Classical economics, developed by Adam Smith in 1776, was widely used until the mid-1800s when it was replaced by neoclassical economics. It included the theory of value and monetary theory, and believed in self-regulated prices in a free market. Today, it is considered a precursor to neoclassical economics. Classical economics is often considered the first […]
The Greeks used a system of “classical elements” to explain life events, with earth, air, water, fire, and ether. These elements were associated with specific traits and tied to the four humors of health. The system survived in modern culture, including in tarot, astrology, and traditional Chinese medicine. The Greeks believed that disturbances in the […]
Classical liberalism values individual freedom, private property, and the free market while limiting government power and collective action. It assumes rational actors with self-interest and relies on market forces. It rejects social programs and emphasizes economic freedom. Modern liberalism questions pure economic freedom and seeks to limit the role of wealth in shaping policy while […]
Classical mechanics, based on Newton’s laws, describes the motion of objects due to mass and forces. It has limitations for extreme conditions. Quantum mechanics and relativity emerged to explain small objects and large/distant objects respectively. Newtonian mechanics is advantageous for everyday use due to less demanding mathematics. Classical mechanics is a field of study that […]
Classical archaeologists excavate and piece together items found at dig sites in the Mediterranean region to learn about ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. They also study history extensively and may become university professors or write books about their discoveries. Job prospects are limited. A classical archaeologist focuses primarily on early Roman and Greek civilizations, as […]
Classical theology is a set of religious beliefs associated with mainstream Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It was defined in the early centuries of Christianity and remains important today. It conceives of God as perfect, eternal, and necessary, and sees him as a trinity of three equal persons. Jesus Christ is believed to be the incarnation […]
Classical poetry must exhibit high quality and durability, with poems often reintroduced long after the poet’s death. Time must pass to demonstrate staying power, and non-Western poetry is now included. Different structures and translations can affect the original intent. Many poets are widely studied, including Dante, Shakespeare, Neruda, and Dickinson. Much debate surrounds the definition […]
Classical literature is timeless and universally appealing, recognized for its artistic merit and revolutionary nature. It includes works from any background, including translations, and can come from living or deceased authors. The distinction between classical works, the Western canon, and genre-specific classics is important. Few contemporary books are considered classics, but time will tell for […]
Classical mythology is the study of Greek and Roman gods, heroes, and folktales. It explains natural occurrences through supernatural means. The Homeric epics, Iliad and Odyssey, blend the stories of soldiers and heroes with gods and goddesses. Roman mythology appropriated Greek myths and gods. Classical mythology is the collective myths and religious structures of the […]
Classical allusions are references to events or characters in ancient Greek or Roman literature. They create a connection between ideas in a work and something else, often cultural in nature and vary depending on the writer’s needs. They are best understood by an audience with knowledge of the culture. A classical allusion is a reference […]
