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Cicero And Livy

Decent Essays

Concepts and ideas of the United States’ political system is shaped by how Ancient Romans viewed and interpreted justice in society. Roman philosophers and politicians influenced the Founders of the United States and shaped our political and justice system. The Roman concept of justice plays a large and important role in the way Americans view and perceive justice. Justice, interpreted by Sellers, Livy, Aurelius, Foucalt, and Sallust all influence and inform Americans’ belief of the relationship between justice and politics. Sellers, in his book, American Republicanism, delves into the topic of justice in Ancient Roman politics. He discusses the interpretations of justice that are described by famous politician and historian, Cicero and Livy. Sellers then draws similarities between Cicero and Livy’s interpretations with the interpretations of men who were important in the finding of the United States, such as James Madison or John Adams. John Adams was an advocate for justice in the founding of the United States and believed Cicero’s conclusion should represent how justice is defined in the United States, “there could be …show more content…

He describes justice in simple terms; imposing limits on yourself. Justice, according to Foucalt, is receiving what one deserves in society. He emphasizes that it is important to consult yourself and that the ultimate judge of justice in society is you. Foucault states that it is very important “to practice the virtues in their most general forms …. justice” (Foucalt, 90). It is important for the self to follow the ideas of justice, or to adhere the laws of the land. This influences American politics in the fact that American society instills on its citizens to “do the right thing” and obey its laws. It is a justifiable act to instill values that cohere to laws in order to be impervious to

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