Events and Ideas #1 Greek and Roman Influence on Western Politics Lecture Theme: World History Unit 1

Essential Question: Explain: How society today is based on Greek and Roman ideas on society and government.

What building is this?

Capital Building in Washing D.C.

What building is this?

Supreme Court Building

This is the Pantheon in Rome Compare it to the Supreme court building

Pantheon and U.S. Supreme Court Building Clear dedication to Greco-Roman values by founding fathers of American society.

Even the details on the column relief's are virtually identical between what the foundering fathers used in Washington D.C. and what was used 2000 years ago in Rome. Our founding fathers were so serious about the influence of Greco-Roman influence on the foundation of American society – they made sure they copied Roman buildings and architecture and not European.

Western Political Thought Heavily influenced by: Judeo-Christian ideas. Greco-Roman views on law. Heavily influenced by: Judeo-Christian ideas. Greco-Roman views on law.

Judeo-Christian Influence Jewish View. The Torah, meaning “law” or “teaching.” The Torah is the first code of Jewish law. Christian View. Similar to Greek view. Reason can be used to determine good and evil. Western Political Thought Jewish View. The Torah, meaning “law” or “teaching.” The Torah is the first code of Jewish law. Christian View. Similar to Greek view. Hellenistic thinking – remember Paul of Tarsus. Reason can be used to determine good and evil.

Greco-Roman Influence Greek view. Greek city-states codified laws in the 7th century B.C.E. Self-reliance important. Loyalty was to the city-state. Roman View. Justinian Code. Basis of law used in Europe. Focus on unity and stability. Greco-Roman Influence Greek view. Greek city-states codified laws in the 7th century B.C.E. Self-reliance important. Loyalty was to the city-state. Roman View. Justinian Code. Basis of law used in Europe. Focus on unity and stability.

Reason and Faith Faith is often contrasted with reason. Faith, includes both will and intellect, directed toward an idea. Faith and good works. Faith is often contrasted with reason. Faith, includes both will and intellect, directed toward an idea. – belief in a higher power. Faith and good works.

Duties of the Individual Respect for God and honesty towards others. Duties are not always agreed upon. Laws are needed to govern and regulate society

Aristotle’s Politics Attempts to create a “scientific” government. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of different governments. Creates a society that provides the greatest amount of happiness to the greatest number of people. (not all people)

Plato’s Republic What is a “just state?” Ideal state composed of three classes. Economy run by the merchant class. Security run by the military. Political leadership provided by philosopher kings. Plato’s Republic What is a just state? Ideal state composed of three classes. Economy run by the merchant class. – civilian population provides for the material needs of society. Security run by the military. – Protect the state as a means of acquiring honor. Political leadership provided by philosopher kings. – Justice and Wisdom. Education system designed to produce philosopher kings. The just state is one in which each class performs its function without infringing on the activities of the other classes.

Answer the Essential Question in Five complete sentences: Explain: How society today is based on Greek and Roman ideas on society and government.