Latin Mid Term

Question 1

Importance of 323 BCE

Answer 1

The event was the death of Alexander the Great in Babylon in 323 B.C. In 13 years of constant campaigning, Alexander conquered most of the known ancient world of the time.

Question 2

Importance of 88-86 BCE

Answer 2

In 88 BCE, Lucius Cornelius Sulla (138-78 BCE) marched on Rome and entered the city’s sacred inner boundary, the pomerium, bearing arms. Breaking this taboo, he sought to gain political power and control of the army of the East that had been offered to his enemy, Gaius Marius (c. 157-86 BCE).

Question 3

Importance of 31 BCE

Answer 3

Naval Battle of Actium (31 BCE): the decisive battle in the last of the civil wars of the Roman Republic. Octavian defeated Mark Antony and founded the monarchy.

Question 4

Who was Antiochus of Ascalon?

Answer 4

A Greek philosopher who followed Philo of Larissa as the head of the Academy, charting a new course for Platonism. He built up his philosophical system on a foundation of three schools: Platonism, Peripateticism, and Stoicism

Question 5

Who was Arcesilaus?

Answer 5

Arcesilaus was a Greek Hellenistic philosopher. He was the founder of Academic Skepticism.

Question 6

Who was Carneades?

Answer 6

Carneades was a Greek philosopher, perhaps the most prominent head of the Skeptical Academy in ancient Greece.

Question 7

Who was Chrysippus of Soli?

Answer 7

Chrysippus of Soli was a Greek Stoic philosopher who cofounded Stoicism with Zeno.

Question 8

Who was Cleanthes of Assos?

Answer 8

Cleanthes, of Assos, was a Greek Stoic philosopher and boxer who was the successor to Zeno of Citium as the second head of the Stoic school in Athens. He believed that the wise work in concert with reality and do not resist Fate.

Question 9

Who was Crates of Thebes?

Answer 9

He was a Cynic who believed that humans were not trust worthy.

Question 10

Who was Epicurus of Samos?

Answer 10

Founder of Epicureanism

Question 11

Who was Lucretius?

Answer 11

He was an Epicurean. Lucretius presents the principles of atomism, the nature of the mind and soul, explanations of sensation and thought, the development of the world and its phenomena, and explains a variety of celestial and terrestrial phenomena.

Question 12

Who was Panaetius of Rhodes?

Answer 12

Was a Stoicist who believed more Platonist ideas. Argued that the desire to achieve pleasure was not as bad as stoics thought.

Question 13

Who was Pilodemus of Gadara?

Answer 13

Epicurean who spread the philosophy in Rome. Also discussed “death” and it meaning to Epicureans.

Question 14

Who was Philo of Larissa?

Answer 14

Was a stoic who tried to reconcile Jewish scripture with Stoicism.

Question 15

Who was Posidonius of Apamea?

Answer 15

A stoic who was very interested in the natural world.

Question 16

Who was Pyrrho of Ellis?

Answer 16

First skeptic philosipher and founder of Pyrrhonism.

Question 17

Who was Zeno of Citium?

Answer 17

The founder of stoicism. Zeno believed in the idea that only one single entity exists that makes up all of reality.

Question 18

What is Anarchism?

Answer 18

Anti-authoritative.

Question 19

What is Atoms (atomism)?

Answer 19

The material universe is composed of minute particles, which are considered to be relatively simple and immutable and too small to be visible.

Question 20

What is Conflagration?

Answer 20

Stoic belief that the cosmos regularly transitions between periods of conflagration, during which only fire exists, and periods of cosmic order, during which the four elements exist.

Question 21

What is Cosmopolitanism?

Answer 21

A moral perspective that emphasizes the inherent worthiness of human beings regardless of their location.

Question 22

What are Cradle Arguments?

Answer 22

Debate on if a baby seeks pleasure or safety.

Question 23

What is the Cylinder Analogy?

Answer 23

Imagine a rectangle and a sphere. If I push both, the rectangle barely moves, but the sphere will roll. What is the cause then of the sphere rolling? Most people would say the push, but this is a mistake say the Stoics. The cause is the shape of the sphere. Change the shape, and the same input has an entirely different output. So we, as humans, must recognize that we have control over our shape. We cannot blame the push for our suffering when we are choosing to be spheres. We must look instead to transform ourselves.

Question 24

What are Cynics?

Answer 24

Doubted everything and claimed that everyone never truly knew anything.

Question 25

What are Cyrenaics?

Answer 25

Unabashed sensual hedonists: the highest good is my own pleasure, with all else being valuable only as a means to securing my own pleasure, and bodily pleasures are better than mental pleasures.

Question 26

What is “Death”?

Answer 26

It is the absence of sensation.

