2025-01-15-- Greek Understandings of Nature -- abbreviated Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the atomic hypothesis according to Richard Feynman?
All things are made of atoms—little particles that move around in perpetual motion, attracting each other when they are a little distance apart, but repelling upon being squeezed into one another.
Who theorized about atoms before the modern understanding?
Democritus
What is Hippocrates known for in ancient Greek science?
Hippocrates proposed that diseases have natural causes.
What did Aristotle and Plato suggest about knowledge?
Plato: Look to the perfection of the heavens for truth; Aristotle: Look around you at what is if you would know the truth.
What are the four classical elements according to Hippocratic physicians?
- Earth
- Air
- Fire
- Water
What is the ‘Quintessence’ in Aristotle’s physics?
The fifth element that combines the four classical elements.
What is the significance of ‘Telos’ in Aristotle’s philosophy?
Nature is working towards a goal: perfection.
True or False: Aristotle was the dominant philosopher of Ancient Greece.
False
What did Aristotle believe about the cosmos?
The cosmos strives for geometrical perfection.
Who is known for the principles of geometry in ancient Greece?
Euclid of Alexandria
What discovery is Archimedes famous for?
The principle of displacement related to measuring volume.
What does Ptolemy’s geocentric cosmology state?
Earth is the sphere in the center and does not move.
Fill in the blank: Aristotle rejected _______’ atomism.
Democritus
What is the ‘Almagest’?
A significant work by Ptolemy covering geography, astronomy, and astrology.
Who was Aristotle’s most famous pupil?
Alexander the Great
What did Aristotle believe about the ideal form?
Knowing the form is much more important than knowing the parts.
What method did Plato advocate for accessing knowledge of the ideal form?
Theory (‘look to heavens’)
What is the hierarchy of souls according to Aristotle?
People, animals, plants, rocks.
What is the ‘Golden Ratio’ associated with?
Aesthetic and beauty as proof of the ideal form theory.
