Pocket Map - Chapter 14

The Sufi a Philosopher Al-Ghalazi

On the Separation of Mathematics and Religion

1) This text fully illustrates many Islamic values, as it embraces knowledge as a positive thing but not in context with religion. In this respect this text voices the concerns that plague many Islamic theologians and the very people of the faith. It is applying logical thought to something that is thrives on faith, blind faith that leads to confusion towards many Islamic ideas. Al-Ghazzali does a great job of pointing this out in context with mathematicians that are used to the solidarity and tangibility of math that as led them to not believe in their faith anymore as they cannot find proof of a 'God' per se.

2) Al-Ghazzali seems to adamantly support the separation of  Mathematics and Religion. His main argument is that reliance on physical laws and proofs and them being applied to religion will only lead people to confusion and lead them astray. This excerpt opens with his views on mathematics which are that it has no connection to theology, it does not deter or encourage religion, and is solely depended on proofs and laws that once discovered cannot be refuted. To illustrate this he points out two possible outcomes that come about due to mathematics.  The first, is that a scholar that believes in the legitimacy of proofs in mathematics, and then expects this in religion, and does not find the answers, leads himself to believe  that there is no truth in religion since. Second, his believes that is a scholar intertwines both Mathematics and Religion will think that it is okay to deny one's religion as many before have done the same.

Deliverance From Error vs. Allegory of the Cave

Both of these texts are similar in a number of ways. Both emphasize that man must be guided to find truth. In the 'Allegory of the Cave', men are bound in a cave, left with a single, pin-hole view of the world. Plato also mentions the need for them to be guided outside of the cave and to see the light by the one who has seen the light (i.e. gained 'superior' knowledge). Al-Ghazzali point towards the same concept but uses the prophet Muhammad (PBUH)*. When the Prophet (PBUH), was asked about "dilation"(i.e. attaining faith/knowledge), he answered with the words of Allah, "in the Most High’s utterance: 'So he whom God wishes to guide aright, He dilates his breast for submission to Himself (i.e., to embrace Islam)' (6.125)". When asked how and what one knows that they have attained this 'dilation' he (PBUH) answered that “'It is a light which God casts into the heart.'" and this is described as the “'Withdrawal from the mansion of delusion and turning to the mansion of immortality.'”. The difference in the 'dark' of both works is in Plato's work it is the cave and in Al-Ghazzali work it is the house of delusion, but similar in that dark is referred to the one who have not seen/attained the light.. Another similarity is the doubt in physical senses. Plato is very explicitly says that one cannot trust their senses, mainly their sense of sight. Al-Ghazzali similarly talks about him doubting "sense-data". The most prominent difference in these works is that Al-Ghazzali through the words of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasizes the need to except let one to accept God. Plato does no such thing as he was a philosopher and preferred logical thought over theological.

*(peace be upon him- PBUH)

Byzantine Law Codes

1)  According to the prologue, what was the purpose of creating this code?

The purpose of creating this code was to take and simplify the complex law of the former Roman Empire. Also to get rid of the superfluous parts to make it easier to be used. 

2)  What does this text cite as the source of Roman law?

The text cites as the source of Roman law as being the law of nature, the law of nations as a whole, and from the civil law of Rome. 

3)  What, if anything, does this text teach us about Byzantine society?

The text teaches one that the Byzantine society was complex and strong. They were rational and wanted an institution of law to uphold the integrity of the empire, and understood advancements were necessary to make the former Law fit into their needs. It also teaches one that the empire was primarily Christian and they regarded God as an all-powerful being. They are faithful to them and their fate is in his hands.

SPICE Chart - Chapter 13

Decline of the Roman Empire - Response to the Theory

Our group's theory was catastrophic collapse. As the theory stated, there was not one sole reason for the fall of the Roman Empire but due to multiple reasons. Reasons include external pressure, lack of unity, economic collapse, internal system's problems led to the decline. I agree with this collapse theory because a great power such as Rome does not have one sole reason that led to its demise. The reasons seemed accurate when one considers the circumstances/events which occurred during that time period such as the Barrack Emperors, Gothic and Hunnic pressure. When looked through a historical and logical standpoint, I am convinced that reasons such as external pressure, internal system's problem, economic collapse caused the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Venn Diagram

Roman Empire Pocket Map

Alexander “the Great”?

