October 30, 2026—Discussion of De Officiis, by Cicero

 October 30, 2026—Discussion of De Officiis, by Cicero

Meeting Summary

Cicero's Philosophical Works Discussion

The group discussed their experiences reading Cicero's philosophical works. They compared different translations including the Miller and Walsh versions. It was noted that while Cicero wasn't a trained philosopher, he produced significant philosophical writing during his forced retirement, and Cicero was described as a synthesizer who Romanized Greek philosophical concepts. The discussion concluded with observations about Cicero's career path and his complex relationship with Julius Caesar, including his support for the assassination while endorsing the principle of not rebelling against the state.

Roman Political System Discussion

The group discussed the Roman Republic's political system and its influence on the US Constitution, noting how the system's checks and balances were designed to prevent any single individual from holding too much power for too long. The conversation then shifted to Cicero's writing style and its survival compared to Caesar's speeches, with it being explained that Cicero became the model for proper Latin writing during the Renaissance. When Stephen asked about doing business in the Roman system described, some of the group responded that the caveat emptor approach would seem normal to Romans but noted that modern disclosure requirements are more stringent, requiring sellers to reveal known defects even if not asked directly.

Cicero's Business Ethics Discussion

The group discussed Cicero's concepts of "in good faith" and moral responsibility in business transactions, particularly focusing on marginal cases where disclosure requirements are unclear. They examined specific examples including real estate assessments and the sale of potentially harmful products like alcohol and cigarettes, debating whether complete disclosure of risks satisfies ethical obligations or if certain industries might be considered dishonorable. The discussion highlighted Cicero's apparent contradiction between requiring fact divulgence and preventing harm, with others in the group noting that Cicero believed one should intervene to help others even when not directly involved.

Cicero's Views on Odysseus and Duty

The group discussed Cicero's views on Odysseus and duty, with it being explained that Cicero admired Odysseus's decision to participate in the Trojan War despite the opportunity to avoid it by feigning madness. They explored how Cicero's philosophy balanced individual expediency with public duty, noting that Cicero placed the state above personal interests and family bonds. The conversation also touched on how Roman mythology centered on the city of Rome rather than individual characters, and how Cicero's philosophical influences included both Stoicism and Peripateticism.

Cicero's Moral Philosophy Discussion

The group discussed Cicero's philosophical ideas, particularly focusing on his views about moral absolutes and natural law. They examined Cicero's examples of broken promises, including stories about Neptune and Phaeton, questioning whether keeping promises is always morally right. The participants noted that Cicero's principles seemed vague and difficult to apply in practice, with questions raised about how to determine what constitutes harm or the common good. Tom highlighted Cicero's use of historical examples from Roman history, while others provided context about Cicero's background as a member of the Roman Senate and his focus on senatorial privilege.

Cicero's Philosophical Works Discussion

The group discussed Cicero's philosophical works, focusing on his views on virtue, duty to the state, and the contrast between expedient and moral actions. They examined Cicero's treatment of the four cardinal virtues and how he defined justice differently from Plato, emphasizing natural law and fairness. The discussion also covered Cicero's patriarchal views on women's roles in society and his personal commitment to public service despite personal risks. 

The conversation ended with plans to discuss the book of Esther in December and to make book nominations for 2027.