Greek Civilization and its Contributions
...nt Greece was based on logical thinking and mathematics. It was also based on technology and everyday life. People studied about the sky, sun, moon, and the planets, and found that the earth was round. They were the first to study botany and zoology. They also invented public water works. Advanced medical studies took place. All of these studies had similar goals and that was to elevate humans, understand nature without the supernatural, and control nature so they could feel that they were superior to it. We also study science to achieve these goals, especially in the science of medicine. Due to our Greek-based curiosity, we also believe that we have the power to control natural forces such as disease and even the weather. For hundreds of years, European science was based on the early theories of the Greeks. Greek science had its beginnings with mathematics. They were begun in Mesopotamia and Egypt, and then over the course of time were passed on to the Greeks. Archimedes and Pythagoras are considered to be the greatest Greek mathematicians. Archimedes was an early writer on the science of mechanics. Math and mechanics became extremely useful during the Golden Age of Greece around 600 BC. Geometry played a large role in the development of Greek architecture, and was applied widely. Physics were used to construct buildings, as well as in war. Levers made moving large stones possible. For war purposes, catapults were constructed to throw stones at the enemy. Most of these ideas came from the great minds of mathematicians from ancient Greece. If it wasn't for these Mathematicians, we would have a harder time solving mathematical problems. For example, modern architects would have a harder time calculating distances as they would not know that the sum of the squares of two sides of a right triangle equals the square of its hypotenuse, later called the Pythagorean Theorem. Ancient Greek scholars were the first people to explore pure mathematics, apart form practical problems. The Greeks made important advances by introducing the concept of logical deduction and proof in order to create a systematic theory of mathematics. The Ancient Greeks had a tremendous effect on modern mathematics. Geometry is one of mankind’s tools that have become indispensable. Our world today would be vastly altered had geometry not been developed. Modern society depends on the techniques and methods of geometry to build, to navigate, to design, and to calculate the vast distances of outer space. All around us we can observe evidence of geometry put to practical use. The new skyscraper reaching for the heavens, the jet airliner or ship that arrives precisely at its destination, the tunnels dug through mountains from both sides that meet precisely where they should, or the bridges that span our largest rivers. Geometry is utilized by engineers, builders, astronomers and even do-it-yourselfers. There is also a great deal of evidence of geometry in nature. Ice crystals that are always hexagonal, the symmetry of living things, the orderly movement of the planets and other heavenly bodies, a snail’s spiral shell, or the economical use of simple shapes are each examples of nature’s geometry. All around us we can observe some geometrical principles, which is probably what started the ancients on their way to developing this field of study. Nature appears to have a plan, and man seeks to unravel its mysteries. These ideas have formed the basis for the advancement of mathematics in our society today. Ancient Greek Civilization was at its peak during the 400's BC. During this period of time, sick people went to the temples dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. They were seeking magical cures. The foundation of modern medicine is to be found in the medicine of the ancient Greeks. There were doctors who made scientific observations and practiced medicine. Surgery was done and herbs were applied. There were even specialists including gynecologists who specialized in childbirth and diseases of women. Medical practice in Ancient Greece was based largely upon religious beliefs. The Cult of Asclepios grew in popularity and was a major provider of medical care. This cult developed old theories and introduced several treatments not too different from modern alternative medicines. At this time, a man named Hippocrates, who was also known as the great ancient Greek physician, began teaching that every disease had only natural causes. Hippocrates was the first physician known who actually considered medicine to be a science, and to be separate from religion. He wrote the Hippocratic Oath, an oath that every new doctor-to-be still says to this day. It reflected Hippocrates high...