Oklahoma Academic Standard 1. The student will analyze and summarize the impact of the major patterns of political, economic, and cultural change over time to 1450 CE and their long-term influences.  

Objective 1.3  Compare the contributions of Greek and Roman philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle and Cicero including their impact on Western society.

In a Nutshell

Because Western Civilization and society is founded upon Greco-Roman philosophies and values, students should analyze the central ideas of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero to provide them with an understanding of the intellectual foundation of many elements of Western society.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Support students in evaluating various significant documents from the United States and Greece and Rome to compare civic virtues and principles of political systems.

• Assist students in gathering, organizing, and analyzing various kinds of primary sources evidence to compare the contributions of Greek and Roman philosophers, evaluating the credibility of sources. 

• Analyze the role of informed and responsible citizens in their political systems and provide examples of changes in civic participation in Greece and Rome over time. 

• Construct visual and/or multimedia presentations, using a variety of media forms to enhance understanding of findings and reasoning, comparing the contributions of Greek and Roman philosophers. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Greco-Roman values, philosophies, practices and  worth of the individual.

• ideals versus practical implementation in historical and contemporary societies

• major ideas and impact of writings such as Plato’s Republic, Aristotle's Politics, Cicero On the Republic

• concept of democracy, representative government

• city states and concept pf local control, self-rule

• Some students may consider the city-states of Greece and Rome as the birthplaces of democracy. While this was the intent, both Rome and various city-states eventually became monarchies or oligarchies.

Instructional Resources