Discussion Board #2 – Peter the Great and Theories and Speculation on Isaac Newton’s Mental Health
Discussion Board #2 focuses on assessing the rule of Peter the Great, the strengths and shortcomings of identifying medical diagnoses for historical figures, and ascertaining the possible mental health issues of Sir Isaac Newton. For this forum, write two (2) posts for ten (10) points. After answering one of the three questions, you will enter the Discussion Board forum. Then for your second post, you may write a response to one of the remaining two questions OR reply to another student post. To help formulate your ideas on Newton, read the brief article within the Discussion Board Questions module entitled The Madness of Sir Isaac Newton written by Marina Jones speculating that Newton suffered from bipolar disorder. You also have a brief YouTube video where a psychiatrist lays out the case that Newton suffered from Aspergers Syndrome.
Here are your questions:
1) From the online lecture on Peter the Great of Russia, you learned that Peter brought bold and sweeping western reforms to Russia with the purpose of modernizing the “backward” country. He used every ounce of his absolute power to accomplish this and crushed any resistance. The result was the foundation of modern Russia, becoming part of the European world. Russia will be the modern world’s first example where a leader used political power to bring modern westernizing reforms. Meiji Japan, Ataturk’s Turkey and various 20th century African and Asian states provide later examples. You can address one of the two parts in your post for this question or cover both.
a) How do you feel about such a leader using absolute force to modernize a country? Should a leader have no restrictions? Based on a unique modern vision, should he claim to do this for the country’s own good? Or do you believe that a country’s modernization should be a cooperative effort of the ruler and other political/social elements? Possibly done more by persuasion or sharing a mutual vision? Or is this even possible? Or does a country have the right to resist modern changes? Provide your thoughts within the context of Peter the Great’s actions.
b) Peter the Great believed that modernization meant adopting the values, characteristics and advances of Western Europe (“westernization”). Through his eyes, the very act of modernization is synonymous with westernization. Although we’ll see this historical process more in our upcoming topics, offer any initial thoughts if global modernization is in fact the “westernization” process. Do you believe this to be a true, false, or a more complicated and nuanced statement? You may also comment if westernization is a good thing. Bad or misunderstood thing? Or an accepted reality.
2) Provide and develop your opinion about the strengths and shortcomings of ascribing medical conditions to long ago historical figures whom present-day doctors cannot directly diagnose? Do you believe with brilliant insight, it can be effective? Or is at best hit and miss? Or do you believe it to be completely flawed?
3) In the article The Madness of Sir Isaac Newton, Marina Jones claims that Newton suffered from bipolar disorder: someone suffering from manic depression and alternating between high and low moods. Provide your own opinion if you believe Jones supports her main argument effectively, somewhat effectively, or not effectively at all. Why or why not? Build your position by looking at the evidence and support Jones provides or point out any flaws or shortcomings in her article. Or are you more convinced by the diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome described in the YouTube video? Explain why.
Here are your instructions and criteria for this Discussion Board:
- You must have two (2) separate posts worth ten (10) points for Discussion Board #2.
- Your post should be between 75-150 words. You may write more, but don’t be excessive; don’t write less than this word minimum; this word range should be enough to develop your ideas concisely.
- Remember don’t copy and paste material from the internet. The posts must be your own original writing. Any plagiarized posts will receive zero points.
- Keep in mind that you must post first before seeing other classmates’ posts. To begin your post, point and click on Reply and a text box will appear. Then after you have reviewed what you written, then you can click Post Reply. Then you’ll be able to read your classmates’ posts and decide how you want to write your second post.
- Remember to follow the rules of civility and proper academic conduct in your posts. Write with maturity and serious reflection. Avoid vulgarity, rudeness, and insensitive language. You may disagree with someone in a reply, but be respectful. And above all else, DO NOT PERSONALLY ATTACK anyone for their views.
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