Mark Aurelius political and legal ideas on human rights as a significant contribution to roman legal thought

Abstract

The article is dedicated to a general overview of the political and legal ideas of Marcus Aurelius on human rights. In today’s period of fatal events, when the worst episodes of the past are becoming a reality again, namely the unleashing of an unprovoked brutal war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the world community is obliged to discuss human rights issues in the natural and legal aspects. In this regard, it seems necessary to turn to the origins of ideas about subjectively significant state and legal phenomena, devoid of problematic and veiled ideas. Undoubtedly, the world today needs more ideas full of humanity and the common good, ideas of the right decisions, which in their numbers can become something of a catalyst for peace around the world. Such political and legal ideas are able to change the world and adjust a certain group of people to the direction of development and improvement, rather than impoverishment and degradation. Among other things, it is important to take into account historical experience and views on the state and law, analyzing which can be at least closer to the truth in the relevant issue.
 The significance of the Roman Empire, which for some time stretched over large areas from England to Syria in the context of the concepts of history of state and law and political and legal doctrines is extremely great. The Roman Empire largely shaped world culture, science, law, art and education. The influence of the same Roman law on the jurisprudence of medieval and new states is enormous. The Roman Empire, both during its existence and after its disappearance, became a symbol of the development of law. Of great interest in this regard are the political and legal teachings of Marcus Aurelius - Emperor-philosopher, who introduced the idea of a state with equal law for all, governed by equality and equality of all, and the kingdom in which the highest good is the freedom of subordinates. The philosopher believed that the state should have the same laws for all, respect the freedom of citizens, and govern on the basis of equality and equality of all citizens.
 This philosopher pursued a balanced policy, his rule is characterized by respect for the people, the Senate and its members. Aurelius reign was called the «Senate Renaissance» because the emperor himself emphasized his obedience to the senate, which was the highest imperial power at the time. Marcus Aurelius directed his policy to help orphans, slaves, the poor and the sick, donated money to help all those in need. During this historical period, attitudes toward slavery and violence against them changed, and their murder was recognized as a crime thanks to Marcus Aurelius. In this article, the authors evaluates the main ideas of the Roman Stoics. The the authors clarifies some principles of equality of human rights and the functioning of the state in this direction, in particular on the basis of political and legal views of Marcus Aurelius.