Ancient Philosophy

Question 1

monism

Answer 1

theory that everything in the universe can be reduced to a single substance

Question 2

Enuma Elis

Answer 2

Babylonian creation myth that describes the primal state of the world as water

Question 3

Theogony by Hesiod

Answer 3

Greek story of how the gods created the universe

Question 4

Thales of Miletus

Answer 4

-1st thinker to seek naturalistic, rational answers to fundamental questions (vs. ascribing to the whims of the gods)
-Monism: the universe is made of water b/c
1. essential to life
2. capable of motion
3. capable of change
4. everything can be formed from it

Question 5

Laozi (Lao Tzu) and the Dao

Answer 5

Daode jing (The Way and its Power)
-a theory of just rule based on de(virtue) that could be found by following dao (the way)
-our desire and free will makes us stray from the dao and disturb the world’s harmonious balance
-the dao is beyond what humans can conceive–it is “non- being” and “non-action” or acting in accordance to nature-intuitively (no desire, ambition or social conventions)

Question 6

Pythagoras

Answer 6

-Everything in the universe conforms to mathematical rules and ratios
-therefore if we understand math and numerical relationships we can understand the structure of the cosmos and we have the key model for philosophical thought=> Number is the ruler of ideas
-also established deductive reasoning step by step process of begining with self evident axioms to build toward new conclusions or facts
-abstract thinking is superior to the senses

Question 7

Siddharth Gautama/ Buddhism
The Four Noble Truths
(about suffering)

Answer 7

1. The Truth of Suffering: Suffering is an inherent part of our existence
2. The Origin of Suffering: The cause of suffering is desire–craving sensual pleasures and attachment to worldly possessions and power
3. The End of Suffering: Suffering can be ended by detaching self from craving and attachment
4. The path to the ending of suffering: Follow the eightfold path to end desire and overcome the ego