ARGUING ARTS and AUTHORITY

PRELIMINARIES: Our discussion this week has two subjects--the first related to chapter 23 and the second one related to chapter 24. Do both subjects. There is also the usual EXPLORE list under the topic. Be sure to use that instead of any random googling for answers--you are expected to use the class text each week and at least one of the EXPLORE-listed websites. HINT: The Explore list normally suggests what page numbers to focus on. ANOTHER HINT: For weeks 1-2, you have free eChapters available in the Student Center--use them if awaiting shipment of the book (This is the last week they will help). ANOTHER HINT: If using the eBook purchased via our bookstore, when you just click on the on-screen page, the page number appears on the lower left of the screen. Jot it down; sometimes you might want to identify the page in your post.

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Watch Media

TOPIC: Please respond to both of the following, using the class text and sources under the Explore heading as the basis of your response (reminder—Also do TWO GOOD REPLY POSTS to classmates of 3-4 sentences each; or one more developed reply of 7 or 8 substantive sentences. Most find it simpler and more conversational to do the two shorter replies.) :

• SUBJECT ONE: In this week’s readings, a dispute in the French royal court is described about whether Poussin or Rubens was the better painter—the book describes this and provides some sample paintings of each. Take a painting by each (Poussin and Rubens), identify each and explain which you prefer. Which do you think Louis XIV might prefer and why? (Note: Louis XIV used the various arts to enhance his image and authority). Take specific example of a modern corporation or political leader using the arts, and consider their effectiveness.
• SUBJECT TWO: The philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke disagreed on the understanding of political authority. Choose a side (be brave perhaps; take a side you actually disagree with). Using the writings of each given in our class text or at the Websites below, make your case for the side you chose and against the other side. Does your view on political authority apply to how you would manage the workplace---explain?

Explore:

The Arts and Royalty

• • Chapter 23 (pp. 742-755); Rubens; Poussin; Moliere; royalty using the arts; review the Week 2 “Music Folder”
  • Rubens and Poussin at http://www.visitmuseums.com/exhibition/from-baroque-to-classicism-rubens-poussin-and-17th-85 and http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/bio/p/poussin/biograph.html

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT STYLE: The story of Louis XIV and Versailles is the centralization of authority—starting with the development of fine arts and palace that no other noble in France could match. You might say, Louis XIV developed the leading BRAND and a way to control the market on HONOR in his favor. (like Amazon and Walmart squeezing out the small shops). Keep this in mind when considering the first subject above).

Philosophers Debate Politics

• Chapter 24 (pp. 776-7; 803-805)
• Hobbes: text at https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/748/leviathan.pdf ; summary at http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/; also http://jim.com/hobbes.htm
• Locke: text at http://www.thenagain.info/Classes/Sources/Locke-2ndTreatise.html; General background of the concept at http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/teachers/lesson_plans/pdfs/unit1_12.pdf