lecture three Flashcards
What marks the start of the Middle Ages?
Fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD.
Name four possible events that mark the end of the Middle Ages.
- 1453: Fall of Constantinople
- 1454: Gutenberg’s printing press
- 1492: Columbus and the New World
- 1517: Martin Luther’s Reformation
Key features of the Middle Ages?
Feudalism, rise of monarchies, monasteries, and universities (e.g., Bologna in 1088).
How did the Enlightenment view the Middle Ages?
As dark and barbaric—though this is an oversimplification.
Name two famous literary works from the Middle Ages.
Canterbury Tales by Chaucer, Divine Comedy by Dante.
What were the two key architectural styles?
Romanesque (10th–13th c.), Gothic (late 12th–16th c.).
What was a key musical innovation?
Gregorian chant and the invention of staff notation.
What role did the Church play after Rome’s fall?
Became a unifying force, ran monasteries, influenced law and education.
Name three functions of medieval monasteries besides religion.
Education, medicine, spreading farming techniques and industry.
Define the feudal system.
A hierarchy where the king grants land (fiefs) to nobles in exchange for service; peasants work the land for protection.
What does “urban air makes you free” refer to?
Freedom and independence in self-governing medieval cities.
What influenced medieval law?
Tribal customs, Roman law remnants, Church, and monarchy.
Two legal concepts born in this era?
Trial by jury and common law.
What is the “Magdeburg Law”?
A legal template for new medieval cities.
What is Augustine’s “City of God”?
An ideal spiritual society; Earthly states should strive toward divine harmony.
Augustine’s view on Church & State?
Coexist and cooperate to achieve citizens’ welfare.
What is “lex aeterna”?
Eternal law—God’s reason governing the universe.
What is “lex naturalis”?
Natural law—human participation in eternal law.
When is a law unjust, according to Augustine?
When it doesn’t align with divine law.
What did Aquinas blend together?
Aristotle’s philosophy and Christian theology.
What is the goal of society for Aquinas?
Moral order and common good, leading to peace.
Aquinas’ definition of law?
“Ordinance of reason for the common good, by proper authority.”
Name Aquinas’ four types of law.
- Eternal (God’s reason)
- Divine (Revealed laws)
- Natural (Moral reason)
- Human (Societal laws)
What is “synderesis”?
The innate human capacity to understand moral principles.
What is More’s major work?
Utopia (1516)
What does Utopia criticize?
Social injustice and inequality in England.
What is the Utopian legal ideal?
Simple laws, no lawyers, individual responsibility, focus on virtue.
Why was More executed?
He refused to take Henry VIII’s Oath of Supremacy.
Why do the Middle Ages still matter?
They shaped ideas of justice, governance, and ethical law.
Augustine’s influence today?
Emphasis on morality and conscience in law.
Aquinas’ influence today?
Foundations for human rights and common good in law.
More’s influence today?
Conscience and integrity in political leadership.
