Cicero On Duties (De Officiis)

In the following months, Philadelphia Stoa will read Marcus Tullius Cicero ‘On Duties’ (De Officiis).

Writing at the time of political crisis after the assignation of Julias Caesar in 44 BC, Cicero’s last philosophical work ‘On Duties’, makes use of Greek philosophy to formulate the political and ethical values of Roman Republican not only to his 21 year old son Marcus Cicero Jr, but to all young Romans of the governing class.

Our text is divided into Three Books: Book 1 cover what is honorable I.e., the virtues of human life—wisdom, justice (social cohesion), greatness of spirit (courage), and moderation (temperance)—and details how they apply to daily behavior, arguing that duty exists in every aspect of life. Book 2 focuses on the practicality or utility of how to acquire what is advantageous with respect to one’s resources and reputation. Book 3 examines cases where one’s moral duty conflicts with one’s personal advantage. Cicero concludes that the conflict is just apparent because if one acts viciously for personal gain, then he is not really being beneficial to himself since such actions destroy character and social trust.

The copy I am using is The Cambridge Texts In The History of Political Thought (1991) Edited by M.T. Griffin and E.M. Atkins

Our first meeting will cover a general biography of Cicero’s life and his political background. You should read half of Book 1 approximate pages 1-25 Section 1-60.

I also have a digital copy of the book. If you want a digital copy…just e-mail me at amjol.shrestha@philadelphiastoa.org

Furthermore, there is a free digital version from the Perseus Digital Library
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2007.01.0048%3Abook%3D1%3Asection%3D1

You can purchase a physical copy from Abebooks or Amazon
https://www.abebooks.com
https://www.amazon.com
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Lastly, here are some videos that I thought were helpful.

Background of Cicero
Cicero's Finest Hour (44 to 43 B.C.E.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8DBd3SkuS8

Series on Cicero's On Duties
Professor Gregory Sadler, Cicero, On Duties, book 1| Wisdom as the First Source of Duty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLv0WOcJv0&t=128s

Professor Gregory Sadler, Cicero, On Duties, book 1| The Four Characters | Philosophy Core Concepts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkZfoZfjXoA