The Ethical Issue Of Physician Assisted Suicide - 1580 Words

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle establishes that â€Å"every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good and for this reason the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim† and explains this through the dialectic of disposition, particularly between vice and virtue. In chapter four, Aristotle affirms that since â€Å"all knowledge and every pursuit aims at some good†, we inherently seek the highest form which is known to both the masses and the educated as happiness through both living and acting well . Thus regardless of whether man is inherently evil or good, we aspire for the highest form of happiness. Through the implications and discourse of vice and virtue, this paper explores the relevance of Aristotle’s moral philosophy in modern day and will be applied to the contemporary ethical issue surrounding physician assisted suicide. By exploring Aristotle’s work through primary and secondary sources, this paper will discuss the greater good and happiness as it relates to not only the patient or physician, but as a member of a greater social circle and that of society because to Aristotle the role of the individual is less important than their social obligations and role. This paper aims to use the rationale of natural law and of Aristotle to explore the prospects of physician assisted suicide as for the greater good and as a modern ethical obligation. Gorsuch, Neil M.. â€Å"Future of Assisted Suicide andShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical Issues Of Physician Assisted Suicide Essay1736 Words   |  7 PagesEuthanasia is described as the intentional discontinuation, by the patient s physician, of vital treatment that could prolong the person s life. Assisted suicide occurs when a health care worker provides a patient with tools and/or medication that will help the patient kill him or herself, without the direct intervention of the care provider. This paper will define key terms for my argument against Physician Assisted Death, and why I believe it’s wrong, where I will provide a brief background ofRead MoreThe Ethical Issues Of Physician Assisted Suicide1586 Words   |  7 PagesPhysician Assisted Suicide Physician Assisted Suicide Is it Right or Wrong? The ethical issues of physician-assisted suicide are both emotional and controversial, as it ranks right up there with abortion. Some argue physician assisted suicide is ethically permissible for a dying person who has choosing to escape the unbearable suffering at the end of life. Furthermore, it is the physician’s duty to alleviate the patients suffering, which at times justifies providing aid-in -dying. These argumentsRead MoreThe Legal And Ethical Issues Involving Physician Assisted Suicide1134 Words   |  5 Pageswhat conditions is physician assisted suicide morally acceptable, is the question at hand and did these states make the right decision on such a slippery slope debate. This paper will go on to explain one side of this very touchy debate, it will also consider objections from the other side, and ultimately defend the position physician assisted suicide is wrong not only morally but also, ethically. My argument for this thesis is provided below: P1: Physician assisted suicide violates the doctor’sRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide : Controversial Healthcare And Political Realms Alike1218 Words   |  5 Pages Physician-Assisted Suicide Elissa Munoz-Tucker University of Arizona Abstract Physician-assisted suicide is controversial in healthcare and political realms alike. Currently, this end-of-life option is practiced in five states within the United States. Social concerns regarding assisted suicide revolve around ethical quandaries; providing the means to a patient’s death is contradictory to ethical principles of healthcare providers. Political concerns surroundingRead MoreEthical Considerations in Dealing with Changes in the Healthcare System929 Words   |  4 Pagessociety, ethical considerations are becoming a major factor in dealing with changes in the healthcare system. A topic of consideration that creates controversial discussion is the subject of physician-assisted suicide. Physician-assisted suicide is described as the act in which a physician provides the means necessary for the client to perform the act of suicide. The issue of physician-assisted suicide is viewed through many different perspectives. The topic of physician-assisted suicide has beenRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide, When Is It Acceptable?1709 Words   |  7 PagesPhysician-Assisted Suicide, When is it acceptable? Assisted suicide had raised issues of great importance in the society particularly the most controversial of all, the physician assisted suicide in the health care field. Since Oregon and other states implemented the legalization of physician assisted suicide, the debates continues. The U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 1997 and the Pain Relief Promotion Act of 2000 (H.R. 5544) have kept these topics on the policy of the national agenda, along withRead MoreUtilitarian And Virtue Ethics Of Physician Assisted Suicide1314 Words   |  6 PagesPhysician Assisted Suicide Physician assisted suicide or PAS is a controversial topic in the world today. But the important question is, should physician assisted suicides be allowed in cases such as: the patient’s suffering is far too great and there is no chance of them getting better? This is a highly debated issue, that has activist groups on both sides fighting for what they think is the right thing to do. Physician assisted suicides can stop the excruciating pain a patient is in, especiallyRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide1629 Words   |  7 Pagesillnesses or major health problems, assisted suicide creates options to reduce the amount of suffering the patient must enduring. Dying with dignity could be beneficial for not only the person who is dying, but also the person’s family and loved ones. This option, however, is often viewed as unethical and immoral throughout society. Physician-assisted suicide offers an option for those with health issues but poses various et hical and social issues. Assisted death is practiced in two differentRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide And Voluntary Euthanasia1348 Words   |  6 PagesPhysician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia is still under scrutiny for a number of reasons. â€Å"In spring, 1996, the Ninth and Second Circuits were the first circuit courts in the country to find a constitutional prohibition against laws which make physician-assisted suicide a crime† (Martyn Bourguignon, 1997). New York was one of the states that followed this prohibition. Eventually, The Ninth and Second Circuit, â€Å"allow physician-assisted suicide while attempting to protect individuals fromRead MorePHI 103 Final1311 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal? Eileen K. Cordova PHI 103 Instuctor James Hardy July 11, 2013 SHOULD PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE BE LEGAL Physician-assisted suicide has been a controversial topic for over a decade now. In today’s society, physician-assisted suicide brings so many ehtical questions as such, who is the true owner of our lives? Should releiving pain and suffering always be the highest priority, or does it occure for a reason?

