History of Western Philosophy Part 1 of 3
While there is no requirement within the Religio Romana to express or hold a specific creed, some Religio Romana practitioners aspire to adopt ancient Roman values, virtues and philosophy - although adaptations to these values may occur to make allowances for changed social realties.
Roman Virtues
Regarding both men and women ancient Roman values and virtues may be said to include:
- pietas (in the sense of an unswerving sense of duty, devotion and loyalty to one's family, friends, country and Gods),
- gravitas (taking one’s responsibilities seriously and earnestly),
- diligence, energy and industriousness,
- steadfastness and patience,
- dignity, austerity and elegance in manner and dress,
- restraint and self-discipline (emotional control),
- syncretism, open-mindedness and tolerance.
Note that while ethical behaviour as an expression of pietas or philosophical beliefs is strongly encouraged it is not necessarily required in order to obtain the favour of the Gods, thus a preoccupation with sin, as understood in Abrahamic religions, does not factor.
Philosophy
The philosophical perspective of Religio Romana practitioners varies, though an interest in philosophical schools of thought common during the Greco-Roman period is not uncommon. Stoicism, Epicureanism and Neoplatonism were the most popular philosophical schools during the Roman era.
Related Pages
External Links
- philosophybasics.com (Roman era)
- philosophybasics.com (Hellenistic)
- Mos Maiorum
- Roman Virtues: Introduction
- J Shelton, As the Romans Did (2nd ed), New York, 1998