TheInfluenceofGr...

TheInfluenceofGr...
The Influence of Greco-Roman and the Judeo-Christian
0n Western Culture
Abstract: western culture itself is a part of world culture. It is made up of many elements, which has gone through changes over the centuries. The more enduring are: the Greco-Roman element, and the Judeo-Christian element. This paper briefly analyzes the origin and foundation of western culture: ancient Greek culture, ancient Roman culture and Christianity which have decisive influence on the shape of western culture. It is expected that this paper helps us better understand western culture.
Western Culture is composed of a triad of influences: ancient Greek culture, ancient Roman culture and Christianity. It is known by the phrase "Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian culture". All three influences are deeply patriarchal and masculine. Ancient Greek culture and ancient Roman culture is collectively labelled classical culture. They are the Classics.
First, the basis and foundation of Western Culture is the Greeks. They were very different from what came before and what existed around them. The ancient Greeks were marked by their masculinity, their art, their reasoning and their self-government. It begins with Homer who set the ideas of The Good and the Beautiful. Socrates caps this with the idea of truth.
Socrates through Plato influenced much of Christian theological thought and formed much of medieval philosophy. His concept of the soul and the importance of cultivating is central to understanding Western culture.
Pythagoras coins the term Philosophy. His interests include math, music and studies on proportion. Herodotus is named the
Father of History. History is in Greek means investigations. He wrote the first Western history; about the Persian war. Hippocrates is known as the Father of Medicine. He was the first to do a treatise on human anatomy and bodily ailments. Anaxagoras proposes the "nous", one mind that is the arches of reality. This is the beginning of Natural Theology. It also inaugurates monotheism among the socratic line of philosophers; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Socrates is the founder of Western philosophy. He marks the demarcation line where philosophy is split from religion. He was called the Founder of Western Culture.Aristotle, the great organizer and philosopher, gave us most of the academic categories of Western education.
The Greeks bequeathed to Western Culture a love of beauty. Their art and architecture especially the Parthenon moved many to imitation and inspiration.
Second, the second strong influence of Western Culture was the Romans. Romans are marked by their practicality. Roman law, Roman
Architecture, and the Roman Army, play significantly in Western culture. The most characteristic aspect of the Roman genius is the rule of law. All western law proceeds from Roman law. Blackstone's Law Dictionary, which had wide influence, encapsulated many principles of Roman law.
wrote a treatise of ten books on classical architectural theory and practice called On Architecture. The treatise had some influence during the Middle Ages and had greater impact on the art and style of Renaissance Europe.
Cicero had a major influence, not only in his country, but throughout medieval times and even affected the Framers of the U. S. Constitution. Cicero had much to do in forming of
Romanitas. The emperor Augustus called him a great scholar and a great patriot. Cicero had great influence upon early Church Fathers and St.
Third, the third decisive influence is Christianity. Jesus Christ had the profoundest effect on Western Culture. His preaching of the Golden Rule, of salvation, redemption and immortality not only affected the lives of people but their art, literature, philosophy, and architecture. The Bible became a central piece of Western literature affecting all fields within western culture; law, philosophy, education, and politics. It is the essential of western civilization, having shaped the western civilization more。