Aristotle, Hellenism & Greek Art – Vocabulary Review

Traditional vocabulary flashcards covering major terms, people, and concepts from the lecture on Aristotle, Hellenism, and Greek art and architecture.

Hemlock

Poisonous drink chosen by Socrates for his state-ordered execution instead of exile.

World of Forms

Plato’s realm of perfect, unchanging ideals accessible only to the mind, not the senses.

Plato’s View of Art

Suspicious of most art as an emotional copy of a copy; accepts only calm music and educational dance.

Syllogism

Logical structure with major premise, minor premise, and conclusion; employs deductive reasoning.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle’s ‘flourishing life’; activity of the soul in accordance with complete excellence.

Aristotle’s View of Art

Literary and visual art are productive imitations of complete actions that elevate the mind.

Aristotle on Democracy

Favors rule for the common good of the polis; skeptical of wealthy elites, privileging common citizens.

Proportion (Greek Art)

Mathematical balance in sculpture that embodies ideal harmony between body, nature, and spirit.

Black-Figure Technique

Early Greek vase style with flat, silhouette figures painted in black slip.

Red-Figure Technique

Later Greek vase style allowing more detailed, realistic figures in reserve red clay.

Doric Column

Simplest Greek order; fluted shaft with plain capital, no base on the stylobate.

Ionic Column

Slimmer order distinguished by scrolled (volute) capitals and usually a molded base.

Corinthian Column

Most ornate order; capitals decorated with carved acanthus leaves.

Skepticism

Philosophical stance doubting the possibility of certain knowledge.

Cynicism

School advocating rejection of social convention and distrust of human motives.

Epicureanism

Philosophy promoting pleasure through moderation, friendship, and intellectual pursuit.

Stoicism

Doctrine stressing virtue, rational self-control, and acceptance of fate through reason.