20 Century Genius Award Essay example - 3442 Words

I would like to present the 20th Century Genius Award to Dr. Maya Angelou. She is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelous unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race and Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics. (Dr. Maya Angelou, The Official Website,  © 2003) A brief synopsis of the life and time of Dr Maya Angelou; she was born Marguerite†¦show more content†¦She also wrote a book of meditations, Wouldnt Take Nothing For My Journey Now (1993), and childrens books that include My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me (1994) and Life Doesnt Frighten Me (1998). In 1981 Angelou became a professor of American studies at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Among numerous other honors was her invitation to compose and deliver a poem for the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. Maya Angelou is a woman that has done so much in her life time I would not know where to begin. There is always one poem that she published that will stick in my heart forever. The poem â€Å"Still I Rise† is a phenomenal poem that I think everyone of every race should have the pleasure of being a part of. Still I Rise You may write me down in history, with your bitter, twisted lies, you may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, Ill rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? Cause I walk like Ive got oil wells pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still Ill rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Sho ulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries. Does myShow MoreRelatedEssay on Sachin Tendulkar1245 Words   |  5 Pagesone of the greatest Test Cricket player. The Master Blaster, holds several batting records, including the most Test centuries and the most one-day international centuries, and was rated in 2002 by Wisden as the second greatest Test batsman ever, after Sir Don Bradman. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Indias highest sporting honour, for 1997-1998, and the civilian award Padma Shri in 1999. Tendulkar was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997. Sachin was born on 24 April 1973 in MumbaiRead MoreJohn Forbes Nash Jr.912 Words   |  4 Pagesvery important economist. John Forbes Nash Jr. was an American mathematician, and an economist. John Mill was a British Philosopher, economist, moral and political theorist, and was the most influential English-speaking philosopher in the nineteenth century. John Forbes Nash Jr. and John Stuart Mill were both very intelligent as young children. John Stuart Mill learned to read as a toddler and began to study Latin at the age of three. John Forbes Nash Jr. read a lot at the age four, also learned LatinRead MoreThe United States Progress and Henry Ford Automobile Industry897 Words   |  4 Pagesthe nation stronger in the long run, or as the famous quote would put it; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But those events aren’t what this paper is about, the genius inventions and ideas from great Americans such as Henry Ford are what really allowed the country to become w hat it has. At the start of the 20th century Henry Ford sought after a way to quickly and affordably assemble a motor vehicle that would be viable and feasible to the working middle-class of America. By constructingRead MoreThe Carleton Prize For Biotechnology974 Words   |  4 PagesLeeuwenhoek Shukri Dalal 100950887 BIOL 1010- Biotechnology and Society Professor James J. 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It was one of the greatest medical breakthroughs in the 20th century, thanks to Dr. Raymond Damadian the genius behind the MRI. Dr. Damadian started his schooling studying the violin at Juilliard, while there he won the Ford Foundation Scholarship out of 100,000 applicants at the age of 15. He then went on to the University of WisconsinRead More Charlie Chaplin Essay1929 Words   |  8 PagesCharlie Chaplin â€Å"It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that for the greatest part of this century Charlie Chaplin was the most recognizable human being on the planet,† (Burr, 20). Chaplin did everything in show business; he was an actor, director, screenwriter, producer and composer, (Reader‘s Companion 157). He was the ideal rags to riches role model that every American dreamed of becoming. Charlie Chaplin revolutionized American show business and inspired Americans to follow their dreamsRead MoreHitler in Power Essay1719 Words   |  7 Pagesworlds history. 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The book contains some pictures of early inventions of Muslim scientists such as the water pump which was invented by al-Jazari in the 13th century and Ibn Sina’s Canoe of Medicine, to mention a few. 2. Purpose of the Book: The author has written this book

Mark Antony Essay Example For Students