I believe that Alexander is entitled to his fame and glory. He was a great military strategist at a very young age and was fit to be the conqueror of the world. Though he did have his fair share of flaws from his alcoholism to his relationships with women, to his reckless acts of cruelty. His military prowess shines through when he met Darius between the Tigris and Greatzab River, knowing fully that he was going into an ambush where he was outnumbered. He arranged his men so he could find an opening in the Persian lines of forces to get to Darius which he did, making the Persian army retreat and making him the victor. All of this and only being just 25 years old. He also defeated and captured Bessus, the last Persian offense. He also founded Alexandria the farthermost; kind of adds to his ego/glory a city by his name on the edge of his empire and him being wanted to be worshipped as a god. He also did not help his image when he, in an overly ambitious act, burned down Persepolis. It is also important to mention his killing of those who opposed him (Cleitus and Calisthenes both who spoke against his status) was a bit rash, but it kept his mythos going and consistent. This is why Alexander of Macedonia is in my opinion allowed to be known as 'Alexander the Great'. His mixture of great conquests and his need to do what others had not is what made him great.

India and Greece

1.      What’s McNeill’s argument?

·         McNeill argues that caste and territorial sovereignty and enormously different effects on the subsequent development of Indian and European society.

2.      How does McNeill define Caste? Does this match up with the textbook’s definition?

·         A modern caste is a group of persons who will eat with one another and intermarry, while excluding, others from these two intimacies. The textbook definition of caste is fairly close to McNeill's definition.

3.      What three feelings and thoughts helped to maintain the idea of caste:

·         The idea of ceremonial purity and avoiding contaminating oneself 

·         The thought of giving to feel superiority over a lower cast system but the miserable could not

·         The doctrine of reincarnation of the "varna"

4.       Are these convincing?

·         I believe these are convincing since they are backed up with historical evidence.

5.      Why did caste itself not cause strong political organization to form?

·         The caste itself did not cause strong political organization to form because of the idea of reincarnation that gave a logical justification. The state of someone which is directly linked with the deeds of their own past life. Also, caste decreased the meaning of a political group since the person is identified with their cast first.

6.      What causes Indian religion to shift from deity pleasing to the act of worship itself?

·         The Brahmans argued that by actually performing ritual correctly, they could compel god to grant what was asked of them, which reinforced the relation between natural and supernatural reality.

7.      How did the Upanishads change the nature of Indian religion and thus the goals of Indian society?

·         Under the Upanishads, one would not seek riches, health and long life, but would work to escape the endless round of rebirth. To escape did not need the obedience to the holy men and priests, but by the process of self-discipline.

8.      How does McNeill define “Territorial Sovereignty?”

·         McNeill defined “Territorial Sovereignty” as supremacy of territoriality over all other forms of human association is neither natural nor inevitable, as the Indian caste principle.

9.      Why did Greeks turn away from religion as an explanatory factor in organizing society?

·         The Greeks turned away from religion because a few individuals had fretted over the logical inconsistencies of Greek religion and traditional world view. They had found conflicting and unsupported stories about the gods to be unsatisfactory; they had taken a drastic step of omitting gods completely. They had substituted natural law instead as a ruling force of the universe.

10.  What was the consequence of the Greeks’ rigid adherence to the polis?

·         The consequence of the Greeks’ rigid adherence were no room for personal achievement, the incompatibility between claims of the polis to the unqualified loyalty of every citizen and their pursuit of personal holiness, and the fact that now  more than the total population was engaged in cultural and political action.

11.  Do you buy his argument? Why or why not?

·         I do buy his argument since he provided historical evidence which in turn supported his assertions.

The Comparison of Bhagavad Gita(Hinduism), Zoroaster(Zoroastrinianism) and the Teachings of Confucius(Confucianism)

Bhagavad Gita(Hinduism)

• Brahmins(educated priest class)
• Brahmins spread religion through word of mouth and ceremonies.
• Detachment from worldly pleasures
• Everyone has a soul that needs saving
• The soul lives on forever and escape samsara.
• Multiple deities,main ones being Krishna and Vishnu (polytheism)

Zoroastrianism

• Mahi(priest class)
• Mahi/Magi responsible for keeping Zoroaster's teachings (oral traditions)
• Emphasis on moderation
• Everyone has a soul that needs saving
• The soul lives on forever, but will be judged.
• Ahura Mazda(monotheism)

Confucianism

• Emphasized people playing their roles in society(enforcing social distinctions/stratification)
• Spread significantly by the Zhou dynasty as it was adapted as the core of Chinese education.
• Focused on 5 relationships(ex.father-son) and 5 virtues(Ren-humanity)
• No reference to a soul
• More of a way to live a virtuous life and an orderly existence
• No reference to a god

The Indian Invention of “Arabic” Numerals

The invention of "Arabic" numerals or more accurate Indian numerals, allowed mathematicians to carry out routine calculations with ease (much more difficult in say, Roman numerals). This was facilitated with the availability of the zero and the place-value notation.

Preventing the collapse of the Han Dynasty - with Maya

As advisors to the Han Dynasty,  we would intervene right before Han Wudi started to look for more land in the west.  The war with the Xiongnu was expensive and led to severe tax increases which in turn led to banditry and rebellion within the Han Dynasty. By convincing Han Wudi to abandon the pursuit of capturing western land, we could have prevented the war that led to the demise of the Han Dynasty.

