How Did Greek Culture Influence The Roman's Philosophies?

When contemplating what makes up a culture the idea of art, music, religious beliefs, language, and philosophies may come to mind. Particularly, with philosophical beliefs, which can be highly influential in the building the foundation of a culture. For example, take a look at Han Dynasty in China, the Golden age in Athens, and the Roman Republic. The Han dynasty primarily followed Confucianism, while The Athens believed in classicism, and the Roman Republic philosophies surrounded around pragmatic classism, but were profoundly impacted by what the Greeks had established. In order to recognize and properly discuss these culture’s philosophies, it’s important to delve into the history of how it was created, and how the artistic expressions

Essentially, it was rested on the principle that the citizens were the ultimate source of legitimacy and sovereignty (191). Though, the Romans did adopt from the Greeks, due to being overwhelmingly impressed with its cultural achievements (186). So much so that it became a Roman custom to hire Greek teachers that taught generations of Romans about their language, literature, and philosophies (1). However, the Romans philosophies differed as they were pragmatic classicists. Any single event that has taken place, or will take place, is part of a larger rational order which is definitely not part of a greater reason or good. In order to ensure that order, that is where their focus primarily lied on. Gaining power, control, and maintaining order was crucial as a means to complete world domination. For the Roman Republic, the first step was taking advantage of a weakened Carthage, and destroying the area until there was nothing left but rubble. Thus, leaving the Romans with almost all control of the Mediterranean world (192). Following the political upheaval of the conquest, Roman philosopher and author, Cicero, produced several Latin works that ranged from political persuasion as the essay On Duty demonstrates (193). As he was aware that using Latin as tool would be far more powerful and was the language that sustained the Empire. To the letters he produced that provided vivid, detailed picture of Roman History and the lives of the Roman governing class. Additionally, what Cicero gave with his philosophical works, later inspired political leaders that hailed from Europe and the United States. Even Roman art was influenced by the Greeks, but in the form of historical works, instead of mythological art. Small sculptures similar to the Alexander, and A Roman Man, were produced as symbols to represent the