Question 27

What is Empiricism?

Answer 27

Empiricism, in Epicureanism, is the philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of sensory experience and observation in acquiring knowledge about the natural world.

Question 28

Fate (heimarmenē) vs Necessity

Answer 28

Fate (heimarmenē) and necessity are central concepts in Stoicism, representing the idea that everything that happens is predetermined and governed by divine reason (Logos). Stoics believe in a deterministic universe where events unfold according to a rational and predetermined plan. While individuals have the ability to act virtuously and exercise their will, they ultimately accept that external circumstances are beyond their control and are subject to fate and necessity.

Question 29

What is Happiness (eudaimonia)?

Answer 29

Happiness (eudaimonia) in Epicureanism is characterized by the absence of pain and the presence of pleasure, particularly the tranquility of the soul. Epicureans believe that true happiness is attained through moderation, simple living, and the pursuit of pleasures that are natural and necessary.

Happiness (eudaimonia) in Stoicism is defined by living in accordance with virtue and reason, rather than being dependent on external circumstances. Stoics believe that true happiness comes from developing a virtuous character, exercising wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline.

Question 30

What is Hedonism?

Answer 30

The belief that pleasure, or the absence of pain, is the most important principle in determining the morality of a potential course of action.

Question 31

What is Hēgemonikon?

Answer 31

Stoic term for the “command center” of the soul.

Question 32

What is the Hymn to Zeus?

Answer 32

Overall, the Hymn to Zeus serves as both a poetic expression of reverence for the cosmic order and a philosophical affirmation of Stoic principles. Cleanthes portrays Zeus as the ruler of all things, the creator and sustainer of the cosmos, and the embodiment of divine reason and order (Logos).

Question 33

What is the Inactivity (apraxia) argument?

Answer 33

If the gods intervene in the world, they must do so either because they have some desire or intention to bring about certain outcomes, or because they act randomly without reason.

If the gods intervene because of desire or intention, then they must have unfulfilled desires or intentions. But if the gods are perfect and blessed, as they are often conceived to be, then they cannot have unfulfilled desires or intentions.

If the gods intervene randomly without reason, then they are not rational or wise beings, which contradicts traditional conceptions of the gods as wise and just.

Therefore, either the gods do not intervene in the world, or they are not perfect and wise beings.

Question 34

What are Incorporeals?

Answer 34

Incorporeals, in Epicureanism, refer to entities that lack physical substance or material existence. Epicureans believe that everything that exists is composed of atoms and void, rejecting the existence of supernatural or immaterial beings. Therefore, incorporeals are considered nonexistent within the Epicurean framework.

Incorporeals, from a Stoic perspective, may refer to abstract concepts or qualities that exist but do not possess physical form. Stoics recognize the existence of non-physical entities such as virtues, emotions, and thoughts, which they believe have a real but incorporeal existence.

Question 35

What are Indifferents (adiaphora)?

Answer 35

Indifferents, or adiaphora, in Epicureanism, refer to external things or circumstances that do not inherently contribute to happiness or unhappiness. Epicureans classify these as neither good nor bad in themselves but rather as indifferent to one’s well-being.

Question 36

What is the Kataleptic impression?

Answer 36

The Kataleptic impression, in Epicureanism, refers to a perception or mental representation that is clear, distinct, and undeniable. Epicureans believe that kataleptic impressions are the basis for true knowledge, as they are reliable and cannot be doubted.

Question 37

What is the Letter to Menoeceus?

Answer 37

Letter written by Epicurus that Epicureans value as it is a concise summary of their philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure, the importance of friendship, and the avoidance of unnecessary desires and fears.

Question 38

What is Lyceum?

Answer 38

It was a school founded by Aristotle

Question 39

What is Materialism?

Answer 39

Materialism, in Epicureanism, is the philosophical stance that reality consists solely of matter and void. Epicureans reject the existence of supernatural entities and emphasize the importance of understanding the natural world through empirical observation and scientific inquiry.

Materialism, from a Stoic viewpoint, acknowledges the material aspect of existence but also incorporates the idea of divine reason (Logos) as an organizing principle inherent in the cosmos. Stoics believe that the material world is governed by rational and natural laws, guiding all things toward their predetermined purpose.

Question 40

What is Metaphysics?

Answer 40

Metaphysics, in Epicureanism, pertains to the study of the fundamental nature of reality. Epicureans focus on understanding the material world and the interactions of atoms and void, seeking to explain phenomena in naturalistic terms rather than relying on supernatural or metaphysical explanations.

Metaphysics, from a Stoic perspective, involves investigating the underlying principles and structure of the cosmos. Stoics explore concepts such as the Logos (universal reason) and the interconnectedness of all things, aiming to discern the fundamental truths that govern existence and guide ethical conduct.

