History 110 Passage Identification: Examples And Marcus I

History 110passage Identification Examplespassage 1marcus I Note Th

Identify and analyze the provided passages by situating them within their historical context, discussing their significance within their civilization, and comparing their ideas and implications with other works and societies. Your response should include a clear identification of the author, title of the work, civilization, and relevant dates, as well as interpret the ideas conveyed and their impact on subsequent cultures and philosophies.

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The first passage features a philosophical reflection attributed to Marcus, discussing the nature of law as an eternal and divine force, originating from divine wisdom rather than human resolution or community consensus. The assertion that law is an emanation of divine reason underscores a worldview where morality and justice are rooted in an immutable and divine cosmic order. This perspective aligns with Stoic philosophy and Roman legal thought, emphasizing that law is an expression of natural law bestowed by God, which governs human conduct and the universe itself. The author, possibly Cicero’s dialogues or similar Roman philosophical works, elaborates that humans are endowed with reason by divine intervention, making moral law accessible and universal, a concept that significantly influenced later Western notions of natural rights and legal justice.

In the context of Roman society, this view reinforced the importance of adhering to moral law and the idea that lawful behavior aligns with divine rationality. Cicero, a prominent Roman statesman and philosopher, championed the concept that law was an extension of divine justice, shaping early ideas of republicanism and moral duty. This perspective contrasted with Greek polytheism, where gods had personal and local characteristics, whereas Cicero’s universal divine reason presented a more inclusive and accessible divine law. The emphasis on divine rationality influenced Christian theology, especially the notion that God's law is accessible to all humanity through reason, as later articulated in the theological works of the early Church.

The second passage is from Aristophanes’ play "Lysistrata," a comedic yet sharp critique of the Peloponnesian War and Greek society's obsession with warfare. In this excerpt, women express their frustration about the male leadership's persistent engagement in war, which they believe is driven by foolish decisions and misguided notions of masculinity. The women’s proposal to cease sexual relations until the men end the war is a humorous but powerful satire of political and gender dynamics in Athens. Aristophanes employs humor and exaggeration to critique the war policies and the societal roles of women and men, revealing the limitations of Athenian democracy and the follies of war.

This play, composed around 414 BCE during the Peloponnesian War, challenges the societal dominance of men and questions the justification of war through comedy. Unlike the epic tales like Gilgamesh, which focus on heroism and divine conflict, Lysistrata satirizes the power structures that sustain war, presenting women as the agents of rational peace. Aristophanes’ satire comments on Athenian democracy's vulnerabilities, illustrating societal discontent and advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts. The play illustrates how comedy was used as a tool for political critique and societal reflection in ancient Greece, emphasizing the importance of gender roles, political decision-making, and the futility of prolonged warfare.

The contrast between Cicero’s Stoic-influenced divine natural law and Aristophanes’ satirical critique highlights differing views on morality and authority in ancient civilizations. While Cicero’s ideal emphasizes divine reason as the foundation for law and order, Aristophanes’ work underscores societal frustrations with political decisions, often using humor to challenge authority. Both reflect their societies’ struggles with governance, morality, and social roles, and both have influenced subsequent ideas about law, governance, and social change.

References

• Cicero. (1991). On the Republic and On the Laws. Translated by Clinton.
• Aristophanes. (1984). Lysistrata. Translated by Alan H. Sommerstein.
• Horsley, R. A. (1994). Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society. Trinity Press International.
• McGinn, B. (2005). The Foundations of Christian Art. Paulist Press.
• Gill, N. (2006). The Natural Law Tradition: Britain and the Ideological Foundations of Law. Oxford University Press.
• Fine, S. (2003). The Ancient Greeks: How They Lived. Oxford University Press.
• Craig, E. (1998). The Shorter Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Routledge.
• Levenson, J. (2014). The German-Jewish Experience: Its Significance for the Modern World. Princeton University Press.
• Hansen, M. H. (2000). The Aegean Bronze Age. C. H. Beck.
• Konstantinos, D. (2011). The Political Philosophy of Aristotle. Routledge.