Rationalism In The Golden Age

Throughout the Golden Ages, there has been an emergence of different theories of thought. While some philosophers became known as sophists, men who look to find truth about humans through rationalism, others turned to the Judeo-Christian God for explanation of natural disasters, fortunate and unfortunate events. These two belief systems, although very different in values, had great impact on the people of the time periods, influenced society, political and even economic aspects of life in Western Europe. Although much of the Golden Age was undocumented, texts such as Plato’s Euthyphro, and knowledge of polytheism can help determine the implications rationalism had on much of Greek society. Alternately, we have texts available from the Roman …show more content…
Plato was also a primary influence of the Golden Age, as a student of Socrates and published theories learned. These ways of thinking gave way to the schools of rationalism. While many of these influential figures were reprimanded for their theory of thought and their methods of questioning people they still were able to remain present and prevalent throughout history. It was argued that while the sophists were asking important questions about the spirit and the body, knowledge and many other aspects of the human, these philosophers also questioned the existence of polytheism, challenging tradition. The social perception of Socrates and the early philosophers were negative, their methods of seeking knowledge was wandering around the agora asking fellow citizens of the state complex questions. This not only helped their cause to find truth, but it allowed other citizens to critically examine different aspects of their lives, reaching a higher level of awareness and knowledge themselves. As more sophists emerged into society, they gained more respect in Roman society. Eventually, philosophers were valued and hired as private tutors for the wealthy members and children of …show more content…
As seen in a traditional Christian text, Dante’s The Divine Comedy, the main character struggles between the traditional Greek mythology and belief system and the Christian belief system. Although the pilgrim depicted in Dante’s story is traveling through the layers of Hell, to understand the temptations of sin, Virgil who was a Roman poet, guides him and protects him. This symbolizes the competing theories and both of their strength prevalent throughout history. Through the pilgrim’s journey, we are introduced to many different Greek and Roman historical figures, those who the pilgrim admire, as well as mythical beasts that were once part of polytheistic times. As this text was written in the height of Christianity and power of the church, scholars can see the influence of sophists on literature and the traditional