Question 41

What is the Middle Academy?

Answer 41

The Middle Academy represents a time when Academic skepticism flourished, emphasizing the suspension of judgment and the recognition of the limitations of human knowledge.

Question 42

What is the meaning of Mixing and Blending?

Answer 42

Mixing and blending refer to the art of combining ingredients to create pleasurable experiences, whether in cooking or in life.

Mixing and blending signify the integration of external events and internal responses in accordance with virtue.

Question 43

What is “Nature”?

Answer 43

Nature, in Epicureanism, refers to the natural world governed by natural laws. It encompasses the interactions of atoms and void, shaping the universe and all that exists within it.

Nature, from a Stoic viewpoint, represents the universal principles that govern the cosmos. It is synonymous with divine reason or the Logos, guiding everything toward its predetermined purpose.

Question 44

What are Peripatetics?

Answer 44

Peripatetics are followers of the Aristotelian tradition who believe in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain through moderation and tranquility.

Question 45

What is Personae?

Answer 45

Personae refers to the masks or roles that individuals adopt in society. These masks represent the various personas or identities that people present to the world, often influenced by societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal ambitions.

Question 46

What is “Pleasure” (hēdonē)?

Answer 46

Pleasure, or hēdonē, is central to Epicurean philosophy but is understood in a nuanced way. Epicurus distinguished between two types of pleasure: kinetic and katastematic. Kinetic pleasure refers to the active experience of pleasure, such as the enjoyment derived from eating a delicious meal or engaging in physical activity. Katastematic pleasure, on the other hand, is a state of tranquility and freedom from pain, characterized by the absence of disturbances.

Question 47

What is Pneuma?

Answer 47

Pneuma, in Epicureanism, refers to the fundamental substance that permeates the universe. It is a subtle, invisible form of matter that is responsible for all physical processes and interactions. Pneuma is believed to be the source of life and consciousness, animating living beings and allowing for the sensation and movement.

In Stoicism, pneuma is considered the divine and vital force that animates all living things and governs the cosmos. It is synonymous with the Logos, the rational principle that orders the universe according to divine reason.

Pneuma is a concept that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, but its existence and nature remain uncertain. Skeptics approach the idea of pneuma with caution, recognizing that it is often invoked to explain phenomena beyond our understanding.

Question 48

What is “Sensation” (aisthēsis)?

Answer 48

Sensation, or aisthēsis, is a fundamental aspect of human experience according to Epicureanism. It refers to the perception of external stimuli through the senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

In Stoicism, sensation (aisthēsis) is seen as an inevitable part of human existence, arising from our interactions with the external world. While sensations themselves are neutral, it is our judgments and reactions to them that determine their significance. Stoics advocate for cultivating an attitude of indifference toward external impressions, recognizing that true happiness and virtue come from within, rather than being dependent on external circumstances.

Sensation, or aisthēsis, is a complex phenomenon that raises questions about the reliability of our perceptions and the nature of reality. Skeptics argue that our senses can be deceptive and prone to error, leading to false beliefs and misunderstandings.

Question 49

What is the “Soul”?

Answer 49

The soul, according to Epicureanism, is not some immortal entity but rather a product of physical processes within the body, particularly the brain. Epicurus believed that the soul, or mind, was composed of atoms and dissipated upon death.

To the Stoics, the soul is a divine spark, an aspect of the Logos or universal reason that permeates all things. It is our rational faculty, our ability to understand and align ourselves with the natural order of the cosmos.

The concept of the soul is fraught with uncertainty and ambiguity. There is no empirical evidence to support its existence, and various philosophical and religious traditions offer conflicting interpretations.

Question 50

What was the Stoa (painted)?

Answer 50

It was a building in Athens where Zeno taught Stoicism.

Question 51

Who was Sulla?

Answer 51

Was the role model for Caesar.

Question 52

What is Atomic Swerve?

Answer 52

It is an Epicurean idea. The idea is that, as atoms travel down through the void that contains them, they swerve minimally from their course, lest they all remain isolated, and never meet to form the complexity of the universe.

Question 53

What is “Tranquility” (ataraxia)?

Answer 53

The absence of stress and anxiety.

Question 54

What is “Virtue”?

Answer 54

Virtue, according to Epicureanism, lies in attaining tranquility and maximizing pleasure while minimizing pain.

Virtue, from a Stoic perspective, is the cornerstone of a meaningful life. It encompasses qualities such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline.

Skeptics view virtue as a social construct or as subjective ideals that vary across cultures and individuals.

Question 55

What is the “Void”?

Answer 55

Philosophical concept of nothingness manifested.