Humanities Today
Humanities Today Monique Berry HUM/102 October 4, 2011 Sharon Worley Humanities Today Humanities are defined as the study or investigation of the natural human processes and social relationships. Many world events transpired in earlier centuries that created what the world is now. The purpose of this paper is to define the term humanities, and also distinguish them from other modes of human inquiry and expression. A list of current examples of Art, Music, Architecture, Philosophy, and Literature, can be found forthcoming.
An explanation of how each example reflects current developments in politics, socioeconomics, and technology will also be discussed. Humanities cover art, music, literature, philosophy, and architecture. These areas are considered the human conditions. All other modes are of non- human subjects and are not considered humanities. Art Art has been used as an expression in both social and economic factors. Donatello, a famous artist of the Medieval Times, and the forerunner of humanistic expression; was admired for the sculptures he produced in marble, bronze, terracotta, and wood.
Donatello work was of the Gothic Style. By the middle of the 14th century it evolved into a naturalism known from the classical antiquity. Today artist are still using sculpting and painting to display expressions of human inquiry. There are Museums worldwide to currently enjoy art of all kinds. Music Music was used in previous centuries as a form of worship. It was somehow used as a technique used when worshiping in many different religions. It later evolved into a way to send messages.
During the slavery times, Slaves song lyrics that expressed sorrow and the need to be free. They also used music to relay messages to other slaves. When an escape was planned, music played a very important role. The lyrics of the hymns provided important information such as the meeting spot and the departure time. Today artist use the lyrics of the songs they produce to express their views on a vast number of subjects. During the Presidential Election of 2009, the Famous recording artist Ludicrous wrote lyrics expressing his feelings about the candidates running for office.
While many people thought the lyrics was outrageously offensive it is still an expression of his personal thoughts. Architecture In the Early Twentieth-Century modern architects used materials such as ferroconcrete and structural steel in conjunction with the cantilever to build beautiful ensembles. Frank Lloyd Wright (1869-1959), was one of the first American architects of world significance. He introduced a new style. He combined the new technology of steel and glass with the aesthetic principles of Asian architecture [ (Fiero, 2006) ].
In 1909 Wright completed the Robie House in Chicago. This marked the beginning of a long career creating memorable masterpieces. Today most of these techniques have inspired many of the current styles enjoyed by millions. Philosophy It has been noted that one of the most influential philosophic movement of the twentieth century is mostly distinguished by the writings of a Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). Another philosopher that contributed as a playwright, novelist, journalist, and literary critic was Jean Paul Sartre.
Today many people spend a countless number of hours attempting to solve some of the same issues of past centuries. Literature The literature of the twentieth century is filled with antiheroes-characters whose lives illustrate the absurdity of the human condition [ (Fiero, 2006) ]. The Stranger (1942) was a well- known piece of literature from Mid-Century. Literature will continue to grow. The mind is very inquisitive; because of this grand minds will always produce literature in every century.
