Key Concepts from Lecture on Knowledge, Authority, and Cultural Exchange

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on knowledge, authority, cultural exchange, and their intersections with science and religion.

Aristotle

Authority. Ancient philosopher used as a key source, shows reliance on classical texts; knowledge = interpreting authority.

Genesis

Religion. Biblical creation account explaining nature through divine origin; no divide between science and religion.

Cosmos (Greek kosmos)

Philosophy. Ordered, harmonious universe influenced by Greek thought; nature seen as meaningful, not random.

Bioarchaeology

Archeology. Study of human remains showing modern evidence-based methods, contrasting with medieval knowledge.

Zooarchaeology

Archaeology. Study of animal remains revealing diet and environment; knowledge from physical evidence.

Zaballa

Archeology. Medieval village site showing everyday life and land use; evidence beyond texts.

Flixborough

Archeology. Settlement in England providing insight into daily life and social structure; material evidence matters.

Kom el-Nana

Archeology. Egyptian site related to religious and social life; reflects regional diversity.

Pannage

Practical. Feeding pigs in forests; reflects environmental knowledge; science embedded in daily life.

Tempestarii

Folk Belief. Weather magicians explaining natural events supernaturally; coexistence of science and belief.

Charlemagne

People. Frankish ruler who promoted learning reforms; knowledge tied to power.

Carolingian

Institutions. Period of reform and revival characterized by standardizing knowledge; political influence on learning.

Clothar

Power. Merovingian king whose authority shaped knowledge within political and cultural context.

Drogo

Case study. Individual case study showing knowledge gained from lived experience; not just elite thinkers.

Merovingian Gaul

Region. Early medieval kingdom illustrating regional variation; knowledge shaped by politics.

Mediterranean

Geography. Zone of exchange for the movement of ideas and goods; cross-cultural knowledge.

St. Gall

Monastic. Monastery center of learning and preservation; importance of religious institutions.

Polaris

Astronomy. North Star used for navigation; practical astronomy.

Ursa Minor

Astronomy. Constellation helping locate Polaris; structured view of the sky.

Astrolabe

Astronomy. Tool measuring stars used for navigation and prayer; practical science.

Easter

Religion. Christian holiday linked to lunar cycles; illustrates connection between astronomy and religion.

Moveable Feast

Religion. Date changes yearly; requires calculation involving science for religious observance.

Julian Calendar

Religion. Earlier calendar system with slight inaccuracies; indicated need for reform.

Gregorian Calendar

Religion. Calendar reform providing more accurate timekeeping; intersection of science and religion.

Banu Musa ibn Shakir

Religion. Islamic scholars contributing to math and engineering; knowledge transcending Europe.

Qur'an

Religion. Islamic scripture shaping knowledge and daily life; source of authority.

Mecca / Ramadan

Religion. Religious practice requiring astronomy for timing and direction; science supports religion.

Humoral Theory

Medicine. Core medical framework based on the balance of bodily fluids; different from modern biology.

Galen

Medicine. Ancient physician with major influence on medicine; relied heavily on text-based knowledge.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Medicine. Islamic physician who synthesized knowledge, showcasing cross-cultural influence.