Mark Antony Essay Mark Antony Mark Antony is one of the most famous people of Roman history. He was one of the most superior generals and a crucial statesman in his time. A comrade and patron of Julius Caesar, Antony was an ideal military tactician and leader of the people. He was a man who started out for the people but eventually became hungry for power and empire expansion. Mark Antony was a military and political leader in Caesars time who rose to the highest of Roman power but eventually lost everything due to his greed. Marcus Antonius was born in 83 BC, the son of a noble Roman family, related to the Roman leader Julius Caesar. His father died when he was young and soon after his mother remarried P.Lentulus. Lentulus found him self in trouble and was strangled by Cicero for his involvement in the Catiline Affair. This changed Antonys early life severely and he promised one day he would meet up with Cicero and kill him. Mark Antonys military career started when he was young. His first travels were to Syria where he was soon promoted to a Calvary Commander, and sent off to Judea and Egypt. Antony was later sent to Gaul where he served under Caesar. He was so superior to his peers that at the age of 22 he became Tribune of the People. Soon Antony became a quaestor with a reputation of being a speaker on behalf of Caesars interests while he was no there. It was during this period in Rome where Antony met Fulvia. Fulvia also had a hate for Cicero from her last marriage. They soon were married and Antony was making his way higher in the Roman world. In 49BC, he received the title of Augur (priest and soothsayer). It was during this same year that he vetoed the Senates attempt to take Caesars command. Antony left Rome and traveled to Gaul until things cooled down where he went back to watch over Caesars interests. Caesar soon became enemies against Pompey, Antony tried to defend Caesar and was kicked out of the senate. Antony soon fled with Caesar to get ready for battle. Antony commanded a wing of Caesars Legions at the battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC where Pompey was defeated. Following the battle in 44 BC, Antony became co-consul with Caesar. When Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March, 44 BC, Antony immediately took all of Caesars possessions including papers, residences, and other assets. He gave his famous speech at Caesars fun eral at the forum and was successful in turning the people against the corrupt senate led by the assassin Brutus. Antony was ignoring a important part of Caesars wishes, to hand everything to his heir Octavian who soon showed up in Rome, but Antony refused to cooperate. Octavian found himself in a difficult position and with Antonys greed and refusal to release Caesars assets, Cicero sought to corrupt the Senate. Octavian was given the rank of senator and the senate backed Octavian against Antony. While Antony was successful in capturing Cisalpine Gaul, he was defeated at Forum Gallorum and Mutina against the young Octavian. Antony was forced to retreat and met up with Plancus, Asinius, and Lepidus. Octavian found that his real enemy was the senate and that they were trying to start battles between powers, the same as between Pompey and Caesar. Octavian soon went to Antony to call a truce and combine forces. They decided they would let another person join with them, Lepidus. Lepidus was an important man who made his fame with Caesar in the civil war and owned the needed Spain. .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .postImageUrl , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:hover , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:visited , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:active { border:0!important; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:active , .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u318f6079ecf8457460e2aec57ac66cef:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Vegetarianism EssayIn 43 BC, Antony joined with Octavian and Lepidus to establish a second triumvirat..e. They shared power by Antony ruling the eastern providences and Gaul, Octavian took Italy and Spain, and Lepidus took Africa. Their first objective was to start making a list of their enemies to be killed. The new triumvirate marched on the corrupt senate. In 42 BC, the two opposing armies met at Philippi where Antony led a great victory. The two assassins who were the leaders of the senate both committed suicide at the end. Cicero attempted to flee but was hunted down by the Antonys soldiers, captured and executed. His head and hands were chopped off and sent back to R ome. His head was given to Fulvia as a gift for what she formerly suffered. Ciceros hands were nailed to the Rostra in the Forum. After the battle of Philippi, Octavian returned to Rome, while Antony stayed in Asia Minor where he planned to take Parthia. While there he asked Cleopatra for her help. The two of them then traveled to Alexandria, where they fell in love. He stayed with her for the winter of 41-40 BC. Octavian and Antonys friendship started to deplete again. Antonys wife Fulvia and brother Lucius were back in Italy where they started conflict with Octavian, beginning the Perusine War. They were easily defeated and Fulvia fled to Athens. Antony did not know of the incident and when he found out, he went to Athens to confront his wife. Fulvia became ill and died shortly thereafter. Antony went back to Egypt to tell Cleopatra of the news and then to Brundisium to end the altercation between him and Octavian. At Brundisium, Octavian gave his sister Octavia to Antony in return for the Province of Cisalpine Gaul. The triumvirate was renewedfor an additional five years. Antony soon