Positivism_Fotsch

Positivism Pages   __**FOTSCH'S POSITIVISM PAGE!**__

=__**Example #1: Cursus Honorum (course of honors) of the Roman Empire**__= The Cursus Honorum was the specific order of offices for Roman citizen males, who were wealthy enough to hold the rank of senator. This system was in place during the Roman Republic (509 - 28 BC) and the Empire (27BC - c. 476AD). Each office in the cursus honorum had specific duties, term limits, and age requirements. It was thought that this would best prepare Roman senators for the position of consul. This reflect positivism because it is an established hierarchy whose roles are clearly defined. (Nevermind that the Romans flagrantly ignored some of the rules!) Click on the link below to find a chart of the cursus honorum and an explanation from Barbara McManus. http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/romangvt.html

=__**Example #2 - Workplace Slogan from Communist Czechoslovakia**__= I took this picture last summer in the Museum of Communism, located on Prague, Czech Republic. I think that it reflects positivism because of the cause and effect relationship implied in the slogan - arriving to work on time will trounce the Americans. I think that Lex Donaldson would like this because he defined positivism with an emphasis on cause and effect relationships.

=__**Example #3 - Pantheon - Roma, Italia**__= The Pantheon in Rome is my favorite ancient monument. It is an example of positivism in terms of its layout and construction. The emperor Hadrian wanted to build a monument to all the gods, using the latest architectural styles and principles. He hired Apollodorus of Damascus as his chief architect. The dome itself is exceptionally positivistic and functionalist. The stamps in the dome were not only aesthetically pleasing, but they serve to lighten the weight of the dome. The oculus serves two purposes: light source and distrubutor of the dome's weight. The dome is half of a perfect sphere, something not seen before in architecture. I think that it reflects positivism because it is a space that has a specific purpose (worship of the gods) and it was designed using calculated principles of math and physics. The precise rules of architecture and the desire to use material efficiently, led to the creation of this masterpiece. In terms of the articles read for class, I think that Taylor would appreciate this example because of the efficiency of design.