2025-01-27 -- Golden Age of Islamic Natural Philosophy -- abbreviated Flashcards
(14 cards)
What was the significance of the Library of Alexandria?
It contained over 500,000 scrolls and is an exemplary tale of loss due to its destruction
The library was burned several times, notably by decree in 391 AD by Emperor Theodosius I and further destruction ordered by Caliph Umar in 642 AD.
What did Neal Stephenson state about the destruction of the Library of Alexandria?
“It’s inherently difficult to get reliable information about an event that consisted of the destruction of all recorded information”
This quote highlights the challenges of understanding historical events that involve loss of knowledge.
Did the Roman system of slavery affect technological development?
Yes, it is suggested that reliance on human power limited technological advancements
Most Roman production was on a small scale, with Barbegal being an exceptional case.
Who are considered to have ‘saved civilization’ during the decline of the Roman Empire?
People living on the periphery of the Roman and Hellenic worlds, including Persians, Arabs, Jews, and Irish
These groups fused local scholarship with classical sources.
What was the role of Persia in the history of science before Islam?
Persia was historically open to foreign ideas and crafts, granting autonomy to subjects
Astronomical and natural observations continued, guided by Aristotle and Ptolemy.
How was early Islamic science characterized?
It was not monolithic; some dynasties encouraged exploration of Greco-Roman philosophy while others attacked it
Greek and Roman learning was often regarded as paganism.
Who was Alhazen and what was his contribution to science?
Alhazen, also known as Abū ‘Alī al-Ḥasan ibn al-Ḥasan ibn al-Haytham, was a court philosopher who authored the Book of Optics
His work challenged Aristotle’s optics and laid foundational principles for the study of light.
What was the main thesis of Alhazen’s Book of Optics?
It addressed perception and vision, challenging the Aristotelian view that eyes emit light
Alhazen proposed that eyes receive light and that knowledge of objects is shaped by perception.
What was the paradigm shift introduced by Alhazen?
His experiments challenged the Aristotelian natural philosophy and the existing paradigm of optics
He emphasized knowledge gained through experimentation rather than observation alone.
What was the Canon of Medicine and who authored it?
The Canon of Medicine, authored by Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina), became a main reference in Medieval Europe
It built on and challenged the work of Galen.
What are some scientific terms derived from Arabic?
- Algebra
- Alcohol
- Alchemy
Terms like algebra come from ‘al-jebr’, meaning the reuniting of broken parts.
What is the significance of the concept of zero in mathematics?
Zero represents void and serves as a placeholder, raising questions that open doors to higher mathematics
The invention of zero is significant for the development of counting and calculation.
True or False: Alhazen believed that light and form are dependent entities.
False
Alhazen argued that light and form are independent entities.
Fill in the blank: Alhazen’s experiments were designed to show readers how to think _______.
experimentally
His approach emphasized practical experimentation in understanding physical phenomena.
