Understanding Ancient Greek Criticism and Humanities

The study of the principles and methods used to analyze and interpret literary works.

A systematic explanation of literary practices within a wider framework, illuminating the motives and connections to ideology, power structures, and unconscious biases.

A period in ancient Greece marked by the rise of democracy, philosophy, and dramatic art. It includes the works of Homer, Sophocles, and Plato.

The imitation of reality in art and literature.

The professional singer in ancient Greece who performed epic poems.

The city-state in ancient Greece, which functioned as a central unit of political, cultural, and religious life.

The concept that all things in the universe are constantly changing.

The theory that reality is unchanging and unified, existing outside of human perception.

A method of philosophical inquiry that involves questioning and dialogue to arrive at a deeper understanding of truths and concepts.

Plato's theory that true reality exists in a realm of unchanging and eternal Forms or Ideas, which are accessed through reason, not senses.

The ultimate Form of Goodness, which according to Plato is the cause of all that is right and beautiful.

A philosophical movement in ancient Greece that emphasized secular humanism and relativism, often challenging traditional values and beliefs.

The art of public speaking and persuasion.

Plato's criticism of poetry, which he viewed as a form of rhetoric that panders to emotions and undermines reason.

The concept of justice as defined by Plato, based on harmony and balance within the individual and the state.

Plato's idea that poetry can corrupt the soul by emphasizing emotions and undermining reason.

Plato's belief that poets should be censored to ensure that their works do not promote false or harmful values.

The Greek philosopher who was Plato's student and developed a more grounded and empirical philosophy, emphasizing the importance of reason and observation.

Aristotle's theory that the essence of a thing is what makes it what it is, its fundamental nature or purpose.

Aristotle's view that all knowledge is ultimately rooted in our observations of the physical world.

Aristotle's study of poetry and rhetoric, which he saw as a form of productive science aimed at understanding and promoting virtue.

Aristotle's argument for the moral value of poetry, emphasizing its potential to inspire virtue and educate the soul.

Aristotle's view that imitation is a natural human instinct that helps us learn and appreciate the world.

Aristotle's belief that human action is the ultimate goal, aiming for the highest good and translating virtue into reality.

Aristotle's concept of the

Aristotle's distinction between tragedy and comedy based on their portrayal of characters and their actions.

Aristotle's view that history and poetry differ in their focus on individual events versus universal truths.

The idea that artistic representations can be justified by their moral message, even if they do not accurately reflect reality.

The concept of catharsis, referring to the emotional release or purification experienced by the audience in tragedy, through pity and fear.