This essay complements current literature by discussing what justice is, according to Cicero, and how it is preserved in the republic. It is argued that for the philosopher, justice is the superior virtue among all people that prevails over other virtues and promotes sociability, thereby upholding the community and the state.
Justice is upheld in the republic if everyone acts according to certain rules that are outlined in the paper and if power is divided between the monarchic, aristocratic and democratic elements in Cicero’s account of a mixed constitution. The essay starts by explaining the relevant context, then continues by outlining Cicero’s view on justice, and finally, it discusses how it is preserved in the republic as described in "On the Commonwealth" and "On Duties".
Table of Contents
1. What is justice, according to Cicero, and how is it to be upheld in the republic?
2. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores Marcus Tullius Cicero's philosophical conceptualization of justice and its practical application as a mechanism for preserving the stability of the Roman Republic during a period of intense political factionalism.
- The philosophical definition of justice as a cardinal virtue and its role in human sociability.
- The political application of justice within the framework of a mixed constitution.
- The interplay between honesty, utility, and the duties of a statesman.
- The influence of Roman political crises on Cicero's intellectual development.
Excerpt from the Book
What is justice, according to Cicero, and how is it to be upheld in the republic?
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106- 43 BC) is one of the most famous philosophical and political figures in the world. He has written several influential works such as On Duties, which has been seen as a “source of moral authority” since its publication in 44 BC. Several scholars have analysed Cicero’s works to understand and evaluate his political and philosophical ideas, also regarding Cicero’s view on one of his key concepts: justice. This essay complements current literature by discussing what justice is, according to Cicero, and how it is preserved in the republic. I argue that for the philosopher, justice is the superior virtue among all people that prevails over other virtues and promotes sociability, thereby upholding the community and the state. Justice is upheld in the republic if everyone acts according to certain rules that are outlined below and if power is divided between the monarchic, aristocratic and democratic elements in Cicero’s account of a mixed constitution. The essay starts by explaining the relevant context, then continues by outlining Cicero’s view on justice, and finally, it discusses how it is preserved in the republic as described in On the Commonwealth and On Duties.
Chapter Summary
What is justice, according to Cicero, and how is it to be upheld in the republic?: This chapter analyzes Cicero's definition of justice as a cardinal virtue rooted in human instinct and its necessity for political stability through a mixed constitution.
Bibliography: This section provides a list of primary and secondary academic sources used to substantiate the arguments regarding Cicero's political philosophy.
Keywords
Cicero, Justice, Roman Republic, On Duties, On the Commonwealth, Cardinal Virtues, Mixed Constitution, Sociability, Political Stability, Factionalism, Honesty, Utility, Statesmanship, Res Publica, Stoicism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic work?
The work examines Cicero's philosophical definition of justice and investigates how he proposed to preserve the Roman Republic's stability through the implementation of this virtue.
What are the primary themes discussed in the paper?
Central themes include the nature of cardinal virtues, the role of sociability in human organization, the constitutional structure of the state, and the ethical responsibilities of politicians.
What is the author's main research question?
The paper seeks to define what justice meant to Cicero and to determine the specific mechanisms he identified to uphold this virtue within the republican state.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The essay employs a textual and historical analysis of Cicero's primary works, specifically "On Duties" and "On the Commonwealth," supported by scholarly interpretations of his political philosophy.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the human instinct for sociability, the hierarchy of virtues, the impact of the civil war on Cicero's thought, and the distribution of power in a mixed constitution.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The most defining keywords are Cicero, Justice, Roman Republic, Mixed Constitution, Sociability, and Political Stability.
How does Cicero define the concept of a "commonwealth"?
Cicero defines the commonwealth as the "concern of a people," which is not just any assembly, but a group united by an agreement on law and a community of shared interests.
What is the role of the "mixed constitution" in Cicero's theory?
The mixed constitution serves to distribute power between monarchic, aristocratic, and democratic elements, preventing the rise of a dictator and ensuring that the state remains stable through a balance of rights and duties.
How does the crisis of the Roman Republic influence Cicero's writings?
The factionalism and civil strife witnessed by Cicero drove him to codify political relationships through duties, emphasizing that stability is only possible when leaders serve the common good rather than personal ambition.
In what way does justice limit other virtues according to the text?
Justice acts as a regulator for other virtues like wisdom and courage, ensuring they are directed toward the benefit of the community rather than individual glory or selfish interests.
- Quote paper
- Carolina Gerwin (Author), 2018, Justice according to Cicero. How is it to be upheld in the republic?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/510903
