Transcript GREEK PHILOSOPHERS

GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
AND
THE ROMANS
D. Greek Philosophers
1. Socrates (469 B.C. – 399 B.C)
a.) got into trouble for questioning the customs, traditions
and values of Athens
i. Socratic Method- questioning until truth
ii. Loss to Sparta= frustrations taken out on Socrates
iii. accused of corrupting the youth
iv. Teachings were for the good of Athens
v. sentenced to death
vi. Plato’s writings
2. Plato
• average citizens of a democracy were unable
to govern wisely- lacked wisdom
• quest to bring out the best out in people
a. The Republic- discussed the ideal forms of government
i. roles based on talent
ii. Education was important
iii. Need to balance between mob rule and tyranny
- didn’t like democracy or autocracy
iv. Wisdom + Power = philosopher king
v. Careful Division of Labor
a. philosopher kings
b. warriors
c. artisans
• 3. Aristotle
a. Humans are “stateless beasts” without
gov’t
i. ability to reason
ii. People learn to be good
iii. Common good best
iv. Society AND gov’t allows humans to
reach full potential
b. favored democracy over monarchy and
aristocracy but thought it was unrealistic
- middle class would rule
c. Settled on Kings taking advice on ruling
from philosophers
III. Rome Developed New Political Ideas
A. Romans established a republic
by overthrowing
their kings (509 B.C.)
1. Republic
B. Rome’s Social Organization
1. Family important
a. Eldest male – pater familias
(patria potestas)
b. Woman ran the household
-could own property
2. Society Divided into classes
a. patrician
-dominated Roman politics
b. plebeians
-common farmers, artisans,
and merchants
- free citizens
*Birth alone determined
Roman’s social and
political status
C. Written Law
1. 12 Tables (451 B.C)
D. Rome Achieved a Balanced Gov’t
1. Two Consuls
a. power limited by term and veto
2. Senate
-600 members for life
-controlled finances and foreign affairs
3. 2 Assemblies
4. Dictator
- in time of crisis a leader could be chosen
- lasted 6 months
E. Wars and Civil Unrest  Collapse of Republic 
Emperor  Roman Empire