Speranza
Roman Philosophy and the Good Life
R. A. Belliotti
A practical people not prone to be
lured to philosophical abstraction for its own sake, the Romans looked toward
philosophy for guidance on how to live.
Though wary of Greek philosophy, the
Romans would come to see the need for philosophies such as Stoicism,
Epicureanism, Platonism, and Aristotelianism to point the way to leading the
good life.
With the help of these philosophies, they attempted to grapple with
some of most enduring concerns of the human condition:
Who am I? How should I
live my life? What, if anything, is my destiny?
Raymond Angelo Belliotti's Roman
Philosophy and the Good Life provides an accessible picture of these major
philosophical influences in Rome and details the crucial role they played during
times of major social upheaval. Belliotti demonstrates the contemporary
relevance of some of the philosophical issues faced by the Romans, and offers
ways in which today's society can learn from the Romans in our attempt to create
meaningful lives.
Roman Philosophy and the Good Life will certainly intrigue
those who are drawn to Roman history and politics, and especially those who
enjoy viewing philosophy in action.
Belliotti's Roman Philosophy and the Good Life is
brilliantly written! The work exposes the intricacies of historic events and the
pivotal roles played by main characters, such as Cicero, Caesar, Epicurus and
Seneca, whose ideas are inherent in Western culture.
Unlike many books on the
classics, Belliotti sustains the novel-like appeal throughout the book without
compromising philosophical rigor.
Roman Philosophy
and the Good Life offers a thoughtful overview of the reception of the
Hellenistic schools into Rome through the writings of Cicero and successive
Roman philosophical thinkers.
Belliotti has written an engaging exploration of a
historical period when philosophy and action were unusually and intriguingly
intertwined.
Belliotti's approach brings
out the degree to which Roman philosophy is a practical guide to public and
private life, rather than an abstract theoretical activity.
The treatment of
Roman philosophers and their Greek predecessors is reliable, and Belliotti
judiciously engages enough of the vast secondary literature to help students
find their way into it. Clearly written in a lively, engaging style, this book
is a useful guide for students getting oriented in Roman thought. Recommended.
Belliotti's sweeping tale deftly combines
history, politics, and ethics as it recounts the lives, characters and thoughts
of the great Roman philosophers.
He investigates the interactions between Roman
philosophy and politics, while offering insightful evaluations of Skepticism,
Stoicism, and Epicureanism and their competing conceptions of the good life. An
enjoyable and informative read.
Raymond
Angelo Belliotti is Distinguished Teaching Professor of Philosophy at the State
University of New York at Fredonia.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
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