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20 films from Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe has a rich cinematic tradition that has produced some extraordinary films over the years. These films represent the diverse cultural heritage of the region and showcase the exceptional storytelling and artistic prowess of Eastern European filmmakers. “Time of the Gypsies” (Yugoslavia, 1988)Directed by Emir Kusturica, this captivating Yugoslavian drama follows the life of… Continue reading
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German philosophy in Russia
In the 19th century, Russia experienced a profound cultural and intellectual transformation. The influence of German philosophy and writers played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Russia during this period. German thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich Wilhelm Schelling, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, along with German literary giants… Continue reading
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German philosophy in France
The nineteenth century was a period of immense intellectual and cultural exchange between France and Germany. German writers and philosophers, particularly the Romantics and later figures such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche, played a pivotal role in shaping French intellectual thought during this era. While their ideas initially faced skepticism and resistance, these German thinkers… Continue reading
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Proust against Sainte-Beuve
In the vast landscape of literary criticism, few controversies have captured the imagination of scholars and readers alike as intensely as the clash between Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve and Marcel Proust. These two renowned figures, separated by generations but united by their pursuit of understanding literature, engaged in a bitter dispute that fundamentally challenged traditional notions of… Continue reading
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The end of Fukuyama
In 1989, Francis Fukuyama presented his controversial thesis of the “end of history”, arguing that the worldwide triumph of liberal democracy and capitalism marked the ultimate destination of human ideological evolution. According to Fukuyama, the collapse of communism and the subsequent dominance of liberal democracy signaled the end of humanity’s ideological struggle, leaving no room… Continue reading
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Can France liberate Europe?
In recent years, discussions surrounding Europe’s relationship with NATO and its dependency on the United States have gained momentum. One country that has emerged as a potential catalyst for change is France. With its historical commitment to sovereignty, independent foreign policy, and strong military capabilities, France stands as a unique and powerful force capable of… Continue reading
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Logocentrism
Logocentrism, a concept rooted in the field of philosophy and literary theory, challenges the long-standing assumption that language and writing are the primary sources of knowledge and meaning. Coined by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, logocentrism refers to a Western philosophical tradition that privileges speech and writing over other forms of communication and knowledge production.… Continue reading
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How World War I ended
World War I involved numerous nations and resulted in the loss of millions of lives. The war’s conclusion marked a turning point in history, not only due to the end of hostilities but also because of the profound impact it had on Germany, leading to a revolution that would shape the country’s future. The war… Continue reading
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Is Philosophy Useless? Yes and no
Philosophy, often regarded as the love of wisdom, has long been a subject of debate regarding its practicality and relevance. Detractors argue that philosophy is a useless pursuit, claiming that those who study it struggle to find meaningful employment. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the profound impact philosophy has had on various aspects of… Continue reading
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Husserl and phenomenology
Phenomenology, as a philosophical approach, has significantly shaped our understanding of consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality. At the forefront of this movement stands Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher who developed and popularized phenomenology as a distinct philosophical discipline. Phenomenology, at its core, is concerned with the study of phenomena as they appear to… Continue reading
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Romanticism and nationalism
Johann Gottfried Herder, a prominent German philosopher and poet, played a pivotal role in shaping the development of German Romanticism and its subsequent impact on nationalism and chauvinism. Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1744, Herder’s ideas and writings emphasized the uniqueness and value of different cultures and nations. While he celebrated cultural diversity and advocated… Continue reading
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Toynbee
Arnold J. Toynbee, a renowned British historian and philosopher, is widely recognized for his monumental work, “A Study of History”. Toynbee’s central thesis revolves around the cyclical nature of civilizations. He argues that civilizations rise and fall in a predictable pattern, passing through distinct stages: genesis, growth, breakdown, and disintegration. Toynbee believed that civilizations decline… Continue reading
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Northern Europe vs Southern Europe
Europe is also home to a deep-rooted division that often goes unnoticed by the casual observer. This division stems from a perceived sense of superiority held by some Northern Europeans over their Southern counterparts. It is essential to explore the historical, economic, and cultural factors that have contributed to this divisive perception. To understand the… Continue reading
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Foucault and discourse
Michel Foucault introduced the concept of discourse as a fundamental element in understanding power dynamics and the shaping of collective conversations. In his works, Foucault explored the ways in which discourse operates as a system of knowledge and power, influencing and shaping the way we think, speak, and act within society. Discourse, according to Foucault,… Continue reading
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Military strategy
Military strategy is a discipline that has evolved over centuries, shaping the outcomes of countless conflicts throughout history. It encompasses the planning, coordination, and execution of military operations to achieve specific objectives while considering the dynamic nature of warfare. The origins of military strategy can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks,… Continue reading
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Derrida and the text
Jacques Derrida was a French philosopher and one of the key figures in the post-structuralist movement. His influential work on deconstruction revolutionized the way we approach texts and understand meaning. Derrida challenged traditional notions of language, truth, and interpretation, arguing that texts are inherently unstable and riddled with contradictions. Deconstruction, as developed by Derrida, is… Continue reading
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Arabs and ancient Greeks
The Arab civilization played a pivotal role in the preservation and transmission of ancient Greek culture. In the centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arab world became a centre of intellectual and scientific advancement. Arab scholars eagerly embraced the wealth of knowledge found in ancient Greek texts, translating and preserving them for… Continue reading
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India and Pakistan
The India-Pakistan conflict is a long-standing dispute between two neighboring nations in South Asia, rooted in a complex history of political, religious, and territorial divisions. The conflict has had a profound impact on the region, leading to multiple wars, border disputes, and ongoing tensions. The roots of the India-Pakistan conflict can be traced back to… Continue reading
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Interwar Poland
The interwar period in Poland, spanning from the end of World War I in 1918 to the outbreak of World War II in 1939, was marked by significant political, social, and economic challenges. After more than a century of foreign occupation, the reconstitution of an independent Polish state in 1918 was a momentous event. The… Continue reading
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The Power of Women
Throughout history, the dynamics of power between men and women have been a subject of intense study and debate. While power imbalances have often favored men, it is crucial to recognize the influence and agency that women possess in their own right. One aspect that frequently arises is the power women exert over men, particularly… Continue reading
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EAST AND WEST 