launched his Parthian campaign which was unsuccessful and was taken by Parthian Calvary. Lepidus was tired of taking care of Africa from Rome so he made a bad decision to take Sicily for himself. As a result he was deprived of his powers and administrative positions to be sent to exile, where he stayed to his death. Antony wanted a great eastern empire and Cleopatra was willing to help. Once again tension between Antony and Octavian started to emerge. Antony told Octavianhow he treated his sister Octavia. Octavian told the public Antony had been having children with Cleopatra and that Egypt was his country where he was getting his wealth. The final break up between Antony and Octavian was when Antony got so mad that he publicly divorced Octavia. Antony also gave his lands that should have been Romes to Cleopatra. Octavian wanted him out of the picture completely so he read Antonys Will which left many gifts to his illegitimate children by Cleopatra. The Senate stepped in and took his powers and started a civil war. Octavian was given a fleet of ships and advanced toward Egypt. Antony met his ships at the gulf of Actium. Antonys heavier ships were no match for Octavians quicker, smaller ships. Antony and Cleopatra sensing a defeat abandoned and went to Alexandria. Octavian soon reached Alexandria where Cleopatra tried to negotiate and when Antony heard of this he fell on his sword committing suicide. Directly after Cleopatra took her life as well with a poisonous snake. Octavian made sure that nothing like this would ever happen again and killed all Antonys children except he ones he had with Octavia. With Lepidus in exile, Antony and Cleopatra dead, their personal treasures and the wealth of Egypt captured, the Pompeian party dead, and the corruption of the Senate, Octavian became the ruler of the Greco-Roman-Egyptian World.

Ancient Egyptian Mythology and Culture A Distinctive Culture

Question: Describe about the Ancient Egyptian Mythology and Culture for A Distinctive Culture. Answer: Introduction Myths reflected human needs, concerns, and imaginations during the ancient times. A close analysis of these myths reveals that there exist a historical background to the human problems and cultures prevailing in the ancient Greek societies. The Ancient Egypt mythology is arguably a concept that has beguiled many archeologists, historians, and other scholars. Egypts ancient civilization offers a distinctive culture which captures most scholars imaginations more than any other culture that prevailed during its time. The reason owes to the Egyptian style of art ranging from mathematical and monumental styles of art to their colorful and consistent arts. In particular, the pyramids at Giza commands attention throughout the world even in the current century; a fact that proves the theme in the Egyptian art. However, a noticeable element that influenced Egyptian culture was the religion which served as a dominant force in Egyptian way of life and influenced almost everything. Antediluvian (ancient) Egyptians believed in several gods who carried out several functions and their (gods) involvement in the Egyptians daily life was vital to their (Egyptians) existence. They believed that the gods were responsible for the maintenance of the universe. The composite/complex Egyptian religious practice undertook several milestones of development and thrived in ancient Egypt for millennia. The essay aims at providing a succinct analysis of how the ancient Egyptian myths reflect the Egyptian culture citing felicitous examples that reflect the purpose of this essay. The society is inarguably a cultural concept in which common behaviors and cultural concepts reflect the relationships people have with each other. As such it is vital to evaluate the cultural impact and aspect of each believe and myth. Richard (2003) defines culture as a reproducible way in which people in a particular society experience and respond to the world around them. Culture serves to provide a set of mechanisms and techniques through which people in a particular society survives. On the other hand, a myth is a complex term owing to its different and contradictory connotations and meanings. While some authors define myth as a fiction that is untrue or dubious others define it as a traditional sacred story characterized by heroes and gods. However, Ashouri (1995) provides a definition that will assist us in analyzing how myths reflect the ancient Egyptian culture and way of life. Ashouri (1995) thus defines a myth as a narrative, whose roots are traceable in folk-ideas, which the society has accepted as the basis of their beliefs and practices which have no simple explanations. A notable point at this point is that the society accepts the folk ideas as a result of many telling. Johnstone (2004) argues that Egyptian mythology served to provide their belief structure and served as the basis of the ancient Egyptian culture from as early as 4000 BC. Burial practices such as tomb painting serve to evidence the earliest aspect of Egyptian culture influenced by their mythology. Myths relating to the universe and the gods who sustained the world informed almost all aspects of life for the ancient Egyptians. Even more interesting is the fact that, through trade Egyptian religion was transmitted to other regions thus influencing