De Officiis

Definition

De Officiis, or 'On Duties', is a philosophical work written by the Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero. It explores the concept of moral duty and how individuals should conduct themselves in order to fulfill their obligations to society and uphold virtuous behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. De Officiis was written in 44 BC, during a turbulent period in Roman history following the assassination of Julius Caesar.
2. The work is divided into three books, each exploring different aspects of moral duty, such as the distinction between what is honorable and what is expedient.
3. Cicero draws heavily on the philosophical ideas of the Stoics, particularly their emphasis on living in accordance with nature and reason.
4. The concept of the 'four cardinal virtues' - wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance - is a central focus of Cicero's ethical framework in De Officiis.
5. Cicero's work had a significant influence on later Western philosophical traditions, particularly in the development of natural law theory and the concept of the 'just war'.

Review Questions

• Explain how Cicero's work in De Officiis reflects the principles of Stoic philosophy.
  • Cicero's De Officiis is heavily influenced by Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes living in accordance with reason and virtue. The work explores the concept of moral duty and how individuals should conduct themselves to fulfill their obligations to society and uphold virtuous behavior. Specifically, Cicero's discussion of the 'four cardinal virtues' - wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance - aligns with the Stoic emphasis on living in harmony with nature and reason. Additionally, Cicero's focus on the distinction between what is honorable and what is expedient reflects the Stoic belief in the importance of prioritizing moral duty over personal gain or convenience.
• Analyze how Cicero's concept of 'moral duty' in De Officiis relates to the ancient Greek idea of 'eudaimonia' or human flourishing.
  • In De Officiis, Cicero's exploration of moral duty is closely tied to the ancient Greek concept of 'eudaimonia', or human flourishing. Cicero believed that by fulfilling one's moral obligations and living virtuously, an individual could achieve a state of well-being and happiness. This aligns with the Aristotelian notion of eudaimonia, which posits that the highest human good is the realization of one's potential and the cultivation of virtue. Cicero's emphasis on the importance of moral character and the pursuit of the 'honorable' over the 'expedient' reflects a belief that true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved through the practice of virtue and the fulfillment of one's duties to society.
• Evaluate the influence of Cicero's De Officiis on the development of later Western philosophical traditions, particularly in the areas of natural law theory and just war theory.
  • Cicero's De Officiis had a significant and lasting impact on the development of Western philosophical traditions, particularly in the areas of natural law theory and just war theory. Cicero's emphasis on moral duty and the pursuit of the 'honorable' over the 'expedient' laid the groundwork for later natural law theorists, who argued that there are universal moral principles that should guide human behavior and political institutions. Additionally, Cicero's discussions of the justifications for war and the ethical conduct of warfare influenced the emergence of just war theory, which outlines the conditions under which the use of force can be considered morally justified. The enduring influence of De Officiis on these philosophical traditions highlights Cicero's lasting contribution to the Western intellectual canon and the continued relevance of his ethical framework in contemporary discussions of morality and political philosophy.

Related terms

Stoicism: The Greco-Roman philosophy that emphasizes living in accordance with reason and virtue, which influenced Cicero's ethical framework in De Officiis.

Virtue Ethics: An approach to ethics that focuses on the moral character of the individual and the virtues, rather than on rules or consequences, as seen in Cicero's work.

Eudaimonia: The ancient Greek concept of well-being or human flourishing, which is a central theme in Cicero's discussion of moral duty and the good life.