In today’s context the word tyranny has a very negative connotation. We automatically think of mediaeval or generally pre-modern warlords and harsh rulers of whom are infamously remembered. However the original definition and understanding of who a tyrant was does not parallel with the modern context of the definition. Previously a tyrant was anyoneContinue reading “Tyranny; Today and Yesterday”
Category Archives: Blog #2
Modern Day Tyranny
Nobody wants to be ruled by a tyrant, at least not in the the modern sense of the word. The modern day definition of tyranny is described as a “cruel and oppressive government or rule.” A tyrant is thought of as someone who rules with absolute power and has no regard for the people theyContinue reading “Modern Day Tyranny”
Problematic Policy
While Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren may have promised to forgive the debt students have racked up, and provide them with free education, their plan is just as impractical much as Solon’s was. Sanders and Warren have gained support and popularity as they advocate for student loan forgiveness. It seems as though initially this policyContinue reading “Problematic Policy”
Solon vs. Sanders: Relieving Debt
A hot topic for this year’s election with the Democratic presidential candidates is centered on the idea of forgiving student debt. In comparison to Solon and his set of laws, the Seisachtheia, there can be similarities found in terms of management of debt and equality for the general population, but there are some differences thatContinue reading “Solon vs. Sanders: Relieving Debt”
President Trump and the Common Misuse of “Tyrant”
The truth, as surprising as it may seem, is that “tyrant” is not an inherently negative word. In fact, it has no connotation at all. “Tyrant”, by Webster’s definition, is “an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution”. As a proud member of a western society, I feel uneasy about that definition, but itContinue reading “President Trump and the Common Misuse of “Tyrant””
Modern Seisachtheia? — Not Likely
Over the last decade, the cost of higher education in the United States has increased by over twenty five percent, and the outstanding debt from student loans surpassed $1.5 trillion in early 2018. The outstanding debt isn’t an issue exclusive to young Americans, but is felt across all ages groups, most notably, the 35-49 yearContinue reading “Modern Seisachtheia? — Not Likely”
Tyranny Ancient and Modern)
The term “Tyrant” has been used throughout history and goes all the way back to the Ancient Greeks around the Peloponnesian War era. As history has progressed, the definition of a tyrant has changed quite a bit from its original meaning. A tyrant used to be known as someone who rose to become a rulerContinue reading “Tyranny Ancient and Modern)”
Seisachtheia for Students
An ancient Athenian reformer named Solon instituted a series of reforms known as Seisachtheia, translated to “shaking off the burdens.” Originally, anyone who could not repay their debts had to forfeit their land and become a serf. They became serfs and had to give a majority of their produce to the creditors. The cultureContinue reading “Seisachtheia for Students”
Tyranny & Totalitarianism (Democracy and Empire): Is Hitler considered a Tyrant?
The ancient use of tyranny differs greatly from the modern use of tyranny. The pre-modern definition of a tyrant is someone who came to power in a non-hereditary way and has absolute power. In modern times, the definition of tyrant has dramatically changed to a cruel or oppressive ruler. Someone who was good at first,Continue reading “Tyranny & Totalitarianism (Democracy and Empire): Is Hitler considered a Tyrant?”
The Road to Tyranny
Shifts in cultures and time periods can often cause confusion and misinterpretations of words or concepts. In modern society, the idea of tyrannical government is a prominent example of this change in interpretation over time. The modern connotation of a tyrant is an authoritarian individual who leads a nation with force, ruthless policies, and littleContinue reading “The Road to Tyranny”
1001 HH215 The West in the Pre-Modern World 