Overview
The Roman Empire was one of the most influential empires of the ancient world. It was the largest political unit in the Mediterranean and encompassed many modern-day countries. Alongside the Roman Empire’s expansion and domination, it was able to absorb and develop ideas from other civilizations in the Mediterranean. This included the captivation and utilization of philosophies from conquered nations previously unknown to Romans. While the Romans favored an advocate for public good and collective Roman value, the most famous Roman philosophy came from individuals like Cicero, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius.
Philosophy During the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic was in power between 509 BCE to 27 BCE. The Roman Republic was built on key principles of a mainly agrarian society. This included military service, voting rights and a set of laws. Romans revered Jove, the god of thunder and also respected the ancient Greek gods, of which they had adopted many. Religion permeated all aspects of people’s lives, but there was no formal philosophy during this period. Though, there were renowned Roman thinkers such as Lucius junius Brutus, who was considered the father of the Republic.
The Roman Stoic Philosophy
The Stoic philosophy was born in ancient Greece, but it grew significantly during the era of the Roman Empire. It was influenced by Plato and Socrates and later developed by Chrysippus in the 3rd century. Stoic philosophy held that destiny determined the course of events and that it could not be altered by human interference. They followed a logico-naturalism which implied that nothing occurred beyond the laws of nature. It taught that the individual had to accept events indifferently and maintain peace of mind despite adversity. The most famous philosophers of this period include Zeno of Citium and Seneca.
The Epicurean Philosophy
The Epicurean philosophy was developed by Epicurus in 306 BCE and was a leader of the Hellenistic philosophical schools. Epicureanism rejected the notion of divine powers governing the universe and believed in atoms and molecules as the basis of all being. As these atoms moved, they created phenomena such as love, danger and pleasure. Epicureans believed in a hedonistic, carefree lifestyle and that one should enjoy life and its pleasures as much as possible. It was extremely popular in the Roman era, and was the primary rival to Stoicism.
The Roman Skeptical Philosophy
The Skeptics rejected the likelihood of attaining certain knowledge. Suspending judgement, they argued that it was impossible to determine the truth through investigation. They adopted an attitude of Scepticism with regards to religious and philosophical questions. This school of thought was represented by Pyrrho of Elis and Sextus Empiricus, who argued that all beliefs should be examined before accepting them. One should not commit to a belief until it is properly investigated and proven.
Cicero and Roman Presidentialism
Cicero, a Roman statesman and philosopher, was the primary advocate of presidentialism in the Roman Republic. A strong defender of the Republic, Cicero maintained that the Republic should be run by rule and law rather than by individuals or cliques. He argued that the best way to protect liberty was through the maintenance of independent magistrates. Cicero also argued for a mixed republic and stressed the importance of training an educated citizenry for the good of the state.
The Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161-180 CE and is remembered for his work Meditations. His work aimed at attaining inner peace and was heavily influenced by Stoic philosophy. Marcus rejected superstition and instead believed in the concept of logos and the existence of a higher power, which his predecessor and teacher, Epictetus, referred to as God. He questioned how to best live in the face of difficult circumstances and believed in the pursuit of virtue and self-restraint.
The Influence of Roman Philosophy
The culture, laws and philosophical ideas of the Roman Empire influenced modern society, particularly in western countries. Modern philosophy, logic and theology all owe a debt to the Romans. Their ideas have become the basis for many modern schools of thought. One way in which this is seen is in the concept of natural law, which is the idea that laws are derived from nature and the universe and are applicable to any culture.
Comparison to Contemporary Philosophies
In comparison to modern philosophies, the philosophies of Ancient Rome emphasize the importance of public laws and governing public institutions for the greater good for the whole of the republic, including the commoners. These philosophies have had a substantial influence on modern political sphere and have shaped our current understanding of what constitutes ideologues, civic obligations and justice.
Cultural Relevance of Roman Philosophy
As an empire that spanned a large area, the Roman’s had contact with many different cultures. This allowed them to incorporate and adopt aspects from other civilizations and to create a culture that was diverse and vibrant. This is evident in the many philosophies that took root in the Roman world, such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism and Presidentialism. Through these philosophies, Roman citizens were able to grapple with the meaning of life, the relationship between individual and collective good, and the role of religion in politics and society.
Intellectual Impacts of Roman Philosophy
The impact of Roman philosophy is still felt throughout the world today. It provided a framework for rational thinking and a moral code that has been the foundation for many modern philosophical debates. From the concept of a just war to natural law, many of the ideas used to resolve conflicts and shape policy originated in the Roman Republic. It is a testament to the intellectual capabilities of the ancient world that the works of great Roman thinkers are still studied and discussed today.
The Legacy of Roman Philosophy
The great minds of the Roman Republic, Empire and its Stoic philosophers have had an indelible impact on our modern world. Through their works, we can gain insight into the Roman values of justice, honor and courage. We can learn from the philosophy of Cicero and Marcus Aurelius about how one can lead a life of noble purpose. We can use the skeptical attitude of the Skeptics to question beliefs and spur inquiry. It is in the spirit of these great philosophers that we can continue to search for knowledge and develop our understanding of the world.
