Aristotle's Ethos Of The Roman Family

The average Roman citizen was a simple and practical farmer, who when needed, defended himself, household, and state (Matthews, Noble, & Platt, 2014). In some cultures, such as the Egyptians, they look at the Roman ethos as manly and self determined, rather than feminine with pleasure and passionate love between man and woman (Hall, 1991). Ethos, defined by Aristotle, is one of three modes of persuasion; the other two are logos and pathos (Philosophy Terms Website, n.d.). A speaker’s ethos shows their character as trustworthy and honest. There were three important aspects of the Roman ethos: values, family, and religion.

Many surrounding countries did not think that the Romans were as bright and lacked creativity. Quite the contrary, as Romans were resourceful and smart. One of the great Romans, Cato the Elder, taught his son law, agriculture, and how the history of both Rome and family were important (Matthews et al, 2014). An ideal Roman before the final decade of Rome’s republic was very spiritual, loyal, dependent, very serious, dedicated, consistent, and stayed true to their class (Matthews et al, 2014).

Unlike other surrounding countries, the Roman family was different.

The Roman family were not just a group of related people who lived together, but the entire household and other living relatives (Matthews et al, 2014). Typically, these families had more daughters than sons. The patrician family, unlike the plebeian family, were more proud of their heritage. Similar to most of us, the Romans had three names. During ancient Rome, there were only twelve names for males. The father of the family was called paterfamilias, as he was the oldest, the protector, and had the most authority and power over the family. Women were equal, and enjoyed literature and law compared to their neighbors. Daughters of the family were typically named after their father’s tribe (Matthews et al,

2014).

Finally, religion in a household began with family (Matthews et al, 2014). Early religion might have been close to the Etruscans, however, it was not until the Greeks that documentation was evident. The Roman gods and goddesses were linked in similar ways to the Greek Olympian gods and goddesses, as the names were slightly altered, asked them to provide fruitful harvests, healthy childbirths, and victories in the war they battled (Matthews et al, 2014). The Roman religion also promoted frugality, being self-sufficient, and using in moderation to the gods, family, and country (PBS Website, 2006).

References:

Hall, J.L. (1991). “To the Very Heart of Loss:” Rival Constructs of “Heart” in Antony and Cleopatra. College Literature, 18(1), 64.

Matthews, R.T., Noble, T.F., & Platt, F.D. (2014). Experience Humanities (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

PBS Website. (2006). The Roman Empire. Retrieved from: http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/index.html Retrieved on: 11 November 2017.

Philosophy Terms Website. (n.d.). Ethos: Definition. Retrieved from: http://philosophyterms.com/ethos/ Retrieved on: 11 November 2017.