Science and Technology in Middle Ages

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the primary uses of scientific and technological knowledge in Arabic and Islamic civilization during the Middle Ages?

Invention of the printing press

Use of glass lens for magnification (correct)

Development of advanced computer technology

Creation of the first steam engine

What characterized the Early Middle Ages from 500 to 1000 AD?

Growth in scientific writing and literature

A surge in technological advancements

A period known as the Dark Ages (correct)

The founding of modern universities

During which period did the rebirth of science and Scholasticism occur in the Middle Ages?

Late Middle Ages

Pre-Medieval Period

Early Middle Ages

High Middle Ages (correct)

What is Scholasticism primarily concerned with in the context of medieval philosophy?

Philosophical systems addressing faith and reason Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient structure exemplifies the architectural achievements of the time and is known for its large dome?

Pantheon Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher proposed the idea of 'apeiron' as the initial state?

Anaximander Signup and view all the answers

What did Empedocles believe was responsible for mixing the four elements?

Love and Strife Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known as the 'Father of Greek Medicine'?

Hippocrates Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Pythagoras introduce in science?

Idealism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Aristotle's approach to knowledge?

Knowledge is gained through empirical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato establish as a place for philosophical training?

The Academy Signup and view all the answers

What innovation is Archimedes credited with?

The invention of the lever and pulley Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for his theory of nature being based on perfect abstraction?

Plato Signup and view all the answers

Which technological advancement is attributed to the Sumerians?

Cuneiform writing Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the Ancient Egyptians' calendar?

It included a 365-day year developed by Imhotep. Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation is linked to the Indus-Hindu Valley Civilization?

Plastic surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a product of Ancient Chinese technology?

Gold coinage Signup and view all the answers

What notable system did the Persian Civilization establish?

The first postal system Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical contributions are associated with Ancient Greek Civilization?

Geometry and logical deductions Signup and view all the answers

Which technological item did the Ancient Greeks invent?

The alarm clock Signup and view all the answers

What form of governance is NOT associated with the Persian Civilization?

Feudalism Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy emerged during the Presocratic period in Ancient Greece?

Natural philosophy focusing on inquiry into nature Signup and view all the answers

Which of these advancements is specific to the Indus-Hindu Valley Civilization?

Indus numerals and measurement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Science and Technology Development

Objective highlights the interactions between science and technology (S&T) and society throughout history.
The study encompasses the role of technology in prehistoric times, ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, and the modern world.

Technology in Ancient Civilizations

Sumerian and Babylonian Civilization (4500-539 BC)
- Innovations included cuneiform writing, hydraulic engineering, the chariot, and the plow.
- Developed metallurgy, a sexagesimal system, and the first map.
- Created the Hanging Garden of Babylon and advanced math (fractions, square roots).
Ancient Egyptian Civilization (3100-332 BC)
- Renowned for the construction of pyramids and engineering feats.
- Innovations included hieroglyphics, mummification, and a 365-day calendar.
- Utilized papyrus, developed surgical techniques, and established the Library of Alexandria.
Indus-Hindu Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BC)
- Achievements in mathematics included the Indus numerals and concepts of negative/positive values.
- Practiced surgery, including plastic surgery, and produced pottery and jewelry.
- Developed water wells and the indigo plant for dyeing.
Ancient China (Zhou, Qin, and Ming Dynasties)
- Inventions included paper, gunpowder, and the compass.
- Advanced in pharmacology, acupuncture, and produced silk.
- The first movable type printer was developed by Pi Sheng.
Persian Civilization (559-331 BC)
- Established the first regular postal system and taxation system.
- Innovations included gold and silver coinage and the discovery of sulfuric acid.
Ancient Greek Civilization
- Contributed significantly to philosophy and mathematics during the Bronze to Iron Ages.
- Innovations included the alarm clock, watermills, and various mathematical models.

Philosophy in Ancient Greek Civilization

Presocratic Philosophers (600-400 BCE)
- Thales introduced geometry and the concept of water as the basic element.
- Anaximander theorized the apeiron, a formless initial state.
- Empedocles proposed the combination of four elements influenced by Love and Strife.
Notable Philosophers
- Pythagoras introduced idealism in science and viewed numbers as sacred.
- Democritus formulated the concept of atoms.
- Hippocrates emphasized the body’s self-healing capability.
- Archimedes advanced mechanics with the lever and pulley.
Socratic Philosophers (399 BCE)
- Plato founded "The Academy", focusing on idealism and the theory of forms.
- Aristotle established the Lyceum, advocating for empiricism and knowledge through sensory experience.

Technology in Ancient Rome

Innovations included the codex and Roman numerals.
Significant engineering achievements like the Pantheon and advanced construction techniques were developed.
Contributions to timekeeping with the water clock and development of the Julian calendar.

Science and Technology in the Middle Ages

Spanning the 5th to 15th centuries, characterized as a transition from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance.
Early Middle Ages marked by stagnation in science, later giving way to the High Middle Ages' rebirth of science and scholasticism.
Arabic & Islamic Civilization
- Advanced scientific and technological knowledge, including algebra and alchemy.
- Developed glass lens for magnification and gunpowder manufacturing.
Scholasticism
- The philosophical framework developed by medieval Christian thinkers.
- Aimed to revive general philosophical problems concerning faith, reason, and the existence of God.

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Description

Explore the advancements and innovations in science and technology during the Middle Ages, from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the onset of the Renaissance. This quiz covers important figures like Archimedes, key inventions, and the role of cartography and the Julian calendar in medieval society.