MEDEA BY EURIPIDES

ON DUTIES BY CICERO

Overview

Written in 44 B.C. by Roman official, orator, and philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero, On Duties is a
philosophical treatise on moral duty, or 'appropriateaction. 'It is written as a three-section letter, in lieu
of a visit, to his son, Marcus Tullius Cicero Minor, who lived in Athens at the time, and was studying
philosophy. Cicero wrote the letter in less than a month during the last year of his life.

This text was written during a time of great political upheaval in Rome, just after Caesar's assassination,
while the Roman Republic lay in jeopardy. Born into a high social class, Cicero had studied under various
scholars and made his way up the cursushonorum, the sequential order of Roman public offices, to
consulship, the highest-ranking elected office in the Roman Senate. During his year as consul, in 63 BC,
Cicero ordered the execution, without trial, of members of an attempted coup, and was subsequently
exiled for this action. He had alsobeen offered to join Julius Caesar's First Triumvirate, which he refused.
When he returned to Rome from his exile, Cicero struggled to find a place for himself in politics, and
instead devoted his attention to philosophical writings.

In On Duties, Cicero frames his examination of morally correct action for humans in terms of what is
honorable (for the public good/virtues of human life) and what is useful (for the private good/necessities
of human life). For Cicero, appropriate action exists on a five fold spectrum: between honorable and
disgraceful; between two honorable actions; between useful and useless; between two useful actions;
and, finally, between what is honorable and useful.

Quick Summary:

Cicero’s “De Officiis” explores the concept of duties and moral obligations, emphasizing the importance
of ethical behavior in personal and public life.

Cicero’s “De Officiis,” also known as “On Duties,” is an essential philosophical work that provides a deep
exploration of ethics from the perspective of duty and moral responsibilities. Written in the form of a
letter to his son, the book serves as a guide for individuals on how to navigate ethical dilemmas in life.

The work is divided into three books, with Book 1 focusing mainly on the nature of duty, the kinds of
duties individuals face, and how they can best fulfill those obligations. Cicero argues that every action
should be aligned with the principles of justice, benefit, and propriety. He suggests that moral duty
arises from the nature of human relationships and the common good of society.

In the first part, Cicero emphasizes two fundamental types of duty: the duty to oneself and the duty to
others. He insists that a person must first cultivate virtues within themselves to be able to contribute
positively to society. For Cicero, characteristics such as honesty, courage, and wisdom are vital for one to
understand and fulfill their responsibilities.
The second element discusses how conflicting duties can arise and how individuals should approach the
reasoning process to resolve these conflicts. Cicero introduces the idea of the greater good, positing that
one’s actions should always strive to produce overall welfare for society. This principle aligns well with
the philosophical concepts of utilitarianism, where greater happiness is prioritized.

Throughout the book, Cicero emphasizes the importance of wisdom in determining one’s duties. He
argues against the notion that duties are rigid or predetermined. Instead, they are influenced by context
and require critical thinking and sound judgment. This forms the foundation of what he refers to as
‘philosophical ethics’, suggesting that moral obligations cannot merely be derived from laws or societal
norms.

The preservation of social harmony and justice is one of the themes Cicero reiterates. He insists that
selfishness undermines justice and that society’s well-being is paramount. This underlines the
interconnectedness of individuals—our actions or lack thereof affect others, reinforcing that we are not
solitary beings but part of a larger social fabric.

In conclusion, Book 1 of “De Officiis” offers robust insights into the essence of duties. Through Cicero’s
analysis, we learn that ethical conduct is not only about adhering to rules but about understanding the
broader impact our decisions have on ourselves and society. It serves as a rich resource for anyone
looking for guidance on navigating their moral responsibilities.

Lessons From Cicero’s “De Officiis”

Lesson 1: The Importance of Self-Duty

One significant takeaway from Cicero’s work is the idea that self-duty is the foundation of fulfilling one’s
obligations to others. Cicero emphasizes the significance of self-cultivation. This means individuals must
ensure they are morally upright before they can expect to fulfill their duties effectively in society. When
self-awareness and personal responsibility are prioritized, individuals tend to act more compassionately
and justly towards others.

To summarize, self-duty projects the following key ideas:

1. Self-improvement: Engaging in self-reflection and being accountable for one’s actions lead to
better decisions. When a person knows their values, they are less likely to compromise in
difficult situations.

2. Moral character: Virtues cultivated within oneself—such as honesty, integrity, and bravery—
form the basis for building healthy relationships with others.

3. Knowledge over ignorance: Educating oneself in matters of ethics empowers individuals to

navigate responsibilities effectively. Awareness of the implications of one’s actions enhances
moral reasoning.

