The Evolution Of Western Civilization Essay - 795 Words

I. Introduction: The evolution of Western Civilization from 400 BCE to 1200 BCE is rife with extremes. Through the works of Plato, Pliny the Elder, and St. Benedict, conflicting ideas and ideals are evident. While Plato and much of Greek elite culture believed in always questioning and relying on philosophy, Roman authors such as Pliny and St. Benedict rebuked questioning the existence of deities. Contradictions appear between Pliny the Elder and St. Benedict as well. Pliny recognizes the religious belief of many gods, but never begs the reality of one over another. St, Benedict requires a strict adherence to the belief of one god of his specific denomination of Christian faith. The conflicts here motivated the evolution of Western Civilization by supplying new ways of thinking and new cultural ideas over time. II. Key Definitions: The definitions here are not listed for general knowledge, but for specific context to the information included here. 1. Elite: In many early Greek and Roman cultures, few citizens knew how to read or write. The literate members of the community held high status, usually through royalty or a church or monastery. The literate wrote only for those who were literate or had literate staff to recite the written works. These are the elite members of society. 2. God: The three authors cited here have vastly differing ideas of the god or gods they do or do not revere. Plato, as a Greek writer, believed in many gods. Specifically his work, Symposium,Show MoreRelatedCharles Darwin And Evolution Of Humans1643 Words   |  7 PagesTiger Sikka Mr. Pimentel WCIV-H May 4th 2015 Charles Darwin (Intro) A man named Charles Darwin forever changed the world, especially within western civilizations. The idea of how humans and animals came to be was very confusing and there was no set reason of this. People forever wondered how they came to be on this planet. 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