The Story of Philosophy Study Guide

Francis Bacon Summary and Analysis

The Macedonians Aristotle and Alexander dominate Greek philosophy and government. Athenian independence of government and thought is permanently destroyed by them. Alexander's conquests in Asia Minor enable the development of Greek commerce and trading posts. His early success with spreading Greek culture into Asia Minor does not continue further into the Orient. Asia is too large and traditional to take on new Greek traditions. Alexander finds the Orient spellbinding. He marries several ladies including the daughter of Darius. He brings back to Europe the notion of the divine right of kings from the Orient. His claim to be a god makes his Greek subjects laugh. Alexander opens the East to Greek culture and tradition but the Orient opens Greece to cults and superstitious faiths. Oriental apathy and resignation is accepted by.....