Polytheism and Early Greek Cosmology多神论和早期希腊宇宙论.pptVIP

Polytheism and Early Greek Cosmology The initial stages towards some kind of scientific method The Problem Because Nature is so critical to human prosperity and because natural forces can be so threatening and/or benevolent, all societies have attempted to bring it [nature] under control. To some degree Nature tends to act in an orderly way (e.g., the seasons and the sun). Of greater concern however were the anomalies in the Nature: that the planets appeared to move in erratic, yet predictable ways was not such a serious problem, but earthquakes, floods, and other natural events directly threatened humans. How could those forces be explained? How could they be controlled? Religion, especially polytheism, offered a compelling explanation. Characteristic features of polytheism: everything we observe in nature is a reflection of the will of the gods; they reveal their will; it is up to humans to read the signs correctly. Accurate observation is then critical. One needs gurus (priests) to record and interpret. Nature is therefore Controllable what happens in nature is a reflection of how the gods judge human behavior. Human behavior invokes a response from the gods, and that response (benevolent or malevolent) finds expression in natural events. Human behavior, ritual, prayer magic do make a difference in controlling Nature. The celestial and the terrestrial worlds are mirror images of one another; gods and kings have absolute control. Critical characteristics of Greek scientific thinking Clear and conscious distinction between the natural and the supernatural; that is, natural phenomena not product of diving judgment, or of random or arbitrary (divine) influence; divinity not denied, but not assumed to be active. Esp. important in the investigation of unexpected natural phenomena like earthquakes, lightning, eclipses. Not signs of divine intervention; so prayer, ritual and human behavior do not affect Nature. Knowledge is secular; it is not the monopoly of a