other cultures in several parts of the world. Development of the belief of the existence of life after death and reincarnation reflects the influence/impact of the Egyptian mythology to other cultures. Religion served as the most dominant and influential force in ancient Egypt. We can trace the concept of Egyptian religion from as early as 3100 BCE through the various milestone of developments of a wide array of gods. An analysis of various explanations for the origin of these gods reveals that the gods developed from the various forces of nature. There existed a famous concept of animism which held that spirits inhabited/resided in various natural worlds features such as rivers, the wind, the sun, and thunders/lightening. According to Hart (2005), polytheism characterized religion in ancient Egypt which means that they subscribed to numerous gods (approximately 700 in total). However, two main gods (Amon-Ra and Osiris) serves as the foundation of the Egyptian culture and civilization. The ancient Egyptians believed that there existed a close link or interdependence between the social, religious, cultural, and political realms. As such, the religious beliefs handled all the cultura l, political, and social decisions. Various studies establish that various ancient Egyptian traditions served to influence the ancient Egyptian religion which caused them (ancient Egyptians) to resist change. Bricault et al., (2007) argues that no Egyptian questioned the beliefs which the society held and their primary aim throughout history was to maintain these beliefs which they believed had the foundation in the dawn of creation. The Egyptians made statues of several gods who they worshiped and appeased. On their parts, the Egyptians believed that the gods provided protection and assisted in the preserving of law and order in their society. The society held the King as the high priest who had the sole responsibility of appeasing the gods on behalf of the whole society. The king would stand in his place which was ahead of the statue that the ancient Egyptian believed was the gods physical home. In return, for appeasing the gods, the latter granted the king his divinity. The Egyptians believed that droughts, hunger, famine, diseases, war, pestilence, and all other forms of calamities resulted from the gods displeasure. As a result of this belief, the ancient Egyptians would invoke and appease the gods throughout each day; a fact that played an indispensable role in the ancient Egyptians daily lives. Roberts (1968) notes that the major believe that influenced the Egyptian culture was that the gods provided for them and maintained the order of daily life. The word maat served to not only personify but also to represent the god Maat, whose role was to balance and maintain the order of the universe. The Egyptians further beli eved that maat and other gods influenced the flow of river Nile and were responsible for the growth of food. Given the king's duty to appease the gods and the consequent divinity granted to the king by the gods, the ancient Egyptian believed that the king (Pharaoh) was not a mere political ruler/king. He was a god who the Egyptians associated with Re the sun gods son, Horus. Further, they believed that upon the death of the king, he would be reincarnated to an Osiris, one of the two main gods, who would assist the Egyptians once they too died. As a result of this belief, the king had huge/immense powers and attributed anything going well in the society to the kings well-done job. Richard (1994) argues that life in the ancient Egypt revolved around the king (Pharaoh) and his royal family. Sam (2003) provides a complete and perfect description of the ancient Egypt when he says that ancient Egypt was like a single community unit with societal divisions which comprised of peasant families/masses and the kings household (the house of the god who was incarnated in the king). The kings household controlled and directed trade and all other economic activities owing to their divine status. As Ruth and John (1968) notes the divine status of the king as a god, resulted in a stable central government that had never been witnessed before in the history of Mesopotamia. Given the kings god-divine status, the ancient Egyptians believed that no other ruler, regardless of how powerful he was, was divine save for the pharaoh. As such, Pharaoh became the primary religious and political influential figure in the ancient Egyptian widespread culture. He was the link between divinity and humanity, invisible and the visible, life and death (Westendorf, 1968). As such he served as the cynosure of all the political and religious activities in the ancient Egypt commonly known as the Old Kingdom. On account of their immense power, the king owned all the land in Egypt and served as the controller of all the irrigation schemes. Three broad classes existed in ancient Egypt and reflected the social inequality in the Old Kingdom. The upper class comprised of the court nobility, the priests, and the landed nobility (Matweew, 1963). While the main duty of the priest was to preside over religious ceremonies such as burials, the court nobles provided advisory services to the government. On the other hand, the landed nobles managed the court nobles and priests estates. As such, the upper class thrived in a life