Download - WH Chapter 5 Section 4 Notes
CHAPTER 5
Section 4 Notes
Greek Philosophers
Greek achievements in the arts signified the height of human development in the western world
Greek thinks used observation and reason to find causes for things instead of believing they were caused by the whims of the gods
Philosophers---”lovers of wisdom” Studied logic---rational thinking Through reason and observation, they
believed, they could discover laws that governed the universe
Greek Philosophers
Others Greek philosophers were interested in ethics and morality
“What is the best kind of government?” and “What standards should rule human behavior?”
Developed skills in rhetoric---art of skillful speaking Socrates---Athenian stone mason and philosopher Socratic method---pose a series of questions and
examine the implications of each answer He believed this patient examination was a way to
help others seek truth and self-knowledge
Socrates
Greek Philosophers
When he was 70 years old, Socrates was put on trial for supposedly corrupting the youth of Athens and failing to respect the gods
He stood before a jury of 501 citizens and offered a calm defense of his practices
He was condemned to death by the jury He drank a cup of hemlock and died
Greek Philosophers
Plato---Socrates’ student---he fled Athens for 10 years after Socrates’ death and distrusted democracy
He returned and set up a school called the Academy and taught and wrote
He believed through rational thought, people could discover unchanging ethical values, recognize perfect beauty, and learn how to best organize society
Plato
Greek Philosophers
Plato’s “Republic”---his vision of an ideal state
Argued that the state should regulate every aspect of its citizens’ lives in order to provide for their best interests
Three classes: workers to produce the necessities of life, soldiers to defend the state, and philosophers to rule
Greek Philosophers
Aristotle---Plato’s most famous student Analyzed all forms of government from
monarchy to democracy, and found good and bad examples of each
Was suspicious of democracy---thought it could lead to mob rule
Believed that rule by a single strong and virtuous leader was best
Aristotle
Greek Philosophers
Aristotle thought about how people should live “Golden mean”---good conduct with a
moderate course between extremes Set up a school, the Lyceum, for the study of
all branches of knowledge Left writings on politics, ethics, logic, biology,
literature, and other subjects When the first European universities evolved
some 1,500 years later, their courses were largely based on his works
Architecture and Art
Greek architects sought to convey a sense of perfect balance to reflect the harmony and order of the universe
Most famous example of Greek architecture---the Parthenon---temple dedicated to Athena---located on top of the Acropolis
Parthenon
Parthenon
Architecture and Art
By 450 B.C., Greek sculptors had developed a new style that emphasized natural poses
Sculptors carved gods, goddesses, athletes, and famous men in a way that showed individuals in their most perfect, graceful form
The only Greek paintings to survive are on vases and other pottery
Poetry and Drama
Greek plays took two forms: tragedies and comedies
The first Greek plays evolved out of religious festivals
Plays were performed in large outdoor theaters with little or no scenery
Actors wore elaborate costumes and stylized masks
Greek plays discussed moral and social issues or explored the relationship between people and the gods
Poetry and Drama
Tragedies---one of the best examples of a Greek tragedy was “Antigone” written by Sophocles
“Antigone”---explored what happens when an individual’s moral duty conflicts with the laws of the state
Antigone is a young woman whose brother is killed leading a rebellion. The king forbids anyone to bury his body. When Antigone buries her brother’s body anyway, she is sentenced to death. She tells the king that the duty to the gods is greater than human law.
Poetry and Drama
Comedies---humorous plays that mocked people or customs
Comic playwrights sharply criticized society, much as political cartoonists do today
The Writing of History
The Greeks applied observation, reason, and logic to the study of history
Herodotus---”Father of History”---he visited many lands and collected information from people who remembered the events he chronicled
He cast a critical eye on his sources, noting bias and conflicting accounts
Standard set for modern historians by Herodotus---the importance of research
Herodotus---Father of History
The Writing of History
Thucydides wrote about the Peloponnesian War and vividly described its savagery and its corrupting influence on all those involved
Standard set for modern historians by Thucydides---the need to avoid bias
Thucydides