Humanities-week 2 - Term Paper Example

Discussion Homeric Epics in Greek Culture • If you had the opportunity to be one of the characters in either the Iliad or Odyssey, identify who you would be and explain your choice. If I had the opportunity to become a character of a story, I would definitely choose to become Achilles of the famous story of Iliad. He is considered to be the youngest and the best among the Greek heroes who fought during the Trojan War. He killed the Trojan hero Hector and even captured twenty three towns in the Trojan territory during his exploits.

He is considered one the most fearless and the bravest of the Greeks. I believe that he is someone who has the capacity to lead a nation without fear of dying. He also showed how loyal he is to his friends and companions when he fought back for Patroclus. Even if he refused to fight anymore, he begged his mother to make him new armour ended his refusal to fight. Discussion 2: Greek Legacy • Describe one way that you see a particular tenet of Greek philosophy reflected in the modern Western worldview One of the most influential principles of Greek philosophy came from Plato.

In the modern Western worldview, we continuously strive how to live a good life. In Plato’s famous dialogue named The Republic, he talked about the central problem of how to live a good life. He also tackled about the ideal state, state with justice and the just individual. In our world today, we all know that we are still in the midst of finding the answers to these questions. Our state is still striving hard to become a just and ideal state that could serve the best to the people. Individuals also struggle to become good to others.

Modern Western worldview still reflects the quest to ideal republic and justice. Discussion 3: Roman Legacy • Describe a specific example of life in Ancient Rome that is found in contemporary life in the U.S. One of the most prominent lifestyle in Ancient Rome is their desire for innovation and love for gadget. In ancient Roman Empire, they were greatly influenced by the introduction of metals, gems and crafting tradition (Ancient Roman Daily Life Part II, n.d.). In the empire of Romans before, they are fond of new gadgets and items.

Ancient Romans had their own version of wind chimes but used bronze chimes unlike what we usually see today. They believe that this gadget is going to keep the evil spirits away and will bring them good luck. The contemporary life in the U.S. today shows how people are really longing for innovation and technology. Companies release new gadgets every month if not every week. Individuals change their gadgets every now and then to keep up with the trend. Discussion 4: Augustine’s Christianity • Describe a specific aspect you see in the art and/or architecture of Ravenna that reflects Augustine’s views of Christianity found in Confessions and The City of God Ravenna’s art and architecture shows the finest examples of Christian architecture from the fifth and sixth century which has many fine octagonal baptistries such as the famous San Vitale (Morrison, n.d.).

The design of this church is considered to be one of the most complex and innovative of this time which is an octagon with smaller octagons. According to the interpretation of the manuscripts of the Benediction, number eight means the resurrection. St. Augustine was declared one of the most influential philosopher and theologian. In his works entitled Confession and The City of God, he helped distinguished the church in Western Europe from other churches elsewhere (Loflin, n.d.). His influences are the subscription of church to the doctrine of original sin and the belief that God exists outside of time in the "eternal present," with time existing only within the created universe (St.

Augustine (354-430), n.d.). In his works, St. Augustine detailed his conversion to Christianity and his quest for the truth. The complexity of the architecture in Ravenna showed how St. Augustine searched for the truth, renewed his soul, and established his principles and belief of Christianity which departed from the views of others. Sources: Ancient Roman Daily Life : Ten ancient Rome facts, figures and features you never knew you needed to know. (n.d.) Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://www.

explore-italian-culture.com/ancient-roman-daily-life-2.html Greek Philosophy: Plato. Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/PLATO.HTM Hunter, J. (1997). Achilles. Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/achilles.html Loflin, L. (n.d.). Saint Augustine and the Western Christian World-View. Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://www.sullivan-county.com/id2/augustine.htm Morrison, T. (n.d.). The art of early medieval number symbolism. Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://home.vicnet.net.

au/~medieval/jaema2/morrison.html St. Augustine (354-430) (n.d.). Retrieved 6 July 2011 from http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/augustine.htm