Northern Christian College, Inc.

The Institution for Better Life

Nurtured in Christ, Centered in Christ,
Commissioned in Christ

Course: Bachelor of Secondary High School, 3-English Unit/s: 3

Name: Mavill Joy M. Carreon Schedule: TTH, 9:00 am- 10:30 am, Mezannine

Instructions: Read the following excerpts from famous works of the Classicism period. Study the excerpts carefully.
After which, identify two precepts evident in each excerpt. Write your answer and its justification on the spaces
provided.

Precept 1:

These precepts reflect Plato's philosophical and political views regarding the organization of society and
governance, as outlined in "The Republic." These precepts are fundamental to Plato's idealized vision of a just and
well-organized society, where each class has a defined purpose, and they all contribute to the overall functioning of
the state without infringing on each other's domains.

In the first part of the first excerpt, Plato introduces the concept of three distinct classes of citizens
(Guardians, Auxiliaries, and workers), each with its specific roles and responsibilities. This reflects the precept of
functional differentiation, where society is organized into specialized roles to ensure the smooth functioning of the
state.

Plato emphasizes the importance of these three classes working together harmoniously without interfering
in each other's tasks. This highlights the precept of social harmony and non-interference, suggesting that in a just
state, citizens must respect the boundaries of their roles to maintain order and balance within society.

Precept 2:

These precepts are fundamental to Plato's philosophy of ethics and the structure of the soul. Plato's ideal is
to create a just and harmonious individual where reason governs the other aspects of the self, leading to a virtuous
and morally upright life.
 Plato introduces the idea that an individual's soul has three corresponding elements: the rational, the
spirited, and the appetitive. This reflects the precept of the tripartite nature of the soul, a key concept in Plato's
philosophy, which influences an individual's behavior and moral character.

Plato discusses the concept of a just person who keeps each of the three elements in their nature doing its
proper work, with the rational element in command. This highlights the precept of inner virtue and self-governance,
where a just individual achieves harmony within themselves by allowing reason to guide and control their spirited
and appetitive desires. This inner balance is seen as a fundamental aspect of achieving moral and ethical excellence.
Precept 1:

In the first part of the first excerpt, Marcus Aurelius encourages the idea of accepting the imperfections and
negative traits of others, such as the busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, and unsocial individuals.
This reflects the Stoic precept of accepting the world as it is and recognizing that people may act negatively due to
their ignorance of what is good and evil. Stoicism emphasizes that one should focus on controlling their own
reactions and judgments rather than trying to change others.

Marcus Aurelius suggests that one should focus on their own understanding of what is good and evil rather
than being preoccupied with the negative qualities of others. This reflects the Stoic precept of self-improvement and
virtue ethics. He encourages the reader to prioritize their own moral development and not be distracted by the
behaviors of others.

Precept 2:

Marcus Aurelius advises against wasting one's thoughts on others when those thoughts do not serve a
common utility or purpose. This precept highlights the importance of mindful thought and purposefulness in one's
mental processes. It encourages individuals to direct their thoughts and energies toward meaningful and productive
endeavors.

Marcus Aurelius urges the avoidance of thoughts related to pleasure, sensual enjoyment, or anything that
causes shame or embarrassment. This reflects the Stoic precept of moderation and the rejection of hedonistic
desires. It encourages individuals to control their desires and focus on what is truly important and virtuous rather
than pursuing fleeting pleasures.

These precepts align with Stoic philosophy, which Marcus Aurelius espoused, and emphasize the importance
of self-discipline, virtue, and rationality in leading a meaningful and morally upright life.