GREEK & ROMAN CIVILIZATION: BAPR STS

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Philosophy and the Birth of Rational Inquiry: Key figures in this Sector

Philosophy and the Birth of Rational Inquiry

Greek Philosophers shifted from mythological explanations and toward rational inquiry.

Aristotle

Promoted systematic observation and categorization of natural phenomena, which became a foundation of scientific methodology.

Plato’s Republic

Explored the ethical use of knowledge and the role of philosopher in society.

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

Discussed moral virtues and responsible action.

Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes

Mathematics and Geometry: Key figures in this sect.

Greek Mathematic and Geometry

The Greeks' mathematical achievements made possible later technological developments and shaped societal understanding of logic, structure, and order, which influenced everything from architecture to education.

Euclid’s Element

Systematized geometry, defining axioms and proofs that became standard for mathematical rigor.

Principles of Levers, Buoyancy, and Calculus (Archimedes)

Paved the way for practical applications in engineering, leading to early machines and mechanisms.

Ptolemy, Aristarchus of Samos, Hipparchus

Astronomy and Cosmology: Key figures in this sect.

Greek Astronomy and Cosmology

Greek astronomers developed complex models to explain the cosmos, including the movement of celestial bodies.

Aristarchus

Proposed an early heliocentric model (Sun at the center of the universe).

Ptolomy’s Geocentric Model

Became the standard for centuries, showcasing how societal views and available technologies can affect scientific acceptance.

Greek Astronomy and Cosmology

Provided a foundation for later astronomical studies and influenced philosophical ideas about humanity’s place in the cosmos.

Hippocrates, Galen

Medicine and Anatomy: Key figures of this sect.

Hippocrates

Credited for the moving medical understanding away from supernatural causes of illness and toward natural, observable explanations.

Hippocrates

Their emphasis on systematic observation, diagnosis, and treatment laid the foundation for modern medicine.

Dissections and Observations of Animal Anatomy

Galen’s work in the Medical Field

Galen

Expanded Greek knowledge of the body’s structure and functions.

Greek Medicine and Anatomy

Introduced principles such as Hippocratic Oath, continues to guide medical ethics today, highlighting the long-standing interplay between scientific knowledge and societal expectations of care and responsibility.

Iktinos, Kallikrates

Engineering and Architecture: Key figures of this sect.

Greek Architecture

Utilized precise geometric principles, symmetry, and innovations like columns to achieve stability and beauty.

Greek Engineering and Architecture

Often had social and religious functions, with theaters, temples, and public spaces reflecting the values and civic life of Greek Society.

Greek Engineering and Architecture

Demonstrated how technology in construction reflects and supports cultural identity and social values.

Archimedes, Hero of Alexandra

Technology and Mechanics: Key figures of this sect.

Archimedes

Developed practical tools like the Archimedes screw for water lifting which showed early engineering applications.

Hero of Alexandra

Created a simple steam engine (aeolipile), foreshadowing later development in mechanics.

Greek Technology and Mechanics

Often used in limited contexts (entertainment and demonstration), rather than widespread industrial use.

Greek Technology and Mechanics

Demonstrated foundational engineering principles that later societies would build upon, showing early stages of automation and mechanical ingenuity.

Plato, Aristotle

Ethics and the Role of Knowledge in Society: Key figures in this sect.

Plato’s Republic

Explored the ethical implications of knowledge and its use.

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

Provided frameworks for considering the societal impact of science and technology.

Greek Ethics and the Role of Knowledge in Society

Touched on the role of scholars and scientists in society, including issues like the responsibility of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the moral dimensions of scientific inquiry.

Greek Ethics and the Role of Knowledge in Society

Influenced later debates on scientific ethics, underscoring how the pursuit of knowledge is intertwined with societal responsibilities and ethical considerations.

Political Systems and the Role of Citizenship

Established democracy, which fostered public debate, civic responsibility, and intellectual freedom, which encouraged open discourse and advancements in knowledge.

Democracy

Enabled an environment where ideas could flourish, exemplifying how political systems influence the progress of science and technology by either fostering or limiting intellectual exploration.

Aqueducts

Built by romans to transport fresh water from distant sources into cities and towns, providing clean drinking water.

Aqueducts

Led to the development of large cities and urban centers where people could live and work in close proximity.

Road Networks

Roman creates this that enabled efficient movement of troops, goods, and information.

Appian Way

Unified far-reaching regions, facilitated trade, and helped spread Roman culture and governance.

Roman Concrete

Allowing monumental structures like the Pantheon, featured an innovative dome.

Public Baths and Sewage Systems

Promoted hygiene and offered a communal place for recreation and relaxation.

Cloaca Maxima

Developed one of the earliest sewage system. By channeling waste away from populated areas, this improved sanitation, reduced the spread of disease, and demonstrated an early awareness of public health.

Military Camps and Towns

Where was Roman medicine practiced on?

Bone setting

Helped soldiers and civilians recover from injuries.

Durable Weapons and Armor

Romans innovated this for combat effciency and mobility.

Testudo Formation

Roman advancements in formation that provided strategic advantages.

Ballistae, Catapults, and Battering Rams

Developed these siege technologies that allowed the Romans to conquer well-fortified cities.

Siege Weapons

Mastery of such enabled Rome’s expansion and reinforced the empire’s power, creating a sense of Roman invincibility.

Military Technologies

Facilitated the spread of Roman Laws, infrastructure, and customs across Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, fostering a unified cultural identity.

Irrigation and Crop Rotation

Romans developed these techniques to increase productivity.

Latifundia

Utilized slave labor and became economic hubs, providing the food supply for the empire’s growing population.

Plows and Crop Storage Techniques

Romans improved tools ensures stability in food supply.

Widened Class Divides, Social Tension

Negative effects of Roman Agricultural Technology.

Agricultural Innovation

It enabled Rome to become less reliant on imports and allowed its citizens to focus on other areas like governance, arts, and sciences.

Julian Calender

A more accurate annual structure, which helped in organizing festivals, trade, and agricultural cycles, providing a shared framework for both Romans and conquered regions.

Tablets, Scrolls, and Records

Documentation medium that preserved knowledge and set the foundation for legal systems.

Twelve Tablets

Where laws were codified, and was accessible to all citizens and reinforced social order.

Naturalis Historia

Pliny the Elder documented scientific observations on this, spreading knowledge about biology, geography, and minerals.

Celestial Movements

Influenced their calendar systems and helped them organize societal activities, religious ceremonies, and agricultural cycles.

Preservation of Greek Scientific ideas

Roman emphasis on documenting and disseminating knowledge contributed to the preservation of Green scietific ideas.

Urbanization and Social Stratification

Impact of Technology on Social Hierarchies.

Slave Labor

Rome’s technology and infrastructure (agriculture and constructure) relied on these.

Exploitation

Rome’s economy dependent on these, leading to ethical debates.

Social Mobility (for Engineers, Builders, and Soldiers)

Rome Technology enables these, allowing some to gain wealth and status through their contribution.