A. Morozova, Student
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2019.140.9
ANTIQUITY AND JOHN ADAMS: ETHICS, AESTHETICS, POLITICS
This article examines the place of antiquity in the sociocultural and political realities of the United States of America during the period of the American Revolution and the first years of the republic on the example of the second President of the United States John Adams. Particularly, it investigates the constructive role of classical antiquity in the formation of moral, aesthetic, and political views and values of John Adams. Historical and sociocultural conditionality of the Greco-Roman legacy in the American colonies is considered as well as the influence of these conditions on John Adams and his perception of ancient Greeks and Romans heritage. The impact of antiquity on the ethical constructs of John Adams is grounded on the ethical category of "virtue" and its reconsideration along with the rehabilitation and democratization of "fame". The aesthetic position of John Adams towards the classical antiquity is based on the principles of the understanding beautiful as rationally and ethically useful. An important role in the comprehension of this attitude to antiquity is displayed by the inclination of John Adams to idealize the figure of the “orator-patriot” and, in particular, the figure of Cicero. The political ideas of John Adams and their connection with antiquity are revealed through the concept of a republican form of government as the balance of the three classes and the supremacy of laws. On the basis of the analyzed material, the purely symbolic, superficial character of the connection between John Adams and the ancient heritage was refuted and its organizing, life-oriented core was indicated.
Key words: antiquity, John Adams, Roman republic, fame, virtue, oratory, Cicero, law, checks and balances.
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