Overview of Roman Literature
Transition from Homeric and Platonic virtues to Roman virtues.
Comparison between two epic poems: The Aeneid by Virgil and The Odyssey by Homer.
Authors and Their Context
Homer: Mythical figure, attributed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Virgil: Historical figure, wrote the Aeneid during the reign of Augustus Caesar (29-19 BCE).
Purpose and Audience
Both epics construct cultural virtues.
Odyssey and Iliad: Aimed at noble elites in Greek society, emphasizing personal excellence rooted in strength, courage, and conquest.
Aeneid: Aimed at an emperor (Augustus), legitimatizing an empire, laws, and virtues on a civic level, fostering a sense of national identity.
Imperium and Virtues
The notion of effective governance combined with virtue.
The notion of good (virtue) intrinsically defines the bad (vice).
Importance of identity construction through virtue.
Augustus Caesar and Contextual Background
Augustus (formerly Octavian): The first Roman Emperor, sought to restore a 'golden age' and address corruption among elites.
Ordinary Roman citizens valued family, farming, and balanced governance.
Politicians and elites seen as corrupt and self-serving, reflecting contemporary U.S. political sentiments.
Virgil’s Narrative Role
Commissioned to provide a heroic foundational story for Rome, overshadowing the less virtuous tales of Romulus and Remus.
Aim to foster unity and legitimate imperial rule through historical narrative.
Key Themes in the Aeneid
Exploration of Roman virtues, including:
Piety: Respect and reverence toward gods, family, and state.
Fides: Loyalty to family, friends, and the empire.
Stoicism: Emphasis on rationality, self-control, and sacrifice for the greater good.
Stoicism in Detail
Founded by Zeno: Emphasizes emotional detachment from outcomes.
Sacrifice and loyalty are paramount:
Example: Trolley problem—Stoics would endorse sacrificing one for the greater number (1 vs. 5).
Contrasts Between Aeneas and Odysseus
Odysseus: Self-centered, manipulative, embroiled in personal accolades. Focused on self-interest over communal responsibility.
Aeneas: Selfless, driven by duty to uphold a future for Rome. Embodies the ideal Roman citizen, making personal sacrifices for the public good.
Structure of the Aeneid
Books 1-6 parallel the Odyssey: Aeneas's journey to establish a new city (Rome) juxtaposes Odysseus's quest to return home.
Books 7-12 reflect on martial themes akin to the Iliad.
Thematic Analysis
Aeneas represents Roman virtues of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
Contrast between personal desire versus duty to the future exemplified through Aeneas's choice to forsake love for his empire.
Aeneas's journey: More comprehensive than Odysseus, aiming to found an empire rather than merely return home.
The Underworld Encounter
Aeneas's encounter with his father showcases Roman patriarchal values versus Odysseus's maternal connection.
Signifies the significance of paternal guidance in Roman culture.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Aeneas’s half-divine lineage elevates Roman identity, aligning them closer to the gods.
Establishes the Romans as a superior lineage compared to Greek heroes.
Roman Imperialism Philosophy
Romans perceived themselves as civilizers of conquered regions.
Justification for imperialism framing the empire as a benevolent force bringing civilization to others.
Philosophical Implications
Contrast with Greek individualism: Rome promotes duty and cohesion over self-interest.
Reflection on free will: Romans cautious of free will, claiming it leads to chaos and vice.
Conclusion and Transition
Aeneas symbolically represents ideal virtues against Odysseus's flawed character, framing the Roman narrative within a context of unity over individualism.
The foundation of Roman ethics provides a precursor to discussions of evil and morality in later philosophical contexts, such as those found in Christian traditions.
Next discussion will transition into Indian dharma traditions, exploring further concepts of good and evil.