This lesson is especially important for young individuals starting their journey into adult life. It
encourages one to establish a solid moral grounding, which ultimately translates into better interactions
and relationships with others.

Lesson 2: The Ideal of Wisdom in Decision-Making

Cicero asserts that wisdom is vital when it comes to understanding and fulfilling one’s duties. He explains
that possessing knowledge and judgment is preferred to blindly following established rules or customs.
Wisdom empowers individuals to analyze their situations critically and take appropriate actions. This
lesson touches on personal discretion and the value of thinking strategically about duties.

The significance of wisdom entails several aspects:

1. Critical thinking: Individuals should constantly engage their reasoning skills rather than passively
adhering to societal norms. This promotes personal growth and more ethical decision-making.

2. Flexibility in duties: Recognizing that not all situations are the same encourages individuals to
shape their responses according to circumstances. Rigid adherence to rules can lead to moral
dilemmas.

3. Guide others: By embracing wisdom, individuals can also guide others to take similar approaches
in fulfilling their responsibilities, creating a ripple effect of ethical behavior.

This lesson invites individuals to remain cautious and reflective rather than reactive in their duties, which
fosters a more responsible society as a whole.

Lesson 3: The Interconnectedness of Society

Cicero insists that understanding the interconnectedness of society is essential in shaping our duties. No
one exists in a bubble; the implications of one’s actions extend beyond personal circumstances into the
larger community. Realizing that society flourishes when individuals act for the common good is crucial
for ethical governance.

This interconnectedness showcases several important ideas:

1. Empathy towards others: Taking time to consider how our actions impact others cultivates a
sense of shared responsibility.

2. Collective well-being: Making decisions in consideration of the common welfare strengthens

community ties and promotes social harmony.

3. Active participation: Responsibility should move beyond mere compliance with laws to active
engagement in societal improvement efforts.

Learning and recognizing our effect on the collective fosters a sense of belonging and purpose as
individuals contribute meaningfully to society.

Cicero’s “De Officiis” offers deep philosophical insights wrapped in clear language that resonates even
today. The book encourages readers to reflect profoundly on their ethical obligations, nurture moral
character, and think critically about their responsibilities. Cicero’s understanding of duty intertwines with
individual freedom, as fulfilling duties is both a responsibility and a pathway to personal growth.

One of the notable strengths of “De Officiis” is its relevance through centuries. It provides timeless
principles that can be adapted to modern dilemmas. For instance, the emphasis on wisdom and critical
reasoning is vital in an era where misinformation and herd mentality can overshadow individual
judgment. Cicero’s ability to connect individual ethics with societal well-being remains crucial for both
personal development and effective citizenship.

However, one possible criticism could be that Cicero’s writing sometimes leans towards idealism,
creating a gap between theory and practice. While his philosophies resonate well in principle, actual
implementation can often prove challenging. The mere act of applying these ethical principles in the
complexities of real life can lead to conflict, which is often the case in morally ambiguous situations.

In conclusion, “De Officiis” is a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to reflect upon their
duties and ethical responsibilities, urging them to consider how their decisions not only affect
themselves but also the society around them. It holds a prominent place in the study of ethics and
continues to serve as a remarkable resource for philosophical and practical guidance.

Who Would I Recommend Cicero’s “De Officiis” To?

This book is an excellent read for anyone embarking on a journey of self-discovery, particularly young
adults facing moral choices in their lives. It’s also beneficial for educators, philosophers, and anyone
involved in governance or leadership roles, as it provides essential lessons on ethical conduct, character
development, and responsibility towards others.

Moreover, it holds value for readers interested in understanding the foundations of Western moral
philosophy. The principles introduced by Cicero have reverberated through history, shaping the way
ethics are perceived and understood today. Thus, anyone fascinated by the intersection of ethics and
politics will find this book a rewarding experience.

Cicero’s “De Officiis” is more than just a philosophical discourse on duties; it is a roadmap for lived
ethical experiences. The ideas contained within it encourage readers to take ownership of their choices
and engage with the world meaningfully. The connections drawn between personal virtues and societal
responsibilities reflect the necessity of ethical considerations in every action taken.

The enduring wisdom of Cicero is a reminder that while we are individuals with personal lives, we are
also part of a broader community. The need to balance self-interest with social responsibility is more
relevant than ever in today’s world. It calls us to not just think about our rights but also about our duties,
ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the world around us.

SOURCE
Cicero On Duties Book 1 Summary (With Lessons) - Explaining the Bible

Cicero: On Duties Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

REFERENCE:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of De Officiis, by Cicero

Online Library of Liberty: On Moral Duties (De Officiis) - Portable Library of Liberty