Esotericism and Deviance in Antiquity 2: Gnosticism

Tarbiẓ , 2024

The main argument of this article is that the defining feature of Solomon Alqabeṣ’s and Moses Cordovero’s kabbalistic teachings is their scholastic interpretation of the Zohar. This approach drew upon and further developed the widespread use of logic-based methodologies in the fields of biblical homiletics and Talmud study, commonly known as Sephardic speculation (Iyyun Sefardi), which were prevalent in fifteenth–century Castille and thrived in the Ottoman Empire during the sixteenth century. The first part of this article discusses how this scholastic methodology manifested in Alqabeṣ’s and Cordovero’s extensive writings through (1) their organization of zoharic manuscripts and preparation of a precise text, (2) their questions and propositions (haqdamot) concerning the text, and (3) their emphasis on the importance of novel interpretations (ḥiddushim). This final aspect, in particular, stands in stark contrast to earlier kabbalistic traditions that considered novel interpretations to be completely alien to the kabbalistic tradition. Following, this article underscores the unique character of this methodology attributed to this specific group of kabbalists, in contrast to other kabbalists of Spanish descent, particularly those associated with Isaac Canpanton’s school, who did not embrace this approach. Moreover, it illustrates that the contemporary Italian kabbalists, Moses Bassola and Mordekhai Dato, specifically made a trip to Safed to acquire this methodology after the Zohar’s publication, to enable the correct study of the Zohar in Italy. The second part of this article, through a detailed examination of previously unexplored manuscripts, uncovers the significant intellectual and cultural influence of this methodology. These manuscripts, which contain the textual unit of Liqquṭei Haqdamot ascribed to Alqabeṣ, will be identified as having been owned by the disciples of Alqabeṣ and Cordovero in Safed during the period of 1548–1561. Based on this identification, this article demonstrates that these individuals engaged in collective study, recorded Alqabeṣ’s teachings, and then further edited and refined them. The implementation of this study practice is a direct outcome of the logically derived methodology employed in their studies. Moreover, this classic and material philological analysis indicates that Alqabeṣ himself might have actively participated in the development of this textual unit at a later juncture. Thus, for the first time, this article provides material evidence of the presence of a group of kabbalists. The article posits that this scholarly collaboration is rooted in the cultural tradition of yeshiva study, as witnessed in the renowned Safedian study halls. In these settings, masters and disciples engaged in a shared learning experience, even as equals, to some extent. Finally, this article presents a comparison between Liqquṭei Haqdamot and Pardes Rimonim to establish that these kabbalistic propositions plausibly predate Alqabeṣ. Furthermore, it posits that Cordovero’s Pardes Rimonim might not be a compilation of medieval kabbalistic material, but rather a compilation of preexisting scholastic arguments to which Cordovero contributed his own insights. In this manner, it is appropriate to view Pardes Rimonim as an elaboration of the core concepts found in Alqabeṣ’s kabbalistic teachings.

Mélanges de l'École française de Rome. Antiquité, 2017

Dominios da Imagem, 2024

Este artigo explora como o imaginário heroico americano influenciou a virada conservadora liderada por Ronald Reagan em 1980 e sua relação com a ideologia política dos Estados Unidos. O contexto histórico desse período levou a um desejo por um líder que encarnasse características heroicas de determinação e força, contrastando com a imagem de fragilidade associada a Jimmy Carter. Com uma abordagem histórico-cultural, investigamos a relevância dos heróis e mitos na sociedade americana. O imaginário heroico nos EUA é marcado por uma divisão moral entre bem e mal, refletindo-se na política. O artigo se baseia em análises de discursos políticos, campanhas eleitorais, mídia, quadrinhos, filmes e literatura especializada para demonstrar a presença do imaginário heroico na ideologia política americana. A interação entre o imaginário heroico e a ideologia política é vista como uma dinâmica de mobilização, identificação aspiracional e feedback discursivo-ideológico. A singularidade do estudo reside na análise do papel dos heróis na construção do imaginário político americano e na complexa relação entre imaginário heroico e ideologia política. Isso contribui para a compreensão da política americana em seu contexto social e cultural, enriquecendo os estudos de imaginário e política. A crescente popularidade do Superman após o mandato de Carter, impulsionada pelo filme "Superman" (1978), reflete não apenas uma coincidência, mas uma resposta consciente ao espírito da época. Ela representa uma estratégia coordenada por novos atores no Partido Republicano, apoiados por interesses empresariais, para transformar a paisagem política tanto nos EUA quanto globalmente.

Advanced Journal of Graduate Research

This study presents a thorough review on different innovative extraction techniques of different plant essential oil derived from its peel, leaves, seeds and shrubs. The review also entails the different pre-treatment processes that affects the quality and recovery of the plant essential oil. Also, discussed the recently developed green extraction method such as Microwave Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD), Solvent Free Microwave Extraction (SFME), Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE), Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Ohmic Heated Assisted Hydrodistillation (OHAD). The impact of these extraction process on the important chemical composition of essential oil is further analyzed in this review. The important parameters in extraction is also studied such as the water to material ratio, extraction temperature, power input and extraction time. Based on the different articles reviewed, it signifies that the innovative extraction method improves the quality and quantity of the essen...

Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 2005

ABSTRACT: The present article interprets mindfulness from the point of view of the effects of language and cognition on human action. Relational Frame Theory is described to show how human suffering is created by entanglement with the cognitive networks made possible ...