Greek, Roman, Jewish, Christian Western Syntheses

Expansion & Dissolution of the Roman Empire Experience of loss (of one’s own community, identify, political meaning of life) Isolation –Individuals confronted simultaneously both ontological loneliness and the universal Stoicism (Zeno from Cyprus, Epictetus) –Focused on Reason and rational individuals –Strong appeal to nature and (an equal and universal) human nature - Universal principles -Care for one’s own moral growth, and internal detachment from politics (through obedience to the authorities) -Influenced Cicero, and Saint Paul

The Jewish Tradition Strict Monotheism, (first) centered in Jerusalem Classical period: 1000 B.C. – A.D. 500 Faced several mass deportations (attempt to disorganize the Jewish people due to the impossibility of subjugating them) –721 B.C. - Assyrians take over the North and deport the people –586 B.C. – Babylonians invade the South of Judah and deport the wealthy. 540 B.C. Persia defeats Babylonia, and the Jewish are allowed to return to their land. Many do not return, and this opens a tradition of the Jewish diaspora –A.D. 70 – Roman Emperor Hadrian decides to burn Jerusalem and its temple, smashing the Jewish people

Diaspora (a community in exile) In the three next centuries, the Rabbis develop the Talmud (Palestinian and Babylonian) a system by which it is possible to continue being Jewish even without a land and while being persecuted (the system lasted 18th centuries)— Discussions over a very wide variety of subjects). –“If Israel had to continue to exist, it had to be transformed into a religious community independent of land, political sovereignty, and even the Temple in Jerusalem” (176) The autonomy and independence of the Jewish people seems to lie behind their recurrent persecutions (no political unit ever accepts but subjection)

Remember Aristotle: What is the problem with stateless beings? Why?

Torah Torah (law, nomos? Teachings). Different definitions of the Torah –Fear and Awe Series of Covenants between Yaveh and the Jewish people. Yaveh appears as a “national”(?) and jealous God, the one who imposes himself before other deities of other peoples. No Jewish theology (the presence of God is not put into question... His presence is evident)

The Greek vs. the Jewish Greek Men create Gods (anthropomorphic Gods) Impulse to bring the Gods down with us and to live with them Flexible beliefs Faith developed into philosophy (Idea) and science (skepticism) or pantheism Knowledge is virtue The soul is like the city Think Clearly! Jewish God creates man (God loses all anthropomorphic features) Impulse to rise to heaven in reverence and awe Strict beliefs Human life organized around faith “The beginning of virtue is the fear of God.” Importance of Deeds and action Act Justly! Afterlife?