Understanding Ancient Greek Criticism and Humanities

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Questions and Answers

What does the term krites mean in Ancient Greek?

Judge

What are three developments that profoundly influenced the nature of literature and criticism in Ancient Greece?

The influence of Plato and Aristotle

The spread of Greek culture through the conquests of Alexander the Great (correct)

The evolution of the polis or city-state (correct)

The rise and fall of the Athenian democracy (correct)

The development of a common ruling class culture

According to M. I. Finley, what was the defining feature of the polis?

A community where people could assemble and deal with problems face to face

In Plato's view, poetry was an important element in the educational process for the Ancient Greeks.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the approaches to poetry by Plato and Aristotle?

Aristotle is more concerned with the technical aspects of poetry, while Plato examines its philosophical implications. (A), Aristotle believes poetry contributes to the moral development of individuals, while Plato views it as a threat to the ideal state. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reality of the universe, according to Aristotle?

Substance Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major contrasting views on the nature of reality, according to Aristotle, which inform the history of Western thought?

The idealistic Platonic vision and the empirical Aristotelian view Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of art for Aristotle?

To attain to a knowledge of universals Signup and view all the answers

Aristotle believed that poetry could be detrimental to shaping a virtuous character.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary concepts that form the core of Aristotle's understanding of poetry?

Imitation and action (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Aristotle's view, why is imitation a positive force in human development?

It is a natural human instinct and a path to learning and pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary kinds of actions imitated in poetry, according to Aristotle?

Noble or base actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between poetry and history, according to Aristotle?

Poetry deals with events that could occur according to the laws of probability or necessity, while history focuses on events that actually happened. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Aristotle argue that poetry could be considered more philosophical than history?

Because poetry expresses universal truths, while history simply deals with individual events. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, poetry can be considered a form of truthful representation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does poetry ultimately effect the audience, according to Aristotle?

Through pity and fear, it provides emotional relief and catharsis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Critical reading is crucial in today's world, particularly after events like September 11, 2001
Understanding diverse voices, both from other cultures and within one's own, is essential for making sense of the present
Studying humanities is vital for understanding moral, educational, and political values

Ancient Greek Criticism

Greek criticism's roots trace back to the concept of "krites" (meaning judge)
Poetic creation itself involved critical judgments about themes, techniques, and audience response
Rhapsodes, professional singers, engaged in the critical interpretation of verse
Ancient Greece (800 BCE - 323 BCE) saw development of epic and lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and democracy

Hellenistic Period

323 BCE - 31 BCE
Alexandria in Egypt became a center for scholarship, with famous poets and grammarians
Period saw expansion of Roman Republic and increased influence of Roman Empire
Critical concepts like "mimesis" (imitation), beauty, and goodness, emerged during this time

Plato (428-347 BCE)

Key aspect of Plato's views of poetry centered around questioning poetry's truth value in comparison to philosophy's or mathematics
Plato believed poetry was a lesser form of knowledge compared to Forms
Plato saw poetry as potentially corrupting or dangerous for the state due to its focus on emotional appeals
He highlighted poetry's potential to present a corrupt or flawed view of the world/gods
Plato saw poetry as merely imitation of already flawed copies (of the ideal Forms) rather than direct insight into reality

Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

Aristotle's perspective differed greatly from Plato's
Aristotle saw poetry as an active, imitative, and productive force in society
He saw imitation as essential for human learning and understanding
Poetry's purpose wasn't merely to imitate reality, but also imitate possible/ideal human action (tragedy/comedy)
Aristotle valued poetry as a means of exploring fundamental aspects of human behavior and emotions (producing catharsis)
Aristotle emphasized the moral role and function of poetry

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Description

This quiz explores the foundations of critical reading and ancient Greek criticism. It highlights the importance of diverse voices and the development of critical thought in Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic period. Understand how poetic creation and critical interpretation evolved during these times.