Re: Other schools of science

[jrmu@xxxxxxxxxx]

> John Stuart Mill, Bertrand Russell, and G. E. Moore are some examples of
> important British philosophers from the 19th and 20th centuries. Presumably,
> 19th and 20th century Britain was quite free relative to historical standards.

In what sense can 19th-20th century Britain be considered free? It still
had an unelected, heriditary monarch; 95% of British subjects were unable to
vote for their representatives (eg British India); Parliament gave
unequal representation to a house of unelected lords and nobles;
and certain religions remained illegal (Roman Catholicism was illegal
until 1829)

> I have a hard time believing that ancient Rome was especially free
> compared to modern Western societies.

Unlike England, the Roman Republic had two elected heads of state
called consuls (a title which other modern republics adopted). It had a
legislature called the senate (a name adopted by the USA), and a
tribune with veto powers. There existed a separation of powers and
checks and balances in government, similar to the USA's tripartite
division of powers. Ancient Rome still holds the world record for the
longest lasting constitutional republic.

Rome had few philosophers. Greece had far more philosophers, but for the
most part, Ancient Greece was not free. Except for a few brief periods
of chaotic democracy, most of Ancient Greece was ruled by dictators or
monarchs.

The most famous monarch is Alexander, who was personally educated by
the most famous philosopher, Aristotle. Alexander is widely recognized
as the greatest absolute despot of history, since he enslaved the entire
known world and murdered his friends. His successors eventually spread
Greek culture by the sword.

Under the reign of Antiochus IV, the king attempted to force Jews to
Helenize. They declared Judaism illegal and massacred tens of thousands
of Jews for not adopting Greek religion. The Jews revolted and
still commemorate this revolt through the celebration of Hannukah.

Unlike Greece, Republican Rome offered religious toleration and legally
recognized Judaism.

-- 
Aaron Lin
jrmu@xxxxxxxxxx
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