Week 2: Discussion Question 2
A key aspect of Roman art that has transcended into modern times is
their depiction of real forms and people; as opposed to the Greek
portrayal of the ideal. This can be seen primarily through
photographic art where the goal is to capture a real scene whether
beautiful, disturbing, moving, or persuasive. It is the reality
that becomes the art rather than the artists ideal that is being
proposed.
The Romans had a dramatic impact on future cultures in regards to
technology. Their road system was an early model of what our road
system has become today. Furthermore, their aqueduct system to
carry fresh water into the cities was an early version of our modern
fresh water supply. (Benton & Di Yanni, 2005, p. 125)
Politically the Romans established a number of ideals that have carried
into modern political systems. A key aspect was the civil court
system to legally resolve property issues. Even more basic was
the Stoic philosophy of "Natural law" which superseded human law.
This manifested itself into United States law as our "inalienable
rights." (Benton & Di Yanni, 2005, p. 125)
References
Benton, J. & Di Yanni, R. (2005) Arts and culture. An introduction to the humanities. New Jersey: Peason Education, Inc.
© Erik Smith 2005
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