Hellenistic Philosophy Overview
40 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is considered the main purpose of life in Hellenistic philosophy?

  • To engage in intellectual debates
  • To achieve material wealth
  • To gain social status
  • To attain peace of mind (correct)

    • Which school of thought focuses on the belief that knowledge may be uncertain?

  • Stoicism
  • Epicureanism
  • Peripateticism
  • Scepticism (correct)

    • What was Epicurus’s primary contribution to the understanding of the cosmos?

  • All things are created by divine intervention
  • The universe is a living entity
  • The cosmos is a product of chance with infinite worlds (correct)
  • Everything consists of a single elemental substance

    • What is the term used to describe the 'choice' between different Hellenistic schools of thought?

    <p>Haeresis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the setting of Epicurus’s school, known for promoting a tranquil environment?

    <p>The Garden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Pyrrho, what is the effect of adopting a sceptical attitude towards knowledge?

    <p>Achievement of ataraxia or freedom from disturbance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept of 'kanôn' in Epicurean philosophy?

    <p>A standard for determining truth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophical approach did Epicurus borrow from the atomists?

    <p>The concept of atomic movement through void</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of Pyrrhonian skepticism as described?

    <p>To achieve tranquility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher is noted for influencing the development of Roman philosophical language?

    <p>Cicero</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method does Pyrrhonian skepticism employ to achieve suspension of judgment?

    <p>The modes of Pyrrhonian skepticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Galen view the relationship between reason and experience in medical practice?

    <p>They must be constantly checked against each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism does Montaigne have regarding the Reformation debates?

    <p>They are a waste of time and lead nowhere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the Empiricist medical school from the Rationalist medical school?

    <p>Emphasis on observable facts and results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a tenet of the skeptic's philosophy regarding decision-making?

    <p>Likely impressions guide reasonable action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the philosophical outlook that Aenesidemus adopted in response to the Academy's 'dogmatic turn'?

    <p>Pyrrhonian skepticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concept that Plotinus introduces to Neoplatonism?

    <p>The One as the ultimate cause of everything</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Plotinus, which of the following is characterized by a lack of unity?

    <p>Matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Plotinus suggest is the relationship between good and evil?

    <p>Evil is the absence of the good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which activity does Plotinus describe as the secondary activity of the One?

    <p>Emanating the Intellect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosophical school was established after Plato's death that incorporates Stoic elements?

    <p>Old Academy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept does the myth of Narcissus illustrate in the context of Neoplatonism?

    <p>The soul's superiority over the material world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'epochê' refer to in the Skeptical Academy?

    <p>Suspension of judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Plotinus identify the One with in his philosophy?

    <p>The ultimate Good</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason behind the emergence of Neoplatonism in the 3rd century?

    <p>A time of crisis leading to spiritual movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following activities is associated with the divine Intellect according to Plotinus?

    <p>Contemplation of the One</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary therapeutic goal of Epicurean philosophy?

    <p>To cure anxiety and achieve pleasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Epicureanism view the existence and role of gods?

    <p>Gods exist but do not affect human life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'static pleasure' in Epicurean philosophy?

    <p>A state of being free from pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Stoicism, how are choices viewed in relation to determinism?

    <p>Choices are known to God but originate from us</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not one of the four Stoic virtues?

    <p>Wealth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Stoic concept of 'apatheia' intended to achieve?

    <p>Complete emotional detachment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Stoic 'phantasia' play in their philosophy?

    <p>It is the basis of all emotional responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes natural pleasures from non-natural pleasures in Epicurean philosophy?

    <p>Non-natural pleasures lead to pain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Stoicism, what is the ultimate goal of human life?

    <p>Living in accordance with reason</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Stoicism, what is the significance of 'logos'?

    <p>It signifies rational order in the cosmos</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Epicurus conclude about the nature of death?

    <p>Death is nothing to us</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosophical school emerged alongside Stoicism?

    <p>Epicureanism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Seneca, which stage comes first in the process of emotional response?

    <p>Involuntary physical reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Stoic approach to handling fear according to their teachings?