Map of the Chinese Dynasties

Daoism

Daosim is a philosophy which advocates a simple, honest existence, not caring about worldly desires and being non-interfering with natural occurrences and also become a part of them.

Confucius

It is not as much as a religion as much it is a guidebook or a how to live a virtuous life. There is no specific mention of a deity in the book. It contains advice, given through philosophers to people asking questions in a Q & A sort of fashion. The advice is what can help people become good. The reading though supports the idea that humans are flawed but not necessarily bad. “He who aims to be a man of complete virtue in his food does not seek to gratify his appetite, nor in his dwelling place does he seek the appliances of ease; he is earnest in what he is doing, and careful in his speech; he frequents the company of men of principle that he may be rectified: -- such a person may be said indeed to love to learn.”(Legge, Book I, Chapter XIV). The key word in this quote is rectified, and demonstrates Confucius's views, a man who is in good company can correct himself to be like them and as such become good.“2. 'Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. 3. 'Have no friends not equal to yourself. 4. 'When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.”(Legge, Book I, Chapter VIII). Confucius here, provides many examples of how one can self-improve themselves, by being sincere, modest and bravery to fix yourself and then become good. “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.”(Legge, Book VII, Chapter XXI). Here is another place where Confucius tells us how good or bad people are made, the good ones that follow the good qualities and the bad ones that follow the bad qualities.

Map of the Persian Empire

Gathas - Hymns of the Zoroastrian Faith

Gatha Yasna 30
O ye, mindful to learn, I proclaim to you this message,
Unheard as yet by those who are destroying the
 civilization of the Righteous,
 with evil ways of the Spirit of Untruth,
The message, most welcome to Thy followers
 dedicated to Thee, O Mazda!
The hymn or gatha starts off by Zoroaster declaring that he is about to announce the teachings about the Ahuras.  This hymn present some of the major central themes of Zoroastrianism. He continues on by informing the audience or followers to listen to his teachings with "illumined judgement", enlightened mind and decide how one should choose a way of life, good or evil. Choice is fundamental to the faith. It is one's choice to choose either the good "path" or the evil one. Humans have free will, they must choose, and bear it's responsibility or consequence. The subsequent verses talk about basically the fateful alternatives to one's decision. It talks about the doctrine of Good and Evil. Zoroaster talks about how every human being had to choose between the good and bad alternative in every situation in life. He says, humans will choose good because of our Rightmindedness. But Evil is chosen, it is in state of deception. Ultimately, the evil-doers will perish while the good-doers will please Ahura Mazda and find their place in heaven.
Gatha Yasna 18
This gatha talks people's choices and their consequence of picking that choice. These verses deal more with retribution and salvation. The search for truth is important as mentioned in this gatha and wisdom seems to be an admirable trait. As it says,
Long suffering for the doer of Evil, and bliss
for the follower of Truth,
Zoroaster talks about that the righteous humans should make this perfect this world. These verses talk about the humans who choose the path of good, will find their place in heaven while the evil-doers will burn and suffer forever.
Gatha Yasna 33
This particular hymn seems more personal. The verses are addressed to Ahura Mazda. Zoroaster states that "The Ratu (Judge) shall deal perfect justice to all;", in other word, everyone will get what they want. Humans which oppose evil-doing, whether just thinking about it or speak against it, are in good standing with Ahura Mazda. This gatha also explains that anyone, regardless of their social standing, who is good will be accepted into Heaven. The subsequent verses are an appeal to the Ahura. He says,
I, who as Thy steadfast priest, have learned the
straight path of Asha (Truth and Righteousness),
He prays to be blessed with Ahura Mazda's vision and consultation with him because he has chosen the "good path" of "Truth and Righteousness". Zoroaster wants Ahura Mazda to come to him and for his message of good-doings be spread all around.
Gatha Yasna 25
The author, Zarathushtra, states in this last hymn that he is dedicating himself and his life to Ahura Mazda. Zoroaster wishes to be a good person and appeals to Ahura Mazda for his help in becoming righteous. He wants courage and have the ability to see the truth. In these verses, it also seems like that the author desperately wants to go to Heaven.  He hopes that his way of living his life, being devoted to him, is good enough for Ahura Mazda. Zoroaster asks for Mazda's guidance in being a good person and also attaining Heaven.

Engineering an Empire: Persia Questions

1. What is the order of Persian leaders?
The order of Persian leaders is Cyrus the Great, then Darius 1.

2. What is a qanat?  How does it work?
Qanat is a gently sloping underground channel or tunnel which is constructed to lead water from the interior of a hill to a village below.  A vertical canal is created until it reaches nearby water then another one of the vertical lines is created.  Also, horizontal canals are created to connect the vertical lines to the horizontal lines. These horizontal lines are slightly tilted while helps the water to flow continuously for long distances.

