Roman Philosophy

Question 1

Greek Philosophies that Influenced the Romans

Answer 1

Epicureanism
Stoicism
The Academy

Question 2

Epicureanism

Answer 2

Based on Epicurus 4th C BC

• Pleasure is the goal of life
• Gods have no involvement in human affairs

Question 3

Lucretius

Answer 3

1st C philosopher of Epicureanism

Wrote De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things)
-Latin in 6 books

1) Universe: atoms, not gods
2) Humans: should not strive to be happy, not by seeking power but by devoting and understanding the universe

*at odds with the elites

Question 4

Stoicism

Answer 4

-Founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in 3rd C BC

• Destructive emotions resulted from errors in judgment, and that a stage or person of “moral and intellectual perfection”, would not suffer such emotions.
• Active relationship between cosmic determinism and human freedom
• Taught at the Stoa “porch” open for walking
• Life and harmony within the universe

Question 5

Panaetius

Answer 5

Stoicism 2nd C BC

• Provided ethics relevant to the demands of Roman public life
• Provided means to progress in virtue and wisdom

Question 6

Seneca, On Clemency

Answer 6

Written by Seneca, on Clemency to Nero

-Contrasted the good ruler vs tyrant and the evaluation of the relationship between ruler and subject

Question 7

The Academy

Answer 7

• Founded by Plato in Athens in Hellenistic period as a skeptical school.
• Aristotle studied here for 25 years and tutored Alexander the Great and friends who became Hellenistic kings

Question 8

Marcus Cicero

Answer 8

1st C BC Studied at the Academy

• Although no truths, one should evaluate all of the evidence and accept, for now, the position which seems best
• Elite man’s duty to participate fully in public life
• Purpose of office-holding to serve the state and look after interests of all

Question 9

Marcus Cicero writings

Answer 9

• On duty (44 BC) – written in letters to his son
  
  • Wisdom
  • Justice
  • Temperance
  • Courage
• On the Nature of the Gods: discussion of theology between the 3 Greek philosophies
• On Divination: Book 1 affirms the belief in the gods while Book 2 disputes it using Academic standpoint

-> Affirm traditional values of Roman state