Cicero's Political Life and Choices

Questions and Answers

Which philosophical school is closely associated with Cicero's thoughts?

Skepticism

Stoicism (correct)

Pyrrhonism

Epicureanism

What was one of the primary teachings of Stoicism?

The capabilities of individual emotions.

The denial of physical matter.

The importance of sensory pleasure.

The identification of nature with an immanent God. (correct)

According to Stoic philosophy, what is considered the supreme good?

Wealth and prosperity.

Virtue. (correct)

Knowledge and wisdom.

Emotional fulfillment.

What role does ethics play in Stoicism?

It plays a primordial role. Signup and view all the answers

Whom did Cicero visit that was associated with Stoicism?

Posidonius of Apamea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument made regarding unjust laws?

Breaking an unjust law demonstrates a person's moral integrity. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what distinguishes a just law from an unjust law?

Just laws align with the moral law or law of God. Signup and view all the answers

What stance does Augustine take on unjust laws?

An unjust law is considered no law at all. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest one should respond to an unjust law?

Openly and lovingly break the law and accept the penalty. Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'tension' play in the context of nonviolent direct action?

It helps individuals confront and address social injustices. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the relationship between segregation laws and human personality?

Segregation laws degrade human personality. Signup and view all the answers

Who is referenced in the content as having similar views to breaking unjust laws?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

Why is it said that individuals must confront issues of injustice?

To highlight and remedy the injustices faced over many years. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reference to natural law and equity in Rhetoric to Herrenius indicate about Roman law?

It was an innovation in the Roman legal framework. Signup and view all the answers

How was the notion of equity interpreted in Roman law before its integration into aequitas?

Equity was a flexible application of civil law. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cicero’s primary contribution to the reflections on justice and equity?

He integrated Greek thoughts on justice into Roman law. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cicero's view on virtue suggest according to De Republica?

The noblest use of virtue is in governing the Commonwealth. Signup and view all the answers

How did Cicero's involvement in politics ultimately affect his career?

It resulted in his exile following a law against him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Cicero's stance on the relationship between law and ethics?

He believed law should largely ignore ethical considerations. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the Stoic influence on Cicero's philosophy?

Stoicism informed his approach to virtue and citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What key event marked a notable achievement in Cicero's political career?

His prevention of Catilina's coup. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cicero's Political Life

Cicero was amnestied after a year and returned to Rome, though his political comeback was unsuccessful.
He sided with Pompey during the Caesar-Pompey conflict starting in 50 BC, leading to his withdrawal from politics post-Caesar's victory in 48 BC.
After Caesar's assassination, Cicero aligned with Octavian against Mark Antony, resulting in his assassination by Antony in 43 BC.

Stoicism and Natural Law

Stoicism emerged in the 3rd century BC with Zeno of Kition as a philosophical school emphasizing the interconnectedness of logic, natural science, and ethics.
Key Stoic beliefs include materialism (everything is matter, including the soul) and pantheism (identifying nature's order with God).
The Stoic ideal centers on virtue related to reason, promoting actions justified by reason within a rational and intelligible order of nature.

Nonviolent Direct Action and Justice

Nonviolent direct action aims to create tension in society to address issues that have been ignored.
Those who break unjust laws do so openly and accept penalties to arouse public conscience regarding injustice.
Just laws align with moral law, whereas unjust laws conflict with it, as stated by figures like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Cicero's Influence on Roman Law and Doctrine

Cicero's work integrates Greek reflections on justice into Roman law, which traditionally focused on formalism and technicality while excluding ethical considerations.
His writings advocate for a broader definition of law, incorporating natural law, customs, equity, and contracts, significantly influencing Roman legal thought.
The notion of equity (aequum) evolves within Cicero's framework, allowing for more adaptable applications of law compared to rigid civil codes.

Cicero's Background and Contributions

Born in 106 BC, Cicero hailed from a plebeian family and became a prominent Latin author and Stoic philosopher.
Emphasized the practical application of virtue in governance, asserting that true virtue is exercised through participation in political life.
Gained fame as a lawyer, consular figure, and for thwarting the Catilinian conspiracy, which later led to his exile due to a law against executing citizens without trial.

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Description

Explore the complex political journey of Cicero during the turbulent years of Roman history. From his alliance with Pompey to his conflict with Mark Antony, test your knowledge on Cicero's life decisions and their consequences. Understand the pivotal moments that shaped his legacy in Roman politics.