    <p>Use rational judgement to overcome fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Hellenistic Philosophy

    • Hellenistic period marked the spread of Greek culture across the known world (oikumene) due to Alexander the Great.
    • This period witnessed the merging of Eastern and Western cultures.
    • The pursuit of a peaceful mind (ataraxia) and happiness was central to Hellenistic philosophy.
    • Major schools of thought emerged, including Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Pyrrhonian Skepticism.
    • These schools, primarily located in Athens, competed for students.
    • Founders presented "true paths to happiness," utilizing various methods of communication (letters, maxims, manuals) to reach a broader audience.

    Pyrrhonian Skepticism

    • Pyrrho, a skeptical philosopher, met with naked ascetics in India, encountering early Buddhist thought.
    • Pyrrho did not write, but his teachings were documented.
    • Skepticism questioned the validity of knowledge derived from senses and opinions.
    • Pyrrho's thought (as reported by Aristocles):
      • How are things by nature? Neither opinions nor sensations reveal truth.
      • What attitude should we adopt? Do not trust them, remain uncertain.
      • What's the outcome? Speechlessness followed by freedom from disturbance (ataraxia).

    Epicureanism

    • Epicurus, a student of atomists, established "The Garden," a school away from societal distractions, to combat anxiety. Women were welcome.
    • Epicurus' physics: Everything is composed of atoms and void. Atoms fall and swerve randomly, causing collisions and the formation of larger structures. Multiple cosmos exist.
    • Epistemology (Kanon):
      • Senses: Provide direct perception – sensory illusions are rushed judgments.
      • Preconceptions: Pre-existing knowledge.
      • Feelings: Pain is bad, pleasure is good. Natural pleasures (essential) are better than non-natural (e.g., excessive sex). The goal is static pleasure (absence of pain).
    • The key to Epicurus' philosophy is freedom from anxiety. This is achieved by confronting fears rationally:
      • Fear of the gods: Gods are indifferent to human affairs.
      • Fear of death: Death is the absence of sensation and, therefore, not bad.

    Stoicism

    • Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium, stressed virtue and a rational life, inspired by Socrates and Cynics.
    • Stoicism divided philosophy into Logic, Physics (theology), and Ethics (the goal of happiness).
    • The primary focus was on ethics, seeing philosophy as a way of life.
    • Stoic epistemology: Philosophy articulates common, natural notions.
    • Phantasia: Sensory perception, not all are reliable. Some (kataleptic) are trustworthy & universal.
    • Stoic physics: Everything composed of passive matter and active God (logos = rational principle). The cosmos is divinely ordained and rationally structured, adhering to universal providence.
      • Humans share the logos (rationality) with God. The cosmos is a shared arena for rational beings.
    • Stoic ethics: The pursuit of virtue (wisdom, justice, courage, moderation) through reason. The only good is a virtuous life; everything else is indifferent. Emotions are judgments, aiming for apatheia (absence of emotion) through rational thought.

    Neoplatonism

    • Neoplatonism (Plotinus) focused on the spiritual and mystical.
    • Plotinus's system outlined a hierarchy, culminating in "the One" (God), the ultimate source, transcending being.
    • Emanation: The One produces intellect, soul, and matter.
    • Perfection & Reversion: Each emanation strives to return to its source, seeking unity and perfection with the One.
    • The problem of evil: Evil is the absence of the good – matter lacks unity.
    • Key point about Plotinus: The One has no will, it's "pure activity" making the whole universe.

    Skepticism

    • Skepticism, a response to dogmatism, questioned the possibility of certain knowledge. The Academy developed a skeptical phase after Plato.
    • Pyrrhonian skeptic, such as Aenesidemus and Sextus Empiricus, aimed to suspend judgment (epoché) as a path to tranquility.
    • Skeptics challenged the certainty of cognitive impressions. They concluded that suspension of judgement is necessary for peace of mind
    • Scepticism as a way of life, avoiding dogma, avoiding conflict.

    Hellenistic Reception in other fields

    • Hellenistic philosophy influenced medicine: Rationalists (Aristotle's influence) and Empiricists (Pyrrhonian influence). Galen emphasized experience and reason.
    • Skepticism influenced later thinkers, including Montaigne during the Reformation, highlighting the limitations of finding truth through argument and dispute.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the profound ideas of Hellenistic philosophy, which flourished during the time of Alexander the Great. This quiz focuses on major schools of thought, including Epicureanism and Stoicism, and delves into the concepts of ataraxia and happiness. Understand the influence of Pyrrhonian Skepticism and its encounter with Eastern philosophies.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser