Classical Culture

What was the Greek rational/humanistic perspective focused on?

It focused on rational thinking and understanding why things happen, rather than just telling stories.

What did Greek humanism emphasize?

It emphasized humans and their individual potential instead of prioritizing the gods.

ex of Protagoras man is the measure of all things… What do the Doric and Ionic columns represent?

Doric represents male qualities; Ionic represents female qualities.

According to Greek thought, what dictates human limitations?

The gods determine fate, which cannot be changed by humans or gods.

What opposing forces drove Greek culture?

Fate vs. choice, emotion vs. intellect, civilization vs. barbarism, and order vs. chaos.

What does the word “philosophy” mean?

Love of wisdom.

Where did the earliest Greek philosophers come from?

Miletus.

What did early philosophers study?

Natural processes, material composition, and physical operations of the world. mathematics are basic operational principle in physical universe. Early atomic theory - Democritus (460-370BCE)

What was Socrates’ main belief about knowledge?

Everyone has knowledge; to find it, one must look inward — “Know thyself.”

What did Plato do with Socrates’ ideas?

He developed them into a systematic philosophy.

What was Plato’s view of truth and perfection?

they are real and unchanging; humans should strive toward them to improve themselves.

What reasoning methods did Aristotle use?

Inductive reasoning (specific → general) and deductive reasoning (general → specific). he was a rational thinker 

Who was known as the “Father of History”?

Herodotus — wrote a history of the Persian Wars in 9 books.

Who wrote about the Peloponnesian Wars?

Thucydides — focused on real and immediate causality.

What works did Xenophon write?

Hellenica, Cyropaedia, and Anabasis.

What did Greek drama focus on?

Human physiological and emotional processes.

What is the meaning of the word “tragedy”?

Goat song.”

What were most Greek tragedies based on?

Mythological and legendary stories familiar to audiences.

What did Greek tragedies explore?

How people deal with difficult choices and internal conflicts.

Who were the three major tragedians?

Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

What is hubris?

Excessive pride or self-confidence leading to downfall.

What is nemesis?

Divine retribution resulting from hubris.

What is Antigone known for?

The “Ode to Man” — exploring human strength and limits. 

What was the tone and purpose of Greek comedies?

Lighthearted and happy but often used to criticize or point out flaws in real people.

Who was the famous Greek comedy playwright?

Aristophanes (448–386 BCE).

What are Aristophanes’ plays known for?

Set in the present, featuring real people as characters.

Which play did Aristophanes create?

Lysistrata.