Masters Degrees (Ancient Studies)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Ancient Studies) by Author "Brummer, Sylvia"

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    Marcus Aurelius : living philosophy and the business of governing an empire
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Brummer, Sylvia; Kotze, Annemare; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to understand the actions of one specific leader, the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled the Roman Empire during the second century CE. Consideration is given to how his decisions and actions were influenced, either consciously or subconsciously by both internal and external influences throughout his reign. In this, the study explores examples from his life and illustrates how both Stoic and Roman ethics may have influenced his leadership decisions, focussed on three specific spheres, namely actions around his familial and friendship relationships with focus on his relationship with his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, his wife, Faustina, his brother, Lucius Verus and his son Commodus; slavery; and the persecution of Christians. Central to the study are two principles which are explored throughout the study in terms of how they relate to the actions of Marcus Aurelius, namely: the principle of philosophy of action and the principle of practical ethics. Chapter one considers introductory issues and the rationale for the study. In chapter two the study examines the formation of the man, Marcus Aurelius, his character, his education and possible influencers that could have contributed to his actions. The chapter provides an historical overview of Marcus Aurelius’ education from childhood through to emperorship and considers his presumed move away from rhetoric to philosophy. Roman and Stoic thought is considered in order to provide a more rounded exploration of the factors that shaped Marcus Aurelius’ decisions and an attempt is also made to understand wider thought in the second century CE in order to provide context within which to view Marcus Aurelius’ thought and actions. In chapter three the purpose of his Meditations is explored in order to provide a view on Marcus Aurelius’ character and philosophical development as it emerges from the themes utilised in the Meditations and highlighting his philosophy of actions. The final chapter considers Marcus Aurelius’ career in respect of the three focus areas. The extent to which his education and philosophical convictions influenced his decisions in these spheres is explored. The chapter also explores certain contradictions found in the image of Marcus Aurelius in order to arrive at a re-evaluation of his political career.