Another Review from OCON 2005

Ideas and the Fall of Rome--Dr. John Lewis

Ever since reading some of his articles online, I have had high expectations for John Lewis.  He did not disappoint in this lecture.

The purpose of the lecture was to give an overview of the philosophical causes of the fall of Rome, and to point out some parallels between that and the current political and philosophical situation in the United States. 

The two causes Dr. Lewis identifies are philosophical idealism, and the acceptance of duty in ethics.  To demonstrate this, he traces the philosophical development of Rome from about 200 BC, when Romans "imported" Greek culture, to the fall of Rome between 300 and 400 AD, when the Neo-Platonists were essentially powerless to defend Rome, intellectually, against Christian dogma.  The entire development is fascinating, the talk is well-paced, and Dr. Lewis analysis is spot on.

Most interesting are his thoughts on why Rome accepted the philosophical ideas they did.  Romans were not original philosophical thinkers, and they took the ideas that seemed to most justify their conception of the morally and politically good.  They were great doers in the world of law and politics, but had to get their philosophy from elsewhere.  This is where the parallels with the US are drawn, and they are illuminating.

Excellent all-around.  Highly recommended.  Buy it as soon as it becomes available.