Greek influences on the modern world Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Greek influences on the modern world - Term Paper Example The innovations by Greek scholars and critiques against mythical beliefs led to an improved understanding of the world and the occurrences within it. The Greeks were the first emancipators of thought. Philosophers such as Thales were revolutionaries of thought. They came up with explanations to counter mythical beliefs and developed practical solutions to solve problems in the society. Pythagoreans helped develop mathematics (Pythagoras, 54). Early cosmologists who studied the universe were also Greek. Another Greek, Hippocrates, made great advances in the field of medicine. Philosophy and Astronomy The whole field of philosophy as practiced today can be attributed to the Greeks. They practically invented everything to do with this field of study. Philosophy refers to the love of wisdom and knowledge. Modern way of thinking that is based on rationality rather than beliefs was established by the Greeks. Thales of Miletus is considered the father of philosophy (Aristotle, 52). The mode rn day explanations of phenomenon such as lightning and earthquakes are attributed to these early thinkers. This is because they were the ones that questioned the mythical view that the gods were in control of nature. The Ionian Philosophy established by the Greek was the first to study the causes of nature without inclusion of gods in its studies. The advancements made in the field of astronomy can also be attributed to the works of the Greeks. They developed the first theories that tried to explain how the universe was formed. These scholars who were at the time referred to as cosmologists also gave explanations as to the causes of other aspects of nature such as winds, lightning and rain (Aristotle, 52). Mathematics and Science Mathematics is highly essential at this modern time. Most day to day operations in the modern world involve some aspect of mathematics from basic operations to highly complex ones. The Pythagoreans devoted themselves to the development and advancement of m athematics. They also believed that there was some form of mathematical order in nature. This was to be empirically demonstrated by Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein more than two thousand years later (Pythagoras, 54). Pythagoras and other Ionian philosophers developed the earliest form of geometry. The Pythagoras theorem taught in school up to this day was developed long ago by the Greeks. Another example is the Archimedes principle in Physics. Though developed a long time ago, it is still in use today. Science today involves a lot of observation and research work. Premises and accompanying conclusions are made based on solid evidence. This practice was developed by the Ionian Philosophers of Greece and is the basis upon which modern research is conducted. Medicine The field of medicine has seen much advancement over the years. Cures have been developed for diseases that were thought to be incurable. Modern man has been able to cope with disease outbreaks and develop cures thanks to the work of Greeks such as Hippocrates. Considered the father of medicine, Hippocrates, led other medical doctors in Greece to condemn magical practices and beliefs of the time. They said that the mythical beliefs hindered understanding of diseases. An example is the rejection of the belief that epilepsy was a sacred disease hence not curable. Such denunciations are what led to research into what causes these diseases how to develop of the cures. Scholars such as

Nutrition and the relationship to athletic performance Essay

Nutrition and the relationship to athletic performance - Essay Example Proper eating habits play an integral role in fueling the body to operate effectively. Even the well conditioned and best trained athlete will have a hard time performing at peak level if improperly nourished. Also, it is essential for the athlete to understand that a balanced diet is critical not only for athletic excellence but also to maintain tissues that have been damaged during physical activity and, more importantly, for the young athlete who will need the additional nutrients to allow for continued growth and bone development. Carbohydrate is the most efficient and recommended source of glucose that the body needs to produce energy. Once ingested, the body converts carbohydrates into glucose that will give the athlete power and stamina to endure high intensity, short duration activities. Excess glucose, called glycogen, is absorbed in the liver and muscle tissues for later use. If the body lacks sources of carbohydrates, the body is forced to convert fat and protein into energy resulting in poor performance and increased fatigue. Carbohydrates are divided into two groups, the simple and complex carbohydrates. The simple carbohydrates, sometimes also referred to as the "bad carbs", are commonly found in refined or packaged food such as sugar, candy, chips, milk, honey and, fruit juices. Although, these types of carbohydrates are easily digested, they lack essential vitamins and nutrients that can normally be found in food sources containing complex carbohydrates. They are so-called because, unlike the simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates take longer to digest but it brings with it the essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs on a daily basis. This type of carbohydrate is commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, rice, bread, cereal, pita, pretzel, muffins and, pasta dishes. Although there are many recommendations on the amount of carbohydrate to be taken daily, most experts agree that carbohydrate consumption should consist of at the most two-thirds (2/3) of any given meal, roughly 3 to 4 times of a persons' weight in pounds. This means, for example, a person weighing 160 pounds should consume about 480-640 grams of carbohydrate everyday to maintain his energy level. And as exercise and training increase, carbohydrate consumption should be increased appropriately. According to the studies made by Leslie Bonci M.P.H., R.D., the following increase in carbohydrate intake is recommended for the active athlete: 3 grams/lb body weight for 1 hour of training 4.5 grams/kg body weight for 2 hours training 5 grams/kg body weight for 3 hours training, and 6 grams/kg body weight for 4+ hours of training (Bonci, n.d.a, Carbohydrate Needs section, par.1) Another technique used by endurance athletes, like bicyclers, swimmers and long-distance runners is "carbohydrate loading" or commonly referred to as