Untitled Flashcards Set

Thales of Miletus

An early philosopher known for predicting an eclipse and demonstrating that humans could understand science.

Herodotus

Often called the 'Father of History,' he sought to record human events and believed that not only Greeks had great deeds.

Trojan War

A war caused by the abduction of Helen, sparked by a beauty contest among three goddesses.

Ionian Enlightenment

A period when people sought natural explanations for everyday occurrences rather than relying solely on religious explanations.

Polis

City-states in ancient Greece, where citizens participated in governance and developed diverse political systems.

Greek phalanx

A military formation that played a crucial role in the Greek victories during the Greco-Persian Wars.

Battle of Thermopylae

A famous battle where a small Greek force, including 300 Spartans, held off the Persian invaders.

Allegory of the Cave

Plato's metaphor illustrating the distinction between the world of appearances and the world of forms.

Physis and Nomos

Concepts representing the law of nature and the law of society, respectively, often in conflict in ancient Greek philosophy.

Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept of finding a moderate position between extremes as a path to virtue.

Carolingian Renaissance

Period of cultural and educational revival during Charlemagne's rule, which aimed at restoring classical learning.

Transubstantiation

The change of the substance of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist in Christian theology.

The City of God

Written by Augustine, contrasting the heavenly city with earthly cities, reflecting on the fall of Rome.

Faith Seeking Understanding

A principle emphasizing that faith motivates the pursuit of understanding, associated with Augustine.

Pax Romana

A period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire lasting for about two centuries.

Sophistry

A method of argument that emphasizes persuasion over truth, often criticized by Plato and Socrates.

Aeschylus

A playwright who fought at the Battle of Marathon and exemplified themes of duty and justice in his works.

Pelagianism

A belief that original sin did not taint human nature and that individuals could achieve salvation through their own efforts.

Renovatio Romanii Imperii

The Carolingian ambition to restore the glory of the Roman Empire under Charlemagne.

Council of Trent

A significant ecumenical council held in response to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the necessity of good works for salvation.

Augustine's Confessions

An autobiographical work reflecting Augustine's philosophical thoughts and his journey to faith.