of richness characterized by palatial homes and sumptuous meals. The middle class comprised of teachers, doctors, rich traders among other rich persons in the society. The third class, and the lowest comprised of slaves who in most cases were prisoners of war. Wadsworth and Williams (2005) notes that they (lower class) were peasant farmers with huge tax burdens, few or no political rights, and mostly victims of forced labor. However, there was a possibility for the hardworking citizens to rise to higher classes in ancient Egypt. Such an argument dates back to the biblical story of the Exodus, in which Joseph who had been sold as a slave rose to become the second most powerful person in Pharaohs administrative structure. The best example of how the ancient Egyptians religious beliefs influenced their lifestyle is the practice of mummification. They believed that the body is a separate entity from the soul. However, they had to preserve the physical body which served to provide a dwelling place for the soul/spirit after the death. According to the ancient Egyptians understanding of human existence; the current life (life on earth) forms one part (a small segment) of an eternal journey which is controlled/influenced by supernatural forces. The forces exist in the forms of gods/deities. Due to this belief, the Egyptian performed mummification which aimed at preserving the physical body for eternity while at the same time setting the soul free for its journey to the world after life (Baines, 1991). The most noticeable and important role that mummification played in the ancient Egypt was to bring unity to the ancient Egyptians just as Osiris did. The basis of how the Egyptian treated women rests on the influence by the cosmology of Isis. The latter was Osiris's wife and took on her husbands role following his death thus assuming a rather prominent role which saw her become a dominant figure. Before his death, Osiris co-ruled with his wife Isis with the main role of deciding where trees and other plants would grow the best for the peoples needs. In the ancient Egypt, women gained prominent roles and rights in marriage when Isis assumed power. Such rights included the right to inherit property and the freedom to seek divorce and remarry (Assmann, 2001). However, the Egyptians restricted priesthood to men who derived their divinity from the gods with women playing secondary roles in temple rituals and religious roles. Egyptian art and architecture further reflected the allusion of the ancient Egyptian mythology. Roberts (2001) notes that illustrations of the mythical events and symbols representing the gods appeared extensively in most religious writings mostly in temples. In their temples, the design of the central path served to reflect the path of the god of the sun across the sky. Moreover, at the end of the central path in the temple there existed a sanctuary which symbolized the place of creation from which the suns god arose from. In a similar manner, the tombs corridors represented the journey that the gods traveled through Duat to the burial chamber of Osiris. Even more interesting is the fact mythic symbolism have inspired the most prominent architectural forms of Egyptian art; the pyramids (Quirke, 2001). The pyramid structures serve to represent the not only the creation but also the original sunrise which served as an assurance of life after death. The design of other ordinary works such as amulets particularly the protective amulets was designed to not only reflect but also to evoke mythic themes. For example, amulets which in most cases were scarab-shaped evoked the regeneration of life and referred to Khepri which was the form that the Egyptian believed the sun god took at dawn. Conclusion Although the development of ancient Egyptian mythology proves hard to trace, various cultural events and practices in ancient Egypt serve to reflect the Egyptian mythology. Mythical themes and motifs appear in almost all aspects of the ancient Egyptians way of life. However, most of the myths in the old Egypt tried to explain the origin of various elements and the reasons why certain things happen in a particular way. Moreover, the myths seek to justify the ancient Egyptians traditions and to address the primary queries about the world. A dominant feature of ancient Egyptian mythology is their religion which influenced almost all aspects of their daily life including politics. They believed that the interactions and individual actions of the various gods governed the behavior of all the forces ranging from natural elements such as the sun, the earth, rivers, and rain to abstract objects such as creativity, leadership, and knowledge. Religious understanding of the ancient Egyptian ser ves as a vital element in the analysis of the ancient Egyptian cultures; however, it is not as essential in other cultures. References Ashouri D., (1995). Definition and Concept of Culture. 1st ed. Tehran: Agah Publishing House Assmann, J., (2001). The Search for God in Ancient Egypt. Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press. Baines, J., (1991). "Egyptian Myth and Discourse: Myth, Gods, and the Early Written and Iconographic Record". Journal Near Eastern Studies. 50 (2): 117 Bricault, L., Miguel, J., and Paul P., eds. (2007). 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