Introduction to Philosophy and Ancient Greek Thought

Vocabulary based on lecture notes covering the definitions of philosophy, sophists, the myth of Prometheus, and the Phaedrus myth regarding writing and memory.

Philosophy

The love of wisdom.

Sophists

People that claim to be wise who teach others how to win arguments through words.

Prometheus

The figure who steals fire and wisdom in the arts.

Shame and Justice

Virtues for which humans are praised or blamed because they are voluntary and can be learned, unlike traits such as beauty or intelligence.

Pharmakon

A term meaning potion or pharmacy; it is also described in the context of writing as a poison for human memory.

Writing

According to the Phaedrus myth, this can be a poison for human memory because it removes the necessity of remembering information.