Unit 1 Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought

Unit 1Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought The Ancient Roots of Democracy Greece / Athens

C.S.S. 10.1.1 The similarities and differences in Greco-Roman views of law, reason, and faith; duties of individuals. C.S.S. 10.1.2 The development of the Western political ideas of the rule of law and illegitimacy of tyranny.

Four Types of Governmentsfound in Ancient Greece In Aristotle’s book, Politics, he surveyed the different kinds of government as seen in neighboring city-states and countries. Aristotle found that each kind of government tended to create its own kind of injustice: Monarchy Ruling power is in the hands of a single person. Most monarchies have been ruled by kings, usually with the help of advisors.

Four Types of Governmentsfound in Ancient Greece “Of aristocracy, oligarchy… Oligarchy has in view the interest of the wealthy...” Aristocracy Ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders – a.k.a. Oligarchy Members had inherited wealth and power from their families.

Four Types of Governmentsfound in Ancient Greece “The perversion of royalty is tyranny… For tyranny is a kind of monarchy which has in view the interest of the monarch only.” Tyranny Ruling power is in the hands of a Individual who has seized control, often by illegal means. “Usurper with supreme power.”

Four Types of Governmentsfound in Ancient Greece Democracy Ruling power is in the hands of all the people. First established in Athens around 500 B.C. Leaders have limited individual power. “Of constitutional government, democracy. Democracy, that of the needy; none of them has the common good of all.”

The Ancient Roots of Democracy A. Greece / Athens 1. Citizenship a. before people were considered subjects b. people begin to have both rights and responsibilities - they become “citizens”

2. Worth and dignity of the Individual a. Respect for human intelligence and the power of reason

3. Political Freedom a. Belief that the average citizen is capable of participating intelligently in the affairs of state b. All adult male citizens were members of the Assembly c. No matter their status, they all have equal right to vote, hold office, and to explain their opinion

d. Pericles 1.) Funeral Oration What is the responsibility of a citizen? 2.) How do his reforms strengthen (direct) democracy?

“We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all.” -Pericles, 5th century B.C.

4. Role of Reason a. respect for human intelligence and the power of reason b. “Natural Law” 1. Greek philosophers said that nature was not controlled by arbitrary and willful gods (unsatisfied with legends)

2. natural law a. The belief that all things in the natural world follow predictable patterns b. Rules of nature can be discovered through careful observation and reasoned inquiry c. Questioned old ways

How Periclean Democracy Operated: T/F 1. The city of Athens directly ruled over the area of Greece called Attica. 2. All adult citizens would participate in democratic decision making. 3. Three major groups – vastly outnumbering the adult male citizens – could not participate in the government of Athens. 4. The Areopagus had the responsibility for ostracism. 5. People were chosen by lot to serve in the military.

How Periclean Democracy Operated: T/F • The Board of Magistrates sent allotted members to serve as judicial reviewers for murder cases. • Archons and ex-archons had important festive and legal duties • Law suits used jury men selected from 6000 male citizens made available by lot. • Generals were elected by the archons. • Athens established an empire which controlled five tributary districts. • The Assembly was the largest and most powerful political body in Athens

How Periclean Democracy Operated: T/F 12. People were chosen by lot to serve jury duty.

c. Greek Philosophers – SPA What was their ideal form of government? 1.) Socrates a.) What led to the trial of Socrates? Trial’s outcome? b.) What was the impact of his trial on his students and on their view of democracy?

2.) Plato a.) Republic b.) What was his ideal form of government? 3.) Aristotle a.) Politics b.) What was his ideal form of government?

Unit 1Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought “Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy, and political greatness and wisdom meet in one, and those commoner natures who pursue either to the exclusion of the other are compelled to stand aside, cities will never have rest from these evils- no, nor the human race, as I believe- and then only will this our State have a possibility of life and behold the light of day.” Plato

Unit 1Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought The Ancient Roots of Democracy Rome

B. Rome (509 - 44 B.C.) 1. Republic - representative government - no monarch 2. Law (Twelve Tables - 451 B.C.) a. Should be based on reason and justice and protect citizens and property b. Applies to all peoples (regardless of their nationality) c. Legacy

3. Natural Law and Stoicism a. In nature certain rational principles and standards apply to all people in all times b. Stoics – Greek philosophers 1. everyone is born with the capacity to reason 2. since reason was common to all people, all people were basically equal

3. since people are fundamentally alike they are subject to the same moral law and principles 4. human law must not violate the higher natural law c. Legacy – evolves later into theory that people have certain rights that no legitimate government can deny

Unit 1Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought The Ancient Roots of Democracy Rome

Reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire • 1. Political • a. The dictatorial government was inefficient and corrupt – it did not command the people’s loyalty. • b. Vast empire was impossible to govern from one central city. • c. Rivalry over the throne led to destructive civil wars.

2. Economic a. Small farmers abandoned their lands, lost incentive to work/improve farming techniques. b. Large estates control trade and farming – much is curtailed both trade and industry. c. Heavy tax burden – loss of incentive d. widespread use of slaves in industry and agriculture caused great unemployment

3. Social a. People’s interest lay mainly in luxury and survival – patriotism/service almost vanished

3. Social b. Sharp class distinctions – upper classes (i.e.. wealthy/educated) 4. Military a. warlike spirit of the Roman replaced by Christian teachings of love and universal peace.

4. Military b. Roman armies employed professional soldiers – including Germanic tribesmen (mercenary) c. Soldiers see themselves as the masters of the State – not servants but masters of their property

d. Loyalty of mercenaries is questioned - uncertain verses the average Roman

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Focus Question: The Greeks and Romans both shared the belief that it was man’s ability to reason that elevated his value, his dignity. What fundamental belief did the Jewish or Christian faiths share that gave them reason to dignify man?

Unit 1 Principles of Greco-Roman, Judeo Christian Thought