Ancient Greece Flashcards
(38 cards)
Based on information presented in this class (and on your own critical thinking and understanding of history), talk about the emergence of philosophy, democracy, and “republics” in Ancient Greece
What does Thrasymachus say about justice in book I of Plato’s Republic? What does socrates say in response?
Thrasymachus believes that justice comes from those that make up the majority in a given society. He believes that the majority’s decision is the right on and that those in the minority should obey those decision. Once Socrates, however, brings up the idea that the majority can enact “bad” laws that hurt the minority, rather than the best interest for both majority and minority, and gives the example liken to a “good” doctor’s philosophy, thrasymachus rewards his earlier belief. He says that rulers cannot make mistakes within the given society; also arguing that having the most power makes what you do in your society right (might makes right) Socrates believes that those who are with virtue should rule as they will make the “good” decision for both majority and minority
What is Socrates view of justice, as presented in Plato’s Republic?
Socrates believes that those who are with virtue should rule as they will make the “good” decision for both majority and minority
Explain Plato’s theory of the eternal Forms. Explain how the “allegory of the cave” reflects the theory of the forms, as well as hot it explains Plato’s/Socrates’ view of the role of the philosopher in society
We live in a world of illusion because nothing in the world is perfect and fit together. How can you have truth when truth is perfect, and the world is not. The nominal realm is the otherworldly.
Allegory of the cave, allegory of accessing the forms with your mind after you escape the cave of ignorance. If you are one of the people that can understand the other realm, people will hate you for it because they cannot understand the true truth. Plato believes that you should have a philosopher king and he has the most elitist view on society
Plato’s philosophy is connected to Christianity, largely because of the theological writings of saint Augustine, who drew heavily on Plato’s ideas to develop Christian doctrine in the Third century CE. Based on our reading of the Republic and your knowledge of Christian doctrine, compare and contrast Platonism with Christianity. What are some un-Christian aspects of Plato’s ideas? What are some aspects of his philosophy that are similar to Christianity?
In our readings, Aristotle talks, Among other things, about human nature, the purpose of the state, and what it means to be a citizen. Talk about Aristotle’s political thought with respect to these themes. Explain what the purpose of politics (or the state, i.e. polis) is for Aristotle. (You might include an explanation of what he says the main purpose is not.) Explain the view of human nature on which his understanding of politics is based. And if you see a connection between these things and his concept of citizenship, explain that.
Aristotle believes that the human species is one that is naturally political, he uses the phrase zoon politician, the translates to “political animal”. Aristotle believes that the nature of humans is to create a society and have politics (a government) in that society. This governmental society will in turn create the state or the polis, proving (as Aristotle believes) she’s that this is another example of how naturally humans use politics to live. Aristotle also discusses his idea of the “perfect” citizen, and he believes that this is one that participates in the political process. However, only the rich male citizen should be those who should participate in the politics of the state, Aristotle also believe that there is a difference in those who should and should not participate in the state’s politics
The Neolithic revolution
Loosely used term, that refers to early farming societies rather than a hunter-gatherer society
The sapiens paradox
humans have been around for 100,000’s of years, why do we only see societal norms emerging within around 5,000 years ago
Liturgical states
Term used by, Max Weber, describes early states that is ruled by God-kings
Mycenaean Greece
Period of Greek history that corresponds with the liturgical states, pre-bronze age collapse
Greek dark ages
the period of Greek history from the end of the Mycenaean greeks ~1175BCE to the beginning of the archaic age ~750 BCE (Classical Greece)
Sparta
A city-state located in the southeaster Peoponnese region of Ancient Greece. Sparta grew to rival the size of the city-states Athens and These by subjugating its neighboring region of Messenia
Athens
Historic city where many of Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated there, and the city is generally considered to be the birthplace of western civilization
Democracy
Direct or representative democracies. Socrates and Aristotle believe that everyone (rich men) should participate in politics to be “good” citizens
The Greek Miracle
the notion that there was an extraordinary big band of human civilization that took place in Ancient Greece or, more specifically, in classical Athens
Phusis
Greek term for nature
Nomos
the concept of law
Doxa
opinion
Polis
both the physical city and state apparatus
Demos
Democracy
Athenian ostracism
Athenian democratic procedure in which any citizen could be expelled from the city-state of Athens for ten years; believed to guard against demagogs
Thrasymachus
Asserts that those who act just or believe in justice are the ones at loss, as they receive no benefit. Justice according to him is solely for the ruler, who rules the city. unlike Socrates, Thrasymachus claims that there is no advantage for the weaker to be just
Tyrannos
“tyrant”, look to Aristotle
Social contract theory
The view that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependen upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live
