Ancient Rome, Home of the Major Branches of Philosophy
Ancient Rome is often associated with conquest, power, and history, but not much with philosophy. However, this grand empire also boasts a history of philosophical development and enquiry. In Rome, many of the major branches of philosophy, such as ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, epistemology, and politics, flourished. Ancient Roman philosophy, which began to develop in the late Republic and Empire, was very much influenced by Greek philosophy, which had arrived earlier in Rome.
At the time of Ancient Rome, most of the philosophizing was done by wealthy upper-class citizens, whose education was more likely to include the study of philosophy, rather than the more practical concerns of the lower classes. This explains why most of the writings of this period were either by or about members of the upper class.
The two major philosophical schools during the Roman period were Epicureanism and Stoicism. Epicureanism refers to the teachings of the philosopher Epicurus, who was one of the first to make an effort to systematise philosophy. Epicurus believed that the goal of life was to make oneself and others as happy as possible. This could be achieved by avoiding excesses, cultivating one’s friends and living a life of tranquillity. His teachings were highly influential, even during Roman times.
The other popular school of philosophy during this period was Stoicism. This school was founded by Zeno, and it taught that people should accept whatever happened to them and be resigned to their fate. It also taught that the only thing that mattered was a person’s virtue, which he or she should strive to cultivate. Stoicism also taught that people should be indifferent to fortune, and that they should strive to be wise and just. These philosophies had a great influence on Roman thought and culture, and their influence can still be seen today.
The Roman period was also marked by the emergence of Neoplatonism. This school of thought was founded by Plotinus, and it was a synthesis of ideas from Plato and Aristotle. Unlike most of the other branches of philosophy, Neoplatonism had a greater emphasis on spiritual and religious themes. It taught that the ultimate reality was to be found in the abstraction of the One, which was the source of all being. This school of thought had a great influence on later Christian thought, which incorporated many of its ideas.
Ethics
The Roman period also gave rise to ethics as a major branch of philosophy. Roman ethical philosophers sought to establish principles of right and wrong, as well as to consider what constituted a good life. Cicero and Seneca were two of the most influential ethical philosophers. Cicero believed that one should strive for virtue, which could be attained through study and constant practice. Seneca, on the other hand, believed that the best way to achieve virtue was to practice it, and that one should be guided by one’s own inner morality.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics was another important branch of philosophy in Ancient Rome. The Roman philosopher Horace is widely regarded as one of the founders of aesthetic thought. He believed that beauty was determined by the harmony of the parts, and he argued that poets should strive to create works that were harmonious and unified. His views were developed by later Roman philosophers, such as Lucretius and Plotinus, who believed that beauty was an expression of divine harmony, and that one should strive to appreciate beauty in all of its forms.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics was another major branch of philosophy in Ancient Rome, and it was a part of the Stoic school of thought. The Roman philosopher Lucretius is particularly important in this regard, as he sought to develop a comprehensive system of the universe. His views were very much influenced by Epicureanism and Stoicism, especially Epicureanism’s belief that the universe was composed of atoms, which moved randomly and without purpose. Lucretius believed that the order of the universe could be understood by using reason and logic, and he sought to develop a systematic philosophy of the universe.
Epistemology
Epistemology, the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge, was also developed during the Roman period. The Epicurean philosopher Epicurus was one of the first to make an effort to systematise epistemology, arguing that knowledge comes from the senses and experience. Seneca and Cicero also contributed to the development of epistemology, and although their views were often in conflict with those of Epicurus, they both argued that knowledge could be acquired through experience and observation.
Politics
Politics was also an important branch of philosophy in Ancient Rome. In particular, the Roman politician Cicero was influential in developing the concept of political philosophy. Cicero argued that government should be based upon the rule of law and that justice should be based upon the principles of fairness and equality. His views significantly influenced later Roman thought, and were later incorporated into Christian thought.
Philosophy and Religion
Lastly, Ancient Rome also saw the emergence of philosophy as an attempt to understand and explain religion. In particular, the Roman philosopher Lucretius made an effort to understand the gods through philosophical arguments. He believed that the gods were not necessarily transcendent beings, but rather natural forces that could be explained through reason. His views were highly influential, and in particular, his attempt to explain religion through a philosophical framework can be seen in the works of later Roman authors such as Cicero, Seneca, and Virgil.
Conclusion
Ancient Rome was the birthplace for some of the most influential branches of philosophy, such as ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, epistemology, and politics. It is also the birthplace for the philosophy of religion. The Roman philosophers Epicurus, Seneca, and Cicero, as well as Lucretius, have all had a great influence on later thought, and their influence can still be seen today.
