Roman Political Thought

A thematic introduction to Roman political thought that shows the Romans' enduring contribution to key political ideas.

Jed W. Atkins (Author)

9781107514553, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 April 2018

256 pages
22.7 x 15.1 x 1.4 cm, 0.39 kg

'… a well written and conceived volume that will be of interest to those first encountering Roman political thought. … Atkins' book is an important contribution to the cross-disciplinary study of Roman political thought, and it fulfills his intention of providing a concise, stimulating, and provocative introduction to Roman thought ranging from Polybius to Augustine.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

What can the Romans teach us about politics? This thematic introduction to Roman political thought shows how the Roman world developed political ideas of lasting significance, from the consequential constitutional notions of the separation of powers, political legitimacy, and individual rights to key concepts in international relations, such as imperialism, just war theory, and cosmopolitanism. Jed W. Atkins relates these and many other important ideas to Roman republicanism, traces their evolution across all major periods of Roman history, and describes Christianity's important contributions to their development. Using the politics and political thought of the United States as a case study, he argues that the relevance of Roman political thought for modern liberal democracies lies in the profound mixture of ideas both familiar and foreign to us that shape and enliven Roman republicanism. Accessible to students and non-specialists, this book provides an invaluable guide to Roman political thought and its enduring legacies.

Introduction
1. The Roman Constitution in theory and practice
2. Liberty and related concepts
3. Citizenship and civic virtue
4. Political passions and civic corruption
5. Rhetoric, deliberation, and judgment
6. Civil religion
7. Imperialism, just war theory, and cosmopolitanism
Conclusion
Bibliographical essay.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Ethical issues & debates [JFM], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]