The mythopoeic view shaped both Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations by interpreting the nature of the universe. These thoughts were based on imaginations and feelings that were not supported by concrete evidence. Myths explained the presences of gods, which gave rise to religion in Mesopotamian and Egyptian. Religion was a foundation to the first civilizations as they interpreted the will of gods. They analyzed the stars and planets to determine their wills. They believed that the gods were in control of the universe and were responsible for the natural disasters. They shaped the economy society, and government through the will of their gods. They also built ziggurats …show more content…
to worship and serve the gods, hoping for security in return.
Moreover, these myths also structured their government, law, and society by religion. Mesopotamians adopted the code of Hammurabi, explaining the role of men and women, and the consequences for unethical actions. Mesopotamians also believed that their king was selected by the gods. In contrast, the Egyptians saw their kings as gods, promoting divine kingship. For Egyptians, they followed the Book of Instruction that was approved by the gods to treat each other fairly. The first civilizations revolved around religion that was proposed by the mythopoeic view.
How did Hebrew thought shape Western civilization? The Hebrews brought emphasis in the individual self, shaping Western civilization. The Hebrews were guided through the Exodus by a messenger of God, Moses, and were convinced that the God existed. The Hebrew Scriptures, written between 1250 and 150 B.C., depicted God as omnipotent, omnipresent, and the Creator of all things. The Hebrews believed that God granted moral freedom to humankind, and have responsibility for their actions. The Hebrews eventually developed the idea of self-awareness and human dignity.
In addition, the Hebrews also followed the Ten Commandments, addressing social behavior in the society. Therefore, everyone should be treated equally and defending against evil. The Hebrew idea of God shaped the principle of the Western civilization by following laws. Universalism also promoted righteous behavior of individuals in the society as it ensured peace and salvation. The prophets also encouraged spiritual self in order to improve life on earth. The Hebrew thought encouraged reformation of the society by making it more fair. The Western civilization has adopted the idea that individuals need to be responsible for their own actions.
What differences can you discern between Platonic and Aristotelian thought? Both Plato and Aristotle shared an interest in understanding the world. However, they developed different perspectives in obtaining truth. Plato believes in the existence of a “higher reality” that departs from worldly things. According to Plato, this “higher reality” is called the realm of Ideas, which is “unchanging, eternal, absolute, and universal standards of beauty, goodness, justice, and truth.” Truth is obtained through understanding these standards. He expresses that truth is independent from the object. Plato neglects the importance of sight, hearing, and touch to understand the world. In contrast, Aristotle believes that both sense and a rational mind is necessary to obtain truth. He disagreed with Plato’s idea of a higher reality. Unlike Plato, he believes that an individual cannot understand reality when finding truth at another level of reality. Aristotle saw the importance of “sense perception” in finding truth. Aristotle suggested that the Ideas, mentioned by Plato, are in the object itself.
What are the basic tenets of St. Augustine’s Christian philosophy?
St. Augustine shared his Christian belief in the City of God. He believes that a limited amount of Christians are granted eternal life with the entrance of heaven and the others are bound to receive eternal punishment. He distinguishes two world that exists, dividing the “higher world of corruption” and the “lower world of corruption.” The lower world consists of the permanent dwellers on earth, who will receive eternal punishment in hell. The higher world consists of visitors of earth, who are awaiting for God’s arrival and eternal life.
He focuses on the importance of the spiritual life than the worldly life, neglecting the rise of empires and cities that are established by men. St. Augustine emphasizes that Christian doctrines should still be practiced in the earthly world. He also suggests that reason cannot lead to wisdom and a good life. Reason needs to be accompanied by faith to obtain knowledge and guidance. St. Augustine believed that an individual’s faith in God is most important as it can change their sinful nature and receive eternal happiness.
What was the impact of medieval Muslim intellectual life in western history?
The Muslims made contributions to individuals in Latin Christendom by preserving and excelling many educational studies including science, philosophy, and mathematics that were discovered by Greeks. The culture and idea of the Greeks were fading, but the Muslims translated their works into Arabic and developed from their ideas. The Muslims translated and studied Euclid’s Elements on geometry that contributed to the discovery of algebra and trigonometry. In addition, the Muslims corrected Greek ideas and understood that rays of light affect vision.
Moreover, the Muslim intellectual life benefited individuals’ well-being with the advancement of the medical field. The Muslims had the knowledge and skills to treat cancer and produce new medicine. Moreover, the Muslim developed a skill to diagnosis and treat illnesses that was often used in Latin Christendom. In “Love of Learning,” Avicenna, who was influenced by Aristotle, accounted his knowledge in science, mathematics, and philosophy from ancient Greece. Medieval Muslim intellectual life made several intellectual advances in western history, which was later passed on to other civilizations and the rise of modern
world.