Oedipus the King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Oedipus the King - Essay Example A true hero is characterized by his emotional strength. Analysis of Oedipus suggests that Oedipus was a true as well as tragic hero. Human experience tells that a responsible king strives hard for the peace of the nation. In the start of the play, Oedipus takes all measures in the capacity of the King of Thebes to protect his people from the plague that has caught them. He not only provides everything that his people need, but also makes sure that they stay in good health. Therefore he sends Creon to the house of Apollo to seek the oracle’s advice. This is expected of a responsible king. Then to find Laius’s murderer, Oedipus seeks advice from the Chorus and hence approaches Teiresias for help. The fact that Oedipus consults the Chorus regarding the way he should proceed with the investigation speaks of the value he gives to his people and immense confidence that he places in them. People feel honored when they have been consulted by the ruler before he makes important decisions. Human experience tells that subordinates’ morale is vital to the success of any system, be that as small as an organizational setup or as large as a country. Oedipus cares a lot for his people, and involves them in the decision making. By doing this, he provides another proof of being a people’s property. ... He would go to any length to provide his people with a safe environment to live in. His efforts to search for the cure of plague, his involvement of the public in decision making and his dare to know the truth despite having been warned make Oedipus a hero. Oedipus has no other way but to suspect that there has been a deal between Teirasias and Creon. He fully believes that Creon is the traitor and yet he lets go of him when his wife and the Chorus plead him to be open-minded. Such generosity and forgiveness can be expected of nobody else but a hero. This potentially means that Oedipus forgives a person that insults him overtly in front of the whole public and for something, that Oedipus has not even done. Oedipus was in power. He could have got Creon as well as Teirasias killed for their act. Even a king who has actually done all the crimes Teirasias accused Oedipus of would not spare Teirasias and Creon for bringing this secret in the public eye, but Oedipus was kind enough to let go of them when he was actually innocent! Oedipus also knows what forgiving Creon means. Creon says to the Chorus, â€Å"I would have you know that this request of yours really requests my death or banishment†¦Well, let go him then – if I must die ten times for it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sophocles and Grene, line 669). There is little wonder he does so because heroes do that! Oedipus has sufficient evidence to believe what Teirasias said. He had killed a stranger at a place where three roads met. He could tell that Jocasta was talking about the very stranger as she mentioned some identity marks for Laius. He also knows that his ankles are pierced. All of these together with an oracle’s prediction that Oedipus would kill his own father and marry his own mother before he left his hometown

Natural Law Jurisprudence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Natural Law Jurisprudence - Essay Example Jurisprudence implies creating a body of law and methods for interpreting the law, studying the relationships between law and society, and predicting the effects of legal decisions . It is the science or philosophy of law. It applies to substantive law and to the legal system in general. It is based on the fundamental principle of 'just society' which means in a democratic country, all are equal and their rights (personal and property rights) should be protected before law. Judges apply it without favor or fear. Jurisprudence implies creating a body of law and methods for interpreting the law, studying the relationships between law and society, and predicting the effects of legal decisions.(Wikipedia) . The purpose of jurisprudence is to "achieve social order through subjecting people's conduct to the guidance of general rules by which they may themselves orient their behavior" (Fuller 1965, 657). The word ' Teleology is derived from the Greek word 'telos, which means "goal", purpose".(- page : socillogy 3rd ref ). The ancient world was permeated by teleological thought, that is, a belief that everything has a pre-ordained purpose - there's a pattern to the world and to each thing in it . (Socrates, Aristotle, the Stoics - also the Oracle in The Matrix). It is based on the Greek concept of 'eudemonism' which means that people live a satisfying life based on Universal laws. The Greeks viewed the universe as self correcting." The state, like all things, has a certain end. A just state is one that is organized in such a way as to achieve this teleological purpose."( Plato : The Republic)."Within the state, every person has a role or function, and 'just conduct' lies in fulfilling his or her role. "( Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World). Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas were great supporters of teleology .Whether " Natural Law Jurisprudence automatically lends itself to the teleolo gical approach" In order to analyze this question , first we have to understand the characteristics of Natural law and teleology . Natural Law Jurisprudence has the following distinguishing features which separates it from teleological law . i. Natural law is universal and unchanging - it's always available to legislators, judges and citizens of any jurisdiction in the field of justice - correcting wrongs and distributing goods (Harris) ii. The sources of natural law are customs, usages, case laws and precedents iii. It is discoverable by human reason iv. Natural law attempts to analyze, explain, classify, and criticize entire bodies of law, ranging from contract to tort to constitutional law. v. It commands obedience from people and people obey it in moral sense. vi. In the US and many parts of the world, Natural Law has become very much influential. vii. International law derives its validity from natural law. International Law is based on the principles of Natural law jurisprudence. UN Charter recognizes natural rights, and principles. viii. The formation of the