Section 2.2: The Greeks and Romans – Learning Resources

Section 2.2 Overview

This section explores the seminal contributions of ancient Greek and Roman philosophies to the foundation of Western political thought, particularly their profound influence on modern criminology. Through the examination of Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who ventured deep into ethics, justice, and the ideal state, the section unfolds how their notions of virtue, morality, and societal roles laid the early groundwork for understanding lawful and unlawful human behaviors. Concurrently, Roman thinkers such as Cicero and Seneca advanced these concepts by emphasizing law’s role in society and individual rights, pioneering comprehensive legal systems that underpin today’s Western legal doctrines. This historical journey through the philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome reveals their enduring legacies, highlighting how they continue to shape our understanding of crime, punishment, and governance.

Section Level Student Learning Outcomes

• SLO 1: Outline the key Greek and Roman contributions to Western political and criminological thought.
• SLO 2: Analyze how Greek philosophy’s focus on ethics and justice informs modern criminological theories.
• SLO 3: Assess the impact of Roman legal systems and philosophy on contemporary Western legal doctrines.
• SLO 4: Compare and contrast the Greek and Roman perspectives on law, crime, and punishment.
• SLO 5: Apply ancient philosophical principles to contemporary debates in criminology and legal ethics.

Modification History

File Created:  02/15/2024

Last Modified:  02/19/2024

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