Marcus Aurelius (AD121-180) was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of Western philosophy He is best known for his Meditations, which is a series of personal reflections on life and morality that have been widely revered as a seminal work of Stoicism. In these writings, he often emphasizes the importance of living a life of reason and virtue, and he is credited with popularizing Stoic ethics, which emphasize self-control, personal integrity, and respect for the natural law.
In terms of Marcus Aurelius’s legacy in philosophy, his influence can be seen in many of the ethical and philosophical movements of modern society. For example, his stoic teachings have inspired a variety of ethical and philosophical thinkers, from Immanuel Kant to Søren Kierkegaard. His writings have also been referenced by modern-day authors such as Alan Watts, John Rawls, and Alain de Botton.
The following are five of the best essay topics to explore when studying Marcus Aurelius:
1. The signficance of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations: This is one of the most important works of Marcus Aurelius, and it offers a glimpse into his philosophy, ethics, and beliefs. In this essay, you could discuss the overall themes of the Meditations, compare and contrast it with other works of Stoic philosophy, and explain how it has inspired modern-day ethical and philosophical thought.
2. Stoicism and Virtue: Marcus Aurelius was a devoted proponent of Stoic philosophy, and this essay could explore the ways in which he believed that virtue and morality were essential to living a good life. You could discuss the specific virtues that he believed were necessary, as well as how his views on virtue differ from those of other philosophical schools of thought.
3. The Relationship between Marcus Aurelius and Nature: Nature played an important role in Marcus Aurelius’s philosophies, and this essay could explore his views on the relationship between humans and nature. You could also discuss why he believed that humans should strive to respect and protect nature, as well as the implications of his views on our modern-day environmental policies.
4. The Legacy of Marcus Aurelius: Here, you could discuss how Marcus Aurelius has been influential in the development of modern-day ethical and philosophical thought. You could explore the various ways in which his teachings have been adopted by various schools of thought, as well as how his ideas have been interpreted by different thinkers throughout history.
5. Issues of Gender and Race in Marcus Aurelius’s Philosophy: Here, you could discuss how Marcus Aurelius’s views on gender and race influenced his other philosophical views. You could explore how his ideas may have been shaped by his own background and experiences, as well as how his views on gender and race have been seen as limiting by some contemporary critics.