3. What is Cyrus’ tomb like?
Cyrus's tomb was in the city that he built. His tomb was built on stacks of huge stones. The tomb was simple and elegant. It a modest monument for someone who was so great.

4. What interaction does Cyrus have with the Jews?
Cyrus the Great had freed the Jews from Babylon. Historians believed that he did this in order to create a buffer state which was used to protect his empire. He was greatly respected among the Jewish people and referred him as a messiah.

5. What did Darius build?
Darius builds a massive stone highway which extends to India. This construction was called the Royal Road, which stretched for over a thousand miles.  The  pathway consisted of many rest stations and soldiers periodically along the road which were there to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers. This was a huge advancement in technology because the stones could not be washed away like dirt did.

Comments on Shravya's History Head

Hi Shravya,

I overall really liked your poster. It was colorful and I really liked your drawings. I can't really find any flaw in your poster although, I think you could have made the project more neater. One similarity between our regions would be that they were very devoted and religious. Although, Mesoamericans did the bloodletting ritual to make their gods happy. Mesopotamians did not do such things. The major differences between our regions is that Mesopotamians had developed wheels thus had chariots which they used during battles. Mesoamericans, although, did not domesticate large animals therefore having no wheels. I was wondering, why did you draw all of these pictures?

Sincerely,
Hafsa

Comments on Maya's History Head

Hello Maya, 

I really like your artistic abilities in this project. I think your pictures are really good and colorful. Although, your picture for number 4 is a bit unclear. You explained to me that it was about the Chinese slaves or commoners who had worked to build these buildings. I think if you added a hammer, it would help the viewer to understand the picture. The similarities that I found between our cultures is maritime trade. The Chinese and Mesopotamians (Sumerians) had both traded with different societies. These both societies had chariots which they used for war and gain land. The difference would be the Chinese beliefs which are that their ancestor's spirits would take care of them if the Chinese did. Mesopotamians did not have that belief system, they had worshiped gods for various things such as fertility. My question to you is why did you choose to represent weapons of the same kind of material (which looks like iron) even though the Chinese had monopoly over bronze and they created tools from bronze? 

Sincerely,

Hafsa

History Head Activity

1. Patterns and impacts of interaction between humans and the environment 

Due to the advancements in technology which in this case is weaponry and transportation, an average person rode chariots and had better and more improved weapons to fight against foreigners. The Hittites for example, were responsible for the refinement of iron metallurgy and chariots. Their chariots were faster and lighter compared to Sumerians, making them better for battle, expand and spread more freely. 

2. Development and interaction of cultures
They were a variety of different deities that different people had worshiped. Sumerian had prayed to the deity known as Inanna for fertility. They had created massive temples for deities they had worshiped too for example, the moon god Nanna-Suen. An individual would pray to a certain god when they would be in need. Years later, people such as the Israelites began to believe in Yahweh, the "personal" god and who was the one and only god. People were very devoted these gods.

3. State-building, expansion, and conflict 
The revolt of Sargon the Akkad was when Sargon had created an army and attacked Sumerian cities one by one in a bloody coup.  As Sargon captured more cities, his army grew more powerful and eventually unbeatable by individual cities. The thirst for expansion led Sargon to invade other civilization and capture them. Eventually, people resented the imperial rule and revolted. As an individual, as shown in my picture, would fight to gain his own land back. 

4. Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems 
Sumerians had experimented with technologies of transportation through ships. By about 1750 B.C.E. Sumerian merchants had shipped goods such as, woolen textiles, leather goods, sesame oil and jewelry to India in exchange for copper, ivory, pearls, and semiprecious stones. The illustration for number 4 depicts an average human importing goods. I chose this picture because maritime trade led to other cultural advancements such as different civilizations learning to write.

5. Development and transformation of social structures
Women were relatively equal to men before 1200 B.C.E.. Later, women began to wear veils and their influence began to diminish. Due to the Hammurabi's Code, adult men were the head of the household and men had been entrusted with major decisions. I thought of making this illustration because of the Hammurabi Codes, as shown in my picture, women are to take care of and bear kids. They were to remain in the household while the men went out. The farther back we go (before 1200 B.C.E.) women seem to have had higher status and more civil rights.

Reflection

Question: 

How was the test?  How was the essay?  Experiences are great learning tools..what will you do better for next time? 

I personally thought the test was going to be the most difficult test I would ever take. But when I took it, I thought the test was fairly difficult but it was easier than I thought it would be. The essay, because I studied more, was much easier to write. If I had more time, I would have written a better essay. For the test, I wish I could have studied more, there were a few details which I forgot and that were on the test. In the near future, I plan on spending more time studying the chapters and the details. As for the essay, I am going to try writing faster so I have enough time to add more points or to make corrections and proofread again.