Later Greeks and Romans Flashcards
What were the two periods which stretched between the deaths of Alexander the Great and St Augustine of Hippo?
The Hellenistic and Imperial periods
Which two philosophical schools were dominant in the Hellenistic and Imperial periods?
1) Epicureanism
2) Stoicism
Which philosophical tradition was an exclusively ethical outlook and way of life, with no logical, epistemic or cosmological theories involved?
Cynicism
A focus on ‘ataraxia’ was major feature of philosophy in this period. What does this term mean?
Peace of mind
Who was the founder of Cynicism?
Antisthenes
Where was Antisthenes from?
Athens
What were Antisthenes’ dates?
445-365 BCE
Which famous sophist was Antisthenes’ first teacher?
Gorgias
Which famous philosopher was Antisthenes’ later teacher?
Socrates
Who was the most famous of the Cynics?
Diogenes
Antisthenes was a ‘nothos’. What does this mean?
‘Bastard born’ (his parents weren’t married)
What were three essential positions of the Cynical outlook?
1) Indifference to convention
2) Continence (self-restraint)
3) Hardihood (boldness)
Where was Diogenes from?
Sinope
What were Diogenes’ dates?
412-323 BCE
Why did Diogenes go to Athens
He was banished from Sinope for debasing the coinage
Which famous philosopher did Diogenes have a ‘sparky adversarial relationship’ with?
Plato
What was Diogenes chief tenet?
One should live simply and naturally
Where was Diogenes said to have been sold into slavery?
Corinth
How did Diogenes think one could reach eudaimonia (happiness) and clarity of mind (the goals of life)?
Askesis (asceticism)
According to Diogenes, what should be spurned when they come in conflict with the simple, natural, truly virtuous life?
The laws of society
Which of the Cynics was born to great wealth but gave it away after hearing Diogenes?
Crates of Thebes
Who was the wife of Crates of Thebes? (Also a Cynic)
Hipparchia of Maroneia
What were Crates and Hipparchia well known and respected for?
Their good humor and their ability to sooth quarrels with kindness
What was the aim for Crates and Hipparchia and how was it to be achieved?
Ataraxia (peace of mind) achieved by freedom from the desires and aims of convention
Where was Epicurus from?
Samos
What were Epicurus’ dates?
341-270 BCE
Where did Epicurus move at the age of 18?
Athens
What was Epicurus’ school in Athens known as?
The Garden
What was the fundamental stuff of nature according to Epicurus?
Atoms
