The Pendulum Theory The nuts and bolts of

The Pendulum Theory The nuts and bolts of English 12

A brief explanation: • The Pendulum Theory is the concept that there are three basic philosophical positions Western societies occupy. • Societies swing from one position to the other like the pendulum in a grandfather clock. • Manifestations (evidence) of these philosophies can be found in the art, literature, and history of Western Civilization

The Three Positions • • • Asceticism Humanism Hedonism Precipitating Event Asceticism Hedonism Humanis m

Asceticism • This is the belief that one can attain a higher spiritual state by rigorous selfdiscipline and denial.

Humanism • This belief is based on the nature, dignity and interests of man and holds that man is capable of self-fulfillment and ethical conduct. ?

Hedonism • This is the belief that the highest good is pleasure. Gratification triumphs all!

Traits of Asceticism • • Authoritarian structure Fatalistic Low value on man Practiced self-discipline and denial Strong focus on spirituality Strong focus on afterlife and death Pessimistic- life on earth and mankind are evil. Earthly life is merely to be endured until the rewards of the afterlife (Think of the Pope, the Dalai Lama, Ned Flanders)

Traits of Humanism • • High value on man Focus on government and making society better (altruism) Practice and apply balance Focus on society Closeness to nature Confidence in mankind and his abilities Optimistic- life on earth is good and meant to be enjoyed Strong focus on logic, reasoning and rationale (Think of Atticus Finch, Lisa Simpson)

Traits of Hedonism • Pleasure is the highest good. All things are measured by the pleasure they bring • Egoism • Gratification • Extreme excess (gluttony, grandeur, glitzy: Think of Tom and Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn, Bart Simpson)

Prec. Event Asceticism Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Humanism Greece. Hedonism Rome Prec. Event.

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Middle Ages Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event Greece Rome J. C. Byzantine

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Middle Ages Crusades Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event Greece Rome J. C. Byzantine Renaissance Baroque

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Middle Ages Crusades Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event Greece Rome J. C. Baroque Sci. Rev. Byzantine Renaissance Classical

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Middle Ages Crusades Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event Greece Rome J. C. Renaissance Baroque Classical (Breaks down) Romantic Sci. Rev. Byzantine

Prec. Event Asceticism Greek Miracle Egypt Middle Ages Crusades Humanism Hedonism Prec. Event Greece Rome J. C. Renaissance Baroque Classical (Breaks down) Romantic Sci. Rev. Byzantine Victorians 20 th Century goes by Decades, swinging faster and faster.