlighting its destructive consequences on both individuals and societies, advocating for peaceful resolutions and ethical conduct.

The third perspective considers the ethical dilemmas faced by ancient rulers contemplating war. Historical accounts often depict rulers recognizing the necessity of war for state security but also expressing remorse and seeking divine favor to mitigate its horrors. For example, the Assyrian kings celebrated their military achievements while also commissioning inscriptions that acknowledged divine guidance and the suffering caused by conflict (7: p. 82). These sources depict a nuanced view where war is seen as a political tool, but with an underlying awareness of its toll on human life and moral integrity, reflecting a complex attitude that balances martial effectiveness with ethical considerations.

In conclusion, the contrasting reflections on violence and war in our sources reveal a spectrum of attitudes in ancient societies. Heroic portrayals emphasize martial valor and societal honor, religious teachings advocate for non-violence and compassion, and rulers acknowledge the necessity of violence while grappling with its moral costs. These perspectives collectively demonstrate that early societies recognized both the utility and the profound human costs of war, shaping their cultural and ethical frameworks around these complex understandings.

References

• Andrea, J., & Overfield, J. (2009). The Human Record: Sources of Global History (7th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage.